Summary: Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act or the RELIEF Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to: (1) make such Act inapplicable to any plant that was imported into the United States before May 22, 2008, or any finished plant or plant product the assembly and processing of which was completed before such date; (2) limit the application of plant importation declaration requirements to plants that are entered for consumption; and (3) exclude from declaration requirements a plant product that is derived from a tree unless the product is solid wood (requires the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to issue regulations that define the term "solid wood" for such purpose). Provides that: (1) civil forfeiture provisions that prohibit any person from asserting an ownership interest in contraband or other property that it is illegal to possess, or that prohibit the federal government from being required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess, shall not apply to plants or plant products; and (2) civil forfeiture provisions of such Act are the sole authority for civil seizure or forfeiture actions alleging, or predicated upon, a violation of such Act. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce, or any person within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States from possessing, a plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold: (1) without the payment of appropriate royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required for the plant by any law or regulation of any state or any foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants; and (2) in violation of any limitation under any law or regulation of any state, or under foreign law, governing the export or transshipment of plants and that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants Limits the application of a civil penalty under such Act for violations of foreign laws to violations of foreign laws that are directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants. Requires the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested pursuant to the provisions of Reorganization Plan Numbered 4 of 1970, to review the implementation of plant declarations with 180 days. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to report on plant declaration requirements, including an evaluation of the feasibility of creating a publicly available database of laws of foreign countries from which plants are exported.

retailers entertainers lacey implementation enforcement fairness act relief act sec amends lacey act amendments act inapplicable plant imported united_states finished plant plant product assembly processing completed date limit application plant importation declaration requirements plants entered consumption exclude declaration requirements plant product derived tree product solid wood requires administrator animal plant_health_inspection_service issue regulations define term solid wood purpose provides civil forfeiture provisions prohibit person asserting ownership interest contraband property illegal possess prohibit federal government required return contraband property person property seized legally possess shall apply plants plant products civil forfeiture provisions act sole authority civil seizure forfeiture actions alleging predicated violation act sec prohibits person importing exporting transporting selling receiving acquiring purchasing interstate foreign commerce person special maritime territorial jurisdiction united_states possessing plant taken possessed transported sold payment appropriate royalties taxes fees required plant law regulation state foreign law directed protection conservation management plants violation limitation law regulation state foreign law governing export transshipment plants directed protection conservation management plants limits application civil penalty act violations foreign laws violations foreign laws directed protection conservation management plants requires secretary interior secretary commerce program responsibilities vested pursuant provisions reorganization plan numbered review implementation plant declarations days requires director united_states fish_and_wildlife_service currently secretary commerce report plant declaration requirements including evaluation feasibility creating publicly available database laws foreign countries plants exported


Summary: State Management of Recovered Wolves Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Secretary of the Interior to permit any state in which wolves are listed as an endangered or threatened species to conduct lethal and non-lethal control of wolves to protect from wolf depredations if the population of wolves in such state exceeds the goal established by a species recovery plan.

wolves act amends endangered species act require secretary interior permit state wolves listed endangered threatened species conduct lethal non lethal control wolves protect wolf population wolves state exceeds goal established species recovery plan


Summary: America's Wildlife Heritage Act - Sets forth requirements concerning the maintenance of viable populations of existing native and desired non-native species within each planning area in the National Forest System's or the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) public lands. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to adopt and implement a strategically targeted monitoring program for determining the status and trends of native and desired non-native species populations on System and BLM lands. Defines: (1) native species to mean species of plants and animals indigenous to a planning area; and (2) desired non-native species to mean those wild species of plants and animals that are not indigenous to a planning area but are valued for their contribution to species diversity or their social, cultural, or economic value. Requires the Secretaries to coordinate the management of planning areas of the System and the BLM with the management of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park System, other federal agencies, state fish and wildlife agencies, other state agencies responsible for management of natural resources, tribes, local governments, and non-governmental organizations engaged in species conservation.

america wildlife heritage act sets forth requirements concerning maintenance viable populations existing native desired non native species planning area national_forest_system bureau_of_land_management blm public lands directs secretary agriculture secretary interior adopt implement strategically targeted monitoring program determining status trends native desired non native species populations system blm lands defines native species mean species plants animals indigenous planning area desired non native species mean wild species plants animals indigenous planning area valued contribution species diversity social cultural economic value requires secretaries coordinate management planning areas system blm management national_wildlife_refuge_system national_park_system federal agencies state fish wildlife agencies state agencies responsible management natural resources tribes local governments non governmental organizations engaged species conservation


Summary: Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act - Amends the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010 to require such stamp to be: (1) made available to the public for an additional four years; and (2) offered in a a choice of five versions depicting an African or Asian elephant, a rhinoceros, a tiger, a marine turtle, or a great ape.

require stamp available public additional years offered choice versions depicting african asian elephant rhinoceros tiger marine turtle great ape


Summary: Wildlife Veterinarians Employment and Training Act or the Wildlife VET Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to award grants to wildlife or veterinary institutions to create additional clinical and research positions for wildlife and zoological veterinarians, with preference to institutions that will create positions in areas of need, including wildlife disease research and training, disease surveillance, ecology and wildlife population management, and conservation and management of the health of endangered, threatened, and sensitive species. Directs the Secretary to establish: (1) the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Workforce Loan Repayment Program to repay educational loans of applicants who have received, in the previous ten years, a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine or a graduate degree in veterinary medicine after receiving such doctoral degree, or who are enrolled in an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine program that leads to such a degree, and who agree to serve for at least four consecutive years at a wildlife or veterinary institution as a wildlife or zoological veterinarian; and (2) the Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Workforce Scholarship Program to award students enrolled in an accredited school or college of veterinary medicine scholarships for up to four years in exchange for entering a contract to serve for at least four consecutive years as wildlife or zoological veterinarians at wildlife or veterinary institutions beginning no later than four years after graduation. Requires the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot program to award competitive grants to accredited schools and colleges of veterinary medicine to develop or improve new or existing curricula that specialize in wildlife or zoological veterinary medicine; and (2) award competitive grants to eligible wildlife or veterinary institutions to establish or expand, for traineeship candidates, training programs (including externship, internship, fellowship, or residency programs) that will enhance the ability of a trainee to practice as a wildlife or zoological veterinarian.

wildlife veterinarians employment training_act secretary interior award grants wildlife veterinary institutions create additional clinical research positions wildlife zoological veterinarians preference institutions create positions areas need including wildlife disease research training disease surveillance ecology wildlife population management conservation management health endangered threatened sensitive species directs secretary establish wildlife zoological veterinary workforce loan repayment program repay educational loans applicants received previous years doctoral degree veterinary medicine graduate degree veterinary medicine receiving doctoral degree enrolled accredited school college veterinary medicine program leads degree agree serve consecutive years wildlife veterinary institution wildlife zoological veterinarian wildlife zoological veterinary workforce scholarship program award students enrolled accredited school college veterinary medicine scholarships years exchange entering contract serve consecutive years wildlife zoological veterinarians wildlife veterinary institutions beginning later years graduation requires secretary establish pilot program award competitive grants accredited schools colleges veterinary medicine develop improve new existing curricula specialize wildlife zoological veterinary medicine award competitive grants eligible wildlife veterinary institutions establish expand traineeship candidates training programs including externship internship fellowship residency programs enhance ability trainee practice wildlife zoological veterinarian


Summary: Sportsmen's Heritage Act of 2012 - Title I: Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities - Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act - (Sec. 104) Requires federal public land management officials to facilitate the use of, and access to, federal public lands, including Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, or lands administratively classified as wilderness eligible or suitable and primitive or semi-primitive areas, for fishing, sport hunting, and recreational shooting, except as limited by: (1) statutory authority that authorizes or withholds action for reasons of national security, public safety, or resource conservation; (2) any other federal statute that specifically precludes recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting on specific federal public lands or waters; and (3) discretionary limitations on recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting determined to be necessary and reasonable. Requires the heads of federal public land management agencies to exercise their discretion in a manner that supports and facilitates recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting opportunities, to the extent authorized under applicable state law. Requires public land planning documents to include specific evaluations of the effects of such plans on opportunities to engage in recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting. Prohibits actions taken under this Act or actions concerning the National Wildlife Refuge System under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 from being considered to be a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Prohibits federal public land management officials from being required to consider the existence or availability of recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting opportunities on adjacent or nearby public or private lands in the planning for or determination of which federal public lands are open for such activities or in the setting of levels of use for such activities, unless the combination or coordination of such opportunities would enhance the recreational fishing, hunting, or shooting opportunities available to the public. Sets forth provisions concerning the use of volunteers in culling or managing wildlife populations on public land if hunting is prohibited on such land. Requires Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands, excluding lands on the Outer Continental Shelf, to be open to recreational fishing, hunting, and shooting unless the managing agency acts to close such lands to such activity for purposes of resource conservation, public safety, energy or mineral production, energy generation or transmission infrastructure, water supply facilities, protection of other permittees, protection or private property rights or interests, national security, or compliance with other law. Requires the heads of federal agencies to use their authorities consistently with this Act to: (1) lease their lands or permit use of their lands for shooting ranges, and (2) designate specific lands for recreational shooting activities. Prohibits such designation from subjecting the United States to any civil action or claim for damages for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death caused by any activity occurring at or on such designated land. Declares that the provision of opportunities for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and the conservation of fish and wildlife to provide sustainable use recreational opportunities on designated wilderness areas on federal public lands constitutes the measures necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the administration of such areas. Provides that any requirements imposed by the Wilderness Act shall be implemented only insofar as they do not prevent federal public land management officials and state fish and wildlife officials from carrying out their wildlife conservation responsibilities or providing recreational opportunities on the federal public lands subject to a wilderness designation. Requires biennial reports on closures of federal public lands to recreational fishing, sport hunting, or shooting. Sets forth requirements for a permanent or temporary withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management status that effectively closes or significantly restricts 640 or more contiguous acres of federal public lands for fishing or hunting or related activities. Treats separate withdrawals or changes, the aggregate or cumulative effect of which effectively closes or significantly restricts 1280 or more acres of land or water, as a single withdrawal or change for purposes of such requirements. Provides that nothing in this Act prohibits a federal land management agency from establishing or implementing emergency closures or restrictions of the smallest practicable area to provide for public safety, resource conservation, national security, or other purposes authorized by law. Requires such an emergency closure to terminate after a reasonable period unless converted to a permanent closure consistent with this Act. Title II: Recreational Shooting Protection - Recreational Shooting Protection Act - (Sec. 203) Requires national monument land under BLM's jurisdiction to be open to access and use for recreational shooting, except as limited by the Director of BLM for reasons of national security or public safety or to comply with an applicable federal or state law. Prohibits the issuance of closures or restrictions on such land that are substantially similar to closures or restrictions that were previously issued and not approved by federal law, unless, as a result of a change in circumstances, such closures or restrictions are supported by such reasons. Requires the Director, before a restriction or closure may become effective, to: (1) publish public notice of the closure or restriction in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where it will be carried out; and (2) report to Congress on the location and extent of, and evidence justifying, such closure or restriction. Ends such a closure or restriction: (1) six months after the Director submits such report, unless the closure or restriction has been approved by federal law; or (2) 30 days after the enactment of a federal law disapproving it. Requires management of BLM national monument land: (1) in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances recreational shooting opportunities; (2) to the extent authorized under state law; and (3) in accordance with applicable federal law. Requires the Director to report on BLM national monument land that was closed to recreational shooting or on which recreational shooting was restricted. Provides that nothing in this title authorizes the Director to require a license. fee, or permit for recreational shooting on land or water in a state, including on federal public land in the state. Requires provisions in the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act and the Recreational Shooting Protection Act to take precedence and apply in any instance when such provisions may be construed to apply in an inconsistent manner to national monument land. Title III: Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness - Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2012 - (Sec. 302) Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of any polar bear part (other than an internal organ) from a polar bear taken in a sport hunt in Canada to any person: (1) who submits proof that the polar bear was legally harvested before February 18, 1997; or (2) who has submitted, in support of an application submitted before May 15, 2008, proof that the bear was legally harvested before such date from a polar bear population from which a sport-hunted trophy could be imported before such date. (Polar bears were listed as a threatened species by the Department of the Interior on May 14, 2008.) Title IV: Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection - Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Shooting Protection Act - (Sec. 402) Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to exclude from the definition of "chemical substance" for purposes of such Act: (1) any component of any pistol, revolver, firearm, shell, or cartridge the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax, including shot, bullets and other projectiles, propellants, and primers; and (2) any sport fishing equipment the sale of which is subject to federal excise tax and sport fishing equipment components. Title V: Hunting in Kisatchie National Forest - Prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from restricting the use of dogs in deer hunting activities within the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana unless those restrictions apply to the smallest practicable parts of such Forest and are necessary to reduce or control of trespassing onto adjacent land. Nullifies any existing restrictions on the use of dogs for deer hunting in such Forest. Title VI: Designation of and Restrictions on National Monuments - Prohibits a national monument designated by presidential proclamation from being valid until each state within the boundaries of the proposed national monument has approved of such designation. Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from implementing any restrictions on the public use of a national monument until the expiration of an appropriate review period providing for public input.

sportsmen heritage act title recreational fishing hunting heritage opportunities recreational fishing hunting heritage opportunities act sec requires federal public land management officials facilitate use access federal public lands including wilderness study areas lands administratively classified wilderness eligible suitable primitive semi primitive areas fishing sport hunting recreational shooting limited statutory authority authorizes withholds action reasons national security public safety resource conservation federal statute specifically precludes recreational fishing hunting shooting specific federal public lands waters discretionary limitations recreational fishing hunting shooting determined necessary reasonable requires heads federal public land management agencies exercise discretion manner supports facilitates recreational fishing hunting shooting opportunities extent authorized applicable state law requires public land planning documents include specific evaluations effects plans opportunities engage recreational fishing hunting shooting prohibits actions taken act actions concerning national_wildlife_refuge_system national_wildlife_refuge_system_administration_act considered major federal action significantly affecting quality human environment prohibits federal public land management officials required consider existence availability recreational fishing hunting shooting opportunities adjacent nearby public private lands planning determination federal public lands open activities setting levels use activities combination coordination opportunities enhance recreational fishing hunting shooting opportunities available public sets forth provisions concerning use volunteers managing wildlife populations public land hunting prohibited land requires bureau_of_land_management blm forest_service lands excluding lands outer_continental_shelf open recreational fishing hunting shooting managing agency acts close lands activity purposes resource conservation public safety energy mineral production energy generation transmission infrastructure water supply facilities protection permittees protection private property rights interests national security compliance law requires heads federal agencies use authorities consistently act lease lands permit use lands shooting ranges designate specific lands recreational shooting activities prohibits designation subjecting united_states civil action claim damages injury loss property personal injury death caused activity occurring designated land declares provision opportunities hunting fishing recreational shooting conservation fish wildlife provide sustainable use recreational opportunities designated wilderness areas federal public lands constitutes measures necessary meet minimum requirements administration areas provides requirements imposed wilderness act shall implemented insofar prevent federal public land management officials state fish wildlife officials carrying wildlife conservation responsibilities providing recreational opportunities federal public lands subject wilderness designation requires biennial reports closures federal public lands recreational fishing sport hunting shooting sets forth requirements permanent temporary withdrawal change classification change management status effectively closes significantly restricts contiguous acres federal public lands fishing hunting related activities treats separate withdrawals changes aggregate cumulative effect effectively closes significantly restricts acres land water single withdrawal change purposes requirements provides act prohibits federal land management agency establishing implementing emergency closures restrictions smallest practicable area provide public safety resource conservation national security purposes authorized law requires emergency closure terminate reasonable period converted permanent closure consistent act title recreational shooting protection recreational shooting protection act sec requires national monument land blm jurisdiction open access use recreational shooting limited director blm reasons national security public safety comply applicable federal state law prohibits issuance closures restrictions land substantially similar closures restrictions previously issued approved federal law result change circumstances closures restrictions supported reasons requires director restriction closure effective publish public notice closure restriction newspaper general circulation area carried report congress location extent evidence justifying closure restriction ends closure restriction months director submits report closure restriction approved federal law days enactment federal law disapproving requires management blm national monument land manner supports promotes enhances recreational shooting opportunities extent authorized state law accordance applicable federal law requires director report blm national monument land closed recreational shooting recreational shooting restricted provides title authorizes director require license fee permit recreational shooting land water state including federal public land state requires provisions recreational fishing hunting heritage opportunities act precedence apply instance provisions construed apply inconsistent manner national monument land title iii polar bear conservation fairness polar bear conservation fairness act sec amends marine_mammal_protection_act direct secretary interior issue permit importation polar bear internal organ polar bear taken sport hunt canada person submits proof polar bear legally harvested february submitted support application submitted proof bear legally harvested date polar bear population sport hunted trophy imported date polar bears listed threatened species department_of_the_interior title hunting fishing fishing sec amends toxic_substances_control_act tsca exclude definition chemical substance purposes act component pistol revolver firearm shell cartridge sale subject federal excise tax including shot bullets projectiles propellants primers sport fishing equipment sale subject federal excise tax sport fishing equipment components title hunting secretary agriculture usda restricting use dogs deer hunting activities kisatchie_national_forest louisiana restrictions apply smallest practicable parts forest necessary reduce control trespassing adjacent land nullifies existing restrictions use dogs deer hunting forest title designation restrictions national monument designated presidential proclamation valid state boundaries proposed national monument approved designation prohibits secretary interior implementing restrictions public use national monument expiration appropriate review period providing public input


Summary: Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, purchasing, breeding, possessing, or owning any prohibited wildlife species (current law prohibits importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing such a species in interstate or foreign commerce). Includes among exemptions to such prohibition the: (1) breeding of such species by authorized persons; and (2) transportation, possession, or ownership of such species by authorized persons. Defines "breeding" as facilitating the reproduction of prohibited wildlife species (any live species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species) for commercial use. Removes from the list of persons authorized to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, breed, possess, own, or purchase such species a person that is licensed or registered, and inspected, by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) or any other federal agency with respect to such species. Includes in such list: (1) a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; (2) a wildlife sanctuary that cares for such species, is a tax exempt corporation, does not commercially trade in or propagate such species, does not allow direct contact between the public and animals, and does not allow the transport and display of such species off-site; and (3) a person that is in possession of animals of such species that were born before the date of this Act's enactment and that are registered with APHIS within six months after such regulations are promulgated. Establishes civil and criminal penalties and forfeiture requirements for violations of this Act.

prohibit person importing exporting transporting selling receiving acquiring purchasing breeding possessing owning prohibited wildlife species current law prohibits importing exporting transporting selling receiving acquiring purchasing species interstate foreign commerce includes exemptions prohibition breeding species authorized persons transportation possession ownership species authorized persons defines breeding facilitating reproduction prohibited wildlife species live species lion tiger leopard cheetah jaguar hybrid species commercial use removes list persons authorized import export transport sell receive acquire breed possess purchase species person licensed registered inspected animal plant_health_inspection_service federal agency respect species includes list accredited association_of_zoos aquariums wildlife sanctuary cares species tax exempt corporation commercially trade propagate species allow direct contact public animals allow transport display species site person possession animals species born date act enactment registered months regulations promulgated establishes civil criminal penalties forfeiture requirements violations act


Summary: Freedom from Over-Criminalization and Unjust Seizures Act of 2012 - Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to repeal the prohibition on importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce: (1) fish or wildlife taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of foreign law; or (2) plants taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of foreign law, without the payment of appropriate royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required by foreign law, or in violation of any limitation under foreign law that governs the export or transshipment of plants. Repeals the prohibition on possessing such fish, wildlife, or plants within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Establishes a $200,000 maximum limit on a civil penalty for a knowing violation of such Act that involves fish, wildlife, or plants with a market value of $350 or more. Repeals: (1) criminal penalties under such Act, and (2) the authorization to suspend, modify, or cancel specified licenses or permits issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of such Act.

freedom unjust seizures act amends lacey act amendments repeal prohibition importing exporting transporting selling receiving acquiring purchasing interstate foreign commerce fish wildlife taken possessed transported sold violation foreign law plants taken possessed transported sold violation foreign law payment appropriate royalties taxes fees required foreign law violation limitation foreign law governs export transshipment plants repeals prohibition possessing fish wildlife plants special maritime territorial jurisdiction united_states establishes maximum limit civil penalty knowing violation act involves fish wildlife plants market value repeals criminal penalties act authorization suspend modify cancel specified licenses permits issued person convicted criminal violation act


Summary: Jonas Salk Elementary Cap Undo Regulatory Environmental Delay or CURED Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a final decision on whether or not to issue a permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 authorizing the San Diego Unified School District to construct an elementary school in San Diego, California. Deems the permit to have been issued if the Secretary does not make a final decision within 90 days of this Act's enactment.

cap regulatory environmental delay act directs secretary interior issue final decision issue permit endangered species act authorizing construct elementary school san_diego california deems permit issued secretary final decision days act enactment


Summary: Clean and Beautiful Communities Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program of the National Park Service (NPS), to make grants to facilitate the acquisition by a qualified organization of a qualified real property interest exclusively for conservation purposes to assist in the funding of the transactional and operational costs associated with the purchase and management of preserved land or a qualified real property interest (including easements) that include: (1) stewardship costs, including costs of standards and practices implementation; (2) land purchase transaction costs; (3) costs of preparing for accreditation associated with land management; and (4) costs of due diligence, including appraisal, title, survey, environmental hazard assessment, and recording costs. Makes a person eligible for a grant under this Act only if such person is a tax-exempt charitable organization and is not a state or local government entity. Prohibits a grant from being used to pay consideration for the purchase of any interest in real property. Limits the amount of a grant to not more than $500,000 per year for five years. Prohibits the Secretary from making a grant under this Act in an amount exceeding more than 50% of the costs such grant is made to assist.

clean communities act authorizes secretary interior acting rivers trails national_park_service nps grants facilitate acquisition qualified organization qualified real property interest exclusively conservation purposes assist funding transactional operational costs associated purchase management preserved land qualified real property interest including easements include stewardship costs including costs standards practices implementation land purchase transaction costs costs preparing accreditation associated land management costs diligence including appraisal title survey environmental hazard assessment recording costs makes person eligible grant act person tax exempt charitable organization state local government entity prohibits grant pay consideration purchase interest real property limits grant year years prohibits secretary making grant act exceeding costs grant assist


Summary: Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of 2012 - Authorizes any person, entity, or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to propose the regulation of nonnative wildlife taxa. Requires FWS to determine whether the proposal should be approved within 180 days. Requires FWS to promulgate regulations to: (1) specify the criteria for regulating a nonnative taxon as an Injurious I taxon or Injurious II taxon that is injurious to humans, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, wildlife, or wildlife resources; (2) establish a process for assessing and analyzing the risks of taxa that may have been imported into or found in interstate commerce; and (3) designate a wildlife taxon that was previously designated as injurious by statue or the Secretary of the Interior as an Injurious I or Injurious II taxon. Requires the Secretary, five years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) define the phrase “non-native wildlife taxa novel to the United States”; (2) establish a process to ensure that all such taxa are thereafter reviewed by FWS to determine whether they should be regulated as Injurious I or Injurious II taxa prior to allowing their importation; and (3) seek to avoid, in promulgating such regulation, creating a new incentive for animal importers to import novel taxa prior to the effective date of such regulation. Requires FWS, prior to designating a taxon as an Injurious I or Injurious II taxon, to prepare a risk determination. Authorizes FWS to immediately and temporarily designate a nonnative wildlife taxon as Injurious I if an emergency exists because such unregulated taxon poses an imminent threat of harm to individuals in, or wildlife of, the United States or to the U.S. economy or environment. Requires FWS to: (1) establish an electronic, publicly available database that describes all quantities of imports of all live wildlife and the regulatory status of such wildlife; (2) monitor and report on the identities and quantities of nonnative wildlife taxa being imported; and (3) make more rapid determinations on proposals for regulation of importations or shipments of injurious mammals, birds, fish, amphibia, and reptiles under the Lacey Act by requiring the Secretary to forego time-consuming optional administrative steps that are not essential and byauthorizing the Secretary to forego economic impact analyses. Gives the Secretary the primary authority to prevent the importation of, and interstate commerce in, wildlife pathogens and harmful parasites. Requires the Secretary to promulgate regulations to impose import restrictions to prevent the importation of, and commerce in, such pathogens and parasites. Establishes exemptions to such requirement. Prohibits any person from: (1) importing or knowingly possessing such an Injurious I or Injurious II taxon, or the descendant of such an animal, that was imported in violation of this Act; (2) engaging in interstate commerce for or knowingly possessing such an animal that was transported in interstate commerce in violation of this Act; and (3) releasing any such taxon into the wild. Sets forth exemptions from such prohibitions. Authorizes FWS to issue permits to qualified institutions to authorize actions otherwise prohibited for such taxon. Establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Requires the Secretary to adopt a fee to be charged on imported live wildlife shipments. Establishes the Injurious Wildlife Prevention Fund to carry out this Act.

invasive fish wildlife prevention act authorizes person entity united_states fish_and_wildlife_service fws propose regulation nonnative wildlife requires fws determine proposal approved days requires fws promulgate regulations specify criteria regulating nonnative taxon injurious taxon injurious taxon injurious humans agriculture horticulture forestry wildlife wildlife resources establish process assessing analyzing risks imported found interstate commerce designate wildlife taxon previously designated injurious statue secretary interior injurious injurious taxon requires secretary years enactment act define phrase non native wildlife novel united_states establish process ensure reviewed fws determine regulated injurious injurious prior allowing importation seek avoid promulgating regulation creating new incentive animal importers import novel prior effective date regulation requires fws prior designating taxon injurious injurious taxon prepare risk determination authorizes fws immediately temporarily designate nonnative wildlife taxon injurious emergency exists unregulated taxon poses imminent threat harm individuals wildlife united_states economy environment requires fws establish electronic publicly available database describes quantities imports live wildlife regulatory status wildlife monitor report identities quantities nonnative wildlife imported rapid determinations proposals regulation shipments injurious mammals birds fish lacey_act requiring secretary forego time consuming optional administrative steps essential secretary forego economic impact analyses gives secretary primary authority prevent importation interstate commerce wildlife pathogens harmful parasites requires secretary promulgate regulations impose import restrictions prevent importation commerce pathogens parasites establishes exemptions requirement prohibits person importing knowingly possessing injurious injurious taxon descendant animal imported violation act engaging interstate commerce knowingly possessing animal transported interstate commerce violation act releasing taxon wild sets forth exemptions prohibitions authorizes fws issue permits qualified institutions authorize actions prohibited taxon establishes civil criminal penalties violations act requires secretary adopt fee charged imported live wildlife shipments establishes injurious_wildlife_prevention_fund carry act


Summary: Salamander Community Conservation Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to make the Act's provisions regarding the determination of endangered or threatened species inapplicable to: (1) the Austin blind salamander, (2) the Georgetown salamander, (3) the Jollyville Plateau salamander, or (4) the Salado salamander.

community conservation act amends endangered species act act provisions determination endangered threatened species inapplicable austin blind


Summary: National Bison Legacy Act - Designates the North American bison as the national mammal of the United States.

national bison legacy act designates north american bison national mammal united_states


Summary: Amends the Horse Protection Act (HPA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe regulatory requirements for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to license, train, assign, and oversee persons who are to be hired by the management of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions and are qualified to detect and diagnose sore horses or otherwise inspect horses at such events. (The soring of horses refers to the application of blistering agents, burns, lacerations, sharp objects, or other substances or devices to a horse's limb to produce a higher gait by making it painful for the horse to step down.) Replaces the current horse inspector appointment process under which the management of a horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction appoints inspectors with a new process requiring the Secretary to assign USDA-licensed inspectors after receiving notice that management intends to hire such inspectors. Specifies that the term "management" includes sponsoring organizations and event managers. Directs the Secretary to disqualify a horse the Secretary determines is sore for specified minimum time periods that increase after the first, second, and third instance. Prohibits a person from causing or directing a horse to become sore for the purpose of any horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction or allowing any such activity respecting a horse which is sore by the owner of such horse. Expands a list of activities designated as unlawful conduct under such Act to include a prohibition on showing, exhibiting, selling, or auctioning a Tennessee Walking, a Racking, or a Spotted Saddle horse with: (1) an action device; or (2) a weighted shoe, pad, wedge, hoof band, or other device or material if it is constructed to artificially alter the gait of such horses and is not strictly protective or therapeutic. Defines "action device" as any boot, collar, chain, roller, or other device that encircles or is placed upon the lower extremity of the leg of a horse in such a manner that it can: (1) rotate around the leg or slide up and down the leg, so as to cause friction; or (2) strike the hoof, coronet band, fetlock joint, or pastern of the horse. Increases the maximum criminal penalties and maximum civil liability penalties to the United States for certain HPA violations. Expands the categories of activities the Secretary may disqualify a violator of such Act from participating in to include: (1) transporting or arranging for the transportation of a horse to or from a show, exhibition, sale, or auction; (2) personally giving instructions to an exhibitor; (3) being knowingly present in a warm-up area, inspection area, or other area that spectators are not permitted; or (4) financing the participation of other individuals. Permits the Secretary to permanently disqualify a person with at least three violations after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

amends horse_protection_act direct secretary agriculture prescribe regulatory requirements department_of_agriculture usda license train assign oversee persons hired management horse shows exhibitions sales auctions qualified detect diagnose sore horses inspect horses events soring horses refers application agents burns objects substances devices horse limb produce higher gait making horse step replaces current horse inspector appointment process management horse exhibition sale auction appoints inspectors new process requiring secretary assign usda licensed inspectors receiving notice management intends hire inspectors specifies term management includes sponsoring organizations event managers directs secretary disqualify horse secretary determines sore specified minimum time periods increase second instance prohibits person causing directing horse sore purpose horse exhibition sale auction allowing activity respecting horse sore owner horse expands list activities designated unlawful conduct act include prohibition showing exhibiting selling auctioning tennessee walking spotted saddle horse action device weighted pad wedge band device material constructed artificially alter gait horses strictly protective therapeutic defines action device chain device placed lower leg horse manner leg leg cause friction strike band joint horse increases maximum criminal penalties maximum civil liability penalties united_states certain violations expands categories activities secretary disqualify violator act participating include transporting arranging transportation horse exhibition sale auction personally giving instructions exhibitor knowingly present warm area inspection area area permitted financing participation individuals permits secretary permanently disqualify person violations notice opportunity hearing


Summary: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Reauthorizes and revises the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to appoint 28 directors (currently, 23) that are knowledgeable and experienced in matters relating to conservation of fish, wildlife, or other natural resources and represent a balance of expertise in ocean, coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial resource conservation. Removes limitations on the appointment of such Foundation's officers and employees. Requires the Foundation's Executive Director to be appointed by and serve at the direction of the Board as the chief executive officer and to be knowledgeable and experienced in matters relating to fish and wildlife conservation. Gives the Foundation the power to receive and administer restitution and community service payments, amounts for mitigation of impacts to natural resources, and other amounts arising from legal, regulatory, or administrative proceedings, subject to the condition that the amounts are received or administered for purposes that further the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources. Repeals provisions authorizing the Foundation to establish a national whale conservation endowment fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Foundation for FY2012-FY2017. Authorizes the Foundation to: (1) assess and collect fees for the management of amounts received from federal agencies; and (2) use such federal funds for matching contributions made by private persons, state and local agencies, and other entities (current law requires such use).

national fish wildlife foundation reauthorization act reauthorizes revises national fish wildlife foundation establishment act requires secretary interior appoint directors currently knowledgeable experienced matters relating conservation fish wildlife natural resources represent balance expertise ocean coastal freshwater terrestrial resource conservation removes limitations appointment foundation officers employees requires foundation executive director appointed serve direction board chief executive officer knowledgeable experienced matters relating fish wildlife conservation power receive administer restitution community service payments amounts mitigation impacts natural resources amounts arising legal regulatory administrative proceedings subject condition amounts received administered purposes conservation management fish wildlife plants natural resources repeals provisions authorizing foundation establish national whale conservation endowment fund authorizes appropriations foundation fy2012 fy2017 authorizes foundation assess collect fees management amounts received federal agencies use federal funds matching contributions private persons state local agencies entities current law requires use


Summary: Amends the Highlands Conservation Act to extend, through FY2024, funding for: (1) land conservation partnership projects in the highlands regions of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; and (2) Forest Service and Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to assist such states, units of local government, and private forest and farm landowners in the conservation of land and natural resources in that region.

amends highlands conservation act extend fy2024 funding land conservation partnership projects highlands regions connecticut new_jersey new_york pennsylvania forest_service department_of_agriculture usda programs assist states units local government private forest farm landowners conservation land natural resources region


Summary: Farmers Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to permit the taking of any migratory game bird, including waterfowl, coots, and cranes, on or over land that: (1) is not a baited area; and (2) contains a standing crop (including an aquatic crop), standing, flooded, or manipulated natural vegetation, flooded harvested cropland, or an area on which seed or grain has been scattered solely as the result of a normal agricultural practice.

farmers protection act amends migratory bird treaty act permit taking migratory game bird including waterfowl coots cranes land baited area contains standing crop including aquatic crop standing flooded manipulated natural vegetation flooded harvested cropland area seed grain scattered solely result normal agricultural practice


Summary: Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to designate a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the Wilderness Act.

amends national_wildlife_refuge_system_administration_act designate portion arctic_national_wildlife_refuge anwr alaska component national_wilderness_preservation_system wilderness act


Summary: Coral Reef Conservation Amendments Act of 2011 - (Sec. 4) Amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to transfer certain authority from the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary). Directs the Secretary to submit to Congress a national coral reef ecosystem action strategy, revised as necessary, to include discussions of: (1) coastal uses and management, including land-based sources of pollution; (2) climate change; and (3) other specified matters. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to give priority to community-based local action strategies when awarding certain grants for conservation projects. Authorizes funds for monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support. Revises the project proposal approval process by directing the Secretary to consider criteria, including: (1) coral reef ecosystems (current law refers only to coral reefs) and biodiversity; (2) international ecosystems; (3) mitigation of coral disease, ocean acidification, and bleaching; and (4) support for community-based planning with local governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Defines "coral reef ecosystem" as the system of coral reefs and geographically associated species, habitats, and environment, including any adjacent or associated mangroves and seagrass habitats, and the processes that control its dynamics. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary to make agreements with nonprofit organizations for public-private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation. (Current law refers to a nonprofit organization and coral reef conservation.) (Sec. 7) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) execute contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements, including agreements with universities and research centers aimed at building capacity for effective resource management; (2) use, with consent, the land, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of entities including any federal agency, state, local government, tribal government, foreign government, or international organization; (3) accept research grant funding from certain federal sources operating competitive grant programs; and (4) transfer limited funds to certain federal, state, local, tribal, educational, nonprofit, and commercial entities and private persons. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Secretary, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide assistance to any state, local, or territorial government agency for any unforeseen or disaster-related circumstance regarding coral reef ecosystems. (Current law refers to the NOAA Administrator and does not mention FEMA.) (Sec. 9) Revises the Secretary's enumerated authorized activities to include: (1) partnerships with local, state, regional, or international programs; (2) socioeconomic and biodiversity research; (3) emergency response; (4) central archiving and data distribution to the general public; and (5) damage prevention. (Current law does not does not provide for the inclusion of local, regional, or international programs and partners.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) provide for the long-term stewardship of environmental data; and (2) establish the Emergency Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account in the existing Damage Assessment Restoration Revolving Fund for emergency actions. Specifies funds for deposit and sets forth procedures for the Secretary to request and the Secretary of the Treasury to invest certain funds. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the economic, social, and environmental values and impacts of the U.S. corals market, including an assessment of import and export trades and economic incentives, and identification of any actions necessary to ensure that the U.S. market does not contribute to coral reef ecosystem degradation. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 11) Directs the Secretary to carry out international coral reef conservation activities in waters outside the U.S. jurisdiction. Directs the Secretary to: (1) report to Congress regarding an international coral reef ecosystem strategy, and (2) establish an international coral reef ecosystem partnership program. Allows the Secretary to transfer limited funds to a foreign government or international organization and accept funds from such entities. (Sec. 12) Authorizes the Secretary to make additional grants for entities to work with local communities and through federal and state entities to increase protection of priority coral reef areas. (Sec. 13) Authorizes the Secretary to maintain an inventory of all vessel reef grounding incidents and identify reef ecosystems with a high incidence of vessel impacts. (Sec. 14) Makes it unlawful to destroy, take, cause the loss of, or injure any coral reef or part, except if caused by: (1) permitted fishing gear use, (2) a federally or state permitted use, (3) bona fide marine scientific research, (4) certain federal emergency activity, or (5) a vessel master's actions to ensure vessel safety or to save a life at sea. (Sec. 15) Makes anyone who engages in an activity that injures a coral reef ecosystem liable, jointly and severally, for response costs and damages, costs of seizure, forfeiture, storage, disposal, and related interest. Makes vessels used in prohibited activities liable in rem. Authorizes the Attorney General, upon the Secretary's request, to commence a civil action for response costs, seizure, forfeiture, storage, or disposal costs, and damages, as well as specified interest. Bars such a civil action unless filed within three years after the date on which the Secretary completes a damage assessment and restoration plan for the coral reef. (Sec. 16) Authorizes enforcement officials to: (1) board, search, inspect, and seize certain vessels or conveyances suspected of violations; (2) execute court-issued warrants; and (3) arrest persons reasonably believed to have committed a prohibited act. Provides for enforcement, including through civil administrative and judicial penalties and denial, suspension, amendment, or revocation of any permit involved. Provides for in rem jurisdiction, criminal and civil forfeiture, criminal fines and imprisonment, and injunctive relief. Ensures that customs laws and enforcement shall still apply insofar as applicable and not inconsistent with this Act. Allows the Secretary to issue subpoenas. Includes the internal waters and territorial sea of the United States, the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States, and the continental shelf, consistent with international law, in the area of application and enforceability of this Act. (Sec. 17) Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for research and activities that would otherwise be prohibited by the Act. (Sec. 18) Directs the Secretary and other federal members of the Coral Reef Task Force to work in coordination with other federal agencies, states, and U.S. territorial governments to implement the strategies developed under this Act to address multiple threats to coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems. Requires the Secretary to: (1) enter written agreements with states in which coral reefs are located regarding the manner in which response and restoration activities will be conducted, and (2) update cooperative enforcement agreements with states to include enforcement of this Act. (Sec. 19) Requires any regulations promulgated under this Act to be in accordance with international law. (Sec. 20) Directs the Secretary to submit reports to Congress: (1) describing activities undertaken to implement the strategy by March 1, 2010, and every three years thereafter; and (2) assessing the conditions of coral reefs and management actions by March 1, 2013, and every five years thereafter. (Sec. 21) Authorizes appropriations through FY2016. (Sec. 22) Precludes judicial review except for civil administrative penalties, permit sanctions, and final agency action regarding the issuance of certain permits. Allows the court in any judicial proceeding to award costs of litigation to any prevailing party.

coral reef conservation amendments act sec amends coral_reef_conservation_act transfer certain authority administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa secretary commerce secretary directs secretary submit congress national coral reef ecosystem action strategy revised necessary include discussions coastal uses management including land based sources pollution climate change specified matters sec directs secretary priority community based local action strategies awarding certain grants conservation projects authorizes funds monitoring assessment research pollution reduction education technical support revises project proposal approval process directing secretary consider criteria including coral reef ecosystems current law refers coral reefs biodiversity international ecosystems mitigation coral disease ocean acidification support community based planning local governmental nongovernmental organizations defines coral reef ecosystem system coral reefs geographically associated species habitats environment including adjacent associated habitats processes control dynamics sec authorizes secretary agreements nonprofit organizations public private partnerships promoting coral reef ecosystem conservation current law refers nonprofit organization coral reef conservation sec authorizes secretary execute contracts leases grants cooperative agreements including agreements universities research centers aimed building capacity effective resource management use consent land services equipment personnel facilities entities including federal agency state local government tribal government foreign government international organization accept research grant funding certain federal sources operating competitive grant programs transfer limited funds certain federal state local tribal educational nonprofit commercial entities private persons sec authorizes secretary cooperation federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide assistance state local territorial government agency unforeseen disaster related circumstance coral reef ecosystems current law refers noaa administrator mention fema sec revises secretary enumerated authorized activities include partnerships local state regional international programs socioeconomic biodiversity research emergency response central archiving data distribution general public damage prevention current law provide inclusion local regional international programs partners directs secretary provide long term stewardship environmental data establish emergency response stabilization restoration account existing damage assessment restoration revolving fund emergency actions specifies funds deposit sets forth procedures secretary request secretary treasury invest certain funds sec requires secretary report congress economic social environmental values impacts market including assessment import export trades economic incentives identification actions necessary ensure market contribute coral reef ecosystem degradation authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary carry international coral reef conservation activities waters outside jurisdiction directs secretary report congress international coral reef ecosystem strategy establish international coral reef ecosystem partnership program allows secretary transfer limited funds foreign government international organization accept funds entities sec authorizes secretary additional grants entities work local communities federal state entities increase protection priority coral reef areas sec authorizes secretary maintain inventory vessel reef grounding incidents identify reef ecosystems high incidence vessel impacts sec makes unlawful destroy cause loss injure coral reef caused permitted fishing gear use federally state permitted use bona fide marine scientific research certain federal emergency activity vessel master actions ensure vessel safety save life sea sec makes engages activity injures coral reef ecosystem liable jointly severally response costs damages costs seizure forfeiture storage disposal related interest makes vessels prohibited activities liable rem authorizes attorney general secretary request commence civil action response costs seizure forfeiture storage disposal costs damages specified interest bars civil action filed years date secretary completes damage assessment restoration plan coral reef sec authorizes enforcement officials board search inspect seize certain vessels conveyances suspected violations execute court issued warrants arrest persons reasonably believed committed prohibited act provides enforcement including civil administrative judicial penalties denial suspension amendment revocation permit involved provides rem jurisdiction criminal civil forfeiture criminal fines imprisonment injunctive relief ensures customs laws enforcement shall apply insofar applicable inconsistent act allows secretary issue subpoenas includes internal waters territorial sea united_states exclusive_economic_zone united_states continental shelf consistent international law area application enforceability act sec authorizes secretary issue permits research activities prohibited act sec directs secretary federal members work coordination federal agencies states territorial governments implement strategies developed act address multiple threats coral reefs coral reef ecosystems requires secretary enter written agreements states coral reefs located manner response restoration activities conducted update cooperative enforcement agreements states include enforcement act sec requires regulations promulgated act accordance international law sec directs secretary submit reports congress describing activities undertaken implement strategy march years assessing conditions coral reefs management actions march years sec authorizes appropriations fy2016 sec precludes judicial review civil administrative penalties permit sanctions final agency action issuance certain permits allows court judicial proceeding award costs litigation prevailing party


Summary: Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2011 - Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to allow an agricultural producer, or a hunter with the producer's permission, to take migratory game birds by the aid of baiting, if: (1) the manipulation occurs on the producer's land on which a crop was not harvestable during the current or immediately preceding crop year due to a natural disaster, and (2) a local representative of the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) confirms that the crop has been destroyed and that it would not be economically practicable to harvest the crop.

migratory bird treaty amendment act amends migratory bird treaty act allow agricultural producer hunter producer permission migratory game birds aid baiting manipulation occurs producer land crop harvestable current immediately preceding crop year natural disaster local representative secretary agriculture usda confirms crop destroyed economically practicable harvest crop


Summary: Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that such Act shall not apply to any gray wolf (canis lupus).

amends endangered species act provide act shall apply gray wolf canis lupus


Summary: Delisting Gray Wolves to Restore State Management Act of 2011 - Grants the full force and effect of law to the final rule entitled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To Identify the Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a Distinct Population Segment and To Revise the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife."

wolves grants force effect law final rule entitled endangered threatened wildlife plants final rule identify northern rocky mountain population gray wolf distinct population segment revise list endangered threatened wildlife


Summary: Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act - (Sec. 4) Expands the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve (the Sanctuary) in Lake Huron to encompass the offshore waters of Presque Isle and Alcona Counties, Michigan, and outward to the international border between the United States and Canada, for the purpose of providing the underwater cultural resources of those areas equal protection to that currently afforded to the Sanctuary. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make minor adjustments to the boundary to facilitate enforcement and clarify the boundary to the public if the resulting boundary is consistent with the purposes of this Act. Requires the resulting area to be managed as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System. (Sec. 5) Sets forth applicable regulations. Directs the Secretary, to the extent practicable, to apply the management plan in effect on the date of enactment of this Act to the added geographic area. (Sec. 6) Prohibits anything in this Act from being construed as increasing, or requiring an increase of, the amount of funds appropriated or authorized for the Sanctuary.

thunder_bay_national_marine_sanctuary sec expands boundaries thunder_bay_national_marine_sanctuary underwater preserve sanctuary lake_huron encompass offshore waters michigan outward international border united_states canada purpose providing underwater cultural resources areas equal protection currently afforded sanctuary authorizes secretary commerce minor adjustments boundary facilitate enforcement clarify boundary public resulting boundary consistent purposes act requires resulting area managed national_marine_sanctuary_system sec sets forth applicable regulations directs secretary extent practicable apply management plan effect date enactment act added geographic area sec prohibits act construed increasing requiring increase funds appropriated authorized sanctuary


Summary: Great Ape Protection and Cost Savings Act of 2011 - Prohibits: (1) conducting invasive research on great apes; (2) possessing, maintaining, or housing a great ape for the purpose of conducting invasive research; (3) using federal funds to conduct such research on a great ape or to support an entity conducting or facilitating invasive research on a great ape either within or outside of the United States; (4) knowingly breeding a great ape for the purpose of conducting or facilitating such research; (5) transporting, moving, delivering receiving, leasing, renting, donating, purchasing, selling, or borrowing a great ape in interstate or foreign commerce for conducting or facilitating such research; and (6) transferring federal ownership of a great ape to a non-federal entity unless the entity is a suitable sanctuary. Defines "great ape" as any chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, orangutan, or gibbon. Defines "invasive research" as research that may cause death, injury, pain, distress, fear, or trauma to great apes, including drug testing or exposure to a substance or isolation, social deprivation, or other experimental manipulations that may be detrimental to the ape's health or psychological well-being. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to effectuate the permanent retirement of all great apes that are owned by the federal government and that are being maintained in any facility for the purpose of breeding for, holding for, or conducting invasive research. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Establishes in the Treasury the Great Ape Sanctuary System Fund to be administered by the Secretary for construction, renovation, and operation of  the sanctuary system for surplus chimpanzees.

cost savings act prohibits conducting invasive research great apes possessing maintaining housing great ape purpose conducting invasive research federal funds conduct research great ape support entity conducting facilitating invasive research great ape outside united_states knowingly breeding great ape purpose conducting facilitating research transporting moving delivering receiving leasing renting donating purchasing selling borrowing great ape interstate foreign commerce conducting facilitating research transferring federal ownership great ape non federal entity entity suitable sanctuary defines great ape defines invasive research research cause death injury pain distress fear trauma great apes including drug testing exposure substance isolation social deprivation experimental detrimental ape health psychological requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs effectuate permanent retirement great apes owned federal government maintained facility purpose breeding holding conducting invasive research sets forth civil penalties violations act establishes treasury great ape sanctuary system fund administered secretary construction renovation operation sanctuary system surplus chimpanzees


Summary: Infrastructure Facilitation and Habitat Conservation Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury (Secretary) to establish a program to provide loans and loan guarantees to enable state political subdivisions  to acquire interests in real property pursuant to habitat conservation plans approved by the Secretary of the Interior under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit loan applications for the Secretary for Interior's review, which shall include a determination that the subdivision has adopted a complementary plan for sustainable infrastructure development that provides for the mitigation of environmental impacts; and (2) give preference to such subdivisions located in biologically rich regions in which rapid growth and development threaten successful implementation of approved habitat conservation plans.

infrastructure facilitation habitat conservation act requires secretary treasury secretary establish program provide loans loan guarantees enable state political subdivisions acquire interests real property pursuant habitat conservation plans approved secretary interior endangered species act requires secretary submit loan applications secretary interior review shall include determination subdivision adopted complementary plan sustainable infrastructure development provides mitigation environmental impacts preference subdivisions located biologically rich regions rapid growth development threaten successful implementation approved habitat conservation plans


Summary: Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of polar bear parts taken in a sport hunt in Canada, if legally harvested before: (1) February 18, 1997; or (2) May 15, 2008, from a bear population from which a sport-hunted trophy could be imported before such date. (Polar bears were listed as a threatened species by the Department of the Interior on May 14, 2008.)

amends marine_mammal_protection_act direct secretary interior issue permit importation polar bear parts taken sport hunt canada legally harvested february bear population sport hunted trophy imported date polar bears listed threatened species department_of_the_interior


Summary: Community Forestry Conservation Act of 2011 - Provides for the treatment of qualified forest conservation bonds as tax-exempt facility bonds under the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "qualified forest conservation bonds" as bonds issued for certain forestry organizations within 48 months after the enactment of this Act. Requires 95 percent or more of the net proceeds of such bonds to be used for specified forestry project costs, including the acquisition of forest lands subject to a conservation restriction. Exempts from income tax income, gains, and other tax incidents generated by certain harvesting activity on forest lands purchased with qualified forest conservation bonds.

community forestry conservation act provides treatment qualified forest conservation bonds tax exempt facility bonds internal revenue code defines qualified forest conservation bonds bonds issued certain forestry organizations months enactment act requires percent net proceeds bonds specified forestry project costs including acquisition forest lands subject conservation restriction exempts income tax income gains tax incidents generated certain harvesting activity forest lands purchased qualified forest conservation bonds


Summary: National Fish Habitat Conservation Act - (Sec. 4) Establishes the National Fish Habitat Board to: (1) promote, oversee, and coordinate the implementation of this Act and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan; (2) establish national goals and priorities for aquatic habitat conservation; (3) designate Fish Habitat Partnerships; and (4) review and make recommendations regarding fish habitat conservation projects. (Sec. 5) Permits the Board to designate such Partnerships in order to: (1) coordinate the implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan at a regional level, (2) identify strategic priorities for fish habitat conservation, (3) recommend to the Board fish habitat conservation projects that address a strategic priority of the Board, and (4) develop and carry out fish habitat conservation projects. Establishes Partnership approval criteria, including that a Partnership: (1) include representatives of a diverse group of public and private partners focused on conservation of aquatic habitats to achieve results across jurisdictional boundaries and public and private land, and (2) is able to address issues and priorities on a nationally significant scale. (Sec. 6) Requires each Partnership to annually submit to the Board a list of fish habitat conservation projects recommended by the Partnership for annual funding under this Act. Prohibits a fish habitat conservation project from being recommended by the Board unless at least 50% of the cost will be funded with non-federal funds, except that: (1) federal funds may be used for payment of 100% of the costs of such a project located on federal land or water, and (2) any funds made available to an Indian tribe under this Act may be considered non-federal funds. (Sec. 7) Requires the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Office within the Service which shall: (1) provide funding for the operational needs of the Partnerships, (2) provide funding to support the detail of state and tribal fish and wildlife staff to the Office, (3) facilitate the cooperative development and approval of Partnerships, (4) assist the Secretary of the Interior, (5) facilitate efficient operations for the benefit of Partnerships and the Board, (6) facilitate the consideration of fish habitat conservation projects by the Board, (7) provide support to the Director regarding the development and implementation of the interagency operational plan, (8) coordinate technical and scientific reporting, (9) facilitate the efficient use of resources and activities of federal departments and agencies to carry out this Act, and (10) provide support to the Board for national communication and outreach efforts that promote public awareness of fish habitat conservation. Requires the Director to develop an interagency operational plan for the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Office that describes: (1) the needs of the Office, and (2) any interagency agreements between or among federal departments and agencies to address those needs. (Sec. 8) Requires the Director to provide scientific and technical assistance to the Partnerships, participants in fish habitat conservation projects, and the Board. (Sec. 9) Requires, to the extent consistent with the mission and authority of the applicable agency, the head of each federal agency responsible for acquiring, managing, or disposing of federal land or water to cooperate with the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Director to conserve the aquatic habitats for fish and other aquatic organisms within such areas. (Sec. 10) Requires the Secretary to provide a notice to, and coordinate with, the appropriate state agency or tribal agency within the boundaries of which an activity is planned to be carried out pursuant to this Act. (Sec. 11) Sets forth accountability and reporting requirements. (Sec. 13) Sets forth provisions stating the effect of this Act on water rights, states, and Indian tribes. Prohibits this Act from permitting the use of funds made available to carry out this Act for fish and wildlife mitigation purposes under: (1) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), (2) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, (3) the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, or (4) any other federal law or court settlement. (Sec. 15) Authorizes appropriations for FY2012-FY2016. Sets forth provisions permitting agreements and grants, and the acceptance of donations, for purposes of carrying out this Act.

sec establishes national_fish_habitat_board promote oversee coordinate implementation act national_fish_habitat_action_plan establish national goals priorities aquatic habitat conservation designate review recommendations fish habitat conservation projects sec permits board designate partnerships order coordinate implementation national_fish_habitat_action_plan regional level identify strategic priorities fish habitat conservation recommend board fish habitat conservation projects address strategic priority board develop carry fish habitat conservation projects approval criteria including partnership include representatives diverse group public private partners focused conservation aquatic habitats achieve results jurisdictional boundaries public private land able address issues priorities nationally significant scale sec requires partnership annually submit board list fish habitat conservation projects recommended partnership annual funding act prohibits fish habitat conservation project recommended board cost funded non federal funds federal funds payment costs project located federal land water funds available indian tribe act considered non federal funds sec requires director establish national_fish_habitat_conservation_partnership_office service shall provide funding operational needs partnerships provide funding support detail state tribal fish wildlife staff office facilitate cooperative development approval partnerships assist secretary interior facilitate efficient operations benefit facilitate consideration fish habitat conservation projects board provide support director development implementation interagency operational plan coordinate technical scientific reporting facilitate efficient use resources activities federal departments agencies carry act provide support board national communication outreach efforts promote public awareness fish habitat conservation requires director develop interagency operational plan national_fish_habitat_conservation_partnership_office describes needs office interagency agreements federal departments agencies address needs sec requires director provide scientific technical assistance partnerships participants fish habitat conservation projects board sec requires extent consistent mission authority applicable agency head federal agency responsible acquiring managing disposing federal land water cooperate assistant administrator noaa director conserve aquatic habitats fish aquatic organisms areas sec requires secretary provide notice coordinate appropriate state agency tribal agency boundaries activity planned carried pursuant act sec sets forth accountability reporting requirements sec sets forth provisions stating effect act water rights states indian tribes prohibits act permitting use funds available carry act fish wildlife mitigation purposes federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act fish wildlife coordination act water_resources_development_act federal law court settlement sec authorizes appropriations fy2012-fy2016 sets forth provisions permitting agreements grants acceptance donations purposes carrying act


Summary: Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act of 2011 - (Sec. 3) Defines "salmon stronghold" as a defined geographical unit meeting biological criteria for abundance, productivity, diversity (genetic and life history), habitat quality, or other biological attributes important to sustaining viable salmon populations throughout their range, as defined by the Salmon Stronghold Partnership Board (the Board) established by this Act. (Sec. 4) Requires the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to establish the Salmon Stronghold Partnership as a cooperative, incentive-based, public-private partnership working across political boundaries and land ownerships to identify and conserve salmon strongholds. Requires the Board, to the extent possible, to include: (1) representatives of Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington state; (2) specified federal entities; (3) nongovernmental organizations; (4) representatives from Indian tribes; and (5) a national or regional representative from associated counties. (Sec. 5) Requires the Assistant Administrator for the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out information and assessment functions associated with salmon strongholds and conservation planning. (Sec. 6) Establishes a salmon stronghold watershed grants and technical assistance program to fund program administration, assist locally with a network of local authorities and private entities, provide financial assistance, accelerate recovery plans for threatened or endangered salmon populations, and other stronghold protection and restoration activities. Sets forth guidelines for program selection, prioritization, and funding to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) or qualified states with a competitive grant process. Limits the federal share of the cost of a project on nonfederal land to 50%. (Sec. 7) Directs federal agencies responsible for managing federal land within a stronghold to cooperate with the Assistant Administrator and the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). (Sec. 8) Authorizes the sharing of status and trends data, innovative conservation strategies, conservation planning methodologies, and other information with North Pacific countries, including Canada, Japan, Russia, and South Korea, and appropriate international entities to promote salmon conservation and habitat. (Sec. 9) Prohibits acquiring private property without the owner's consent. Requires the deed of any real property that the Secretary of the Interior transfers for a conservation project to contain a reversion of title to the United States if the owner fails to manage the property in accordance with this Act. (Sec. 10) Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter cooperative agreements, contracts, and grants; (2) accept donations; (3) participate in interagency financing; and (4) provide funds and donated property to federal agencies. (Sec. 12) Requires the Assistant Administrator to submit a report to Congress at least once every three years.

pacific salmon conservation act sec defines salmon defined geographical unit meeting biological criteria abundance productivity diversity genetic life history habitat quality biological attributes important sustaining viable salmon populations range defined board established act sec requires secretary commerce secretary establish cooperative incentive based public private partnership working political boundaries land identify conserve salmon requires board extent possible include representatives alaska california idaho oregon washington state specified federal entities nongovernmental organizations representatives indian tribes national regional representative associated counties sec requires assistant administrator noaa carry information assessment functions associated salmon conservation planning sec establishes salmon watershed grants technical assistance program fund program administration assist locally network local authorities private entities provide financial assistance accelerate recovery plans threatened endangered salmon populations protection restoration activities sets forth guidelines program selection prioritization funding national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation qualified states competitive grant process limits federal share cost project nonfederal land sec directs federal agencies responsible managing federal land cooperate assistant administrator director fish wildlife service usfws sec authorizes sharing status trends data innovative conservation strategies conservation planning methodologies information countries including canada japan russia south_korea appropriate international entities promote salmon conservation habitat sec prohibits acquiring private property owner consent requires deed real property secretary interior transfers conservation project contain reversion title united_states owner fails manage property accordance act sec authorizes secretary enter cooperative agreements contracts grants accept donations participate interagency financing provide funds donated property federal agencies sec requires assistant administrator submit report congress years


Summary: Marine Mammal Protection Amendment Act of 2011 - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to increase the maximum penalty for knowingly violating the Act's prohibitions against the taking or importation of marine mammals.

amendment act amends marine_mammal_protection_act increase maximum penalty knowingly violating act prohibitions taking importation marine mammals


Summary: Billfish Conservation Act of 2011 - Prohibits any person from offering billfish or billfish products for sale, selling them, or having custody, control, or possession of them for purposes of offering them for sale or selling them. Treats a violation of this Act as an act prohibited by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Subjects a person to a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 for each violation, with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate offense. Exempts the state of Hawaii and the Pacific Insular Area, except that billfish may be sold under such exemption only in Hawaii and the Pacific Insular Area. Defines "billfish" as any of the following: (1) blue marlin, (2) striped marlin, (3) black marlin, (4) sailfish, (5) shortbill spearfish, (6) white marlin, (7) roundscale spearfish, (8) Mediterranean spearfish, or (9) longbill spearfish. Excludes swordfish from such definition.

billfish conservation act prohibits person offering billfish billfish products sale selling having custody control possession purposes offering sale selling treats violation act act prohibited magnuson-stevens_fishery_conservation_and_management_act subjects person maximum civil penalty violation day continuing violation constituting separate offense exempts state hawaii billfish sold exemption hawaii defines billfish following blue marlin striped marlin black marlin sailfish shortbill spearfish white marlin spearfish mediterranean spearfish longbill spearfish excludes swordfish definition


Summary: Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the transport, purchase, or sale of: (1) any pelt of a Southcentral or Southeast Alaskan otter that is taken for subsistence purposes by any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who resides in Alaska and who dwells on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean; or (2) any handicraft, garment, or art produced from such a pelt, regardless of whether it is traditional or contemporary or altered or not altered significantly.

amends marine_mammal_protection_act allow transport purchase sale southeast alaskan otter taken subsistence purposes indian eskimo resides alaska coast arctic_ocean handicraft art produced regardless traditional altered altered significantly


Summary: Mesquite Land Conveyances Act of 2011- Amends Public Law 99-548, commonly known as the Mesquite Lands Act of 1986, to require proceeds from sales in the fourth area to be used for the implementation of a multispecies habitat conservation plan for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada, including any associated groundwater monitoring plan. Extends, until November 29, 2021, withdrawal and purchase authority with respect to the fifth and sixth areas.

mesquite land conveyances act amends public law commonly known mesquite lands act require proceeds sales fourth area implementation multispecies habitat conservation plan virgin_river clark_county nevada including associated groundwater monitoring plan extends november withdrawal purchase authority respect fifth sixth areas


Summary: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Reauthorizes and revises the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to appoint 28 directors (currently, 23) who are knowledgeable and experienced in matters relating to conservation of fish, wildlife, or other natural resources and represent a balance of expertise in ocean, coastal, freshwater, and terrestrial resource conservation. Removes limitations on the appointment of such Foundation's officers and employees. Requires the Foundation's Executive Director to be appointed by and serve at the direction of the Board as the chief executive officer and to be knowledgeable and experienced in matters relating to fish and wildlife conservation. Gives the Foundation the power to receive and administer restitution and community service payments, amounts for mitigation of impacts to natural resources, and other amounts arising from legal, regulatory, or administrative proceedings, subject to the condition that the amounts are received or administered for purposes that further the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and other natural resources. Repeals provisions authorizing the Foundation to establish a national whale conservation endowment fund. Authorizes appropriations for the Foundation for FY2012-FY2017. Authorizes the Foundation to: (1) assess and collect fees for the management of amounts received from federal agencies, and (2) use such federal funds for matching contributions made by private persons, state and local agencies, and other entities (current law requires such use).

national fish wildlife foundation reauthorization act reauthorizes revises national fish wildlife foundation establishment act requires secretary interior appoint directors currently knowledgeable experienced matters relating conservation fish wildlife natural resources represent balance expertise ocean coastal freshwater terrestrial resource conservation removes limitations appointment foundation officers employees requires foundation executive director appointed serve direction board chief executive officer knowledgeable experienced matters relating fish wildlife conservation power receive administer restitution community service payments amounts mitigation impacts natural resources amounts arising legal regulatory administrative proceedings subject condition amounts received administered purposes conservation management fish wildlife plants natural resources repeals provisions authorizing foundation establish national whale conservation endowment fund authorizes appropriations foundation fy2012 fy2017 authorizes foundation assess collect fees management amounts received federal agencies use federal funds matching contributions private persons state local agencies entities current law requires use


Summary: Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exempt from such Act the taking of any grizzly bear by an individual in self-defense, in defense of another individual, or because of a reasonable belief of imminent danger posed by the grizzly bear to any individual.

amends endangered species act exempt act taking bear individual self defense defense individual reasonable belief imminent danger posed bear individual


Summary: Protecting Public Safety and Sacred Sites from the Utah Prairie Dog Act of 2011 - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to amend the special rule concerning takings of the Utah prarie dog to permit the taking of such prairie dog under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in any airport or cemetery in such prairie dog's range in which a state demonstrates that: (1) the prairie dog's entry or existence causes a threat to public health and safety or to the sanctity of a burial site, and (2) all practicable measures to eliminate that threat have been carried out without success. Defines "practicable measures" as: (1) the construction of fences around such areas, and (2) translocation of the prairie dogs by methods used by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

utah prairie dog act requires secretary interior amend special rule concerning takings utah dog permit taking prairie dog endangered species act airport cemetery prairie dog range state demonstrates prairie dog entry existence causes threat public health safety sanctity burial site practicable measures eliminate threat carried success defines practicable measures construction areas prairie dogs methods united_states fish_and_wildlife_service


Summary: Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act to maintain through FY2017 the existing percentages of annual Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund appropriations distributed to: (1) the Secretary of the Interior for coastal wetlands distributions, the Clean Vessel Act, boating infrastructure, and national outreach and communications; and (2) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for state recreational boating safety programs. Sets forth, through FY2017, separate set-aside amounts for: (1) the Secretary of the Interior for administration expenses of the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act; and (2) the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating for national recreational boating safety personnel and activities, the National Boating Safety Advisory Council, and national nonprofit boating safety public service organizations. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend Fund transfer restriction exceptions until March 5, 2017. Revises the formulas for apportioning unobligated amounts among states and paying the costs of administering recreational boating safety programs.

sport fish restoration recreational boating safety act amends federal aid fish restoration act maintain fy2017 existing percentages annual sport fish restoration boating trust fund appropriations distributed secretary interior coastal wetlands distributions clean vessel act boating infrastructure national outreach communications secretary department coast_guard operating state recreational boating safety programs sets forth fy2017 separate set aside amounts secretary interior administration expenses dingell-johnson_sport_fish_restoration_act secretary department coast_guard operating national recreational boating safety personnel activities national_boating_safety_advisory_council national nonprofit boating safety public service organizations amends internal revenue code extend fund transfer restriction exceptions march revises formulas apportioning unobligated amounts states paying costs administering recreational boating safety programs