(a) In general

The Secretary shall—

(1) assess the impacts of habitat fragmentation on wildlife in the California Desert Conservation Area; and

(2) establish policies and procedures to ensure the preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration.

(b) Study

(1) In general

As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years, after March 12, 2019, the Secretary shall complete a study regarding the impact of habitat fragmentation on wildlife in the California Desert Conservation Area.

(2) Components

The study under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) identify the species migrating, or likely to migrate ¹ in the California Desert Conservation Area;

(B) examine the impacts and potential impacts of habitat fragmentation on—

(i) plants, insects, and animals;

(ii) soil;

(iii) air quality;

(iv) water quality and quantity; and

(v) species migration and survival;

(C) identify critical wildlife and species migration corridors recommended for preservation; and

(D) include recommendations for ensuring the biological connectivity of public land managed by the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense throughout the California Desert Conservation Area.

(3) Rights-of-way

The Secretary shall consider the information and recommendations of the study under paragraph (1) to determine the individual and cumulative impacts of rights-of-way for projects in the California Desert Conservation Area, in accordance with—

(A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);

(B) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and

(C) any other applicable law.

(c) Land management plans

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The Secretary shall incorporate into all land management plans applicable to the California Desert Conservation Area the findings and recommendations of the study completed under subsection (b).