S.Amdt. 6062

SA 6062, submitted by Mr. Lujan, aims to add a new section (Section 1094) to bill S. 4784. The purpose of this addition is to establish a framework for cooperation and coordination regarding the historical or traditional use of Federal land by qualified land grant-mercedes in New Mexico.

The amendment seeks to change the bill by adding the following:

• Memorandums of Understanding (MOU): It requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into an MOU with the New Mexico Land Grant Council. This MOU will outline how qualified land grant-mercedes can coordinate with the government for noncommercial uses, such as:

  • Gathering wood, herbs, flora, or botanical products in small quantities.
  • Grazing, soil or rock gathering, and subsistence hunting or fishing.
  • Using and maintaining existing cemeteries, shrines, or monuments.
  • Accessing water according to law.

• Permits and Fees: The amendment requires the MOU to describe the permits needed for these uses and the process for requesting fee reductions or waivers. When considering these waivers, the Secretary must look at the annual operating budget of the governing body and the socioeconomic conditions of the community users.

• Infrastructure Maintenance: The amendment defines processes for authorizing both routine maintenance (such as repairing fences, roads, or water tanks) and major improvements (such as constructing wastewater systems or expanding cemeteries).

• Land Use Planning: It directs the Secretary concerned to include sections in land use plans that evaluate how other land uses impact the historical or traditional uses of qualified land grant-mercedes.

• Coordination and Limits: The process must involve consultation with affected Indian Tribes. The amendment explicitly states it does not create new rights to use Federal land or affect treaty-reserved rights of Indian Tribes.