Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73

§482p Patents affecting lands within forest

Title 16 › Chapter CHAPTER 2— - NATIONAL FORESTS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION › § 482p

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Beginning July 12, 1951, patents for mining claims in that area give the patent holder ownership of the mineral deposits in the claim. The holder may also cut and remove as much mature timber as needed to get, remove, and process those minerals, but only if the timber is cut under sound forest management rules set by the agencies. The United States keeps ownership of the land surface and things from the surface. No use of the surface or its resources beyond what is reasonably needed for mining or prospecting is allowed unless the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior permits it under their rules.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §482p

Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

On and after July 12, 1951, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the above-described area shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by such rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior, respectively.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 482p

Title 16 — Conservation

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73