§4405 Conditions Relating to Wetlands Conservation Projects

Summary

The Secretary must help carry out wetlands conservation projects in the United States that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approves, using federal funds under this chapter and section 669b(b). This help must follow the money-allocation rules in section 4407(a)(2) and the funding limits in section 4407(b). Land or water bought with those federal funds must normally be added to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Instead, with the Commission’s agreement and if the project description named the recipient, the Secretary may give the funds or transfer the property without cost to a State, public agency, or other entity if the Secretary finds the land should not join the Refuge System. The Secretary must be sure the recipient will manage the property to meet the chapter’s goals and include a clause that the property returns to the United States if the recipient fails to manage it. Transfers must protect the wetland and its wildlife for the long term. The Secretary may give federal funds to public agencies or other entities to help with approved wetlands projects in Canada or Mexico, following the allocation rules in section 4407(a)(1) and the limits in section 4407(b). The grant recipient must be named in the project description approved by the Commission. Any property acquired, improved, or managed with these funds must be kept for long-term conservation under terms the Secretary sets. Property bought under this part will not become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is not subject to the Federal laws that govern refuge land acquisitions.