S. 1476 — M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

This section designates multiple segments of the Gila River system in New Mexico—including Apache Creek (10.5 miles wild), Black Canyon Creek (25.3 miles total wild and recreational), Diamond Creek (26.8 miles total wild and recreational), South Diamond Creek (16.1 miles wild), the Gila River and its East Fork (10.3 miles wild), Lower Box (9.2 miles wild and recreational), Middle Box (13 miles wild and recreational), Middle Fork (36.7 miles wild and recreational), and West Fork (34.6 miles wild and recreational), Gilita Creek (6.4 miles wild), Holden Prong (7.3 miles wild), Indian Creek (14.5 miles wild and recreational), and Iron Creek (13.2 miles)—as components of the national wild and scenic rivers system. The segments, as generally depicted on maps dated March-May 2020, are to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, as appropriate. (As background, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act designates rivers to preserve their free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values, generally prohibiting federal dams or developments that impair those values.)

This section transfers administrative jurisdiction over approximately 440 acres of land from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior and modifies the boundaries of the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument to include the land and the Gila National Forest to exclude it. (Thus, the National Park Service assumes management of the land, which is identified as “Transfer from USDA Forest Service to National Park Service” on the map entitled “Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Proposed Boundary Adjustment” dated March 2020.)