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.