Bill > S1363

This bill establishes a framework for greater cooperation between the federal government and New Mexico land grant-mercedes (historical community land grants) regarding their historical and traditional uses of federal public lands. The bill defines key terms, including "historical or traditional use," which encompasses activities like gathering herbs and wood, grazing, hunting, fishing, maintaining monuments and cemeteries, and other non-commercial practices that have been long-established by these communities. Within two years of enactment, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council that outlines specific processes for obtaining permits, reducing fees, and conducting traditional uses on federal lands. The bill requires federal land management agencies to consider the impact of land use plans on these traditional practices and provides a mechanism for land grant-mercedes to seek authorization for their historical uses. Importantly, the bill explicitly does not create new land use rights, modify existing tribal rights, or alter state authorities for water and wildlife management. The legislation aims to recognize and facilitate the continued cultural practices of these historic New Mexican land grant communities while maintaining existing federal land management protocols.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1363/all-info