Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73

§690c Existence of easements, reservations, or exceptions as barring acquisition of lands

Title 16 › Chapter CHAPTER 6— - GAME AND BIRD PRESERVES; PROTECTION › § 690c

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The U.S. may buy land even if there is a right‑of‑way or other reservation. This is allowed if the Interior Secretary says it won't affect uses under sections 690–690i, or if the deed makes any such reservation for the seller subject to rules under those sections.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §690c

Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

The existence of a right-of-way easement or other reservation or exception in respect of such area shall not be a bar to its acquisition (1) if the Secretary of the Interior determines that any such reservation or exception will in no manner interfere with the use of the area for the purposes of sections 690 to 690i of this title, or (2) if in the deed or other conveyance it is stipulated that any reservation or exception in respect of such area, in favor of the person from whom the United States receives title, shall be subject to regulations prescribed under authority of sections 690 to 690i of this title.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

section 690i, included within the reference to sections 690 to 690i, was omitted from the Code.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Reorg. Plan No. II of 1939, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, transferred functions of Secretary of Agriculture relating to conservation of wildlife, game, and migratory birds to Secretary of the Interior.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 690c

Title 16 — Conservation

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73