Put the NWRS under a deputy director with line authority. A clearer line of authority for refuges from DC to field, with less regional influence on refuge management to achieve a NWR system, not regional systems. Simplifying organizational structure. Taking full advantage of the interest generated by the CARE group to fund refuges. The FWS stopping the use of refuges as tools to achieve agency-wide objectives.
Refuges are more than that, and deserving of at least equal treatment within the agency.
There seems to be a trend towards elevating our Ecological Services Division's issues and influence while NWRS influence within the agency is lessening. My refuge is very underfunded, but I'm not sure I can blame ES for it. I think poor allocation of resources, poor management and politics at the regional level are the biggest culprits. Any government entity needs public support to thrive. We need to provide a product our customers are willing to pay for with their taxes.