§1284 Existing State Jurisdiction and Responsibilities

Summary

States keep control and responsibility for fish and wildlife. Hunting and fishing are allowed on lands and waters in the system under state and federal rules, except that hunting is not allowed inside national parks or monuments. The federal official in charge can set places and times where hunting is banned for safety, management, or public use. They must make those rules after talking with the state wildlife agency. State and federal control over stream water follows normal law. If the United States takes a water right when a river is added to the national wild and scenic rivers system, the owner must be paid compensation. Adding a river does not reserve water for other uses or more water than needed. States keep their water powers so long as those powers do not harm the system’s purposes. Existing interstate compacts and state access to stream beds are unchanged. The Interior or Agriculture Secretary may grant easements and rights-of-way on system lands under park or forest rules, and any conditions must match the system’s purpose.