H.R. 2785: New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

The New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act is designed to enhance cooperation between the federal government and local governing bodies regarding the use of certain public lands in New Mexico associated with historical or traditional practices of qualified community land grants, known as land grant-mercedes. Here are the main components of the bill:

Definitions

- **Community user**: An heir of a qualified land grant-merced. - **Federal land**: Lands owned by the United States, excluding Indian reservations and certain lands held in trust for tribes or individuals. - **Governing body**: A board authorized under state law managing a land grant-merced. - **Historical or traditional use**: Practices such as water use, grazing, gathering herbs, wood products, and other noncommercial benefits that have been historically conducted by a land grant-merced on federal land.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

- The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior to create a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council within two years. This agreement will outline the cooperation and coordination between federal authorities and land grant-mercedes regarding their historical or traditional uses on federal lands. - The MOU will specify types of uses that may be carried out and the necessary permits for these uses, as well as details on fee structures for permits, which may be reduced or waived based on the financial capacity of the applicants.

Land Use Authorizations

- The MOU will address potential permits, the applicability of fees, and the process for minimizing the fees based on socio-economic conditions. - It will also include provisions for routine maintenance and minor improvements of infrastructure connected to traditional uses, such as trails and community facilities.

Land Use Planning

- The bill mandates that land use plans under federal law must consider traditional uses by land grant-mercedes when being developed or revised. - The Secretary of Agriculture or Interior will need to evaluate the impacts of other land uses on these historical practices.

Limitations and Rights

- The act does not change any treaty rights or existing rights of Indian tribes and retains state authority over water use and game management. - It also does not create new rights regarding the use of federal lands.

Relevant Companies

None found.