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This bill strengthens cooperation between the federal government and New Mexico's land grant communities by establishing a framework for them to continue historical and traditional uses on federal lands. The bill defines "qualified land grant-mercedes" as community land grants recognized under New Mexico law that have a history of use on federal property, and authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to enter into memoranda of understanding with the New Mexico Land Grant Council within two years to streamline permits and reduce fees for noncommercial activities like small-scale gathering, grazing, hunting, fishing, and maintaining cemeteries and shrines. The agreements will outline permit procedures, fee reductions or waivers based on socioeconomic conditions, allowed use of vehicles and equipment, and processes for consulting with Native American tribes about proposed uses. The bill requires federal land management agencies to consider impacts on these traditional uses when developing land management plans, while explicitly protecting tribal treaty rights, state game and fish authority, and existing valid property rights.

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