(a) In general

Subject to valid existing rights and except as provided in subsection (b), all Federal lands within the Recreation Area are withdrawn from—

(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;

(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(3) operation under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws.

(b) Exceptions

(1) In general

Notwithstanding subsection (a), W½E½ and W½ sec. 27, T. 23 S., R. 58 E., Mt. Diablo Meridian is not subject to withdrawal under that subsection.

(2) Effect of entry under public land laws

Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the following are not subject to withdrawal under that paragraph:

(A) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that qualifies for conveyance under Public Law 97-465 (commonly known as the “Small Tracts Act”) (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.), which, notwithstanding section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 521i), may be conveyed under that Act.

(B) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that the Secretary determines to be appropriate for conveyance by exchange for non-Federal land within the Recreation Area under authorities generally providing for the exchange of National Forest System land.

Terms Used In 16 USC 460hhh-6

  • Appropriation: The provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes. The formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: authorization
  • Public law: A public bill or joint resolution that has passed both chambers and been enacted into law. Public laws have general applicability nationwide.
  • Recreation Area: means the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area established by this subchapter. See 16 USC 460hhh
  • Secretary: means the Secretary of Agriculture. See 16 USC 460hhh