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Effective Date: 8/8/74

Series: Multi-Program Management

Part 501: Fish, Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation Resources

Chapter 1: Conservation Programs on Military Reservations

Originating Office: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

1.1 Purpose. This Chapter assigns responsibility within Interior for cooperating with the Secretary of Defense in the administration of programs for (1) the development of wildlife, fish and game conservation, (2) conservation and management of migratory game birds, and (3) development, enhancement, operation and maintenance of public outdoor recreation resources on military reservations as provided in 16 U.S.C. 670a-c. It also assigns responsibility for natural resource planning and technical assistance in conservation and management in cooperation with the Secretary of Defense and appropriate State agencies.

1.2 Prior Directives. The provisions of this directive were formerly contained in Secretary=s Order 2916 dated December 19, 1968.

1.3 Background. A program of wildlife, fish and game conservation on military reservations has been developed over the years by the Defense Department in conjunction with the Department of the Interior=s Fish and Wildlife Service. Essentially Interior=s assistance has been the protection and management of fish and wildlife resources, including animal damage control, and planning for fishing and hunting on military reservations by military personnel and the public. This assistance has been provided pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Departments approved by their respective Secretaries July 11, 1960, and a Department of Defense directive, dated February 16, 1962. Cooperative plans have been developed with respect to fish and wildlife conservation, including fishing and hunting, by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with State fish and game agencies and local military commanders of military reservations.

1.4 Responsibilities. Planning and associated activities for programs for wildlife, fish and game, and outdoor recreation on military reservations requires a careful balancing of the varied interests that are involved. Interior must participate in a coordinated way with the development of plans which will involve State and local interests as well as the Department of Defense and the local military commanders of military reservations. In these efforts the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation shall provide the coordinating role for the Department in exploring and developing the plans for public outdoor recreation, and the Fish and Wildlife Service shall develop that portion dealing with fish and wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to be responsible for the development of the hunting and fishing recreational potential at these reservations, consistent with the plans for public outdoor recreation, and in the provision of technical services and management assistance for wildlife, fish and game conservation on military reservations.

8/8/74 #1662

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