Protecting Gila Rivers in New Mexico: New Wild and Scenic Designations.
This Act permanently protects hundreds of miles of rivers and streams within the Gila River system in New Mexico by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation ensures these areas are managed to preserve their natural state, supporting recreation while restricting future mining and mineral leasing on federal lands. Crucially, existing private rights, such as water rights, grazing permits, and valid mining claims, are explicitly safeguarded.
Key points
Extensive segments of the Gila River and its tributaries in New Mexico are designated as "wild," "scenic," or "recreational" rivers, ensuring their long-term preservation.
Federal lands along the protected rivers are closed off from new mining claims, mineral leasing, and land disposal, securing the environment.
The law guarantees that existing rights held by individuals or entities, including water rights, water infrastructure, and grazing leases, remain unaffected by the new protection status.
Approximately 440 acres of federal land are transferred from the Forest Service to the National Park Service, expanding the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument boundary.
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