Sec. 7. National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program
451 words·~2 min read·
/bill/113/s/2080/is/section-7A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a program, to be known as the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program , within the Division of Fish and Aquatic Conservation of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program shall— provide funding for the operational needs of the Partnerships, including funding for activities such as planning, project development and implementation, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and outreach; provide funding to support the detail of State and tribal fish and wildlife staff to the Program; facilitate the cooperative development and approval of Partnerships; assist the Secretary and the Board in carrying out this Act; assist the Secretary in carrying out the requirements of sections 8 and 10; facilitate communication, cohesiveness, and efficient operations for the benefit of Partnerships and the Board; facilitate, with assistance from the Director, the Assistant Administrator, and the President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the consideration of fish habitat conservation projects by the Board; provide support to the Director regarding the development and implementation of the interagency operational plan under subsection (c); coordinate technical and scientific reporting as required by section 11; facilitate the efficient use of resources and activities of Federal departments and agencies to carry out this Act in an efficient manner; and provide support to the Board for national communication and outreach efforts that promote public awareness of fish habitat conservation.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Director, in cooperation with the Assistant Administrator and the heads of other appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall develop an interagency operational plan for the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program that describes— the functional, operational, technical, scientific, and general staff, administrative, and material needs of the Program; and any interagency agreements between or among Federal departments and agencies to address those needs.
The Director and the Assistant Administrator shall each provide appropriate staff to support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program, subject to the availability of funds under section 14. Each State and Indian tribe is encouraged to provide staff to support the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program. The National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program may accept staff or other administrative support from other entities— through interagency details; or as contractors.
The staff of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program shall include members with education and experience relating to the principles of fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation. Not less frequently than once each year, the Director shall provide to the Board a report describing the activities of the National Fish Habitat Conservation Partnership Program.