§460qqq–3 Management

Summary

The Interior Department, through the Bureau of Land Management, must manage the Conservation Area to conserve, protect, and improve its natural resources and must follow the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and other laws. Within 3 years after November 6, 2002, the Secretary must work with the State, the city of Henderson, the County, and others to make a management plan. That plan must say how the area will be used and cared for, allow motor vehicles for installing and maintaining water projects (like guzzlers) that help wildlife with limits no stricter than similar wilderness rules, suggest ways to reduce visual impact, include a litter cleanup and public-lands awareness plan, and recommend a location for a rural-road right-of-way per application N–65874. Only uses that help the Conservation Area’s purpose may be allowed. Motor vehicles are allowed only on roads and trails the plan names, except for official work or emergencies. Public land in the area is removed from most entry, mining, and mineral-leasing laws, as long as existing legal rights are respected; any federal interests bought after November 6, 2002 are removed when acquired. The State keeps authority over fish and wildlife, including hunting, fishing, and trapping, though the Secretary can close places or seasons for safety or administration after consulting the State (except in emergencies). Creating the area does not make a buffer zone or stop lawful uses on neighboring private land. Not later than 1 year after May 19, 2026, the Secretary must grant the Southern Nevada Water Authority, with no rent, temporary and permanent rights-of-way outside the Conservation Area (as shown on the map) for pipeline-related work, subject to protections so construction does not cause permanent surface harm and not crossing designated wilderness. The Authority may use or dispose of tunneling materials, and within 30 days of the grant the Secretary and Authority must agree where those materials may be put.