TITLE 16 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - STATE AND FEDERAL WETLANDS ACQUISITION

16 USC 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) of this section 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) of this section, 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.

16 USC 3922 - Federal acquisition

The Secretary is authorized to purchase wetlands or interests in wetlands, which are not acquired under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 (16 U.S.C. 715–715s), consistent with the wetlands priority conservation plan established under section 3921 of this title.

16 USC 3923 - Restriction on use of eminent domain in acquisitions

The powers of condemnation or eminent domain shall not be used in the acquisition of wetlands under any provision of this chapter where such wetlands have been constructed for the purpose of farming or ranching, or result from conservation activities associated with farming or ranching.