Gila River Protection: Designating Wild and Scenic Rivers in New Mexico.
This Act permanently protects extensive segments of the Gila River system in New Mexico by adding them to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation prohibits new mining, geothermal leasing, and resource disposal on federal lands along these rivers, ensuring their natural state is preserved. Crucially, the law explicitly safeguards existing water rights, grazing permits, and valid existing mining claims.
Key points
Conservation Status: Over 200 miles of rivers and creeks in New Mexico are classified as "wild," "scenic," or "recreational," restricting development and protecting natural values.
Resource Restrictions: Federal lands within the river boundaries are withdrawn from new mineral entry, mining, and geothermal leasing.
Protection of Existing Rights: The law ensures that current water rights, grazing leases, and valid existing mining rights are not affected or cancelled.
Monument Expansion: The boundary of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is expanded by approximately 440 acres through a land transfer from the Forest Service.
Introduced
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