M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Gila River system in the State of New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, to provide for the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over certain Federal land in the State of New Mexico, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act 2. Designation of wild and scenic rivers (a) Findings; purpose (1) Findings Congress finds that— (A) the Greater Gila River watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest are cherished by the people of the State of New Mexico and visitors from across the United States for their clean water, outstanding fish and wildlife habitat, low-cost recreational opportunities for local communities, and cultural sites; (B) recreation, including hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, hiking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and floating, increasingly supports important economic activity for local communities; (C) the Greater Gila River watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest— (i) are a national treasure deserving of inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; (ii) possess numerous outstandingly remarkable values; and (iii) contain segments that merit the high level of protection provided by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1271 (D) wild and scenic river designations— (i) recognize the importance of maintaining the values of the segments, while having no effect on activities or rights described in subsection (h); (ii) are compatible with traditional values and cultural uses important to rural communities; (iii) provide multiple benefits to the local community and beyond, including by— (I) focusing management on river and river-related resources and values, including supporting voluntary management on adjacent non-Federal land; (II) protecting rivers in a manner complementary to the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 16 U.S.C. 1281(b) (III) preserving and enhancing public access, including for the legal use of off-highway vehicles, while not opening private land to public access; (IV) preserving and enhancing the protection of cultural artifacts and Tribal sacred and ceremonial sites; (V) preserving and enhancing recreational opportunities; (VI) encouraging and enhancing traditional uses, such as hunting and fishing; (VII) better informing the public about areas in the region with exceptional characteristics and opportunities for unique experiences; and (VIII) promoting the outdoor recreation economy; and (iv) do not— (I) affect private property rights or restrict development or use on private land within or adjacent to a designated river corridor; (II) affect existing water rights, interstate water compacts, or existing irrigation systems and other water development or distribution facilities; (III) affect grazing operations; (IV) limit access for the public to public land within a designated river corridor; or (V) open private land to public access. (2) Purpose The purpose of this section is to protect for current and future generations of people in the United States the outstandingly remarkable scenic, natural, cultural, wildlife, fish, recreational, scientific, historic, cultural, ecological, and other values of certain segments of the Greater Gila River watershed and other rivers in the Gila National Forest. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Covered segment The term covered segment 16 U.S.C. 1274(a) (2) Secretary concerned The term Secretary concerned (A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to a covered segment under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to a covered segment under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) Sensitive species The term sensitive species (A) that is listed or proposed for listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 (B) that is identified by the State as a species of greatest conservation need; or (C) that, as determined by the Secretary concerned, requires special management consideration— (i) to promote the conservation of the species; or (ii) to reduce the need for future listing of the species as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 (4) State The term State (c) Designation of segments Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1274(a) (231) Gila River System, New Mexico The following segments of the Gila River system in Las Animas Creek, Holden Prong, and McKnight Canyon in the State of New Mexico, to be administered by the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 2(b) of the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act (A) Apache Creek The approximately 10.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Apache Creek (B) Black Canyon Creek (i) The 11.8-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon Creek (ii) The 0.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon Creek (iii) The 1.9-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon Creek (iv) The 11-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Black Canyon Creek (C) Diamond Creek (i) The approximately 13.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Diamond Creek (ii) The approximately 4.7-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Diamond Creek (iii) The approximately 3.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Diamond Creek (iv) The approximately 1.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘Diamond Creek’ and dated March 27, 2020, as a recreational river. (v) The approximately 4.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘Diamond Creek’ and dated March 27, 2020, as a wild river. (D) South Diamond Creek The approximately 16.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘South Diamond Creek’ and dated March 27, 2020, as a wild river. (E) Gila River (i) The approximately 34.9-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River (ii) The approximately 2.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘Gila River’ and dated April 30, 2020, as a recreational river. (iii) The approximately 3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River (F) Gila River, East Fork The approximately 10.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled East Fork Gila River (G) Gila River, Gila Lower Box (i) The approximately 3.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Lower Box (ii) The approximately 6.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Lower Box (H) Gila River, Gila Middle Box (i) The approximately 0.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (ii) The approximately 0.4-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (iii) The approximately 0.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (iv) The approximately 0.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (v) The approximately 1.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (vi) The approximately 9.8-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gila River, Gila Middle Box (I) Gila River, Middle Fork (i) The approximately 1.2-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Middle Fork Gila River (ii) The approximately 35.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Middle Fork Gila River (J) Gila River, West Fork (i) The approximately 30.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled West Fork Gila River (ii) The approximately 4-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled West Fork Gila River (K) Gilita Creek The approximately 6.4-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Gilita Creek (L) Holden Prong The approximately 7.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Holden Prong (M) Indian Creek (i) The approximately 5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Indian Creek (ii) The approximately 9.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Indian Creek (N) Iron Creek The approximately 13.2-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Iron Creek (O) Las Animas Creek (i) The approximately 5.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Las Animas Creek (ii) The approximately 2.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Las Animas Creek (P) Little Creek (i) The approximately 0.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Little Creek (ii) The approximately 18.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Little Creek (Q) Mc K The approximately 10.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled McKnight Canyon (R) Mineral Creek (i) The approximately 8.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (ii) The approximately 0.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (iii) The approximately 0.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (iv) The approximately 0.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (v) The approximately 0.03-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (vi) The approximately 0.02-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (vii) The approximately 0.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (viii) The approximately 0.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (ix) The approximately 0.03-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (x) The approximately 0.7-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mineral Creek (S) Mogollon Creek The approximately 15.8-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mogollon Creek (T) West Fork Mogollon Creek The approximately 8.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled West Fork Mogollon Creek (U) Mule Creek The approximately 4.3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Mule Creek (V) San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (i) The approximately 1.8-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (ii) The approximately 6.4-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (iii) The approximately 6.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (iv) The approximately 1.2-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (v) The approximately 5.9-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Devil’s Creek (W) San Francisco River, Lower San Francisco River Canyon (i) The approximately 1.8-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Lower San Francisco River Canyon (ii) The approximately 0.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Lower San Francisco River Canyon (iii) The approximately 14.6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Lower San Francisco River Canyon (X) San Francisco River, Upper Frisco Box The approximately 6-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled San Francisco River, Upper Frisco Box (Y) Sapillo Creek The approximately 7.2-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Sapillo Creek (Z) Spruce Creek The approximately 3.7-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Spruce Creek (AA) Taylor Creek (i) The approximately 0.4-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Taylor Creek (ii) The approximately 6.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Taylor Creek (iii) The approximately 6.7-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Taylor Creek (BB) Turkey Creek The approximately 17.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Turkey Creek (CC) Whitewater Creek (i) The approximately 13.5-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Whitewater Creek (ii) The approximately 1.1-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Whitewater Creek (DD) Willow Creek (i) The approximately 3-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Willow Creek (ii) The approximately 2.9-mile segment, as generally depicted on the map entitled Willow Creek . (d) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land within the boundary of a covered segment is withdrawn from all forms of— (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. (e) Maps; legal descriptions (1) In general As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall prepare maps and legal descriptions of the covered segments. (2) Force of law The maps and legal descriptions prepared under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this section, except that the Secretary concerned may correct minor errors in the maps and legal descriptions. (3) Availability The map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Park Service. (f) Comprehensive river management plan consultation The comprehensive management plan for the covered segments prepared pursuant to section 3(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1274(d) (g) Incorporation of acquired land and interests in land If the United States acquires any non-Federal land within or adjacent to a covered segment, the acquired land shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable covered segment. (h) Effect of section (1) Effect on rights Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section affects any existing rights of, privilege of, or contract held by any person that affects Federal land or any private land within the same watershed as a covered segment without the consent of the person, including— (A) grazing permits or leases; (B) water rights, including the jurisdiction of the State in administering water rights; (C) existing points of diversion; (D) existing water distribution infrastructure; (E) cattle management infrastructure; and (F) valid existing rights for mining and mineral leases. (2) Condemnation No land or interest in land shall be acquired under this section or an amendment made by this section without the consent of the owner. (3) Relationship to other law Nothing in this section amends or otherwise affects the Arizona Water Settlements Act ( Public Law 108–451 (4) Restoration (A) In general Subject to subparagraphs (B) through (D), if the Secretary concerned determines that no other feasible alternative exists, the Secretary concerned may authorize a project or activity that affects the free-flowing characteristics or other values of a covered segment, including— (i) the construction, maintenance, and replacement of fish barriers; or (ii) the use of chemicals to manage nonnative fish species. (B) Purpose The primary purpose of a project or activity authorized under subparagraph (A) shall be— (i) to aid in the recovery of a sensitive species; (ii) to protect or enhance the values for which the covered segment was designated; (iii) to restore the ecological function, connectivity, or natural characteristics of the covered segment; or (iv) to improve watershed health or water quality of the covered segment. (C) Review required A project or activity authorized under subparagraph (A) shall be reviewed in accordance with sections 7 and 10(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1278 (D) Impacts minimized For any project or activity authorized under subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that any impacts to the free-flowing characteristics of the river and other river values are minimized to the maximum extent practicable. (E) Assistance Nothing in this paragraph prohibits a Federal agency from assisting with a loan, grant, or permit, or providing any other form of assistance, for an activity or project authorized under subparagraph (A). (5) State land jurisdiction Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section affects the jurisdiction of land under the jurisdiction of the State, including land under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico State Land Office and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. (6) Fish and wildlife Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section affects the jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and wildlife in the State. (7) Treaty rights Nothing in this section or an amendment made by this section alters, modifies, diminishes, or extinguishes the reserved treaty rights of any Indian Tribe with respect to hunting, fishing, gathering, and cultural or religious rights in the vicinity of a covered segment as protected by a treaty. 3. Modification of boundaries of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Gila National Forest (a) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction (1) In general Administrative jurisdiction over the land described in paragraph (2) is transferred from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Description of land The land referred to in paragraph (1) is the approximately 440 acres of land identified as Transfer from USDA Forest Service to National Park Service Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment (b) Boundary modifications (1) Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (A) In general The boundary of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is revised to incorporate the land transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under subsection (a)(1). (B) Map (i) In general The Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and keep on file for public inspection in the appropriate office of the National Park Service a map and a legal description of the revised boundary of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. (ii) Effect The map and legal description under clause (i) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this section, except that the Secretary of the Interior may correct minor errors in the map and legal description. (2) Gila National Forest (A) In general The boundary of the Gila National Forest is modified to exclude the land transferred to the Secretary of the Interior under subsection (a)(1). (B) Map (i) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall prepare and keep on file for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Forest Service a map and a legal description of the revised boundary of the Gila National Forest. (ii) Effect The map and legal description under clause (i) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this section, except that the Secretary of Agriculture may correct minor errors in the map and legal description.

Summary: M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The comprehensive management plan that is to be prepared for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act must provide for public involvement, including consultation with tribal governments. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. If the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture determines that no other feasible alternative exists, then it may authorize a project or activity that affects the free-flowing characteristics or other values of a segment under its jurisdiction, including (1) the construction, maintenance, and replacement of fish barriers; or (2) the use of chemicals to manage nonnative fish species.