(1) In general
Subject to the availability of appropriations, and in conformance with the strategy developed under paragraph (2) and consistent with the authorities regarding gifts, volunteer services, community partnerships, and refuge education enhancement under section 742f of this title, the Secretary of the Interior, through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall carry out a National Volunteer Coordination Program within the National Wildlife Refuge System to—
(A) augment and support the capabilities and efforts of Federal employees to implement resource management, conservation, and public education programs and activities across the National Wildlife Refuge System;
(B) provide meaningful opportunities for volunteers to support the resource management, conservation, and public education programs and activities of national wildlife refuges or complexes of geographically related national wildlife refuges in each United States Fish and Wildlife Service region; and
(C) fulfill the purpose and mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.).
(2) Volunteer coordination strategy
(A) In general
No later than one year after January 4, 2011, the Director shall publish in the Federal Register a national strategy for the coordination and utilization of volunteers within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(B) Consultation required
The strategy shall be developed in consultation with State fish and wildlife agencies, Indian tribes, refuge friends groups or similar volunteer organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
(C) Volunteer coordinators
The Director shall provide, subject to the availability of appropriations, no less than one regional volunteer coordinator for each United States Fish and Wildlife Service region to implement the strategy published under this paragraph. Such coordinators may be responsible for assisting partner organizations in developing and implementing volunteer projects and activities under cooperative agreements under section 742f(d) of this title.
(3) Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014.
References in Text
The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, referred to in par. (1)(C), consists of sections 4 and 5 of Pub. L. 89–669, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 927 and is classified to sections 668dd and 668ee of this title. For further details, see Short Title note set out under section 668dd of this title.
Codification
Section was formerly set out as a note under section 742f of this title.
Amendments
2011—Pub. L. 111–357, §3(1), substituted "National Volunteer Coordination Program" for "Projects" in section catchline.
Par. (1). Pub. L. 111–357, §3(2), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of the Interior shall carry out a project at 2 or more national wildlife refuges or complexes of geographically related refuges in each United States Fish and Wildlife Service region."
Par. (2). Pub. L. 111–357, §3(3), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each project shall provide for the employment of a full-time volunteer coordinator for the refuge or complex of geographically related refuges. The volunteer coordinator shall be responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers. The volunteer coordinator may be responsible for assisting partner organizations in developing projects and programs under cooperative agreements under section 742f(d) of this title and coordinating volunteer activities with partner organizations to carry out the projects and programs."
Par. (3). Pub. L. 111–357, §4(b), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) relating to reports.
Par. (4). Pub. L. 111–357, §4(b), redesignated par. (4) as (3).
Pub. L. 111–357, §3(4), substituted "for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2014" for "for for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2009".
2004–Pub. L. 108–327, §3(1), struck out "Pilot" before "Projects" in section catchline.
Par. (1). Pub. L. 108–327, §3(2), (3), substituted "project" for "pilot project" and struck out ", but not more than 20 pilot projects nationwide" before period at end.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 108–327, §3(2), substituted "project" for "pilot project".
Par. (3). Pub. L. 108–327, §3(4), substituted "after October 16, 2004, and every 3 years thereafter" for "after October 5, 1998" and "projects" for "pilot projects".
Par. (4). Pub. L. 108–327, §3(5), substituted "for each fiscal year through fiscal year 2009" for "each of fiscal years 1999 through 2002".
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