Comment from Center for Biological Diversity
Center for Biological DiversitySupportAdvocacy
Summary: The Center for Biological Diversity is submitting a petition and supporting scientific evidence to phase out the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on National Wildlife Refuges. They argue that lead is highly toxic to wildlife and humans, and that cost-effective, non-toxic alternatives are readily available.
June 26, 2026
Re: Center for Biological Diversity’s comments on the National Wildlife Refuge System: 2026-2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations.
Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223
OMB Control Number: 1018-0140
In your rule making, please consider the Center for Biological Diversity’s June 8, 2022, petition to phase out ammunition and fishing tackle on National Wildlife Refuges and the scientific studies cited to support such action.
Julie Henning, Chief, Branch of Conservation Planning and Policy, confirmed that it is acceptable to provide a publicly accessible link to box.com for the Fish & Wildlife Service to access 203 scientific studies cited in the Center for Biological Diversity’s 2022 petition.
The 203 scientific studies, which are part of the Center for Biological Diversity’s comments on this proposed rulemaking, can be viewed and downloaded here: https://diversity.box.com/s/7a2jl0hkx1i6x81fnwaqraw5fve8tncx
Please contact me if you have any issues accessing the studies.
Darrell Geist
Staff Paralegal, Environmental Health Program
Center for Biological Diversity
(520) 867-6646 ext. 346
dgeist@biologicaldiversity.org