H.R. 1514 directs the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior to resolve public land ownership disputes that date back to the 1890s. It establishes procedures to Identify which of these lands it is willIng to convey to the private parties which claim ownership. The bill was referred to our committee because of a provision of section 2(c) which provides that no disputed lands within any national wildlife refuge shall be conveyed. Therefore. the legislation Is essentially fall safe with respect to the refugee system. Since this legislation resolves longstanding disputes while protecting the Interests of fish and wildlife conservation. I recommend the bill be passed.