FY 2022 Budget Justification

Dam, Bridge, and Seismic Safety ................................................................... C - 8 Line-Item Construction ................................................................................. C - 10 Construction Five-Year Plan ......................................................................... C - 31 Appropriation: Land Acquisition Appropriations Language .............................................................................. LA - 1 Authorizing Statutes ...................................................................................... LA - 1 Overview ....................................................................................................... LA - 3 FY 2022 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION TABLE OF CONTENTS U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE iii Federal Land Acquisition ............................................................................... LA - 5 Grants to States........................................................................................... LA - 60 Appropriation: Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund .... CESCF - 1 Appropriation: National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund .. LRF - 1 Appropriation: North American Wetlands Conservation Fund ..................... NAW - 1 Appropriation: Multinational Species Conservation Fund ............................... MS - 1 Appropriation: Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund .................... NEO - 1 Appropriation: State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program ............................. STWG - 1 Appropriation: Sport Fish Restoration ............................................................... SF - 1 Appropriation: Wildlife Restoration ................................................................... WR - 1 Appropriation: Migratory Bird Conservation Account ................................... MBC - 1 Appropriation: Recreation Fee Program ..........................................................REC - 1 Appropriation: National Wildlife Refuge Fund .................................................... RF - 1 Appropriation: Contributed Funds. .................................................................... CF - 1 Appropriation: Miscellaneous Permanent Appropriations ............................... MP - 1 Administrative Provisions and Legislative Proposals Administrative Provisions ............................................................................. AP - 1 Appendices Section 403 Compliance ............................................................................ .APX - 1 Employee Count by Grade ......................................................................... APX - 3 Allocations Received from Other Accounts ................................................ APX - 4 FWS BIL Spend Plan ..................................................................................................... 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS FY 2022 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION iv U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE This page intentionally left blank. Executive Summary FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-1 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the oldest Federal conservation agency, tracing its lineage back to 1871, and the only agency in the Federal government whose primary responsibility is management of biological resources for the American public. The Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service is responsible for implementing some of our Nation’s most important and foundational environmental laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), Marine Mammal Protection Act, Lacey Act, and international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. The Service is a key player in the Administration’s goals for its ambitious America the Beautiful initiative, which focuses on climate change, environmental justice, and species and habitat conservation. The Administration has set ambitious goals that will ensure America and the world can meet the urgent demands of the climate crisis, while empowering American workers and businesses to lead a clean energy revolution and puts the United States on a path to a net-zero emission economy. The Service’s Organization The Service has headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Falls Church, Virginia, with eight regional offices and almost 800 field stations. These stations include 567 National Wildlife Refuges, 71 National Fish Hatcheries, 51 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices, 79 Ecological Services Field Stations, nine Fish Health Centers, and seven Fish Technology Centers and three Law Enforcement support facilities. In addition the Service staffs 17 designated ports of entry and 13 embassies overseas. The Service manages more than 830 million acres of lands and waters, including the national wildlife refuges, 38 wetland management districts, 49 coordination areas, seven National Monuments, and 760 million acres in Marine National Monuments. 2021 Annual Kids Fishing Day at Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery in GA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-2 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE The Service works with diverse partners to accomplish its conservation mission, including other Federal agencies, State and local governments, Tribes, international organizations, and private organizations and individuals. The Director reports to the Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and has direct line authority over headquarters and eight Regional Directors. Headquarters-based Assistant Directors provide policy, program management, and administrative support to the Director. The Regional Directors guide policy and program implementation, supervising the field structures, and coordinating activities with partners. (See organizational chart, next page) FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-4 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Overview of FY 2023 Budget Request Budget Authority ($000) 2021 Actual 2022 Annualized CR 2023 Request Change from 2022 (+/-) Current Authority* 1,583,861 1,732,633 2,062,559 +329,926 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law** -90,545 -90,545 Supplemental - Construction -58,227 -58,227 Current Authority ex Supplementals 1,583,861 1,583,861 1,972,054 388,153 Permanent Authority*** 1,681,321 1,980,961 1,769,109 -211,743 Total – w/ supplementals 3,265,182 3,713,594 3,831,668 118,074 Discretionary 6,490 6,602 7,529 +927 Mandatory 279 310 337 +27 Transfers/Alloc. 1,441 1,431 1,554 +123 TOTAL FTEs 8,210 8,343 9,420 +1,077 *includes supplementals ** net of transfers ***net of sequestration Overview The 2023 President’s budget for FWS totals $3.8 billion, including current appropriations of $2.0 billion, an increase of $388.2 million above a 2022 full-year continuing resolution (CR). The budget includes $1.8 billion available under permanent appropriations, most of which is provided directly to States for fish and wildlife restoration and conservation. FWS estimates that staffing will equal 9,423 full-time equivalents (FTEs), an increase of 1,032 FTEs from the 2022 full-year CR level. The 2023 budget promotes strategic investments to implement the America the Beautiful initiative, including funds to address climate change effects on FWS trust resources, conserve species and habitats, reconnect Americans with the outdoors, enable economic development, and create good-paying job opportunities. FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-5 The America the Beautiful Initiative A major focus of the Service’s request this year is implementing the Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. The initiative is rooted in the desire to better support and honor the people and communities who serve as stewards of our lands, waters, and wildlife—from Tribes and Indigenous peoples, to fishermen, farmers and ranchers, to local and State governments—and to ensure that all people of this Nation benefit from America’s rich and vibrant lands and waters. The Administration has formulated eight principles by which the Nation should pursue this ambitious conservation effort. These principles commit the Administration to: • Pursuing a Collaborative and Inclusive Approach to Conservation • Conserving America’s Lands and Waters for the Benefit of All People • Supporting Locally Led and Locally Designed Conservation Efforts • Honoring Tribal Sovereignty and Support the Priorities of Tribal Nations • Pursuing Conservation and Restoration Approaches that Create Jobs and Support Healthy Communities • Honoring Private Property Rights and Support the Voluntary Stewardship Efforts of Private Landowners and Fishers • Using Science as a Guide • Building on Existing Tools and Strategies with an Emphasis on Flexibility and Adaptive Approaches The Service’s budget supports the Administration’s call to action to support locally-led conservation and restoration efforts across public, private, State, and Tribal lands and waters. Conservation – A key part of the America the Beautiful effort is Conservation. Since Conservation is the primary mission of the Service, many of our programs are reflected in this initiative. For example, the budget supports President Biden’s call to action to collaboratively conserve, connect, and restore 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030 through investments in partner programs, climate science, and habitat adaptation and resilience. Additional funding supports FWS land management and restoration, in collaboration with States, Tribes, and private landowners to conserve habitat while supporting working lands and engaging urban communities in conservation. Those investments will create job opportunities outdoors and through increased project consultation capacity to simultaneously support conservation and economic development. The budget will enhance FWS conservation programs aimed at stemming the effects of climate change, with increased support for permitting needed for responsible economic growth. Conservation, adaptation, and resiliency actions are most effective when they involve partners. This budget directs resources to programs that engage State, local, and Tribal governments, along with private organizations. This collaboration is critical to improve habitat, provide clean water, and limit the effects of climate change. The budget enables FWS to work alongside private landowners by investing $83.4 million, in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife and Coastal programs. The budget also includes $82.4 million for State Secretary Haaland planting vegetation with youth at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. (Photo by DOI) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-6 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE and Tribal Wildlife Grants to support State and Tribal efforts to protect wildlife habitat. These investments will create job opportunities for Americans in the outdoors and through increased project consultation capacity to simultaneously support conservation and economic development. A critical component of the Administration’s climate adaptation, conservation, and job creation objectives is the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System’s 830 million acres of lands and waters, includes 567 national wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas in 209 counties managed within 38 Wetland Management Districts and 49 Coordination Areas, seven National Monuments, and 760 million acres in Marine National Monuments. The Refuge System delivers conservation on a landscape level, providing important ecosystem services such as improved water quality, flood mitigation, and habitat for the survival and protection of hundreds of threatened and endangered species. Wildlife Refuges also offer recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife. Through the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program initiative, the Service is welcoming city dwellers to enjoy the outdoors by engaging new audiences in outdoor experiences, both on wildlife refuges and partner lands. The Budget includes $12.5 million to expand opportunities for Americans in urban communities to connect with the outdoors and contribute to conservation. At least one wildlife refuge is within an hour’s drive of most major cities and more than 260 wildlife refuges are near smaller cities. More than a dozen Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnerships are within 25 miles of cities like Baltimore, Maryland and Seattle, Washington, and offer access to outdoor experiences ranging from bird watching to fishing. The Refuge System and other Service programs will play a strong role in the Administration’s Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) by providing opportunities to put young people to work improving America’s lands, waters, and infrastructure. The 2023 budget includes $10.0 million to put the CCC to work to advance habitat restoration and adaptation while creating good-paying conservation jobs. To further the conservation of species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to work to prevent at-risk species from becoming further imperiled, the Service is requesting $356.2 million for the Ecological Services program. The Service is instrumental in supporting economic recovery and job creation in the United States as timely evaluations of proposed infrastructure, and other development projects, assisting permitting agencies, and issuing permits for these contributes to job creation and economic growth. To facilitate consultation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL) as well as address increasing needs for consultation in a growing economy the Service is requesting $152.8 million for Planning and Consultation. The budget proposes $54.3 million for Conservation and Restoration. These funds will contribute to conservation of marine mammals and at-risk species, often involving private partners, and support systems such as the National Wetlands Inventory to inform adaptive management and resilience projects. The Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program carries out aquatic resource conservation work through a nationwide network of more than 150 facilities that includes national fish hatcheries, fish and wildlife conservation offices, fish health centers, and fish technology centers. These facilities are neighbors to communities across the Nation, providing the American public a variety of long-standing outdoor opportunities to see and learn about fish and aquatic resources and enjoy nature. Through biological inventories, assessments, resource modeling, and conservation strategies, the Fisheries Program and its partners strive to understand and alleviate threats to aquatic resources by propagating fish, mussels, and other aquatic species to enhance wild populations, strategically improving habitat, restoring the connectivity of the Nation’s waterways, and preventing new infestations of aquatic invasive species. The Budget includes $260.4 million for the Fisheries Program. This budget builds on support in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with $2.6 million to establish an aquatic invasive species rapid response initiative within existing authorities of FWS. This initiative, coordinated FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-7 through the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, and other rapid response efforts are the most cost- effective and successful ways to address invasive species once they are detected in the environment. Investment in control of invasive species must also be met with the statutory tools necessary to protect natural resources, human and animal health, infrastructure, and the economy. The budget supports efforts to amend Title 18 of the Lacey Act to return the longstanding authority of FWS to prohibit interstate transport of injurious species. Recent examples of injurious species contaminating commercial products demonstrate the need to restore this authority. The budget includes $70.2 million for the Migratory Bird Management Program. The budget includes robust support to modernize the permitting process and supporting systems to enable the use of the latest scientific information and energy production technologies when evaluating development proposals. This request will advance migratory bird management in an era of a changing climate, enable new habitat and species analyses, develop management techniques, and remove uncertainties faced by industry. Climate Change - The Service is focusing on Climate Change throughout all of its programs, including its Science program, which is funded at $57.5 million. The Science program works with partners to develop plans for conserving landscapes across the country, to address climate changes as well as other conservation needs. The Science Applications program works with parners with the goal of creating a network of connected lands and waters. Each of these partnerships are tailored to the needs of their geographies. Implementing an aggressive agenda to tackle climate change requires investments in support facilities and real property. The Service is responsible for more than $50 billion in constructed real property assets that include over 25,000 structures (e.g., buildings and water management structures) as well as nearly 14,000 roads, bridges, and dams. These facilities allow manipulation of water levels in wetlands to support migrating wildlife, research to propagate at-risk species, and maintenance of land management equipment and vehicles – all which support conservation and counter the effects of climate change. The Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 (GAOA) provides up to $95 million annually for five years for deferred maintenance projects within the Refuge System and the Service is using these funds for projects that will improve land management capabilities. The Budget includes $275 million for asset maintenance and construction. The Service will use these funds to address high-priority health and safety needs for Service- owned assets to begin a transition to a life-cycle maintenance strategy that will increase utilization rates while reducing long-term maintenance costs. Maintenance funding will support major energy and efficiency upgrades at fish hatcheries, coordination offices, and other facilities that are ineligible for deferred maintenance funding provided by GAOA. Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure - In support of the President’s goal of transitioning to a fully Zero Emission Vehicle Federal fleet, the Service’s request includes $16.8 million for zero emission vehicle (ZEV - battery electric, plug-in electric hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) acquisitions and deploying necessary vehicle charging and refueling infrastructure. These acquisitions are a significant step towards eliminating tailpipe emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the Service fleet and aligning the Service’s fleet operations with the goal of achieving a fully ZEV Federal fleet. This action is important because tailpipe emissions are currently the leading source of GHG emissions that threaten the planet and harm U.S. communities. Deploying Clean Energy – The Service recognizes the need to support the development of clean energy sources in order to create new industries to support American workers while reducing emissions that contribute to climate change. The budget proposes $22.6 million, a program increase of $11.5 million, for activities associated with energy development, including a program increase of $8.0 million for the Ecological Services Planning and Consultation program to support reviews and permitting of clean energy EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-8 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE projects. Within the Migratory Bird Management program, the Budget includes a program increase of $3.5 million for clean energy project permitting to ensure we can utilize renewable resources while protecting migratory birds, notably iconic Bald and Golden eagles. Promoting Diversity - The FWS budget includes $7.2 million to support diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility, including $560,000 as part of a Departmentwide initiative to address identified high-priority needs in support of Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government, and Executive Order 13988, Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. As part of this initiative, the Department, bureaus, and offices will jointly conduct a review of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility program across Interior to identify gaps, challenges, and best practices and to examine Department and bureau roles, responsibilities, and governance. Resource Management The budget request for the principal FWS operating account, Resource Management, is $1.7 billion—an increase of $366 million above the 2022 CR level to address climate change, improve habitat, and recover and conserve species while supporting the American workforce. Ecological Services The budget includes $356.2 million to conserve, protect, recover and enhance listed and at-risk fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. The budget enables economic progress with increases that will support conservation and development. The request supports clean energy development, and data management system improvements and expanded capabilities to work with developers to minimize natural resource impacts from projects. The request for Conservation and Restoration advances proactive, cooperative conservation with investments in programs aimed at preventing the listing of species under the Endangered Species Act. The request provides $54.3 million to support conservation of at-risk species and their habitats. The request for species recovery includes $125.1 million. In 2023, FWS will catalyze the recovery of endangered species by making recovery funds available to implement final recovery actions that could lead to species recovery. Habitat Conservation The 2023 budget for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is $67.4 million and the Coastal Program request is $16.0 million in recognition of the importance of cooperative conservation of private lands to habitat adaptation and resilience as well as a healthy economy. These programs work collaboratively with partners to restore, enhance, and protect habitat for priority Federal trust species. National Wildlife Refuge System The National Wildlife Refuge System is a model for conservation around the world. More than 160 coastal refuges buffer communities from the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, and even more provide habitat for millions of migrating birds each year. The 2023 budget for the Refuge System is $597.9 million,. Funding for operations—including wildlife and habitat management, visitor services, Refuge law enforcement, and planning—is $426.6 million, climate resilience, and the use of climate-related science. The request supports the Refuge System’s Inventory and Monitoring program to identify the prevalence of chronic wasting disease among ungulates in and around wildlife refuges to support State disease control efforts and scientific studies of successful pollinator conservation strategies. The 2023 budget will enable FWS to build its conservation and management capacity and attract biologists, land managers, visitor services professionals, conservation planners, and refuge wildlife officers to ensure the safety of visitors and the protection of Federal property. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) provides up to $95 million, net of sequestration, in 2023 for deferred maintenance projects within the Refuge System. With nearly $50 billion in constructed real FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-9 property assets—including hundreds of miles of levees and dikes that support habitat management, trails and wildlife drives for visitors, administrative offices, and maintenance facilities—additional investments will support a transition to a more cost-effective lifecycle maintenance strategy. The request for Refuge Maintenance is $171.3 million. Migratory Bird Management The budget includes $70.2 million for the Migratory Bird Management Program. The budget continues work to modernize the permitting process and supporting systems to enable the use of the latest scientific information and energy production technologies when evaluating development proposals. It advances migratory bird management in an era of a changing climate, enable new habitat and species analyses, develop management techniques, and remove uncertainties faced by industry. The budget also supports Joint Venture program grants to improve the resilience of important habitats—and nearby communities— across the Nation’s four migratory bird flyways, Urban Bird Treaties grants that support partnerships to conserve birds in urban environments by creating parks and restoring nearby wetlands—all while engaging local communities, and expands participation in the Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp programs. Since 1934, the Federal Duck Stamp Program has provided more than $1.1 billion for migratory bird habitat conservation. Law Enforcement The 2023 budget provides $99.3 million for law enforcement program that investigate wildlife crimes and enforce the laws that govern the Nation’s wildlife trade. FWS continues to work with the State Department, other Federal agencies, and foreign governments to address the serious and urgent threat to conservation and global security posed by illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. FWS will also continue to strengthen its smuggling interdiction efforts at the Nation’s ports of entry by using trained wildlife detector dogs in its frontline force and working with the State Department to support attachés in key wildlife trafficking countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. International Affairs The budget includes $31.8 million for International Affairs. FWS provides international conservation grants and technical support to assist other countries’ conservation efforts and will target assistance to climate change adaptation and resilience. The budget will expand permitting capacity to allow for enhanced electronic permit processing. The program will also investigate the human drivers of wildlife disease transmission, including risk tolerance, motivations of behaviors, and economic impacts. Understanding wildlife disease transmission will allow FWS to cooperate internationally to implement best practices to prevent disease transmission through the wildlife trade. Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation This budget activity supports 70 National Fish Hatcheries, aquatic habitat conservation and restoration, and the prevention and control of aquatic invasive species, such as invasive carp in the Mississippi River watershed. The budget includes $260.4 million for Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Conservation including $83.5 million for operation of the National Fish Hatchery System. The request will support recovery of federally listed threatened or endangered aquatic species, restoration of at-risk species, and fulfillment of Tribal partnerships and trust responsibilities. The Hatchery System is an international leader in the propagation of imperiled aquatic species, and the budget expands capabilities to ensure the health of aquatic species. Advancing aquatic conservation requires modernizing and maintaining hatchery pumps, raceways, and effluent control systems, among other infrastructure. The request for National Fish Hatchery Maintenance is $49.8 million. Hatchery maintenance projects are not eligible for funding under GAOA, and the proposed increase will support critical maintenance projects necessary to propagate endangered aquatic and sportfish species. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-10 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE The budget includes $127.1 million for Aquatic Habitat and Species Conservation. The request expands aquatic invasive species prevention efforts, fully funds the National Fish Habitat Action Plan at the authorized level, and provides for aquatic species population assessments and cooperative management to enhance habitat adaptation and resilience. Science The Science program is the Service’s lead on America the Beautiful and Climate Change, investing in partnerships to develop landscape conservation designs to benefit the Administration’s goal of conserving 30% of land and water by 2030, and providing resources to partners and Service programs to support their science needs. The Service is requesting $57.5 million for the Science program in 2023. The budget invests in landscape conservation objectives that promote biodiversity, climate adaptation and resiliency, and design of management actions for habitat conservation to achieve the Administration’s conservation objectives. Weaving together proven landscape conservation designs and leveraging locally based conservation blueprints, the program will invest in technical capacity, such as geospatial mapping and social science expertise, to proactively engage with States, Tribes, industry, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to identify and pursue high-priority conservation opportunities. Collaboration will focus on addressing climate stressors, with goals that include increasing coastal resilience, mitigating desertification, controlling invasive species, and reducing the prevalence and magnitude of wildfires. General Operations The General Operations budget totals $188.4 million. The request expands capacity for Tribal consultations and improves workforce diversity. The budget includes funding for the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) to lead FWS efforts to create a CCC to support conservation and habitat restoration. The request also expands conservation programs managed in cooperation with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The budget includes appropriations language that will provide the FWS with the authority—such as that of the National Park Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—to seek and retain compensation from responsible parties who injure or destroy resources managed by the FWS. Under that authority, damages recovered will be used to reimburse assessment costs; prevent or minimize the risk of loss; monitor ongoing effects; and restore, replace, or acquire resources equivalent to those injured or destroyed. The FWS proposal ensures that natural resources will be available for future generations and requires that the persons responsible for harm—not taxpayers—pay for any injury caused. Construction The 2023 Construction budget totals $46.4 million. The budget includes $37.9 million for line-item construction projects. The budget also includes $5.4 million to modernize critical field communication tools for users in the Great Lakes (Region 3), the Mississippi Basin (Region 4), the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, as part of a multi-year investment to upgrade these systems nationally and $10.9 million to support infrastructure related to the transition to zero emission vehicles. National Wildlife Refuge Fund FWS does not request a current funding appropriation to the National Wildlife Refuge Fund, resulting in a reduction of $13.2 million below the 2022 CR level. The permanent receipts available under the program remain as a source of revenue for counties. Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund The budget requests $23.7 million for the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund to support State and local efforts to recover listed species. The budget requests $13.0 million for conservation grants to States, $8.0 million for Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP) Assistance grants, and $2.7 million for FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-11 administrative costs. HCP Land Acquisition Grants to States are proposed for funding through permanent LWCF authority. North American Wetlands Conservation Fund The 2023 budget is $46.5 million for the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund. Conservation grants from the fund are leveraged more than one-to-one with partners for wetlands and waterfowl conservation, supporting climate adaptation and resiliency and important outdoor activities for sportsmen and sportswomen. Multinational Species Conservation Fund The 2023 budget includes $19.0 million for the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. These grants support the conservation and protection of African and Asian elephants, rhinos, tigers, great apes, and marine turtles and leverage funds from partners to nearly triple the available funding for those species, which will foster improved management of elephants, rhinoceroses, and tigers, including reducing human– animal conflicts. Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund The 2023 request includes $7.9 million for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. Populations of neotropical birds, such as the goldfinch, have declined due to climate change and habitat loss. These grants for the conservation of migratory birds are matched at least three-to-one by partners throughout the western hemisphere. State and Tribal Wildlife Grants The request for State and Tribal Wildlife Grants is $82.4 million. These grants support and leverage State management of non-game species and improve the resiliency of State and Tribal natural resources in the face of stressors, such as rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. This investment recognizes the important partnership between State and Tribal fish and wildlife managers and FWS. Fixed Costs Fixed cost increases of $39.5 million are fully funded. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Directly supporting the Administration’s conservation objectives is funding from the mandatory LWCF, which was permanently and fully funded starting in 2021 in GAOA. A detailed project list for the Federal land acquisition program is provided in Appendix F. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on November 15, 2021, making a once-in-a- generation investment in the Nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was directly appropriated $455 million, including transfers to the DOI Office of Inspector General, over 5 years to help restore the Klamath Basin, restore Lake Tahoe, conserve the sagebrush ecosystem, restore the Delaware River basin, and provide fish passage improvements: • The Klamath Basin Restoration Program projects will enhance captive rearing of listed sucker species, address water quality/quantity issues throughout the Basin, and support projects to improve conditions for migratory birds, waterfowl, salmon, suckers, and other native fish species throughout the Basin. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-12 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE • Lake Tahoe Restoration Activities will deploy strategies to prevent the introduction or spread of aquatic invasive species in the Lake Tahoe region and reestablish a food chain for the benefit of native species, such as the imperiled Lahontan cutthroat trout. • Working across 13 Western States and multiple jurisdictions, the FWS will build on an existing partnership to address the most pressing threats to a sustainable sagebrush ecosystem, such as invasive species and wildfire, and invest in tangible, measurable actions to address those threats in the face of a changing climate. • The Delaware River Basin program provides grants for habitat conservation actions that support the priorities of fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, flow management, and equitable access to nature for all communities. • The National Fish Passage Program provides technical expertise, financial assistance, and coordination support to complete aquatic ecosystem restoration projects to restore fish passage and aquatic connectivity by removing or bypassing barriers. Baseline Capacity The 2023 budget includes important investments in programs needed to help strengthen America and be more competitive as the world continues to change. These investments include funding needed to maintain a strong, talented workforce and the must pay requirements needed to continue to fulfill the Service’s mission. The budget includes $27.9 million, which reflects the incremental amount needed to cover the fixed costs associated with mission operations in FY 2022. This request in combination with the FY 2023 fixed costs amounts will allow the program to meet must pay requirements without impacting program activities. FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE EX-13 U. S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE MAJOR ACCOUNT SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2023 2023 Account 2021 2022 Annualized Program 2023 Request Change Actual CR Fixed Costs Changes(+/ from 2022 (+/-) ) (+/-) Current Appropriations Resource Management $000 1,379,828 1,379,828 +39 ,218 +327 ,076 1,746,122 +366 ,294 FTE 6,396 6 ,516 +923 7,439 +923 Construction $000 18,193 18,193 +284 +27 ,941 46,418 +28 ,225 FTE 46 48 +3 51 +3 Land Acquisition LA $000 0 0 +0 +0 0 +0 FTE 15 0 +0 +0 0 +0 National Wildlife Refuge $000 13,228 13,228 +0 -13,228 0 -13,228 Fund FTE 0 0 +0 +0 0 +0 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation $000 43,340 43,340 +0 -19,638 23,702 -19,638 Fund FTE 9 9 +0 9 +0 North American Wetlands $000 46,500 46,500 +0 +0 46 ,500 +0 Conservation Fund FTE 6 6 +0 6 +0 Multinational Species $000 18,000 18,000 +0 +1 ,000 19,000 +1 ,000 Conservation Fund FTE 2 4 +1 5 +1 Neotropical Migratory Bird $000 4,910 4 ,910 +0 +3,000 7,910 +3,000 Conservation FTE 1 1 +0 1 +0 State and Tribal Wildlife $000 72,362 72,362 +0 +10 ,000 82 ,362 +10 ,000 Grants FTE 15 18 +0 18 +0 Total, Current Appropriations $000 1,596,361 1,596,361 +39,502 +336, 151 1,972,014 +375,653 FTE 6,490 6,602 +927 7,529 +927 Supplemental Funding Bipartisan Infrastructure Law * 90,545 +0 +0 90,545 +0 Disaster Supplemental Funding 58,227 +0 -58,227 0 -58,227 Rescissions/Cancellations Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund -12,500 -12 ,500 +0 +12 ,500 0 +12 ,500 TOTAL, Current Appropriations with Supplemental/ Rescissions/ 1,583,861 1,732,633 +39,502 +290,424 2,062,559 +329,926 Cancellations. FTE 6,490 6,602 +0 +927 7,529 +927 *Net of Transfer to DOI Office of Inspector General EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION EX-14 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE U. S. F I SH AND WILD LI FE SERV I CE MAJOR ACCOUNT SUMMARY OF FISCAL YEAR 2023 REQUEST 2023 Account 2022 2023 2021 Actua l Enacted Change CR/PB Fixed Costs Program Request fr om 2022 (+/ -) Changes(+/-) (+/-) Permanent and Trust Accounts" Reso ur ce Ma na ge me nt - Amer i ca n Resc ue Plan $000 105,000 0 0 0 0 0 FTE 0 0 +15 15 +15 National W il dlife Re fu ge Fun d $000 6,747 7,927 0 +73 8,000 +7 3 FTE 4 4 0 4 0 Cooperative Enda nge red Sp ec i es Co nserva ti on Fun d - $000 85,965 106,65 1 0 +5,709 112,360 +5,709 Pay me nt to Spec ial Fu nd (T F) FTE 0 0 0 0 0 La nd Acq ui sition MG ML $000 111 ,840 105,465 +9,310 1 14 ,775 +9,310 FTE 47 70 0 70 0 North Ame ri ca n We tl ands Co nservation Fun d MR $000 243 243 0 -102 14 1 -102 FTE 1 1 1 0 Federal Aid in Sport Fish Res tora tion $000 512,752 494,656 0 -1,662 492,994 -1,662 FTE 51 50 +5 55 +5 Federal Aid in Wi ldlife Res toration $000 726,623 1,160,85 1 0 -222,862 937,989 -222,862 FT E 54 53 +7 60 +7 Migratory Bird Co nserva ti on Acco unt $000 1 17 ,168 88 ,818 0 -1,818 87,000 -1,818 FT E 79 79 0 79 0 Federal La nds Rec rea tional E nh a nce me nt Act $000 7,222 6,500 0 0 6,500 0 FTE 23 30 0 30 0 Co ntri b ut ed Fun ds $000 3,036 5,000 0 5,000 0 FT E 18 18 0 18 0 Misce ll aneo us Pe rm ane nt Approp ri ations $000 4,725 4,850 0 -500 4,350 -500 FTE 2 4 0 4 0 Other $000 0 0 0 0 0 0 FTE 0 1 0 1 0 Subtotal, Permanent Appropriations $000 1,681,32 1 1,980,96 1 0 -2 11 ,852 1, 769,109 -2 11 ,852 FTE 279 310 0 27 337 27 Reimbursements, Offsetting Collections, Allocations From Others Re imb ur se ments , Offse tt in g Co llections, A ll oca tions Fro m Others FTE 1, 44 1 1,43 1 0 +123 1,554 +1 23 TOTAL, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE with Rescissions/ Cancellation $000 3,265,182 3,713,594 +39,502 +78,572 3,83 1,668 + 11 8,074 FTE 8,210 8,343 0 +1,077 9,420 +1,077 • All amounts are net of seq ue st ra tion Budget at a Glance FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION BUDGET AT A GLANCE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BG-1 2021 Actual 2022 Annualized CR Fixed Costs (+/-) Internal Transfers (+/-) Program Changes (+/-) 2023 Request ECOLOGICAL SERVICES 20,767 20,767 +667 0 +2,512 23,946 General Program Activities +2,000 Baseline Capacity +512 PLANNING AND CONSULTATION 109,251 109,251 +4,015 0 +39,541 152,807 General Program Activities +27,700 Baseline Capacity +2,841 Energy - Renewable Permitting +8,000 NEPA Permitting/Coordination with CEQ +500 Pesticide Consultations +500 CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION 34,617 34,617 +1,058 0 +18,599 54,274 Environmental Response and Restoration +6,000 Baseline Capacity +799 Candidate Conservation +4,800 National Wetlands Inventory +4,000 Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) +2,000 Marine Mammals +1,500 Sea Otter Assessment -500 RECOVERY 105,031 105,031 +2,783 0 +17,321 125,135 General Program Activities +15,508 Baseline Capacity +1,991 Zero Emission Vehicles +922 Florida Grasshopper Sparrow -100 Wolf Livestock Loss Demonstration Program -1,000 ECOLOGICAL SERVICES TOTAL 269,666 269,666 +8,523 0 +77,973 356,162 HABITAT CONSERVATION PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE 56,859 56,859 +1,182 0 +9,356 67,397 General Program Activities +8,500 Baseline Capacity +856 COASTAL PROGRAM 13,360 13,360 +360 0 +2,256 15,976 General Program Activities +2,000 Baseline Capacity +256 HABITAT CONSERVATION TOTAL 70,219 70,219 +1,542 0 +11,612 83,373 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM WILDLIFE AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT Refuge Wildlife & Habitat Management 239,568 239,568 +6,732 0 +27,349 273,649 General Program Activities +16,900 Baseline Capacity +4,949 Inventory & Monitoring +5,000 Marine National Monuments +1,000 Refuge Water Efficiency/ Quivira -500 Refuge Visitor Services 75,033 75,033 +2,290 0 +19,704 97,027 General Program Activities +8,000 Baseline Capacity +1,704 Urban Wildlife Conservation Program +7,000 General Program Activities +3,000 Refuge Law Enforcement 40,907 40,907 +1,357 0 +8,008 50,272 General Program Activities +7,000 Baseline Capacity +1,008 Refuge Conservation Planning 2,523 2,523 +90 0 +3,071 5,684 Refuge Planning +3,000 Baseline Capacity +71 Refuge Maintenance 145,822 145,822 +2,367 0 +23,064 171,253 Annual Maintenance +8,895 Maintenance Support +6,500 Baseline Capacity +1,676 Equipment and Vehicle Management +3,993 Deferred Maintenance +2,000 NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM TOTAL 503,853 503,853 +12,836 0 +81,196 597,885 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Budget At A Glance Dollars in Thousands ($000) Appropriation: RESOURCE MANAGEMENT LISTING BUDGET AT A GLANCE FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION BG-2 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 2021 Actual 2022 Annualized CR Fixed Costs (+/-) Internal Transfers (+/-) Program Changes (+/-) 2023 Request CONSERVATION AND ENFORCEMENT MIGRATORY BIRD MANAGEMENT Conservation and Monitoring 28,784 28,784 +872 +12,762 42,418 General Program Activities +7,500 Baseline Capacity +637 Energy +3,500 Urban Bird Treaties +1,000 Zero Emission Vehicles +125 Permits 3,411 3,411 +112 0 +4,602 8,125 General Program Activities +4,500 Baseline Capacity +102 Duck Stamp Office 556 556 +19 0 +1,016 1,591 General Program Activities +1,000 Baseline Capacity +16 North American Waterfowl Management Plan 15,122 15,122 +278 0 +2,690 18,090 General Program Activities +2,500 Baseline Capacity +190 Migratory Bird Management Total 47,873 47,873 +1,281 0 +21,070 70,224 LAW ENFORCEMENT Law Enforcement Operations 85,950 85,950 +2,495 -144 +10,122 98,423 General Program Activities -144 +8,194 Baseline Capacity +1,928 Equipment Replacement 910 910 0 0 0 910 Law Enforcement Total 86,860 86,860 +2,495 -144 +10,122 99,333 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS International Conservation 10,294 10,294 +213 0 +480 10,987 General Program Activities +1,875 Baseline Capacity +155 Arctic Council Support -550 Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize -1,000 International Wildlife Trade 12,738 12,738 +337 0 +7,753 20,828 Permitting Modernization +5,472 Baseline Capacity +228 General Program Activities +2,053 International Affairs Total 23,032 23,032 +550 0 +8,233 31,815 CONSERVATION AND ENFORCEMENT TOTAL 157,765 157,765 +4,326 -144 +39,425 201,372 FISH AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION National Fish Hatchery Operations 65,551 65,551 +1,696 0 +16,223 83,470 General Program Activities +17,898 Baseline Capacity +1,225 Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Program -400 Pacific Salmon Treaty -2,500 Maintenance and Equipment 25,822 25,822 +289 0 +23,724 49,835 Deferred Maintenance +15,000 Annual Maintenance +7,885 Baseline Capacity +224 Equipment Replacement +615 Aquatic Habitat and Species Conservation Habitat Assessment and Restoration 42,289 42,289 +494 0 +1,537 44,320 National Fish Habitat Action Plan +1,000 Baseline Capacity +337 Truckee River Operating Agreement +200 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Budget At A Glance Dollars in Thousands ($000) FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION BUDGET AT A GLANCE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE BG-3 2021 Actual 2022 Annualized CR Fixed Costs (+/-) Internal Transfers (+/-) Program Changes (+/-) 2023 Request Population Assessment and Cooperative Mgmt. 31,792 31,792 +956 0 +1,673 34,421 General Program Activities +1,000 Baseline Capacity +673 Aquatic Invasive Species 41,159 41,159 +457 0 +6,752 48,368 Prevention +6,648 Baseline Capacity +304 Hydrilla, Eel and Milfoil Invasive Grasses -200 Aquatic Habitat and Species Conservation Subtotal 115,240 115,240 +1,907 0 +9,962 127,109 FISH AND AQUATIC CONSERVATION TOTAL 206,613 206,613 +3,892 0 +49,909 260,414 COOPERATIVE LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION 12,500 12,500 +411 0 +6,102 19,013 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives General Program Activities +5,800 Baseline Capacity +302 SCIENCE SUPPORT Adaptive Science 10,517 10,517 +35 0 +12,333 22,885 General Program Activities +12,300 Baseline Capacity +33 Service Science 6,750 6,750 +139 0 +8,708 15,597 General Program Activities +8,471 Baseline Capacity +83 Zero Emission Vehicles +154 SCIENCE SUPPORT TOTAL 17,267 17,267 +174 0 +21,041 38,482 GENERAL OPERATIONS Central Office Operations 25,758 25,758 +1,380 0 +7,233 34,371 External Affairs +2,000 Baseline Capacity +608 Native American Coordination Office +2,000 Diversity Office +1,000 DOI Diversity Initiative +400 Diversity Office +225 Regional Directors +1,000 Management and Administration 44,166 44,166 +3,973 +144 +16,151 64,434 JAO +6,857 Baseline Capacity +3,144 Information Resources and Technology Mgmt +144 +6,000 Electric Vehicle Management +150 Servicewide Bill Paying 35,748 35,748 +1,501 0 +8,975 46,224 Communication, Information Technology and Security +4,939 Baseline Capacity +416 Unemployment Compensation +471 Working Capital Fund +2,303 Misc. Support - RSA's +566 Worker's Compensation +280 Aviation Management 3,237 3,237 +45 0 +18 3,300 Baseline Capacity +18 National Fish & Wildlife Foundation 7,022 7,022 +10 0 +2,000 9,032 NFWF +2,000 National Conservation Training Center 26,014 26,014 +605 0 +4,441 31,060 Annual Maintenance +2,000 Youth and Careers in Nature +2,000 Baseline Capacity +441 GENERAL OPERATIONS TOTAL 141,945 141,945 +7,514 +144 +38,818 188,421 Damage Recovery Provision +1,000 1,000 1,379,828 1,379,828 +39,218 0 +327,076 1,746,122 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Budget At A Glance Dollars in Thousands ($000) TOTAL - RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BUDGET AT A GLANCE FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION BG-4 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 2021 Actual 2022 Annualized CR Fixed Costs (+/-) Internal Transfers (+/- ) Program Changes (+/-) 2023 Request Nationwide Engineering Services 5,368 5,368 +284 0 +404 6,056 Core Engineering Services +235 Baseline Capacity +169 Dam, Bridge and Seismic Safety 2,427 2,427 0 0 0 2,427 Construction Projects 10,398 10,398 0 0 +27,537 37,935 Line Item Construction +11,258 Zero Emission Vehicle Charging Stations +10,867 DIFCOM-Radio Modernization and DM +5,412 18,193 18,193 +284 0 +27,941 46,418 Appropriation: NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FUND 13,228 13,228 0 0 -13,228 0 National Wildlife Refuge Fund -13,228 43,340 43,340 0 0 -19,638 23,702 HCP Land Acquisition -19,638 46,500 46,500 0 0 0 46,500 18,000 18,000 0 0 +1,000 19,000 African Elephant Conservation Fund +200 Asian Elephant Conservation +200 Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund +200 Great Ape Conservation Fund +200 Marine Turtle Conservation Fund +200 4,910 4,910 0 0 +3,000 7,910 Appropriation: STATE & TRIBAL WILDLIFE GRANTS 72,362 72,362 0 0 +10,000 82,362 State Wildlife Formula Grants +5,000 Competitive Grant Program (States) +3,000 Competitive Grant Program (Tribes) +2,000 TOTAL, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Current Disc.) 1,596,361 1,596,361 +39,502 0 +336,151 1,972,014 RESCISSION / CANCELLATION OF BALANCES -12,500 -12,500 0 0 +12,500 0 TOTAL, FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Discretionary) 1,583,861 1,583,861 +39,502 0 +348,651 1,972,014 Account: COOPERATIVE END. SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND Appropriation: MULTINATIONAL SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND Appropriation: NEOTROPICAL MIGRATORY BIRD CONSERVATION FUND Appropriation: NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION FUND Appropriation: COOPERATIVE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION FUND Appropriation: CONSTRUCTION TOTAL - CONSTRUCTION Dollars in Thousands ($000) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Budget At A Glance Fixed Cost Component Resource Management Construction TOTAL Change in Pay Days -3,664 -30 -3,694 CY 2021 Pay Raise - One Quarter 6,198 51 6,249 CY 2022 Pay Raise - Three Quarters 31,893 263 32,156 FERS Employer Contribution Increase 0 0 0 Departmental Working Capital Fund 1,915 0 1,915 Workers' Compensation Payments -414 0 -414 Unemployment Compensation Payments 0 0 0 GSA and non-GSA Space Rental Payments 3,218 0 3,218 Net O&M Baseline Adjustment 72 0 72 TOTAL, Fixed Costs 39,218 284 39,502 FY 2023 Summary of Fixed Cost Changes by Appropriation Dollars in Thousands ($000) Resource Management FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-1 Resource Management Appropriations Language For necessary expenses of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, as authorized by law, and for scientific and economic studies, general administration, and for the performance of other authorized functions related to such resources, [$1,678,113,000]$1,745,122,000, to remain available until September 30, [2023]2024: Provided, That not to exceed [$22,279,000]$23,946,000 shall be used for implementing subsections (a), (b), (c), and (e) of section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) (except for processing petitions, developing and issuing proposed and final regulations, and taking any other steps to implement actions described in subsection (c)(2)(A), (c)(2)(B)(i), or (c)(2)(B)(ii)). Note.—A full year 2022 appropriation for this account was not enacted at the time the Budget was prepared; therefore, the Budget assumes this account is operating under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2022 (Division A of Public Law 117-43, as amended). The amounts included for 2022 reflect the annualized level provided by the continuing resolution. Authorizing Statutes African Elephant Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 4201-4245, 1538). Authorizes funding for approved projects for research, conservation, management or protection of African elephants. Authorizes prohibitions against the sale, importation, and exportation of ivory derived from African elephants. Agricultural Credit Act, (P. L. 100-233). Section 616 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer lands, interest therein, to Federal or State agencies for conservation purposes. The Fish and Wildlife Service assesses inventory lands to determine when such lands would be of benefit to the National Wildlife Refuge System and makes transfer recommendations. Airborne Hunting Act, (16 U.S.C. 742 j-1). Section 13 of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 prohibits taking or harassing wildlife from aircraft, except when protecting wildlife, livestock, and human health or safety as authorized by a Federal or State issued license or permit. Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 410hh-3233, 43 U.S.C 1602-1784). Provides for the designation and conservation of certain public lands in Alaska, including units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for the continuing subsistence needs of the Alaska Natives. Sec. 42(g) of this Act makes use of such Native lands subject to refuge regulations. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, (43 U.S.C. 1601-1624). Provides various measures for settling the claims of Alaska Native peoples to land in Alaska, including authorization of selection and ownership of land within National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska by Native Corporations. Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, (P. L. 89-304). Authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce to enter into cooperative agreements with the States and other non-Federal interests for the conservation, development, and enhancement of anadromous fish, including those in the Great Lakes, and to contribute up to 50 percent of the costs of carrying out such agreements. Antarctic Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 2401). Provides for the conservation and protection of the fauna and flora of Antarctica, and their ecosystems. Archaeological Resources Protection Act, (16 U.S.C. 470aa-47011). Provides for protection of archaeological resources and sites on public and Tribal lands and for increased cooperation between RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RM-2 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE government authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private collectors with collections obtained before October 31, 1979. Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act, (P.L.106-108). Requires the Secretary of the Interior to prepare, and as appropriate implement, a comprehensive, long-term plan for the management of mid- continent light geese and conservation of their habitat. Asian Elephant Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 4261-4266, 1538). Provides for cooperative projects for the conservation and protection of Asian elephants. Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act, (16 U. S.C. 5151-5158). The purpose of this Act is to support and encourage development, implementation, and enforcement of effective interstate action regarding the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. The Act recognizes the commercial and recreational importance of Atlantic striped bass and establishes a consistent management scheme for its conservation. The three partners which share management responsibility for Atlantic striped bass are the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Every two years, the Services are required to produce an Atlantic Striped Bass Biennial Report to Congress on the status and health of Atlantic Coast Striped Bass Stocks. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, (16 U.S.C. 668-668d). This Act provides for the protection of Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles by prohibiting take, possession, sale, purchase, transport, export or import of such eagles or their parts or nests. Take, possession, and transport are permitted for certain authorized purposes. Brown Tree Snake Eradication and Control Act, (P.L. 108-384). Through this Act, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture support a multi-agency and partner effort to eradicate brown tree snakes in Guam and to prevent introduction or establishment of this invasive species on other Pacific islands or the U.S. mainland. Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act, (P.L. 114-101). Establishes the Medicine Creek Treaty National Memorial within the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The Department of the Interior must: (1) establish the boundaries of the Medicine Creek Treaty National Memorial and to provide for its administration and interpretation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and (2) coordinate with representatives of the Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island Indian Tribes in providing for that interpretation. Chehalis River Basin Fishery Resources Study and Restoration Act, (P. L. 101-452). Authorizes a joint Federal, State, and Tribal study for the restoration of the fishery resources of the Chehalis River Basin, Washington. Coastal Barrier Resources Act, as amended by the Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990, (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Requires the Secretary (delegated to the Service) to maintain the maps of the Coastal Barrier Resources System, to review the system at least every five years for changes which have occurred as a result of natural forces, and to make minor and technical changes to the maps of the System reflecting those natural changes. It also requires the Secretary to submit a study to Congress on the need to include the west coast in the system, and to lead an interagency task force to provide recommendations to Congress for legislative action and Federal policies on developed and undeveloped coastal barriers. Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act, (16 U.S.C. 3951-3156). Provides a Federal grant program for the acquisition, restoration, management, and enhancement of coastal wetlands of States FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-3 adjacent to the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Pacific U.S. insular areas. Provides that the Service update and digitize wetlands maps in Texas and conduct an assessment of the status, condition, and trends of wetlands in that State. Provides permanent authorization to appropriate receipts, coastal wetlands conservation grants and North American Wetlands Conservation projects. Coastal Zone Management Act, (16 U.S.C. 1451-1464). Establishes a voluntary national program within the Department of Commerce to encourage coastal States to develop and implement coastal zone management plans. Activities that affect coastal zones must be consistent with approved State programs. The Act also establishes a National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). Colorado River Floodway Protection Act, (43 U.S.C 1600; 42 U.S.C. 4029). Establishes a Task Force to advise the Secretary of the Interior on the specific boundaries for and management for the area. Colorado River Storage Project Act, (43 U.S.C. 620). Provides that facilities will be built and operated to mitigate losses of, and improve conditions for, fish and wildlife in connection with the Colorado River Storage. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, (42 U.S.C. 9601, et seq.). Provides that responsible parties, including Federal landowners, investigate and clean up releases of hazardous substances. Trustees for natural resources, which includes the Secretary of the Interior, may assess and recover damages for injury to natural resources from releases of hazardous substances and use the damages for restoration, replacement or acquisition of equivalent natural resources. Provides permanent authorization to appropriate receipts from responsible parties. Coral Reef Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.). Promotes wise management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems and develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems and threats to them. Provides financial resources to local communities and nongovernmental organizations to assist in the preservation of coral reefs. It establishes a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects. Delaware River Basin Restoration Act, (P.L. 114-322). Establishes a Delaware River Basin restoration program and directs the Secretary to produce a basin-wide strategy that draws on existing conservation efforts, involves partners, and provides for the implementation of a shared set of science-based restoration and protection activities, including cost-effective projects with measurable results that maximize conservation outcomes with no net gain of Federal employees. Establishes a voluntary grant and technical assistance program. Sunsets on September 30, 2023. Enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016, (P.L. 114-231). Sets forth a national policy on wildlife trafficking and several directions for the U.S. Secretary of State. Creates a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking, the co-chairs of which include the Secretary of the Interior. Authorizes anti-poaching and anti-trafficking programs. Amends the Pelly Amendment to the Fisherman’s Protection Act to require that Pelly certifications made to the President by the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior be reported to Congress. Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, (16 U.S.C. 3901). Provides for the collection of entrance fees, thirty percent of which may be used for refuge operations and maintenance, and for the Secretary of the Interior to establish and periodically review a national wetlands priority conservation plan for Federal and State wetlands acquisition, complete National Wetlands Inventory maps for the contiguous United States by RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RM-4 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE September 30, l998, to update the report on wetlands status and trends by September 30, 1990, and at 10- year intervals thereafter. Endangered Species Act, (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544). Prohibits the import, export, or taking of fish and wildlife and plants that are listed as threatened or endangered species; provides for adding species to and removing them from the list of threatened and endangered species, and for preparing and implementing plans for their recovery; provides for interagency cooperation to avoid take of listed species and for issuing permits for otherwise prohibited activities; provides for cooperation with States, including authorization of financial assistance; and implements the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). Fallon-Paiute Shoshone Indian Water Settlement Act, (P.L. 101-618). Establishes the Lahontan Valley and Pyramid Lake Fish and Wildlife Fund. Funds are administered by the Service for use in restoring Lahontan Valley wetlands and recovering the endangered and threatened fish of Pyramid Lake. Section 206(a) authorizes the acquisition of water rights for restoring wetlands in Lahontan Valley. The Act stipulates that sufficient water rights be acquired to restore and sustain, on a long-term average, approximately 25,000 acres of primary wetland habitat within Nevada's Lahontan Valley. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Control Act, (7 U.S.C. 136-136y). Provides for the registration of pesticides to avoid unreasonable adverse effects to humans or the environment. Such registrations are considered Federal actions and are subject to consultations with the Service under the Endangered Species Act. Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814). Through this Act, Congress authorized Federal collection of fees for recreational use of public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA), (43 U.S.C. 2301-2306). Allows the sale of BLM lands identified for disposal, with sales proceeds used for land acquisition by the various land management agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal Power Act, (161 S.C. 791a et seq.). Provides that each license for hydropower projects issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission includes fish ways prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce, and that conditions for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of fish and wildlife based on recommendations of the Service and other agencies. Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act), (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387). Section 404 (m) authorizes the Service to comment on permit applications submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters of the United States. Section 208(i) authorizes the Service to provide technical assistance to States in developing management practices as part of its water pollution control programs and to continue with the National Wetlands Inventory. Section 320 authorizes the establishment of a State/Federal cooperative program to nominate estuaries of national significance and to develop and implement management plans to restore and maintain the biological and chemical integrity of estuarine waters. Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, (16 U.S.C. 742(a)-754). Establishes a comprehensive national fish and wildlife policy and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take steps required for the development, management, advancement, conservation, and protection of fisheries resources and wildlife resources through research, acquisition of refuge lands, development of existing facilities, and other means. FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-5 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 2901-2911). Directs the Secretary of the Interior to undertake research and conservation activities, in coordination with other Federal, State, international and private organizations, to fulfill responsibilities to conserve migratory nongame birds under existing authorities. The Secretary is required, for all species, subspecies, and migratory nongame birds, to monitor and assess population trends and status; to identify environmental change and human activities; and to identify species in need of additional conservation and identify conservation actions to ensure perpetuation of these species. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, (16 U.S.C. 661-666(e)). Directs the Service to investigate and report on proposed Federal actions that affect any stream or other body of water and to provide recommendations to minimize impacts on fish and wildlife resources. Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act, (16 U.S.C. 777 note; P.L. 106-502). Congress reauthorized the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) as part of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, P.L. 111-11. FRIMA was established in 2000 and has been an important tool for addressing fish screening and fish passage needs in the Pacific Northwest States. Fishery Conservation and Management Act, (Magnuson-Stevens Act), (16 U.S.C. 1801-1882, 90 Stat. 331). Authorizes the conservation and management of the fishery resources found within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States, including anadromous species, through eight Regional Fishery Management Councils. Establishes the Service as a nonvoting member of the Councils. Food Security Act, (16 U.S.C. 801-3945). Provides that the Secretary of Agriculture consult with the Secretary of the Interior on the identification of wetlands, determinations of exemptions, and issuance of regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. Requires the Service to concur in wetland mitigation plans in association with minimal effect exemptions and to concur in conservation plans for lands proposed for inclusion in the Wetlands Reserve program. Establishes a program to protect and restore wetlands on Farmers Home Administration inventory property and provides for the Service to identify such wetlands. Great Ape Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.). Authorizes grants to foreign governments, the CITES secretariat, and non-governmental organizations for the conservation of great apes. The funds are to be a sub-account of the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. Great Lakes Critical Programs Act, (P.L. 101-596). Authorization for Service activities is contained in title III, the "Lake Champlain Special Designation Act of 1990". Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, (P.L. 109-326). The 2006 reauthorization places new emphasis on terrestrial wildlife projects, whereas the previous Acts were primarily devoted to fisheries. The bill also reauthorizes the existing State and Tribal grant program and provides new authority for the Service to undertake regional restoration projects. In addition, it directs the Service to create and maintain a website to document actions taken as a result of the Act. Under authority of the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2006, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act Grant Program provides Federal grants on a competitive basis to States, Tribes and other interested entities to encourage cooperative conservation, restoration and management of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat in the Great Lakes basin. Great Lakes Fishery Act, (16 U.S.C. 931-939). Implements the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between the United States and Canada, and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Service to undertake lamprey control and other measures related to the Convention. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RM-6 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Highlands Conservation Act, (P.L. 108-421). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania (Highland States) to preserve and protect high priority conservation land in the Highlands region, an area depicted on a National Forest Service map entitled "The Highlands Region" dated June 2004. Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act, (16 U.S.C. 719 et seq.). Authorizes an annual Junior Duck Stamp competition and environmental education program for school children; provides for the licensing and marketing of winning designs, with proceeds used for awards and scholarships to participants. Public Law 109-166 reauthorizes the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. Klamath River Basin Fishery Resources Restoration Act, (16 U.S.C.460ss et seq.). Requires the Secretary to develop and implement a restoration plan for the Klamath River Basin. Lacey Act Amendments of 1981, (18 U.S.C. 42; 16 U.S.C. 3371-3378). Provides that the Secretary of the Interior designate injurious wildlife and ensure the humane treatment of wildlife shipped to the United States. Prohibits importation, exportation, transportation, sale, or purchase of fish and wildlife taken or possessed in violation of State, Federal, Indian Tribal, and foreign laws. Provides for enforcement of Federal wildlife laws, and Federal assistance to the States and foreign governments in the enforcement of non-Federal wildlife laws. Marine Mammal Protection Act, (16 U.S.C. 1361-1407). Establishes a moratorium on taking and importing marine mammals, including parts and products. Defines the Federal responsibility for conservation of marine mammals, with management authority vested in the Department for the sea otter, walrus, polar bear, dugong, and manatee. Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants, (16 U.S.C. 1421f; 114 Stat. 2765. Title II of P.L. 106-555). Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to authorize grants to non-governmental organizations which participate in the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals. Marine Turtle Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 6601-6607). Establishes a Marine Turtle Conservation Fund in the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. The fund is a separate account to assist in the conservation of marine turtles, and the nesting habitats of marine turtles in foreign countries. Migratory Bird Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 715-715d). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct investigations and publish documents related to North American birds and establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) to approve areas recommended by the Secretary for acquisition. The MBCC also approves wetlands conservation projects recommended by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, (16 U.S.C. 718). This Act, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp Act, requires waterfowl hunters, 16 years of age or older, to purchase and possess a valid Federal waterfowl hunting stamp prior to taking migratory waterfowl. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to use $1 million from sales of migratory bird hunting and conservation stamps to promote additional sales of stamps. Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, (16 U.S.C. 703-712). Implements four international treaties that affect migratory birds common to the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the former Soviet Union. Establishes Federal responsibility for protection and management of migratory and non-game birds, including the establishment of season length, bag limits, and other hunting regulations, and the issuance of permits to band, possess or otherwise make use of migratory birds. FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-7 National Aquaculture Development Act, (16 U.S.C. 2801-2810). Establishes a coordinating group, the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA). The JSA has been responsible for developing the National Aquaculture Development Plan. The plan establishes a strategy for the development of an aquaculture industry in the United States. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, (NEPA), (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Provides that the Service examine the environmental impacts, incorporate environmental information, and use public participation in the planning and implementation of all actions; integrate NEPA with other planning requirements; prepare NEPA documents to facilitate better environmental decision making; and review Federal agency environmental plans and documents when the Service has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impacts involved. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, (16 U.S.C. 3701-3709). Establishes a federally-chartered, nonprofit corporation to encourage and administer donations to benefit Service programs and other activities to conserve fish, wildlife, and plant resources. National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, (16 U.S.C. 470-470b, 470c-470n). Directs Federal agencies to preserve, restore, and maintain historic cultural environments. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.). Provides authority, guidelines and directives for the Service to improve the National Wildlife Refuge System; administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and habitat; ensures the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuges is maintained; defines compatible wildlife-dependent recreation as appropriate general public use of refuges; establishes hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education as priority uses; establishs a formal process for determining compatible uses of refuges; and provides for public involvement in developing comprehensive conservation plans for refuges. The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, (P.L. 105-57). Spells out wildlife conservation as the fundamental mission of the refuge system; requires comprehensive conservation planning to guide management of the refuge system; directs the involvement of private citizens in land management decisions; and provides that compatible wildlife-dependent recreation is a legitimate and appropriate use that should receive priority in refuge planning and management. The National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act, (P.L. 106-408). Reinforces National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act provisions to raise public understanding and appreciation for the refuge system; calls on the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Centennial Commission to oversee special public outreach activities leading up to and during the Centennial year, leverage resources with public and private partners for outreach efforts, and plan and host a major conference in 2003; calls on the Service to develop a long-term plan to address the highest priority operations, maintenance, and construction needs of the National Wildlife Refuge System; and requires an annual report assessing the operations and maintenance backlogs and transition costs associated with newly acquired refuges lands. National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act (P.L. 105-242) Amended the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to promote volunteer programs and community partnerships for the benefit of National Wildlife Refuges. National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act, (P.L. 111-357). Authorizes cooperative agreements with nonprofit partner organizations, academic institutions, or State and local governments to construct, operate, maintain, or improve refuge facilities and services, and to promote volunteer, outreach, and education programs. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RM-8 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (P.L. 101-601). addresses the rights of lineal descendants, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations (parties with standing) to Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony (cultural items). It requires Federal agencies and museums to provide information about Native American cultural items to parties with standing and, upon presentation of a valid claim, ensure the item(s) undergo disposition or repatriation. Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 6101 et. seq.). Authorizes grants for the conservation of neotropical migratory birds in the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, with 75 percent of the amounts made available to be expended on projects outside the United States. The funds are to be a sub-account of the Multinational Species Conservation Fund. Title III of P.L. 109-363, reauthorized appropriations for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. New England Fishery Resources Restoration Act, (P.L. 101-593). Authorizes the Service to formulate, establish, and implement cooperative programs to restore and maintain nationally significant interjurisdictional fishery resources in New England river systems. Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act, as amended by the National Invasive Species Act, (NISA, 16 U.S.C. 4701 et seq.). Authorizes the Service to develop and implement a program to prevent and control infestations of zebra mussels and other nonindigenous aquatic invasive species in waters of the United States. North American Wetlands Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 4401). Authorizes grants to public-private partnerships in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. to protect, enhance, restore, and manage waterfowl, other migratory birds and other fish and wildlife, and the wetland ecosystems and other habitats upon which they depend, consistent with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. There is a Standard and a Small Grants Program. Both are competitive grants programs which require that grant requests be matched by partner contributions at no less than a 1-to-1 ratio. Funds from U.S. Federal sources may contribute towards a project but are not eligible as match. Public Law 109-322 reauthorized the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Nutria Eradication and Control Act, (P.L. 108-16). Provides for the States of Maryland and Louisiana to implement nutria eradication or control measures and restore marshland damaged by nutria. Oil Pollution Act, (P.L. 101-380). Provides that the Service consult with others on the development of a fish and wildlife response plan for the protection, rescue, and rehabilitation of, and the minimization of risk of damage to fish and wildlife resources and their habitat harmed or jeopardized by an oil discharge. Partnerships for Wildlife Act, (16 U.S.C. 3741-3744). This Act establishes a Wildlife Conservation and Appreciation Fund to receive appropriated funds and donations from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other private sources to assist the State fish and game agencies in carrying out their responsibilities for conservation of nongame species and authorizes grants to the States for programs and projects to conserve nongame species. Partners for Fish and Wildlife Act, (16 U.S.C. 3771-3774). Provides for the restoration, enhancement, and management of fish and wildlife habitats on private land through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, a program that works with private landowners to conduct cost-effective habitat projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources in the United States. FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-9 Pelly Amendment to the Fishermen's Protective Act, (22 U.S.C. 1978). Authorizes the President to embargo wildlife products, including fish, and limit other imports from nations whose nationals are determined by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce to be engaging in trade or take that undermines the effectiveness of any international treaty or convention for the protection of endangered or threatened species to which the United States is a party. Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Act, (P.L. 113-239). Authorizes the Service to permanently allow any State to provide hunting and conservation stamps for migratory birds (referred to as Federal Duck Stamps) electronically. The electronic stamps would remain valid for 45 days to allow for the physical stamps to arrive in the mail. Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (P.L. 91-378, amended through P.L. 116-9). Establishes a pilot program in the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture designated as the Youth Conservation Corps. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, (16 U.S.C. 2602-2645) and Energy Security Act of 1980, (16 U.S.C. 792-828(c)). Authorizes the Service to investigate and report on effects of hydropower development on fish and wildlife during the licensing process of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Recreational Use of Fish and Wildlife Areas, (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4). Commonly known as the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer refuges, hatcheries, and other conservation areas for recreational use when such use does not interfere with the primary purpose for which these areas were established. Refuge Recreation Act, (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4). Public Law 87-714, approved September 28, 1962 (76 Stat.653) as amended by Public Law 89-669, approved October 14, 1966, (80 Stat.930) and P.L. 92-534, approved October 23, 1972, (86 Stat. 1063). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer refuges, hatcheries and other conservation areas for recreational use, when such uses do not interfere with the areas’ primary purposes. Resource Conservation Recovery Act, (42 U.S.C. 6901). Establishes standards for Federal agencies on the treatment, transportation, storage, and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes on Federal lands and facilities. Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act, (16. U.S.C. 5306(a), 1538). Authorizes grants to other nations and to the CITES Secretariat for programs directly or indirectly assisting in the conservation of rhinoceros and tigers. Prohibits the sale, importation, and exportation of products derived from any species of rhinoceros and tiger. Salmon and Steelhead and Conservation and Enhancement Act of 1980, (16 U.S.C. 3301, 11-15, 21-25, 31-36, 41-45). Provides for management and enhancement planning to help prevent a further decline of salmon and steelhead stocks, and to assist in increasing the supply of these stocks within the Columbia River conservation area and the Washington conservation area. Sikes Act, (16 U.S.C. 670a-670o). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to cooperate with the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Bureau of Land Management, and State agencies in planning, developing, maintaining and rehabilitating Federal lands for the benefit of fish and wildlife resources and their habitat. Strategic Response to Asian Carp Invasion Act, (P.L. 113-121). Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey, to lead a multiagency effort to slow the spread of Asian Carp in the Upper Mississippi and Ohio River basins and tributaries by providing high-level technical assistance, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RM-10 U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE coordination, best practices, and support to State and local government strategies, to slow, and eventually eliminate, the threat posed by such Carp. Enacted in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.). Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to regulate surface mining and reclamation at existing and future mining areas. The Service provides technical assistance for fish and wildlife aspects of the Department of the Interior's programs on active and abandoned mine lands. Water Resources Development Act, (90 Stat. 2921). Authorizes the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan to mitigate fish and wildlife losses caused by power generation at four Corps of Engineers dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington. Wild Bird Conservation Act, (16 U.S.C. 4901-4916). Requires that all trade in wild birds involving the United States is biologically sustainable and to the benefit of the species, and by limiting or prohibiting imports of exotic birds when not beneficial to the species. Wilderness Act of 1964 (16 U.S.C. 1131-1136) Established the National Wilderness Preservation System, a national network of more than 800 federally-designated wilderness areas. These wilderness areas are managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service. Youth Conservation Corps Act, (16 USC 1701-1706) as amended by P.L. 93-408, September 3, 1974. Expands and makes permanent the Youth Conservation Corps, and for other purposes. The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program, started in 1971, is a summer employment program for young men and women (ages 15–18) from all segments of society who work, learn, and earn together by doing projects for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System lands and National Fish Hatcheries. The objectives of this program (as reflected in Public Law 93-408) authorize the Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service to operate the YCC Program. Executive Orders The Executive Orders listed are not an exhaustive list and are those most frequently referenced and used by the Service. Floodplain Management, (Executive Order 11988). Requires that federally-owned floodplains be protected through restricting future activities that would harm the floodplain resource or withhold such properties from lease or disposal to non-Federal public or private partners. Migratory Birds, (Executive Order 13186). Directs Federal agencies taking actions that may have measurable negative impacts on migratory bird populations to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the Service to promote conservation of migratory bird populations and directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a multi-agency Council for the Conservation of Migratory Birds. Protection of Wetlands, (Executive Order 11990). Requires that federally-owned wetlands proposed for lease or conveyance to non-Federal public or private parties be protected through restricting any future uses that would degrade or harm the wetland resource in the conveyance or withhold such properties from lease or disposal. Recreational Fisheries, (Executive Order 12962). Directs Federal agencies to improve the quantity, function, and sustainable productivity, and distribution of U.S. aquatic resources for increased resources for recreational fishing opportunities. The Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are ordered FY 2023 BUDGET JUSTIFICATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE RM-11 to promote compatibility and to reduce conflicts between the administration of the Endangered Species Act and recreational fisheries. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to expand the role of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership council to monitor specific Federal activities affecting aquatic systems and the recreational fisheries they support. Combating Wildlife Trafficking, (Executive Order 13648). Directs agencies to combat the illegal poaching and wildlife trade of protected species, both domestically and internationally. Wildlife trafficking not only endangers the survival of wildlife species, but also contributes to global instability and undermines security. The Secretary of the Interior will co-chair a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking with the Secretary of State and Attorney General, or their designees. Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects, (Executive Order 13604). Directs agencies to make the Federal permitting and review process of infrastructure projects efficient and effective to support economic growth while ensuring the health, safety, and security of the environment and communities. Agencies are to provide transparency, consistency, and predictability in the process for both project sponsors and affected communities. Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis, (Executive Order 13990). Directs all executive departments and agencies to immediately review and, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, take action to address the promulgation of Federal regulations and other actions during the last 4 years that conflict with national objectives, and to immediately commence work to confront the climate crisis. Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, (Executive Order 14008). Directs climate considerations be an essential element of United States foreign policy and national security. The United States will work with other countries and partner to put the world on a sustainable climate pathway and build resistance against the impacts of climate change. Major Treaties and Conventions The Service is party to numerous International Treaties and Conventions, all of which cannot be listed here due to space constraints. However, those listed below are more pertinent to the daily activities of Service programs. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Flora and Fauna, (TIAS 8249). Parties who signed the Convention in March of 1973 agreed to restrict international trade in all species threatened with extinction (Appendix I species), all species which may be threatened with extinction unless trade is halted or restricted (Appendix II species), and all species which the parties identify as being subject to regulation for the purpose of preventing or restricting exploitation (Appendix III species). Many species listed under CITES are also listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Service is responsible for issuing all CITES permits in the United States. Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, (56 Stat. 1354). Signed in October of 1940, this Convention authorizes the contracting parties to establi