§460rrr–5 Administration of Natural Area

Summary

The Secretary must manage the Federal land in the Natural Area under the public land laws and the approved management plan. Management must protect and restore the area’s natural, historic, scientific, scenic, wildlife, and recreational values. The area must still be used for education, science, and limited public recreation as long as those uses do not harm its purpose. Wildlife habitat must be protected. Building water storage facilities in the area is not allowed. Roads should be reduced or removed and, as much as possible, motorized vehicle use should be reduced or banned, including removal of roads and a ban on motorized use on Federal land on the western side of the Rio Grande River from Lobatos Bridge south to the New Mexico State line. The Secretary is encouraged to talk with the State of Colorado, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, and affected water users about streamflow changes that would help the Natural Area. The management plan applies to private land only if the private owner agrees in writing. Except for valid existing rights, all Federal land in the Natural Area is withdrawn from public land entry, mining claims, and mineral leasing (including geothermal). The Secretary may buy, exchange, or accept donations of land from willing sellers, and any land obtained must be managed under the plan and this subchapter. Section 1276(d)(1) does not apply to the Natural Area.