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Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 3:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1660
The proposed national monument would encompass approximately 380,000 acres of land in the southern part of the state, near the Colorado River. The area is significant for its cultural, historical, and natural resources, including ancient petroglyphs, archaeological sites, and unique desert landscapes.
The bill seeks to protect and preserve these resources for future generations, while also providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism. The establishment of the national monument would be overseen by the National Park Service, which would work in collaboration with local stakeholders and tribal communities to manage the area. Supporters of the bill argue that the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument would help boost the local economy, promote conservation efforts, and honor the cultural heritage of the region. However, opponents have raised concerns about potential restrictions on land use and access for activities such as mining and grazing. Overall, the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that aims to balance conservation and economic interests in Nevada. It will be important to monitor the progress of the bill as it moves through the legislative process in Congress.
Congressional Summary of HR 1660
Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act of 2023
This bill establishes the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, consisting of approximately 445,000 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
It is the purpose of the monument to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the cultural, ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, dark sky, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of the monument.
The Department of the Interior shall manage the monument as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System.
Interior shall ensure access to the monument by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural purposes.
Interior shall develop a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of the monument.
The bill withdraws federal land located in the monument from
- entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
- location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws; and
- operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
Any land or interest in land within the boundary of the monument that is acquired by the United States shall become part of the monument and be withdrawn as specified above.
Interior shall establish the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Advisory Council to advise Interior on the preparation and implementation of the management plan, including budgetary matters related to the monument.
Interior shall transfer administrative jurisdiction of any Bureau of Reclamation land within the monument to the BLM.
