HR 1300: To amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer programs and community partnerships for the benefit of national wildlife refuges, and for other purposes.

HR 1300 in plain English: This bill amends the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to extend federal authorization through FY2017 for volunteer programs and community partnerships supporting national wildlife refuges, as well as refuge education programs run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA.

Stated purpose

To reauthorize funding through fiscal year 2017 for volunteer programs, community partnership projects, and education programs that support national wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA.

Key points

• Reauthorizes volunteer service programs through FY2017 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA
• Extends authorization through FY2017 for community partnership projects at national wildlife refuges
• Continues funding authorization through FY2017 for refuge education programs

Arguments supporters make

• Volunteers and community partners provide low-cost support for refuges, helping maintain them without large increases in federal staffing costs.
• Extending these programs keeps local communities connected to their nearby wildlife refuges, supporting conservation and public education.
• This is a straightforward reauthorization of programs that already exist and have been operating, reducing uncertainty for refuges that rely on volunteers and partners.

Arguments opponents make

• Reauthorizing funding without reviewing program effectiveness may continue spending on programs that have not been rigorously evaluated for results.
• Relying on volunteers and community partnerships could allow the government to avoid fully funding refuges with paid staff, potentially leaving critical work to unpaid labor.
• The short extension through FY2017 only delays the need for a longer-term solution, meaning Congress will need to revisit the issue again soon.

Tradeoffs

Continuing volunteer and community partnership programs keeps costs low and local involvement high, but may reduce pressure to secure stable, long-term dedicated funding for refuge operations.

Current status in Congress: Passed House.

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