Chapter 5A, Subchapter III, Section 668dd, Subsection (e) · 16 U.S.C. Chapter 5A — PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF WILDLIFE

Contents

(e)

(1)Regulation 12(1) (re-employed and rejoining deferred members) shall only apply to a councillor member in respect of any councillor membership where both the former membership and the membership as an active member referred to in that paragraph are councillor membership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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in effect on October 9, 1997, to the extent such plans are consistent with this Act, until such plans are revised or superseded by new comprehensive conservation plans issued under this subsection.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(4)Delete regulation 18 (flexible retirement).

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

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

United States Government work; public domain under 17 U.S.C. § 105.