1. U.S. Code
  2. title 16
  3. chapter 1
  4. subchapter LIV
  5. § 410

Collapse to view only § 410. Establishment; acquisition of land

§ 410. Establishment; acquisition of land

When title to all the lands within boundaries to be determined by the Secretary of the Interior within the area of approximately two thousand square miles in the region of the Everglades of Dade, Monroe, and Collier Counties, in the State of Florida, recommended by said Secretary, in his report to Congress of December 3, 1930, pursuant to the Act of March 1, 1929 (45 Stat. 1443), shall have been vested in the United States, said lands shall be, and are, established, dedicated, and set apart as a public park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and shall be known as the Everglades National Park: Provided, That the United States shall not purchase by appropriation of public moneys any land within the aforesaid area, but such lands shall be secured by the United States only by public or private donation.

(May 30, 1934, ch. 371, § 1, 48 Stat. 816.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410

§ 410a. Acceptance of title to lands

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, in his discretion and upon submission of evidence of title satisfactory to him, to accept on behalf of the United States, title to the lands referred to in section 410 of this title as may be deemed by him necessary or desirable for national-park purposes: Provided, That no land for said park shall be accepted until exclusive jurisdiction over the entire park area, in form satisfactory to the Secretary of the Interior, shall have been ceded by the State of Florida to the United States.

(May 30, 1934, ch. 371, § 2, 48 Stat. 816.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410a

§ 410b. Administration, protection, and development

The administration, protection, and development of the aforesaid park shall be exercised under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior by the National Park Service, subject to the provisions of the Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535), entitled “An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes”,1

1 See References in Text note below.
as amended: Provided, That the provisions of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] shall not apply to this park: Provided further, That nothing in sections 410 to 410c of this title shall be construed to lessen any existing rights of the Seminole Indians which are not in conflict with the purposes for which the Everglades National Park is created.

(May 30, 1934, ch. 371, § 3, 48 Stat. 816; Aug. 21, 1937, ch. 732, 50 Stat. 742.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410b

§ 410c. Preservation of primitive condition

The said area or areas shall be permanently reserved as a wilderness, and no development of the project or plan for the entertainment of visitors shall be undertaken which will interfere with the preservation intact of the unique flora and fauna and the essential primitive natural conditions now prevailing in this area.

(May 30, 1934, ch. 371, § 4, 48 Stat. 817.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410c

§ 410d. Acceptance and protection of property pending establishment of park; publication of establishment order
(a) For the purpose of protecting the scenery, the wildlife, and other natural features of the region authorized to be established as the Everglades National Park by sections 410 to 410c of this title, notwithstanding any provision contained in said sections, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized in his discretion to accept on behalf of the United States any land, submerged land, or interests therein, subject to such reservations of oil, gas, or mineral rights as the Secretary may approve, within the area of approximately two thousand square miles recommended by said Secretary in his report to the Congress of December 3, 1930, pursuant to the Act of March 1, 1929 (45 Stat. 1443): Provided, That no general development of the property accepted pursuant to this section shall be undertaken nor shall the park be established until title satisfactory to the Secretary to a major portion of the lands, to be selected by him, within the aforesaid recommended area shall have been vested in the United States: Provided further, That until the property acquired by the United States pursuant to this section has been cleared of the aforesaid reservations, the Secretary in his discretion shall furnish such protection thereover as may be necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes of this section: And provided further, That in the event the park is not established within ten years from December 6, 1944, or upon the abandonment of the park at any time after its establishment, title to any lands accepted pursuant to the provisions of this section shall thereupon automatically revest in the State of Florida or other grantors of such property to the United States.
(b) Upon the execution of the aforesaid provisions relating to establishment thereof, the Everglades National Park shall be established by order of the Secretary which shall be published in the Federal Register.
(Dec. 6, 1944, ch. 508, 58 Stat. 794.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410d

§ 410e. Acquisition of additional lands; reservation of oil, gas, and mineral rights; reservation of royalty rights
In order to consolidate the Federal ownership of lands within the boundary set forth in deed numbered 19035 executed December 28, 1944, by the trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund of the State of Florida, and accepted by the Secretary of the Interior on March 14, 1947, for Everglades National Park purposes, the said Secretary is authorized, within the aforesaid boundary and with any funds made available for that purpose, to procure lands or interests therein by purchase or otherwise, subject, however, to the right of retention by owners of lands, interests in lands, interests in oil, gas, and mineral rights, or royalties, their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, or assigns (hereinafter referred to as “owners”), at their election, of the following:
(1) The reservation until October 9, 1958, of all oil, gas, and mineral rights or interests, including the right to lease, explore for, produce, store, and remove oil, gas, and other minerals from such lands: Provided, That if on or before said date, oil, gas, or other minerals are being produced in commercial quantities anywhere within the boundary set forth in aforesaid deed numbered 19035, then in that event the time of the reservation as set forth in this subsection shall automatically extend for all owners, regardless of whether such production is from land in which such owners have an interest, for so long as oil, gas, or other minerals are produced in commercial quantities anywhere within said boundary. To exercise this reservation, the owners, their lessees, agents, employees, and assigns shall have such right of ingress and egress to and from such lands as may be necessary; and
(2) After the termination of the reserved rights of owners as set forth in subsection (1) hereof, a further reservation of the right to customary royalties, applying at the time of production, in any oil, gas, or other minerals which may be produced from such lands at any time before January 1, 1985, should production ever be authorized by the Federal Government or its assigns.
(Oct. 10, 1949, ch. 659, § 1, 63 Stat. 733.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410e

§ 410f. Limitation of Federal action during reservation period

Unless consented to by an owner retaining the reservation set forth in subsection (1) of section 410e of this title, no action shall be taken by the Federal Government during the period of such reservation to purchase, acquire, or otherwise terminate or interfere with any lease or leases which may be applicable to said owner’s lands.

(Oct. 10, 1949, ch. 659, § 2, 63 Stat. 734.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410f

§ 410g. Rules and regulations governing reservation rights

Any reservations retained under the provisions of subsection (1) of section 410e of this title shall be exercised by the owners subject to reasonable rules and regulations which the Secretary may prescribe for the protection of the park, but which shall permit the reserved rights to be exercised so that the oil, gas, and minerals may be explored for, developed, extracted, and removed from the park area in accordance with sound conservation practices. All operations shall be carried on under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to protect the lands and areas for park purposes.

(Oct. 10, 1949, ch. 659, § 3, 63 Stat. 734.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410g

§ 410h. Ascertainment of owners’ election regarding reservation rights

In any action caused by the Secretary of the Interior to be commenced for the acquisition of lands under the provisions hereof, reasonable diligence shall be exercised by him to ascertain whether owners elect to retain reservations in accordance with the provisions of sections 410e to 410h of this title. If, after the exercise of such reasonable diligence, owners cannot be located, or do not appear in judicial proceedings to acquire the lands, so that it may be ascertained whether they desire to retain reservations in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Secretary may acquire the fee simple title to their lands free and clear of reservations as set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of section 410e of this title.

(Oct. 10, 1949, ch. 659, § 4, 63 Stat. 734.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410h

§ 410i. Exterior boundaries; administration
Notwithstanding section 410 of this title, or any action taken pursuant to authority contained therein, the exterior boundary of Everglades National Park, Florida, is subject to the provisions of section 410o of this title, fixed to include the following described lands:
(1) Beginning at the intersection of the south right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, and the west line of township 54 south, range 37 east, as shown on the Everglades National Park base map numbered NP–EVE–7109, revised August 10, 1949;

thence southerly along the west line of township 54 south, range 37 east, along the west line of Government lot 6 lying between township 54 south, and township 55 south, range 37 east, and along the west line of township 55 south, range 37 east, and township 56 south, range 37 east and along the west lines of sections 6, 7, and 18, township 57 south, range 37 east, to the southwest corner of section 18, said township and range;

thence easterly along the north line of section 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 of said township and range to the northeast corner of section 23;

thence southerly along the east line of sections 23, 26, and 35 of said township and range to the southeast corner of said section 35;

thence easterly along the south line of section 36, of said township and range, to the southeast corner of said section 36;

thence southerly along the east line of sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36, township 58 south, range 37 east, and along the west line of sections 6, 7, and 18, township 59 south, range 38 east, to the northwest corner of section 19, said township and range;

thence easterly along the north line of sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24 of township 59 south, range 38 east, and sections 19 and 20 of township 59 south, range 39 east, to the southwest right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 1;

thence southeasterly along the southwest right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 1 to a point which is the northerly point of a tract of land conveyed by the trustees of the internal improvement fund, State of Florida, to John E. Ravlin, and others, by deed dated November 5, 1943, recorded in deed book G16, page 72, in Monroe County public records;

thence following along the westerly and southerly boundary of said tract to its point of intersection with a line parallel with and 200 feet northwesterly from the centerline of Intracoastal Waterway near the southern point of said Ravlin tract;

thence southwesterly, following a line parallel to the centerline of said Intracoastal Waterway and 200 feet northwesterly from said centerline to a point due north of Long Key Light, approximately longitude 80 degrees 50 minutes west, latitude 24 degrees 51 minutes north;

thence northwesterly, following a line at all times parallel to the centerline of said Intracoastal Waterway and 200 feet northeasterly from said centerline to a point opposite the Oxford Bank Light, approximately longitude 81 degrees 00 minutes 40 seconds west, latitude 24 degrees 59 minutes 10 seconds north;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point 3 miles due south of the most southernmost point of East Cape (Cape Sable);

thence due north in a straight line to a point 2 miles due south of the most southernmost point of East Cape (Cape Sable);

thence northwesterly in the Gulf of Mexico in a straight line to a point 2 miles due west of the southeast corner of fractional section 31 (Middle Cape), township 60 south, range 32 east;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point 2 miles due west of the most westernmost point of Northwest Cape (Cape Sable);

thence northeasterly in a straight line to a point 2 miles due west of the northwest corner of fractional section 6, township 59 south, range 32 east;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point 2 miles due west of the southwest corner of section 6, township 58 south, range 32 east;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point 2 miles due west of the northwest corner of fractional section 28, township 56 south, range 31 east;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to a point 3 miles due west of the southwest corner of fractional section 32, township 54 south, range 30 east;

thence northwesterly in a straight line to the southwest corner of section 28, township 53 south, range 28 east;

thence northerly along the west line of section 28, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northwest corner of said section 28;

thence easterly along the north line of section 28, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northeast corner of said section 28;

thence northerly along the west line of section 22, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northwest corner of said section 22;

thence easterly along the north line of section 22, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northeast corner of said section 22;

thence northerly along the west line of section 14, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northwest corner of said section 14;

thence easterly along the north line of section 14, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northeast corner of said section 14;

thence northerly along the west line of section 12, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northwest corner of said section 12;

thence easterly along the north line of section 12, township 53 south, range 28 east, to the northeast corner of said section 12;

thence northerly along the west line of section 6, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the northwest corner of said section 6;

thence easterly along the north line of township 53 south, range 29 east, to the northeast corner of section 4, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 4, 9, 16, and 21, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of said section 21;

thence easterly to the center of section 22, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence southerly to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 22, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence easterly along the south line of section 22, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the southeast corner of said section 22;

thence southerly along the west line of section 26, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of said section 26;

thence easterly to the center of section 26, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence southerly to the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 26, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence easterly to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 26, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 26, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the southeast corner of said section 26;

thence easterly along the north line of section 36, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of said section 36;

thence southerly to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 36, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence easterly to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 36, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence continuing easterly to the southeast corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 31, township 53 south, range 30 east;

thence northerly to the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 31, township 53 south, range 30 east;

thence continuing northerly to the northeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 30, township 53 south, range 30 east;

thence westerly to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 25, township 53 south, range 29 east;

thence northerly along the east lines of sections 25, 24, and 13, township 53 south, range 29 east, to the northeast corner of said section 13;

thence easterly along the north lines of sections 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, and 13, to the northeast corner of section 13, township 53 south, range 30 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 13, 24, 25, and 36 to the southeast corner section 36, township 53 south, range 30 east;

thence easterly along the north lines of sections 6, 5, and 4 to the northeast corner of section 4, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 4 to the southeast corner of section 4, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 10 to the northeast corner of section 10, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 10 to the southeast corner of section 10, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 14 to the northeast corner of section 14, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 14 to the southeast corner of section 14, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 24 to the northeast corner of section 24, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 24 and 25 to the southeast corner of section 25, township 54 south, range 31 east;

thence easterly along the north lines of sections 31, 32, and 33 to the northeast corner of section 33, township 54 south, range 32 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 33 to the southeast corner of section 33, township 54 south, range 32 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 3, to the northeast corner of section 3, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 3 and 10, to the southeast corner of section 10, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 14, to the northeast corner of section 14, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 14, to the southeast corner of section 14, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 24, to the northeast corner of section 24, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 24 and 25 to the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 25, township 55 south, range 32 east;

thence easterly along the north line of the south half of section 30 to the northeast corner of the south half of section 30, township 55 south, range 33 east;

thence southerly along the east lines of sections 30 and 31 to the southeast corner of section 31, township 55 south, range 33 east;

thence southerly along the east line of section 6, to the southeast corner of section 6, township 56 south, range 33 east;

thence easterly along the north lines of sections 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, to the northeast corner of section 12, township 56 south, range 33 east;

thence easterly along the north lines of sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, to the northeast corner of section 12, township 56 south, range 34 east;

thence easterly along the north line of section 7 to the northeast corner of section 7, township 56 south, range 35 east;

thence northerly along the west line of section 5 to the northwest corner of section 5, township 56 south, range 35 east;

thence northerly along the west lines of sections 32, 29, 20, 17, 8, and 5 to the northwest corner of section 5, township 55 south, range 35 east;

thence northerly along the west lines of sections 32, 29, and 20 to the intersection of the south right-of-way line of the Loop Road, township 54 south, range 35 east;

thence easterly along the south right-of-way line of the Loop Road and the south right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, through sections 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, township 54 south, range 35 east, to the intersection of the east township line, township 54 south, range 35 east;

thence easterly along the south right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, through sections 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, and 24, township 54 south, range 36 east, to the east township line of township 54 south, range 36 east;

thence easterly along the south right-of-way line of United States Highway Numbered 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail, across township 36½ east to the intersection of the west line of township 54 south, range 37 east, the point of beginning;

(2) Land acquired by the United States of America for furthering administration and use of the park by deeds dated January 25, 1954 (2), and February 27, 1954 (2), recorded in the public records of Monroe County, Florida, book OR–3, pages 302 to 308, inclusive, and book OR–2, pages 378 to 381, inclusive, respectively; and accepted by the National Park Service on April 7, 1954 (2), and April 5, 1954 (2), respectively; and
(3) Not to exceed 35 acres, to be acquired by donation only, in or in the vicinity of Everglades City, Florida, which the Secretary of the Interior may find necessary and suitable for furthering administration and use of the park.
Land and water now in Federal ownership within said boundary shall continue to be administered as Everglades National Park; however, the land and water therein not in Federal ownership shall be administered as a part of the park only after being acquired as hereinafter provided.
(Pub. L. 85–482, § 1, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 280.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410i

§ 410j. Acquisition of land, water, and interests therein; consent of owner; reservations

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 2, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 284; Pub. L. 91–428, § 2, Sept. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 885.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410j

§ 410k. Limitation of Federal action during reservation period

Unless consented to by an owner retaining the reservation set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of section 410j of this title, no action shall be taken by the Federal Government during the period of such reservation to purchase, acquire, or otherwise terminate or interfere with any lease or leases which may be applicable to said owner’s land.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 3, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 285.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410k

§ 410l. Rules and regulations governing reservation rights

Any reservations retained under the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of section 410j of this title shall be exercised by the owners subject to reasonable rules and regulations which the Secretary may prescribe for the protection of the park, but which shall permit the reserved rights to be exercised so that the oil, gas, and minerals may be explored for, developed, extracted, and removed from the park area in accordance with sound conservation practices. All operations shall be carried on under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe to protect the land and area for park purposes.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 4, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 285.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410l

§ 410m. Ascertainment of owners’ election regarding reservation rights

In acquiring any of the land or water within the area described in section 410i of this title the Secretary of the Interior shall exercise reasonable diligence to ascertain whether owners elect to retain reservations in accordance with the provisions of section 410j of this title. If, after the exercise of such reasonable diligence, owners cannot be located, or do not appear in judicial proceedings to acquire the land and water, so that it may be ascertained whether they desire to retain reservations in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Secretary may acquire the fee simple title to their land free and clear of reservations as set forth in subsections (1), (2), and (3) of section 410j of this title.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 5, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 285.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410m

§ 410n. Drainage of lands; right-of-way

Unless the Secretary, after notice and opportunity for hearing, shall find that the same is seriously detrimental to the preservation and propagation of the flora or fauna of Everglades National Park, he shall permit such drainage through the natural waterways of the park and the construction, operation, and maintenance of artificial works for conducting water thereto as is required for the reclamation by the State of Florida or any political subdivision thereof or any drainage district organized under its laws of lands lying easterly of the eastern boundary of the park in township 54 south, ranges 31 and 32 east, township 55 south, ranges 32 and 33 east, and township 56 south, range 33 east. He shall grant said permission, however, only after a master plan for the drainage of said lands has been approved by the State of Florida and after finding that the approved plan has engineering feasibility and is so designed as to minimize disruptions of the natural state of the park. Any right-of-way granted pursuant to this section shall be revocable upon breach of the conditions upon which it is granted, which conditions shall also be enforcible in any other appropriate manner, and the grantee shall be obligated to remove its improvements and to restore the land occupied by it to its previous condition in the event of such revocation.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 6, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 286.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410n

§ 410o. Exchange of land, water, and interests therein

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to transfer to the State of Florida by quitclaim deed the land, water, and interests therein, previously acquired by the United States of America for Everglades National Park and not included within such park by section 410i of this title, such transfer to be in exchange for the conveyance by the State of Florida to the United States of all land, water, and interests therein, owned by the State within the boundary of the park as described in section 410i of this title: Provided, That exclusion of any land, water, and interests therein from the park boundary pursuant to section 410i of this title shall be dependent upon the contemporaneous conveyance by the State to the United States of all land, water, and interests therein, owned by the State within the park boundary described in section 410i of this title, including land, water, and interests therein, heretofore conveyed to the State, for transfer to the United States for inclusion in Everglades National Park. The effectuation of the transfer provided for in this section shall be a condition precedent to the acquisition by the Secretary of any land, water, or interests therein held in private ownership within the boundaries set forth in section 410i of this title and outside the area designated in sections 410e to 410h of this title, except as such acquisition is by donation.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 7, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 286.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410o

§ 410p. Authorization of appropriations
(a) There are authorized to be appropriated such sums, but not more than $22,000,000 in all, as are required for the acquisition of land, water, and interests therein held in private ownership within the boundaries of Everglades National Park as fixed by section 410i of this title and outside the area described in sections 410e to 410h of this title.
(b) In addition to the amount authorized in subsection (a) of this section there is authorized to be appropriated such amount, not in excess of $700,200, as is necessary for the acquisition, in accordance with the provisions of sections 410i to 410p of this title, of the following described privately owned lands:

Sections 3, 4, and 5; section 6, less the west half of the northwest quarter; sections 7, 8, 9, and 10; north half of section 15; and sections 17 and 18, all in township 59 south, range 37 east, Tallahassee meridian.

(Pub. L. 85–482, § 8, July 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 286; Pub. L. 91–88, Oct. 17, 1969, 83 Stat. 134; Pub. L. 91–428, § 1, Sept. 26, 1970, 84 Stat. 885.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410p

§ 410q. Exchange of lands

In order to further the administration and use of the Everglades National Park, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to accept on behalf of the United States title to the following described parcels of land:

Those parts of tracts “R” and “S” which lie west of the right-of-way of State Road Numbered 29, and lots 1 to 9, inclusive, of block 40, in Everglades City, Florida, comprising 18.98, 1.32, and 3.17 acres, respectively, as shown on N.P.S. Map No. EVE–NP–E–1, dated June 23, 1959, of Everglades City, Florida; and not to exceed 15 acres of submerged lands lying adjacent to said tracts “R” and “S”, if such additional lands are considered necessary by the Secretary of the Interior to permit full utilization of the lands above described;

and, in exchange for such parcels of land, to convey to the owner or owners thereof all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the following described parcels of land within the Everglades National Park:

Tract “L” and block 34, comprising 9.09 and 1.65 acres, respectively, lying in or in the vicinity of Everglades City, Florida.

(Pub. L. 86–269, § 1, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 553.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410q

§ 410r. Lands acquired as part of park; rules and regulations

All lands and submerged lands title to which is accepted by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the provisions of section 410q of this title shall, upon the acceptance of title thereto, become parts of the Everglades National Park and shall be subject to all laws and regulations applicable thereto.

(Pub. L. 86–269, § 2, Sept. 14, 1959, 73 Stat. 554.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r

§ 410r–1. Acceptance of additional lands

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to accept for Everglades National Park purposes, title to approximately 1,160 acres of land and submerged land lying within sections 25, 26, and 36 of township 53 south, range 29 east, and section 30, township 53 south, range 30 east, Tallahassee meridian, and being a portion of the land and submerged land donated and conveyed by three Collier deeds in 1951 and 1952 to the trustees of the internal improvement fund of the State of Florida for subsequent inclusion in the Everglades National Park. Such three Collier deeds are dated December 12, 1951, December 26, 1951, and March 21, 1952, and are recorded in deed book 22, page 240, deed book 22, page 244, and deed book 39, page 25, respectively, in Collier County, Florida. The aforesaid land and submerged land shall be subject to the reservations set forth in the aforementioned Collier deeds for public utility easements and rights-of-way of the public with respect to Indian Key Channel, and also to a public right-of-way for the State highway or causeway from Everglades City to Chokoloskee Island.

(Pub. L. 86–681, § 1, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 577.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-1

§ 410r–2. Lands acquired as part of park; rules and regulations

All lands and submerged lands title to which is accepted by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the provisions of section 410r–1 of this title shall, upon the acceptance of title thereto, become parts of the Everglades National Park and shall be subject to all laws and regulations applicable thereto.

(Pub. L. 86–681, § 2, Sept. 2, 1960, 74 Stat. 577.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-2

§ 410r–3. Acceptance of additional lands; lands acquired as part of park; reimbursement of revolving fund

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to accept a transfer from the Administrator of the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, which transfer is hereby authorized, of a tract of land consisting of approximately four thousand four hundred and twenty acres, lying within the boundaries of Everglades National Park, in Dade County, Florida, and more particularly described in the masters deed dated December 21, 1962, in the proceeding entitled “The Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company against Toni Iori, a single man; Peter Iori and Helen Iori, his wife, d/b/a Iori Bros., et al.,” No. 61C–3823, in the Circuit Court of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, in and for Dade County, and recorded in the official records of said county in book 3494 at page 457, or in any modification of such masters deed, for administration as a part of the Everglades National Park. Such transfer will be made by the Farmers Home Administration, Department of Agriculture, to the Secretary of 1

1 So in original. Probably should be “of the”.
Interior, only after the Farmers Home Administration’s emergency credit revolving fund has been fully reimbursed for all cost incurred by it in connection with the aforesaid land. Such transfer may be accepted when title to the property is vested in the United States.

(Pub. L. 88–588, § 1, Sept. 12, 1964, 78 Stat. 933.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-3

§ 410r–4. Authorization of appropriations for reimbursement of revolving fund

There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the emergency credit revolving fund, upon the transfer authorized in section 410r–3 of this title, such sum as may be necessary but not in excess of $452,000 to reimburse the fund for costs incurred by the Farmers Home Administration in connection with the aforesaid property.

(Pub. L. 88–588, § 2, Sept. 12, 1964, 78 Stat. 933.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-4

§ 410r–5. Findings, purposes, and definitions
(a) Findings
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Everglades National Park is a nationally and internationally significant resource and the park has been adversely affected and continues to be adversely affected by external factors which have altered the ecosystem including the natural hydrologic conditions within the park.
(2) The existing boundary of Everglades National Park excludes the contiguous lands and waters of the Northeast Shark River Slough that are vital to long-term protection of the park and restoration of natural hydrologic conditions within the park.
(3) Wildlife resources and their associated habitats have been adversely impacted by the alteration of natural hydrologic conditions within the park, which has contributed to an overall decline in fishery resources and a 90 percent population loss of wading birds.
(4) Incorporation of the Northeast Shark River Slough and the East Everglades within the park will limit further losses suffered by the park due to habitat destruction outside the present park boundaries and will preserve valuable ecological resources for use and enjoyment by future generations.
(5) The State of Florida and certain of its political subdivisions or agencies have indicated a willingness to transfer approximately 35,000 acres of lands under their jurisdiction to the park in order to protect lands and water within the park, and may so transfer additional lands in the future.
(6) The State of Florida has proposed a joint Federal-State effort to protect Everglades National Park through the acquisition of additional lands.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title are to—
(1) increase the level of protection of the outstanding natural values of Everglades National Park and to enhance and restore the ecological values, natural hydrologic conditions, and public enjoyment of such area by adding the area commonly known as the Northeast Shark River Slough and the East Everglades to Everglades National Park; and
(2) assure that the park is managed in order to maintain the natural abundance, diversity, and ecological integrity of native plants and animals, as well as the behavior of native animals, as a part of their ecosystem.
(c) Definitions
As used in sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title:
(1) The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.
(2) The term “addition” means the approximately 107,600 acre area of the East Everglades area authorized to be added to Everglades National Park by sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title.
(3) The term “park” means the area encompassing the existing boundary of Everglades National Park and the addition area described in paragraph (2).
(4) The term “project” means the Central and Southern Florida Project.
(Pub. L. 101–229, title I, § 101, Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1946.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-5

§ 410r–6. Boundary modification
(a) Area included
(1) In general
(2) Availability of map
(3) Acquisition of additional land
(A) In general
(B) Administration; applicable law
(b) Boundary adjustment
(c) Acquisition
(1) Within the boundaries of the addition described in subsection (a), the Secretary may acquire lands and interests in land by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. For purposes of acquiring property by exchange, the Secretary may, notwithstanding any other provision of law, exchange the approximately one acre of Federal land known as “Gilberts’ Marina” for non-Federal land of equal value located within the boundaries of the addition. Any lands or interests in land which are owned by the State of Florida or any political subdivision thereof, may be acquired only by donation.
(2) It is the express intent of Congress that acquisition within the boundaries of the addition shall be completed not later than 5 years after December 13, 1989. The authority provided by this section shall remain in effect until all acquisition is completed.
(d) Acquisition of tracts partially outside boundaries
(e) Offers to sell
(f) Authorization of appropriations
(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2), there are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title.
(2) With respect to land acquisition within the addition, not more than 80 percent of the cost of such acquisition may be provided by the Federal Government. Not less than 20 percent of such cost shall be provided by the State of Florida.
(g) Assistance
(h) Land exchanges
(1) Definitions
In this subsection:
(A) Administrator
(B) County
(C) County land
(D) District
(E) District land
(F) General Services Administration land
(G) Map
(H) National Park Service land
(2) Exchange of General Services Administration land and County land
(3) Exchange of National Park Service land and District land
(A) In general
(B) Use of National Park Service land
(C) Boundary adjustment
(4) Availability of map
(Pub. L. 101–229, title I, § 102, Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1947; Pub. L. 108–483, § 1, Dec. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 3919.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-6

§ 410r–7. Administration
(a) In general
(b) Protection of ecosystem
(c) Protection of flora and fauna
The park shall be closed to the operation of airboats—
(1) except as provided in subsection (d); and
(2) except that within a limited capacity and on designated routes within the addition, owners of record of registered airboats in use within the addition as of January 1, 1989, shall be issued nontransferable, nonrenewable permits, for their individual lifetimes, to operate personally-owned airboats for noncommercial use in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary to determine ownership and registration, establish uses, permit conditions, and penalties, and to protect the biological resources of the area.
(d) Concession contracts
(e) Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center
(f) Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
(Pub. L. 101–229, title I, § 103, Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1948; Pub. L. 105–82, §§ 4, 5, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1541, 1542.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-7

§ 410r–8. Modification of certain water projects
(a) Improved water deliveries
(1) Upon completion of a final report by the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Secretary, is authorized and directed to construct modifications to the Central and Southern Florida Project to improve water deliveries into the park and shall, to the extent practicable, take steps to restore the natural hydrological conditions within the park.
(2) Such modifications shall be based upon the findings of the Secretary’s experimental program authorized in section 1302 of the 1984 Supplemental Appropriations Act (97 Stat. 1292) and generally as set forth in a General Design Memorandum to be prepared by the Jacksonville District entitled “Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park”. The Draft of such Memorandum and the Final Memorandum, as prepared by the Jacksonville District, shall be submitted as promptly as practicable to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the United States House of Representatives.
(3) Construction of project modifications authorized in this subsection and flood protection systems authorized in subsections (c) and (d) are justified by the environmental benefits to be derived by the Everglades ecosystem in general and by the park in particular and shall not require further economic justification.
(4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the operation of project facilities to achieve their design objectives, as set forth in the Congressional authorization and any modifications thereof.
(b) Determination of adverse effect
(1) Upon completion of the Final Memorandum referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the South Florida Water Management District, shall make a determination as to whether the residential area within the East Everglades known as the “Eight and One-Half Square Mile Area” or adjacent agricultural areas, all as generally depicted on the map referred to in section 410r–6(a) of this title, will be adversely affected by project modifications authorized in subsection (a).
(2) In determining whether adjacent agricultural areas will be adversely affected, the Secretary of the Army shall consider the impact of any flood protection system proposed to be implemented pursuant to subsection (c) on such agricultural areas.
(c) Flood protection; Eight and One-Half Square Mile Area
(d) Flood protection; adjacent agricultural area
(1) If the Secretary of the Army determines pursuant to subsection (b) that an adjacent agricultural area will be adversely affected, the Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed to construct a flood protection system for such area. Such determination shall be based on a finding by the Secretary of the Army that:
(A) the adverse effect will be attributable solely to a project modification authorized in subsection (a) or to a flood protection system implemented pursuant to subsection (c), or both; and
(B) such modification or flood protection system will result in a substantial reduction in the economic utility of such area based on its present agricultural use.
(2) No project modification authorized in subsection (a) which the Secretary of the Army determines will cause an adverse effect pursuant to subsection (b) shall be made operational until the Secretary of the Army has implemented measures to prevent such adverse effect on the adjacent agricultural area: Provided, That the Secretary of the Army or the South Florida Water Management District may operate the modification to the extent that the Secretary of the Army determines that such operation will not adversely affect the adjacent agricultural area: Provided further, That any preventive measure shall be implemented in a manner that presents the least prospect of harm to the natural resources of the park.
(3) Any flood protection system implemented by the Secretary of the Army pursuant to this subsection shall be required only to provide for flood protection for present agricultural uses within such adjacent agricultural area.
(4) The acquisition of land authorized in section 410r–6 of this title shall not be considered a project modification.
(e) Periodic review
(1) Not later than 18 months after the completion of the project modifications authorized in subsection (a), and periodically thereafter, the Secretary of the Army shall review the determination of adverse effect for adjacent agricultural areas.
(2) In conducting such review, the Secretary of the Army shall consult with all affected parties, including, but not limited to, the Secretary, the South Florida Water Management District and agricultural users within adjacent agricultural areas.
(3) If, on the basis of such review, the Secretary of the Army determines that an adjacent agricultural area has been, or will be adversely affected, the Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d), to construct a flood protection system for such area: Provided, That the provisions of subsection (d)(2) shall be applicable only to the extent that the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, determines that the park will not be adversely affected.
(4) The provisions of this subsection shall only be applicable if the Secretary of the Army has previously made a determination that such adjacent agricultural area will not be adversely affected.
(f) Current canal operating levels
(g) No limitation on other claims
(h) Coordination
(i) West Dade Wellfield
(j) Protection of natural values
(k) Acquisition of additional lands
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title, the Secretary is authorized to use funds appropriated pursuant to sections 410r–5 to 410r–8 of this title, including any available funds appropriated to the National Park Service for construction in the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts for fiscal years 1991 through 1994 for project modifications by the Army Corps of Engineers, in such amounts as determined by the Secretary, to provide Federal assistance to the State of Florida (including political subdivisions of the State) for acquisition of lands described in paragraph (4).
(2) With respect to any lands acquired pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary may provide not more than 25 percent of the total cost of such acquisition.
(3) All funds made available pursuant to this subsection shall be transferred to the State of Florida or a political subdivision of the State, subject to an agreement that any lands acquired with such funds will be managed in perpetuity for the restoration of natural flows to the park or Florida Bay.
(4) The lands referred to in paragraph (1) are those lands or interests therein adjacent to, or affecting the restoration of natural water flows to, the park or Florida Bay which are located east of the park and known as the Frog Pond, Rocky Glades Agricultural Area, and the Eight-and-One-Half Square-Mile Area.
(Pub. L. 101–229, title I, § 104, Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1949; Pub. L. 103–219, Mar. 9, 1994, 108 Stat. 98; Pub. L. 103–437, § 6(d)(9), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4584.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-8

§ 410r–9. Boundary revision
(a) Inclusion of Tarpon Basin property
(1) DefinitionsIn this subsection:
(A) Hurricane Hole
(B) Map
(C) Secretary
(D) Tarpon Basin propertyThe term “Tarpon Basin property” means land that—
(i) is comprised of approximately 600 acres of land and water surrounding Hurricane Hole, as generally depicted on the map; and
(ii) is located in South Key Largo.
(2) Boundary revision
(A) In general
(B) Acquisition authority
(C) Availability of map
(D) Administration
(3) Hurricane Hole
(4) Authorization of appropriations
(b) Land exchanges
(1) DefinitionsIn this subsection:
(A) Company
(B) Federal LandThe term “Federal Land” means the parcels of land that are—
(i) owned by the United States;
(ii) administered by the Secretary;
(iii) located within the National Park; and
(iv) generally depicted on the map as—(I) Tract A, which is adjacent to the Tamiami Trail, U.S. Rt. 41; and(II) Tract B, which is located on the eastern boundary of the National Park.
(C) Map
(D) National Park
(E) Non-Federal landThe term “non-Federal land” means the land in the State that—
(i) is owned by the State, the specific area and location of which shall be determined by the State; or
(ii)(I) is owned by the Company;(II) comprises approximately 320 acres; and(III) is located within the East Everglades Acquisition Area, as generally depicted on the map as “Tract D”.
(F) Secretary
(G) State
(2) Land exchange with State
(A) In general
(B) Conditions
(C) Valuation
(i) In general
(ii) Equalization
(D) Appraisals
(E) Technical corrections
(F) Administration of land acquired by SecretaryLand acquired by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i) become part of the National Park; and
(ii) be administered in accordance with the laws applicable to the National Park System.
(3) Land exchange with company
(A) In general
(B) Conditions
(C) Valuation
(i) In general
(ii) Equalization
(D) Appraisal
(E) Technical corrections
(F) Administration of land acquired by SecretaryLand acquired by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i) become part of the National Park; and
(ii) be administered in accordance with the laws applicable to the National Park System.
(4) Map
(5) Boundary revision
(Pub. L. 111–11, title VII, § 7107, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1193.)

CITE AS: 16 USC 410r-9