Summary:
Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes through FY2022 and revises the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, including by expanding the Act and the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include assistance for marine mammals that are entangled in material (e.g. fishing gear) and are on U.S. beaches or shores, or in U.S. navigable waters.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must develop a program to make publicly available certain data collected under this bill.

The bill requires sums received for marine mammal conservation (e.g. fines for violations) and sums received from emergency declaration grants for marine mammal conservation to be deposited into the Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event Fund.

The bill establishes the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals.

NOAA must: (1) establish a national marine mammal health and stranding observing system (Marine Mammal Health Map), (2) analyze gaps in data about marine mammal rescue and response, and (3) report on the response capabilities for sick and injured marine mammals in U.S. Arctic regions.

response_act bill reauthorizes fy2022 revises marine_mammal_protection_act including expanding act john prescott marine include assistance marine mammals entangled material fishing gear beaches shores navigable waters national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa develop program publicly available certain data collected bill bill requires sums received marine mammal conservation fines violations sums received emergency declaration grants marine mammal conservation deposited bill establishes john prescott marine rapid response fund providing emergency financial assistance certain stranded entangled marine mammals noaa establish national marine mammal health stranding observing system analyze gaps data marine mammal rescue response report response capabilities sick injured marine mammals regions


Summary:
Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2016

This bill amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to extend the award of coral reef conservation program grant funds to appropriate projects, including monitoring and assessment, research, pollution reduction, education, and technical support.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)and the Department of the Interior are authorized to undertake emergency actions to: (1) minimize injury to a coral reef or a coral reef ecosystem; and (2) stabilize, repair, or restore a coral reef. It is unlawful to injure a coral reef or its ecosystem subject to certain exemptions.

The bill modifies the goals and objectives of the national coral reef action strategy. NOAA must submit a report to Congress describing all activities undertaken to implement the strategy.

Additionally, NOAA is authorized to: (1) make community-based planning grants for increased protection of high priority coral reefs, (2) maintain an inventory of all coral reef vessel groundings, (3) identify all coral reefs with a high incidence of vessel impacts, and (4) identify measures to reduce such impacts.

NOAA must also submit an international coral reef ecosystem strategy to Congress and may establish an international coral reef ecosystem partnership program.The international strategy must be published in the Federal Register.

The bill establishes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to coordinate federal actions that are designed to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. Additionally, the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force are authorized to carry out either individually or cooperatively, prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation.

coral reef conservation act reauthorization enhancement amendments bill amends coral_reef_conservation_act extend award coral reef conservation program grant funds appropriate projects including monitoring assessment research pollution reduction education technical support national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration department_of_the_interior authorized undertake emergency actions minimize injury coral reef coral reef ecosystem stabilize repair restore coral reef unlawful injure coral reef ecosystem subject certain exemptions bill modifies goals objectives national coral reef action strategy noaa submit report congress describing activities undertaken implement strategy additionally noaa authorized community based planning grants increased protection high priority coral reefs maintain inventory coral reef vessel identify coral reefs high incidence vessel impacts identify measures reduce impacts noaa submit international coral reef ecosystem strategy congress establish international coral reef ecosystem partnership program international strategy published federal_register bill establishes coordinate federal actions designed preserve protect coral reef ecosystems additionally federal agencies authorized carry individually cooperatively prize competitions promote coral reef research conservation


Summary:
Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of 2016

This bill sets forth a regulatory process for preventing the introduction and establishment in the United States of certain injurious wildlife that is likely to cause harm to: (1) humans; (2) interests in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry; or (3) wildlife or wildlife resources.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) may: (1) designate certain wildlife as injurious, and (2) make immediate and temporary emergency designations if the injurious wildlife poses an imminent threat. Interested persons may petition the USFWS to designate wildlife as injurious.

The bill: (1) gives the Department of the Interior the primary authority to prevent the importation and sale of wildlife pathogens and harmful parasites, and (2) establishes requirements that address those pathogens and parasites.

The bill prohibits: (1) importing into the United States, or transporting between states, injurious wildlife or wildlife not in trade; and (2) possessing or releasing into the wild such wildlife.

The USFWS may issue permits that authorize the importation or transport of injurious wildlife for scientific, zoological, medical research, or educational purposes.

The USFWS must establish user fees for live wildlife imports.

The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Interior must establish a grant program for supporting states and Indian tribes in: (1) inspecting and monitoring interstate transport of wildlife, and (2) assessing risks associated with the intentional importation of wildlife.

 The bill establishes the Injurious Wildlife Prevention Fund to carry out this bill. Revenues generated by user fees and penalties must be deposited into the fund.

invasive fish wildlife prevention act bill sets forth regulatory process preventing introduction establishment united_states certain injurious wildlife likely cause harm humans interests agriculture horticulture forestry wildlife wildlife resources fish wildlife service usfws designate certain wildlife injurious immediate temporary emergency designations injurious wildlife poses imminent threat interested persons petition usfws designate wildlife injurious bill gives department_of_the_interior primary authority prevent importation sale wildlife pathogens harmful parasites establishes requirements address pathogens parasites bill prohibits importing united_states transporting states injurious wildlife wildlife trade possessing releasing wild wildlife usfws issue permits authorize importation transport injurious wildlife scientific zoological medical research educational purposes usfws establish user fees live wildlife imports bill establishes civil criminal penalties violations interior establish grant program supporting states indian tribes inspecting monitoring interstate transport wildlife assessing risks associated intentional importation wildlife bill establishes injurious_wildlife_prevention_fund carry bill revenues generated user fees penalties deposited fund


Summary:
Limiting Inhumane Federal Trapping for Public Safety Act

This bill prohibits any personnel of the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), in performing their duties, from using, recommending, training in the use of, or planning for the use of, any body-gripping trap used to kill or capture an animal. This prohibition does not apply to training in the dismantling of body-gripping traps that have been illegally placed.

No person shall use or possess any body-gripping trap on property under the administrative jurisdiction of Interior or USDA, except in Indian country, regardless of whether the person is employed by, or is working under a contract with, Interior or USDA.

Such prohibitions shall not apply to the use of a body-gripping trap to:

 control documented, invasive species to achieve resource management objectives where alternative methods have failed; or protect a species that is listed as an endangered or threatened species or treated by the Forest Service as a sensitive species. Such exceptions shall not apply unless:

 such use of a body-gripping trap is in accordance with state and federal law; prior to using such a trap, all available and viable nonlethal methods for such control or protection have been attempted; and such attempts have been documented in writing, and the documentation is maintained at the headquarters of the department that employs the individual engaging in such attempt. The bill imposes criminal penalties for violating the prohibitions in this bill.

limiting inhumane federal trapping public safety act bill prohibits personnel department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_agriculture usda performing duties recommending training use planning use body gripping trap kill capture animal prohibition apply training dismantling body gripping traps illegally placed person shall use possess body gripping trap property administrative jurisdiction interior usda indian country regardless person employed working contract interior usda prohibitions shall apply use body gripping trap control documented invasive species achieve resource management objectives alternative methods failed protect species listed endangered threatened species treated forest_service sensitive species exceptions shall apply use body gripping trap accordance state federal law prior trap available viable nonlethal methods control protection attempted attempts documented writing documentation maintained headquarters department employs individual engaging attempt bill imposes criminal penalties violating prohibitions bill


Summary:
Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act to authorize the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out, either individually or cooperatively, prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions should be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

Priority is given to establish programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems.

coral reef sustainability innovation act bill amends coral_reef_conservation_act authorize federal agencies includes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration carry individually cooperatively prize competitions promote coral reef research conservation prize competitions designed help united_states achieve goal developing new effective ways advance understanding monitoring sustainability coral reef ecosystems priority given establish programs address communities environments industries distress decline degradation coral reef ecosystems


Summary:
Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act

This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish a prohibition on the use of exotic or wild animals in performances (e.g., circus, ride, carnival, or parade) of a traveling animal act. The prohibition does not apply to the use of animals in: (1) zoos; (2) aquariums; (3) research facilities; (4) film, television, or advertising, if the performance is not before a public studio audience; or (5) rodeos. The prohibition also does not apply to domestic animals or farm animals.

traveling exotic animal public safety protection act bill amends animal welfare act establish prohibition use exotic wild animals performances ride traveling animal act prohibition apply use animals aquariums research facilities film television advertising performance public audience prohibition apply domestic animals farm animals


Summary:
Safeguard Aquaculture Farmers Act

This bill provides the force and effect of law for certain regulations that allow for the taking of double-crested cormorants (birds) that eat fish at aquaculture facilities.

safeguard aquaculture farmers act bill provides force effect law certain regulations allow taking double birds eat fish aquaculture facilities


Summary:
Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2016

This bill establishes a National Wildlife Corridors System for:

 conserving and restoring habitats that support native fish, wildlife, and plant species that have experienced or may experience habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation, or obstructions of connectivity; providing long-term habitat connectivity for the native species for migration, dispersal, adaptation to environmental change, and genetic exchange; and facilitating coordinated landscape- and seascape-scale connectivity planning and management across departmental jurisdictions. The Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, the Interior, and Transportation must: (1) each create a process for designating lands and waters under their respective administration and control as national wildlife corridors; and (2) manage corridors in a manner that contributes to the long-term connectivity, persistence, resilience, and adaptability of native species.

The bill establishes safety and mitigation requirements for corridors that intersect, adjoin, or cross local, state, or federal roads or highways.

The departments may acquire land to establish and enhance corridors and the land may be purchased with amounts from the Land and Water Conservation Fund or the Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Fund.

The U.S. Geological Survey must establish and make available to the public a comprehensive National Native Species Habitats and Corridors Geographic Information System Database.

The bill establishes a Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Fund, which may be used by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for enhancing the management and the protection of corridors and other lands and waters identified as important to further the purposes of the corridor.

wildlife corridors conservation act bill establishes conserving restoring habitats support native fish wildlife plant species experienced experience habitat loss degradation fragmentation obstructions connectivity providing long term habitat connectivity native species migration dispersal adaptation environmental change genetic exchange facilitating coordinated scale connectivity planning management departmental jurisdictions defense interior transportation create process designating lands waters respective administration control national wildlife corridors manage corridors manner contributes long term connectivity persistence resilience adaptability native species bill establishes safety mitigation requirements corridors cross local state federal roads highways departments acquire land establish enhance corridors land purchased amounts land_and_water_conservation_fund establish available public comprehensive national native species habitats corridors geographic information system database bill establishes wildlife corridors stewardship protection fund national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation enhancing management protection corridors lands waters identified important purposes corridor


Summary:
Wildlife Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2015

This bill applies provisions of the federal criminal code concerning money laundering and racketeering to wildlife trafficking violations of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the African Elephant Conservation Act, and the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, if the endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife, products, items, or substances involved in the violation and relevant conduct have a total value of more than $10,000. Violators would be subject to increased fines and years of imprisonment.

The amounts generated from penalties for those wildlife violations must be used for the benefit and conservation of impacted species.

wildlife trafficking enforcement act bill applies provisions federal criminal code concerning money laundering racketeering wildlife trafficking violations endangered species act african_elephant_conservation_act rhinoceros tiger conservation act endangered threatened species fish wildlife products items substances involved violation relevant conduct total value violators subject increased fines years imprisonment amounts generated penalties wildlife violations benefit conservation impacted species


Summary:
Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act of 2013

This bill 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 Department of Agriculture confirms that the crop has been destroyed and that it would not be economically practicable to harvest the crop.

migratory bird treaty amendment act bill 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 department_of_agriculture confirms crop destroyed economically practicable harvest crop


Summary:
Common Sense in Species Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce to exclude an area from designation as a critical habitat to conserve an endangered or threatened species if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of including the area, unless the failure to designate the area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species.

At the time a proposed rule to designate a critical habitat is published, the appropriate department must make available for public comment a draft analysis that: (1) examines the incremental and cumulative economic effects of all actions to protect the species and its habitat upon each state and locality that is affected by the proposed designation; (2) includes consideration of economic effects on possible uses of land and property values, employment, revenues available for state and local governments, and the provision of water, power, or other public services; and (3) assesses those effects on a quantitative and qualitative basis.

species protection act bill amends endangered species act require department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_commerce exclude area designation critical habitat conserve endangered threatened species benefits exclusion outweigh benefits including area failure designate area critical habitat result extinction species time proposed rule designate critical habitat published appropriate department available public comment draft analysis examines incremental cumulative economic effects actions protect species habitat state locality affected proposed designation includes consideration economic effects possible uses land property values employment revenues available state local governments provision water power public services assesses effects quantitative qualitative basis


Summary:
21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act

This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce, as appropriate, to make publicly available on the Internet the best scientific and commercial data available that are the basis for the determination of whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species, including each proposed regulation for the listing of a species.

The departments are prohibited from making the information publicly available when: (1) the public disclosure of the information is prohibited by state law relating to the protection of personal information, and (2) the state makes a request to a department to withhold the information.

21st century endangered species transparency act bill amends endangered species act require department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_commerce appropriate publicly available internet best scientific commercial data available basis determination species endangered species threatened species including proposed regulation listing species departments prohibited making information publicly available public disclosure information prohibited state law relating protection personal information state makes request department withhold information


Summary:
This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to revise provisions governing citizen suits against the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce, as appropriate, that allege a failure of the relevant department to perform an act or duty related to an endangered species or threatened species. Interior must publish the complaint in a citizen suit within 30 days of being served. Affected parties shall be given a reasonable opportunity to intervene in the suit. If affected parties intervene, the court must refer the action to a mediation program or magistrate judge to facilitate settlement discussions.

The court is prohibited from: (1) awarding litigation costs in a citizen suit that is settled by a consent decree, or (2) awarding litigation costs to a plaintiff in a citizen suit that is settled.

Interior must provide notice of a proposed settlement to each state or county in which an affected species occurs. A settlement can only be approved if states or counties approve the settlement or fail to respond.

bill amends endangered species act revise provisions governing citizen suits department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_commerce appropriate allege failure relevant department perform act duty related endangered species threatened species interior publish complaint citizen suit days served affected parties shall given reasonable opportunity intervene suit affected parties intervene court refer action mediation program magistrate judge facilitate settlement discussions court prohibited awarding litigation costs citizen suit settled consent decree awarding litigation costs plaintiff citizen suit settled interior provide notice proposed settlement state county affected species occurs settlement approved states counties approve settlement fail respond


Summary:
Animal Welfare in Agricultural Research Endeavors Act or the AWARE Act

This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to apply standards for humane treatment to farm animals at federal research or laboratory animal facilities.

animal welfare aware act bill amends animal welfare act apply standards humane treatment farm animals federal research laboratory animal facilities


Summary:
Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2015

This bill revises a variety of existing programs to expand access to, and opportunities for, hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting.

The Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act is reauthorized through FY2025. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act are reauthorized through FY2020.

Components of firearms and ammunition and sport fishing equipment and its components (such as lead sinkers) are exempted from regulations of chemical substances under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

The proportion of funding from the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act that states may use for public target ranges is increased.

Interior must issue permits for the importation of polar bear parts taken in sports hunts in Canada before May 15, 2008, which is the date the species was listed as threatened.

The bill revises standards for determining what a baited area is for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.

Federal public land management officials must facilitate hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on certain federal public land. Land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service must be open for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting unless the managing agency acts to close the land.

This bill provides special rules to expand access to federal land and waterways for film crews of five people or fewer.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may not prohibit individuals from possessing a firearm in public areas of a water resources development project. The National Park Service may not prohibit individuals from transporting bows and crossbows if certain requirements are met.

Funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund are allocated for priority projects that secure public access to federal public lands for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

act bill revises variety existing programs expand access opportunities hunting fishing recreational shooting federal_land_transaction_facilitation_act reauthorized fy2025 north_american_wetlands_conservation_act reauthorized fy2020 components firearms ammunition sport fishing equipment components lead exempted regulations chemical substances toxic_substances_control_act proportion funding pittman-robertson_wildlife_restoration_act states use public target ranges increased interior issue permits importation polar bear parts taken sports hunts canada date species listed threatened bill revises standards determining baited area purposes prohibition taking migratory game birds federal public land management officials facilitate hunting fishing recreational shooting certain federal public land land jurisdiction bureau_of_land_management forest_service open hunting fishing recreational shooting managing agency acts close land bill provides special rules expand access federal land waterways film crews people fewer prohibit individuals possessing firearm public areas water resources development project national_park_service prohibit individuals transporting bows certain requirements met funds land_and_water_conservation_fund allocated priority projects secure public access federal public lands hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Sage-Grouse and Mule Deer Habitat Conservation and Restoration Act of 2015

This bill provides a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for a vegetation management project by the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service involving removal or treatment of any Pinyon or Juniper tree to conserve or restore the habitat of the greater sage-grouse or mule deer.

Under NEPA a categorical exclusion is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementing environmental regulations. Therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required.

sage grouse restoration act bill provides categorical exclusion national environmental policy act nepa vegetation management project bureau_of_land_management forest_service involving removal treatment pinyon juniper tree conserve restore habitat greater sage grouse deer nepa categorical exclusion category actions individually cumulatively significant effect human environment found effect procedures adopted federal agency implementing environmental regulations environmental assessment environmental impact statement required


Summary:
Sportsmen's Act of 2015

TITLE I--NATIONAL POLICY

(Sec. 101) This bill states U.S. policy that federal departments and agencies must:

 facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting, noncommercial fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities on federal land; conserve and enhance aquatic systems and the management of game species and the habitat of those species on federal land; and consider hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting opportunities as part of all federal plans for land, resource, and travel management. TITLE II--SPORTSMEN'S ACCESS TO FEDERAL LAND

(Sec. 201) The bill applies to federal land managed by: (1) the U.S. Forest Service; and (2) the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), except for lands located on the Outer Continental Shelf or lands held for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos.

(Sec. 202) Federal land must be open for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting unless the managing agency acts to close the lands. The bill establishes procedures for closing the land, including reporting on the closures.

(Sec. 204) The Forest Service or the BLM may lease or permit the use of federal land for a shooting range, except land within:

 a component of the National Landscape Conservation System; a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; a primitive or semiprimitive area, an area that is designated as a wilderness study area, or an area administratively classified as wilderness-eligible or wilderness-suitable; a national monument, national volcanic monument, or national scenic area; or a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (including areas designated for study for potential addition to the system). (Sec. 205) The bill amends the Equal Access to Justice Act and the federal judicial code by requiring the Administrative Conference of the United States to: (1) submit an annual report on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded under that Act; and (2) create and maintain a searchable, online database containing specified information with respect to each award. (The Equal Access to Justice Act allows a prevailing party to recover costs and attorneys' fees against the United States in both administrative and judicial proceedings, if the position of the United States was not substantially justified.)

TITLE III--FILMING ON FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY LAND

(Sec. 301) The bill allows agencies to establish a fee schedule for commercial filming operations on federal land and provides special rules to expand access to federal land and waterways for film crews of three people or fewer.

TITLE IV--BOWS, WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT, AND ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION, HUNTING, AND FISHING

(Sec. 401) The National Park Service (NPS) may not prohibit individuals from transporting bows and crossbows if certain requirements are met.

(Sec. 402) The NPS may use qualified volunteers to assist in wildlife management efforts in reducing the size of wildlife populations in the national park system.

(Sec. 403) The Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the BLM, and the Forest Service must prepare a list that identifies land within their respective jurisdictions that is: (1) open to the public for hunting, fishing, or recreational uses; (2) not accessible to the public because the land does not have public entry or exit points or has significantly restricted public entry and exit points; and (3) more than 640 acres in size. Those federal entities must: (1) make this information available each year for a ten-year period and then every five years after that period, and (2) report on options for providing public entry and exit points for the land.

TITLE V--FEDERAL LAND TRANSACTION FACILITATION ACT

(Sec. 501) The bill amends the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, including by permanently authorizing the Department of the Interior to sell certain public land and use the proceeds from those sales for acquiring land located within or adjacent to federal lands.

TITLE VI--CONSERVATION REAUTHORIZATION

(Sec. 601) The bill: (1) establishes a National Park Service Critical Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund for high priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service that support critical infrastructure and visitor services, and (2) transfers to the fund specified amounts from revenues due under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The funds may not be used for land acquisition.

(Sec. 602) The bill: (1) makes permanent the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), and (2) revises requirements for the LWCF.

((Sec. 603) The bill makes permanent the Historic Preservation Fund.

TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS

(Sec. 701) The bill does not modify the rights of Indian tribes nor federal law relating to migratory birds or endangered or threatened species.

(Sec. 702) The bill does not provide a preference for hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting over any other use of federal land or water.

sportsmen act title national policy sec bill states policy federal departments agencies facilitate expansion enhancement hunting noncommercial fishing recreational shooting opportunities federal land conserve enhance aquatic systems management game species habitat species federal land consider hunting fishing recreational shooting opportunities federal plans land resource travel management title sportsmen access federal land sec bill applies federal land managed bureau_of_land_management blm lands located outer_continental_shelf lands held benefit indians sec federal land open hunting fishing recreational shooting managing agency acts close lands bill establishes procedures closing land including reporting closures sec forest_service blm lease permit use federal land shooting range land component national_landscape_conservation_system component national_wilderness_preservation_system primitive area area designated wilderness study area area administratively classified wilderness eligible wilderness suitable national monument national volcanic monument national scenic area component national_wild_and_scenic_rivers_system including areas designated study potential addition system sec bill amends equal_access justice act federal judicial code requiring administrative_conference_of_the_united_states submit annual report fees expenses awarded act create maintain searchable online database containing specified information respect award allows prevailing party recover costs attorneys fees united_states administrative judicial proceedings position united_states substantially justified title iii filming federal land management agency land sec bill allows agencies establish fee schedule commercial filming operations federal land provides special rules expand access federal land waterways film crews people fewer title bows access opportunities recreation hunting fishing sec national_park_service nps prohibit individuals transporting bows certain requirements met sec nps use qualified volunteers assist wildlife management efforts reducing size wildlife populations national park system sec fish wildlife service blm forest_service prepare list identifies land respective jurisdictions open public hunting fishing recreational uses accessible public land public entry exit points significantly restricted public entry exit points acres size federal entities information available year year period years period report options providing public entry exit points land title federal land transaction facilitation act sec bill amends federal_land_transaction_facilitation_act including permanently authorizing department_of_the_interior sell certain public land use proceeds sales acquiring land located adjacent federal lands title conservation reauthorization sec bill establishes high priority deferred maintenance needs national_park_service support critical infrastructure visitor services transfers fund specified amounts revenues outer_continental_shelf_lands_act funds land acquisition sec bill makes permanent land_and_water_conservation_fund revises requirements sec bill makes permanent title vii miscellaneous sec bill modify rights indian tribes federal law relating migratory birds endangered threatened species sec bill provide preference hunting fishing recreational shooting use federal land water


Summary:
Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct Department of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of a polar bear part (other than an internal organ) from a bear taken in a sport hunt in Canada to any permit applicant who has submitted proof that the polar bear was: (1) legally harvested by the applicant before the May 15, 2008, listing of the polar bear as threatened, and (2) harvested from an approved polar bear population. Interior must issue these permits without regard to limits on importing marine mammals with depleted populations.

fairness act bill amends marine_mammal_protection_act direct department_of_the_interior issue permit importation polar bear internal organ bear taken sport hunt canada permit applicant submitted proof polar bear legally harvested applicant listing polar bear threatened harvested approved polar bear population interior issue permits regard limits importing marine mammals depleted populations


Summary:
Defending Our Great Lakes Act of 2015

This bill requires federal agencies to take immediate actions to prevent the upstream transfer of aquatic nuisance species from the Mississippi River basin to the Great Lakes basin through the Brandon Road Lock and Dam site. The actions must place a special focus on Asian carp species and other aquatic nuisance species of concern to the Great Lakes referred to in the Great Lakes Mississippi River Interbasin Study conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Army Corps must implement measures to improve the site to prevent the upstream transfer of Asian carp and other aquatic nuisance species swimming through the lock and dam, including by constructing an engineered channel in the approach to the site from the Mississippi River direction.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must implement all appropriate measures around the site on the Illinois River to prevent the upstream transfer of swimming and floating aquatic nuisance species, with a focus on Asian carp species.

 Federal entities must take actions for the long-term prevention of the transfer of aquatic nuisance species between the Mississippi River and Great Lakes basins, including through the Chicago Area Waterway System. The Army Corps must design, engineer, and construct flood mitigation and water quality measures on the Chicago Area Waterway System related to preventing such transfer.

defending great lakes act bill requires federal agencies immediate actions prevent upstream transfer aquatic nuisance species mississippi_river basin great_lakes basin brandon road lock dam site actions place special focus asian carp species aquatic nuisance species concern great lakes referred great lakes mississippi river study conducted implement measures improve site prevent upstream transfer asian carp aquatic nuisance species swimming lock dam including constructing engineered channel approach site mississippi_river direction fish wildlife service implement appropriate measures site illinois_river prevent upstream transfer swimming floating aquatic nuisance species focus asian carp species federal entities actions long term prevention transfer aquatic nuisance species mississippi_river great_lakes basins including chicago_area_waterway_system design engineer construct flood mitigation water quality measures chicago_area_waterway_system related preventing transfer


Summary:
Hunter and Farmer Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to revise standards for determining what constitutes baiting for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.

A baited area, in the case of waterfowl, cranes, and coots, includes a standing, unharvested crop that has been manipulated through activities such as mowing, discing, or rolling, unless the activities are normal agricultural practices. An area is not considered to be a baited area if it: (1) has been treated with a normal agricultural practice, (2) has standing crops that have not been manipulated, or (3) has standing crops that have been or are flooded.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must submit to the Department of the Interior a report on changes to normal agricultural practices across the range of crops grown by agricultural producers in each region of the United States in which USDA harvest practice recommendations are provided to agricultural producers.

hunter farmer protection act bill amends migratory bird treaty act revise standards determining constitutes baiting purposes prohibition taking migratory game birds baited area case waterfowl cranes coots includes standing unharvested crop manipulated activities mowing rolling activities normal agricultural practices area considered baited area treated normal agricultural practice standing crops manipulated standing crops flooded department_of_agriculture usda submit department_of_the_interior report changes normal agricultural practices range crops grown agricultural producers region united_states usda harvest practice recommendations provided agricultural producers


Summary: This bill prohibits the Department of the Interior from using any funds to make a determination on the listing of the northern long-eared bat (myotis septentrionalis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Interior proposed in October 2013 to list the northern long-eared bat as endangered.

bill prohibits department_of_the_interior funds determination listing northern long endangered species act interior proposed october list northern long endangered


Summary:
Bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2016

(Sec.2)This bill amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to add articles of sport fishing equipment to the list of products that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) isprohibited from regulating under such Act.

(Sec.3)The bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to facilitate the construction and expansion of public target ranges by: (1)authorizing a state to pay up to 90% of the costs of acquiring land for expanding or constructing a public target range; (2)authorizing a state to elect to allocate 10% of a specified amount apportioned to it from the federal aid to wildlife restoration fund for these costs; (3)limiting the federal share of those costs under such Act to 90%; and (4)requiring amounts provided for those costs under such Act to remain available for expenditure and obligation for 5 fiscal years.

The U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are urged to cooperate with state and local authorities and other entities to carry out waste removal and other activities on any federal land used as a public target range to encourage its continued use for target practice or marksmanship training.

(Sec.4)The bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to direct the Department of the Interior to issue a permit for the importation of a polar bear part (other than an internal organ) from a bear taken in a sport hunt in Canada to any permit applicant who has submitted proof that the polar bear was: (1) legally harvested by the applicant before the May 15, 2008, listing of the polar bear as threatened, and (2) harvested from an approved polar bear population. Interior must issue these permits without regard to limits on importing marine mammals with depleted populations.

(Sec.5)The bill amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to revise standards for determining what constitutes baiting for purposes of the prohibition on taking migratory game birds.A baited area, in the case of waterfowl, cranes, and coots includes a standing, unharvested crop that has been manipulated through activities such as mowing, discing, or rolling, unless the activities are normal agricultural practices. An area is not considered to be a baited area if it: (1) has been treated with a normal agricultural practice, (2) has standing crops that have not been manipulated, or (3) has standing crops that have been or are flooded.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must submit to Interior a report on changes to normal agricultural practices across the range of crops grown by agricultural producers in each region of the United States in which USDA harvest practice recommendations are provided to agricultural producers.

(Sec.6) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prohibited from promulgating or enforcing any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm in any area open to the public (other than a federal facility) at a water resources development project administered by the Corps of Engineers if: (1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm, and (2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the state in which the project is located.

(Sec.7)The bill reauthorizes the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through FY2021 and clarifies that property conveyed under such Act must be maintained for conservation purposes.

(Sec.8)The bill reauthorizes the African Elephant Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994, the Asian Elephant Conservation Act of 1997, the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000, and the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 through FY2020.

The bill amends the Great Ape Conservation Act of 2000 to authorize Interior to award a multi-year grant to carry out a project that is an effective, long-term conservation strategy for great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, or gibbons) and their habitats.

Interior is required to convene a panel of experts to identify the greatest needs and priorities for the conservation of great apes within a year and every five years thereafter.Currentlaw authorizes Interiorto convene a panel to consider the greatest conservation needs every two years.The panel is required to consider relevant great ape conservation plans or strategies.

This bill also amends the Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004 to make a wildlife management authority of a U.S. territoryeligible for financial assistance for marine turtle conservation.

(Sec.9)The bill revises and reauthorizes the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act through FY2020. Additionally, the bill requires that 75% of appropriated funds for such Act be spent on projects outside of the United States.

(Sec.10)The bill amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 to authorize the Corps of Engineers to permit a non-federal public or private entity that has entered into a cooperative agreement for the operation and management of recreation facilities and natural resources at civil works projects under the Corps of Engineers' jurisdiction to collect user fees for the use of developed recreation sites and facilities.

 The bill allows such an entity to retain up to 100% of the fees collected and use them for operation, maintenance, and management at the recreation site where they were collected.

(Sec.11)The bill revises and reauthorizes the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act through FY2020.

(Sec.12)The bill amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the EPA or a state from requiring a permit under the Clean Water Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of:

 a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or a residue resulting from the application of the pesticide. Point source pollution is waste discharged from a distinct place, such as a pipe, channel, and tunnel.

The EPA or a state may require a permit for the following discharges containing a pesticide:

 a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of FIFRA that is relevant to protecting water quality, if the discharge would not have occurred without the violation, or if the amount of pesticide or residue contained in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; a stormwater discharge regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System; and a discharge of manufacturing or industrial effluent (wastewater), treatment works effluent, or a discharge incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including discharges from ballast water operations or vessel biofouling prevention. (Sec.13)The bill amends the Submerged Lands Act by extending the seaward boundaries for Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi by three or more marine leagues (about nine miles)from the coast line of each state for management activities pursuant to the fishery management plan for the reef resources of the Gulf of Mexico.

(Sec.14)The bill requires Interior to reissue: (1) the final rule published on December 28, 2011, that removed the gray wolf in the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and that removed the designation of critical habitat for that wolf in Minnesota and Michigan; and (2) the final rule published on September 10, 2012, that removed the gray wolf in Wyoming from the list and removed the Yellowstone Experimental Protection Area that was established to facilitate reintroduction of the wolf.

Rules reissued under this section are not subject to judicial review.

(Sec.16)The bill prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)from finalizing the proposed rule on January 8, 2016 entitled "Non-Subsistence Take of Wildlife, and Public Participation and Closure Procedures, on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska."Additionally, the bill prohibits USFWS from issuing any rule similar to the proposed rule.The proposed regulations would restrict and limit hunting and trapping activities in Alaska.

(Sec.17) National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act

The bill establishes the National Fish Habitat Board to oversee and promote the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, establish national goals for fish habitat conservation, approve Fish Habitat Partnerships, and review and recommend aquatic habitat projects.The bill establishes procedures for designating partnerships and outlines criteria for approval of partnerships.The board must submit to Interior a list of fish habitat projects that the board recommends for funding.Projects must include a 50% non-federal cost share.

The EPA, USFWS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Geological Survey are authorized to coordinate with the Forest Service to provide scientific and technical assistance to the partnerships.

Additionally, Interior must provide notice to appropriate state or tribal agencies within 30 days of any fish habitat conversation projects that will be conducted in such jurisdictions.

act bill amends toxic_substances_control_act add articles sport fishing equipment list products environmental_protection_agency epa regulating act bill amends pittman-robertson_wildlife_restoration_act facilitate construction expansion public target ranges state pay costs acquiring land expanding constructing public target range state elect allocate specified apportioned federal aid wildlife restoration fund costs federal share costs act amounts provided costs act remain available expenditure obligation fiscal years bureau_of_land_management cooperate state local authorities entities carry waste removal activities federal land public target range encourage continued use target practice marksmanship training bill amends marine_mammal_protection_act direct department_of_the_interior issue permit importation polar bear internal organ bear taken sport hunt canada permit applicant submitted proof polar bear legally harvested applicant listing polar bear threatened harvested approved polar bear population interior issue permits regard limits importing marine mammals depleted populations bill amends migratory bird treaty act revise standards determining constitutes baiting purposes prohibition taking migratory game birds baited area case waterfowl cranes coots includes standing unharvested crop manipulated activities mowing rolling activities normal agricultural practices area considered baited area treated normal agricultural practice standing crops manipulated standing crops flooded department_of_agriculture usda submit interior report changes normal agricultural practices range crops grown agricultural producers region united_states usda harvest practice recommendations provided agricultural producers prohibited promulgating enforcing regulation prohibits individual possessing firearm area open public federal facility water resources development project administered corps_of_engineers individual prohibited law possessing firearm possession firearm compliance law state project located bill reauthorizes north_american_wetlands_conservation_act fy2021 clarifies property conveyed act maintained conservation purposes bill reauthorizes african_elephant_conservation_act rhinoceros tiger conservation act asian_elephant_conservation_act great ape conservation act marine_turtle_conservation_act fy2020 bill amends authorize interior award multi year grant carry project effective long term conservation strategy great apes chimpanzees habitats interior required convene panel experts identify greatest needs priorities conservation great apes year years authorizes convene panel consider greatest conservation needs years panel required consider relevant great ape conservation plans strategies bill amends marine_turtle_conservation_act wildlife management authority financial assistance marine turtle conservation bill revises reauthorizes neotropical_migratory_bird_conservation_act fy2020 additionally bill requires appropriated funds act spent projects outside united_states bill amends water_resources_development_act authorize corps_of_engineers permit non federal public private entity entered cooperative agreement operation management recreation facilities natural resources civil works projects jurisdiction collect user fees use developed recreation sites facilities bill allows entity retain fees collected use operation maintenance management recreation site collected bill revises reauthorizes national fish wildlife foundation establishment act fy2020 bill amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit epa state requiring permit clean water act discharge point source navigable waters pesticide authorized sale distribution use fifra residue resulting application pesticide point source pollution waste discharged distinct place pipe channel tunnel epa state require permit following discharges containing pesticide discharge resulting application pesticide violation fifra relevant protecting water quality discharge occurred violation pesticide residue contained discharge greater occurred violation stormwater discharge regulated national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system discharge manufacturing industrial effluent wastewater treatment works effluent discharge incidental normal operation vessel including discharges ballast water operations vessel prevention bill amends submerged lands act extending seaward boundaries alabama florida louisiana mississippi marine leagues coast line state management activities pursuant fishery management plan reef resources gulf_of_mexico bill requires interior reissue final rule published december removed gray wolf western great lakes distinct population segment list endangered threatened wildlife removed designation critical habitat wolf minnesota michigan final rule published september removed gray wolf wyoming list removed established facilitate reintroduction wolf rules reissued section subject judicial review bill prohibits fish wildlife service finalizing proposed rule january entitled non subsistence wildlife public participation closure procedures alaska bill prohibits usfws issuing rule similar proposed rule proposed regulations restrict limit hunting trapping activities alaska national fish habitat conservation partnerships act bill establishes national_fish_habitat_board oversee promote establish national goals fish habitat conservation approve review recommend aquatic habitat projects bill establishes procedures designating partnerships outlines criteria approval partnerships board submit interior list fish habitat projects board recommends funding projects include non federal cost share epa usfws national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration authorized coordinate forest_service provide scientific technical assistance partnerships additionally interior provide notice appropriate state tribal agencies days fish habitat projects conducted jurisdictions


Summary: This bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to delay by 10 years until 2026 the date after which interest from the wildlife conservation and restoration fund is available for apportionment.

bill amends pittman-robertson_wildlife_restoration_act delay years date interest wildlife conservation restoration fund available apportionment


Summary:
State, Tribal, and Local Species Transparency and Recovery Act

This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require the Department of the Interior or the Department of Commerce, as appropriate, to provide to affected states all data that is used as the basis of a determination on whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species before making a determination.

The appropriate Department must use data submitted by a state, tribal, or county government in making such a determination.

state tribal local species transparency recovery_act bill amends endangered species act require department_of_the_interior_or_the_department_of_commerce appropriate provide affected states data basis determination species endangered species threatened species making determination appropriate department use data submitted state tribal county government making determination


Summary:
Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act

Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to require the consent of the governor of a state in which a species is present for: (1) a determination of endangered or threatened species status by regulation, and (2) listing of the species as endangered or threatened by the Department of the Interior upon a determination by the Department of Commerce.

Eliminates a rulemaking procedure involving the petitioning by an interested person for adding a species to, or removing a species from, the lists of endangered and threatened species.

Defines "best scientific and commercial data," for purposes of determinations, to include any scientific evidence made available by any state agency.

Subjects determinations by Interior and Commerce to list species as endangered or threatened to congressional approval by joint resolution. Requires removal of each species listed on an approved list five years after the joint resolution is enacted. Provides a procedure for re-submission by Interior, in consultation with the governor of each state in which the endangered or threatened species is present, of a list including a species so removed and subjects that list to approval by joint resolution.

 Eliminates the requirement for guidelines concerning petitions.

Establishes a process for exclusive state regulation of endangered or threatened species determined by a state governor to be present only within that state. Precludes judicial review of any such action. Subjects the following to the process of intrastate regulation: (1) issuance of species conservation regulations, (2) recovery plan implementation, (3) species recovery monitoring, and (4) establishment of agency guidelines.

Requires the Bonneville, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western Area Power Administrations, except with respect to intrastate species regulation, to include in customer monthly billing statements information on the share of costs to the customer incurred as a result of ESA compliance.

Allows an owner or lessee of any real property to submit to Interior an application that includes any proposed use of the real property for a determination of whether the use will violate ESA. Deems the use to be compliant if Interior fails to respond within 90 days. Allows the owner or lessee to seek compensation (150% of the property's fair market value) if the use is determined to violate ESA and an action of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service diminishes the fair market value of any real property by at least 50% with respect to the intended use.

Eliminates the award of attorney fees in citizen suits under ESA.

endangered species management self determination act amends endangered species act esa require consent governor state species present determination endangered threatened species status regulation listing species endangered threatened department_of_the_interior determination department_of_commerce eliminates rulemaking procedure involving petitioning interested person adding species removing species lists endangered threatened species defines best scientific commercial data purposes determinations include scientific evidence available state agency subjects determinations interior_and_commerce list species endangered threatened congressional approval joint resolution requires removal species listed approved list years joint resolution enacted provides procedure submission interior consultation governor state endangered threatened species present list including species removed subjects list approval joint resolution eliminates requirement guidelines concerning petitions establishes process exclusive state regulation endangered threatened species determined state governor present state precludes judicial review action subjects following process intrastate regulation issuance species conservation regulations recovery plan implementation species recovery monitoring establishment agency guidelines requires bonneville southeastern southwestern respect intrastate species regulation include customer monthly billing statements information share costs customer incurred result esa compliance allows owner lessee real property submit interior application includes proposed use real property determination use violate esa deems use compliant interior fails respond days allows owner lessee seek compensation property fair market value use determined violate esa action fish wildlife service diminishes fair market value real property respect intended use eliminates award attorney fees citizen suits esa


Summary:
Sage-Grouse Protection and Conservation Act

This bill addresses the management of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

If the Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Department of the Interior receives, or has already received, from one of those states a statewide conservation and management plan for the protection and recovery of those sage-grouse species, the appropriate department must take steps during the next six years to: (1) allow for appropriate monitoring and collection of data, and (2) assess the state plan's success.

The appropriate department must: (1) share data with states and assist them in developing and implementing plans; (2) require states that opt to have plans in lieu of federal endangered species plans to monitor and report on relevant data, including population trends; (3) use statewide plans as the basis for all relevant determinations under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; and (4) stay any land use planning activities relating to federal management of sage-grouse species on public land or National Forest System land within those states that have plans.

The appropriate department may extend the provisions of the bill for six more years with the consent of the relevant state.

Interior must fully implement for at least six years Secretarial Order 3336 to prevent and suppress rangeland fire and restore sagebrush landscapes impacted by fire across the Western United States.

sage grouse protection conservation act bill addresses management greater sage grouse sage grouse minimus california colorado idaho montana nevada north_dakota oregon south_dakota utah washington wyoming department_of_agriculture usda department_of_the_interior receives received states statewide conservation management plan protection recovery sage grouse species appropriate department steps years allow appropriate monitoring collection data assess state plan success appropriate department share data states assist developing implementing plans require states opt plans lieu federal endangered species plans monitor report relevant data including population trends use statewide plans basis relevant determinations national_environmental_policy_act stay land use planning activities relating federal management sage grouse species public land national_forest_system land states plans appropriate department extend provisions bill years consent relevant state interior fully implement years secretarial order prevent suppress rangeland fire restore landscapes impacted fire


Summary:
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act

 Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 to prohibit the use or possession of body-gripping traps in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Imposes on persons who possess or use such traps in the System: (1) for a first offense, a civil fine of up to $500 for each body-gripping trap possessed or used; and (2) for subsequent offenses, a civil fine of up to $1,000 for each body-gripping trap possessed or used, imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both such a civil fine and imprisonment.

Subjects to civil forfeiture any body-gripping traps that are possessed or used in violation of this Act, and any wildlife captured by the use of such traps, including the pelts and raw fur.

Requires persons found to be in violation of such prohibition to pay all associated court costs.

refuge cruel trapping act amends national_wildlife_refuge_system_administration_act prohibit use possession body gripping traps national_wildlife_refuge_system imposes persons possess use traps system offense civil fine body gripping trap possessed subsequent offenses civil fine body gripping trap possessed imprisonment days civil fine imprisonment subjects civil forfeiture body gripping traps possessed violation act wildlife captured use traps including pelts raw fur requires persons found violation prohibition pay associated court costs


Summary:
Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2015 or the PAST Act

This bill amends the Horse Protection Act to establish a new system for inspecting horses for soring, revise penalties for violations of the Act, and modify enforcement procedures. The soring of horses is any of various actions taken on a horse's limb to produce a higher gait that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish requirements to license, train, assign, and oversee persons hired by the management of horse shows, exhibitions, sales, or auctions to detect and diagnose sore horses. A license may not be issued to a person with conflicts of interest, and USDA must give preference to veterinarians. USDA may revoke a license for unsatisfactory performance. USDA must assign licensed inspectors after receiving notice that management intends to hire the inspectors. An inspector must issue a citation for violations and notify USDA of violations. USDA must publish information on violations of this bill and disqualify a horse that is sore.

The bill prohibits a person in any horse show, exhibition, sale, or auction from causing or directing a horse to become sore for the purpose of showing, exhibiting, selling, or auctioning the horse.

The bill prohibits the use of specified devices on a Tennessee Walking, a Racking, or a Spotted Saddle horse at a show, exhibition, sale, or auction.

The bill increases the maximum criminal and civil liability penalties for certain violations. USDA may disqualify violators from specified activities related to horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions.

prevent soring tactics act past act bill amends horse_protection_act establish new system inspecting horses soring revise penalties violations act modify enforcement procedures soring horses actions taken horse limb produce higher gait cause pain distress inflammation lameness department_of_agriculture usda establish requirements license train assign oversee persons hired management horse shows exhibitions sales auctions detect diagnose sore horses license issued person conflicts interest usda preference veterinarians usda revoke license unsatisfactory performance usda assign licensed inspectors receiving notice management intends hire inspectors inspector issue citation violations notify usda violations usda publish information violations bill disqualify horse sore bill prohibits person horse exhibition sale auction causing directing horse sore purpose showing exhibiting selling auctioning horse bill prohibits use specified devices tennessee walking spotted saddle horse exhibition sale auction bill increases maximum criminal civil liability penalties certain violations usda disqualify violators specified activities related horse shows exhibitions sales auctions


Summary:
Native Species Protection Act

This bill prohibits an intrastate species from being: (1) considered to be in interstate commerce; and (2) subject to regulation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, or any other provision of law under which regulatory authority is based on the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause.

An intrastate species is any species of plant or fish or wildlife that is: (1) found entirely within the borders of a single state, and (2) not part of a national market for any commodity.

bill prohibits intrastate species considered interstate commerce subject regulation endangered species act provision law regulatory authority based power congress regulate interstate commerce commerce clause intrastate species species plant fish wildlife found entirely borders single state national market commodity


Summary:
Horse Protection Amendments Act of 2015

This bill amends the Horse Protection Act to replace the Designated Qualified Persons program responsible for inspecting horses for soring with a new inspection system. (The soring of horses is any of various actions taken on a horse's limb to produce a higher gait that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness.)

A sore horse must be disqualified from being shown or exhibited for at least 30 days for the first determination that the horse is sore and 90 days for a second determination and any subsequent determination.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a single Horse Industry Organization (HIO) in order to establish a formal affiliation with the management of each horse sale, horse exhibition, and horse sale or auction, appoint inspectors to conduct inspections, contract with equine veterinary experts to advise the HIO Board on objective scientific testing methods and certification of testing results, and otherwise ensure compliance with the Horse Protection Act.

The Commissioners of Agriculture for Tennessee and Kentucky must appoint individuals to govern the HIO. Those individuals must appoint individuals representing the Tennessee Walking Horse industry.

horse protection amendments act bill amends horse_protection_act replace designated_qualified_persons program responsible inspecting horses soring new inspection system soring horses actions taken horse limb produce higher gait cause pain distress inflammation lameness sore horse disqualified shown days determination horse sore days second determination subsequent determination department_of_agriculture usda establish single order establish formal affiliation management horse sale horse exhibition horse sale auction appoint inspectors conduct inspections contract equine veterinary experts advise objective scientific testing methods certification testing results ensure compliance horse_protection_act commissioners agriculture tennessee kentucky appoint individuals govern individuals appoint individuals representing tennessee walking horse industry


Summary:
Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act

Directs the Department of the Interior to enter into an agreement with the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, Currituck County, and the state of North Carolina to provide for the management of free-roaming wild horses in and around the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

Requires that such agreement:

 allow a herd of no more than 130 free-roaming wild horses in and around the Refuge; provide for cost-effective management of such horses; provide for the introduction of a small number of free-roaming wild horses from the herd at Cape Lookout National Seashore as is necessary to maintain the genetic viability of the herd in and around the Refuge; and specify that the Corolla Wild Horse Fund shall pay certain costs associated with the health, maintenance, removal, and placement of such horses. Bars Interior from excluding free-roaming wild horses from any part of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge unless: (1) it is found that the presence of such horses on a part of the Refuge threatens the survival of an endangered species for which such land is designated as critical habitat, (2) such finding is based on a peer-reviewed scientific assessment, and (3) a period of public notice and comment is provided on such finding.

Prohibits the removal of any horse from the Seashore for introduction at the Refuge, except with the approval of the Foundation for Shackleford Horses Inc. and consistent with the memorandum of understanding between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Foundation and the management plan for the Shackleford Banks Horse Herd.

enter agreement corolla_wild_horse_fund state north_carolina provide management free roaming wild horses currituck_national_wildlife_refuge requires agreement allow herd free roaming wild horses refuge provide cost effective management horses provide introduction small number free roaming wild horses herd cape_lookout_national_seashore necessary maintain genetic viability herd refuge specify corolla_wild_horse_fund shall pay certain costs associated health maintenance removal placement horses bars interior excluding free roaming wild horses currituck_national_wildlife_refuge found presence horses refuge threatens survival endangered species land designated critical habitat finding based peer reviewed scientific assessment period public notice comment provided finding prohibits removal horse seashore introduction refuge approval foundation consistent memorandum understanding national_park_service nps foundation management plan shackleford_banks_horse_herd


Summary:
Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act

(Sec. 4) This bill designates approximately 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in Oregon as the Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area. The special management area shall be administered by the Department of the Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to:

 conserve and enhance the natural character, scientific use, and the botanical, recreational, ecological, fish and wildlife, scenic, drinking water, and cultural values of the special management area; maintain and seek to enhance the wild salmonid habitat of the special management area; maintain or enhance the watershed as a thermal refuge for wild salmonids; and preserve opportunities for recreation, including primitive recreation. Nothing in this bill creates any protective perimeter or buffer zone around the special management area.

Nothing in this bill prohibits the Forest Service, in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies, from conducting wildland fire operations in the special management area, including the use of aircraft, machinery, mechanized equipment, fire breaks, backfires, and retardant.

Nothing in this bill prohibits the Forest Service from conducting vegetation management projects within the special management area.

Nothing in this bill diminishes any treaty rights of Indian tribes.

The bill withdraws the federal land within the boundaries of the special management area's river segments from:

 entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.

act sec bill designates approximately acres forest_service land oregon special management area shall administered forest_service conserve enhance natural character scientific use botanical recreational ecological fish wildlife scenic drinking water cultural values special management area maintain seek enhance wild salmonid habitat special management area maintain enhance watershed thermal refuge wild preserve opportunities recreation including primitive recreation bill creates protective perimeter buffer zone special management area bill prohibits forest_service cooperation federal state local agencies conducting wildland fire operations special management area including use aircraft machinery mechanized equipment fire breaks retardant bill prohibits forest_service conducting vegetation management projects special management area bill diminishes treaty rights indian tribes bill withdraws federal land boundaries special management area river segments entry appropriation disposal public land laws location entry patent mining laws disposition laws relating mineral geothermal leasing mineral materials


Summary:
Wild Horse Oversight Act

 Amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to direct the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, upon request, to allow a state or an Indian tribe to assume all management and protection functions under the Act with regard to wild free-roaming horses and burros on land within the boundaries of the state or the tribe.

wild horse oversight act amends wild free roaming horses burros_act direct department_of_the_interior_and_the_department_of_agriculture request allow state indian tribe assume management protection functions act regard wild free roaming horses burros land boundaries state tribe


Summary:
Sanctuary Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015

 Directs the Department of Health and Human Services to promulgate a final rule revising federal regulations regarding the importation of nonhuman primates (i.e., chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, macaques, and numerous other species) to expand the categories of uses for which nonhuman primates may be imported and distributed to include live nonhuman primates imported into the United States by a certified primate sanctuary for purposes of providing lifetime shelter and care.

Requires such rule to establish a process for the certification of facilities as primate sanctuaries for purposes of the importation, shelter, and care of nonhuman primates.

sanctuary regulatory fairness act directs_the_department_of_health_and_human_services promulgate final rule revising federal regulations importation nonhuman primates chimpanzees numerous species expand categories uses nonhuman primates imported distributed include live nonhuman primates imported united_states certified primate sanctuary purposes providing lifetime shelter care requires rule establish process certification facilities primate sanctuaries purposes importation shelter care nonhuman primates


Summary:
Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large (CECIL) Animal Trophies Act

This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to apply the Act's prohibitions on importing or exporting species listed as threatened or endangered to species proposed to be listed as well.

conserving ecosystems ceasing animal act bill amends endangered species act apply act prohibitions importing exporting species listed threatened endangered species proposed listed


Summary:
Federal Land Invasive Species Control, Prevention, and Management Act

Directs the Department of the Interior (respecting federal land administered through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) (respecting federal land administered through the U.S. Forest Service) to plan and carry out activities on land directly managed by the department concerned to control and manage invasive species in order to inhibit or reduce their populations and to effectuate restoration or reclamation efforts.

Requires the department concerned to develop a strategic plan for the implementation of an invasive species program that endeavors to achieve an annual 5% net reduction of invasive species populations on land managed by that department.

Requires each strategic plan to be developed: (1) in coordination with eligible states, their political subdivisions, and federally recognized Indian tribes; and (2) according to the priorities established by at least one governor of an eligible state in which an ecosystem affected by an invasive species is located.

Requires the USDA and Interior to prioritize the use of the least costly option necessary to perform effectively, based on sound scientific data and other commonly used cost-effective benchmarks in an area.

Requires projects and activities carried out under this Act to be coordinated with affected local governments according to certain criteria regarding the development and revision of land use plans under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.

management act directs department_of_the_interior respecting federal land administered bureau_of_indian_affairs national_park_service department_of_agriculture usda respecting federal land administered plan carry activities land directly managed department concerned control manage invasive species order inhibit reduce populations effectuate restoration reclamation efforts requires department concerned develop strategic plan implementation invasive species program endeavors achieve annual net reduction invasive species populations land managed department requires strategic plan developed coordination eligible states political subdivisions federally recognized indian tribes according priorities established governor eligible state ecosystem affected invasive species located requires usda interior prioritize use costly option necessary perform effectively based sound scientific data commonly cost effective benchmarks area requires projects activities carried act coordinated affected local governments according certain criteria development revision land use plans federal_land_policy_and_management_act


Summary:
This bill requires the Department of the Interior to reissue: (1) the final rule published on December 28, 2011, that removed the gray wolf in the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and that removed the designation of critical habitat for that wolf in Minnesota and Michigan; and (2) the final rule published on September 10, 2012, that removed the gray wolf in Wyoming from the list and removed the Yellowstone Experimental Protection Area that was established to facilitate reintroduction of the wolf.

Rules reissued under this Act are not subject to judicial review.

bill requires department_of_the_interior reissue final rule published december removed gray wolf western great lakes distinct population segment list endangered threatened wildlife removed designation critical habitat wolf minnesota michigan final rule published september removed gray wolf wyoming list removed established facilitate reintroduction wolf rules reissued act subject judicial review


Summary:
Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act of 2016

This bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to make it one of the purposes of the Act to extend financial and technical assistance to the states for the promotion of hunting and recreational shooting.

The bill also prescribes a formula for the allocation of funds apportioned to a state that may be used for any activity or project to recruit or retain hunters and recreational shooters.

Amounts apportioned to the states from any taxes on pistols, revolvers, bows, and arrows may be used for hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment.

The funds apportioned to a state for wildlife restoration management may be used for related public relations.

If a state has not used all of the tax revenues apportioned to it for firearm and bow hunter education and safety program grants, it may use its remaining apportioned funds for the enhancement of hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment.

Up to $5 million of the revenues covered into wildlife restoration fund in the Treasury from any tax imposed for a fiscal year on the sale of certain bows, arrows, and archery equipment shall be available to the Department of the Interior exclusively for making hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment grants that promote a national hunting and shooting sport recruitment program, including related communication and outreach activities.

modernizing tomorrow needs act bill amends pittman-robertson_wildlife_restoration_act purposes act extend financial technical assistance states promotion hunting recreational shooting bill prescribes formula allocation funds apportioned state activity project recruit retain recreational shooters amounts apportioned states taxes pistols bows arrows hunter recruitment recreational shooter recruitment funds apportioned state wildlife restoration management related public relations state tax revenues apportioned firearm hunter education safety program grants use remaining apportioned funds enhancement hunter recruitment recreational shooter recruitment million revenues covered wildlife restoration fund treasury tax imposed fiscal year sale certain bows arrows equipment shall available department_of_the_interior exclusively making hunter recruitment recreational shooter recruitment grants promote national hunting shooting sport recruitment program including related communication outreach activities


Summary:
Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan Act of 2016

This bill:

 requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to publish a revised recovery plan for the Mexican gray wolf populations in Arizona and New Mexico; outlines what must be contained in the plan, including input from states and individuals, a maximum population of the wolf, and a specified range for the wolf; establishes a process for the state wildlife authority of Arizona or New Mexico to assume or supplant the USFWS' authority to manage such wolf in the relevant states if certain conditions are met; requires USFWS to reduce the population of such wolf within the specified range when the wolf's population exceeds the maximum population; and sets forth requirements for removing such wolf from the list of endangered species, threatened species, or experimental populations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 if the population recovery goal outlined in the plan is met.

mexican gray wolf recovery plan act bill requires fish wildlife service usfws publish revised recovery plan mexican gray wolf populations arizona new_mexico outlines contained plan including input states individuals maximum population wolf specified range wolf establishes process state wildlife authority arizona new_mexico assume supplant usfws authority manage wolf relevant states certain conditions met requires usfws reduce population wolf specified range wolf population exceeds maximum population sets forth requirements removing wolf list endangered species threatened species experimental populations endangered species act population recovery goal outlined plan met


Summary:
Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2021 the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 and revises requirements for: (1) funding requests to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for proposals and regional projects that restore the fish and wildlife resources and habitat of the Great Lakes Basin, and (2) cost-share requirements for the proposals and projects.

The bill renames: (1) the Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office as the Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, and (2) the Upper Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office as the Upper Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.

great lakes fish wildlife restoration act bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2021 great lakes fish wildlife restoration act revises requirements funding requests fish wildlife service proposals regional projects restore fish wildlife resources habitat great lakes basin cost share requirements proposals projects bill renames lower great lakes fishery resources office lower great lakes fish wildlife conservation office upper great lakes fishery resources office upper great lakes fish


Summary:
Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes through FY2022 and revises the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, including by expanding the Act and the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include assistance for marine mammals that are entangled in material (e.g., fishing gear) and are on U.S. beaches or shores, or in U.S. navigable waters.

(Sec. 2) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must develop a program to make publicly available certain data collected under the Act.

(Sec. 4) The bill requires sums received for marine mammal conservation (e.g., fines for violations) and sums received from emergency declaration grants for marine mammal conservation to be deposited into the Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event Fund.

(Sec. 7) The bill establishes the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals.

(Sec. 8) NOAA must: (1) establish a Marine Mammal Health Map, a national marine mammal health and stranding observing system; (2) analyze gaps in data about marine mammal rescue and response; and (3) report on the response capabilities for sick and injured marine mammals in U.S. Arctic regions.

response_act bill reauthorizes fy2022 revises marine_mammal_protection_act including expanding act john prescott marine include assistance marine mammals entangled material fishing gear beaches shores navigable waters sec national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa develop program publicly available certain data collected act sec bill requires sums received marine mammal conservation fines violations sums received emergency declaration grants marine mammal conservation deposited sec bill establishes john prescott marine rapid response fund providing emergency financial assistance certain stranded entangled marine mammals sec noaa establish marine mammal health map national marine mammal health stranding observing system analyze gaps data marine mammal rescue response report response capabilities sick injured marine mammals regions


Summary:
Marine Debris Act Amendments of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Marine Debris Act to revise the Marine Debris Program by requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to work with: (1) other agencies to address both land- and sea-based sources of marine debris, and (2) the Department of State and other agencies to promote international action to reduce the incidence of marine debris.

(Sec. 3) The bill also revises the program by allowing NOAA to make sums available for assisting in the cleanup and response required by severe marine debris events.

(Sec. 4) The bill urges the President to: (1) work with foreign countries that produce the largest amounts of unmanaged municipal solid waste that reaches the ocean in order to find solution to the marine debris; and (2) study issues related to marine debris, including the economic impacts of marine debris.

(Sec. 5) The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee must expand to include a senior official from the Department of State.

(Sec. 6) This bill reauthorizes through FY2021: (1) the Marine Debris Program, (2) an information clearinghouse on marine debris, and (3) enforcement of laws about discarded marine debris from ships.

marine debris act amendments sec bill amends marine debris act revise requiring national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa work agencies address land- sea based sources marine debris department_of_state agencies promote international action reduce incidence marine debris sec bill revises program allowing noaa sums available assisting cleanup response required severe marine debris events sec bill urges president work foreign countries produce largest amounts municipal solid waste reaches ocean order find solution marine debris study issues related marine debris including economic impacts marine debris sec interagency marine debris coordinating committee expand include senior official department_of_state sec bill reauthorizes fy2021 information clearinghouse marine debris enforcement laws marine debris ships


Summary:
Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Areas Act

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (with respect to National Forest System land) and the Department of the Interior (with respect to public land) to authorize relevant local officials to determine all permissible forms of recreational use by nonmotorized transportation methods over any permitted routes within their jurisdictions.

The bill defines "local officials" as officers or employees who are the heads of units or jurisdictions of the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

If a local official fails to make such a determination about a permitted route more than two years after this bill's enactment, then any form of recreational use by nonmotorized transportation methods shall be allowable on that route.

wilderness areas act bill requires department_of_agriculture respect national_forest_system land department_of_the_interior respect public land authorize relevant local officials determine permissible forms recreational use nonmotorized transportation methods permitted routes jurisdictions bill defines local officials officers employees heads units jurisdictions bureau_of_land_management national_park_service forest_service local official fails determination permitted route years bill enactment form recreational use nonmotorized transportation methods shall allowable route


Summary:
Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of 2016

This bill sets forth a regulatory process for preventing the introduction and establishment in the United States of certain injurious wildlife that is likely to cause harm to: (1) humans; (2) interests in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry; or (3) wildlife or wildlife resources.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) may: (1) designate certain wildlife as injurious, and (2) make immediate and temporary emergency designations if the injurious wildlife poses an imminent threat. Interested persons may petition the USFWS to designate wildlife as injurious.

The bill: (1) gives the Department of the Interior the primary authority to prevent the importation and sale of wildlife pathogens and harmful parasites, and (2) establishes requirements that address those pathogens and parasites.

The bill prohibits: (1) importing into the United States, or transporting between states, injurious wildlife or wildlife not in trade; and (2) possessing or releasing into the wild such wildlife.

USFWS may issue permits that authorize the importation or transport of injurious wildlife for scientific, zoological, medical research, or educational purposes.

USFWS must establish user fees for live wildlife imports.

The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations.

Interior must establish a grant program for supporting states and Indian tribes in: (1) inspecting and monitoring interstate transport of wildlife, and (2) assessing risks associated with the intentional importation of wildlife.

 The bill establishes the Injurious Wildlife Prevention Fund to carry out this bill. Revenues generated by user fees and penalties must be deposited into the fund.

invasive fish wildlife prevention act bill sets forth regulatory process preventing introduction establishment united_states certain injurious wildlife likely cause harm humans interests agriculture horticulture forestry wildlife wildlife resources fish wildlife service usfws designate certain wildlife injurious immediate temporary emergency designations injurious wildlife poses imminent threat interested persons petition usfws designate wildlife injurious bill gives department_of_the_interior primary authority prevent importation sale wildlife pathogens harmful parasites establishes requirements address pathogens parasites bill prohibits importing united_states transporting states injurious wildlife wildlife trade possessing releasing wild wildlife usfws issue permits authorize importation transport injurious wildlife scientific zoological medical research educational purposes usfws establish user fees live wildlife imports bill establishes civil criminal penalties violations interior establish grant program supporting states indian tribes inspecting monitoring interstate transport wildlife assessing risks associated intentional importation wildlife bill establishes injurious_wildlife_prevention_fund carry bill revenues generated user fees penalties deposited fund