Threats To National Wildlife Refuges Identified Very different threats to the system of refuges created and managed to protect habitat for wildlife and provide recreational opportunities have been identified. A report by the National Wildlife Refuge Association cites an urgent need to conserve buffer lands outside of refuges and tells the story of six refuges under imminent danger and six that have been rescued through creative strategies. The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance warns of another threat, that coming from the Humane Society of the United States. The anti-hunting organization filed comments on Aug. 5 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service attesting that a proposal to increase hunting and fishing opportunities on 13 refuges violates federal environmental policy. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has acted well within its authority when opening these programs," said USSA spokesman Rick Story.