,i #aaeth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #gbcb ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #aj1 #bjah,mr4 ,beyer introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 and in addition to the ,committees on ,armed ,services1 ,agriculture1 and ,transportation and ,infrastructure1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to establish a ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,program to provide for the protection and restoration of certain native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,wildlife ,corridors ,conservation ,act of #bjah4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #d4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,program4 ,sec4 #e4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database4 ,sec4 #f4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #g4 ,national ,coordination ,committee and regional wildlife movement councils4 ,sec4 #h4 ,protection and management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #i4 ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship and ,protection ,fund4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,protection of ,indian tribes4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,relationship to other conservation laws4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,collaboration4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 the native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species in the ,united ,states are part of a rich natural heritage and an important legacy to pass on to future generations2 7#b7 the populations of many native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species in the ,united ,states are declining2 7#c7 scientists estimate that #a in #e animal and plant species in the ,united ,states is at risk of extinction1 and many species are declining in numbers2 7#d7 one of the greatest threats to the survival and diversity of many native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species in the ,united ,states is the loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 and obstruction of natural habitats2 7#e7 the conservation of landscape corridors and hydrological connectivity1 through which native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species and ecological processes can transition from #a habitat to another1 plays an important role in helping-- 7,a7 to conserve native biodiversity2 and 7,b7 to ensure resiliency against impacts from a range of stressors2 7#f7 climate change threatens native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species2 7#g7 the conservation1 restoration1 and establishment of new ecological connections to facilitate the shift of species into more suitable habitats is a key climate change adaptation strategy2 7#h7 protecting landscape-scale corridors and hydrological connectivity is-- 7,a7 a broadly accepted strategy-- 7i7 to conserve native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species2 and 7ii7 to ensure ecosystem resilience2 and 7,b7 often #a of the first steps in restoration and recovery planning2 7#i7 in the policy resolution of the ,western ,governors' ,association entitled ,protecting ,wildlife ,migration ,corridors and ,crucial ,wildlife ,habitat in the ,west and the resolution of the ,new ,england ,governors and ,eastern ,canadian ,premiers' ,conference1 which recognizes the importance of ecological connectivity for the adaptability and resilience of the ecosystems of participating regions1 biodiversity1 and human communities in the face of climate change1 ,states have recognized the importance of connectivity2 7#aj7 the strategic plan of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service to respond to accelerating climate change entitled ,rising to the ,urgent ,challenge acknowledges that processes such as pollination1 seed dispersal1 nutrient cycling1 natural disturbance cycles1 predator-prey relations1 and others must be part of the natural landscapes we seek to maintain or restore ''' and are likely to function more optimally in landscapes composed of large habitat blocks connected by well-placed corridors2 and 7#aa7 ,federal and ,state agencies continue to develop policies to address-- 7,a7 the importance of conserving fish1 wildlife1 and plant corridors2 7,b7 the gap between science and management for at-risk species2 and 7,c7 ecological connectivity4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works of the ,senate2 7,c7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7,d7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives2 7,e7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,f7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,connectivity ,the term connectivity means the degree to which the landscape or seascape facilitates or impedes native species movement4 7#c7 ,corridor ,the term corridor means a distinct component of the landscape or seascape that-- 7,a7 provides habitat or ecological connectivity2 and 7,b7 allows for fish1 wildlife1 or plant movement4 7#d7 ,database ,the term ,database means the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database established under section #e7;a74 7#e7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship and ,protection ,fund established by section #i7;a74 7#f7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#g7 ,national ,coordination ,committee ,the term ,national ,coordination ,committee means the ,national ,coordination ,committee established under section #g7;b74 7#h7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,the term ,national ,wildlife ,corridor means any land or water designated as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor under section #f7;a74 7#i7 ,native species ,the term native species means-- 7,a7 an indigenous fish1 wildlife1 or plant species of the ,united ,states 7including territories and freely associated states of the ,united ,states71 including subspecies and plant varieties2 and 7,b7 a noninvasive fish1 wildlife1 or plant species of the ,united ,states 7including territories and freely associated states of the ,united ,states7 that-- 7i7 are not indigenous to the ,united ,states 7or territories and freely associated states of the ,united ,states72 but 7ii7 are valued for-- 7,i7 the contribution of the species to species diversity2 or 7,,ii7 the social1 cultural1 or economic value of the species4 7#aj7 ,program ,the term ,program means the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,program established under section #d7;a74 7#aa7 ,regional ocean partnership ,the term regional ocean partnership means-- 7,a7 a regional organization of #b or more coastal ,states1 ,great ,lakes ,states 7as defined in section #aah7;a77#c7 of the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abfh7;a77#c7771 territories1 or freely associated states voluntarily convened by the ,governors of those coastal ,states1 ,great ,lakes ,states1 territories1 or freely associated states1 as applicable1 to address crossjurisdictional ocean or ,great ,lakes matters2 or 7,b7 the functional equivalent of a regional organization described in subparagraph 7,a7 designated by #b or more governors of a ,state1 territory1 or freely associated state4 7#ab7 ,regional wildlife movement council ,the term regional wildlife movement council means a regional wildlife movement council established under section #g7;c74 7#ac7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,commerce2 7,c7 the ,secretary of ,defense2 7,d7 the ,secretary of the ,interior2 and 7,e7 the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7#ad7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting through the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#ae7 ,territory2 freely associated state ,the terms territory and freely associated state mean any of the following territories of the ,united ,states or freely associated states3 7,a7 ,the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7,b7 ,guam4 7,c7 ,american ,samoa4 7,d7 ,the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7,e7 ,the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia4 7,f7 ,the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands4 7,g7 ,the ,republic of ,palau4 7,h7 ,the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#af7 ,wildlife movement ,the term wildlife movement means the passage of individual members or populations of a fish1 wildlife1 or plant species across a landscape or seascape4 #d4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretaries1 shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,program4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the ,program are-- 7#a7 to provide for the conservation and restoration of habitats that-- 7,a7 support a diverse array of native species1 including at-risk species protected under ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal law1 as applicable1 that have experienced or may experience habitat loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 or obstruction to connectivity2 7,b7 provide long-term habitat connectivity for native species for migration1 dispersal1 adaptation to climate and other environmental change1 and genetic exchange2 and 7,c7 help restore ecological processes that have been disrupted by habitat loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 or obstruction2 7#b7 to support ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 private landowner1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers in the collaborative development of the ,database and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors that would inform planning and development decisions within the respective jurisdiction of each decisionmaker2 7#c7 to provide mechanisms to support collaborative research1 mapping1 and planning of habitats and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 and 7#d7 to facilitate coordinated landscape- and seascape-scale connectivity planning and management across jurisdictions through-- 7,a7 the establishment of a ,national ,coordination ,committee and regional wildlife movement councils2 and 7,b7 the use of the ,database by ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 private landowner1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers to incorporate information on native species habitats and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 7c7 ,components ,the ,program shall consist of-- 7#a7 the ,database2 7#b7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 7#c7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee and the wildlife movements grant program established under subsection 7d72 7#d7 regional wildlife movement councils2 and 7#e7 the ,fund4 7d7 ,wildlife movements grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a wildlife movements grant program 7referred to in this subsection as the grant program7 to encourage wildlife movement in accordance with this subsection4 7#b7 ,grants ,beginning not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 based on recommendations from the ,national ,coordination ,committee under section #g7;b77#e77;,e77iii71 shall make grants to #a or more projects that-- 7,a7 are a priority project identified by a regional wildlife movement council2 7,b7 satisfy the purposes of the ,program described in subsection 7b72 and 7,c7 increase connectivity for native species4 7#c7 ,requirements ,in administering the grant program1 the ,secretary shall use the criteria1 guidelines1 contracts1 reporting requirements1 and evaluation metrics developed by the ,national ,coordination ,committee under clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of section #g7;b77#e77;,e74 #e4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey 7referred to in this section as the ,director71 in consultation with the ,national ,coordination ,committee and the regional wildlife movement councils1 shall establish a database1 to be known as the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database4 7b7 ,contents 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,database shall-- 7,a7 include maps1 data1 models1 surveys1 and descriptions of native species habitats and corridors that have been developed by ,federal agencies1 ,state fish and wildlife agencies and natural heritage programs1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 nongovernmental organizations1 and industry2 and 7,b7 include maps1 models1 analyses1 and descriptions of projected shifts in habitats and corridors of native species in response to climate change or other environmental factors4 7#b7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,data quality ,in establishing the ,database1 the ,director shall ensure-- 7i7 the quality of the data in the ,database2 and 7ii7 that the data in the ,database-- 7,i7 reflects the best scientific data available2 and 7,,ii7 meets accepted geospatial and metadata protocols and standards4 7,b7 ,availability ,the ,director shall make the data1 models1 and analyses included in the ,database available at scales useful to ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 private landowner1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers and the public4 7c7 ,requirements ,subject to subsection 7d71 the ,director1 in collaboration with the ,national ,coordination ,committee and the regional wildlife movement councils1 shall-- 7#a7 design the ,database to support ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 private landowner1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers and the public with data that will allow those entities-- 7,a7 to prioritize and target natural resource adaptation strategies2 7,b7 to assess the impacts of proposed energy1 water1 transportation1 and transmission projects1 and other development activities1 and to avoid1 minimize1 and mitigate the impacts of those projects and activities on habitats and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 7,c7 to assess the impact of existing development on native species habitats and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 and 7,d7 to develop strategies that promote landscape and aquatic connectivity to allow native species to move-- 7i7 to meet biological and ecological needs2 7ii7 to adjust to shifts in habitat2 and 7iii7 to adapt to climate change2 and 7#b7 establish a coordination process-- 7,a7 to establish geospatial data and metadata protocols and standards that enhance capabilities for integrating geographical information systems1 databases1 and analytical tools that have been developed by ,federal agencies1 ,state fish and wildlife agencies and natural heritage programs1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 nongovernmental organizations1 and industry2 7,b7 to ensure consistent data collection and monitoring system protocols of maps1 models1 high-quality data1 surveys1 and other geospatial information with respect to native species connectivity2 7,c7 to update maps and other information with respect to landscapes1 native species habitats and ranges1 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors1 native species populations1 and wildlife movement changes as information becomes available2 7,d7 to design useful and relevant search tools and methods for relevant stakeholders2 7,e7 not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 to develop and submit to the ,secretary and the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that-- 7i7 provides an assessment of existing maps1 data1 models1 surveys1 and descriptions of native species habitats and corridors that have been developed by ,federal agencies1 ,state fish and wildlife agencies and natural heritage programs1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 nongovernmental organizations1 and industry2 and 7ii7 identifies gaps in native species habitat and corridor information2 and 7,f7 not less frequently than once every #e years1 to develop and submit a report to the ,secretary and the appropriate committees of ,congress1 to be made publicly available1 that-- 7i7 outlines the categories for data that may be included in the ,database2 7ii7 outlines the data protocols and standards for each category of data in the ,database2 7iii7 identifies gaps in native species habitat and ,national ,wildlife ,corridor information1 mapping1 and research in the ,database that should be addressed to fully understand and assess current data2 7iv7 prioritizes research and future data collection activities for use in updating the ,database2 and 7v7 evaluates and quantifies the efficacy of the ,database to meet the needs of the entities described in paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,proprietary interests and protected information ,in developing the ,database1 the ,director shall-- 7#a7 as applicable1 protect proprietary interests with respect to any licensed information1 licensed data1 and other items contained in the ,database2 and 7#b7 protect information in the ,database with respect to the habitats and ranges of specific native species to prevent poaching1 illegal taking and trapping1 and other related threats to native species4 #f4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,designation ,the ,secretaries shall designate connectivity corridors1 to be known as ,national ,wildlife ,corridors1 on the land or water under the respective jurisdictions of the ,secretaries in accordance with regulations promulgated by the ,secretary under subsection 7c77#a74 7b7 ,strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall develop a strategy for the effective development of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors designed-- 7,a7 to ensure the fulfillment of the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b72 and 7,b7 to include-- 7i7 consideration of connectivity needs with respect to non-,federal land and water2 7ii7 effective coordination of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors that span across land and water of ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local jurisdictions and private land with the ,national ,coordination ,committee and the regional wildlife movement councils2 and 7iii7 an approximate development timeline for the implementation of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 7#b7 ,scope ,the scope of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor to be designated under subsection 7a7 may vary according to the habitat needs of individual or ecologically associated native species4 7#c7 ,consultation and coordination ,the ,secretary shall develop the strategy under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in consultation with the ,secretaries2 and 7,b7 in coordination with-- 7i7 ,states1 ,indian tribes1 and other interested stakeholders1 including relevant private landowners2 7ii7 landscape- and seascape-scale partnerships1 including-- 7,i7 the ,national ,fish ,habitat ,partnership2 7,,ii7 the ,national ,ocean ,service of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7,,iii7 the ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,service2 7,,iv7 regional ocean partnerships2 7,v7 the ,climate ,science ,centers of the ,department of the ,interior2 and 7,,vi7 the ,landscape ,conservation ,cooperative ,network2 7iii7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee2 and 7iv7 the regional wildlife movement councils4 7c7 ,rulemaking 7#a7 ,national wildlife corridors ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretaries1 pursuant to the land1 water1 and resource management planning authorities of the ,secretaries1 shall establish a process1 by regulation1 for the designation and management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors of land and water under the respective jurisdictions of the ,secretaries4 7#b7 ,federal land and water management ,the ,secretaries shall consider the designation of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors in any process relating to the issuance1 revision1 or modification of a management plan for land or water under the respective jurisdiction of the ,secretaries4 7d7 ,criteria for designation ,the regulations promulgated by the ,secretary under subsection 7c77#a7 shall ensure that1 in designating a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor1 the ,secretaries-- 7#a7 base the designation of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor on-- 7,a7 the best available science2 and 7,b7 historic1 current1 or likely future continuous1 annual1 or periodic use of the land or water to be designated as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor by native species2 7#b7 may take into consideration recommendations from the ,national ,coordination ,committee under subparagraph 7,f7 of section #g7;b77#e7 and information from the ,north ,american ,plan for ,maintaining ,wildlife ,movements under subparagraph 7,c7 of that section2 7#c7 may consider information contained in-- 7,a7 governmental or nongovernmental assessments1 plans1 monitoring reports1 and studies2 and 7,b7 other relevant sources of information1 such as-- 7i7 ecoregional assessments2 7ii7 nongovernmental reports2 7iii7 public transportation plans2 7iv7 ,state native species data and ,state wildlife action plans2 7v7 traditional ecological knowledge1 including ,tribal and indigenous ecological knowledge2 and 7vi7 ,federal agency reports2 7#d7 shall ensure that the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor supports the connectivity1 persistence1 resilience1 and adaptability of native species by providing for-- 7,a7 dispersal and genetic exchange between populations2 7,b7 range shifting1 range expansion1 or range restoration1 such as in response to climate change2 7,c7 seasonal movement or migration2 or 7,d7 succession1 movement1 or recolonization following-- 7i7 a disturbance1 such as fire1 flood1 drought1 or infestation2 or 7ii7 population decline due to disease or previous extirpation2 and 7#e7 shall be informed by the ,database4 7e7 ,designation of land or water requiring restoration or connection of habitat ,the ,secretaries may designate as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor land or water that-- 7#a7 requires restoration1 including-- 7,a7 land or water that is degraded2 and 7,b7 land or water from which a species is currently absent-- 7i7 but may be colonized or recolonized by the species2 or 7ii7 to which the species may be reintroduced or restored2 and 7#b7 is fragmented or consists of only a portion of the habitat required for a native species4 7f7 ,nomination for designation 7#a7 ,in general ,in establishing the process for designation under subsection 7c77#a71 the ,secretary shall include procedures under which-- 7,a7 any person or ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government may submit to the ,secretaries a nomination to designate as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor an area under the respective jurisdiction of the ,secretaries2 and 7,b7 the ,secretaries shall consider and1 not later than #b years after the date on which the nomination was submitted under subparagraph 7,a71 respond to any nomination submitted under that subparagraph4 7#b7 ,supporting documentation ,a nomination for designation under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall include supporting documentation1 including-- 7,a7 summaries and references of1 with respect to the designation of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor-- 7i7 the best science available at the time of the submission of the nomination for designation2 and 7ii7 the most current scientific reports available at the time of the submission of the nomination for designation2 7,b7 information with respect to how the nomination was coordinated with potential partners2 7,c7 a description of supporting stakeholders1 such as ,states1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 scientific organizations1 nongovernmental organizations1 and affected private landowners2 and 7,d7 any additional information the ,secretaries1 in consultation with the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 determine is relevant to the nomination4 7g7 ,designation on military lands 7#a7 ,in general ,any designation of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor on a military installation 7as defined in section #ajj7a7 of the ,sikes ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj7a777-- 7,a7 shall be consistent with the use of military installations and ,state-owned ,national ,guard installations to ensure the preparedness of the ,armed ,forces2 and 7,b7 may not result in a net loss in the capability of military installation lands to support the military mission of the installation4 7#b7 ,suspension or termination of designation ,the ,secretary of ,defense may suspend or terminate the designation of any ,national ,wildlife ,corridor on a military installation if the ,secretary of ,defense considers the suspension or termination to be necessary for military purposes1 after public notice of-- 7,a7 the suspension or termination2 and 7,b7 any voluntary steps taken by the ,department of ,defense to attempt to provide similar ecological connectivity elsewhere on the military installation4 7h7 ,coordination and cooperation 7#a7 ,in general ,to the maximum extent practicable1 consistent with applicable law1 the ,secretaries shall coordinate the designation of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor with-- 7,a7 other relevant ,federal agencies2 7,b7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee2 7,c7 the regional wildlife movement councils2 and 7,d7 affected-- 7i7 ,states1 including ,state fish and wildlife agencies and other ,state agencies responsible for managing natural resources2 7ii7 local governments2 7iii7 ,indian tribes2 7iv7 private landowners2 and 7v7 nongovernmental organizations engaged in the conservation of native species4 7#b7 ,identification of supporting non-,federal land and water ,in designating a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor1 the ,secretaries may identify1 in consultation with affected ,states1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 private landowners1 the applicable regional wildlife movement council1 and nongovernmental organizations engaged in the conservation of native species1 non-,federal land and water that support the purposes of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor by-- 7,a7 maintaining habitat connectivity2 or 7,b7 providing other essential functions for native species and the habitats of native species4 #g4 ,national ,coordination ,committee and regional wildlife movement councils 7a7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to ensure the fulfillment of the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b72 and 7#b7 to support habitat connectivity and the movement of native species on ,federal and non-,federal land through coordination1 collaboration1 administrative1 and financial support1 including the sharing of data contained in the ,database4 7b7 ,national ,coordination ,committee 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a committee1 to be known as the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7#b7 ,administrative support ,the ,secretary shall provide administrative support for the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7#c7 ,membership ,the ,national ,coordination ,committee shall be composed of-- 7,a7 the ,secretary 7or a designee72 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,transportation 7or a designee72 7,c7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7or a designee72 7,d7 the ,secretary of ,commerce 7or a designee72 7,e7 the ,secretary of ,defense 7or a designee72 7,f7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs 7or a designee72 7,g7 the ,executive ,director of the ,association of ,fish and ,wildlife ,agencies 7or a designee72 7,h7 a representative of an intertribal organization1 to be appointed by the ,secretary2 7,i7 the chairperson of each regional wildlife movement council 7or a designee72 and 7,j7 not more than #c representatives of nongovernmental1 science1 or academic organizations with expertise in wildlife conservation and habitat connectivity1 to be appointed by the ,secretary in a manner that ensures that the membership of the ,national ,coordination ,committee is fair and balanced4 7#d7 ,chairperson ,the ,national ,coordination ,committee shall select a ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson from among the members of the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7#e7 ,duties ,the ,national ,coordination ,committee-- 7,a7 shall discuss issues of relevance to all regional wildlife movement councils1 including issues and reports related to the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b7 and implementation of this ,act2 7,b7 shall establish standards for regional wildlife movement plans to allow for better cross-regional collaboration2 7,c7 shall1 not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 create a plan1 to be known as the ,north ,american ,plan for ,maintaining ,wildlife ,movements-- 7i7 to incorporate the ,federal strategy for wildlife movement on land developed under section #f7;b7 under the jurisdiction of the ,secretaries2 7ii7 to incorporate regional wildlife movement plans2 and 7iii7 to identify connectivity priorities2 7,d7 shall ensure consistency between ,national ,wildlife ,corridors and the ,north ,american ,plan for ,maintaining ,wildlife ,movements2 7,e7 shall1 with respect to the wildlife movements grant program under section #d7;d7-- 7i7 establish criteria and develop guidelines for the solicitation of applications for grants by regional wildlife movement councils2 7ii7 develop standardized contracts1 reporting requirements1 and evaluation metrics for grant recipients2 and 7iii7 make recommendations to the ,secretary for the selection of grant recipients2 and 7,f7 may make recommendations to the ,secretaries for designating ,national ,wildlife ,corridors on ,federal land-- 7i7 based on-- 7,i7 regional wildlife movement plans2 and 7,,ii7 information from the ,database2 and 7ii7 that are consistent with the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b74 7#f7 ,applicability of ,,faca ,except as otherwise provided in this subsection1 the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7c7 ,regional wildlife movement councils 7#a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish not less than #d regional wildlife movement councils with separate geographic jurisdictions that encompass the entire ,united ,states1 including territories and freely associated states4 7#b7 ,membership 7,a7 ,in general ,each regional wildlife movement council shall be composed of-- 7i7 the director of each ,state fish and wildlife agency within the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council 7or a designee72 7ii7 representatives from ,tribal governments within the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council2 7iii7 to serve as a ,federal agency liaison and nonvoting1 ex officio member-- 7,i7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service 7or a designee72 or 7,,ii7 the director of any applicable regional office of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service 7or a designee72 and 7iv7 not more than #c representatives of nongovernmental1 science1 or academic organizations with expertise in native species conservation and the habitat connectivity needs of the region covered by the regional wildlife movement council4 7,b7 ,requirements 7i7 ,membership ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the membership of each regional wildlife movement council is fair and balanced in terms of expertise and perspectives represented4 7ii7 ,expertise ,each regional wildlife movement council shall include experts in ecological connectivity1 native species ecology1 and ecological adaptation4 7,c7 ,chairperson ,each regional wildlife movement council shall select a ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson from among the members of the regional wildlife movement council4 7#c7 ,duties ,each regional wildlife movement council shall-- 7,a7 not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act and in accordance with any standards established by the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 prepare and submit to the ,secretary and the ,national ,coordination ,committee a regional wildlife movement plan that-- 7i7 maintains native species movement by identifying-- 7,i7 priority areas on non-,federal land under the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council where resources are needed to secure biological movements by native species2 and 7,,ii7 research priorities and data needs for the ,database2 and 7ii7 not less frequently than once every #e years1 is revised1 amended1 or updated1 as determined necessary by the regional wildlife movement council2 7,b7 provide for public engagement1 at appropriate times and in appropriate locations in the region covered by the regional wildlife movement council1 to allow all interested persons an opportunity to be heard in the development and implementation of a regional wildlife movement plan2 7,c7 establish criteria for soliciting project proposals to be submitted to the ,secretary for a wildlife movements grant under section #d7;d7 that are consistent with the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b72 7,d7 recommend proposals to the ,national ,coordination ,committee for recommendation to the ,secretary for priority projects for wildlife movements grants under section #d7;d7 to maintain wildlife movements in the area under the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council2 and 7,e7 submit to the ,secretary and the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 and make publicly available1 an annual report describing the activities of the regional wildlife movement council4 7#d7 ,coordination ,if applicable1 to increase habitat connectivity between ,federal and non-,federal land and water1 a regional wildlife movement council shall coordinate with-- 7,a7 ,federal agencies2 7,b7 ,indian tribes2 7,c7 regional fishery management councils established under section #cjb7;a7 of the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aheb7;a772 7,d7 migratory bird joint ventures partnerships recognized by the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service with respect to migratory bird species2 7,e7 ,state fish and wildlife agencies2 7,f7 regional associations of fish and wildlife agencies2 7,g7 nongovernmental organizations2 7,h7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee2 7,i7 fish habitat partnerships2 7,j7 other regional wildlife movement councils with respect to crossregional projects2 7,k7 international wildlife management entities with respect to transboundary species2 and 7,l7 ,federal and ,state transportation agencies4 7#e7 ,applicability of ,,faca ,except as otherwise provided in this subsection1 the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the regional wildlife movement councils4 #h4 ,protection and management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall1 consistent with other applicable land and water management requirements1 laws1 and regulations1 manage each ,national ,wildlife ,corridor under the respective administrative jurisdiction of the ,secretaries in a manner that contributes to the long-term connectivity1 persistence1 resilience1 and adaptability of native species1 including through-- 7#a7 the prevention of habitat loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 and obstructions within the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor2 7#b7 the implementation of strategies and activities that enhance the ability of native species to respond to climate change and other environmental factors2 7#c7 the maintenance or restoration of the integrity and functionality of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor and associated habitat2 7#d7 the mitigation or removal of human-caused obstructions to native species movement1 including-- 7,a7 power lines2 7,b7 roads2 7,c7 fences2 7,d7 dams2 7,e7 bridges2 7,f7 railways2 7,g7 culverts2 and 7,h7 other hydrological obstructions2 and 7#e7 the use of existing conservation programs under the respective jurisdiction of the ,secretaries to contribute to the connectivity1 persistence1 resilience1 and adaptability of native species4 7b7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors spanning multiple jurisdictions ,in the case of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor that spans the administrative jurisdiction of #b or more of the ,secretaries1 the relevant ,secretaries shall coordinate management of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor in accordance with section #f7;c77#a7 to advance the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b74 7c7 ,road mitigation ,in the case of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor that intersects1 adjoins1 or crosses a new or existing ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or local road or highway1 the relevant ,secretaries shall coordinate with the ,secretary of ,transportation and ,state1 ,tribal1 and local transportation agencies1 as appropriate1 to develop1 implement1 and fund environmental mitigation measures-- 7#a7 to improve public safety and reduce vehicle-caused native species mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity2 and 7#b7 to mitigate damage to native species1 aquatic species passage1 flood resiliency1 habitat1 and ecosystem connectivity1 including through-- 7,a7 the construction1 maintenance1 or replacement of native species underpasses1 overpasses1 and culverts2 and 7,b7 the maintenance1 replacement1 or removal of dams1 bridges1 culverts1 and other hydrological obstructions4 7d7 ,working landscapes ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture-- 7#a7 may direct investment in working landscapes through conservation programs under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary of ,agriculture to support the purposes of the ,program described in section #d7;b72 and 7#b7 acting through the ,chief of the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service1 shall give priority under the conservation programs under the jurisdiction of the ,chief1 notwithstanding any provision of law with respect to those programs1 to non-,federal land and water identified under section #f7;h77#b7 as supportive of the purposes of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor4 7e7 ,coordination ,in managing a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor1 the ,secretaries shall1 to the maximum extent practicable-- 7#a7 coordinate with other applicable ,federal agencies2 and 7#b7 take into consideration any ,state conservation plans for native species and the habitats of native species1 including any-- 7,a7 ,state comprehensive fish and wildlife conservation strategy2 7,b7 ,state conservation strategy for a species2 7,c7 ,tribal conservation plan2 7,d7 local government land use and conservation plan2 7,e7 nongovernmental conservation plan2 and 7,f7 relevant private land conservation plan4 #i4 ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship and ,protection ,fund 7a7 ,establishment and contents ,there is established in the ,treasury a fund1 to be known as the ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship and ,protection ,fund1 that consists of donations of amounts accepted under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,use ,the ,fund-- 7#a7 shall be administered by the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation2 and 7#b7 may be used by the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation to enhance the management and protection of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors and non-,federal land and water identified under section #f7;h77#b7-- 7,a7 to provide financial assistance to the ,federal ,government1 ,states1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 and nongovernmental1 science1 and academic organizations2 and 7,b7 to support the voluntary efforts of private landowners4 7c7 ,donations ,the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation may accept donations of amounts for deposit into the ,fund4 7d7 ,coordination ,in administering the ,fund1 the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation may coordinate with regional wildlife movement councils and the ,national ,coordination ,committee to the maximum extent practicable4 7e7 ,disclosure of use ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation makes publicly available a description of usage of the ,fund during the preceding calendar year4 #aj4 ,protection of ,indian tribes 7a7 ,federal trust responsibility ,nothing in this ,act amends1 alters1 or waives the ,federal trust responsibility to ,indian tribes4 7b7 ,freedom of ,information ,act 7#a7 ,exemption ,information described in paragraph 7#b7 shall not be subject to disclosure under section #eeb of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly known as the ,freedom of ,information ,act71 if the head of the agency that receives the information1 in consultation with the ,secretary and the affected ,indian tribe1 determines that disclosure may-- 7,a7 cause a significant invasion of privacy2 7,b7 risk harm to human remains or resources1 cultural items1 uses1 or activities2 or 7,c7 impede the use of a traditional religious site by practitioners4 7#b7 ,information described ,information referred to in paragraph 7#a7 is information received by a ,federal agency-- 7,a7 pursuant to this ,act relating to-- 7i7 the location1 character1 or ownership of human remains of a person of ,indian ancestry2 or 7ii7 resources1 cultural items1 uses1 or activities identified by an ,indian tribe as traditional or cultural because of the long-established significance or ceremonial nature to the ,indian tribe2 or 7,b7 pursuant to the ,native ,american ,graves ,protection and ,repatriation ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #cjja et seq474 #aa4 ,relationship to other conservation laws ,nothing in this ,act amends or otherwise affects any other law 7including regulations7 relating to the conservation of native species4 #ab4 ,collaboration ,the ,secretaries may partner with and provide funds to ,states1 local governments1 ,indian tribes1 the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 and the regional wildlife movement councils to support the purposes of this ,act4 #ac4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,wildlife movements grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the grant program under section #d7;e7 #ej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter4 7#b7 ,requirements ,amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7 may be used to complement or match other ,federal or non-,federal funding received by the projects funded by those grants4 7#c7 ,administrative support ,not more than #e percent of amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7 may be used for administrative support4 7b7 ,regional wildlife movement councils 7#a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to provide support for the regional wildlife movement councils to carry out section #g7;c7 #a1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter4 7#b7 ,equal division ,amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7 shall be proportionally divided between each regional wildlife movement council4 7#c7 ,administrative support ,not more than #aj percent of amounts appropriated under paragraph 7#a7 may be used for administrative support4 7c7 ,national ,wildlife ,connectivity ,database ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary of the ,interior to carry out section #e-- 7#a7 #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjai2 and 7#b7 #a1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter4 7d7 ,designation and ,administration of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out sections #f and #h for fiscal year #bjai and each fiscal year thereafter-- 7#a7 to the ,secretary of the ,interior1 #g1ejj1jjj2 7#b7 to the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 #c1jjj1jjj2 7#c7 to the ,secretary of ,defense1 #a1ejj1jjj2 7#d7 to the ,secretary of ,commerce1 #c1jjj1jjj2 and 7#e7 to the ,secretary of ,transportation1 #c1jjj1jjj4