§668dd National Wildlife Refuge System

This Act, referred to in text, means Pub. L. 89–669, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927, which enacted sections 668aa to 668ee, amended section 460k, 696, 696b, 715c, 715i to 715k, 718d, and repealed section 715d–1, 715d–2, 715l, 715m of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. The Migratory Bird Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is act Feb. 18, 1929, ch. 257, 45 Stat. 1222, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 715 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 715 of this title and Tables. The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), subsequently renamed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, is act Mar. 16, 1934, ch. 71, 48 Stat. 451, which is classified generally to subchapter IV (§ 718 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

note set out under section 718 of this title and Tables. The Refuge Recreation Act and the Act of September 28, 1962, referred to in subsecs. (d)(3)(A)(iii) and (i), is Pub. L. 87–714, Sept. 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 653, which is classified generally to subchapter LXVIII (§ 460k et seq.) of chapter 1 of this title. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.

2022—Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “chapter 10 of title 5.” for “the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).” 1998—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–312, § 206(1), struck out “knowingly” after “No person shall” in first sentence. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–312, § 206(2), inserted subsec. heading, par. (1) designation and heading, and “knowingly” after “Any person who”, and added par. (2). 1997—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–57, § 3(b), substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior” before “for the conservation of fish and wildlife”. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, § 4(1), (3), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (5). Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–57, § 3(b), substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior” before “determines with the approval”. Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–57, §§ 4(1), 5(a), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (6). Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(a), added par. (4). Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 105–57, § 4(1), redesignated par. (2) as (5). Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 105–57, § 4(1), redesignated par. (3) as (6). Subsec. (a)(6)(i). Pub. L. 105–57, § 4(2), substituted “paragraph (5)” for “paragraph (2)”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(b)(1), substituted “authorized to take the following actions:” for “authorized—” in introductory provisions. Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(b)(2), substituted “Enter” for “to enter”. Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(b)(3), substituted “Accept” for “to accept” and substituted a period for “, and” at end. Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(b)(4), substituted “Acquire” for “to acquire”. Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–57, § 5(b)(5), added pars. (4) and (5). Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–57, § 8(b), struck out at end “The provisions of this Act shall not be construed as affecting the authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of the several States to manage, control, or regulate fish and resident wildlife under State law or

in any area within the System.” Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 105–57, § 3(b), substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior” before “may not grant to any Federal” and before “pursuant to this paragraph”. Subsec. (d)(3), (4). Pub. L. 105–57, § 6, added pars. (3) and (4). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–57, § 7(a), added subsec. (e) and redesignated former subsec. (e) as (f). Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–57, § 7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (g). Pub. L. 105–57, § 3(b), substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior” before “to enforce the provisions”. Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 105–57, § 7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (f) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (h). Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–57, § 7(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (g) as (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i). Pub. L. 105–57, § 3(b), substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior”. Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 105–57, § 7(a)(1), redesignated subsecs. (h) and (i) as (i) and (j), respectively. Subsecs. (k) to (o). Pub. L. 105–57, § 8(a), added subsecs. (k) to (o). 1988—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–653 substituted “thereunder shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than 1 year, or both” for “thereunder shall be fined not more than $500 or be imprisoned not more than six months, or both”. 1987—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–226 inserted at end “The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is authorized to utilize by agreement, with or without reimbursement, the personnel and services of any other Federal or State agency for purposes of enhancing the

of this Act.” 1978—Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 95–616, § 6, authorized the Secretary to find that the taking of any species of migratory birds in more than 40 percent of the area would be beneficial to the species. Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–616, § 3(f), substituted “disposed of by the Secretary, in accordance with law” for “disposed of by the court”. 1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–223 designated existing first sentence as par. (1), provided for administration of the System by the Secretary of the Interior through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and inserted provision respecting continuance of programs relating to management of resources in refuge lands in Alaska, subject to direct supervision of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; struck out second sentence providing that “Nothing in this Act shall restrict the authority of the Secretary to modify or revoke public land withdrawals affecting lands in the System as presently constituted, or as it may be constituted, whenever he determines that such action is consistent with the public interest.”; designated existing third sentence as par. (2), redesignated as subpars. (A) and (B) former clauses (1) and (2), redesignated as subpar. (B)(i) and (ii) former cl. (2)(A) and (B), substituted in subpar. (A) “with the approval of” for “after consultation with”, inserted in subpar. (B)(i) “or fair market value, whichever is greater;” and reenacted as second sentence of par. (2) former last sentence of subsec. (a); and added par. (3). Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 94–215 substituted designations “(A)” and “(B)” for “(a)” and “(b)”, inserted in cl. (A) “, or for interests in acquired or public lands,” before “under his jurisdiction” and substituted in cl. (B) “he may prescribe” for “the Secretary may prescribe”. 1974—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 93–509 designated existing provisions as par. (1)(A) and (B) and added par. (2). 1973—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 93–205 inserted “With the exception of endangered species and threatened species listed by the Secretary pursuant to section 1533 of this title in States wherein a cooperative agreement does not exist pursuant to section 1535(c) of this title” before “nothing in this Act shall be construed” and struck out “, including endangered species thereof,” before “on lands not within the System” in second sentence. 1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–404 inserted provisions that no acquired lands which are or become a part of the National Wildlife Refuge System may be transferred or otherwise disposed of except under the specified conditions, and provisions that the Secretary pay into the migratory bird conservation fund the proceeds of any such transfer or disposal.

of 1973 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 93–205 effective Dec. 28, 1973, see section 16 of Pub. L. 93–205, set out as an

note under section 1531 of this title.

of 1968 Amendment Pub. L. 90–404, § 2, July 18, 1968, 82 Stat. 359, provided that: “The

made by the first section of this Act [amending subsec. (a) of this section] shall apply only with respect to transfers and disposals of land initiated and completed after the date of their enactment [July 18, 1968].”

of 2022 Amendment Pub. L. 117–296, § 1, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4374, provided that: “This Act [amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the ‘Red River National Wildlife Refuge Boundary Modification Act’.”

of 2015 Amendment Pub. L. 114–101, § 1, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2203, provided that: “This Act [enacting provisions listed in a table of National Memorials set out under section 320301 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, and amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the ‘Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act’.”

of 1998 Amendment Pub. L. 105–312, title II, § 201, Oct. 30, 1998, 112 Stat. 2957, provided that: “This title [amending this section, section 721 and 722 of this title, and section 564w–1 of Title 25, Indians, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 722 of this title, and amending provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out under this section] may be cited as the ‘National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1998’.”

of 1997 Amendment Pub. L. 105–57, § 1(a), Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1252, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and section 668ee of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the ‘National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997’.”

of 1974 Amendment Pub. L. 93–509, § 1, Dec. 3, 1974, 88 Stat. 1603, provided: “That this Act [amending this section and section 715s of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the ‘National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

of 1974’.”

Pub. L. 91–135, § 12(f), Dec. 5, 1969, 83 Stat. 283, provided that: “The provisions of section 4 and 5 of the Act of October 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 929; 16 U.S.C. 668dd–668ee), as amended, shall hereinafter be cited as the ‘National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966’.” National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Pub. L. 106–408, title III, Nov. 1, 2000, 114 Stat. 1782, provided that: “SEC. 301.

.“This title may be cited as the ‘National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act’. “SEC. 302. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.“(a) Findings.—Congress finds that—“(1) President Theodore Roosevelt began the National Wildlife Refuge System by establishing the first refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, on March 14, 1903; “(2) the National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of more than 93,000,000 acres of Federal land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in more than 532 individual refuges and thousands of waterfowl production areas located in all 50 States and the territories of the United States; “(3) the System is the only network of Federal land dedicated singularly to wildlife conservation and where wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education are priority public uses; “(4) the System serves a vital role in the conservation of millions of migratory birds, dozens of endangered species and threatened species, some of the premier fisheries of the United States, marine mammals, and the habitats on which such species of fish and wildlife depend; “(5) each year the System provides millions of Americans with opportunities to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation, including hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation; “(6)(A) public visitation to national wildlife refuges is growing, with more than 35,000,000 visitors annually; and “(B) it is essential that visitor centers and public use facilities be properly constructed, operated, and maintained; “(7) the National Wildlife Refuge System Volunteer and Community Partnership Enhancement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 742f note; Public Law 105–242) [see

of 1998

note under section 742a of this title], and the

made by that Act, significantly enhance the ability of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to incorporate volunteers and partnerships in refuge management; “(8) as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 1, 2000], the System has an unacceptable backlog of critical operation and maintenance needs; and “(9) the occasion of the centennial of the System, in 2003, presents a historic opportunity to enhance natural resource stewardship and expand public enjoyment of the national wildlife refuges of the United States. “(b) Purposes.—The purposes of this title are—“(1) to establish a commission to promote awareness by the public of the National Wildlife Refuge System as the System celebrates its centennial in 2003; “(2) to develop a long-term plan to meet the priority operation, maintenance, and

needs of the System; “(3) to require an annual report on the needs of the System prepared in the context of—“(A) the budget submission of the Department of the Interior to the President; and “(B) the President’s budget request to Congress; and “(4) to improve public use programs and facilities of the System to meet the increasing needs of the public for wildlife-dependent recreation in the 21st century. “SEC. 303. NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.“(a) Establishment.—There is established the National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Commission (referred to in this title as the ‘Commission’). “(b) Members.—“(1) In general.—The Commission shall be composed of—“(A) the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; “(B) up to 10 individuals appointed by the Secretary of the Interior; “(C) the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural Resources] of the House of Representatives and of the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, who shall be nonvoting members; and “(D) the congressional representatives of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, who shall be nonvoting members. “(2) Appointments.—“(A) Deadline.—The members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the

of this title. “(B) Appointments by the secretary of the interior.—“(i) In general.—The members of the Commission appointed by the Secretary of the Interior under paragraph (1)(B)— “(I) shall not be officers or employees of the Federal Government; and “(II) shall, in the judgment of the Secretary—“(aa) represent the diverse beneficiaries of the System; and “(bb) have outstanding knowledge or appreciation of wildlife, natural resource management, or wildlife-dependent recreation. “(ii) Representation of views.—In making appointments under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary of the Interior shall make every effort to ensure that the views of the hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation communities are represented on the Commission. “(3) Vacancies.—Any vacancy in the Commission—“(A) shall not affect the power or duties of the Commission; and “(B) shall be expeditiously filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. “(c) Chairperson.—The Secretary of the Interior shall appoint one of the members as the Chairperson of the Commission. “(d) Compensation.—The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their service on the Commission. “(e) Travel Expenses.—“(1) Legislative branch members.—The members of the Commission from the legislative branch of the Federal Government shall be allowed necessary travel expenses, as authorized by other law for official travel, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. “(2) Executive branch members.—The members of the Commission from the executive branch of the Federal Government shall be allowed necessary travel expenses in accordance with section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. “(3) Other members and staff.—The members of the Commission appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and staff of the Commission may be allowed necessary travel expenses as authorized by section 5702 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. “(f) Duties.—The Commission shall—“(1) prepare, in cooperation with Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental partners, a plan to commemorate the centennial of the National Wildlife Refuge System beginning on March 14, 2003; “(2) coordinate the activities of the partners under the plan; and “(3) plan and host, in cooperation with the partners, a conference on the National Wildlife Refuge System, and assist in the activities of the conference. “(g) Staff.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Commission may employ such staff as are necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission. “(h) Donations.—“(1) In general.—The Commission may, in accordance with criteria established under paragraph (2), accept and use donations of money, personal property, or personal services. “(2) Criteria.—The Commission shall establish written criteria to be used in determining whether the acceptance of gifts or donations under paragraph (1) would—“(A) reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Commission or any employee of the Commission to carry out its responsibilities or official duties in a fair and objective manner; or “(B) compromise the integrity or the appearance of the integrity of any person involved in the activities of the Commission. “(i) Administrative Support.—Upon the request of the Commission—“(1) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, may provide to the Commission such administrative support services as are necessary for the Commission to carry out the duties of the Commission under this title, including services relating to budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, personnel, and procurement; and “(2) the head of any other appropriate Federal agency may provide to the Commission such advice and assistance, with or without reimbursement, as are appropriate to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission. “(j) Reports.—“(1) Annual reports.—Not later than 1 year after the

needs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, including—“(1) priority staffing needs of the System; and “(2) operation, maintenance, and

needs as identified in—“(A) the Refuge Operating Needs System; “(B) the Maintenance Management System; “(C) the 5-year deferred maintenance list; “(D) the 5-year

list; “(E) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service report entitled ‘Fulfilling the Promise of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System’; and “(F) individual refuge comprehensive conservation plans. “(b) Annual Submission.—Beginning with the submission to Congress of the budget for fiscal year 2003, the Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and submit to Congress, in the context of each annual budget submission, a report that contains—“(1) an assessment of expenditures in the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years to meet the operation and maintenance backlog as identified in the long-term plan under subsection (a); and “(2) a specification of transition costs, in the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years, as identified in the analysis of newly acquired refuge land prepared by the Department of the Interior, and a description of the method used to determine the priority status of the transition costs. “SEC. 305. YEAR OF THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.“(a) Finding.—Congress finds that designation of the year 2003 as the ‘Year of the National Wildlife Refuge’ would promote the goal of increasing public appreciation of the importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. “(b) Proclamation.—The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to accomplish the goal of such a year. “SEC. 306. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.“There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities of the Commission under this title—“(1) $100,000 for fiscal year 2001; and “(2) $250,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004. “SEC. 307.

of 1997 Amendment note above].” Statutory

With Respect to Alaska Pub. L. 105–57, § 9, Oct. 9, 1997, 111 Stat. 1260, provided that: “(a) In General.—Nothing in this Act [see

of 1997 Amendment note above] is intended to affect—“(1) the provisions for subsistence uses in Alaska set forth in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487) [see

note set out under section 3101 of this title], including those in titles III [enacting provisions listed in a table of National Wildlife Refuges set out below and provisions set out as a note under section 3145 of this title] and VIII [16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.] of that Act; “(2) the provisions of section 102 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3102], the jurisdiction over subsistence uses in Alaska, or any assertion of subsistence uses in Alaska in the Federal courts; and “(3) the manner in which section 810 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 3120] is implemented in national wildlife refuges in Alaska. “(b) Conflicts of Laws.—If any conflict arises between any provision of this Act and any provision of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, then the provision in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act shall prevail.” Land Transfer and Conveyance, Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire Pub. L. 102–154, title III, § 319, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1036, provided that: “(a) Transfer by the Air Force.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of the Air Force shall transfer to the Department of the Interior a parcel of real property located west of McIntyre Road at the site of former Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire: Provided, That the Secretary of the Air Force shall retain responsibility for any hazardous substances which may be found on the property so transferred. “(b) Establishment of National Wildlife Refuge.—Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary of the Interior shall designate the parcel of land transferred under subsection (a) as an area in the National Wildlife Refuge System under the authority of section 4 of the Act of October 15, 1966 (16 U.S.C. 688dd). “(c) Conveyance to State of New Hampshire.—“(1) Conveyance.—Subject to paragraphs (2) through (5), the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the State of New Hampshire, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property consisting of not more than 100 acres that is a part of the real property transferred to the Secretary under subsection (a) and that the Secretary determines to be suitable for use as a cemetery. “(2) Condition of conveyance.—The conveyance under paragraph (1) shall be subject to the condition that the State of New Hampshire use the property conveyed under that paragraph only for the purpose of establishing and operating a State cemetery for veterans. “(3) Reversion.—If the Secretary determines at any time that the State of New Hampshire is not complying with the condition specified in paragraph (2), all right, title, and interest in and to the property conveyed pursuant to paragraph (1), including any improvements thereon, shall revert to the United States and the United States shall have the right of immediate entry thereon. “(4) Description of property.—The exact acreage and legal description of the parcel of real property to be conveyed under paragraph (1) shall be determined by a survey that is satisfactory to the Secretary. “(5) Additional terms and conditions.—The Secretary may require any additional terms or conditions in connection with the conveyance under this subsection that the Secretary determines appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. “(d) The purposes for which this national wildlife refuge is established are—“(1) to encourage the natural diversity of plant, fish, and wildlife species within the refuge, and to provide for their conservation and management; “(2) to protect species listed as endangered or threatened, or identified as candidates for listing pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); “(3) to preserve and enhance the water quality of aquatic habitat within the refuge; and “(4) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States relating to fish and wildlife.” National Wildlife Refuges Provisions relating to national wildlife refuges were contained in the following acts and

functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with approval to cross national wildlife refuges under section 668dd and 668ee of this title with respect to pre-

,

, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§ 102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Em­ployees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15. Ex. Ord. No. 12996. Management and General Public Use of National Wildlife Refuge System Ex. Ord. No. 12996, Mar. 25, 1996, 61 F.R. 13647, provided: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in furtherance of the purposes of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a [et seq.]), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 [et seq.]), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd [, 668ee]), the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k [et seq.]), the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 [et seq.]), the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act (16 U.S.C. 3901 [et seq.]), the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 4401 [et seq.]), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 [et seq.]), and other pertinent statutes, and in order to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitat, it is ordered as follows: section 1. The Mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System (“Refuge System”) is to preserve a national network of lands and waters for the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the United States for the benefit of present and future generations. Sec. 2. Guiding Principles. To help ensure a bright future for its treasured national heritage, I hereby affirm the following four guiding principles for the management and general public use of the Refuge System: (a) Public Use. The Refuge System provides important opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. (b) Habitat. Fish and wildlife will not prosper without high-quality habitat, and without fish and wildlife, traditional uses of refuges cannot be sustained. The Refuge System will continue to conserve and enhance the quality and diversity of fish and wildlife habitat within refuges. (c) Partnerships. America’s sportsmen and women were the first partners who insisted on protecting valuable wildlife habitat within wildlife refuges. Conservation partnerships with other Federal agencies, State agencies, Tribes, organizations, industry, and the general public can make significant contributions to the growth and management of the Refuge System. (d) Public Involvement. The public should be given a full and open opportunity to participate in decisions regarding acquisition and management of our National Wildlife Refuges. Sec. 3. Directives to the Secretary of the Interior. To the extent consistent with existing laws and interagency agreements, the Secretary of the Interior, in carrying out his trustee and stewardship responsibilities for the Refuge System, is directed to: (a) recognize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities involving hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation as priority general public uses of the Refuge System through which the American public can develop an appreciation for fish and wildlife; (b) provide expanded opportunities for these priority public uses within the Refuge System when they are compatible and consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, and are otherwise in the public interest; (c) ensure that such priority public uses receive enhanced attention in planning and management within the Refuge System; (d) provide increased opportunities for families to experience wildlife-dependent recreation, particularly opportunities for parents and their children to safely engage in traditional outdoor activities, such as fishing and hunting; (e) ensure that the biological integrity and environmental health of the Refuge System is maintained for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans; (f) continue, consistent with existing laws and interagency agreements, authorized or permitted uses of units of the Refuge System by other Federal agencies, including those necessary to facilitate military preparedness; (g) plan and direct the continued growth of the Refuge System in a manner that is best designed to accomplish the mission of the Refuge System, to contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems of the United States, and to increase support for the Refuge System and participation from conservation partners and the public; (h) ensure timely and effective cooperation and collaboration with Federal agencies and State fish and wildlife agencies during the course of acquiring and managing National Wildlife Refuges; (i) ensure appropriate public involvement opportunities will be provided in conjunction with refuge planning and management activities; and (j) identify, prior to acquisition, existing compatible wildlife-dependent uses of new refuge lands that shall be permitted to continue on an interim basis pending completion of comprehensive planning. Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or any person. William J. Clinton.