S.Amdt. 6433

This amendment, submitted by Mr. Heinrich, aims to add a new section (SEC. 1094) to the bill. Its purpose is to protect specific water systems in New Mexico and adjust the boundaries of two federal land areas.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Wild and Scenic Rivers: It designates various segments of the Gila river system in New Mexico as wild, recreational, or scenic rivers. This includes several creeks and river sections such as Apache creek, Diamond creek, and the Gila river.

• Land Protections: Federal lands within these designated river segments are withdrawn from mining laws and mineral or geothermal leasing.

• Environmental Projects: The amendment allows for the construction of native fish habitat restoration projects, specifically to help species like the Gila Trout, provided they do not unreasonably diminish the free-flowing nature of the river.

• Boundary Adjustments: It transfers administrative jurisdiction of approximately 440 acres of land from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Secretary of the Interior. This moves the land out of the Gila National Forest and incorporates it into the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument.

• Protections of Rights: The amendment explicitly states it does not cancel existing grazing permits, water rights, mining leases, or the treaty rights of Indian Tribes regarding hunting, fishing, and religious practices.