Memorandum of Understanding Between Safari Club International And The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Through The National Wildlife Refuge System

I. Background/Authority

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into between Safari Club International (SCI) and the U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the "Service"). The Service is the principal Federal Government agency charged with the responsibility for carrying out programs related to fish and wildlife conservation throughout the Nation in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-711), Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 712), Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742f) and with other authorities. SCI is an organization of hunter/conservationists with chapters throughout the United States and abroad. SCI is widely recognized for its active wildlife conservation program and its dedication to education of the public on wildlife issues and its community service programs.

II. General Purpose

The general purpose of this MOU is to provide a framework upon which SCI and its chapters, and the Service and its Regional Offices can build partnerships. Such partnerships will benefit conservation of fish and wildlife and its habitats and ecosystems, with emphasis on public awareness and participation, in accordance with the provisions of this MOU.

III. Introduction

Whereas the Service is the Nation's leading fish and wildlife management and research organization;

Whereas the Service manages, for the public good, over 500 refuges comprising 92 million acres and other lands with a wide variety of fish, wildlife and recreational opportunities;

Whereas the Service is implementing the March 25, 1996, Executive Order on the Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System;

Whereas SCI is a conservation organization representing more than one million sportsmen and sportswomen worldwide and having more than 130 chapters throughout the United States;

Whereas SCI, both through its headquarters and its chapters, is involved in a wide variety of wildlife conservation projects and programs, has a program called Sportsmen Against Hunger for providing game meat to the needy, and has programs involving youth and women as sportsmen and conservationists;

Whereas both SCI and the Service have common interests and responsibilities in wildlife conservation, public education, public service, and the wise stewardship of and equitable access to the public's lands,

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:

IV. Mutual Responsibilities:

SCI Shall:

Encourage local chapters to meet and collaborate with representatives of the Service, particularly the units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, to discuss and identify opportunities for cooperative work on mutually beneficial projects and activities including:

(1) SCI's Sportsmen Against Hunger program,
(2) youth activities,
(3) the program known as Becoming an Outdoors Woman,
(4) other activities that involve wildlife conservation and management and habitat improvement, and
(5) other projects suggested in the Addendum.

These activities and programs shall be encouraged in concert with National Wildlife Refuge System activities, including (1) co-production of informational materials, (2) provision of personnel to present and explain the various cooperative programs and activities, (3) coordination of the SCI/FWS cooperative programs and activities with specific National Wildlife Refuges at the local level, (4) advancement of the Service mission by recognizing the Service's cooperation and support for SCI/FWS activities and cooperative programs in SCI literature (with Service logo and statements) and other public relations efforts;

The Service Shall:

A. Encourage Refuge units and other Service officials to collaborate with SCI and its chapters to identify opportunities for cooperative work in accordance with this section of the MOU;

B. Identify National Wildlife Refuge System lands available for the furtherance of the purposes of this MOU, subject to applicable Federal laws, regulations, Refuge Unit Plans and state comprehensive plans for the affected area;

C. Ensure that SCI is aware of opportunities to participate in Refuge activities that enhance or support the purposes of this MOU.

V. General Principles

A. No Member or Delegate to Congress, or Resident Commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of this agreement, or to any benefit that may arise therefrom, but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this agreement if made with a corporation for its general benefit.

B. Nothing in this MOU shall obligate the Service to any present or future expenditure of funds.

C. This MOU is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the parties to this MOU will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures, including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing and authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not establish authority for noncompetitive awards to SCI or for any other contract or agreement. Any contract or agreement must comply with all applicable requirements for competition.

D. Work projects or activities that involve transfer of money, services or property shall require execution of a separate agreement. The type of instrument will be determined by the nature of the activity and the manner in which SCI and the Service propose to share the resources.

E. SCI must obtain prior approval from the Service for any public information releases which refer to the Department of Interior or the Service with regard to activities under this MOU. The specific text, layout, photographs, etc. of the proposed release must be submitted to the Service with a request for approval.

F. Amendments or modifications to this MOU may be made upon written consent of both parties. This MOU shall remain in effect until terminated by either party, following a 30-day written notice.

G. SCI and the Service agree to review and assess the effectiveness of the MOU annually.

In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this MOU as of the last date written below.