Part C—Mojave National Preserve

§410aaa–41. Findings

The Congress hereby finds that—

(1) Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Parks, as established by this Act, protect unique and superlative desert resources, but do not embrace the particular ecosystems and transitional desert type found in the Mojave Desert area lying between them on public lands now afforded only impermanent administrative designation as a national scenic area;

(2) the Mojave Desert area possesses outstanding natural, cultural, historical, and recreational values meriting statutory designation and recognition as a unit of the National Park System;

(3) the Mojave Desert area should be afforded full recognition and statutory protection as a national preserve;

(4) the wilderness within the Mojave Desert should receive maximum statutory protection by designation pursuant to the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.]; and

(5) the Mojave Desert area provides an outstanding opportunity to develop services, programs, accommodations and facilities to ensure the use and enjoyment of the area by individuals with disabilities, consistent with section 794 of title 29, Public Law 101–336, the Americans With ¹ Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], and other appropriate laws and regulations.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §501, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4489.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in par. (1), is defined in section 3 of Pub. L. 103–433, which is set out as a Definitions note under section 410aaa of this title.

The Wilderness Act referred to in par. (4), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in par. (5), is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

¹ So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.

§410aaa–42. Establishment

There is hereby established the Mojave National Preserve, comprising approximately one million four hundred nineteen thousand eight hundred acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Mojave National Park Boundary—Proposed", dated May 17, 1994, which shall be on file and available for inspection in the appropriate offices of the Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §502, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4490.)

§410aaa–43. Transfer of lands

On October 31, 1994, the Secretary shall transfer the lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management depicted on the maps described in section 410aaa–42 of this title, without consideration, to the administrative jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service. The boundaries of the public lands shall be adjusted accordingly.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §503, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4490.)

§410aaa–44. Maps and legal description

Within six months after October 31, 1994, the Secretary shall file maps and a legal description of the preserve designated under this part with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural 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 part, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in such legal description and in the maps referred to in section 410aaa–42 of this title. The maps and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §504, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4490.)

§410aaa–45. Abolishment of scenic area

The East Mojave National Scenic Area, designated on January 13, 1981 (46 FR 3994), and modified on August 9, 1983 (48 FR 36210), is hereby abolished.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §505, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4490.)

§410aaa–46. Administration

(a) The Secretary shall administer the preserve in accordance with this part and with the provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National Park System, including the Act entitled "An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes", approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2–4).¹

(b) The Secretary shall permit hunting, fishing, and trapping on lands and waters within the preserve designated by this Act in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws except that the Secretary may designate areas where, and establish periods when, no hunting, fishing, or trapping will be permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, or compliance with provisions of applicable law. Except in emergencies, regulations closing areas to hunting, fishing, or trapping pursuant to this subsection shall be put into effect only after consultation with the appropriate State agency having responsibility for fish and wildlife. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the States with respect to fish and wildlife on Federal lands and waters covered by this part nor shall anything in this Act be construed as authorizing the Secretary concerned to require a Federal permit to hunt, fish, or trap on Federal lands and waters covered by this part.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §506, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4490.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Act entitled "An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes", approved August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2–4), referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 25, 1916, ch. 408, 39 Stat. 535, known as the National Park Service Organic Act, which enacted sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this title and provisions set out as a note under section 100101 of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs. Sections 1 to 4 of the Act were repealed and restated as section 1865(a) of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and section 100101(a), chapter 1003, and sections 100751(a), 100752, 100753, and 102101 of Title 54 by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 4(a)(1), 7, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3094, 3260, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables. For disposition of former sections of this title, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

This Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is defined in section 3 of Pub. L. 103–433, which is set out as a Definitions note under section 410aaa of this title.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§410aaa–47. Withdrawal

Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal lands within the preserve are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and patent under the United States mining laws; and from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing, and mineral materials, and all amendments thereto.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §507, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4491.)

§410aaa–48. Regulation of mining

Subject to valid existing rights, all mining claims located within the preserve shall be subject to all applicable laws and regulations applicable to mining within units of the National Park System, including section 1865(b) of title 18 and subchapter III of chapter 1007 of title 54, and any patent issued after October 31, 1994, shall convey title only to the minerals together with the right to use the surface of lands for mining purposes, subject to such laws and regulations.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §508, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4491.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

In text, "section 1865(b) of title 18 and subchapter III of chapter 1007 of title 54" substituted for "the Mining in the Parks Act (16 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.)" on authority of Pub. L. 113–287, §6(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3272, which Act enacted Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.

§410aaa–49. Study as to validity of mining claims

(a) The Secretary shall not approve any plan of operation prior to determining the validity of the unpatented mining claims, mill sites, and tunnel sites affected by such plan within the preserve and shall submit to Congress recommendations as to whether any valid or patented claims should be acquired by the United States, including the estimated acquisition costs of such claims, and a discussion of the environmental consequences of the extraction of minerals from these lands.

(b)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall permit the holder or holders of mining claims identified on the records of the Bureau of Land Management as Volco #A CAMC 105446, Volco #B CAMC 105447, Volco 1 CAMC 80155, Volco 2 CAMC 80156, Volco 3 CAMC 170259, Volco 4 CAMC 170260, Volco 5 CAMC 78405, Volco 6 CAMC 78404, and Volco 7 CAMC 78403, Volco Placer 78332, to continue exploration and development activities on such claims for a period of two years after October 31, 1994, subject to the same regulations as applied to such activities on such claims on the day before October 31, 1994.

(2) At the end of the period specified in paragraph (1), or sooner if so requested by the holder or holders of the claims specified in such paragraph, the Secretary shall determine whether there has been a discovery of valuable minerals on such claims and whether, if such discovery had been made on or before July 1, 1994, such claims would have been valid as of such date under the mining laws of the United States in effect on such date.

(3) If the Secretary, pursuant to paragraph (2), makes an affirmative determination concerning the claims specified in paragraph (1), the holder or holders of such claims shall be permitted to continue to operate such claims subject only to such regulations as applied on July 1, 1994 to the exercise of valid existing rights on patented mining claims within a unit of the National Park System.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §509, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4491.)

§410aaa–50. Grazing

(a) The privilege of grazing domestic livestock on lands within the preserve shall continue to be exercised at no more than the current level, subject to applicable laws and National Park Service regulations.

(b) If a person holding a grazing permit referred to in subsection (a) informs the Secretary that such permittee is willing to convey to the United States any base property with respect to which such permit was issued and to which such permittee holds title, the Secretary shall make the acquisition of such base property a priority as compared with the acquisition of other lands within the preserve, provided agreement can be reached concerning the terms and conditions of such acquisition. Any such base property which is located outside the preserve and acquired as a priority pursuant to this section shall be managed by the Federal agency responsible for the majority of the adjacent lands in accordance with the laws applicable to such adjacent lands.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §510, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4492.)

§410aaa–51. Utility rights-of-way

(a) Continuation of rights-of-way and other activities; upgrading transmission lines; emergency access plans

(1) Nothing in this part shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued right-of-way or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities in such right-of-way, issued, granted, or permitted to Southern California Edison Company, its successors or assigns, which is located on lands included in the Mojave National Preserve, but outside lands designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(3). Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on preserve resources.

(2) Nothing in this part shall have the effect of prohibiting the upgrading of an existing electrical transmission line for the purpose of increasing the capacity of such transmission line in the Southern California Edison Company validly issued Eldorado-Lugo Transmission Line right-of-way and Mojave-Lugo Transmission Line right-of-way, or in a right-of-way if issued, granted, or permitted by the Secretary adjacent to the existing Mojave-Lugo Transmission Line right-of-way (hereafter in this section referred to as "adjacent right-of-way"), including construction of a replacement transmission line: Provided, That—

(A) in the Eldorado-Lugo Transmission Line rights-of-way (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Eldorado rights-of-way") at no time shall there be more than three electrical transmission lines;

(B) in the Mojave-Lugo Transmission Line right-of-way (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Mojave right-of-way") and adjacent right-of-way, removal of the existing electrical transmission line and reclamation of the site shall be completed no later than three years after the date on which construction of the upgraded transmission line begins, after which time there may be only one electrical transmission line in the lands encompassed by Mojave right-of-way and adjacent right-of-way;

(C) if there are no more than two electrical transmission lines in the Eldorado rights-of-way, two electrical transmission lines in the lands encompassed by the Mojave right-of-way and adjacent right-of-way may be allowed;

(D) in the Eldorado rights-of-way and Mojave right-of-way no additional land shall be issued, granted, or permitted for such upgrade unless an addition would reduce the impacts to preserve resources;

(E) no more than 350 feet of additional land shall be issued, granted, or permitted for an adjacent right-of-way to the south of the Mojave right-of-way unless a greater addition would reduce the impacts to preserve resources; and

(F) such upgrade activities, including helicopter aided construction, shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on preserve resources.

(3) The Secretary shall prepare within one hundred and eighty days after October 31, 1994, in consultation with the Southern California Edison Company, plans for emergency access by the Southern California Edison Company to its rights-of-way.

(b) Pipeline capacity

(1) Nothing in this part shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued right-of-way, or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities in such right-of-way; prohibiting the upgrading of and construction on existing facilities in such right-of-way for the purpose of increasing the capacity of the existing pipeline; or prohibiting the renewal of such right-of-way issued, granted, or permitted to the Southern California Gas Company, its successors or assigns, which is located on lands included in the Mojave National Preserve, but outside lands designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(3). Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on preserve resources.

(2) The Secretary shall prepare within one hundred and eighty days after October 31, 1994, in consultation with the Southern California Gas Company, plans for emergency access by the Southern California Gas Company to its rights-of-way.

(c) Communications cables or lines

Nothing in this part shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued right-of-way or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities of existing facilities issued, granted, or permitted for communications cables or lines, which are located on lands included in the Mojave National Preserve, but outside lands designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(3). Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on preserve resources.

(d) Other rights-of-way

Nothing in this part shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued right-of-way or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities of existing facilities issued, granted, or permitted to Molybdenum Corporation of America; Molycorp, Incorporated; or Union Oil Company of California (d/b/a Unocal Corporation); or its successors or assigns, or prohibiting renewal of such right-of-way, which is located on lands included in the Mojave National Preserve, but outside lands designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(3). Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on preserve resources.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §511, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4492.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 601(a)(3), referred to in text, is section 601(a)(3) of Pub. L. 103–433, which enacted provisions listed in a table of Wilderness Areas set out under section 1132 of this title.

§410aaa–52. Preparation of management plan

Within three years after October 31, 1994, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the United States House of Representatives a detailed and comprehensive management plan for the preserve. Such plan shall place emphasis on historical and cultural sites and ecological and wilderness values within the boundaries of the preserve. Such plan shall evaluate the feasibility of using the Kelso Depot and existing railroad corridor to provide public access to and a facility for special interpretive, educational, and scientific programs within the preserve. Such plan shall specifically address the needs of individuals with disabilities in the design of services, programs, accommodations and facilities consistent with section 794 of title 29, Public Law 101-336, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.], and other appropriate laws and regulations.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §512, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4494.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 101–336, July 26, 1990, 104 Stat. 327, which is classified principally to chapter 126 (§12101 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12101 of Title 42 and Tables.

§410aaa–53. Granite Mountains Natural Reserve

(a) Establishment

There is hereby designated the Granite Mountains Natural Reserve within the preserve comprising approximately nine thousand acres as generally depicted on a map entitled "Mojave National Park Boundary and Wilderness—Proposed 6", dated May 1991.

(b) Cooperative management agreement

On October 31, 1994, the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative management agreement with the University of California for the purposes of managing the lands within the Granite Mountains Natural Reserve. Such cooperative agreement shall ensure continuation of arid lands research and educational activities of the University of California, consistent with the provisions of this part and laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §513, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4494.)

§410aaa–54. Soda Springs Desert Study Center

On October 31, 1994, the Secretary shall enter into a cooperative management agreement with California State University for the purposes of managing facilities at the Soda Springs Desert Study Center. Such cooperative agreement shall ensure continuation of the desert research and educational activities of California State University, consistent with the provisions of this part and laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §514, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4494.)

§410aaa–55. Construction of visitor center

The Secretary is authorized to construct a visitor center in the preserve for the purpose of providing information through appropriate displays, printed material, and other interpretive programs, about the resources of the preserve.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §515, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4494.)

§410aaa–56. Acquisition of lands

The Secretary is authorized to acquire all lands and interest in lands within the boundary of the preserve by donation, purchase, or exchange, except that—

(1) any lands or interests therein within the boundary of the preserve which are owned by the State of California, or any political subdivision thereof, may be acquired only by donation or exchange except for lands managed by the California State Lands Commission; and

(2) lands or interests therein within the boundary of the preserve which are not owned by the State of California or any political subdivision thereof may be acquired only with the consent of the owner thereof unless the Secretary determines, after written notice to the owner and after opportunity for comment, that the property is being developed, or proposed to be developed, in a manner which is detrimental to the integrity of the preserve or which is otherwise incompatible with the purposes of this part: Provided, however, That the construction, modification, repair, improvement, or replacement of a single-family residence shall not be determined to be detrimental to the integrity of the preserve or incompatible with the purposes of this part.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §516, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4494.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Boundary Adjustment, Mojave National Preserve

Pub. L. 116–9, title I, §1432, Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 700, provided that: "The boundary of the Mojave National Preserve is adjusted to include the 25 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Baker, California, as depicted on the map entitled 'Mojave National Preserve Proposed Boundary Addition', numbered 170/100,199A, and dated November 1, 2018."

Land Exchange, Mojave National Preserve

Pub. L. 108–87, title VIII, §8121, Sept. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 1100, provided that:

"(a) Exchange Required.—In exchange for the private property described in subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the Veterans Home of California—Barstow, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #385E (in this section referred to as the 'recipient'), all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property consisting of approximately one acre in the Mojave National Preserve and designated (by section 8137 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public Law 107–117; 115 Stat. 2278) [54 U.S.C. 320301 note]) as a national memorial commemorating United States participation in World War I and honoring the American veterans of that war. Notwithstanding the conveyance of the property under this subsection, the Secretary shall continue to carry out the responsibilities of the Secretary under such section 8137.

"(b) Consideration.—As consideration for the property to be conveyed by the Secretary under subsection (a), Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sandoz of Mountain Pass, California, have agreed to convey to the Secretary a parcel of real property consisting of approximately five acres, identified as parcel APN 569–051–44, and located in the west ½ of the northeast ¼ of the northwest ¼ of the northwest ¼ of section 11, township 14 north, range 15 east, San Bernardino base and meridian.

"(c) Equal Value Exchange; Appraisal.—The values of the properties to be exchanged under this section shall be equal or equalized as provided in subsection (d). The value of the properties shall be determined through an appraisal performed by a qualified appraiser in conformance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions (Department of Justice, December 2000).

"(d) Cash Equalization.—Any difference in the value of the properties to be exchanged under this section shall be equalized through the making of a cash equalization payment. The Secretary shall deposit any cash equalization payment received by the Secretary under this subsection in the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

"(e) Reversionary Clause.—The conveyance under subsection (a) shall be subject to the condition that the recipient maintain the conveyed property as a memorial commemorating United States participation in World War I and honoring the American veterans of that war. If the Secretary determines that the conveyed property is no longer being maintained as a war memorial, the property shall revert to the ownership of the United States.

"(f) Boundary Adjustment; Administration of Acquired Land.—The boundaries of the Mojave National Preserve shall be adjusted to reflect the land exchange required by this section. The property acquired by the Secretary under this section shall become part of the Mojave National Preserve and be administered in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations generally applicable to the Mojave National Preserve."

§410aaa–57. Acquired lands to be made part of Mojave National Preserve

Any lands acquired by the Secretary under this part shall become part of the Mojave National Preserve.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §517, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4495.)

§410aaa–58. Mojave National Preserve Advisory Commission

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish an Advisory Commission of no more than fifteen members, to advise the Secretary concerning the development and implementation of a new or revised comprehensive management plan for the Mojave National Preserve.

(b) Membership

(1) The advisory commission shall include an elected official for each County within which any part of the preserve is located, a representative of the owners of private properties located within or immediately adjacent to the preserve, and other members representing persons actively engaged in grazing and range management, mineral exploration and development, and persons with expertise in relevant fields, including geology, biology, ecology, law enforcement, and the protection and management of National Park resources and values.

(2) Vacancies in the advisory commission shall be filled by the Secretary so as to maintain the full diversity of views required to be represented on the advisory commission.

(c) Applicability of chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall apply to the procedures and activities of the advisory commission.

(d) Termination

The advisory commission shall cease to exist ten years after the date of its establishment.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §518, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4495; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(86), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4315.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act".

§410aaa–59. No adverse effect on land until acquired

Unless and until acquired by the United States, no lands within the boundaries of wilderness areas or National Park System units designated or enlarged by this Act that are owned by any person or entity other than the United States shall be subject to any of the rules or regulations applicable solely to the Federal lands within such boundaries and may be used to the extent allowed by applicable law. Neither the location of such lands within such boundaries nor the possible acquisition of such lands by the United States shall constitute a bar to the otherwise lawful issuance of any Federal license or permit other than a license or permit related to activities governed by section 100903 of title 54. Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the applicability of any provision of section 1865(b) of title 18, subchapter III of chapter 1007 of title 54, the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), or regulations applicable to oil and gas development as set forth in 36 CFR 9B.

(Pub. L. 103–433, title V, §519, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4495.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, is defined in section 3 of Pub. L. 103–433, which is set out as a Definitions note under section 410aaa of this title.

The Clean Air Act, referred to in text, is act July 14, 1955, ch. 360, 69 Stat. 322, which is classified generally to chapter 85 (§7401 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7401 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

In text, "section 100903 of title 54" substituted for "16 U.S.C. 460l–22(c)" and "section 1865(b) of title 18, subchapter III of chapter 1007 of title 54" substituted for "the Mining in the Parks Act (16 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.)" on authority of Pub. L. 113–287, §6(e), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3272, which Act enacted Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs.