Laws and Regulations

Laws, acts and establishing authorities provide the basic framework for all management decisions on a national wildlife refuge. Many of the establishing acts and laws, like the Migratory Bird Act, guide the management and public uses on Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. The overall goal of the refuge is to allow the public access and enjoyment, but to also provide critical habitat and sanctuary to fulfill the refuge mission. 

Special Use Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities and ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activities to go forward. 
 
At Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife comes first. For this reason, Special Use Permits (SUP) are required in order to conduct the following types of activities:

• General
• Research
• Commercial