US National Wildlife Refuges and emerging contaminants

Jennifer Wilkening, Tara Gracer and Michael Higgins, Natural Resource Program Center, NWRS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fort Collins, CO, Tim Allen, Catherine Collins, Madeleine Locher and Jaron Ming, Natural Resource Program Center, NWRS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Lakewood, CO

The National Wildlife Refuge System preserves diverse habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants at 568 refuges throughout the United States. Although these lands and waters under conservation status are protected from anthropogenic development, ecological systems are still threatened by air and water pollutants. The Branch of Air and Water Resources (BAWR) provides scientific support to refuges and works to protect air and water quality, thus promoting biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health. Here we briefly describe the role of the BAWR in identifying emerging contaminants, quantifying and tracking effects on wildlife and habitat, and contributing to the development of policy.