TITLE 16 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER LIXDD - BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK AND GUNNISON GORGE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

16 USC 410fff - Findings

Congress finds that

(1) Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument was established for the preservation of its spectacular gorges and additional features of scenic, scientific, and educational interest;

(2) the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and adjacent upland include a variety of unique ecological, geological, scenic, historical, and wildlife components enhanced by the serenity and rural western setting of the area;

(3) the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and adjacent land provide extensive opportunities for educational and recreational activities, and are publicly used for hiking, camping, and fishing, and for wilderness value, including solitude;

(4) adjacent public land downstream of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument has wilderness value and offers unique geological, paleontological, scientific, educational, and recreational resources;

(5) public land adjacent to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument contributes to the protection of the wildlife, viewshed, and scenic qualities of the Black Canyon;

(6) some private land adjacent to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument has exceptional natural and scenic value that would be threatened by future development pressures;

(7) the benefits of designating public and private land surrounding the national monument as a national park include greater long-term protection of the resources and expanded visitor use opportunities; and

(8) land in and adjacent to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge is

(A) recognized for offering exceptional multiple use opportunities;

(B) recognized for offering natural, cultural, scenic, wilderness, and recreational resources; and

(C) worthy of additional protection as a national conservation area, and with respect to the Gunnison Gorge itself, as a component of the national wilderness system.

16 USC 410fff1 - Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1) Conservation Area
The term Conservation Area means the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, consisting of approximately 57,725 acres surrounding the Gunnison Gorge as depicted on the Map.

(2) Map
The term Map means the map entitled Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge NCA1/22/99. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Department of the Interior.

(3) Park
The term Park means the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park established under section 410fff–2 of this title and depicted on the Map.

(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

16 USC 410fff2 - Establishment of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

(a) Establishment

(1) There is hereby established the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in the State of Colorado as generally depicted on the map identified in section 410fff–1 of this title. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument is hereby abolished as such, the lands and interests therein are incorporated within and made part of the new Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and any funds available for purposes of the monument shall be available for purposes of the park.^[1]

(2) The boundary of the Park is revised to include the addition of approximately 2,530 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge NCA Boundary Modifications and dated April 2, 2003.

(b) Administration
Upon enactment of this subchapter, the Secretary shall transfer the lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management which are identified on the map for inclusion in the park^[1] to the administrative jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The Secretary shall administer the park^[1] in accordance with this subchapter and laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 461 to 467 of this title.

(c) Maps and legal description
As soon as practicable after October 21, 1999, the Secretary shall file maps and a legal description of the park^[1] with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Resources of the United States House of Representatives. Such maps and legal description shall have the same force and effect as if included in this subchapter, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in such legal description and maps. The maps and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service.

(d) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal lands within the park^[1] are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, and all amendments thereto.

(e) Grazing

(1)

(A) Consistent with the requirements of this subsection, including the limitation in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall allow the grazing of livestock within the park^[1] to continue where authorized under permits or leases in existence as of October 21, 1999. Grazing shall be at no more than the current level, and subject to applicable laws and National Park Service regulations.

(B) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as extending grazing privileges for any party or their assignee in any area of the park^[1] where, prior to October 21, 1999, such use was scheduled to expire according to the terms of a settlement by the United States Claims Court affecting property incorporated into the boundary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.

(C) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the Secretary from accepting the voluntary termination of leases or permits for grazing within the park.^[1]

(D) If land within the Park on which the grazing of livestock is authorized under permits or leases under subparagraph (A) is exchanged for private land under section 410fff–3 (a) of this title, the Secretary shall transfer any grazing privileges to the land acquired in the exchange.

(2) Within areas of the park^[1] designated as wilderness, the grazing of livestock, where authorized under permits in existence as of October 21, 1999, shall be permitted to continue subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary deems necessary, consistent with this subchapter, the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.], and other applicable laws and National Park Service regulations.

(3) With respect to the grazing permits and leases referenced in this subsection, the Secretary shall allow grazing to continue, subject to periodic renewal

(A) with respect to a permit or lease issued to an individual, for the lifetime of the individual who was the holder of the permit or lease on October 21, 1999;

(B) with respect to the permit or lease issued to LeValley Ranch Ltd., for the lifetime of the last surviving limited partner as of October 21, 1999;

(C) with respect to the permit or lease issued to Sanburg Herefords, L.L.P., for the lifetime of the last surviving general partner as of October 21, 1999; and

(D) with respect to a permit or lease issued to a corporation or other legal entity, for a period which shall terminate on the same date that the last permit or lease held under subparagraphs (A), (B), or (C) terminates, unless the corporation or legal entity dissolves or terminates before such time, in which case the permit or lease shall terminate with the corporation or legal entity.

[1] So in original. The word “park” probably should be capitalized.

16 USC 410fff3 - Acquisition of property and minor boundary adjustments

(a) Additional acquisitions

(1) In general
The Secretary may acquire land or interests in land depicted on the Map or the map described in section 410fff–2 (a)(2) of this title as proposed additions.

(2) Method of acquisition

(A) In general
Land or interests in land may be acquired by

(i) donation;

(ii) transfer;

(iii) purchase with donated or appropriated funds; or

(iv) exchange.

(B) Consent
No land or interest in land may be acquired without the consent of the owner of the land.

(b) Boundary revision
After acquiring land for the Park, the Secretary shall

(1) revise the boundary of the Park to include newly-acquired land within the boundary; and

(2) administer newly-acquired land subject to applicable laws (including regulations).

(c) Boundary survey
As soon as practicable and subject to the availability of funds the Secretary shall complete an official boundary survey of the Park.

(d) Hunting on privately owned lands

(1) In general
The Secretary may permit hunting on privately owned land added to the Park under this subchapter, subject to limitations, conditions, or regulations that may be prescribed by the Secretary.

(2) Termination of authority
On the date that the Secretary acquires fee ownership of any privately owned land added to the Park under this subchapter, the authority under paragraph (1) shall terminate with respect to the privately owned land acquired.

16 USC 410fff4 - Expansion of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness

(a) Expansion of Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness, as established by subsection (b) of the first section of Public Law 94567 (90 Stat. 2692), is expanded to include the parcel of land depicted on the Map as Tract A and consisting of approximately 4,419 acres.

(b) Administration
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness shall be administered as a component of the Park.

16 USC 410fff5 - Establishment of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area

(a) In general

(1) There is established the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, consisting of approximately 57,725 acres as generally depicted on the Map.

(2) The boundary of the Conservation Area is revised to include the addition of approximately 7,100 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge NCA Boundary Modifications, and dated April 2, 2003.

(b) Management of Conservation Area
The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall manage the Conservation Area to protect the resources of the Conservation Area in accordance with

(1) this subchapter;

(2) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and

(3) other applicable provisions of law.

(c) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal lands within the Conservation Area are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, and all amendments thereto.

(d) Hunting, trapping, and fishing

(1) In general
The Secretary shall permit hunting, trapping, and fishing within the Conservation Area in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations) of the United States and the State of Colorado.

(2) Exception
The Secretary, after consultation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, may issue regulations designating zones where and establishing periods when no hunting or trapping shall be permitted for reasons concerning

(A) public safety;

(B) administration; or

(e) Use of motorized vehicles
In addition to the use of motorized vehicles on established roadways, the use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area shall be allowed to the extent the use is compatible with off-highway vehicle designations as described in the management plan in effect on October 21, 1999.

(f) Conservation Area management plan

(1) In general
Not later than 4 years after October 21, 1999, the Secretary shall

(A) develop a comprehensive plan for the long-range protection and management of the Conservation Area; and

(B) transmit the plan to

(i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and

(ii) the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives.

(2) Contents of plan
The plan

(A) shall describe the appropriate uses and management of the Conservation Area in accordance with this subchapter;

(B) may incorporate appropriate decisions contained in any management or activity plan for the area completed prior to October 21, 1999;

(C) may incorporate appropriate wildlife habitat management plans or other plans prepared for the land within or adjacent to the Conservation Area prior to October 21, 1999;

(D) shall be prepared in close consultation with appropriate Federal, State, county, and local agencies; and

(E) may use information developed prior to October 21, 1999, in studies of the land within or adjacent to the Conservation Area.

(g) Boundary revisions
The Secretary may make revisions to the boundary of the Conservation Area following acquisition of land necessary to accomplish the purposes for which the Conservation Area was designated.

16 USC 410fff6 - Designation of wilderness within the Conservation Area

(a) Gunnison Gorge Wilderness

(1) In general
Within the Conservation Area, there is designated as wilderness, and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness, consisting of approximately 17,700 acres, as generally depicted on the Map.

(2) Administration

(A) Wilderness study area exemption
The approximately 300-acre portion of the wilderness study area depicted on the Map for release from section 1782 of title 43 shall not be subject to section 1782 (c) of title 43.

(B) Incorporation into national Conservation Area
The portion of the wilderness study area described in subparagraph (A) shall be incorporated into the Conservation Area.

(b) Administration
Subject to valid rights in existence on October 21, 1999, the wilderness areas designated under this subchapter shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) except that any reference in such provisions to the effective date of the Wilderness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the effective date of this subchapter and any reference to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of the Interior.

(c) State responsibility
As provided in section 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133 (d)(7)), nothing in this subchapter or in the Wilderness Act shall affect the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State of Colorado with respect to wildlife and fish on the public land located in that State.

(d) Maps and legal descriptions
As soon as practicable after October 21, 1999, the Secretary of the Interior shall file a map and a legal description of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Resources of the United States House of Representatives. This map and description shall have the same force and effect as if included in this subchapter. The Secretary of the Interior may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal description. The map and legal description shall be on file and available in the office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

16 USC 410fff7 - Withdrawal

Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal lands identified on the Map as BLM Withdrawal (Tract B) (comprising approximately 1,154 acres) are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and from disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing, and all amendments thereto.

16 USC 410fff8 - Water rights

(a) Effect on water rights
Nothing in this subchapter shall

(1) constitute an express or implied reservation of water for any purpose; or

(2) affect any water rights in existence prior to October 21, 1999, including any water rights held by the United States.

(b) Additional water rights
Any new water right that the Secretary determines is necessary for the purposes of this subchapter shall be established in accordance with the procedural and substantive requirements of the laws of the State of Colorado.

16 USC 410fff9 - Study of lands within and adjacent to Curecanti National Recreation Area

(a) In general
Not later than 3 years after October 21, 1999, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, shall conduct a study concerning land protection and open space within and adjacent to the area administered as the Curecanti National Recreation Area.

(b) Purpose of study
The study required to be completed under subsection (a) of this section shall

(1) assess the natural, cultural, recreational and scenic resource value and character of the land within and surrounding the Curecanti National Recreation Area (including open vistas, wildlife habitat, and other public benefits);

(2) identify practicable alternatives that protect the resource value and character of the land within and surrounding the Curecanti National Recreation Area;

(3) recommend a variety of economically feasible and viable tools to achieve the purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2); and

(4) estimate the costs of implementing the approaches recommended by the study.

(c) Submission of report
Not later than 3 years from October 21, 1999, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that

(1) contains the findings of the study required by subsection (a) of this section;

(2) makes recommendations to Congress with respect to the findings of the study required by subsection (a) of this section; and

(3) makes recommendations to Congress regarding action that may be taken with respect to the land described in the report.

(d) Acquisition of additional land and interests in land

(1) In general
Prior to the completion of the study required by subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may acquire certain private land or interests in land as depicted on the Map entitled Proposed Additions to the Curecanti National Recreation Area, dated 01/25/99, totaling approximately 1,065 acres and entitled Hall and Fitti properties.

(2) Method of acquisition

(A) In general
Land or an interest in land under paragraph (1) may be acquired by

(i) donation;

(ii) purchase with donated or appropriated funds; or

(iii) exchange.

(B) Consent
No land or interest in land may be acquired without the consent of the owner of the land.

(i) revise the boundary of the Curecanti National Recreation Area to include newly-acquired land; and

(ii) administer newly-acquired land according to applicable laws (including regulations).

16 USC 410fff10 - Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subchapter.