Notice of Realty Action; Recreation and Public Purpose (R&PP) Act Classification; New Mexico

AGENCY:

Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice of realty action.

SUMMARY:

The following public lands in Sandoval County, New Mexico have been examined and found suitable for classification for patent to the Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.). The Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District proposes to use the lands for an outdoor classroom and administrative site.

New Mexico Principal Meridian

T. 20 N., R. 1 W., Sec. 5, NW1/4SW1/4NW1/4 and W1/2NE1/4SW1/4NW1/4

Containing 15.00 acres, more or less.

The lands are not needed for Federal purposes. Patent is consistent with current BLM land use planning and would be in the public interest.

The patent will be subject to the following terms, conditions and reservations:

1. Provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act and all applicable regulations of the Secretary of the Interior.

2. A right-of-way for ditches and canals constructed by the authority of the United States.

3. All minerals shall be reserved to the United States, together with the right to prospect for, mine, and remove the minerals.

4. All valid existing rights documented on the official public land records at the time of patent issuance.

5. Any other reservations that the authorized officer determines appropriate to ensure public access and proper management of Federal lands and interests therein. Detailed information concerning this action is available for review at the office of the Bureau of Land Management, Albuquerque Field Office, 435 Montano NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107.

On June 7, 2004, the lands will be segregated from all other forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the general mining laws, except for lease or conveyance under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act and leasing under the mineral leasing laws. Interested persons may submit comments regarding the proposed lease or classification of the lands to the Field Manager, Albuquerque Field Office, 435 Montano NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107 until July 22, 2004.

Classification Comments: Interested parties may submit comments involving the suitability of the land for an outdoor classroom and administrative site. Comments on the classification are restricted to whether the land is physically suited for the proposal, whether the use will maximize the future use or uses of the land, whether the use is consistent with local planning and zoning, or if the use is consistent with State and Federal programs.

Application Comments: Interested parties may submit comments regarding the specific use proposed in the application and plan of development, whether the BLM followed proper administrative procedures in reaching the decision, or any other factor not directly related to the suitability of the land for an outdoor classroom and administrative site.

Any adverse comments will be reviewed by the State Director. In the absence of any adverse comments, the classification will become effective on August 6, 2004.