§460xxx Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

Summary

Creates and protects about 68,083 acres as the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area for people now and in the future, to conserve its plants, animals, scenery, recreation, culture, history, education, and science. Two defined terms: “management plan” — the long‑term plan the Secretary must make; “National Conservation Area” — the Beaver Dam Wash NCA shown on the official map and established by the law, as long as valid existing rights are respected. The Secretary must write a management plan not later than 3 years after March 30, 2009, after consulting State, tribal, and local governments and the public, and must include limits on motorized vehicles. The area must be managed to conserve and improve its resources and to follow the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and other laws. Only uses that further the purpose are allowed. Motor vehicles are allowed only on roads the plan designates, except for official or emergency use; in areas marked “Designated Road Areas,” vehicles may use only the roads shown on the map. Existing livestock grazing in place before March 30, 2009 may continue under rules and applicable law. Fire fighting and related actions are allowed with other agencies. Any land the United States later acquires inside the area becomes part of it and is managed the same way. Federal land in the area is withdrawn from public land entries, mining location and patenting, and mineral and geothermal leasing; land acquired after March 30, 2009 is withdrawn on the date of acquisition.