16 USC § 3921 - National wetlands priority conservation plan

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s3921"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "16 USC § 3921 - National wetlands priority conservation plan"
title_number: 16
title_name: "CONSERVATION"
section_number: "3921"
section_name: "National wetlands priority conservation plan"
chapter_number: 59
chapter_name: "WETLANDS RESOURCES"
subchapter_number: "III"
subchapter_name: "STATE AND FEDERAL WETLANDS ACQUISITION"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 99–645, title III, § 301, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3586.)"
---


# § 3921. National wetlands priority conservation plan

**(a)** **In general** The Secretary shall establish, and periodically review and revise, a national wetlands priority conservation plan which shall specify, on a region-by-region basis or other basis considered appropriate by the Secretary, the types of wetlands and interests in wetlands which should be given priority with respect to Federal and State acquisition.

**(b)** **Consultation** The Secretary shall establish the plan required by subsection (a) after consultation with—

**(1)** the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

**(2)** the Secretary of Commerce;

**(3)** the Secretary of Agriculture; and

**(4)** (the chief executive officer of) each State.

**(c)** **Factors to be considered** The Secretary, in establishing the plan required by subsection (a), shall consider—

**(1)** the estimated proportion remaining of the respective types of wetlands which existed at the time of European settlement;

**(2)** the estimated current rate of loss and the threat of future losses of the respective types of wetlands; and

**(3)** the contributions of the respective types of wetlands to—

**(A)** wildlife, including endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, and resident species;

**(B)** commercial and sport fisheries;

**(C)** surface and ground water quality and quantity, and flood control;

**(D)** outdoor recreation; and

**(E)** other areas or concerns the Secretary considers appropriate.

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**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 99–645, title III, § 301, Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3586.)