§410d Acceptance and Protection of Property Pending Establishment of Park; Publication of Establishment Order

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior can accept land, submerged land, or interests in land for the United States inside the roughly 2,000‑square‑mile area he recommended in his December 3, 1930 report to Congress under the Act of March 1, 1929. He may allow oil, gas, or mineral rights to be reserved if he approves. No large-scale development and no formal creation of the park can happen until the United States has clear, acceptable title to a major portion of the lands the Secretary picks. While reservations remain, the Secretary may protect the property as needed. If the park is not established within ten years after December 6, 1944, or if the park is later abandoned, any lands accepted under this authority automatically go back to the State of Florida or the original owners. When the establishment conditions are met, the Secretary must create the Everglades National Park by issuing an order and publishing it in the Federal Register.