Latta introduces wildlife access measures

U.S. House of Representatives information

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) introduced two pieces of legislation on Monday promoting the advancement of access to wildlife, and seeking to increase the Congress’s understanding of the policies that allow the public to benefit from these natural resources.

H.R. 2399, the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee Act, creates an official advisory board, known as the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, to serve as counsel to the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture on policies that benefit recreational hunting and wildlife resources.

“Ensuring that sportsmen and sportswomen have an advisory capacity role across future Administrations is vital for all who enjoy the great outdoors throughout the nation,” said Latta. “I am confident that this legislation will to allow for engagement and recommendations to federal agencies who will benefit from the Council’s vast experience and expertise.”

The second bill, H.R. 2401, would amend Public Law 106-206, and would direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to require annual permits and assess annual fees for commercial filming activities on federal land and waterways for film crews of five persons or fewer. The legislation would allow smaller organizations to obtain these permits at a proportional cost.

“This legislation will remove the financial burden on individual journalists and small film crews, creating a new classification that will allow these smaller organizations to have the same ability to film and photograph on federal lands, including national parks, as those who are more heavily financed,” said Latta. “By removing this encumbrance, we can ensure their access to these treasured lands.”