16 U.S. Code §281b. Acquisition of lands; restrictions; tribal-owned lands

Section Text

The Secretary of the Interior may acquire by donation or with donated funds such lands, or interests therein, and other property which in his judgment will further the purpose of this subchapter and he may purchase with appropriated funds land, or interests therein, required for the administration of the Nez Perce National Historical Park. Lands or interests therein owned by a State or political subdivision of a State may be acquired under this section only by donation or exchange. In the case of sites designated as components of the Nez Perce National Historical Park after November 1, 1991, the Secretary may not acquire privately owned land or interests in land without the consent of the owner unless the Secretary finds that—

(1) the nature of land use has changed significantly or that the landowner has demonstrated intent to change the land use significantly from the condition which existed on October 30, 1992;

(2) the acquisition by the Secretary of such land or interest in land is essential to assure its use for purposes set forth in this subchapter; and

(3) such lands or interests are located—

(A) within an area depicted on Sheet 3, 4, or 5 of the map entitled "Nez Perce Additions", numbered 429–20018, and dated September 1991, or

(B) within the 8-acre parcel of Old Chief Joseph’s Gravesite and Cemetery, Oregon, depicted as "Parcel A" on Sheet 2 of such map.

The Nez Perce Tribe’s governing body, if it so desires, with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior, is authorized to sell, donate, or exchange tribal-owned lands held in trust needed to further the purpose of this subchapter.

Editorial Notes

AMENDMENTS 1992—Pub. L. 102–576 substituted provisions relating to acquisition of lands or interest therein owned by State or political subdivision of State and provisions relating to acquisition of sites designated as components of park after Nov. 1, 1991, for proviso in first sentence limiting amount of land which may be purchased in fee to 1,500 acres and amount of scenic easements which may be purchased to 1,500 acres.

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 281b (2018)