M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act

This bill would add many miles of the Gila River and nearby creeks in New Mexico to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The protected stretches include parts of the Gila River and its East, Middle, and West Forks, creeks such as Taylor and Mineral, and some parts of the San Francisco River system . Federal land inside these river areas would be closed to new mining claims and mineral leasing, while existing rights like grazing permits, water rights, and valid mining rights would remain. The bill does not let the government take land for this river designation without the owner’s consent, keeps state control over its lands and fish and wildlife, and does not change Tribal treaty rights .

It allows native fish habitat projects (including fish barriers) in these areas if they help species such as the Gila Trout and do not harm the river’s free‑flowing nature; projects in wilderness must follow wilderness rules. The bill also moves about 440 acres from the Forest Service to the National Park Service to adjust the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument boundary, and updates the Gila National Forest boundary to match. Agencies must prepare public maps and a river management plan after the law takes effect, with input from Tribal governments, local governments, and the public .

• Who is affected: Tribal governments; the State of New Mexico’s land and wildlife agencies; and people who hold grazing permits, water rights, or valid mining rights in the affected areas .
• What changes: Many named river segments are added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; federal land inside those corridors is closed to new mining and mineral leasing; certain fish habitat work is allowed; about 440 acres shift from the Forest Service to the National Park Service; and agencies must publish maps and a management plan .
• When: After the law is enacted, agencies must prepare the maps “as soon as practicable” and then develop the river management plan with public and Tribal input.