Environmental groups in Central Missouri are devoted to safeguarding endangered species and habitats. The Missouri Natural Heritage Program (MONHP) is a key resource for conservation planning, environmental review, scientific research, land acquisition, and economic development. The Department of the Interior is committed to preserving America's natural heritage, wild lands and waters, and endangered species for future generations. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a safety net for endangered species and their habitats.
It safeguards more than 1600 endangered and threatened species in the United States and nearly 700 foreign species. Examples of wildlife that have recovered and no longer require federal protection include bald eagles, American alligators, and small interior terns. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) works with other countries to guarantee sustainable trade in wildlife and plants. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world's largest public land and water network dedicated to the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants.
It includes at least one national wildlife refuge in each of the 50 states and five territories. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (19.6 million acres) in Alaska is the largest; the smallest is the Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge (0.57 acres) in Minnesota. There are more than 100 national urban wildlife refuges located 25 miles from communities with 250,000 people or more. National Wildlife Refuges benefit both wildlife and people by offering recreational opportunities, reducing fire risk in communities, providing storm resilience, alleviating floods, improving local air and water quality, boosting local economies, protecting cultural resources, and more. The Refuge System also includes five marine national monuments that conserve nearly 850 million acres of water. The National Fish Hatchery System has worked to restore native fish and aquatic species in decline or at risk for 150 years.
It includes 70 national fish farms and more than 60 research centers that partner with states and tribes to conserve, restore, and improve fish and aquatic resources for future generations. The National Eagle Repository provides bald and golden eagle feathers and parts to federally recognized Alaska Native and Alaska Native tribes for cultural traditions and spiritual ceremonies. We also collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), state and territory governments, as well as others to manage marine national monuments. We deliver millions of dollars in grants each year to states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, Alaska Native tribes, private landowners, organizations around the world leading conservation projects in the field, four migratory route councils, 35 countries helping migratory birds throughout their lifecycle, dozens of national wildlife refuges along four migratory routes providing important nesting, resting, breeding and feeding habitat for hundreds of native bird species. You can support migratory birds by purchasing a federal seal for ducks; 98% of the purchase price goes directly to helping to acquire and protect wetland habitat and to purchase conservation easements for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
