§460aa–13 Area analysis for park or park administrative unit proposal

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior must work with federal, state, and local agencies to do a full study of the natural, economic, and cultural values of the recreation area and the nearby Pioneer Mountains to decide if a national park or other unit of the national park system should be created. He must send Congress a report with his recommendations by December 31, 1974. The report must show he looked at possible alternative uses of the land and their short- and long-term effects on things like the state and local economy, the natural and cultural environment, water use, grazing/timber/mineral and other commercial activities, fish and wildlife, existing homesites and businesses, and how recreation, wilderness, and park lands relate. He must consider making a park in the mountain peaks and uplands while leaving valleys and lowlands for multiple uses. Any park recommendation must include a master plan (boundaries, access roads, visitor facilities, and management ideas), an estimate of federal costs to buy, develop, and run it, and draft legislation. Up to $50,000 is authorized to pay for the study.