Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Valle Vidal Preservation Act.

Findings

Congress finds that— (1)the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest comprises approximately 100,000 acres of some of the finest scenic, wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in New Mexico; (2)the Valle Vidal provides a home for a spectacular array of game and nongame wildlife, in a setting that uniquely allows for close public interaction; (3)the Valle Vidal provides an unparalleled opportunity to hunt world-class trophy elk among New Mexico’s largest herd, drawing hunters from throughout the State, region, and the United States; (4)the Valle Vidal is an important component of efforts to recover the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout and provides miles of fish habitat prized by anglers; (5)the open meadows and sweeping vistas of the Valle Vidal are extraordinary for the region, allowing visitors to take in the expansive spaces filled with tall grass and thick patches of pine, spruce, and aspen; (6)the Valle Vidal comprises the headwaters of the Rio Costilla in the Rio Grande watershed, and numerous streams in the Canadian River drainage, making it an important source of fresh water for human and wildlife needs in New Mexico; (7)the Valle Vidal is an important part of New Mexico’s ranching heritage and the local ranchers have worked cooperatively with the Forest Service to establish a grazing program within the Valle Vidal that meets the needs of the ranchers, the wildlife, and visitors with notable sensitivity to protection of the natural resources; (8)the wilds of the Valle Vidal provide an outstanding backcountry experience for enthusiasts, including the Scouts of the nearby Philmont Scout Ranch; and (9)for these and other reasons, the Valle Vidal is treasured as a special place for New Mexicans justifying enhanced protection so future generations may enjoy the Valle Vidal.

Definitions

In this Act: (1)

Preserve

The term Preserve means the Valle Vidal National Preserve. (2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (3)

State

The term State means the State of New Mexico.

Valle Vidal National Preserve, New Mexico

(a)

Establishment

To preserve the wildlife, scenic, watershed, recreational, geological, educational, and scientific values of the Valle Vidal and to secure now and for future generations the opportunity to experience and enjoy the wonders of the area, there is established the Valle Vidal National Preserve. (b)

Boundaries

The boundaries of the Preserve shall be those of the Valle Vidal Unit of the Carson National Forest in existence on the date of enactment of this Act. (c)

Purpose

The purpose of the Preserve is to protect and enhance the values described in subsection (a) for current and future generations. (d)

Withdrawal

Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land and interests in land included within the Preserve are withdrawn from— (1)all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2)location, entry, and patent under the public land mining laws; and (3)operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws and the mineral materials laws. (e)

Fish and game

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothing in this title affects the responsibilities of the State with respect to fish and wildlife, including the regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping within the Preserve. (2)

No hunting, fishing, or trapping zones or periods

The Secretary may, in consultation with the State, designate zones where, and establish periods when, no hunting, fishing, or trapping shall be permitted in the Preserve for reasons of public safety, administration, the protection of nongame species and their habitats, or public use and enjoyment. (f)

Management

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall manage the Preserve in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the resources and values of the Preserve (including the resources and values described in subsection (a)) pursuant to the laws applicable to the National Forests and other applicable law, including this Act. (2)

Use

The Secretary shall allow only such uses of the Preserve as the Secretary finds will further the purposes for which the Preserve is established. (3)

Limitation on use of motorized vehicles

Unless needed for administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency (as determined by the Secretary), use of a motorized vehicle in the Preserve shall be permitted only on roads specifically designated for such use by the Secretary.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.