CHAPTER 5A—PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE

SUBCHAPTER I—GAME, FUR-BEARING ANIMALS, AND FISH

        

SUBCHAPTER II—PROTECTION OF BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLES

        

SUBCHAPTER III—ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

        

SUBCHAPTER I—GAME, FUR-BEARING ANIMALS, AND FISH

§661. Short title; authorization

(a) Short title

This Act may be cited as the "Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act".

(b) Authorization

For the purpose of recognizing the vital contribution of our wildlife resources to the Nation, the increasing public interest and significance thereof due to expansion of our national economy and other factors, and to provide that wildlife conservation shall receive equal consideration and be coordinated with other features of water-resource development programs through the effectual and harmonious planning, development, maintenance, and coordination of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation for the purposes of this Act in the United States, its Territories and possessions, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized (1) to provide assistance to, and cooperate with, Federal, State, and public or private agencies and organizations in the development, protection, rearing, and stocking of all species of wildlife, resources thereof, and their habitat, in controlling losses of the same from disease or other causes, in minimizing damages from overabundant species, in providing public shooting and fishing areas, including easements across public lands for access thereto, and in carrying out other measures necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act; (2) to make surveys and investigations of the wildlife of the public domain, including lands and waters or interests therein acquired or controlled by any agency of the United States; and (3) to accept donations of land and contributions of funds in furtherance of the purposes of this Act.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §1, 48 Stat. 401; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §4(e), (f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1080; Pub. L. 85–624, §2, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 563; Pub. L. 116–9, title VII, §7001(b)(2)(A), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 779.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–9 inserted section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (b), inserted heading, and added subsec. (a).

1958—Pub. L. 85–624 inserted provisions which relate to recognition of the vital contribution of wildlife resources to the Nation, the increasing public interest and significance thereof, and to equal consideration and coordination of wildlife conservation with other water-resources development programs, and which authorize the Secretary to provide public fishing areas, and to accept donations of lands and contributions of funds.

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally in order to promote more effectual planning and cooperation between Federal, State, public, and private agencies for the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

Section 1 of H.R. 5608, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, as engrossed in the House of Representatives on Dec. 8, 2021, which was enacted into law by Pub. L. 117–328, div. HH, title V, §603, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5996, provided that: "This Act [probably means H.R. 5608 as enacted into law by Pub. L. 117–328, enacting section 667i of this title, amending section 8302 of Title 7, Agriculture, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 667i of this title] may be cited as the 'Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 85–624, §1, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 563, provided: "That the Act of March 10, 1934, as amended [sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title], and as further amended by this Act may be cited as the 'Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act'."

Transfer of Functions

Functions, appropriations, records, and property of Secretary of the Interior and Fish and Wildlife Service of Department of the Interior which affect or relate to breeding, raising, producing, marketing, or any other phase of production or distribution of domestically raised fur-bearing animals, or the products thereof transferred to Secretary of Agriculture by section 2 of act Apr. 30, 1946, ch. 242, set out as a note under section 399 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Appropriations

Pub. L. 85–624, §4, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 568, provided that: "There is authorized to be appropriated and expended such funds as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act [amending this section and sections 662 to 664 of this title and enacting section 1008 of this title]."

Study of Soft- and Hard-Shell Clams

Act May 26, 1948, ch. 348, 62 Stat. 274, directed the Fish and Wildlife Service to undertake, in cooperation with appropriate State and interstate agencies in accordance with the provisions of the Act of August 14, 1946 (60 Stat. 1080), comprehensive studies of the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria, and the hard-shell clam, Venus mercenaria, with particular respect to the biology, propagation, and methods of cultivation of such clams, required the Service to recommend appropriate measures for (1) arresting depletion in existing productive beds; (2) restoring to production beds formerly productive but now barren or unusable; (3) developing new areas which may be found suitable; (4) improving methods and techniques of digging, transplanting, and handling; and (5) otherwise increasing production and improving the quality of such clams for the benefit of both producers and consumers, and authorized for the five-year period beginning July 1, 1948, the sum of $250,000 to carry out the studies of the soft-shell clam and the sum of $250,000 to carry out the studies of the hard-shell clam.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with wildlife consultation in act Mar. 10, 1934 (see Short Title note above), and such functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture, insofar as they involve lands and programs under jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with act Mar. 10, 1934, with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), (f), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out in the Appendix to Title 5.

Reorg. Plan No. III of 1940, §3, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2108, 54 Stat. 1232, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, consolidated Bureau of Fisheries and Bureau of Biological Survey with their respective functions into one agency in Department of the Interior to be known as the Fish and Wildlife Service, and abolished the office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Fisheries and transferred their functions to the consolidated agency.

Reorg. Plan No. II of 1939, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, transferred Bureau of Fisheries in Department of Commerce, and its functions, to Department of the Interior; transferred functions of Secretary of Commerce relating to protection of fur seals and other fur-bearing animals to Secretary of the Interior; and transferred functions of Secretary of Agriculture relating to conservation of wildlife, game, and migratory birds to Secretary of the Interior.

Ex. Ord. No. 13443. Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation

Ex. Ord. No. 13443, Aug. 16, 2007, 72 F.R. 46537, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this order is to direct Federal agencies that have programs and activities that have a measurable effect on public land management, outdoor recreation, and wildlife management, including the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.

Sec. 2. Federal Activities. Federal agencies shall, consistent with agency missions:

(a) Evaluate the effect of agency actions on trends in hunting participation and, where appropriate to address declining trends, implement actions that expand and enhance hunting opportunities for the public;

(b) Consider the economic and recreational values of hunting in agency actions, as appropriate;

(c) Manage wildlife and wildlife habitats on public lands in a manner that expands and enhances hunting opportunities, including through the use of hunting in wildlife management planning;

(d) Work collaboratively with State governments to manage and conserve game species and their habitats in a manner that respects private property rights and State management authority over wildlife resources;

(e) Establish short and long term goals, in cooperation with State and tribal governments, and consistent with agency missions, to foster healthy and productive populations of game species and appropriate opportunities for the public to hunt those species;

(f) Ensure that agency plans and actions consider programs and recommendations of comprehensive planning efforts such as State Wildlife Action Plans, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and other range-wide management plans for big game and upland game birds;

(g) Seek the advice of State and tribal fish and wildlife agencies, and, as appropriate, consult with the Sporting Conservation Council and other organizations, with respect to the foregoing Federal activities.

Sec. 3. North American Wildlife Policy Conference. The Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (Chairman) shall, in coordination with the appropriate Federal agencies and in consultation with the Sporting Conservation Council and in cooperation with State and tribal fish and wildlife agencies and the public, convene not later than 1 year after the date of this order, and periodically thereafter at such times as the Chairman deems appropriate, a White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy (Conference) to facilitate the exchange of information and advice relating to the means for achieving the goals of this order.

Sec. 4. Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Resource Conservation Plan. The Chairman shall prepare, consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations, in coordination with the appropriate Federal agencies and in consultation with the Sporting Conservation Council, and in cooperation with State and tribal fish and wildlife agencies, not later than 1 year following the conclusion of the Conference, a comprehensive Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan that incorporates existing and ongoing activities and sets forth a 10-year agenda for fulfilling the actions identified in section 2 of this order.

Sec. 5. Judicial Review. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right, benefit, trust responsibility, or privilege, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.

George W. Bush.      

§662. Impounding, diverting, or controlling of waters

(a) Consultations between agencies

Except as hereafter stated in subsection (h) of this section, whenever the waters of any stream or other body of water are proposed or authorized to be impounded, diverted, the channel deepened, or the stream or other body of water otherwise controlled or modified for any purpose whatever, including navigation and drainage, by any department or agency of the United States, or by any public or private agency under Federal permit or license, such department or agency first shall consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, and with the head of the agency exercising administration over the wildlife resources of the particular State wherein the impoundment, diversion, or other control facility is to be constructed, with a view to the conservation of wildlife resources by preventing loss of and damage to such resources as well as providing for the development and improvement thereof in connection with such water-resource development.

(b) Reports and recommendations; consideration

In furtherance of such purposes, the reports and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior on the wildlife aspects of such projects, and any report of the head of the State agency exercising administration over the wildlife resources of the State, based on surveys and investigations conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and such State agency for the purpose of determining the possible damage to wildlife resources and for the purpose of determining means and measures that should be adopted to prevent the loss of or damage to such wildlife resources, as well as to provide concurrently for the development and improvement of such resources, shall be made an integral part of any report prepared or submitted by any agency of the Federal Government responsible for engineering surveys and construction of such projects when such reports are presented to the Congress or to any agency or person having the authority or the power, by administrative action or otherwise, (1) to authorize the construction of water-resource development projects or (2) to approve a report on the modification or supplementation of plans for previously authorized projects, to which this Act applies. Recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior shall be as specific as is practicable with respect to features recommended for wildlife conservation and development, lands to be utilized or acquired for such purposes, the results expected, and shall describe the damage to wildlife attributable to the project and the measures proposed for mitigating or compensating for these damages. The reporting officers in project reports of the Federal agencies shall give full consideration to the report and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior and to any report of the State agency on the wildlife aspects of such projects, and the project plan shall include such justifiable means and measures for wildlife purposes as the reporting agency finds should be adopted to obtain maximum overall project benefits.

(c) Modification of projects; acquisition of lands

Federal agencies authorized to construct or operate water-control projects are authorized to modify or add to the structures and operations of such projects, the construction of which has not been substantially completed on the date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and to acquire lands in accordance with section 663 of this title, in order to accommodate the means and measures for such conservation of wildlife resources as an integral part of such projects: Provided, That for projects authorized by a specific Act of Congress before the date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (1) such modification or land acquisition shall be compatible with the purposes for which the project was authorized; (2) the cost of such modifications or land acquisition, as means and measures to prevent loss of and damage to wildlife resources to the extent justifiable, shall be an integral part of the cost of such projects; and (3) the cost of such modifications or land acquisition for the development or improvement of wildlife resources may be included to the extent justifiable, and an appropriate share of the cost of any project may be allocated for this purpose with a finding as to the part of such allocated cost, if any, to be reimbursed by non-Federal interests.

(d) Project costs

The cost of planning for and the construction or installation and maintenance of such means and measures adopted to carry out the conservation purposes of this section shall constitute an integral part of the cost of such projects: Provided, That such cost attributable to the development and improvement of wildlife shall not extend beyond that necessary for (1) land acquisition, (2) facilities as specifically recommended in water resource project reports, (3) modification of the project, and (4) modification of project operations, but shall not include the operation of wildlife facilities.

(e) Transfer of funds

In the case of construction by a Federal agency, that agency is authorized to transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, out of appropriations or other funds made available for investigations, engineering, or construction, such funds as may be necessary to conduct all or part of the investigations required to carry out the purposes of this section.

(f) Estimation of wildlife benefits or losses

In addition to other requirements, there shall be included in any report submitted to Congress supporting a recommendation for authorization of any new project for the control or use of water as described herein (including any new division of such project or new supplemental works on such project) an estimation of the wildlife benefits or losses to be derived therefrom including benefits to be derived from measures recommended specifically for the development and improvement of wildlife resources, the cost of providing wildlife benefits (including the cost of additional facilities to be installed or lands to be acquired specifically for that particular phase of wildlife conservation relating to the development and improvement of wildlife), the part of the cost of joint-use facilities allocated to wildlife, and the part of such costs, if any, to be reimbursed by non-Federal interests.

(g) Applicability to projects

The provisions of this section shall be applicable with respect to any project for the control or use of water as prescribed herein, or any unit of such project authorized before or after the date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act for planning or construction, but shall not be applicable to any project or unit thereof authorized before the date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act if the construction of the particular project or unit thereof has been substantially completed. A project or unit thereof shall be considered to be substantially completed when sixty percent or more of the estimated construction cost has been obligated for expenditure.

(h) Exempt projects and activities

The provisions of this Act shall not be applicable to those projects for the impoundment of water where the maximum surface area of such impoundments is less than ten acres, nor to activities for or in connection with programs primarily for land management and use carried out by Federal agencies with respect to Federal lands under their jurisdiction.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §2, 48 Stat. 401; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §4(e), (f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1080; Pub. L. 85–624, §2, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 564; Pub. L. 89–72, §6(b), July 9, 1965, 79 Stat. 216.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (h), is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

The date of enactment of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (g), probably refers to the date of enactment of Pub. L. 85–624, which was approved Aug. 12, 1958, and which amended sections 1 to 4 of the Act generally and enacted the Short Title. See Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title.

Amendments

1965—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 89–72 added cl. (2) to proviso, redesignated cls. (2) and (3) thereof as (3) and (4), struck out "nor the construction of such facilities beyond those herein described" after "wildlife facilities" and struck out a second proviso which applied to projects constructed under Federal reclamation laws and required the Secretary of the Interior, in addition to allocations made under section 485h of Title 43, to make findings on part of estimated cost of the project which can properly be allocated to means and measures to prevent loss and damage to wildlife resources, which costs shall not be reimbursable, and provided for allocation of project costs to development and improvement of wildlife resources, now covered by sections 460l–12 to 460l–21 of this title.

1958—Pub. L. 85–624 amended section generally to require consultations with a view to the conservation of resources by providing for the development and improvement thereof in connection with water-resource development, to provide for inclusion of reports and recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior and of the heads of State agencies in reports prepared or submitted by agencies responsible for engineering surveys and construction of projects when such reports are presented to the Congress or to any agency or person having the authority or the power to authorize the construction of water-resource development projects or to approve a report on the modification or supplementation of plans for previously authorized projects, to authorize modification of projects and acquisition of lands, and to require an estimation of benefits or losses to wildlife to be incorporated in the reports submitted to the Congress.

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally to provide for consultations between any agencies and the Fish and Wildlife Service and head of State agency exercising administration over State wildlife resources prior to the impounding of water in order to prevent loss and damage to wildlife resources. Former provisions of this section are covered by section 665 of this title.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 661 of this title.

§663. Impoundment or diversion of waters

(a) Conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources; development and improvement

Subject to the exceptions prescribed in section 662(h) of this title, whenever the waters of any stream or other body of water are impounded, diverted, the channel deepened, or the stream or other body of water otherwise controlled or modified for any purpose whatever, including navigation and drainage, by any department or agency of the United States, adequate provision, consistent with the primary purposes of such impoundment, diversion, or other control, shall be made for the use thereof, together with any areas of land, water, or interests therein, acquired or administered by a Federal agency in connection therewith, for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources thereof, and its habitat thereon, including the development and improvement of such wildlife resources pursuant to the provisions of section 662 of this title.

(b) Use and availability of waters, land, or interests therein

The use of such waters, land, or interests therein for wildlife conservation purposes shall be in accordance with general plans approved jointly (1) by the head of the particular department or agency exercising primary administration in each instance, (2) by the Secretary of the Interior, and (3) by the head of the agency exercising the administration of the wildlife resources of the particular State wherein the waters and areas lie. Such waters and other interests shall be made available, without cost for administration, by such State agency, if the management of the properties relate to the conservation of wildlife other than migratory birds, or by the Secretary of the Interior, for administration in such manner as he may deem advisable, where the particular properties have value in carrying out the national migratory bird management program: Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the States or in making lands available to the States with respect to the management of wildlife and wildlife habitat on lands administered by him.

(c) Acquisition of land, waters, and interests therein; report to Congress

When consistent with the purposes of this Act and the reports and findings of the Secretary of the Interior prepared in accordance with section 662 of this title, land, waters, and interests therein may be acquired by Federal construction agencies for the wildlife conservation and development purposes of this Act in connection with a project as reasonably needed to preserve and assure for the public benefit the wildlife potentials of the particular project area: Provided, That before properties are acquired for this purpose, the probable extent of such acquisition shall be set forth, along with other data necessary for project authorization, in a report submitted to the Congress, or in the case of a project previously authorized, no such properties shall be acquired unless specifically authorized by Congress, if specific authority for such acquisition is recommended by the construction agency.

(d) Use of acquired properties

Properties acquired for the purposes of this section shall continue to be used for such purposes, and shall not become the subject of exchange or other transactions if such exchange or other transaction would defeat the initial purpose of their acquisition.

(e) Availability of Federal lands acquired or withdrawn for Federal water-resource purposes

Federal lands acquired or withdrawn for Federal water-resource purposes and made available to the States or to the Secretary of the Interior for wildlife management purposes, shall be made available for such purposes in accordance with this Act, notwithstanding other provisions of law.

(f) National forest lands

Any lands acquired pursuant to this section by any Federal agency within the exterior boundaries of a national forest shall, upon acquisition, be added to and become national forest lands, and shall be administered as a part of the forest within which they are situated, subject to all laws applicable to lands acquired under the provisions of the Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 961), unless such lands are acquired to carry out the National Migratory Bird Management Program.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §3, 48 Stat. 401; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, §3, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2108, 54 Stat. 1232; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 85–624, §2, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 566.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (c) and (e), is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

Act of March 1, 1911, referred to in subsec. (f), is act Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, 36 Stat. 961, popularly known as the Weeks Law, which enacted former sections 513 and 514 and sections 515 to 519, 521, 552, and 563 of this title and amended sections 480 and 500 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 552 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1958—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 85–624 designated first sentence of existing provisions as subsec. (a), and, among other changes, inserted "Subject to the exceptions prescribed in section 662(h) of this title" before "whenever the waters", substituted "diverted, the channel deepened, or the stream or other body of water otherwise controlled or modified for any purpose whatever, including navigation and drainage" for "diverted, or otherwise controlled for any purpose whatever", and inserted provisions requiring adequate provision to be made for the development and improvement of wildlife resources pursuant to the provisions of section 662 of this title.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–624 designated second sentence of existing provisions as subsec. (b), included the use of land for wildlife conservation purpose, and provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as effecting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to cooperate with the States or in making lands available to the States with respect to the management of wildlife and wildlife habitat on lands administered by him.

Subsecs. (c) to (f). Pub. L. 85–624 added subsecs. (c) to (f).

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally to provide for conservation and maintenance of wildlife resources upon impounding of waters, and to provide for free use of waters under certain conditions.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 661 of this title.

§664. Administration; rules and regulations; availability of lands to State agencies

Such areas as are made available to the Secretary of the Interior for the purposes of this Act, pursuant to sections 661 and 663 of this title or pursuant to any other authorization, shall be administered by him directly or in accordance with cooperative agreements entered into pursuant to the provisions of section 661 of this title and in accordance with such rules and regulations for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife, resources thereof, and its habitat thereon, as may be adopted by the Secretary in accordance with general plans approved jointly by the Secretary of the Interior and the head of the department or agency exercising primary administration of such areas: Provided, That such rules and regulations shall not be inconsistent with the laws for the protection of fish and game of the States in which such area is situated: Provided, further, That lands having value to the National Migratory Bird Management Program may, pursuant to general plans, be made available without cost directly to the State agency having control over wildlife resources, if it is jointly determined by the Secretary of the Interior and such State agency that this would be in the public interest: And provided further, That the Secretary of the Interior shall have the right to assume the management and administration of such lands in behalf of the National Migratory Bird Management Program if the Secretary finds that the State agency has withdrawn from or otherwise relinquished such management and administration.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §4, 48 Stat. 402; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §4(e), (f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, §3, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2108, 54 Stat. 1232; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 85–624, §2, Aug. 12, 1958, 72 Stat. 567.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

Amendments

1958—Pub. L. 85–624 permitted lands having value to the National Bird Management Program to be made available directly to the State agency having control over wildlife resources.

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally to provide for administration of wildlife areas, and for the promulgation of rules and regulations.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 661 of this title.

§665. Investigations as to effect of sewage, industrial wastes; reports

The Secretary of the Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service and the United States Bureau of Mines, is authorized to make such investigations as he deems necessary to determine the effects of domestic sewage, mine, petroleum, and industrial wastes, erosion silt, and other polluting substances on wildlife, and to make reports to the Congress concerning such investigations and of recommendations for alleviating dangerous and undesirable effects of such pollution. These investigations shall include (1) the determination of standards of water quality for the maintenance of wildlife; (2) the study of methods of abating and preventing pollution, including methods for the recovery of useful or marketable products and byproducts of wastes; and (3) the collation and distribution of data on the progress and results of such investigations for the use of Federal, State, municipal, and private agencies, individuals, organizations, or enterprises.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §5, 48 Stat. 402; 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, §3, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2108, 54 Stat. 1232; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1081; Pub. L. 102–285, §10(b), May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 172.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally to provide for investigations as to the effect of sewage and industrial waste on wildlife.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States Bureau of Mines" substituted in text for "Bureau of Mines" pursuant to section 10(b) of Pub. L. 102–285, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For provisions relating to closure and transfer of functions of the United States Bureau of Mines, see Transfer of Functions note set out under section 1 of Title 30.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 661 of this title.

§665a. Maintenance of adequate water levels in upper Mississippi River

In the management of existing facilities (including locks, dams, and pools) in the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, administered by the United States Corps of Engineers of the Department of the Army, that Department is directed to give full consideration and recognition to the needs of fish and other wildlife resources and their habitat dependent on such waters, without increasing additional liability to the Government, and, to the maximum extent possible without causing damage to levee and drainage districts, adjacent railroads and highways, farm lands, and dam structures, shall generally operate and maintain pool levels as though navigation was carried on throughout the year.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §5A, as added June 19, 1948, ch. 528, 62 Stat. 497.)

§666. Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated from time to time, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such amounts as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and regulations made pursuant thereto, including the construction of such facilities, buildings, and other improvements necessary for economical administration of areas made available to the Secretary of the Interior under this Act, and the employment in the city of Washington and elsewhere of such persons and means as the Secretary of the Interior may deem necessary for such purposes.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §6, 48 Stat. 402; Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1081.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

Amendments

1946—Act Aug. 14, 1946, amended section generally to provide for the necessary appropriations to carry out the purposes of sections 661 to 666c of this title.

§666a. Penalties

Any person who shall violate any rule or regulation promulgated in accordance with this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §7, as added Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1082.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

§666b. Definitions

The terms "wildlife" and "wildlife resources" as used herein include birds, fishes, mammals, and all other classes of wild animals and all types of aquatic and land vegetation upon which wildlife is dependent.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §8, as added Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1082.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Herein, referred to in text, means act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

§666c. Applicability to Tennessee Valley Authority

The provisions of this Act shall not apply to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §9, as added Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1082.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, 48 Stat. 401, known as the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title, and Tables.

§666c–1. Protection of water, oceans, coasts, and wildlife from invasive species

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Control

The term "control", with respect to an invasive species, means the eradication, suppression, or reduction of the population of the invasive species within the area in which the invasive species is present.

(2) Ecosystem

The term "ecosystem" means the complex of a community of organisms and the environment of the organisms.

(3) Eligible State

The term "eligible State" means any of— ¹

(A) a State;

(B) the District of Columbia;

(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;

(D) Guam;

(E) American Samoa;

(F) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and

(G) the United States Virgin Islands.

(4) Invasive species

(A) In general

The term "invasive species" means an alien species, the introduction of which causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

(B) Associated definition

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term "alien species", with respect to a particular ecosystem, means any species (including the seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material of the species that are capable of propagating the species) that is not native to the affected ecosystem.

(5) Manage; management

The terms "manage" and "management", with respect to an invasive species, mean the active implementation of any activity—

(A) to reduce or stop the spread of the invasive species; and

(B) to inhibit further infestations of the invasive species, the spread of the invasive species, or harm caused by the invasive species, including investigations regarding methods for early detection and rapid response, prevention, control, or management of the invasive species.

(6) Prevent

The term "prevent", with respect to an invasive species, means—

(A) to hinder the introduction of the invasive species onto land or water; or

(B) to impede the spread of the invasive species within land or water by inspecting, intercepting, or confiscating invasive species threats prior to the establishment of the invasive species onto land or water of an eligible State.

(7) Secretary concerned

The term "Secretary concerned" means—

(A) the Secretary of the Army, with respect to Federal land administered by the Corps of Engineers;

(B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to Federal land administered by the Secretary of the Interior through—

(i) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

(ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;

(iii) the Bureau of Land Management;

(iv) the Bureau of Reclamation; or

(v) the National Park Service;

(C) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to Federal land administered by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Forest Service; and

(D) the head or a representative of any other Federal agency the duties of whom require planning relating to, and the treatment of, invasive species for the purpose of protecting water and wildlife on land and coasts and in oceans and water.

(8) Species

The term "species" means a group of organisms, all of which—

(A) have a high degree of genetic similarity;

(B) are morphologically distinct;

(C) generally—

(i) interbreed at maturity only among themselves; and

(ii) produce fertile offspring; and

(D) show persistent differences from members of allied groups of organisms.

(b) Control and management

Each Secretary concerned shall plan and carry out activities on land directly managed by the Secretary concerned to protect water and wildlife by controlling and managing invasive species—

(1) to inhibit or reduce the populations of invasive species; and

(2) to effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts.

(c) Strategic plan

(1) In general

Each Secretary concerned shall develop a strategic plan for the implementation of the invasive species program to achieve, to the maximum extent practicable, a substantive annual net reduction of invasive species populations or infested acreage on land or water managed by the Secretary concerned.

(2) Coordination

Each strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall be developed—

(A) in coordination with affected—

(i) relevant Federal agencies;

(ii) eligible States; and

(iii) political subdivisions of eligible States;

(B) in consultation with stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations and industry;

(C) in consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes; and

(D) in accordance with the priorities established by 1 or more Governors of the eligible States in which an ecosystem affected by an invasive species is located.

(3) Factors for consideration

In developing a strategic plan under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall take into consideration the economic and ecological costs of action or inaction, as applicable.

(d) Cost-effective methods

In selecting a method to be used to control or manage an invasive species as part of a specific control or management project conducted as part of a strategic plan developed under subsection (c), the Secretary concerned shall prioritize the use of methods that—

(1) effectively control and manage invasive species, as determined by the Secretary concerned, based on sound scientific data;

(2) minimize environmental impacts; and

(3) control and manage invasive species in the most cost-effective manner.

(e) Comparative economic assessment

To achieve compliance with subsection (d), the Secretary concerned shall require a comparative economic assessment of invasive species control and management methods to be conducted.

(f) Expedited action

(1) In general

The Secretaries concerned shall use all tools and flexibilities available (as of March 12, 2019) to expedite the projects and activities described in paragraph (2).

(2) Description of projects and activities

A project or activity referred to in paragraph (1) is a project or activity—

(A) to protect water or wildlife from an invasive species that, as determined by the Secretary concerned is, or will be, carried out on land or water that is—

(i) directly managed by the Secretary concerned; and

(ii) located in an area that is—

(I) at high risk for the introduction, establishment, or spread of invasive species; and

(II) determined by the Secretary concerned to require immediate action to address the risk identified in subclause (I); and

(B) carried out in accordance with applicable agency procedures, including any applicable—

(i) land or resource management plan; or

(ii) land use plan.

(g) Allocation of funding

Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, the Secretary concerned shall use not less than 75 percent for on-the-ground control and management of invasive species, which may include—

(1) the purchase of necessary products, equipment, or services to conduct that control and management;

(2) the use of integrated pest management options, including options that use pesticides authorized for sale, distribution, or use under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.);

(3) the use of biological control agents that are proven to be effective to reduce invasive species populations;

(4) the use of revegetation or cultural restoration methods designed to improve the diversity and richness of ecosystems;

(5) the use of monitoring and detection activities for invasive species, including equipment, detection dogs, and mechanical devices;

(6) the use of appropriate methods to remove invasive species from a vehicle or vessel capable of conveyance; or

(7) the use of other effective mechanical or manual control methods.

(h) Investigations, outreach, and public awareness

Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, the Secretary concerned may use not more than 15 percent for investigations, development activities, and outreach and public awareness efforts to address invasive species control and management needs.

(i) Administrative costs

Of the amount appropriated or otherwise made available to each Secretary concerned for a fiscal year for programs that address or include protection of land or water from an invasive species, not more than 10 percent may be used for administrative costs incurred to carry out those programs, including costs relating to oversight and management of the programs, recordkeeping, and implementation of the strategic plan developed under subsection (c).

(j) Reporting requirements

Not later than 60 days after the end of the second fiscal year beginning after March 12, 2019, each Secretary concerned shall submit to Congress a report—

(1) describing the use by the Secretary concerned during the 2 preceding fiscal years of funds for programs that address or include invasive species management; and

(2) specifying the percentage of funds expended for each of the purposes specified in subsections (g), (h), and (i).

(k) Relation to other authority

(1) Other invasive species control, prevention, and management authorities

Nothing in this section precludes the Secretary concerned from pursuing or supporting, pursuant to any other provision of law, any activity regarding the control, prevention, or management of an invasive species, including investigations to improve the control, prevention, or management of the invasive species.

(2) Public water supply systems

Nothing in this section authorizes the Secretary concerned to suspend any water delivery or diversion, or otherwise to prevent the operation of a public water supply system, as a measure to control, manage, or prevent the introduction or spread of an invasive species.

(l) Use of partnerships

Subject to the ¹ subsections (m) and (n), the Secretary concerned may enter into any contract or cooperative agreement with another Federal agency, an eligible State, a federally recognized Indian tribe, a political subdivision of an eligible State, or a private individual or entity to assist with the control and management of an invasive species.

(m) Memorandum of understanding

(1) In general

As a condition of a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (l), the Secretary concerned and the applicable Federal agency, eligible State, political subdivision of an eligible State, or private individual or entity shall enter into a memorandum of understanding that describes—

(A) the nature of the partnership between the parties to the memorandum of understanding; and

(B) the control and management activities to be conducted under the contract or cooperative agreement.

(2) Contents

A memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

(A) A prioritized listing of each invasive species to be controlled or managed.

(B) An assessment of the total acres of land or area of water infested by the invasive species.

(C) An estimate of the expected total acres of land or area of water infested by the invasive species after control and management of the invasive species is attempted.

(D) A description of each specific, integrated pest management option to be used, including a comparative economic assessment to determine the least-costly method.

(E) Any map, boundary, or Global Positioning System coordinates needed to clearly identify the area in which each control or management activity is proposed to be conducted.

(F) A written assurance that each partner will comply with section 2814 of title 7.

(3) Coordination

If a partner to a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (l) is an eligible State, political subdivision of an eligible State, or private individual or entity, the memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall include a description of—

(A) the means by which each applicable control or management effort will be coordinated; and

(B) the expected outcomes of managing and controlling the invasive species.

(4) Public outreach and awareness efforts

If a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (l) involves any outreach or public awareness effort, the memorandum of understanding under this subsection shall include a list of goals and objectives for each outreach or public awareness effort that have been determined to be efficient to inform national, regional, State, Tribal, or local audiences regarding invasive species control and management.

(n) Investigations

The purpose of any invasive species-related investigation carried out under a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (l) shall be—

(1) to develop solutions and specific recommendations for control and management of invasive species; and

(2) specifically to provide faster implementation of control and management methods.

(o) Coordination with affected local governments

Each project and activity carried out pursuant to this section shall be coordinated with affected local governments in a manner that is consistent with section 1712(c)(9) of title 43.

(p) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025—

(1) $2,500,000 to the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers; and

(2) $2,500,000 to the Secretary of the Interior.

(Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, §10, as added Pub. L. 116–9, title VII, §7001(b)(2)(B), Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 779; amended Pub. L. 116–188, title I, §105, Oct. 30, 2020, 134 Stat. 916.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is act June 25, 1947, ch. 125, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–516, §2, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 973, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§136 et seq.) of chapter 6 of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 136 of Title 7 and Tables.

Amendments

2020—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–188, §105(1)(A), added cl. (i) and redesignated former cls. (i) and (ii) as (ii) and (iii), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(2)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 116–188, §105(1)(B), (C), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpars. (B) and (C) as (C) and (D), respectively.

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 116–188, §105(2), added subsec. (p).

¹ So in original.

§666d. Skagit National Wildlife Refuge; exchange of lands

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, in his discretion, at any time within ten years from October 6, 1949, to accept from the State of Washington on behalf of the United States title to any lands in the State of Washington which he deems chiefly valuable for wildlife refuge purposes, and which are equivalent in value to the lands of the United States within the Skagit National Wildlife Refuge, and in exchange therefor to convey by deed on behalf of the United States to the State of Washington the said lands of the United States in the Skagit National Wildlife Refuge.

(Oct. 6, 1949, ch. 619, §1, 63 Stat. 708.)

§666e. Administration of acquired lands

Any lands acquired by the Secretary of the Interior under the terms of this section and section 666d of this title, if located within or adjacent to an existing wildlife refuge or reservation, immediately shall become a part of such refuge or reservation and shall be administered under the laws and regulations applicable thereto, and, if not so located, may be administered as a migratory-waterfowl management area, refuge, reservation, or breeding ground in accordance with the provisions of the Act of August 14, 1946 (60 Stat. 1080), and Acts supplementary thereto.

(Oct. 6, 1949, ch. 619, §2, 63 Stat. 708.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Act of August 14, 1946, referred to in text, is act Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1080, which amended act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, by generally amending sections 1 to 6, which are classified to sections 661 to 665 and 666 of this title, and by adding sections 7 to 9, which are classified to sections 666a to 666c of this title. Subsequent acts added sections 5A and 10 of act Mar. 10, 1934, which are classified to sections 665a and 666c–1 of this title, respectively.

§666f. Wildlife conservation and agricultural, industrial, recreational, and related uses for certain Federal lands; transfer of lands to Secretary of the Interior; administration, development, and disposition

In order to promote the orderly development and use of the lands and interests therein acquired by the United States in connection with the Crab Orchard Creek project and the Illinois Ordnance Plant in Williamson, Jackson, and Union Counties, Illinois, consistent with the needs of agriculture, industry, recreation, and wildlife conservation, all of the interests of the United States in and to such lands are hereby transferred to the Secretary of the Interior for administration, development, and disposition, in accordance with the provisions of this section and section 666g of this title.

(Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 489, §1, 61 Stat. 770.)

§666g. Classification of lands; industrial leases; moneys subject to section 715s of this title; administration; jurisdiction of Federal agencies

All of the lands transferred to the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the provisions of section 666f of this title and this section, first shall be classified by him with a view to determining, in cooperation with Federal, State, and public or private agencies and organizations, the most beneficial use that may be made thereof to carry out the purposes of section 666f of this title and this section, including the development of wildlife conservation, agricultural, recreational, industrial, and related purposes. Such lands as have been or may hereafter be determined to be chiefly valuable for industrial purposes shall be leased for such purposes at such time and under such terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior shall prescribe. All moneys received or collected in connection with such leases shall be subject to the provisions of section 715s of this title. Except to the extent otherwise provided in section 666f of this title and this section, all lands herein transferred shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with the provisions of the act of August 14, 1946 (Public Law 732, Seventy-ninth Congress), and Acts supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof for the conservation of wildlife, and for the development of the agricultural, recreational, industrial, and related purposes specified in section 666f of this title and this section: Provided, That no jurisdiction shall be exercised by the Secretary of the Interior over that portion of such lands and the improvements thereon which are now utilized by the Department of the Army directly or indirectly until such time as it is determined by the Secretary of the Army that utilization of such portions of such lands and the improvements thereon directly or indirectly by the Department of the Army is no longer required: Provided further, That, subsequent to the determination referred to in the preceding proviso, the lands and improvements mentioned therein shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior, and any lease or other disposition thereof shall be made subject to such terms, conditions, restrictions, and reservations imposed by the Secretary of the Army as will, in the opinion of the Secretary of the Army, be adequate to assure the continued availability for war production purposes of such lands and improvements.

(Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 489, §2, 61 Stat. 770; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, §205(a), 61 Stat. 501; Pub. L. 95–616, §8, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3114.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 715s of this title, referred to in text, was in the original "the Act of June 15, 1935, as amended (49 Stat. 383; 16 U.S.C. 715s)".

The act of August 14, 1946, referred to in text, is act Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 965, 60 Stat. 1080, which amended act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55, by generally amending sections 1 to 6, which are classified to sections 661 to 665 and 666 of this title, and by adding sections 7 to 9, which are classified to sections 666a to 666c of this title. Subsequent acts added sections 5A and 10 of act Mar. 10, 1934, which are classified to sections 665a and 666c–1 of this title, respectively.

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–616 substituted in second sentence "terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior shall prescribe" for "terms and conditions as are consistent with the general purposes of section 2 of the Surplus Property Act of 1944, as amended, and with the purposes of section 666f of this title and this section" and made moneys received or collected in connection with the leases to be subject to section 715s of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Department of War designated Department of the Army and title of Secretary of War changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, 61 Stat. 501. Section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, was repealed by section 53 of act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 641. Section 1 of act Aug. 10, 1956, enacted "Title 10, Armed Forces" which in sections 3010 to 3013 continued military Department of the Army under administrative supervision of Secretary of the Army.

§667. Game management supply depots; appropriations

Appropriations made for the administration, protection, maintenance, control, improvements, and development of wildlife sanctuaries, reservations, and refuges under the control of the Secretary of the Interior shall be available for the purchase, transportation, and handling of supplies and materials for distribution at cost from game management supply depots maintained by the Department of the Interior to projects specially provided for, and transfers between the appropriations for said purposes are authorized in order that the cost of supplies and materials, and transportation and handling thereof, drawn from central warehouses so maintained may be charged to the particular project benefited; and such supplies and materials as remain in said depots at the end of any fiscal year shall be continuously available for issuance during subsequent fiscal years and to be charged for by such transfers of funds between said appropriations for the fiscal year then current without decreasing in any way the appropriations made for that fiscal year: Provided, That supplies and materials shall not be purchased solely for the purpose of increasing the value of storehouse stock beyond reasonable requirements for any current fiscal year.

(June 24, 1936, ch. 764, 49 Stat. 1913; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, §4(e), (f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Former first sentence provided for establishment of a game management supply depot and laboratory at Pocatello, Idaho.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

See Transfer of Functions note set out under section 661 of this title.

§667a. Omitted

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act June 8, 1940, ch. 295, §§1–4, 54 Stat. 261, authorized compacts or agreements between or among the States bordering on the Atlantic Ocean with respect to fishing in the territorial waters and bays and inlets of the Atlantic Ocean on which such States border.

Act May 4, 1942, ch. 283, §§1–4, 56 Stat. 267, granted the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate compact relating to the better utilization of the fisheries (marine, shell, and anadromous) of the Atlantic seaboard and creating the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Act Aug. 19, 1950, ch. 763, §§1–4, 64 Stat. 467, granted the consent and approval of Congress to an amendment to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact and repealed limitation on the life of such compact.

§667b. Transfer of certain real property for wildlife conservation purposes; reservation of rights

Upon request, real property which is under the jurisdiction or control of a Federal agency and no longer required by such agency, (1) can be utilized for wildlife conservation purposes by the agency of the State exercising administration over the wildlife resources of the State wherein the real property lies or by the Secretary of the Interior; and (2) is valuable for use for any such purpose, and which, in the determination of the Administrator of General Services, is available for such use may, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, be transferred without reimbursement or transfer of funds (with or without improvements as determined by said Administrator) by the Federal agency having jurisdiction or control of the property to (a) such State agency if the management thereof for the conservation of wildlife relates to other than migratory birds, or (b) to the Secretary of the Interior if the real property has particular value in carrying out the national migratory bird management program. Any such transfer to other than the United States shall be subject to the reservation by the United States of all oil, gas, and mineral rights, and to the condition that the property shall continue to be used for wildlife conservation or other of the above-stated purposes and in the event it is no longer used for such purposes or in the event it is needed for national defense purposes title thereto shall revert to the United States.

(May 19, 1948, ch. 310, §1, 62 Stat. 240; June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, §105, 63 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 92–432, Sept. 26, 1972, 86 Stat. 723.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1972—Cl. (2). Pub. L. 92–432 struck out "chiefly" before "valuable for use".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Functions, records, property, etc., of War Assets Administration transferred to General Services Administration, functions of War Assets Administrator transferred to Administrator of General Services, and War Assets Administration and office of War Assets Administrator abolished by section 105 of act June 30, 1949. Transfer of functions effective July 1, 1949, see section 605, formerly §505, of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 403; renumbered by act Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583.

§667c. Publication of designating order

Whenever any real property is transferred pursuant to sections 667b to 667d of this title, the Administrator of General Services shall make and have published in the Federal Register an appropriate order, which may be revised from time to time in like manner, designating for which of the purposes specified in section 667b of this title the property so transferred shall be used.

(May 19, 1948, ch. 310, §2, 62 Stat. 241; June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, §105, 63 Stat. 381.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Functions, records, property, etc., of War Assets Administration transferred to General Services Administration, functions of War Assets Administrator transferred to Administrator of General Services, and War Assets Administration and office of War Assets Administrator abolished by section 105 of act June 30, 1949. Transfer of functions effective July 1, 1949, see section 605, formerly §505, of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 403; renumbered by act Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583.

§667d. Reports to Congress

A statement of the acreage and value of such property as may have been transferred pursuant to sections 667b to 667d of this title during the preceding fiscal year shall be annually prepared by the Administrator of General Services.

(May 19, 1948, ch. 310, §3, 62 Stat. 241; June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title I, §105, 63 Stat. 381; Pub. L. 104–66, title II, §2091(b), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 730.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1995—Pub. L. 104–66 struck out before period at end "and shall be included in the annual budget transmitted to the Congress".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Functions, records, property, etc., of War Assets Administration transferred to General Services Administration, functions of War Assets Administrator transferred to Administrator of General Services, and War Assets Administration and office of War Assets Administrator abolished by section 105 of act June 30, 1949. Transfer of functions effective July 1, 1949, see section 605, formerly §505, of act June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 403; renumbered by act Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §6(a), (b), 64 Stat. 583.

§667e. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–79, §9(b)(2), Nov. 16, 1981, 95 Stat. 1079

Section, act May 25, 1900, ch. 553, §5, 31 Stat. 188, provided that the dead bodies of game animals or game or song birds be subject to the laws of the State into which they are transported. See section 3378(a) of this title.

§667f. Availability of grain to prevent waterfowl depredations; payment of packaging, transporting, handling, and other charges

For the purpose of preventing crop damage by migratory waterfowl, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall make available to the Secretary of the Interior such wheat, corn, or other grains, acquired through price support operations and certified by the Commodity Credit Corporation to be available for purposes of sections 667f to 667f–3 of this title or in such condition through spoilage or deterioration as not to be desirable for human consumption, as the Secretary of the Interior shall requisition pursuant to section 667f–1 of this title. With respect to any grain thus made available, the Commodity Credit Corporation may pay packaging, transporting, handling, and other charges up to the time of delivery to one or more designated locations in each State.

(July 3, 1956, ch. 512, §1, 70 Stat. 492.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 442 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667f–1. Requisition of grain to prevent crop depredation by migratory waterfowl

Upon a finding by the Secretary of the Interior that any area in the United States is threatened with damage to farmers' crops by migratory waterfowl, whether or not during the open season for such migratory waterfowl, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to requisition from the Commodity Credit Corporation and to make available to Federal, State, or local governmental bodies or officials, or to private organizations or persons, such grain acquired by the Commodity Credit Corporation through price-support operations in such quantities and subject to such regulations as the Secretary determines will most effectively lure migratory waterfowl away from crop depredations and at the same time not expose such migratory waterfowl to shooting over areas to which the waterfowl have been lured by such feeding programs.

(July 3, 1956, ch. 512, §2, 70 Stat. 492.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 443 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667f–2. Reimbursement of packaging and transporting expenses

With respect to all grain made available pursuant to section 667f–1 of this title, the Commodity Credit Corporation shall be reimbursed by the Secretary of the Interior for its expenses in packaging and transporting such grain for purposes of sections 667f to 667f–3 of this title.

(July 3, 1956, ch. 512, §3, 70 Stat. 492.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 444 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667f–3. Authorization of appropriations for mitigating losses caused by waterfowl depredation

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for its investment in the grain transferred pursuant to sections 667f to 667f–3 of this title.

(July 3, 1956, ch. 512, §4, 70 Stat. 492.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 445 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667g. Requisition of surplus grain; prevention of starvation of resident game birds and other resident wildlife; utilization by State agencies; reimbursement for packaging and transporting

For the purpose of meeting emergency situations caused by adverse weather conditions or other factors destructive of important wildlife resources, the States are authorized, upon the request of the State fish and game authority or other State agency having similar authority and a finding by the Secretary of the Interior that any area of the United States is threatened with serious damage or loss to resident game birds and other resident wildlife from starvation, to requisition from the Commodity Credit Corporation grain acquired by the Corporation through price support operations. Such grain may thereafter be furnished to the particular State for direct and sole utilization by the appropriate State agencies for purposes of sections 667g to 667g–2 of this title in such quantities as mutually agreed upon by the State and the Commodity Credit Corporation and subject to such regulations as may be considered desirable by the Corporation. The Corporation shall be reimbursed by the particular State in each instance for the expense of the Corporation in packaging and transporting such grain for purposes of sections 667g to 667g–2 of this title.

(Pub. L. 87–152, §1, Aug. 17, 1961, 75 Stat. 389.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 447 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667g–1. Requisition and use of grain for prevention of starvation of migratory birds; reimbursement for packaging and transporting

Upon a finding by the Secretary of the Interior that migratory birds are threatened with starvation in any area of the United States, the Secretary is authorized to requisition from the Commodity Credit Corporation grain acquired by that Corporation through price support operations in such quantities as may be mutually agreed upon. The Corporation shall be reimbursed by the Secretary for its expense in packaging and transporting of such grain for purposes of sections 667g to 667g–2 of this title.

(Pub. L. 87–152, §2, Aug. 17, 1961, 75 Stat. 389.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 448 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667g–2. Authorization of appropriations for reimbursement of Commodity Credit Corporation

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to reimburse the Commodity Credit Corporation for its investment in grain transferred pursuant to sections 667g to 667g–2 of this title.

(Pub. L. 87–152, §3, Aug. 17, 1961, 75 Stat. 389.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 449 of Title 7, Agriculture, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

§667h. Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Cervid

The term "cervid" means any species within the family Cervidae.

(2) Chronic wasting disease

The term "chronic wasting disease" means the animal disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations that—

(A) is a transmissible disease of the nervous system resulting in distinctive lesions in the brain; and

(B) belongs to the group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which group includes scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

(3) Secretaries

The term "Secretaries" means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, acting jointly.

(b) Establishment

(1) In general

The Secretaries shall establish within the United States Fish and Wildlife Service a task force, to be known as the "Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force" (referred to in this subsection as the "Task Force") after the completion of the study required by subsection (c).

(2) Duties

The Task Force shall—

(A) collaborate with foreign governments to share research, coordinate efforts, and discuss best management practices to reduce, minimize, prevent, or eliminate chronic wasting disease in the United States;

(B) develop recommendations, including recommendations based on findings of the study conducted under subsection (c), and a set of best practices regarding—

(i) the interstate coordination of practices to prevent the new introduction of chronic wasting disease;

(ii) the prioritization and coordination of the future study of chronic wasting disease, based on evolving research needs;

(iii) ways to leverage the collective resources of Federal, State, and local agencies, Indian Tribes, and foreign governments, and resources from private, nongovernmental entities, to address chronic wasting disease in the United States and along the borders of the United States; and

(iv) any other area where containment or management efforts relating to chronic wasting disease may differ across jurisdictions; and

(C) develop, from the recommendations developed under subparagraph (B), an action plan that gives States, the Federal Government, Indian Tribes, and the farmed cervid industry specific recommendations to ensure consistent and coordinated management and focused, prioritized research to stop the spread of and mitigate the impacts of chronic wasting disease.

(3) Membership

(A) In general

The Task Force shall be composed of—

(i) 1 representative of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with experience in chronic wasting disease, to be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this subsection as the "Secretary");

(ii) 1 representative of the United States Geological Survey;

(iii) 2 representatives of the Department of Agriculture with experience in chronic wasting disease, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture—

(I) 1 of whom shall have expertise in cervid health research; and

(II) 1 of whom shall have expertise in wildlife management;

(iv) in the case of each State in which chronic wasting disease among elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, or moose has been reported to the appropriate State agency, not more than 2 representatives, to be nominated by the Governor of the State—

(I) not more than 1 of whom shall be a representative of the State agency with jurisdiction over wildlife management or wildlife disease in the State; and

(II) in the case of a State with a farmed cervid program or economy, not more than 1 of whom shall be a representative of the State agency with jurisdiction over farmed cervid regulation in the State;

(v) in the case of each State in which chronic wasting disease among elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, or moose has not been documented, but that has carried out measures to prevent the introduction of chronic wasting disease among those species, not more than 2 representatives, to be nominated by the Governor of the State;

(vi) not more than 2 representatives from an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization chosen in a process determined, in consultation with Indian Tribes, by the Secretary; and

(vii) not more than 5 nongovernmental members with relevant expertise appointed, after the date on which the members are first appointed under clauses (i) through (vi), by a majority vote of the State representatives appointed under clause (iv).

(B) Effect

Nothing in this paragraph requires a State to participate in the Task Force.

(4) Co-Chairs

The Co-Chairs of the Task Force shall be—

(A) the Federal representative described in paragraph (3)(A)(i);

(B) 1 of the Federal representatives described in paragraph (3)(A)(iii); and

(C) 1 State representative appointed under paragraph (3)(A)(iv), to be selected by a majority vote of those State representatives.

(5) Date of initial appointment

(A) In general

The members of the Task Force shall be appointed not later than 180 days after the date on which the study is completed under subsection (c).

(B) Notification

On appointment of the members of the Task Force, the Co-Chairs of the Task Force shall notify the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and Natural Resources and Agriculture of the House of Representatives.

(6) Vacancies

Any vacancy in the members appointed to the Task Force—

(A) shall not affect the power or duty of the Task Force; and

(B) shall be filled not later than 30 days after the date of the vacancy.

(7) Meetings

The Task Force shall convene—

(A) not less frequently than twice each year; and

(B) at such time and place, and by such means, as the Co-Chairs of the Task Force determine to be appropriate, which may include the use of remote conference technology.

(8) Interstate action plan

(A) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the members of the Task Force are appointed, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretaries, and the heads of the State agencies with jurisdiction over wildlife disease and farmed cervid regulation of each State with a representative on the Task Force, the interstate action plan developed by the Task Force under paragraph (2)(C).

(B) Cooperative agreements

(i) In general

To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretaries, any other applicable Federal agency, and each applicable State may enter into a cooperative agreement to fund necessary actions under the interstate action plan submitted under subparagraph (A).

(ii) Target date

The Secretaries shall make the best effort of the Secretaries to enter into any cooperative agreement under clause (i) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the interstate action plan under subparagraph (A).

(C) Matching funds

(i) In general

Subject to clause (ii), for each fiscal year, the Secretaries may provide funds to carry out an interstate action plan through a cooperative agreement under subparagraph (B) in the amount of funds provided by the applicable States.

(ii) Limitation

The amount provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under clause (i) for a fiscal year shall be not greater than $5,000,000.

(9) Reports

Not later than September 30 of the first full fiscal year after the date on which the first members of the Task Force are appointed, and each September 30 thereafter, the Task Force shall submit to the Secretaries, and the heads of the State agencies with jurisdiction over wildlife disease and farmed cervid regulation of each State with a representatives on the Task Force, a report describing—

(A) progress on the implementation of actions identified in the interstate action plan submitted under paragraph (8)(A), including the efficacy of funding under the cooperative agreement entered into under paragraph (8)(B);

(B) updated resource requirements that are needed to reduce and eliminate chronic wasting disease in the United States;

(C) any relevant updates to the recommended best management practices included in the interstate action plan submitted under paragraph (8)(B) to reduce or eliminate chronic wasting disease;

(D) new research findings and emerging research needs relating to chronic wasting disease; and

(E) any other relevant information.

(c) Chronic wasting disease transmission in cervidae resource study

(1) Definition of Academy

In this subsection, the term "Academy" means the National Academy of Sciences.

(2) Study

(A) In general

The Secretaries shall enter into an arrangement with the Academy under which the Academy shall conduct, and submit to the Secretaries a report describing the findings of, a special resource study to identify the predominant pathways and mechanisms of the transmission of chronic wasting disease in wild, captive, and farmed populations of cervids in the United States.

(B) Requirements

The arrangement under subparagraph (A) shall provide that the actual expenses incurred by the Academy in conducting the study under subparagraph (A) shall be paid by the Secretaries, subject to the availability of appropriations.

(3) Contents of the study

The study under paragraph (2) shall—

(A) with respect to wild, captive, and farmed populations of cervids in the United States, identify—

(i)(I) to the extent possible, the pathways and mechanisms for the transmission of chronic wasting disease within live cervid populations and cervid products, which may include pathways and mechanisms for transmission from Canada;

(II) the infection rates for each pathway and mechanism identified under subclause (I); and

(III) the relative frequency of transmission of each pathway and mechanism identified under subclause (I);

(ii)(I) anthropogenic and environmental factors contributing to new chronic wasting disease emergence events;

(II) the development of geographical areas with increased chronic wasting disease prevalence; and

(III) the overall geographical patterns of chronic wasting disease distribution;

(iii) significant gaps in current scientific knowledge regarding the transmission pathways and mechanisms identified under clause (i)(I) and potential prevention, detection, and control methods identified under clause (v);

(iv) for prioritization the scientific research projects that will address the knowledge gaps identified under clause (iii), based on the likelihood that a project will contribute significantly to the prevention or control of chronic wasting disease; and

(v) potential prevention, detection, or control measures, practices, or technologies to be used to mitigate the transmission and spread of chronic wasting disease in wild, captive, and farmed populations of cervids in the United States;

(B) assess the effectiveness of the potential prevention, detection, or control measures, practices, or technologies identified under subparagraph (A)(v); and

(C) review and compare science-based best practices, standards, and guidance regarding the prevention, detection, and management of chronic wasting disease in wild, captive, and farmed populations of cervids in the United States that have been developed by—

(i) the National Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service;

(ii) the National Wildlife Research Center of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service;

(iii) the United States Geological Survey;

(iv) State wildlife and agricultural agencies, in the case of practices, standards, and guidance that provide practical, science-based recommendations to State and Federal agencies for minimizing or eliminating the risk of transmission of chronic wasting disease in the United States; and

(v) industry or academia, in the case of any published guidance on practices that provide practical, science-based recommendations to cervid producers for minimizing or eliminating the risk of transmission of chronic wasting disease within or between herds.

(4) Deadline

The study under paragraph (2) shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date on which funds are first made available for the study.

(5) Data sharing

The Secretaries shall share with the Academy, as necessary to conduct the study under paragraph (2), subject to the avoidance of a violation of a privacy or confidentiality requirement and the protection of confidential or privileged commercial, financial, or proprietary information, data and access to databases and research information on chronic wasting disease under the jurisdiction of—

(A) the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and

(B) the United States Geological Survey.

(6) Report

Not later than 60 days after the date of completion of the study, the Secretaries shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes—

(A) the findings of the study; and

(B) any conclusions and recommendations that the Secretaries determine to be appropriate.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—

(1) for the period of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, $5,000,000 to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to carry out administrative activities under subsection (b);

(2) for fiscal year 2021, $1,200,000 to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, to carry out activities to fund research under subsection (c); and

(3) for fiscal year 2021, $1,200,000 to the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to carry out activities to fund research under subsection (c).

(Pub. L. 116–188, title I, §104, Oct. 30, 2020, 134 Stat. 911.)

§667i. Chronic wasting disease research and management program

(a) Research program

(1) In general

Not later than 90 days after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a program under which the Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements or other legal instruments, as authorized under ¹ 8312 of title 7, with eligible entities to conduct research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of chronic wasting disease.

(2) Criteria for selection

In entering into cooperative agreements or other legal instruments pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that shall conduct research relating to—

(A)(i) methods and products to effectively detect infectious chronic wasting disease prions in live cervids, cervid excreta, the environment, and inorganic surfaces, and to decontaminate such infectious prions; or

(ii) testing methods that significantly improve sensitivity and accelerate timelines for test results on non-live cervids;

(B) the long-term suppression or eradication of chronic wasting disease; or ²

(C) determination markers for genetic resistance to chronic wasting disease and strategies for using genetic resistance to combat the spread of the disease;

(D) sustainable cervid harvest management practices to reduce chronic wasting disease occurrence and to prevent or limit spatial spread of chronic wasting disease; or

(E) factors contributing to local emergence of chronic wasting disease, increased prevalence of chronic wasting disease, and distribution of chronic wasting disease, including mechanisms of disease transmission and effective barriers to transmission.

(3) Size of awards

To the maximum extent practicable, individual cooperative agreements or other legal instruments entered into under paragraph (1) shall be not less than two percent and not more than 10 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this section.

(4) Administrative costs by eligible entities

Of the amount of a cooperative agreement or other legal instrument entered into with an eligible entity under paragraph (1), the eligible entity may use not more than 10 percent of such amounts for administrative costs incurred by the eligible entity in carrying out the research described in such paragraph.

(b) Support for State efforts to manage and control chronic wasting disease

(1) In general

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall offer to enter into cooperative agreements or other legal instruments, as authorized under section 8312 of title 7, with State or Tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture to provide direct financial assistance to support the efforts of such State or Tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture to develop and implement management strategies to address chronic wasting disease within their respective jurisdiction.

(2) Application

A State or Tribal wildlife agency or department of agriculture seeking direct financial assistance under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time and manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.

(3) Funding priorities

In allocating funds made available to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year among State and Tribal wildlife agencies or departments of agriculture that submit an application for direct financial assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to States and Indian tribes that have—

(A) within their respective jurisdictions, the highest incidence of chronic wasting disease;

(B) shown the greatest financial commitment to managing, monitoring, surveying, and researching chronic wasting disease;

(C) comprehensive policies and programs focused on chronic wasting disease management that have integrated the programs and policies of all involved agencies related to chronic wasting disease management;

(D) the greatest risk of an initial occurrence of chronic wasting disease originating from surrounding areas; or

(E) the greatest need for response to new outbreaks of chronic wasting disease occurring in—

(i) areas in which chronic wasting disease is already found; or

(ii) areas with first infections, with the intent of containing chronic wasting disease in any new area of infection.

(4) Rapid response

If a State or Indian tribe detects chronic wasting disease in a cervid population within its jurisdiction that was not previously infected, the Secretary may, notwithstanding paragraphs (2) and (3), immediately issue funds made available under subsection (e), in an amount to be determined by the Secretary, to support State and Tribal efforts to immediately control the spread of chronic wasting disease within that population.

(5) Public education on chronic wasting disease

The Secretary, in consultation with State and Tribal departments of agriculture and wildlife agencies, organizations representing the farmed cervid industry, and organizations representing deer hunters, shall develop and maintain materials based on the latest scientific knowledge to be used to educate the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease.

(c) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Chronic wasting disease

The term "chronic wasting disease" means the animal disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations that—

(A) is a transmissible disease of the nervous system resulting in distinctive lesions in the brain; and

(B) belongs to the group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, which includes scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease.

(2) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a State or Tribal department of agriculture;

(B) a State or Tribal wildlife agency;

(C) a Tribal research facility;

(D) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 1001 of title 20); and

(E) a research center conducting or qualified to conduct scientific research on chronic wasting disease.

(d) Review of herd certification program standards

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register soliciting public feedback on potential updates and improvements to the chronic wasting disease herd certification program standards with special consideration given to—

(1) minimizing or eliminating the interaction of captive and wild deer;

(2) reviewing and updating indemnity practices, including the use of live testing, to ensure the timely and targeted removal of chronic wasting disease positive deer from the landscape; and

(3) increasing participation in the herd certification program.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $70,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through fiscal year 2028, to remain available until expended.

(2) Allocation among programs

To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall allocate the funds made available under paragraph (1) evenly between the research program under subsection (a) and the management program under subsection (b).

(3) Set-aside for wildlife agencies

The Secretary shall ensure that, of the funds made available and allocated to carry out subsection (b), not less than 75 percent of such funds are made available to State or Tribal wildlife agencies.

(f) Administrative costs

Of the funds made available under subsection (e) for a fiscal year to carry out this section, the Secretary may use not more than 10 percent of such funds for administrative costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out this section.

(g) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section shall be construed as interfering with, or otherwise affecting, the authority of the Federal Government or States to manage wildlife and livestock on land within their respective jurisdictions, including managing, surveying, and monitoring the incidence of chronic wasting disease.

(Pub. L. 117–328, div. HH, title V, §603, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5996.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this Act, referred to in subsec. (d), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–328, which enacted into law H.R. 5608, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, as engrossed in the House of Representatives on Dec. 8, 2021, and which was approved Dec. 29, 2022.

Codification

Section is based on section 3 of H.R. 5608, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, as engrossed in the House of Representatives on Dec. 8, 2021, which was enacted into law by section 603 of Pub. L. 117–328.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Findings

Section 2 of H.R. 5608, One Hundred Seventeenth Congress, as engrossed in the House of Representatives on Dec. 8, 2021, which was enacted into law by Pub. L. 117–328, div. HH, title V, §603, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5996, provided that: "Congress finds the following:

"(1) Chronic wasting disease, the fatal neurological disease found in cervids, is a fundamental threat to the health and vibrancy of deer, elk, and moose populations, and the increased occurrence of chronic wasting disease in regionally diverse locations necessitates an escalation in research, surveillance, monitoring, and management activities focused on containing and managing chronic wasting disease.

"(2) A focus on research into the transmission of, resistance to, diagnosis of, and epidemiology of chronic wasting disease is needed to inform future policies to combat the disease and ensure the health of cervid populations.

"(3) Because States and Tribes have diverse policies for addressing chronic wasting disease, the Federal Government, in consultation with the Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force established by section 104 of America's Conservation Enhancement Act (Public Law 116–188) [16 U.S.C. 667h], should coordinate financial and technical support to States and Tribes, State and Tribal departments of agriculture, State and Tribal wildlife agencies, institutions of higher education, and research centers conducting scientific research on chronic wasting disease.

"(4) Pursuant to State and Federal law, the States retain primacy and policymaking authority with regard to wildlife management.

"(5) Under current policies, chronic wasting disease remains a systemic threat to cervids.

"(6) Scientific advances that lead to the ability to stop transmission of chronic wasting disease are needed to ensure the long-term viability of cervids."

¹ So in original. Probably should be followed by "section".

² So in original.

SUBCHAPTER II—PROTECTION OF BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLES

§668. Bald and golden eagles

(a) Prohibited acts; criminal penalties

Whoever, within the United States or any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, without being permitted to do so as provided in this subchapter, shall knowingly, or with wanton disregard for the consequences of his act take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or in any manner any bald eagle commonly known as the American eagle or any golden eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof of the foregoing eagles, or whoever violates any permit or regulation issued pursuant to this subchapter, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than one year or both: Provided, That in the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a violation of this section committed after October 23, 1972, such person shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than two years, or both: Provided further, That the commission of each taking or other act prohibited by this section with respect to a bald or golden eagle shall constitute a separate violation of this section: Provided further, That one-half of any such fine, but not to exceed $2,500, shall be paid to the person or persons giving information which leads to conviction: Provided further, That nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit possession or transportation of any bald eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof, lawfully taken prior to June 8, 1940, and that nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit possession or transportation of any golden eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof, lawfully taken prior to the addition to this subchapter of the provisions relating to preservation of the golden eagle.

(b) Civil penalties

Whoever, within the United States or any place subject to the jurisdiction thereof, without being permitted to do so as provided in this subchapter, shall take, possess, sell, purchase, barter, offer to sell, purchase or barter, transport, export or import, at any time or in any manner, any bald eagle, commonly known as the American eagle, or any golden eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof of the foregoing eagles, or whoever violates any permit or regulation issued pursuant to this subchapter, may be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $5,000 for each such violation. Each violation shall be a separate offense. No penalty shall be assessed unless such person is given notice and opportunity for a hearing with respect to such violation. In determining the amount of the penalty, the gravity of the violation, and the demonstrated good faith of the person charged shall be considered by the Secretary. For good cause shown, the Secretary may remit or mitigate any such penalty. Upon any failure to pay the penalty assessed under this section, the Secretary may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in a district court of the United States for any district in which such person is found or resides or transacts business to collect the penalty and such court shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide any such action. In hearing any such action, the court must sustain the Secretary's action if supported by substantial evidence.

(c) Cancellation of grazing agreements

The head of any Federal agency who has issued a lease, license, permit, or other agreement authorizing the grazing of domestic livestock on Federal lands to any person who is convicted of a violation of this subchapter or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder may immediately cancel each such lease, license, permit, or other agreement. The United States shall not be liable for the payment of any compensation, reimbursement, or damages in connection with the cancellation of any lease, license, permit, or other agreement pursuant to this section.

(June 8, 1940, ch. 278, §1, 54 Stat. 250; Pub. L. 86–70, §14, June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 143; Pub. L. 87–884, Oct. 24, 1962, 76 Stat. 1246; Pub. L. 92–535, §1, Oct. 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 1064.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Prior to the addition to this subchapter of the provisions relating to preservation of the golden eagle, referred to in subsec. (a), means prior to Oct. 24, 1962, the date such provisions were enacted by Pub. L. 87–884 as an amendment of this section and section 668a of this title.

Amendments

1972—Pub. L. 92–535 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "shall knowingly, or with wanton disregard for the consequences of his act take" for "shall take", increased fine and imprisonment terms from $500 or six months to $5,000 or one year, and inserted provisions that a second conviction carry a penalty of $10,000 fine or imprisonment of not more than two years, that each taking constitute a separate offense, and that informers be rewarded one-half of the fine not exceeding $2,500, and added subsecs. (b) and (c).

1962—Pub. L. 87–884 extended prohibitions against the enumerated acts to the golden eagle and changed proviso by substituting "bald eagle", "June 8, 1940" and "and that nothing in said sections shall be construed to prohibit possession or transportation of any golden eagle, alive or dead, or any part, nest, or egg thereof, lawfully taken prior to the addition to said sections of the provisions relating to preservation of the golden eagle" for "such eagle," "the effective date of said sections" and "but the proof of such taking shall lie upon the accused in any prosecution under said sections", respectively.

1959—Pub. L. 86–70 struck out "except the Territory of Alaska," after "subject to the jurisdiction thereof,".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title

Act June 8, 1940, ch. 278, 54 Stat. 250, which is classified to this subchapter, is popularly known as the "Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act" and also as the "Bald Eagle Protection Act".

Legislative Intent

Enacting clause of act June 8, 1940, provided:

"Whereas the Continental Congress in 1782 adopted the bald eagle as the national symbol; and

"Whereas the bald eagle thus became the symbolic representation of a new nation under a new government in a new world; and

"Whereas by that act of Congress and by tradition and custom during the life of this Nation, the bald eagle is no longer a mere bird of biological interest but a symbol of the American ideals of freedom; and

"Whereas the bald eagle is now threatened with extinction: Therefore

"Be it enacted * * *", etc.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with this subchapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

§668a. Taking and using of the bald and golden eagle for scientific, exhibition, and religious purposes

Whenever, after investigation, the Secretary of the Interior shall determine that it is compatible with the preservation of the bald eagle or the golden eagle to permit the taking, possession, and transportation of specimens thereof for the scientific or exhibition purposes of public museums, scientific societies, and zoological parks, or for the religious purposes of Indian tribes, or that it is necessary to permit the taking of such eagles for the protection of wildlife or of agricultural or other interests in any particular locality, he may authorize the taking of such eagles pursuant to regulations which he is hereby authorized to prescribe: Provided, That on request of the Governor of any State, the Secretary of the Interior shall authorize the taking of golden eagles for the purpose of seasonally protecting domesticated flocks and herds in such State, in accordance with regulations established under the provisions of this section, in such part or parts of such State and for such periods as the Secretary determines to be necessary to protect such interests: Provided further, That bald eagles may not be taken for any purpose unless, prior to such taking, a permit to do so is procured from the Secretary of the Interior: Provided further, That the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to such regulations as he may prescribe, may permit the taking, possession, and transportation of golden eagles for the purposes of falconry, except that only golden eagles which would be taken because of depredations on livestock or wildlife may be taken for purposes of falconry: Provided further, That the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to such regulations as he may prescribe, may permit the taking of golden eagle nests which interfere with resource development or recovery operations.

(June 8, 1940, ch. 278, §2, 54 Stat. 251; Pub. L. 87–884, Oct. 24, 1962, 76 Stat. 1246; Pub. L. 92–535, §2, Oct. 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 95–616, §9, Nov. 8, 1979, 92 Stat. 3114.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1978—Pub. L. 95–616 authorized taking of golden eagle nests which interfere with resource development or recovery operations.

1972—Pub. L. 92–535 inserted proviso that the Secretary of the Interior may permit the taking, possession, and transportation of golden eagles for the purposes of falconry with exception that only golden eagles that cause depredations on livestock and wildlife may be taken for falconry.

1962—Pub. L. 87–884 extended provisions of section to the golden eagle, permitted the taking of specimens for the religious purposes of Indian tribes and authorized the taking of golden eagles for purpose of seasonally protecting domesticated flocks and herds.

Executive Documents

Policy Concerning Distribution of Eagle Feathers for Native American Religious Purposes

Memorandum of President of the United States, Apr. 29, 1994, 59 F.R. 22953, provided:

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Eagle feathers hold a sacred place in Native American culture and religious practices. Because of the feathers' significance to Native American heritage and consistent with due respect for the government-to-government relationship between the Federal and Native American tribal governments, this Administration has undertaken policy and procedural changes to facilitate the collection and distribution of scarce eagle bodies and parts for this purpose. This memorandum affirms and formalizes executive branch policy to ensure that progress begun on this important matter continues across the executive branch.

Today, as part of an historic meeting with all federally recognized tribal governments, I am directing executive departments and agencies (hereafter collectively "agency" or "agencies") to work cooperatively with tribal governments and to reexamine broadly their practices and procedures to seek opportunities to accommodate Native American religious practices to the fullest extent under the law.

As part of these efforts, agencies shall take steps to improve their collection and transfer of eagle carcasses and eagle body parts ("eagles") for Native American religious purposes. The success of this initiative requires the participation, and is therefore the responsibility, of all Federal land managing agencies, not just those within the Department of the Interior. I therefore direct each agency responsible for managing Federal lands to diligently and expeditiously recover salvageable eagles found on lands under their jurisdiction and ensure that the eagles are promptly shipped to the National Eagle Repository ("Repository"). To assist agencies in this expanded effort, the Secretary of the Interior shall issue guidelines to all relevant agencies for the proper shipment of eagles to the Repository. After receiving these guidelines, agencies shall immediately adopt policies, practices, and procedures necessary in accordance with these guidelines to recover and transfer eagles to the Repository promptly.

I support and encourage the initial steps taken by the Department of the Interior to improve the distribution of eagles for Native American religious purposes. In particular, the Department of the Interior shall continue to adopt policies and procedures and take those actions necessary to:

(a) ensure the priority of distribution of eagles, upon permit application, first for traditional Native American religious purposes, to the extent permitted by law, and then to other uses;

(b) simplify the eagle permit application process quickly and to the greatest extent possible to help achieve the objectives of this memorandum;

(c) minimize the delay and ensure respect and dignity in the process of distributing eagles for Native American religious purposes to the greatest extent possible;

(d) expand efforts to involve Native American tribes, organizations, and individuals in the distribution process, both at the Repository and on tribal lands, consistent with applicable laws;

(e) review means to ensure that adequate refrigerated storage space is available to process the eagles; and

(f) continue efforts to improve the Repository's ability to facilitate the objectives of this memorandum.

The Department of the Interior shall be responsible for coordinating any interagency efforts to address continuing executive branch actions necessary to achieve the objectives of this memorandum.

We must continue to be committed to greater intergovernmental communication and cooperation. In addition to working more closely with tribal governments, we must enlist the assistance of, and cooperate with, State and local governments to achieve the objectives of this memorandum. I therefore request that the Department of the Interior work with State fish and game agencies and other relevant State and local authorities to facilitate the objectives of this memorandum.

With commitment and cooperation by all of the agencies in the executive branch and with tribal governments, I am confident that we will be able to accomplish meaningful progress in the distribution of eagles for Native American religious purposes.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

William J. Clinton.      

§668b. Enforcement provisions

(a) Arrest; search; issuance and execution of warrants and process

Any employee of the Department of the Interior authorized by the Secretary of the Interior to enforce the provisions of this subchapter may, without warrant, arrest any person committing in his presence or view a violation of this subchapter or of any permit or regulations issued hereunder and take such person immediately for examination or trial before an officer or court of competent jurisdiction; may execute any warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter; and may, with or without a warrant, as authorized by law, search any place. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with State fish and wildlife agencies or other appropriate State authorities to facilitate enforcement of this subchapter, and by said agreements to delegate such enforcement authority to State law enforcement personnel as he deems appropriate for effective enforcement of this subchapter. Any judge of any court established under the laws of the United States, and any United States magistrate judge may, within his respective jurisdiction, upon proper oath or affirmation showing probable cause, issue warrants in all such cases.

(b) Forfeiture

All bald or golden eagles, or parts, nests, or eggs thereof, taken, possessed, sold, purchased, bartered, offered for sale, purchase, or barter, transported, exported, or imported contrary to the provisions of this subchapter, or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder, and all guns, traps, nets, and other equipment, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and other means of transportation used to aid in the taking, possessing, selling, purchasing, bartering, offering for sale, purchase, or barter, transporting, exporting, or importing of any bird, or part, nest, or egg thereof, in violation of this subchapter or of any permit or regulation issued hereunder shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States.

(c) Customs laws applied

All provisions of law relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation of a vessel for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such vessel or the proceeds from the sale thereof, and the remission or mitigation of such forfeitures, shall apply to the seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have been incurred, under the provisions of this subchapter, insofar as such provisions of law are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter: Provided, That all powers, rights, and duties conferred or imposed by the customs laws upon any officer or employee of the Treasury Department shall, for the purposes of this subchapter, be exercised or performed by the Secretary of the Interior or by such persons as he may designate.

(June 8, 1940, ch. 278, §3, 54 Stat. 251; Pub. L. 90–578, title IV, §402(b)(2), Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1118; Pub. L. 92–535, §3, Oct. 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 1065; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1972—Pub. L. 92–535 substituted provisions relating to enforcement of this subchapter including arrest, without warrant, issuance and execution of warrants and process, search, forfeiture, and applicability of certain customs laws, for provisions incorporating provisions of section 706 in haec verba.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"United States magistrate judge" substituted for "United States magistrate" in subsec. (a) pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Previously, "United States magistrate" substituted for "United States commissioner" in subsec. (a) pursuant to Pub. L. 90–578. See chapter 43 (§631 et seq.) of Title 28.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with this subchapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

§668c. Definitions

As used in this subchapter "whoever" includes also associations, partnerships, and corporations; "take" includes also pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb; "transport" includes also ship, convey, carry, or transport by any means whatever, and deliver or receive or cause to be delivered or received for such shipment, conveyance, carriage, or transportation.

(June 8, 1940, ch. 278, §4, 54 Stat. 251; Pub. L. 92–535, §4, Oct. 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 1065.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1972—Pub. L. 92–535 substituted "poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest" for "wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, or otherwise willfully molest".

§668d. Availability of appropriations for Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Moneys now or hereafter available to the Secretary of the Interior for the administration and enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918 [16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.], shall be equally available for the administration and enforcement of this subchapter.

(June 8, 1940, ch. 278, §5, 54 Stat. 251.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, referred to in text, is act July 3, 1918, ch. 128, 40 Stat. 755, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§703 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 710 of this title and Tables.

SUBCHAPTER III—ENDANGERED SPECIES OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

§§668aa to 668cc–6. Repealed. Pub. L. 93–205, §14, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 903

The provisions of sections 668aa to 668cc–6, which, pursuant to section 12(d) of Pub. L. 91–135, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 283, were known as the "Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969", are covered by section 1531 et seq. of this title.

Section 668aa, Pub. L. 89–669, §1, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 926; Pub. L. 91–135, §12(a), (e), Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 282, 283, set out the Congressional findings, declaration of policy, and statement of purposes in seeking the protection of endangered species of fish and wildlife.

Section 668bb, Pub. L. 89–669, §2, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 926; Pub. L. 91–135, §12(b), (c), Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 282, set out the powers and duties of the Secretary of the Interior in carrying out the mandate of the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969.

Section 668cc, Pub. L. 89–669, §3, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, covered the Secretary's duty to cooperate with the States, area administration, management agreements, and disposition of revenues.

Section 668cc–1, Pub. L. 91–135, §1, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 275, defined "Secretary", "fish or wildlife", "United States", and "person".

Section 668cc–2, Pub. L. 91–135, §2, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 275, covered importation of endangered species and set out civil and criminal penalties by reference to provisions of section 668cc–4 of this title.

Section 668cc–3, Pub. L. 91–135, §3, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 275, provided for determination by the Secretary of the species threatened with extinction, methods to be used and factors determinative of Secretary's determination, and rule making procedures to be used.

Section 668cc–4, Pub. L. 91–135, §4, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 276, set out penalties for violation of sections 668cc–2 and 668cc–3 of this title and provisions for their enforcement.

Section 668cc–5, Pub. L. 91–135, §5, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 278, covered international agreements for fish and wildlife preservation.

Section 668cc–6, Pub. L. 91–135, §6, Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 278, called for coordination of administration of provisions relating to endangered species of fish and wildlife with animal quarantine and tariff laws, and provided for non-impairment of functions of Secretaries of Agriculture and Treasury under agriculture and tariff laws, including imports.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Repeal effective Dec. 28, 1973, see section 16 of Pub. L. 93–205, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1531 of this title.

§668dd. National Wildlife Refuge System

(a) Designation; administration; continuance of resources-management-programs for refuge lands in Alaska; disposal of acquired lands; proceeds

(1) For the purpose of consolidating the authorities relating to the various categories of areas that are administered by the Secretary for the conservation of fish and wildlife, including species that are threatened with extinction, all lands, waters, and interests therein administered by the Secretary as wildlife refuges, areas for the protection and conservation of fish and wildlife that are threatened with extinction, wildlife ranges, game ranges, wildlife management areas, or waterfowl production areas are hereby designated as the "National Wildlife Refuge System" (referred to herein as the "System"), which shall be subject to the provisions of this section, and shall be administered by the Secretary through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. With respect to refuge lands in the State of Alaska, those programs relating to the management of resources for which any other agency of the Federal Government exercises administrative responsibility through cooperative agreement shall remain in effect, subject to the direct supervision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as long as such agency agrees to exercise such responsibility.

(2) The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

(3) With respect to the System, it is the policy of the United States that—

(A) each refuge shall be managed to fulfill the mission of the System, as well as the specific purposes for which that refuge was established;

(B) compatible wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and appropriate general public use of the System, directly related to the mission of the System and the purposes of many refuges, and which generally fosters refuge management and through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

(C) compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses are the priority general public uses of the System and shall receive priority consideration in refuge planning and management; and

(D) when the Secretary determines that a proposed wildlife-dependent recreational use is a compatible use within a refuge, that activity should be facilitated, subject to such restrictions or regulations as may be necessary, reasonable, and appropriate.

(4) In administering the System, the Secretary shall—

(A) provide for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, and their habitats within the System;

(B) ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of the System are maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

(C) plan and direct the continued growth of the System in a manner that is best designed to accomplish the mission of the System, to contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems of the United States, to complement efforts of States and other Federal agencies to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitats, and to increase support for the System and participation from conservation partners and the public;

(D) ensure that the mission of the System described in paragraph (2) and the purposes of each refuge are carried out, except that if a conflict exists between the purposes of a refuge and the mission of the System, the conflict shall be resolved in a manner that first protects the purposes of the refuge, and, to the extent practicable, that also achieves the mission of the System;

(E) ensure effective coordination, interaction, and cooperation with owners of land adjoining refuges and the fish and wildlife agency of the States in which the units of the System are located;

(F) assist in the maintenance of adequate water quantity and water quality to fulfill the mission of the System and the purposes of each refuge;

(G) acquire, under State law, water rights that are needed for refuge purposes;

(H) recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses as the priority general public uses of the System through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

(I) ensure that opportunities are provided within the System for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses;

(J) ensure that priority general public uses of the System receive enhanced consideration over other general public uses in planning and management within the System;

(K) provide increased opportunities for families to experience compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, particularly opportunities for parents and their children to safely engage in traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing and hunting;

(L) continue, consistent with existing laws and interagency agreements, authorized or permitted uses of units of the System by other Federal agencies, including those necessary to facilitate military preparedness;

(M) ensure timely and effective cooperation and collaboration with Federal agencies and State fish and wildlife agencies during the course of acquiring and managing refuges; and

(N) monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge.

(5) No acquired lands which are or become a part of the System may be transferred or otherwise disposed of under any provision of law (except by exchange pursuant to subsection (b)(3) of this section) unless—

(A) the Secretary determines with the approval of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission that such lands are no longer needed for the purposes for which the System was established; and

(B) such lands are transferred or otherwise disposed of for an amount not less than—

(i) the acquisition costs of such lands, in the case of lands of the System which were purchased by the United States with funds from the migratory bird conservation fund, or fair market value, whichever is greater; or

(ii) the fair market value of such lands (as determined by the Secretary as of the date of the transfer or disposal), in the case of lands of the System which were donated to the System.

The Secretary shall pay into the migratory bird conservation fund the aggregate amount of the proceeds of any transfer or disposal referred to in the preceding sentence.

(6) Each area which is included within the System on January 1, 1975, or thereafter, and which was or is—

(A) designated as an area within such System by law, Executive order, or secretarial order; or

(B) so included by public land withdrawal, donation, purchase, exchange, or pursuant to a cooperative agreement with any State or local government, any Federal department or agency, or any other governmental entity,

shall continue to be a part of the System until otherwise specified by Act of Congress, except that nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as precluding—

(i) the transfer or disposal of acquired lands within any such area pursuant to paragraph (5) of this subsection;

(ii) the exchange of lands within any such area pursuant to subsection (b)(3) of this section; or

(iii) the disposal of any lands within any such area pursuant to the terms of any cooperative agreement referred to in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph.

(b) Administration; public accommodations contracts; acceptance and use of funds; exchange of properties; cash equalization payments

In administering the System, the Secretary is authorized to take the following actions:

(1) Enter into contracts with any person or public or private agency through negotiation for the provision of public accommodations when, and in such locations, and to the extent that the Secretary determines will not be inconsistent with the primary purpose for which the affected area was established.

(2) Accept donations of funds and to use such funds to acquire or manage lands or interests therein.

(3) Acquire lands or interests therein by exchange (A) for acquired lands or public lands, or for interests in acquired or public lands, under his jurisdiction which he finds to be suitable for disposition, or (B) for the right to remove, in accordance with such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, products from the acquired or public lands within the System. The values of the properties so exchanged either shall be approximately equal, or if they are not approximately equal the values shall be equalized by the payment of cash to the grantor or to the Secretary as the circumstances require.

(4) Subject to standards established by and the overall management oversight of the Director, and consistent with standards established by this Act, to enter into cooperative agreements with State fish and wildlife agencies for the management of programs on a refuge.

(5) Issue regulations to carry out this Act.

(c) Prohibited and permitted activities; application of mining and mineral leasing laws, hunting or fishing regulations, and State laws or regulations

No person shall disturb, injure, cut, burn, remove, destroy, or possess any real or personal property of the United States, including natural growth, in any area of the System; or take or possess any fish, bird, mammal, or other wild vertebrate or invertebrate animals or part or nest or egg thereof within any such area; or enter, use, or otherwise occupy any such area for any purpose; unless such activities are performed by persons authorized to manage such area, or unless such activities are permitted either under subsection (d) of this section or by express provision of the law, proclamation, Executive order, or public land order establishing the area, or amendment thereof: Provided, That the United States mining and mineral leasing laws shall continue to apply to any lands within the System to the same extent they apply prior to October 15, 1966, unless subsequently withdrawn under other authority of law. With the exception of endangered species and threatened species listed by the Secretary pursuant to section 1533 of this title in States wherein a cooperative agreement does not exist pursuant to section 1535(c) of this title, nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to control or regulate hunting or fishing of resident fish and wildlife on lands not within the system. The regulations permitting hunting and fishing of resident fish and wildlife within the System shall be, to the extent practicable, consistent with State fish and wildlife laws and regulations.

(d) Use of areas; administration of migratory bird sanctuaries as game taking areas; rights of way, easements, and reservations; payment of fair market value

(1) The Secretary is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to—

(A) permit the use of any area within the System for any purpose, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, public recreation and accommodations, and access whenever he determines that such uses are compatible with the major purposes for which such areas were established: Provided, That not to exceed 40 per centum at any one time of any area that has been, or hereafter may be acquired, reserved, or set apart as an inviolate sanctuary for migratory birds, under any law, proclamation, Executive order, or public land order may be administered by the Secretary as an area within which the taking of migratory game birds may be permitted under such regulations as he may prescribe unless the Secretary finds that the taking of any species of migratory game birds in more than 40 percent of such area would be beneficial to the species; and

(B) permit the use of, or grant easements in, over, across, upon, through, or under any areas within the System for purposes such as but not necessarily limited to, powerlines, telephone lines, canals, ditches, pipelines, and roads, including the construction, operation, and maintenance thereof, whenever he determines that such uses are compatible with the purposes for which these areas are established.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not grant to any Federal, State, or local agency or to any private individual or organization any right-of-way, easement, or reservation in, over, across, through, or under any area within the system in connection with any use permitted by him under paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection unless the grantee pays to the Secretary, at the option of the Secretary, either (A) in lump sum the fair market value (determined by the Secretary as of the date of conveyance to the grantee) of the right-of-way, easement, or reservation; or (B) annually in advance the fair market rental value (determined by the Secretary) of the right-of-way, easement, or reservation. If any Federal, State, or local agency is exempted from such payment by any other provision of Federal law, such agency shall otherwise compensate the Secretary by any other means agreeable to the Secretary, including, but not limited to, making other land available or the loan of equipment or personnel; except that (A) any such compensation shall relate to, and be consistent with, the objectives of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and (B) the Secretary may waive such requirement for compensation if he finds such requirement impracticable or unnecessary. All sums received by the Secretary pursuant to this paragraph shall, after payment of any necessary expenses incurred by him in administering this paragraph, be deposited into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and shall be available to carry out the provisions for land acquisition of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715 et seq.) and the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (16 U.S.C. 718 et seq.).

(3)(A)(i) Except as provided in clause (iv), the Secretary shall not initiate or permit a new use of a refuge or expand, renew, or extend an existing use of a refuge, unless the Secretary has determined that the use is a compatible use and that the use is not inconsistent with public safety. The Secretary may make the determinations referred to in this paragraph for a refuge concurrently with development of a conservation plan under subsection (e).

(ii) On lands added to the System after March 25, 1996, the Secretary shall identify, prior to acquisition, withdrawal, transfer, reclassification, or donation of any such lands, existing compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses that the Secretary determines shall be permitted to continue on an interim basis pending completion of the comprehensive conservation plan for the refuge.

(iii) Wildlife-dependent recreational uses may be authorized on a refuge when they are compatible and not inconsistent with public safety. Except for consideration of consistency with State laws and regulations as provided for in subsection (m), no other determinations or findings are required to be made by the refuge official under this Act or the Refuge Recreation Act for wildlife-dependent recreation to occur.

(iv) Compatibility determinations in existence on October 9, 1997, shall remain in effect until and unless modified.

(B) Not later than 24 months after October 9, 1997, the Secretary shall issue final regulations establishing the process for determining under subparagraph (A) whether a use of a refuge is a compatible use. These regulations shall—

(i) designate the refuge official responsible for making initial compatibility determinations;

(ii) require an estimate of the timeframe, location, manner, and purpose of each use;

(iii) identify the effects of each use on refuge resources and purposes of each refuge;

(iv) require that compatibility determinations be made in writing;

(v) provide for the expedited consideration of uses that will likely have no detrimental effect on the fulfillment of the purposes of a refuge or the mission of the System;

(vi) provide for the elimination or modification of any use as expeditiously as practicable after a determination is made that the use is not a compatible use;

(vii) require, after an opportunity for public comment, reevaluation of each existing use, other than those uses specified in clause (viii), if conditions under which the use is permitted change significantly or if there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, but not less frequently than once every 10 years, to ensure that the use remains a compatible use, except that, in the case of any use authorized for a period longer than 10 years (such as an electric utility right-of-way), the reevaluation required by this clause shall examine compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization, not examine the authorization itself;

(viii) require, after an opportunity for public comment, reevaluation of each compatible wildlife-dependent recreational use when conditions under which the use is permitted change significantly or if there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, but not less frequently than in conjunction with each preparation or revision of a conservation plan under subsection (e) or at least every 15 years, whichever is earlier; and

(ix) provide an opportunity for public review and comment on each evaluation of a use, unless an opportunity for public review and comment on the evaluation of the use has already been provided during the development or revision of a conservation plan for the refuge under subsection (e) or has otherwise been provided during routine, periodic determinations of compatibility for wildlife-dependent recreational uses.

(4) The provisions of this Act relating to determinations of the compatibility of a use shall not apply to—

(A) overflights above a refuge; and

(B) activities authorized, funded, or conducted by a Federal agency (other than the United States Fish and Wildlife Service) which has primary jurisdiction over a refuge or a portion of a refuge, if the management of those activities is in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the Secretary or the Director and the head of the Federal agency with primary jurisdiction over the refuge governing the use of the refuge.

(e) Refuge conservation planning program for non-Alaskan refuge lands

(1)(A) Except with respect to refuge lands in Alaska (which shall be governed by the refuge planning provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)), the Secretary shall—

(i) propose a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge or related complex of refuges (referred to in this subsection as a "planning unit") in the System;

(ii) publish a notice of opportunity for public comment in the Federal Register on each proposed conservation plan;

(iii) issue a final conservation plan for each planning unit consistent with the provisions of this Act and, to the extent practicable, consistent with fish and wildlife conservation plans of the State in which the refuge is located; and

(iv) not less frequently than 15 years after the date of issuance of a conservation plan under clause (iii) and every 15 years thereafter, revise the conservation plan as may be necessary.

(B) The Secretary shall prepare a comprehensive conservation plan under this subsection for each refuge within 15 years after October 9, 1997.

(C) The Secretary shall manage each refuge or planning unit under plans in effect on October 9, 1997, to the extent such plans are consistent with this Act, until such plans are revised or superseded by new comprehensive conservation plans issued under this subsection.

(D) Uses or activities consistent with this Act may occur on any refuge or planning unit before existing plans are revised or new comprehensive conservation plans are issued under this subsection.

(E) Upon completion of a comprehensive conservation plan under this subsection for a refuge or planning unit, the Secretary shall manage the refuge or planning unit in a manner consistent with the plan and shall revise the plan at any time if the Secretary determines that conditions that affect the refuge or planning unit have changed significantly.

(2) In developing each comprehensive conservation plan under this subsection for a planning unit, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall identify and describe—

(A) the purposes of each refuge comprising the planning unit;

(B) the distribution, migration patterns, and abundance of fish, wildlife, and plant populations and related habitats within the planning unit;

(C) the archaeological and cultural values of the planning unit;

(D) such areas within the planning unit that are suitable for use as administrative sites or visitor facilities;

(E) significant problems that may adversely affect the populations and habitats of fish, wildlife, and plants within the planning unit and the actions necessary to correct or mitigate such problems; and

(F) opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses.

(3) In preparing each comprehensive conservation plan under this subsection, and any revision to such a plan, the Secretary, acting through the Director, shall, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with this Act—

(A) consult with adjoining Federal, State, local, and private landowners and affected State conservation agencies; and

(B) coordinate the development of the conservation plan or revision with relevant State conservation plans for fish and wildlife and their habitats.

(4)(A) In accordance with subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall develop and implement a process to ensure an opportunity for active public involvement in the preparation and revision of comprehensive conservation plans under this subsection. At a minimum, the Secretary shall require that publication of any final plan shall include a summary of the comments made by States, owners of adjacent or potentially affected land, local governments, and any other affected persons, and a statement of the disposition of concerns expressed in those comments.

(B) Prior to the adoption of each comprehensive conservation plan under this subsection, the Secretary shall issue public notice of the draft proposed plan, make copies of the plan available at the affected field and regional offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and provide opportunity for public comment.

(f) Penalties

(1) Knowing violations

Any person who knowingly violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any regulations issued thereunder shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both.

(2) Other violations

Any person who otherwise violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Act (including a regulation issued under this Act) shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned not more than 180 days, or both.

(g) Enforcement provision; arrests, searches, and seizures; custody of property; forfeitures; disposition

Any person authorized by the Secretary to enforce the provisions of this Act or any regulations issued thereunder, may, without a warrant, arrest any person violating this Act or regulations in his presence or view, and may execute any warrant or other process issued by an officer or court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of this Act or regulations, and may with a search warrant search for and seize any property, fish, bird, mammal, or other wild vertebrate or invertebrate animals or part or nest or egg thereof, taken or possessed in violation of this Act or the regulations issued thereunder. Any property, fish, bird, mammal, or other wild vertebrate or invertebrate animals or part or egg thereof seized with or without a search warrant shall be held by such person or by a United States marshal, and upon conviction, shall be forfeited to the United States and disposed of by the Secretary, in accordance with law. The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to utilize by agreement, with or without reimbursement, the personnel and services of any other Federal or State agency for purposes of enhancing the enforcement of this Act.

(h) Regulations; continuation, modification, or rescission

Regulations applicable to areas of the System that are in effect on October 15, 1966, shall continue in effect until modified or rescinded.

(i) National conservation recreational area provisions; amendment, repeal, or modification

Nothing in this section shall be construed to amend, repeal, or otherwise modify the provision of the Act of September 28, 1962 (76 Stat. 653; 16 U.S.C. 460k—460k–4) which authorizes the Secretary to administer the areas within the System for public recreation. The provisions of this section relating to recreation shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of said Act.

(j) Exemption from State water laws

Nothing in this Act shall constitute an express or implied claim or denial on the part of the Federal Government as to exemption from State water laws.

(k) Emergency power

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary may temporarily suspend, allow, or initiate any activity in a refuge in the System if the Secretary determines it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or any fish or wildlife population.

(l) Hunting and fishing on lands and waters not within System

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the Secretary to control or regulate hunting or fishing of fish and resident wildlife on lands or waters that are not within the System.

(m) State authority

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of the several States to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident wildlife under State law or regulations in any area within the System. Regulations permitting hunting or fishing of fish and resident wildlife within the System shall be, to the extent practicable, consistent with State fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and management plans.

(n) Water rights

(1) Nothing in this Act shall—

(A) create a reserved water right, express or implied, in the United States for any purpose;

(B) affect any water right in existence on October 9, 1997; or

(C) affect any Federal or State law in existence on October 9, 1997, regarding water quality or water quantity.

(2) Nothing in this Act shall diminish or affect the ability to join the United States in the adjudication of rights to the use of water pursuant to section 666 of title 43.

(o) Coordination with State agencies

Coordination with State fish and wildlife agency personnel or with personnel of other affected State agencies pursuant to this Act shall not be subject to chapter 10 of title 5.

(Pub. L. 89–669, §4, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927; Pub. L. 90–404, §1, July 18, 1968, 82 Stat. 359; Pub. L. 93–205, §13(a), Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 902; Pub. L. 93–509, §2, Dec. 3, 1974, 88 Stat. 1603; Pub. L. 94–215, §5, Feb. 17, 1976, 90 Stat. 190; Pub. L. 94–223, Feb. 27, 1976, 90 Stat. 199; Pub. L. 95–616, §§3(f), 6, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. 3111, 3114; Pub. L. 100–226, §4, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1551; Pub. L. 100–653, title IX, §904, Nov. 14, 1988, 102 Stat. 3834; Pub. L. 105–57, §§3(b)–8, Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1254–1259; Pub. L. 105–312, title II, §206, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2958; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(99), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4316.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 89–669, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, which enacted sections 668aa to 668ee, amended sections 460k, 696, 696b, 715c, 715i to 715k, 718d, and repealed sections 715d–1, 715d–2, 715l, 715m of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is act Feb. 18, 1929, ch. 257, 45 Stat. 1222, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§715 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 715 of this title and Tables.

The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), subsequently renamed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, is act Mar. 16, 1934, ch. 71, 48 Stat. 451, which is classified generally to subchapter IV (§718 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 718 of this title and Tables.

The Refuge Recreation Act and the Act of September 28, 1962, referred to in subsecs. (d)(3)(A)(iii) and (i), is Pub. L. 87–714, Sept. 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 653, which is classified generally to subchapter LXVIII (§460k et seq.) of chapter 1 of this title.

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5." for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)."

1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–312, §206(1), struck out "knowingly" after "No person shall" in first sentence.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–312, §206(2), inserted subsec. heading, par. (1) designation and heading, and "knowingly" after "Any person who", and added par. (2).

1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–57, §3(b), substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Interior" before "for the conservation of fish and wildlife".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, §4(1), (3), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (5).

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–57, §3(b), substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Interior" before "determines with the approval".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–57, §§4(1), 5(a), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (6).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 105–57, §4(1), redesignated par. (2) as (5).

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 105–57, §4(1), redesignated par. (3) as (6).

Subsec. (a)(6)(i). Pub. L. 105–57, §4(2), substituted "paragraph (5)" for "paragraph (2)".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(b)(1), substituted "authorized to take the following actions:" for "authorized—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(b)(2), substituted "Enter" for "to enter".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(b)(3), substituted "Accept" for "to accept" and substituted a period for ", and" at end.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(b)(4), substituted "Acquire" for "to acquire".

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–57, §5(b)(5), added pars. (4) and (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–57, §8(b), struck out at end "The provisions of this Act shall not be construed as affecting the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of the several States to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident wildlife under State law or regulations in any area within the System."

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, §3(b), substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Interior" before "may not grant to any Federal" and before "pursuant to this paragraph".

Subsec. (d)(3), (4). Pub. L. 105–57, §6, added pars. (3) and (4).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–57, §7(a), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–57, §7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g).

Pub. L. 105–57, §3(b), substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Interior" before "to enforce the provisions".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–57, §7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–57, §7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Pub. L. 105–57, §3(b), substituted "Secretary" for "Secretary of the Interior".

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 105–57, §7(a)(1), redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (i) and (j), respectively.

Subsecs. (k) to (o). Pub. L. 105–57, §8(a), added subsecs. (k) to (o).

1988—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–653 substituted "thereunder shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both" for "thereunder shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned not more than six months, or both".

1987—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–226 inserted at end "The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to utilize by agreement, with or without reimbursement, the personnel and services of any other Federal or State agency for purposes of enhancing the enforcement of this Act."

1978—Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 95–616, §6, authorized the Secretary to find that the taking of any species of migratory birds in more than 40 percent of the area would be beneficial to the species.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–616, §3(f), substituted "disposed of by the Secretary, in accordance with law" for "disposed of by the court".

1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–223 designated existing first sentence as par. (1), provided for administration of the System by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and inserted provision respecting continuance of programs relating to management of resources in refuge lands in Alaska, subject to direct supervision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; struck out second sentence providing that "Nothing in this Act shall restrict the authority of the Secretary to modify or revoke public land withdrawals affecting lands in the System as presently constituted, or as it may be constituted, whenever he determines that such action is consistent with the public interest."; designated existing third sentence as par. (2), redesignated as subpars. (A) and (B) former clauses (1) and (2), redesignated as subpar. (B)(i) and (ii) former cl. (2)(A) and (B), substituted in subpar. (A) "with the approval of" for "after consultation with", inserted in subpar. (B)(i) "or fair market value, whichever is greater;" and reenacted as second sentence of par. (2) former last sentence of subsec. (a); and added par. (3).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 94–215 substituted designations "(A)" and "(B)" for "(a)" and "(b)", inserted in cl. (A) ", or for interests in acquired or public lands," before "under his jurisdiction" and substituted in cl. (B) "he may prescribe" for "the Secretary may prescribe".

1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–509 designated existing provisions as par. (1)(A) and (B) and added par. (2).

1973—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–205 inserted "With the exception of endangered species and threatened species listed by the Secretary pursuant to section 1533 of this title in States wherein a cooperative agreement does not exist pursuant to section 1535(c) of this title" before "nothing in this Act shall be construed" and struck out ", including endangered species thereof," before "on lands not within the System" in second sentence.

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–404 inserted provisions that no acquired lands which are or become a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System may be transferred or otherwise disposed of except under the specified conditions, and provisions that the Secretary pay into the migratory bird conservation fund the proceeds of any such transfer or disposal.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–509, §3, Dec. 3, 1974, 88 Stat. 1603, provided that: "Section 4 (d)(2) of the Act of October 15, 1966 (as added by this Act) [subsec. (d)(2) of this section], shall apply with respect to any right-of-way, easement, or reservation granted by the Secretary of the Interior on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 3, 1974], including any right-of-way, easement, or reservation granted on or after such date in connection with any use permitted by him pursuant to section 4(d)(2) of the Act of October 15, 1966 [now subsec. (d)(1)(B) of this section] (as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act)."

Effective Date of 1973 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 93–205 effective Dec. 28, 1973, see section 16 of Pub. L. 93–205, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1531 of this title.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–404, §2, July 18, 1968, 82 Stat. 359, provided that: "The amendments made by the first section of this Act [amending subsec. (a) of this section] shall apply only with respect to transfers and disposals of land initiated and completed after the date of their enactment [July 18, 1968]."

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–296, §1, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4374, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the 'Red River National Wildlife Refuge Boundary Modification Act'."

Short Title of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–101, §1, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2203, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions listed in a table of National Memorials set out under section 320301 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, and amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the 'Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–312, title II, §201, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2957, provided that: "This title [amending this section, sections 721 and 722 of this title, and section 564w–1 of Title 25, Indians, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 722 of this title, and amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the 'National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1998'."

Short Title of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–57, §1(a), Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1252, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and section 668ee of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–509, §1, Dec. 3, 1974, 88 Stat. 1603, provided: "That this Act [amending this section and section 715s of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act Amendments of 1974'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 91–135, §12(f), Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 283, provided that: "The provisions of sections 4 and 5 of the Act of October 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 929; 16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee), as amended, shall hereinafter be cited as the 'National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966'."

National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial

Pub. L. 106–408, title III, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1782, provided that:

"SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.

"This title may be cited as the 'National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act'.

"SEC. 302. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds that—

"(1) President Theodore Roosevelt began the National Wildlife Refuge System by establishing the first refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, on March 14, 1903;

"(2) the National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of more than 93,000,000 acres of Federal land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in more than 532 individual refuges and thousands of waterfowl production areas located in all 50 States and the territories of the United States;

"(3) the System is the only network of Federal land dedicated singularly to wildlife conservation and where wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education are priority public uses;

"(4) the System serves a vital role in the conservation of millions of migratory birds, dozens of endangered species and threatened species, some of the premier fisheries of the United States, marine mammals, and the habitats on which such species of fish and wildlife depend;

"(5) each year the System provides millions of Americans with opportunities to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation;

"(6)(A) public visitation to national wildlife refuges is growing, with more than 35,000,000 visitors annually; and

"(B) it is essential that visitor centers and public use facilities be properly constructed, operated, and maintained;

"(7) the National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 742f note; Public Law 105–242) [see Short Title of 1998 Amendments note under section 742a of this title], and the amendments made by that Act, significantly enhance the ability of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to incorporate volunteers and partnerships in refuge management;

"(8) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 2000], the System has an unacceptable backlog of critical operation and maintenance needs; and

"(9) the occasion of the centennial of the System, in 2003, presents a historic opportunity to enhance natural resource stewardship and expand public enjoyment of the national wildlife refuges of the United States.

"(b) Purposes.—The purposes of this title are—

"(1) to establish a commission to promote awareness by the public of the National Wildlife Refuge System as the System celebrates its centennial in 2003;

"(2) to develop a long-term plan to meet the priority operation, maintenance, and construction needs of the System;

"(3) to require an annual report on the needs of the System prepared in the context of—

"(A) the budget submission of the Department of the Interior to the President; and

"(B) the President's budget request to Congress; and

"(4) to improve public use programs and facilities of the System to meet the increasing needs of the public for wildlife-dependent recreation in the 21st century.

"SEC. 303. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

"(a) Establishment.—There is established the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Commission (referred to in this title as the 'Commission').

"(b) Members.—

"(1) In general.—The Commission shall be composed of—

"(A) the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;

"(B) up to 10 individuals appointed by the Secretary of the Interior;

"(C) the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural Resources] of the House of Representatives and of the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, who shall be nonvoting members; and

"(D) the congressional representatives of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, who shall be nonvoting members.

"(2) Appointments.—

"(A) Deadline.—The members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the effective date of this title.

"(B) Appointments by the secretary of the interior.—

"(i) In general.—The members of the Commission appointed by the Secretary of the Interior under paragraph (1)(B)—

     "(I) shall not be officers or employees of the Federal Government; and

     "(II) shall, in the judgment of the Secretary—

"(aa) represent the diverse beneficiaries of the System; and

"(bb) have outstanding knowledge or appreciation of wildlife, natural resource management, or wildlife-dependent recreation.

"(ii) Representation of views.—In making appointments under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall make every effort to ensure that the views of the hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation communities are represented on the Commission.

"(3) Vacancies.—Any vacancy in the Commission—

"(A) shall not affect the power or duties of the Commission; and

"(B) shall be expeditiously filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

"(c) Chairperson.—The Secretary of the Interior shall appoint one of the members as the Chairperson of the Commission.

"(d) Compensation.—The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their service on the Commission.

"(e) Travel Expenses.—

"(1) Legislative branch members.—The members of the Commission from the legislative branch of the Federal Government shall be allowed necessary travel expenses, as authorized by other law for official travel, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.

"(2) Executive branch members.—The members of the Commission from the executive branch of the Federal Government shall be allowed necessary travel expenses in accordance with section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.

"(3) Other members and staff.—The members of the Commission appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and staff of the Commission may be allowed necessary travel expenses as authorized by section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.

"(f) Duties.—The Commission shall—

"(1) prepare, in cooperation with Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental partners, a plan to commemorate the centennial of the National Wildlife Refuge System beginning on March 14, 2003;

"(2) coordinate the activities of the partners under the plan; and

"(3) plan and host, in cooperation with the partners, a conference on the National Wildlife Refuge System, and assist in the activities of the conference.

"(g) Staff.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commission may employ such staff as are necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission.

"(h) Donations.—

"(1) In general.—The Commission may, in accordance with criteria established under paragraph (2), accept and use donations of money, personal property, or personal services.

"(2) Criteria.—The Commission shall establish written criteria to be used in determining whether the acceptance of gifts or donations under paragraph (1) would—

"(A) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Commission or any employee of the Commission to carry out its responsibilities or official duties in a fair and objective manner; or

"(B) compromise the integrity or the appearance of the integrity of any person involved in the activities of the Commission.

"(i) Administrative Support.—Upon the request of the Commission—

"(1) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, may provide to the Commission such administrative support services as are necessary for the Commission to carry out the duties of the Commission under this title, including services relating to budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, personnel, and procurement; and

"(2) the head of any other appropriate Federal agency may provide to the Commission such advice and assistance, with or without reimbursement, as are appropriate to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission.

"(j) Reports.—

"(1) Annual reports.—Not later than 1 year after the effective date of this title, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on the activities and plans of the Commission.

"(2) Final report.—Not later than September 30, 2004, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural Resources] of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a final report on the activities of the Commission, including an accounting of all funds received and expended by the Commission.

"(k) Termination.—

"(1) In general.—The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits the final report under subsection (j).

"(2) Disposition of materials.—Upon termination of the Commission and after consultation with the Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Secretary of the Interior may—

"(A)(i) deposit all books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other similar materials of the Commission relating to the centennial of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Federal, State, or local libraries or museums; or

"(ii) otherwise dispose of such materials; and

"(B)(i) use other property acquired by the Commission for the purposes of the National Wildlife Refuge System; or

"(ii) treat such property as excess property.

"SEC. 304. LONG-TERM PLANNING AND ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE BACKLOG.

"(a) Unified Long-Term Plan.—Not later than March 1, 2002, the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and submit to Congress and the President a unified long-term plan to address priority operation, maintenance, and construction needs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including—

"(1) priority staffing needs of the System; and

"(2) operation, maintenance, and construction needs as identified in—

"(A) the Refuge Operating Needs System;

"(B) the Maintenance Management System;

"(C) the 5-year deferred maintenance list;

"(D) the 5-year construction list;

"(E) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service report entitled 'Fulfilling the Promise of America's National Wildlife Refuge System'; and

"(F) individual refuge comprehensive conservation plans.

"(b) Annual Submission.—Beginning with the submission to Congress of the budget for fiscal year 2003, the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and submit to Congress, in the context of each annual budget submission, a report that contains—

"(1) an assessment of expenditures in the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years to meet the operation and maintenance backlog as identified in the long-term plan under subsection (a); and

"(2) a specification of transition costs, in the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years, as identified in the analysis of newly acquired refuge land prepared by the Department of the Interior, and a description of the method used to determine the priority status of the transition costs.

"SEC. 305. YEAR OF THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.

"(a) Finding.—Congress finds that designation of the year 2003 as the 'Year of the National Wildlife Refuge' would promote the goal of increasing public appreciation of the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

"(b) Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to accomplish the goal of such a year.

"SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

"There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities of the Commission under this title—

"(1) $100,000 for fiscal year 2001; and

"(2) $250,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004.

"SEC. 307. EFFECTIVE DATE.

"This title takes effect on January 20, 2001."

Congressional Findings

Pub. L. 105–57, §2, Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1252, provided that: "The Congress finds the following:

"(1) The National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of over 92,000,000 acres of Federal lands that have been incorporated within 509 individual units located in all 50 States and the territories of the United States.

"(2) The System was created to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats and this conservation mission has been facilitated by providing Americans opportunities to participate in compatible wildlife-dependent recreation, including fishing and hunting, on System lands and to better appreciate the value of and need for fish and wildlife conservation.

"(3) The System serves a pivotal role in the conservation of migratory birds, anadromous and interjurisdictional fish, marine mammals, endangered and threatened species, and the habitats on which these species depend.

"(4) The System assists in the fulfillment of important international treaty obligations of the United States with regard to fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats.

"(5) The System includes lands purchased not only through the use of tax dollars but also through the proceeds from sales of Duck Stamps and national wildlife refuge entrance fees. It is a System that is financially supported by those benefiting from and utilizing it.

"(6) When managed in accordance with principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and environmental education in national wildlife refuges have been and are expected to continue to be generally compatible uses.

"(7) On March 25, 1996, the President issued Executive Order 12996 [set out below], which recognized 'compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation as priority public uses of the Refuge System'.

"(8) Executive Order 12996 is a positive step and serves as the foundation for the permanent statutory changes made by this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note above]."

Statutory Construction With Respect to Alaska

Pub. L. 105–57, §9, Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1260, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Nothing in this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note above] is intended to affect—

"(1) the provisions for subsistence uses in Alaska set forth in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487) [see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title], including those in titles III [enacting provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out below and provisions set out as a note under section 3145 of this title] and VIII [16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.] of that Act;

"(2) the provisions of section 102 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3102], the jurisdiction over subsistence uses in Alaska, or any assertion of subsistence uses in Alaska in the Federal courts; and

"(3) the manner in which section 810 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3120] is implemented in national wildlife refuges in Alaska.

"(b) Conflicts of Laws.—If any conflict arises between any provision of this Act and any provision of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, then the provision in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act shall prevail."

Land Transfer and Conveyance, Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire

Pub. L. 102–154, title III, §319, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1036, provided that:

"(a) Transfer by the Air Force.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Air Force shall transfer to the Department of the Interior a parcel of real property located west of McIntyre Road at the site of former Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire: Provided, That the Secretary of the Air Force shall retain responsibility for any hazardous substances which may be found on the property so transferred.

"(b) Establishment of National Wildlife Refuge.—Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of the Interior shall designate the parcel of land transferred under subsection (a) as an area in the National Wildlife Refuge System under the authority of section 4 of the Act of October 15, 1966 (16 U.S.C. 688dd).

"(c) Conveyance to State of New Hampshire.—

"(1) Conveyance.—Subject to paragraphs (2) through (5), the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the State of New Hampshire, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property consisting of not more than 100 acres that is a part of the real property transferred to the Secretary under subsection (a) and that the Secretary determines to be suitable for use as a cemetery.

"(2) Condition of conveyance.—The conveyance under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the condition that the State of New Hampshire use the property conveyed under that paragraph only for the purpose of establishing and operating a State cemetery for veterans.

"(3) Reversion.—If the Secretary determines at any time that the State of New Hampshire is not complying with the condition specified in paragraph (2), all right, title, and interest in and to the property conveyed pursuant to paragraph (1), including any improvements thereon, shall revert to the United States and the United States shall have the right of immediate entry thereon.

"(4) Description of property.—The exact acreage and legal description of the parcel of real property to be conveyed under paragraph (1) shall be determined by a survey that is satisfactory to the Secretary.

"(5) Additional terms and conditions.—The Secretary may require any additional terms or conditions in connection with the conveyance under this subsection that the Secretary determines appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.

"(d) The purposes for which this national wildlife refuge is established are—

"(1) to encourage the natural diversity of plant, fish, and wildlife species within the refuge, and to provide for their conservation and management;

"(2) to protect species listed as endangered or threatened, or identified as candidates for listing pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);

"(3) to preserve and enhance the water quality of aquatic habitat within the refuge; and

"(4) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States relating to fish and wildlife."

National Wildlife Refuges

Provisions relating to national wildlife refuges were contained in the following acts and executive documents:
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–487, title III, §303(1), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2389; Pub. L. 101–622, Nov. 21, 1990, 104 Stat. 3347; Pub. L. 102–489, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3138; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. A, §302], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-180; Pub. L. 107–239, Oct. 11, 2002, 116 Stat. 1488; Pub. L. 107–314, div. B, title XXVIII, §2853, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2727.
Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(1), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2385; Pub. L. 111–11, title VI, §§6401–6406, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1177–1182.
Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge, New York.—Pub. L. 104–148, §1, May 24, 1996, 110 Stat. 1378.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Myrtle Foester Whitmire Division, Texas.—Pub. L. 102–226, §1, Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1685.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–487, title III, §303(2), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2390; Pub. L. 115–97, title II, §20001(b)(2)(B), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2236.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.—Pub. L. 99–615, Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3484.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 98–548, title III, Oct. 26, 1984, 98 Stat. 2776; Pub. L. 99–625, §2, Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3502.
Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado.—Pub. L. 106–530, §6, Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2530.
Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon.—Pub. L. 97–137, title I, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1709; Pub. L. 105–321, §5, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3025.
Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 101–593, title I, §108, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2956.
Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 99–645, title V, §502, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3590; Pub. L. 104–253, §2, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3167.
Becharof National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(2), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2385.
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (former Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge), Washington.—Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title I, §126, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 315; Pub. L. 114–101, §2, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2203.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.—Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title I, §139, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 244.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Maryland.—Pub. L. 108–131, Nov. 22, 2003, 117 Stat. 1372.
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana and Mississippi.—Pub. L. 96–288, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 603; Pub. L. 99–191, §3, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1327; Pub. L. 101–233, §17, Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1978.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama.—Pub. L. 96–267, June 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 483; Pub. L. 99–191, §1, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1327.
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.—Pub. L. 102–584, §§1–5, Nov. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 4937–4941.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama.—Pub. L. 106–331, Oct. 19, 2000, 114 Stat. 1303; Pub. L. 106–369, §9(b), Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1419; Pub. L. 109–363, title V, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2078.
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina.—Pub. L. 107–63, title I, §129, Nov. 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 442.
Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 106–369, §§1–7, Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1417–1419.
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Montana.—Pub. L. 106–541, title VIII, Dec. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 2699; Pub. L. 111–85, title I, §123, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2852.
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 109–127, Dec. 7, 2005, 119 Stat. 2548.
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Kentucky.—Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(d) [title I], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–181, 3009-185.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Pub. L. 106–291, title I, §138, Oct. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 949.
Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, New York.—Pub. L. 116–110, Jan. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 6.
Cossatot National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas.—Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title III, §305(h), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4130.
Desert National Wildlife Range, Nevada.—Pub. L. 107–282, title III, §301, Nov. 6, 2002, 116 Stat. 2006; Pub. L. 108–424, title VI, §601, Nov. 30, 2004, 118 Stat. 2419.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (former Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge), Michigan.—Pub. L. 87–119, Aug. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 107–91, Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 894; Pub. L. 108–23, May 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 704.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 92–326, June 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 391; Pub. L. 96–290, §1, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 100–556, title II, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2780; Pub. L. 104–78, §1, Dec. 28, 1995, 109 Stat. 790.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey.—Pub. L. 98–293, May 22, 1984, 98 Stat. 207.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.—Pub. L. 93–341, July 10, 1974, 88 Stat. 295.
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge (former Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge), Virginia.—Pub. L. 106–291, title I, §120, Oct. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 944; Pub. L. 109–269, §1, Aug. 12, 2006, 120 Stat. 682.
Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina.—Pub. L. 108–447, div. E, title I, §137, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3068.
Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Ex. Ord. No. 703, Oct. 23, 1907; Proc. No. 2416, July 25, 1940, 54 Stat. 2717; Pub. L. 100–226, §3, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1550.
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Pub. L. 100–406, Aug. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 1041.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia and North Carolina.—Pub. L. 93–402, Aug. 30, 1974, 88 Stat. 801.
Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, Oregon.—Pub. L. 105–321, §4(a)–(d), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3023.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (see Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge).
Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge (former Bogue Phalia Unit of the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge), Mississippi.—Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §145(g)(1), Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 444.
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 96–290, §2, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 607; Pub. L. 107–130, Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2409.
Innoko National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(3), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2386.
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §303(3), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2390; Pub. L. 111–11, title VI, §§6401–6406, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1177–1182.
James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii.—Pub. L. 109–225, May 25, 2006, 120 Stat. 378.
John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge (former Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge), Rhode Island.—Pub. L. 100–610, title II, Nov. 5, 1988, 102 Stat. 3176; Pub. L. 102–212, title II, §202, Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1660; Pub. L. 104–212, title II, Oct. 1, 1996, 110 Stat. 3014; Pub. L. 106–53, title V, §565(c), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 367.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum (former Tinicum National Environmental Center), Pennsylvania.—Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 995; Pub. L. 103–340, §7, formerly §6, Oct. 6, 1994, 108 Stat. 3120, renumbered §7, Pub. L. 106–369, §9(a), Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1419; Pub. L. 109–166, §4, Jan. 10, 2006, 119 Stat. 3577.
Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(4), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2386.
Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–487, title III, §303(4), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2391; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title III, §311(d)(3), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4142.
Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii.—Pub. L. 108–481, Dec. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 3910.
Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon.—Act Aug. 13, 1954, ch. 732, §28, as added Pub. L. 85–731, §1, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 816; amended Pub. L. 86–247, Sept. 9, 1959, 73 Stat. 477; Pub. L. 105–312, title II, §205, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2957; Pub. L. 105–321, §4(e), Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 3025.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §303(5), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2391.
Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(5), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2386.
Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia (see Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge).
McNary National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Pub. L. 106–53, title V, §563(l), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 365; Pub. L. 110–114, title III, §3164, Nov. 8, 2007, 121 Stat. 1151.
Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Midway Islands.—Ex. Ord. No. 13022, §3(a), Oct. 31, 1996, 61 F.R. 56875; Pub. L. 107–206, title I, §703, Aug. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 864.
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota.—Pub. L. 94–466, Oct. 8, 1976, 90 Stat. 1992.
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama.—Pub. L. 107–314, div. B, title XXVIII, §2821, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2710.
Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge (former Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge), Florida.—Pub. L. 115–282, title VIII, §837, Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4321; Pub. L. 115–432, Jan. 10, 2019, 132 Stat. 5522.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa.—Pub. L. 105–83, title III, §341, Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1604.
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island.—Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1214(g), (i), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 206, 207; Pub. L. 105–206, title IX, §9006(d), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 849.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington (see Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge).
North Platte National Wildlife Refuge, Nebraska.—Pub. L. 104–212, title I, §101, Oct. 1, 1996, 110 Stat. 3014.
Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(6), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2387.
Oahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Hawaii.—Pub. L. 104–209, §1, Oct. 1, 1996, 110 Stat. 3010.
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Ohio.—Pub. L. 108–23, May 19, 2003, 117 Stat. 704.
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts.—Pub. L. 103–337, div. B, title XXVIII, §2846, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3071; Pub. L. 104–106, div. B, title XXVIII, §2853, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 567.
Pettaquamscutt Cove National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island (see John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge).
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina.—Pub. L. 103–232, title III, Apr. 11, 1994, 108 Stat. 339.
Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Pub. L. 97–333, Oct. 15, 1982, 96 Stat. 1623.
Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Ex. Ord. No. 705, Oct. 23, 1907; Proc. No. 2416, July 25, 1940, 54 Stat. 2717; Pub. L. 100–226, §3, Dec. 31, 1987, 101 Stat. 1550.
Red River National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 106–300, Oct. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 1055; Pub. L. 106–369, §9(c), Oct. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 1419; Pub. L. 117–296, §2, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4374.
Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island.—Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1214(j), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 207.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington.—Pub. L. 102–570, §1, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4489.
Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado.—Pub. L. 107–107, div. C, title XXXI, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1379; Pub. L. 109–163, div. C, title XXXI, §3112(b)(7), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3541.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado.—Pub. L. 102–402, Oct. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 1961; Pub. L. 105–85, div. B, title XXVIII, §2840, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 2007; Pub. L. 114–328, div. B, title XXVIII, §2829C, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2731.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island.—Pub. L. 105–178, title I, §1214(f), (h), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 206, 207.
Sailors' Snug Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, New York.—Pub. L. 96–315, §2, July 25, 1980, 94 Stat. 957.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.—Pub. L. 109–241, title V, §504, July 11, 2006, 120 Stat. 551.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (former Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge), Mississippi.—Pub. L. 112–94, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 10.
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [div. B, title XXVIII, §2848], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-426.
Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 92–408, Aug. 29, 1972, 86 Stat. 633.
Selawik National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(7), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2387.
Senator Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge (former White River National Wildlife Refuge), Arkansas.—Pub. L. 102–584, §§1–5, Nov. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 4937–4941; Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title I, §120, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 314.
Silvio Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.—Pub. L. 102–212, title I, Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1655.
Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, California.—Pub. L. 105–372, title I, §103, Nov. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 3380.
Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Connecticut.—Pub. L. 98–548, title II, Oct. 26, 1984, 98 Stat. 2774; Pub. L. 100–38, May 13, 1987, 101 Stat. 306; Pub. L. 101–443, §2, Oct. 19, 1990, 104 Stat. 1028.
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada.—Pub. L. 101–618, title II, §206(b), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3309.
Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana.—Pub. L. 96–285, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 595; Pub. L. 99–191, §2, Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1327; Pub. L. 104–253, §1, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3167.
Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(8), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2388.
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi.—Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §145, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 443.
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex (former Central Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge Complex), Mississippi.—Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §145(g)(2), Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 444.
Tinicum National Environmental Center (see John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum).
Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §303(6), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2392.
Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina.—Pub. L. 107–63, title I, Nov. 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 420.
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, New Jersey.—Pub. L. 101–593, title I, §107, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 2955.
Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, New York.—Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(5) [title II, §222], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-299.
White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas (see Senator Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge).
Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan (see Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge).
Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §303(7), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2392; Pub. L. 108–129, Nov. 17, 2003, 117 Stat. 1358.
Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.—Pub. L. 96–498, title III, §302(9), Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2388.

National Wildlife Conservation Area

Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area, Kentucky.—Pub. L. 97–137, title II, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1710; Pub. L. 98–613, §10(c), (d), Oct. 31, 1984, 98 Stat. 3191; Pub. L. 105–146, §2, Dec. 16, 1997, 111 Stat. 2672.

National Environmental Centers

Tinicum National Environmental Center, Pennsylvania.—Pub. L. 92–326, June 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 391; renamed John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 995.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with approval to cross national wildlife refuges under sections 668dd and 668ee of this title with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

Ex. Ord. No. 12996. Management and General Public Use of National Wildlife Refuge System

Ex. Ord. No. 12996, Mar. 25, 1996, 61 F.R. 13647, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in furtherance of the purposes of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a [et seq.]), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 [et seq.]), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd [, 668ee]), the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k [et seq.]), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 [et seq.]), the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3901 [et seq.]), the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4401 [et seq.]), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 [et seq.]), and other pertinent statutes, and in order to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. The Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System ("Refuge System") is to preserve a national network of lands and waters for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the United States for the benefit of present and future generations.

Sec. 2. Guiding Principles. To help ensure a bright future for its treasured national heritage, I hereby affirm the following four guiding principles for the management and general public use of the Refuge System:

(a) Public Use. The Refuge System provides important opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

(b) Habitat. Fish and wildlife will not prosper without high-quality habitat, and without fish and wildlife, traditional uses of refuges cannot be sustained. The Refuge System will continue to conserve and enhance the quality and diversity of fish and wildlife habitat within refuges.

(c) Partnerships. America's sportsmen and women were the first partners who insisted on protecting valuable wildlife habitat within wildlife refuges. Conservation partnerships with other Federal agencies, State agencies, Tribes, organizations, industry, and the general public can make significant contributions to the growth and management of the Refuge System.

(d) Public Involvement. The public should be given a full and open opportunity to participate in decisions regarding acquisition and management of our National Wildlife Refuges.

Sec. 3. Directives to the Secretary of the Interior. To the extent consistent with existing laws and interagency agreements, the Secretary of the Interior, in carrying out his trustee and stewardship responsibilities for the Refuge System, is directed to:

(a) recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation as priority general public uses of the Refuge System through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife;

(b) provide expanded opportunities for these priority public uses within the Refuge System when they are compatible and consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, and are otherwise in the public interest;

(c) ensure that such priority public uses receive enhanced attention in planning and management within the Refuge System;

(d) provide increased opportunities for families to experience wildlife-dependent recreation, particularly opportunities for parents and their children to safely engage in traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing and hunting;

(e) ensure that the biological integrity and environmental health of the Refuge System is maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans;

(f) continue, consistent with existing laws and interagency agreements, authorized or permitted uses of units of the Refuge System by other Federal agencies, including those necessary to facilitate military preparedness;

(g) plan and direct the continued growth of the Refuge System in a manner that is best designed to accomplish the mission of the Refuge System, to contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems of the United States, and to increase support for the Refuge System and participation from conservation partners and the public;

(h) ensure timely and effective cooperation and collaboration with Federal agencies and State fish and wildlife agencies during the course of acquiring and managing National Wildlife Refuges;

(i) ensure appropriate public involvement opportunities will be provided in conjunction with refuge planning and management activities; and

(j) identify, prior to acquisition, existing compatible wildlife-dependent uses of new refuge lands that shall be permitted to continue on an interim basis pending completion of comprehensive planning.

Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person.

William J. Clinton.      

§668ee. Definitions

For purposes of this Act:

(1) The term "compatible use" means a wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other use of a refuge that, in the sound professional judgment of the Director, will not materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the mission of the System or the purposes of the refuge.

(2) The terms "wildlife-dependent recreation" and "wildlife-dependent recreational use" mean a use of a refuge involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or environmental education and interpretation.

(3) The term "sound professional judgment" means a finding, determination, or decision that is consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management and administration, available science and resources, and adherence to the requirements of this Act and other applicable laws.

(4) The terms "conserving", "conservation", "manage", "managing", and "management", mean to sustain and, where appropriate, restore and enhance, healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants utilizing, in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, methods and procedures associated with modern scientific resource programs. Such methods and procedures include, consistent with the provisions of this Act, protection, research, census, law enforcement, habitat management, propagation, live trapping and transplantation, and regulated taking.

(5) The term "Coordination Area" means a wildlife management area that is made available to a State—

(A) by cooperative agreement between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and a State agency having control over wildlife resources pursuant to section 664 of this title; or

(B) by long-term leases or agreements pursuant to title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (50 Stat. 525; 7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq.).

(6) The term "Director" means the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or a designee of that Director.

(7) The terms "fish", "wildlife", and "fish and wildlife" mean any wild member of the animal kingdom whether alive or dead, and regardless of whether the member was bred, hatched, or born in captivity, including a part, product, egg, or offspring of the member.

(8) The term "person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

(9) The term "plant" means any member of the plant kingdom in a wild, unconfined state, including any plant community, seed, root, or other part of a plant.

(10) The terms "purposes of the refuge" and "purposes of each refuge" mean the purposes specified in or derived from the law, proclamation, executive order, agreement, public land order, donation document, or administrative memorandum establishing, authorizing, or expanding a refuge, refuge unit, or refuge subunit.

(11) The term "refuge" means a designated area of land, water, or an interest in land or water within the System, but does not include Coordination Areas.

(12) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.

(13) The terms "State" and "United States" mean the several States of the United States, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the territories and possessions of the United States.

(14) The term "System" means the National Wildlife Refuge System designated under section 668dd(a)(1) of this title.

(15) The terms "take", "taking", and "taken" mean to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill, or to attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill.

(Pub. L. 89–669, §5, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 105–57, §3(a), Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1253.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 89–669, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, which enacted sections 668aa to 668ee, amended sections 460k, 696, 696b, 715c, 715i to 715k, 718d, and repealed sections 715d–1, 715d–2, 715l, 715m of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act, referred to in par. (5)(B), is act July 22, 1937, ch. 517, 50 Stat. 522. Title III of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§1010 et seq.) of chapter 33 of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1000 of Title 7 and Tables.

Amendments

1997—Pub. L. 105–57 inserted section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(a) The term 'person' as used in this Act means any individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

"(b) The terms 'take' or 'taking' or 'taken' as used in this Act mean to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, kill, or attempt to pursue, hunt, shoot, capture, collect, or kill.

"(c) The terms 'State' and the 'United States' as used in this Act mean the several States of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and Guam."

§§668ff to 668jj. Omitted

Sections, Pub. L. 92–330, June 30, 1972, 86 Stat. 399, which established San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to be administered by Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, have been omitted because of the limited scope of the subject matter. The San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge [now Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge] has been set out in the table of National Wildlife Refuges under section 668dd of this title.

§§668kk to 668ss. Omitted

Sections, Pub. L. 94–466, Oct. 8, 1976, 90 Stat. 1992, which established Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to be administered by Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, have been omitted because of the limited scope of the subject matter. The Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge has been set out in the table of National Wildlife Refuges under section 668dd of this title.