Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed several lands bills including H.R. 788, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act. Introduced by Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), the bipartisan bill amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to give states more flexibility to create, maintain and expand shooting ranges on public lands.

“This bill gives states much-needed flexibility to create safe, quality shooting facilities on public lands for hunters. It will also enable recreational shooters to further their education and training activities and ensure sportsmen and women continue enjoying a quality target shooting range experience. This bill is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders and is a win-win for hunters, sportsmen and wildlife restoration,” Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) stated.

The Committee also passed H.R. 1026 (Rep. Richard Nolan, D-Minn.), H.R. 1037 (Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass), H.R. 2991 (Rep. Llyod Smucker, R-Pa.), H.R. 4069 (Rep. Don Young, R-Ala.), and H.R. 4645 (Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont.).

“The passage of these bills showcases the importance of improving and stewarding our federal lands, while also respecting and enhancing local management preferences. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these bills through the House and to the President’s desk for signature into law,” Chairman Bishop said.

H.R. 1026, the North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act, revises the authorized route of the North Country National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota and extends the trail into Vermont to connect with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

H.R. 1037, authorizes the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs.

H.R. 2991, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act, establishes the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in the State of Pennsylvania.

H.R. 4069 amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts.

H.R. 4645, the East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as components of the Wild and Scenic River System.