National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 - Amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (the Act) to state as the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats. Adds requirements that, in administering the System, the Secretary of the Interior shall: (1) ensure that the System's mission and policies are carried out, except that if a conflict exists between the purposes of a refuge and the System mission, it shall be resolved in a manner that first protects the purposes of the refuge; and (2) monitor the status and trends of fish, wildlife, and plants in each refuge. Recognizes and supports wildlife-dependent recreation (recreation which involves hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, or environmental education and interpretation) within the System. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative arrangements with State fish and wildlife agencies for the management of programs on a refuge. Prohibits the Secretary from initiating or permitting a new refuge use or expanding, renewing, or extending an existing use, unless the Secretary determines that such use is a compatible use which is not inconsistent with public safety. Establishes compatibility standards and procedures, including those for wildlife-dependent recreational uses. Requires the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing the process for determining a compatible use. States that the compatibility determination provisions of the Act shall not apply to overflights above a refuge or to activities authorized, funded, or conducted by a Federal agency having primary jurisdiction over a refuge. Directs the Secretary to propose comprehensive conservation plans for each refuge in the System except for lands in Alaska (which are governed by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act). Requires maximum 15-year cycles of plan revision. Sets forth matters to be considered in plan development, including fish and wildlife distribution and migration patterns, plant populations, archaeological and cultural values, habitat problems, and opportunities for compatible wildlife-dependent recreation. Authorizes the Secretary to temporarily suspend any refuge activity when necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or any fish or wildlife population.
HR 1420 - 105National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997
Became Public Law No: 105-57.
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Summary
Sponsors
![Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/116_rp_ak_0_young_don_200.jpg)
Timeline
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 105-57.
Became Public Law No: 105-57.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Mr. Young (AK) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
At the conclusion of debate, the Speaker put the question on the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill and announced that, by voice vote, the Motion was agreed to. Mr. Condit objected to the vote on grounds that a quorum was not present and made a point of order that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings were postponed and the point of no quourum was withdrawn.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 419 - 1 (Roll no. 424).(consideration: CR H7714)
On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 419 - 1 (Roll no. 424). (consideration: CR H7714)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S9092-9096)
Amendment SP 1129 proposed by Senator Gorton for Senator Chafee.
Amendment SP 1129 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Mr. Young (AK) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3225-3232, H3238-3239)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 5, rule I, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 - 1 (Roll no. 156).
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 407 - 1 (Roll no. 156).
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Reported by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-106.
Reported by the Committee on Resources. H. Rept. 105-106.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 64.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Favorable Executive Comment Received from Interior.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.