New Bill Proposes Wild & Scenic Status for Over 400 Miles of Gila River System, Restricts New Mining

This bill, the "M. H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act," aims to put significant stretches of the Gila River system in New Mexico under federal protection. It proposes designating over 400 miles across dozens of specific river and creek segments as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A key part of this designation involves withdrawing the federal land within these river corridors from future public land entry, mining, and mineral leasing, though it explicitly safeguards existing valid rights. The act also requires detailed management plans for these areas and includes a separate provision adjusting the boundary of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

Drawing the Lines: Hundreds of River Miles Get New Protection

The heart of this legislation is adding extensive parts of the Gila River, its forks, and numerous tributary creeks (like Apache Creek, Mineral Creek, and the San Francisco River) to the Wild and Scenic Rivers list. Think of it like zoning for rivers – classifying segments as "wild," "scenic," or "recreational" based on their current state, aiming to keep them free-flowing and protect their natural and cultural features, as outlined in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)). For folks who hike, fish, or just appreciate these areas, the goal is preservation. This designation comes with a significant change: the federal lands along these designated river sections – generally within a quarter-mile buffer on each side – would be closed off to new mining claims or mineral/geothermal leasing under laws like the Mining Law of 1872.

Old Rights, New Rules: Who's Covered?

While new resource extraction is restricted, the bill makes a point to grandfather in existing activities. If you currently hold a valid mining lease, have established water rights (including diversion points or infrastructure), or run livestock under a grazing permit within these areas, this bill states those rights aren't automatically wiped out (as per 16 U.S.C. 1283(b)). It also explicitly says the government can't acquire private land within these designated corridors without the owner's consent – no forced sales. Furthermore, it reaffirms New Mexico's authority over its own state lands, water management, and wildlife, preserves existing treaty rights for Native American Tribes, and clarifies it doesn't interfere with the Arizona Water Settlements Act.

The Blueprint: Planning for a Protected River

Designating these rivers isn't the end game; it's the start of a planning process. The bill requires the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management (depending on who manages the land) to develop "comprehensive management plans" for each designated segment, as mandated by 16 U.S.C. 1274(d). This is where the nitty-gritty details of managing recreation, resources, and access will get hammered out, and the law mandates consultation with Tribal governments, state and local entities, and the public. Interestingly, the bill specifically allows projects to restore native fish habitats, even within designated wilderness areas, provided they boost endangered species recovery and align with the river's values and the Wilderness Act.

Tidying Up the Map: Gila Cliff Dwellings Gets a Bit Bigger

Separate from the river designations, the bill adjusts some administrative boundaries. It transfers about 440 acres of land currently managed by the Gila National Forest (under the Department of Agriculture) to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (managed by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior). This essentially redraws the lines on the map to consolidate management of the area immediately around the monument under the Park Service. Updated maps showing these changes will be prepared and made available for public viewing.