,,ii #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #adii ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #af1 #bjai,mr4 ,udall 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,booker1 ,ms4 ,harris1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,mr4 ,wyden1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 ,mr4 ,sanders1 ,mr4 ,whitehouse1 ,mr4 ,tester1 and ,mrs4 ,feinstein7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works ,a ,,bill ,to establish ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 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 #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,findings and purposes4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system on ,federal land and water ,sec4 #aja4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,administrative designation of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,collaboration and coordination4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,effect4 ,,title ,,ii--,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors ,sec4 #bja4 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,protection of ,indian tribes4 ,,title ,,iii--,wildlife movement grant program on non-,federal land and water ,sec4 #cja4 ,wildlife movements grant program4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,national ,coordination ,committee4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,regional wildlife movement councils4 ,,title ,,iv--,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database ,sec4 #dja4 ,national wildlife corridors database4 ,,title ,v--,funding ,sec4 #eja4 ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship ,fund4 ,sec4 #ejb4 ,working landscapes4 ,sec4 #ejc4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,findings and purposes 7a7 ,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 in decline2 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 threats to the survival and diversity of many native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species in the ,united ,states include the loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 and obstruction of natural habitats2 7#e7 climate change threatens native fish1 wildlife1 and plant species2 7#f7 the #bjai global assessment report from the ,intergovernmental ,science-,policy ,platform on ,biodiversity and ,ecosystem ,services found that-- 7,a7 #a1jjj1jjj wildlife and plant species worldwide are now threatened with extinction2 and 7,b7 #ge percent of the land-based environment1 and approximately #ff percent of the marine environment1 have been significantly altered by human actions2 7#g7 the conservation of new and existing landscape and seascape corridors1 through which native species 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 biotic and abiotic stressors2 7#h7 the conservation1 restoration1 and establishment of new ecological connections to facilitate the movement of species into more suitable habitats is a key climate change adaptation strategy2 7#i7 the protection of new and existing corridors is often one of the first steps in restoration and recovery planning2 7#aj7 ,states have recognized the importance of habitat connectivity1 including-- 7,a7 a ,new ,england ,governors and ,eastern ,canadian ,premiers' ,conference on the importance of connectivity for ecosystem adaptability and resilience1 biodiversity1 and human communities2 and 7,b7 an expired #bjjg policy resolution of the ,western ,governors' ,association2 7#aa7 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 7#ab7 ,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 connectivity2 and 7#ac7 ,federal policies consistently recognize the importance of voluntary improvement projects by private landowners to habitat conservation and restoration for native species4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are-- 7#a7 to support a diverse array of native species1 including species protected under ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal law1 that have experienced or may experience habitat loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 or obstruction to connectivity2 7#b7 to provide long-term habitat connectivity for native species migration1 dispersal1 adaptation to climate and other environmental change1 and genetic exchange2 7#c7 to help restore wildlife movements that have been disrupted by habitat loss1 degradation1 fragmentation1 or obstruction2 7#d7 to facilitate coordinated landscape- and seascape-scale connectivity planning and management across jurisdictions2 and 7#e7 to support ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 voluntary private landowner1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers in the planning and development of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 #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 native species movement4 7#c7 ,corridor ,the term corridor means a feature of the landscape or seascape that-- 7,a7 provides habitat or ecological connectivity2 and 7,b7 allows for native species movement or dispersal4 7#d7 ,database ,the term ,database means the ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database established under section #dja7;a74 7#e7 ,federal land or water ,the term ,federal land or water means any land or water1 or interest in land or water1 owned by the ,united ,states4 7#f7 ,fund ,the term ,fund means the ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship ,fund established by section #eja7;a74 7#g7 ,habitat ,the term habitat means land1 water1 and substrate occupied at any time during the life cycle of a native species that is necessary1 with respect to the native species1 for spawning1 breeding1 feeding1 growth to maturity1 or migration4 7#h7 ,indian land ,the term ,indian land means land of an ,indian tribe1 or an ,indian individual1 that is-- 7,a7 held in trust by the ,united ,states2 or 7,b7 subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the ,united ,states4 7#i7 ,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#aj7 ,national ,coordination ,committee ,the term ,national ,coordination ,committee means the ,national ,coordination ,committee established under section #cjb7;a74 7#aa7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,the term ,national ,wildlife ,corridor means any ,federal land or water designated as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor under section #aja7;a74 7#ab7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system ,the term ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system means the system of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors established by section #aja7;a74 7#ac7 ,native species ,the term native species means-- 7,a7 an indigenous fish1 wildlife1 or plant species of the ,united ,states1 including subspecies and plant varieties2 7,b7 a fish1 wildlife1 or plant species not indigenous to the ,united ,states that the ,secretary determines to be-- 7i7 noninvasive2 or 7ii7 beneficial to the biodiversity of the natural ecosystem2 and 7,c7 a migratory bird species that is native to the ,united ,states or its territories 7as defined in section #b7;b7 of the ,migratory ,bird ,treaty ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc7;b7774 7#ad7 ,regional ocean partnership ,the term regional ocean partnership means a regional organization of coastal or ,great ,lakes ,states1 territories1 or possessions voluntarily convened by ,governors to address cross-jurisdictional ocean matters1 or the functional equivalent of such a regional ocean organization designated by the ,governor or ,governors of a ,state or ,states4 7#ae7 ,regional wildlife movement council ,the term regional wildlife movement council means a regional wildlife movement council established under section #cjc7;a74 7#af7 ,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#ag7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting through the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#ah7 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor ,the term ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor means a corridor established by the ,secretary under section #bja7;a77#a77;,c74 7#ai7 ,united ,states ,the term ,united ,states1 when used in a geographical sense1 means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 7,d7 ,guam2 7,e7 ,american ,samoa2 7,f7 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands2 7,g7 the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia2 7,h7 the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands2 7,i7 the ,republic of ,palau2 7,j7 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands2 and 7,k7 the territorial sea 7within the meaning of the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq477 and the exclusive economic zone 7as defined in section #c of that ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahjb77 within the jurisdiction or sovereignty of the ,federal ,government4 7#bj7 ,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 ,i ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system on ,federal land and water #aja4 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a system of corridors on ,federal land and water1 to be known as the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system1 which shall consist of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors designated as part of the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system by-- 7#a7 statute2 7#b7 rulemaking under section #ajb2 or 7#c7 a land management plan developed or revised under section #bjb of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agab74 7b7 ,strategy ,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 ,corridor ,system-- 7#a7 to support the fulfillment of the purposes described in section #b7;b72 7#b7 to ensure coordination and consistency across ,federal agencies in the development1 implementation1 and management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 and 7#c7 to develop a timeline for the implementation of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors4 #ajb4 ,administrative designation of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,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 and conservation authorities of the ,secretaries1 shall establish a process1 by regulation1 for the designation and management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors on ,federal land or 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 7b7 ,criteria for designation ,the regulations promulgated by the ,secretary under subsection 7a77#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 coordination with existing-- 7i7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 7ii7 corridors established by ,states2 and 7iii7 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors2 and 7,b7 the best available science of-- 7i7 existing native species habitat2 and 7ii7 likely future native species habitats2 7#b7 determine that the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor supports the connectivity1 persistence1 resilience1 and adaptability of the native species for which it has been designated 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 or previous extirpation2 7#c7 consult the ,database2 and 7#d7 consider recommendations from the ,national ,coordination ,committee under section #cjb7;e77#b77;,c74 7c7 ,designation of ,federal land or water requiring restoration or connection of habitat ,the ,secretaries may designate as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor land or water that-- 7#a7 is necessary for the natural movements of #a or more native species2 7#b7 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 species naturally2 or 7ii7 to which the species may be reintroduced or restored based on habitat changes2 and 7#c7 is fragmented or consists of only a portion of the habitat required for the connectivity needs of #a or more native species4 7d7 ,nomination for designation 7#a7 ,in general ,in establishing the process for designation under subsection 7a77#a71 the ,secretary shall include procedures under which-- 7,a7 any ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government1 or a nongovernmental organization engaged in the conservation of native species and the improvement of the habitats of native species1 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 #a year 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 the native species for which the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor would be designated2 7,b7 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 designation documenting why the corridor is needed2 and 7ii7 the most current scientific reports available at the time of the submission of the nomination for designation2 7,c7 information with respect to how the nomination was coordinated with potential partners2 7,d7 a description of supporting stakeholders1 such as ,states1 ,indian tribes1 local governments1 scientific organizations1 nongovernmental organizations1 and affected voluntary private landowners2 and 7,e7 any additional information the ,secretaries1 in consultation with the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 determine is relevant to the nomination4 7e7 ,designation on military land 7#a7 ,in general ,any designation of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor on a military installation 7as defined in section #ajj of the ,sikes ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj77-- 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 #ajc4 ,management of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall1 consistent with other applicable ,federal 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 species for which the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor is identified1 including through-- 7#a7 the maintenance and improvement of habitat connectivity 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 ,corridor2 7#d7 the mitigation or removal of human infrastructure that obstructs the natural movement of native species2 and 7#e7 the use of existing conservation programs1 including ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors1 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 #ajd7;b7 to advance the purposes described in section #b7;b74 7c7 ,road mitigation ,in the case of a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor that intersects1 adjoins1 or crosses a new or existing ,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 identify and implement voluntary 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 the natural movements of native species through strategies such as-- 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 ,compatible uses ,a use of ,federal land or water that was authorized before the date on which the ,federal land or water is designated as a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor may continue if the applicable ,secretaries determine that the use is compatible with the wildlife movements of the species for which the ,national ,wildlife ,corridor was designated1 consistent with applicable ,federal laws and regulations4 #ajd4 ,collaboration and coordination 7a7 ,collaboration ,the ,secretaries may partner with and provide funds to ,states1 local governments1 ,indian tribes1 the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 voluntary private landowners1 and the regional wildlife movement councils to support the purposes described in section #b7;b74 7b7 ,coordination ,to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with applicable law1 the ,secretary or ,secretaries1 as applicable1 shall develop the strategy under section #aja7;b71 designate ,national ,wildlife ,corridors under section #ajb1 and manage ,national ,wildlife ,corridors under section #ajc-- 7#a7 in consultation and coordination with-- 7,a7 other relevant ,federal agencies2 7,b7 ,states1 including-- 7i7 ,state fish and wildlife agencies2 and 7ii7 other ,state agencies responsible for managing the natural resources and wildlife2 7,c7 ,indian tribes2 7,d7 units of local government2 7,e7 other interested stakeholders identified by the ,secretary1 including applicable voluntary private landowners2 7,f7 landscape- and seascape-scale partnerships1 including-- 7i7 the ,national ,fish ,habitat ,partnership2 7ii7 the ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,service2 7iii7 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 7iv7 relevant regional ocean partnerships2 7v7 the ,climate ,science ,centers of the ,department of the ,interior2 and 7vi7 the ,landscape ,conservation ,cooperative ,network2 7,g7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee2 and 7,h7 the regional wildlife movement councils4 #aje4 ,effect 7a7 ,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 7b7 ,jurisdiction of ,states and ,indian tribes ,nothing in this ,act or an amendment made by this ,act affects the jurisdiction of a ,state or an ,indian tribe with respect to fish and wildlife management1 including the regulation of hunting1 fishing1 and trapping1 in a ,national ,wildlife ,corridor or a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor4 ,,ii ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors #bja4 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general 7,a7 ,nominations ,an ,indian tribe may nominate a corridor within ,indian land of the ,indian tribe as a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor by submitting to the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,director of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary71 an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7,b7 ,determination ,not later than #ij days after the date on which the ,secretary receives an application under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall determine whether the nominated ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor described in the application meets the criteria established under paragraph 7#b74 7,c7 ,publication ,on approval of an application under subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register a notice of the establishment of the ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor1 which shall include a map and legal description of the land designated as a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor4 7#b7 ,criteria 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish criteria for determining whether a corridor nominated by an ,indian tribe under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 qualifies as a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the criteria established under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include1 at a minimum1 the following3 7i7 ,the restoration of historical habitat for the purposes of facilitating connectivity4 7ii7 ,the management of land for the purposes of facilitating connectivity4 7iii7 ,the management of land to prevent the imposition of barriers that may hinder current or future connectivity4 7#c7 ,removal 7,a7 ,in general ,an ,indian tribe may elect to remove the designation of a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor on the ,indian land of the ,indian tribe by notifying the ,secretary4 7,b7 ,effect of removal ,an ,indian tribe that elects to remove a designation under subparagraph 7,a7 may not receive assistance under subsection 7c7 or 7d77#a7 or section #cja4 7b7 ,coordination of land use plans ,section #bjb of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agab7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking ,indian tribes by and inserting the following3 ,indian tribes-- 7#a7 by 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a7 7as so designated71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 for the purposes of determining whether the land use plans for land in the ,national ,forest ,system would provide additional connectivity to benefit the purposes of a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor established under section #aj7;a77#a7 of the ,wildlife ,corridors ,conservation ,act of #bjai4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors ,on the establishment of a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor under section #aj7;a77#a7 of the ,wildlife ,corridors ,conservation ,act of #bjai1 the ,secretary shall conduct a meaningful consultation with the ,indian tribe that administers the ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor to determine whether1 through the revision of #a or more existing land use plans1 the ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor can-- 7#a7 be expanded into public lands2 or 7#b7 otherwise benefit connectivity 7as defined in section #c of that ,act7 between public lands and the ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor4 4 7c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide to ,indian tribes technical assistance relating to the establishment1 management1 and expansion of a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor1 including assistance with accessing wildlife data and working with voluntary private landowners to access ,federal and ,state programs to improve wildlife habitat and connectivity on non-,federal land4 7d7 ,availability of assistance 7#a7 ,conservation programs consideration 7,a7 ,in general ,in evaluating applications under conservation programs described in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture may consider whether a project would enhance connectivity through the expansion of a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor4 7,b7 ,programs described ,the conservation programs referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 are any of the following conservation programs administered by the ,secretary of ,agriculture3 7i7 ,the conservation reserve program established under subchapter ,b of chapter #a of subtitle ,d of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chca et seq474 7ii7 ,the environmental quality incentives program established under subchapter ,a of chapter #d of subtitle ,d of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa et seq474 7iii7 ,the conservation stewardship program established under subchapter ,b of chapter #d of subtitle ,d of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chci;aa-#ba et seq474 7iv7 ,the agricultural conservation easement program established under subtitle ,h of title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chfe et seq474 7#b7 ,wildlife movements grant program ,an ,indian tribe that has a ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridor established on the ,indian land of the ,indian tribe shall be eligible for a grant under the wildlife movements grant program under section #cja1 subject to other applicable requirements of that grant program4 7e7 ,savings clause ,nothing in this section authorizes or affects the use of private property or ,indian land4 #bjb4 ,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 ,,iii ,wildlife movement grant program on non-,federal land and water #cja4 ,wildlife movements grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a wildlife movements grant program 7referred to in this section as the grant program7 to encourage wildlife movement in accordance with this subsection4 7b7 ,grants ,beginning not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 based on recommendations from the ,national ,coordination ,committee under section #cjb7;e77#b77;,c71 shall make grants to #a or more projects that-- 7#a7 are a regional priority project identified by a regional wildlife movement council2 7#b7 satisfy the purposes described in section #b7;b72 and 7#c7 increase connectivity for native species4 7c7 ,eligible recipients ,a person that is eligible to receive a grant under the grant program is-- 7#a7 a voluntary private landowner or group of landowners2 7#b7 a ,state fish and wildlife agency or other ,state agency responsible for managing natural resources and wildlife2 7#c7 an ,indian tribe2 7#d7 a unit of local government2 7#e7 an agricultural cooperative2 7#f7 water1 irrigation1 or rural water districts or associations1 or other organizations with water delivery authority 7including acequias and land grant communities in the ,state of ,new ,mexico72 7#g7 institutions of higher education2 7#h7 an entity approved for a grant by a regional wildlife movement council2 and 7#i7 any group of entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#h74 7d7 ,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 subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 of section #cjb7;e77#b74 #cjb4 ,national ,coordination ,committee 7a7 ,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 7b7 ,administrative support ,the ,secretary shall provide administrative support for the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7c7 ,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 #b representatives of intertribal organizations1 to be appointed by the ,secretary2 7#i7 the chairperson of each regional wildlife movement council 7or a designee72 and 7#aj7 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 7d7 ,chairperson ,the ,national ,coordination ,committee shall select a ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson from among the members of the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 7e7 ,duties ,the ,national ,coordination ,committee-- 7#a7 shall establish standards for regional wildlife movement plans to allow for better cross-regional collaboration2 and 7#b7 shall1 with respect to the wildlife movements grant program under section #cja-- 7,a7 establish criteria and develop guidelines for the solicitation of applications for grants by regional wildlife movement councils2 7,b7 develop standardized contracts1 reporting requirements1 and evaluation metrics for grant recipients2 and 7,c7 make recommendations annually to the ,secretary for the selection of grant recipients on the basis of the ranked lists of regional priority projects received from the regional wildlife movement councils under section #cjc7;c77#d7 that are consistent with the purposes described in section #b7;b74 7f7 ,applicability of ,,faca ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the ,national ,coordination ,committee4 #cjc4 ,regional wildlife movement councils 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year 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 ,states4 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,in general ,each regional wildlife movement council shall be composed of-- 7,a7 the director of each ,state fish and wildlife agency within the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council 7or a designee72 7,b7 balanced representation from ,tribal governments within the jurisdiction of the regional wildlife movement council2 7,c7 to serve as a ,federal agency liaison and nonvoting1 ex officio member-- 7i7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service 7or a designee72 or 7ii7 the director of any applicable regional office of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service 7or a designee72 7,d7 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 council2 and 7,e7 not more than #c voluntary representatives of private landowners with property in the applicable region1 not less than #a of whom shall be a farmer or rancher4 7#b7 ,requirements 7,a7 ,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 7,b7 ,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 from among the members of the regional wildlife movement council4 7c7 ,duties ,each regional wildlife movement council shall-- 7#a7 not later than #b years after the date of establishment of the regional wildlife movement council 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 maintains natural wildlife movement by identifying research priorities and data needs for the ,database that is revised1 amended1 or updated not less frequently than once every #e years2 7#b7 provide for public engagement1 including engagement of ,indian tribes1 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 plan under paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 solicit applications for wildlife movement grants under section #cja in accordance with the criteria and guidelines established by the ,national ,coordination ,council under section #cjb7;e77#b77;,a72 7#d7 in accordance with the criteria and guidelines established under section #cjb7;e77#b77;,a71 submit to the ,national ,coordination ,committee an annual list of regional priority projects1 in ranked order1 for wildlife movements grants under section #cja 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 7d7 ,coordination ,if applicable1 to increase habitat connectivity between designated ,federal land and water 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 applicable voluntary private landowners2 7#i7 the ,national ,coordination ,committee2 7#aj7 fish habitat partnerships2 7#aa7 other regional wildlife movement councils with respect to crossregional projects2 7#ab7 international wildlife management entities with respect to transboundary species in accordance with trade policies of the ,united ,states2 and 7#ac7 ,federal and ,state transportation agencies4 7e7 ,applicability of ,,faca ,except as otherwise provided in this section1 the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall apply to the regional wildlife movement councils4 ,,iv ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database #dja4 ,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 habitats1 wildlife movements1 and corridors that have been developed by ,federal agencies that pertain to ,federal land and water2 7,b7 include maps1 models1 analyses1 and descriptions of projected shifts in habitats1 wildlife movements1 and corridors of native species in response to climate change or other environmental factors2 7,c7 reflect the best scientific data and information available2 and 7,d7 in accordance with the requirements of the ,geospatial ,data ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-bed71 have the data1 models1 and analyses included in the ,database available at scales useful to ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 and ,federal agency decisionmakers and the public4 7c7 ,requirements ,subject to subsection 7d71 the ,director1 in collaboration with the ,national ,coordination ,committee1 the regional wildlife movement councils1 and the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 shall-- 7#a7 design the ,database to support ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 voluntary 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 strategies and enhance existing ,state and ,tribal corridor protections2 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 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 7,c7 to assess the impact of new and existing development on native species habitats and ,national ,wildlife ,corridors2 and 7,d7 to develop strategies that promote habitat 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 7#b7 establish a coordination process among ,federal agencies to update maps and other information with respect to landscapes1 seascapes1 native species habitats and ranges1 habitat connectivity1 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors1 and wildlife movement changes as information based on new scientific data becomes available2 and 7#c7 not later than #e years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter1 develop1 submit a report to the ,secretary and the appropriate committees of ,congress1 and make publicly available a report1 that1 with respect to the ,database-- 7,a7 outlines the categories for data that may be included in the ,database2 7,b7 outlines the data protocols and standards for each category of data in the ,database2 7,c7 identifies gaps in native species habitat and ,national ,wildlife ,corridor information2 7,d7 prioritizes research and future data collection activities for use in updating the ,database2 and 7,e7 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 ,v ,funding #eja4 ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship ,fund 7a7 ,establishment and contents ,there is established in the ,treasury a fund1 to be known as the ,wildlife ,corridors ,stewardship ,fund1 that consists of donations of amounts accepted under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,use ,the ,fund-- 7#a7 shall be administered by the ,secretary and the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation1 acting jointly2 and 7#b7 may be used by the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation to enhance the management and protection of ,national ,wildlife ,corridors by providing financial assistance to the ,federal ,government1 ,indian tribes1 and nongovernmental1 science1 and academic organizations4 7c7 ,donations ,the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation may solicit and accept donations of amounts for deposit into the ,fund4 7d7 ,coordination ,in administering the ,fund1 the ,secretary and the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation may coordinate with regional wildlife movement councils1 regional ocean partnerships1 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 and the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation shall make publicly available a description of usage of the ,fund during the preceding calendar year4 #ejb4 ,working landscapes ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may-- 7#a7 direct investments in working landscapes through conservation programs under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 including programs under title ,,xii of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chja et seq471 to support the purposes described in section #b7;b72 and 7#b7 notwithstanding any other provision of law1 give priority under the conservation programs described in paragraph 7#a7 to non-,federal land and water for the purposes described in section #b7;b74 #ejc4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridor ,system ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out title ,i for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter-- 7#a7 to the ,secretary1 #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 7b7 ,tribal ,wildlife ,corridors ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out title ,,ii #e1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter4 7c7 ,wildlife movements grant program and regional wildlife movement councils 7#a7 ,wildlife movement grant program 7,a7 ,in general ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the wildlife movements grant program under section #cja #ej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and each fiscal year thereafter4 7,b7 ,requirements ,amounts appropriated under subparagraph 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 subparagraph 7,a7 may be used for administrative support4 7#b7 ,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 #cjc #a1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj and each fiscal year thereafter4 7,b7 ,equal division ,amounts appropriated under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be proportionally divided between each regional wildlife movement council4 7d7 ,national ,wildlife ,corridors ,database ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out section #dja-- 7#a7 #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7#b7 #a1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba and each fiscal year thereafter4