Approximately 31 million people visited the NWRS in 1997, most to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. The distribution of visitors participating in various activities is as shown on page 12. As visitation to refuges grows, there are significant economic benefits to local communities. Accomplishment reports for the year show that approximately 19 percent of the staffing for refuges is provided by volunteers. Legislation is currently before Congress to enhance the Service's interaction with these nonprofit citizens groups.
Volunteer helps with banding.
It's the Nation's fish and wildlife. The national survey shows that the number of anglers and hunters in the country remained relatively unchanged from the previous report. In 1991, anglers numbered 35.6 million and there were 14.1 million hunters. In 1996, there were 35.2 million anglers and 14 million hunters. However, today's anglers fished an additional 115 million days and spent 37 percent more than in 1991.