The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries recently convened to discuss the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) expressed his concerns regarding the proposed rule, stating, "This rule is misguided, driven by ideological agendas rather than practical conservation principles, poorly designed, and impractical in its application." Bentz emphasized that the rule would hinder effective management tools crucial for wildlife and refuge systems and restrict the efforts of sportsmen and sportswomen who contribute significantly to conservation.

The National Wildlife Refuge System, overseen by the USFWS, aims to provide habitat for fish and wildlife resources across the United States and U.S. territories. The system operates under the National Wildlife System Improvement Act, focusing on conservation and management of resources for present and future generations.

Since 2001, the USFWS has followed a policy on BIDEH that prioritizes wildlife and allows refuge managers to make decisions on management tools. However, a proposed rule issued on Feb. 2, 2024, would significantly limit refuge managers' ability to utilize key management tools. The rule requires thorough evaluation of management activities, such as native predator control and cooperative agriculture, before implementation. This added regulatory process would restrict refuge managers from making timely and effective management decisions, ultimately impacting the stewardship of wildlife refuges.

The proposed rule has raised concerns about the practicality and impact of its implementation, particularly on refuge managers who are already facing resource and manpower constraints. By imposing additional regulatory hurdles, the rule could hinder the active management of lands and waters within the refuge system.

The recent oversight hearing provided a platform for stakeholders, including witnesses from the USFWS and conservation experts, to discuss the implications of the proposed rule. It served as an opportunity for members to gain insights and perspectives on how the rule could affect wildlife conservation efforts and the communities involved.