S. 1476, the M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act, designates approximately 27 river segments across the Gila River system in New Mexico—including the main Gila River, the San Francisco River, and tributary creeks such as Sapillo, Spruce, Taylor, Turkey, Whitewater, and Willow creeks—as protected components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Each segment is classified as "wild," "scenic," or "recreational" based on its characteristics and will be jointly administered by the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture depending on land jurisdiction. The bill withdraws federal lands in these segments from mining, mineral leasing, and public land sales, while preserving existing water rights, grazing permits, tribal treaty rights, and state fish and wildlife management authority. Additionally, the legislation transfers approximately 440 acres from Forest Service to National Park Service control to expand the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument boundary. The designations are based on detailed reference maps dated between March 2020 and October 2021.
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