Federal and State Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior. The mission of the USFWS is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitat for the continuing benefit of the American people. 

The objectives of the USFWS:

  • Assist in the development and application of an environmental stewardship ethic for our society, based on ecological principles, scientific knowledge of fish and wildlife, and a sense of moral responsibility.
  • Guide the conservation, development, and management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources.
  • Administer a national program to provide the public opportunities to understand, appreciate, and wisely use fish and wildlife resources.

USWF directory of district offices

Endangered Species Act

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP)

The Montana Department of FW&P is the state agency responsible for protection, conservation, and management of the state’s wildlife resources and the habitat on which it depends.  The department’s fish and wildlife biologists are located in regional offices across the state.  They are available to give technical advice to landowners on the impact of various land management practices on wildlife and its habitat and can recommend activities to enhance wildlife habitat.

Programs which provide financial assistance to landowners for projects which improve fish or wildlife habitat include the Waterfowl Habitat Enhancement Program, the Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program, and the Future Fisheries Program.

The Montana Ecological Services Field Offices provide biological advice to other federal and state agencies, industry, and members of the public concerning the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitat that may be affected by development activities. 

In Montana, these projects typically include activities such as agriculture, mining, utility lines, dredge and fill activities, dam and reservoir operations, oil leasing, and highway construction.  The effects of contaminants on fish and wildlife are also assessed.  Recommendations are then made regarding ways to avoid, minimize, or compensate for harmful impacts on fish and wildlife resources and their habitats.  The primary areas of responsibility for the Montana Ecological Services Field Offices include contaminant assessments, endangered species, Federal project reviews, and wetlands conservation.

The Acquisition and Conservation Easement Program protects wildlife habitat through conservation easements, lease acquisitions, and land purchases.

The FW&P’s Law Enforcement Division is responsible for enforcing state and federal laws, and rules and regulations pertaining to fish and wildlife in Montana.  It investigates wildlife damage reports and assists in alleviating damage from wildlife.

FW&P’s Conservation Education Division publishes Montana Outdoors, a bimonthly magazine, which covers a variety of natural resource topics related to Montana’s fish, wildlife, and parks. Subscription information

To learn more about these programs, or to contact a biologist, contact your regional FW&P office.

Updated 10/15/2025