The purpose of this comprehensive conservation plan is to identify the role that Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge will play in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and to provide long-term guidance to the refuge's management programs and activities. The plan is needed to 1-provide a clear statement of direction for management of the refuge; 2-provide refuge neighbors, visitors, nongovernmental partners, and government officials with an understanding of the Fish and Wildlife Service's management actions on and around the refuge; 2 Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge; 3-ensure that the Service's management actions, including its land protection, recreational, and educational programs, are consistent with the mandates of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; 4-ensure that the management of the refuge considers federal, state, and county plans; and 5-provide a basis for development of the refuge's budget requests for operational, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.