The future success of conservation lies ultimately in our ability to inspire Americans to connect
with the outdoors and nature, and to become stewards of the environment. Americans are spending less time outdoors, and are becoming more ethnically and racially diverse. With more than 80% of Americans now living in urban areas, our challenge is to become relevant in their daily lives. Without public awareness and support, our conservation mission will not succeed.
The goal of the Urban Wildlife Refuge Program (Program) is to engage urban communities as partners in wildlife conservation. Excellence may be achieved through the eight standards that serve as a framework for collaboration among the Service and urban communities, whether such collaboration is on or off Service lands.
See also: Critical Elements of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program
