Wildlife Corridors Act (H.R. 8438)

Summary

Establishes a national system of wildlife corridors on federal lands and provides money for projects on other lands to help animals move between habitats.

What problem does this solve?

Many animal populations are shrinking because their homes are being broken up by roads and buildings, making it hard for them to move around. This act creates special paths, called corridors, to reconnect these areas so animals can travel safely.

What does this bill do?

Establishes a National Wildlife Corridor System

Creates a system of designated corridors on federal land and water to protect paths for animal movement. These areas can be nominated by government agencies, tribes, or non-profit groups.

Creates a grant program for non-federal lands

Starts a grant program to fund projects that help wildlife movement on private, state, tribal, and local lands. Authorizes $75 million per year for this program.

Starts a habitat mapping and science program

Directs the U.S. Geological Survey to create a program to map wildlife habitats and corridors. This will help guide conservation efforts and identify important areas for protection.

Withdraws corridor lands from development

Prevents new mining, land sales, and mineral or geothermal leasing on federal lands designated as National Wildlife Corridors, subject to existing rights.

Forms a coordinating committee

Establishes a committee with members from federal agencies, tribal organizations, and scientific groups to guide the creation and management of wildlife corridors.

Authorizes funding for federal agencies

Provides yearly funding to the Departments of the Interior, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, and Defense to carry out their roles in protecting wildlife corridors.

Allows for military waivers

Permits the Secretary of Defense to waive the rules of this act for a military installation if it is necessary for military preparedness or missions.

Protects private property rights

States that the law does not allow the government to seize private property or place restrictions on private land without the owner's consent.

Who does this affect?

Native wildlife species
Federal land management agencies
State, Tribal, and local governments

What is the real world impact?

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Protects animal populations

Creates connected pathways for animals to move, find food, and mate. This helps them survive threats like climate change and habitat loss, preventing more species from becoming endangered.

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Coordinates conservation efforts

Requires different government groups, like those for land, transportation, and defense, to work together with states and tribes. This ensures everyone is on the same page when planning how to protect wildlife habitats.

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Restricts use of federal land

Designates federal lands as corridors, which withdraws them from being used for new mining or other development. This could be opposed by industries that want to use those resources.

When does this start?

This bill sets several deadlines for different government actions to be completed after it becomes law.

Establish Coordinating Committee

A committee to guide the program must be created within 180 days.

Develop Corridor System Strategy

A strategy for creating the National Wildlife Corridor System must be developed within 18 months.

Begin Grant Program

The grant program for non-federal lands must start giving out money no later than 2 years after the law is passed.

Submit First Report to Congress

The Coordinating Committee must submit its first report on the program's progress to Congress within 2 years.

Submit Habitat Mapping Report

The Director of the U.S. Geological Survey must report on the status of habitat connectivity maps within 2 years.