§482o Kaibab National Forest; mining rights; protection of scenic values

Summary

Starting July 12, 1951, people who made mining claims under U.S. mining laws in certain parts of the Kaibab National Forest in Coconino County, Arizona, may use as much of the land surface as is reasonably needed to look for, mine, and process ore. The rule applies to specific listed sections in townships in ranges east under the Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, and also to certain public-domain lands in townships 23–28, range 2 east, where Arizona State Highway 64 passes, including a strip 1,000 feet wide on each side of that highway’s center line. Claim holders may take mineral deposits and the timber needed for mining and processing, and they do not have to get a permit or pay a charge for that use. Cutting trees for anything other than mining needs or space for mining buildings must follow the same timber rules used on nearby national-forest land or the rules the Secretary of the Interior issues under sections 482o to 482q for public-domain lands. Using the surface for purposes not reasonably required for mining is only allowed under those forest or Interior rules, and a claim holder may not stop other approved surface uses or permits if those uses do not conflict with mining.