§486 Exchange of Lands in National Forests; Reservations of Timber, Minerals, or Easements

Summary

When land is swapped, either side can keep rights to timber, minerals, or easements. The value of any kept rights must be counted when figuring the value of the lands being exchanged. If someone keeps rights in land they give to the United States, the Secretary of Agriculture can set reasonable rules about how people get to the land and how the surface may be used. If the United States keeps mineral rights in land it gives away, the deed must say that whoever buys or gets those mineral rights may enter and use as much of the surface as needed for mining. That miner must pay the surface owner for any damage to the land and to improvements on it. Any property, rights, easements, or benefits kept by owners who give land to the United States are subject to the state tax laws where the land is located.