Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-110

§410fff–9 Study of Lands Within and Adjacent to Curecanti National Recreation Area

Title 16 › CHAPTER 1 — NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES › SUBCHAPTER LIX–DD — BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK AND GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA › § 410fff–9

Last updated Sep 22, 2026|Official source

Summary

By October 21, 2002, the Secretary, through the National Park Service Director, must study ways to protect land and open space in and next to the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The study must look at the area's natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic value (for example, views and wildlife habitat), find practical options to protect those values, suggest affordable tools to do that, and estimate how much those options would cost. The Secretary must send a report with the study results and recommendations to Congress within that same 3-year period. Before the study is finished, the Secretary may acquire about 1,065 acres of private land shown on the map titled “Proposed Additions to the Curecanti National Recreation Area,” dated 01/25/99, called the Hall and Fitti properties. Land can be taken by gift, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange, but only with the owner’s consent. After any purchase, the Secretary must expand the park boundary to include the land and manage it under the law.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §410fff–9

Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)In general

Not later than 3 years after October 21, 1999, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, shall conduct a study concerning land protection and open space within and adjacent to the area administered as the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

(b)Purpose of study

The study required to be completed under subsection (a) shall—

(1)assess the natural, cultural, recreational and scenic resource value and character of the land within and surrounding the Curecanti National Recreation Area (including open vistas, wildlife habitat, and other public benefits);

(2)identify practicable alternatives that protect the resource value and character of the land within and surrounding the Curecanti National Recreation Area;

(3)recommend a variety of economically feasible and viable tools to achieve the purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and

(4)estimate the costs of implementing the approaches recommended by the study.

(c)Submission of report

Not later than 3 years from October 21, 1999, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that—

(1)contains the findings of the study required by subsection (a);

(2)makes recommendations to Congress with respect to the findings of the study required by subsection (a); and

(3)makes recommendations to Congress regarding action that may be taken with respect to the land described in the report.

(d)Acquisition of additional land and interests in land

(1)In general

Prior to the completion of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary may acquire certain private land or interests in land as depicted on the Map entitled “Proposed Additions to the Curecanti National Recreation Area”, dated 01/25/99, totaling approximately 1,065 acres and entitled “Hall and Fitti properties”.

(2)Method of acquisition

(A)In general

Land or an interest in land under paragraph (1) may be acquired by—

(i)donation;

(ii)purchase with donated or appropriated funds; or

(iii)exchange.

(B)Consent

No land or interest in land may be acquired without the consent of the owner of the land.

(C)Boundary revisions following acquisition

Following the acquisition of land under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

(i)revise the boundary of the Curecanti National Recreation Area to include newly-acquired land; and

(ii)administer newly-acquired land according to applicable laws (including regulations).

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 410fff–9

Title 16, Conservation

Last Updated

Sep 22, 2026

Release point: 119-110