The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is a uniquely American treasure. It is the world’s largest network of protected conservation areas — 850 million acres of vital land and marine habitats. The system includes more than 570 refuges across all 50 states and five U.S. territories.

Maine is fortunate to be home to six national wildlife refuges: Aroostook, Maine Coastal Islands, Moosehorn, Rachel Carson, Sunkhaze Meadows and Umbagog.

Why are these refuges so important? They primarily protect wildlife habitat and important animal species, many of them endangered or threatened. They also help protect our homes and businesses from flooding, fires and other weather threats. They offer educational opportunities in our schools. They provide some of the best wildlife viewing and recreation opportunities on Earth, including walking, fishing and hunting. And a large body of research shows that time spent in nature can improve our physical health and mental well-being.

The refuge system was established by Congress “for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.” But these special places and the benefits they provide are at risk for all Americans as a result of severe and arbitrary cuts imposed by the current Executive Branch. The Department of the Interior (DOI) just recently terminated 370 Fish and Wildlife Service employees.

As context, there are currently only 2,230 employees managing the 850 million protected acres. This is no bloated bureaucracy. These are some of the hardest working, most dedicated public servants in the nation. Here in Maine, they are also our neighbors.

DOI said the eliminated roles “are not in the public interest.” With fewer employees to manage the refuge system, habitats will degrade, endangered species will go unprotected, walking trails will fall into disrepair and visitors will lose valuable recreation opportunities.

The refuge system is also a significant contributor to economic activity. According to a Banking on Nature study, for every $1 that Congress allocates to manage the system, the refuges generate nearly $5 in local economies. Our estimate here in Maine — extrapolating from that study — is that visitors to our refuges contribute as much as $45 million to the local communities through recreational activities, lodging and restaurants and support of other local businesses. So, DOI’s actions are an attack on local businesses as well.

Because the refuges are already underfunded and understaffed, they are often supported by partner “Friends” groups, nonprofit organizations that each support a refuge. I represent the Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, for example, and through our small team of volunteers and staff, we help refuge employees in areas that can include helping restore nesting sites for migratory shorebirds, maintaining walking trails for our communities, supporting land acquisitions to protect more wildlife habitat and funding internships for young scientists.

The recent firings are disproportionately targeted at biologists and other scientific roles, a direct attack on science-based conservation. Our refuge just lost a bio-technician who played an important role in protecting saltmarsh habitat, critically important in our part of Maine. The budget wrecking ball is endangering our “public interests,” and it seems likely there will be more cuts across the system.

As Rachel Carson said, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the Earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature.”

What can each of us do?

Write now to your congressional and local government leaders to demand support for the refuge system and its valuable employees. Donate any amount you can. Either directly to a refuge, or through a support group like the Friends of Rachel Carson. Volunteer with one of Maine’s refuges or with a Friends group. Vote for local, state, and national government representatives who care about conservation and are committed to protecting our natural resources.

Finally, visit a refuge. You’ll find the benefits are restorative and lasting. And when you do, find the refuge’s staff and volunteers to thank them for their important work.

Let’s commit to protecting our very special national wildlife refuges for the long term here in Maine. It is a crucial investment in our shared future, our health, our economies and the magic of Maine’s natural environment.

We would all miss the song of the saltmarsh sparrow.