The United State Wildlife Refuge System is described from its inception in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt to its current state. Various types of refuges, including national parks, national forests, national resource lands and wilderness areas are defined and their differences outlined. An emphasis on human uses of refuge land is present throughout the text, as the author discusses the impact of logging, farming, mining, hunting and recreational activities on these protected areas and their animal inhabitants. Numerous color photographs are clearly captioned. (Ages 9-12)