The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a new plan to open or expand hunting and fishing access across more than 87,000 acres of public lands, benefiting outdoor enthusiasts and local economies alike. The proposal, unveiled by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, includes 42 new hunting opportunities within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System across 11 states.
Key features of the plan include the introduction of hunting access at the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and the first-ever sport fishing access at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery in Massachusetts.
“Expanding recreational access to public lands is not just a matter of tradition—it’s vital for supporting rural economies and the families that depend on them,” said Secretary Burgum. “By opening more areas to hunting and outdoor activities, we’re stimulating tourism, creating jobs, and generating essential revenue for local communities, all while promoting sustainable management of our natural resources.”
The proposed plan would provide new or expanded opportunities at 16 national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery. This initiative marks a significant expansion over previous efforts, with a scope more than three times larger than the comparable initiative under the previous administration.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasized that all new access points would align with state regulations and involve close collaboration with local stakeholders. The proposal is now open for public comment via the Federal Register and is expected to be finalized in time for the 2025-2026 hunting seasons.