Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act

The Chama Basin Watershed Protection Act aims to safeguard the Rio Chama Watershed area in New Mexico by withdrawing specific federal lands from mineral entry . This action prevents new mining claims, locations, and patents under federal mining laws within the designated boundary. Crucially, the withdrawal applies exclusively to minerals owned by the United States, ensuring that existing mineral rights of qualified land grant-merced and Indian Tribes remain unaffected . The legislation also explicitly preserves the traditional, customary, and personal use of common variety minerals like stone, sand, and gravel by members of these communities and other individuals for domestic, cultural, or subsistence purposes. These provisions ensure environmental protection while respecting established community rights and practices within the watershed.