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Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-134

§410llll–1 Traditional Cultural and Religious Sites

Title 16 › CHAPTER 1 — NATIONAL PARKS, MILITARY PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND SEASHORES › SUBCHAPTER LIX–JJJ — CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL PARK › § 410llll–1

Last updated Oct 27, 2026|Official source

Summary

Protect traditional cultural and religious places inside the National Park and follow the laws that govern the Secretary. The Secretary must talk with Indian Tribes when protecting these places. Under Public Law 95–341 (42 U.S.C. 1996 et seq.), tribe members must be allowed to enter these sites for their customary and cultural uses. If a tribe asks, the Secretary may temporarily close specific areas to the general public. Any closure must cover the smallest area and last only as long as needed. Indian Tribe: the term as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304. Secretary: the Secretary of the Interior.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §410llll–1

Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Protection of sites
(1)In general
The Secretary shall ensure the protection of traditional cultural and religious sites in the National Park in accordance with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the Secretary.
(2)Consultation
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with Indian Tribes in accordance with laws applicable to the protection of cultural and religious sites.
(b)Access
(1)In general
The Secretary, in accordance with Public Law 95–341 (42 U.S.C. 1996 et seq.)—
(A)shall provide access to the sites described in subsection (a)(1) by members of Indian Tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses; and
(B)may, on request of an Indian Tribe, temporarily close to general public use one or more specific areas of the National Park to protect traditional cultural and customary uses in the area by members of the Indian Tribe.
(2)Limitation
In closing a portion of a designated area under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall limit the closure to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities.
(c)Definitions
In this section: (1) Indian Tribe
(2)Secretary
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Public Law 95–341, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 95–341, Aug. 11, 1978, 92 Stat. 469, popularly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, which enacted section 1996 and 1996a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and provisions set out as a note under section 1996 of Title 42.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 410llll–1

Title 16, Conservation

Last Updated

Oct 27, 2026

Release point: 119-134