Position on H.R. 8632 & H.R. 8836

H.R. 8632 – BIOSAFE Act: NPCA opposes this legislation as it would undercut the application of science-based wildlife conservation by forcing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to withdraw the proposed rule titled “National Wildlife Refuge System; Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH)”. From North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore to Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, national parks across the country share borders with national wildlife refuges. Utilizing the best available science is critical in conserving wildlife populations that range across these landscapes. The BIDEH proposed regulations would clarify and affirm a refuge management decision-making framework for USFWS staff. The regulations would ensure decisions are made based on sound scientific principles and in doing so help better ensure that wildlife refuges are managed for their wildlife purposes.

H.R. 8836 – Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act: NPCA supports this legislation which would provide expanded resources to collaboratively conserve and restore wildlife habitat connectivity and migrations. Conserving wildlife corridors and movement areas is more important than ever. Wildlife populations that depend on national parks require connectivity to habitat beyond park boundaries to thrive. Whether it’s migrating to seasonal habitats or simply moving beyond boundaries in search of food or mates, species need the ability to move across broader park landscapes to maintain healthy park wildlife populations. While individual federal land managers, states, Tribes, and private landowners around the country are implementing actions to maintain and restore wildlife corridors and movement, there is opportunity for improved coordination. The Wildlife Movement Through Partnerships Act will improve collaboration across jurisdictions, expand investment in place-based projects, and support the continued identification of key migration and movement areas.