§460rrr–5 Administration of Natural Area

Summary

The Secretary must manage the federal land inside the Natural Area under public land laws and an approved management plan. The land must be cared for, restored, and protected so its natural, historic, scientific, scenic, wildlife, and recreational values stay intact. The area should keep being used for education, scientific study, and some public recreation if those uses do not harm the area's purposes. Wildlife habitat must be protected. No water storage facilities may be built. Roads should be removed or used less, and motorized vehicle use should be reduced or banned where possible, including on the federal land on the western side of the Rio Grande River from Lobatos Bridge south to the New Mexico State line. The Secretary is encouraged to work with the State of Colorado, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, and affected water users about streamflow changes that could help the Natural Area. The management plan only applies to private land if the owner agrees in writing. Except for valid existing rights, federal land in the area is closed to public land claims, mining claims, and mineral leasing (including geothermal). The Secretary may buy, trade for, or accept donations of land from willing sellers, and any land gained must follow the plan. Section 1276(d)(1) of this title does not apply to the Natural Area.