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119-hr-2903119th Congress

M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

Sponsored By: Representative Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

Introduced

Summary

Protects and manages large parts of the Gila River system by adding many river segments to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. It also transfers about 440 acres from the Forest Service to the National Park Service to enlarge Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and adjusts the Gila National Forest boundary.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Existing ranching, water, mining rights kept

If enacted, the bill would not cancel existing rights or contracts without the owner's consent. Grazing permits, valid mining and mineral leases, water rights, diversion points, and water infrastructure could continue. State control over water rights, fish and wildlife, and state-managed lands would stay the same. The Arizona Water Settlements Act would not be changed. Mining and processing facilities outside the boundaries could keep operating under their current permits.

Fish habitat work with safeguards

If enacted, existing native fish habitat projects in the covered segments could keep running and be fixed or improved. The Secretary could allow new projects, including fish barriers, if they help recover listed or sensitive species and do not unreasonably harm the river’s free flow or special values. Work in wilderness areas would need to follow the Wilderness Act and the local plan.

Tribal treaty rights stay protected

If enacted, nothing in this bill would change Tribal reserved treaty rights near the covered segments. Hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural or religious rights protected by treaty would stay the same.

Park and forest boundary changes

If enacted, about 440 acres near Gila Cliff Dwellings would shift from Forest Service to Park Service control. The monument boundary would be revised to include that land, and the Gila National Forest boundary would be adjusted to exclude it. Official maps and legal descriptions would be filed and small errors could be corrected.

Wild and Scenic status for Gila

If enacted, many Gila River and tributary segments in New Mexico would join the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Interior or Agriculture Secretary would make official maps and a river plan after consulting Tribes, state and local leaders, and the public. Federal land inside the boundaries would be closed to new mining and most mineral leasing, but valid existing rights would remain. If the U.S. later buys land inside or next to a segment, it would be managed as part of that segment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

NM • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/10/2025

  • Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/10/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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