H.R. 2727: Pecos Watershed Protection Act

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to enhance environmental protection in the Pecos Watershed area of New Mexico. The bill encompasses the following main actions:

1. Withdrawal of Federal Land

The bill defines certain federal lands in the Pecos Watershed area that are to be withdrawn from various forms of entry and use. Specifically, it prohibits:

• Entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws.
• Location, entry, and patent under mining laws.
• Disposition related to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.

This withdrawal is subject to existing rights that were in place as of the bill's enactment date.

2. Creation of Thompson Peak Wilderness Area

The bill designates approximately 11,599 acres of federal land in New Mexico as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area. This designation includes certain provisions:

• The area will be managed according to the Wilderness Act, which typically includes restrictions on development and activities that could alter the land's natural condition.
• The Secretary of Agriculture will be responsible for maintaining the area in its natural state.
• Existing activities, such as cattle grazing, will be allowed to continue if they were established prior to the enactment of the bill.
• The Secretary is permitted to implement measures to control wildfires, insects, and diseases impacting the wilderness area.

Additionally, any land or interests in land acquired after the bill's enactment will be incorporated into the wilderness area.

3. Administration and Rights

The bill outlines that:

• No protective perimeter or buffer zone will be created around the wilderness area as a part of this designation.
• Activities outside the wilderness area that can be seen or heard from within will not be restricted.
• The state's jurisdiction over fish and wildlife management will remain intact, meaning the state will continue to regulate hunting, fishing, and trapping within the area.

4. Legal Map and Description

After the bill is enacted, the Secretary must file a map and legal description of the wilderness area with relevant congressional committees. This map will serve as an official record and can be inspected by the public.

Relevant Companies

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