S. 1777: Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act

This bill, titled the Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act, proposes several key changes related to Joshua Tree National Park in California.

Expansion of the Park's Boundary

The bill aims to enlarge the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park by an additional approximately 20,149 acres of land. This land is depicted in a specific map referenced within the bill. The boundary adjustment is intended to incorporate this land into the park's official territory.

Transfer of Administrative Jurisdiction

With the expansion, the bill will transfer administration of the newly included land from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service. This change aims to streamline management and oversight of the park's resources and facilities.

Land Acquisition Provisions

The bill grants the Secretary of the Interior the authority to acquire land and interests in land within the new boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park through various means, including:

• Donation
• Purchase from willing sellers
• Land exchanges
• Transfer of ownership

However, there is a restriction in place regarding land owned by the State of California or its subdivisions: such land can only be acquired through donation or exchange.

Technical Correction

The legislation also includes a technical correction related to a previous conservation law, specifically updating a map reference from 156/149,375 to 156/149,375A.

Redesignation of Visitor Center

The Cottonwood Visitor Center located at Joshua Tree National Park will be redesignated as the Dianne Feinstein Visitor Center. This change ensures that any official references to the visitor center subsequently acknowledge this new name.

References to the New Name

Any legal, administrative, or public documents that previously identified the Cottonwood Visitor Center will now be considered as referencing the Dianne Feinstein Visitor Center.

Relevant Companies

None found.