Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A U.S. government agency for conservation: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service is a federal agency within the Department of the Interior. Its primary mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Usage

• The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the National Wildlife Refuge System.
• A key responsibility of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is enforcing laws like the Endangered Species Act.
• Before a new dam is constructed, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service often assesses its potential impact on local ecosystems.

Advanced Usage

• "To work with/for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service": This phrase indicates collaboration or employment with the agency.
  • After graduating, she hopes to work for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
• "A United States Fish and Wildlife Service biologist": A common way to specify the profession and affiliation.
  • A United States Fish and Wildlife Service biologist surveyed the wetland area.

Variants and Related Words

• USFWS (n): A common acronym for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • The permit application must be submitted to the USFWS.
• Fish and Wildlife Service (n): A shortened, informal name for the agency, often used in context.
  • The Fish and Wildlife Service issued a statement on the conservation effort.

Synonyms

• Wildlife agency: A general term for an organization with similar conservation duties.
• Conservation agency: A broader term emphasizing the protection and management of natural resources.

Related Terms and Concepts

• National Wildlife Refuge: A designation for protected areas often managed by this agency.
• Endangered Species Act: A major law enforced by this agency.
• Department of the Interior: The larger government department to which this agency belongs.

Noun

1. an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats; assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution