H.R. 2903 designates approximately 370 miles of river segments throughout New Mexico's Gila River system—including 27 creeks and river sections such as the West Fork, Middle Fork, East Fork, Sapillo Creek, Turkey Creek, and Whitewater Creek—as protected components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Most segments are classified as "wild rivers," with some designated as "recreational" or "scenic" rivers, and administrative responsibility is shared between the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture depending on current federal land management. The designated areas are withdrawn from mining, drilling, and federal land sales, though the bill protects existing water rights, grazing permits, and mining operations outside river boundaries. Additionally, the bill transfers approximately 440 acres from Forest Service to National Park Service management to adjust the boundaries of Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and Gila National Forest. The bill does not specify new funding allocations or implementation timelines.
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