43 USC Ch. 7: HOMESTEADS

From Title 43—PUBLIC LANDS

CHAPTER 7—HOMESTEADS

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec.

161 to 176. Repealed or Transferred.

177.

Patents for lands in New Mexico held under color of title.

178.

Patents for lands in New Mexico; lands contiguous to Spanish or Mexican land grants.

179, 180.

Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER II—RIGHT OF PARTICULAR PERSONS TO MAKE ENTRY

181 to 191. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER III—LANDS SUBJECT TO ENTRY

201 to 208. Repealed.

209.

Extension of public-land laws to certain lands in Oklahoma.

210.

Recognition of equitable claims on certain lands in Oklahoma; validation of homestead entries.

SUBCHAPTER IV—LIMITATION AS TO AMOUNT AND ADDITIONAL AND ENLARGED ENTRIES

211 to 224. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER V—LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FOR NONRESIDENCE OR NONCULTIVATION

231 to 243a. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER VI—FINAL PROOF GENERALLY

251 to 256b. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER VII—PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

261 to 263. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER VIII—ALASKA HOMESTEADS

270 to 270–11. Repealed.

270–12.

Disposal by United States of coal, oil, or gas deposits reserved to United States; entry, reentry, etc., on lands for prospecting, mining, and removal.

270–13 to 270–17. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER IX—SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' HOMESTEAD

271 to 284. Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER X—STOCK-RAISING HOMESTEAD

291 to 298. Repealed.

299.

Reservation of coal and mineral rights.

300.

Repealed.

301.

Rules and regulations.

302.

Repealed.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§§161 to 164. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 161, R.S. §2289; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §5, 26 Stat. 1097, related to entry of unappropriated public lands.

Section 162, R.S. §2290; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §5, 26 Stat. 1097; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to application for entry on public lands, and contents for affidavit for application.

Section 163, R.S. §2295; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to record of application, registration, and return to Bureau of Land Management.

Section 164, R.S. §2291; June 6, 1912, ch. 153, 37 Stat. 123, related to issuance, etc., of certificate or patent for entered lands.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787, provided that the repeal made by section 702 is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976, except such effective date to be on and after tenth anniversary of date of approval of this Act, Oct. 21, 1976, insofar as homestead laws apply to public lands in Alaska.

Savings Provision

Repeal by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

§165. Transferred

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section, act Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §7, 26 Stat. 1098, which related to suspension of entries for correction of clerical errors, was transferred to section 1165 of this title, prior to editorial reclassification as section 2505 of this title.

§§166 to 175. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 166, acts May 14, 1880, ch. 89, §3, 21 Stat. 141; June 6, 1900, ch. 821, 31 Stat. 683; Aug. 9, 1912, ch. 280, 37 Stat. 267, related to time for settlers to file application and for perfection of entry, marriage of entrywoman, and preferential right of entry.

Section 167, acts Apr. 6, 1914, ch. 51, 38 Stat. 312; Mar. 1, 1921, ch. 90, 41 Stat. 1193, related to marriage of entryman to entrywoman.

Section 168, act Oct. 17, 1914, ch. 325, 38 Stat. 740, related to marriage of entrywoman to alien.

Section 169, R.S. §2297; Mar. 3, 1881, ch. 153, 21 Stat. 511; June 6, 1912, ch. 153, 37 Stat. 124; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to failure to establish residence and reversion of entered lands to Federal Government.

Section 170, act Oct. 22, 1914, ch. 335, 38 Stat. 766, related to rights of wife on abandonment by husband.

Section 171, R.S. §2292, related to rights inuring to infant children on death of both mother and father.

Section 172, act June 8, 1880, ch. 136, 21 Stat. 166; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to effect of insanity of settlers upon claims.

Section 173, R.S. §2301; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §6, 26 Stat. 1098; June 3, 1896, ch. 312, §2, 29 Stat. 197, related to commutations of entries after 14 months from date of settlement.

Section 174, R.S. §2288; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §§3, 4, 26 Stat. 1097; Mar. 3, 1905, ch. 1424, 33 Stat. 991, related to right to transfer claims.

Section 175, R.S. §2296; Apr. 28, 1922, ch. 155, 42 Stat. 502, related to exemption from execution of homestead land.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§176. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §705(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792

Section, act Mar. 2, 1895, ch. 174, §§1–3, 28 Stat. 744, provided for appointment of court commissioners for certain Territories.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §705(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792, provided that the repeal made by section 705(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

§177. Patents for lands in New Mexico held under color of title

Whenever it shall be shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Interior that a tract or tracts of public land, not known to be mineral, in the State of New Mexico, not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred and sixty acres, has or have been held in good faith and in peaceful, adverse possession by a citizen of the United States, his ancestors or grantors, for more than twenty years under claim or color of title, and that valuable improvements have been placed on such land, or some part thereof has been reduced to cultivation, the Secretary may, in his discretion, upon the payment of $1.25 per acre, cause a patent or patents to issue for such land to any such citizen: Provided, That where the area or areas so held by any such citizen is in excess of one hundred and sixty acres the Secretary may determine what particular subdivisions, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres in the aggregate, to any such citizen may be patented under this section: Provided further, That the term "citizen" as used in this section shall be held to include a corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any State or Territory thereof.

(June 8, 1926, ch. 501, 44 Stat. 709.)

§178. Patents for lands in New Mexico; lands contiguous to Spanish or Mexican land grants

Whenever it shall be shown to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Interior that a tract or tracts of public land, contiguous to a Spanish or Mexican land grant, in the State of New Mexico, not exceeding in the aggregate one hundred and sixty acres, has or have been held in good faith and in peaceful, adverse possession by a citizen of the United States, his ancestors or grantors, for more than twenty years under claim or color of title, and that valuable improvements have been placed on such land, or some part thereof has been reduced to cultivation, the Secretary may, in his discretion, upon the payment of $1.25 per acre, cause a patent or patents to issue for such land to any such citizens: Provided, That where the area or areas so held by any such citizen is in excess of one hundred and sixty acres the Secretary may determine what particular subdivisions, not exceeding one hundred and sixty acres in the aggregate, to any such citizen may be patented hereunder: Provided further, That coal and all other minerals contained therein are reserved to the United States; that said coal and other minerals shall be subject to sale or disposal by the United States under applicable leasing and mineral land laws, and permittees, lessees, or grantees of the United States shall have the right to enter upon said lands for the purpose of prospecting for and mining such deposits: Provided further, That the term "citizen", as used in this section, shall be held to include a corporation organized under the laws of the United States or any State or Territory thereof.

(Feb. 23, 1932, ch. 52, 47 Stat. 53.)

§§179, 180. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 179, act May 17, 1900, ch. 479, §1, 31 Stat. 179, related to free homesteads to settlers, commutation rights, and payment to Indians.

Section 180, act Jan. 26, 1901, ch. 180, 31 Stat. 740, related to extension of right of settlers to commute entry.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER II—RIGHT OF PARTICULAR PERSONS TO MAKE ENTRY

§181. Repealed. Dec. 16, 1930, ch. 14, §1, 46 Stat. 1029

Section, act June 5, 1900, ch. 716, §3, 31 Stat. 270, provided that a person making an entry which was lost or forfeited should be entitled to benefits of homestead laws as though the former entry had not been made. See section 182 of this title.

§§182 to 191. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 182, act Sept. 5, 1914, ch. 294, 38 Stat. 712, related to entry after forfeiture of prior entry without fault.

Section 183, R.S. §2300; Aug. 31, 1918, ch. 166, §8, 40 Stat. 957; Sept. 13, 1918, ch. 173, 40 Stat. 960, related to minor veterans, service in military establishment, and relinquishment of entries.

Section 184, R.S. §2302, prohibited discrimination based on race or color in construction or execution of certain laws.

Section 185, acts May 14, 1880, ch. 89, §2, 21 Stat. 141; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §4, 26 Stat. 1097; July 26, 1892, ch. 251, 27 Stat. 270; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to preference right of entry of successful contestants.

Sections 186, acts Feb. 14, 1920, ch. 76, §§1, 2, 41 Stat. 434, 435; Jan. 21, 1922, ch. 32, §§1, 2, 42 Stat. 358; Dec. 28, 1922, ch. 19, 42 Stat. 1067; June 12, 1930, ch. 471, 46 Stat. 580, related to preference right of entry of veterans, and promulgation of rules and regulations.

Section 187, act Feb. 25, 1925, ch. 326, 43 Stat. 981, related to entrants on ceded Indian reservations.

Section 187a, act June 21, 1934, ch. 690, 48 Stat. 1185, related to new homestead entry on ceded Indian reservations.

Section 187b, act May 22, 1902, ch. 821, §2, 32 Stat. 203, related to second homestead entry by certain settlers.

Section 188, act June 5, 1900, ch. 716, §3, 31 Stat. 270, related to purchaser of Flathead Indian land, Montana.

Section 189, act Mar. 3, 1875, ch. 131, §15, 18 Stat. 420, related to Indians abandoning tribal relations and consequences thereof.

Section 190, act July 4, 1884, ch. 180, §1, 23 Stat. 96, related to patents for Indians located on public lands.

Section 190a, act Mar. 1, 1933, ch. 160, §1, 47 Stat. 1418, related to Indian allotments or homesteads in San Juan County, Utah.

Section 191, R.S. §§2310, 2311, related to entry, etc., rights, of Stockbridge Munsee Indians.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER III—LANDS SUBJECT TO ENTRY

§§201 to 208. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 201, R.S. §2302, prohibited entry and settlement of mineral lands under this chapter.

Section 202, acts May 14, 1880, ch. 89, §1, 21 Stat. 140; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §4, 26 Stat. 1097; Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 208, 27 Stat. 593; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to relinquished entries.

Section 203, acts June 13, 1902, ch. 1080, §§1–3, 32 Stat. 384; Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2907, 34 Stat. 1269, related to applicability of homestead laws to Ute Indian Reservation in Colorado.

Section 204, act Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 191, 20 Stat. 472, related to entries on even sections within railroad and other grants.

Section 205, act July 1, 1879, ch. 60, 21 Stat. 46, related to entries on odd sections within railroad and other grants in Missouri and Arkansas.

Section 206, act May 6, 1886, ch. 88, 24 Stat. 22, related to patents for additional entries within railway limits.

Section 207, act Aug. 21, 1916, ch. 361, 39 Stat. 518, authorized disposition of all agricultural lands within military reservations in Nevada under homestead and desert-land laws.

Section 208, act June 3, 1924, ch. 240, 43 Stat. 357, authorized acquisition of all unreserved public lands within the Columbia or Moses Reserve in Washington to be acquired under laws applicable to public domain.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§209. Extension of public-land laws to certain lands in Oklahoma

The public-land laws of the United States be, and the same are, extended to the public lands in that part of the Red River between the medial line and the south bank of the river, in Oklahoma, between the ninety-eighth meridian and the east boundary of the territory established as Greer County by the Act of May 4, 1896 (29 Stat. 113): Provided, That such lands shall not be subject to disposition, settlement, or occupation until after the same have been classified and opened to entry, and other disposal by the Secretary of the Interior according to law.

(June 22, 1948, ch. 605, §1, 62 Stat. 576.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The public-land laws of the United States, referred to in text, are classified generally to this title.

Act of May 4, 1896, referred to in text, is act May 4, 1896, ch. 155, 29 Stat. 113, which is not classified to the Code.

§210. Recognition of equitable claims on certain lands in Oklahoma; validation of homestead entries

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to recognize equitable claims to such lands based on settlement made prior to January 1, 1934, and all homestead entries of such lands, the allowance of which was erroneous because the lands were not subject to entry, and all suspended entries and applications to make final proof, are validated if otherwise regular, as of the date of the regular application.

(June 22, 1948, ch. 605, §2, 62 Stat. 576.)

SUBCHAPTER IV—LIMITATION AS TO AMOUNT AND ADDITIONAL AND ENLARGED ENTRIES

§§211 to 224. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 211, R.S. §2298, related to limitation of amount of homestead entry.

Section 212, acts Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 837, §1, 26 Stat. 391; Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 561, §17, 26 Stat. 1101, related to limitation of aggregate amount of entries.

Section 213, acts Apr. 28, 1904, ch. 1776, §§2, 3, 33 Stat. 527; Aug. 3, 1950, ch. 521, 64 Stat. 398, related to additional entry on land contiguous to former entry of less than quarter section.

Section 214, acts Mar. 2, 1889, ch. 381, §6, 25 Stat. 854; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to additional entry after final proof on entry on less than quarter section.

Section 215, act Feb. 20, 1917, ch. 98, 39 Stat. 925, related to additional entry after patent on entry for less than quarter section.

Section 216, act Mar. 4, 1921, ch. 162, §1, 41 Stat. 1433, related to validation of additional entry after patent.

Section 217, act June 5, 1900, ch. 716, §2, 31 Stat. 269, related to additional entry after commutation of former entry.

Section 218, acts Feb. 19, 1909, ch. 160, §§1–6, 35 Stat. 639; June 6, 1912, ch. 153, 37 Stat. 123; June 13, 1912, ch. 166, 37 Stat. 132; Feb. 11, 1913, ch. 39, 37 Stat. 666; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 84, 38 Stat. 953; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 91, 38 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 150, §2, 38 Stat. 1163; July 3, 1916, ch. 220, 39 Stat. 344, set forth provisions relating to enlarged entries on specified nonmineral, nonirrigable lands in certain States.

Section 219, acts June 17, 1910, ch. 298, §§1–6, 36 Stat. 531, 532; Feb. 11, 1913, ch. 39, 37 Stat. 666; Mar. 3, 1915, ch. 91, 38 Stat. 957; Sept. 5, 1916, ch. 440, 39 Stat. 724; Aug. 10, 1917, ch. 52, §10, 40 Stat. 275, set forth provisions relating to enlarged entries on specified nonmineral, nonirrigable lands in Idaho.

Section 220, act Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 150, §1, 38 Stat. 1162, 1163; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, set forth procedures for applications for entries under sections 218 and 219 of this title.

Section 221, act Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 150, §2, 38 Stat. 1163, was transferred to part of section 218 of this title, and subsequently repealed.

Section 222, act Mar. 4, 1923, ch. 245, §1, 42 Stat. 1445, authorized additional entries by homestead entrymen on lands in national forests in the States covered by former sections 218 and 219 of this title.

Section 223, acts May 14, 1880, ch. 89, §3, 21 Stat. 141; June 6, 1900, ch. 821, 31 Stat. 683; Aug. 9, 1912, ch. 280, 37 Stat. 267, authorized preference of settlers to entries under Enlarged Homestead Act for lands covered by former sections 218 and 219 of this title.

Section 224, acts Apr. 28, 1904, ch. 1801, §§1–3, 33 Stat. 547, 548; Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2527, §§1–3, 34 Stat. 1224; May 29, 1908, ch. 220, §7, 35 Stat. 466; Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 371, 37 Stat. 499, extended limitation on entries within certain boundaries in Nebraska.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER V—LEAVES OF ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FOR NONRESIDENCE OR NONCULTIVATION

§§231 to 240. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 231, acts Aug. 22, 1914, ch. 270, 38 Stat. 704; Feb. 25, 1919, ch. 21, 40 Stat. 1153; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to optional leaves of absence and proof of commutation.

Section 232, act July 3, 1916, ch. 214, 39 Stat. 341, related to settlers on unsurveyed land.

Section 233, acts Sept. 29, 1919, ch. 64, 41 Stat. 288; Apr. 6, 1922, ch. 122, §2, 42 Stat. 491, related to residence of persons receiving treatment for wounds.

Section 234, acts Mar. 2, 1889, ch. 381, §3, 25 Stat. 854; Dec. 29, 1894, ch. 14, 28 Stat. 599; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to destruction or failure of crops, sickness, or unavoidable casualty.

Section 235, act July 1, 1879, ch. 63, §1, 21 Stat. 48; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to destruction or injury to crops by grasshoppers.

Section 236, act Dec. 20, 1917, ch. 6, 40 Stat. 430, allowed persons who filed applications for homestead entry prior to Dec. 20, 1917, a leave of absence from their land during pendency of war with Germany for purpose of performing farm labor.

Section 237, act July 24, 1919, ch. 26, 41 Stat. 271, excused entrymen from residence during drought in 1919.

Section 237a, act Mar. 2, 1932, ch. 69, 47 Stat. 59, excused entrymen from residence during drought period of 1929 to 1932.

Section 237b, act May 21, 1934, ch. 320, 48 Stat. 787, excused entrymen from compliance with requirements of homestead laws as to residence, cultivation, improvements, expenditures or purchase money where absence was due to economic conditions in 1932, 1933 or 1934.

Section 237c, act May 22, 1935, ch. 135, 49 Stat. 286, excused entrymen from compliance with requirements of homestead laws as to residence, cultivation, improvements, expenditures or purchase money where absence was due to economic conditions in 1935.

Section 237d, acts Aug. 19, 1935, ch. 560, 49 Stat. 659; Mar. 31, 1938, ch. 57, 52 Stat. 149, related to cultivation requirement for entered lands.

Section 237e, act Apr. 20, 1936, ch. 239, §1, 49 Stat. 1235, excused entrymen from compliance with requirements of homestead laws as to residence, cultivation, improvements, expenditures or purchase money where absence was due to economic conditions in 1936.

Section 237f, act July 30, 1956, ch. 778, §1, 70 Stat. 715, related to absence during 1956 to 1959 due to economic conditions and protection of rights of entryman.

Section 237g, act July 30, 1956, ch. 778, §2, 70 Stat. 716, related to homestead or desert land applications on file as of Mar. 1, 1956, and entries and rights of United States.

Section 237h, act July 30, 1956, ch. 778, §4, 70 Stat. 716, set forth lands subject to protection of rights of entryman.

Section 238, acts Mar. 1, 1921, ch. 102, §1, 41 Stat. 1202; Apr. 7, 1922, ch. 125, 42 Stat. 492, related to excusing residence and cultivation, etc., requirements for disabled veterans.

Section 239, R.S. §2308, related to service in Army, Navy, etc., as equivalent to residence.

Section 240, acts June 16, 1898, ch. 458, 30 Stat. 473; Aug. 29, 1916, ch. 420, 39 Stat. 671, related to service in time of war as equivalent to residence and cultivation.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§§241, 242. Repealed. Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, article V, §503(3), 54 Stat. 1187

Section 241, act July 28, 1917, ch. 44, §1, 40 Stat. 248, related to residence requirements of entrymen in military service during war.

Section 242, act July 28, 1917, ch. 44, §2, 40 Stat. 248, related to widows and children of entrymen who died in military service during war.

§§243, 243a. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 243, act Apr. 7, 1930, ch. 108, 46 Stat. 144, related to military service in certain Indian wars as equivalent to residence and cultivation.

Section 243a, act Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 198, 47 Stat. 1424, related to extension of credits for military service in certain Indian wars to widows and issuance of patents to minor children on death of mother.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER VI—FINAL PROOF GENERALLY

§§251 to 256b. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 251, act Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 192, 20 Stat. 472; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to notice of intention to make final proof.

Section 252, act Mar. 2, 1889, ch. 381, §7, 25 Stat. 855, related to time of taking testimony for final proof in case of unavoidable delay.

Section 253, act June 3, 1878, ch. 152, 20 Stat. 91, related to publication of notice of contest.

Section 254, R.S. §2294; May 26, 1890, ch. 355, 26 Stat. 121; Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 208, 27 Stat. 593; Mar. 11, 1902, ch. 182, 32 Stat. 63; Mar. 4, 1904, ch. 394, 33 Stat. 59; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Feb. 23, 1923, ch. 105, 42 Stat. 1281; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90–578, title IV, §402(b)(2), 82 Stat. 1118, related to officers before whom affidavits or proofs may be made, perjury, and fees.

Section 255, R.S. §2293; Oct. 6, 1917, ch. 86, 40 Stat. 391; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to affidavits taken by commanding officer for person in military or naval service.

Section 256, act Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 149, §1, 37 Stat. 925, related to election as to law under which final proof may be made.

Section 256a, acts May 13, 1932, ch. 178, §§1, 2, 47 Stat. 153; June 16, 1933, ch. 99, 48 Stat. 274; July 26, 1935, ch. 419, 49 Stat. 504; June 16, 1937, ch. 361, 50 Stat. 303, related to extension of time for offering final proof, and promulgation of rules and regulations.

Section 256b, act Aug. 27, 1935, ch. 770, 49 Stat. 909, related to final proof by disabled World War I veterans.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER VII—PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

§261. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section, acts Sept. 30, 1890, No. 59, 26 Stat. 684; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to time for payments and extension of time.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§262. Repealed. Dec. 16, 1930, ch. 14, §1, 46 Stat. 1029

Section, act Mar. 2, 1907, ch. 2568, 34 Stat. 1248, provided for refund of excess payments. See section 1374 of this title.

§263. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section, acts June 16, 1880, ch. 244, §§1–4, 21 Stat. 287; Apr. 18, 1904, No. 25, 33 Stat. 589; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to cancellation of entries and repayment of fees.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER VIII—ALASKA HOMESTEADS

§270. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789

Section, acts May 14, 1898, ch. 299, §1, 30 Stat. 409; Mar. 3, 1903, ch. 1002, 32 Stat. 1028; Aug. 24, 1912, ch. 387, §1, 37 Stat. 512; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100; Apr. 29, 1950, ch. 137, §1, 64 Stat. 94; Aug. 3, 1955, ch. 496, §1, 69 Stat. 444, set forth provisions relating to applicability of homestead laws to Alaska. Section was formerly classified to section 371 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, provided that the repeal made by section 703(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

§§270–1 to 270–3. Repealed. Pub. L. 92–203, §18(a), Dec. 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 710

Section 270–1, acts May 17, 1906, ch. 2469, §1, 34 Stat. 197; Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 891, §1(a)–(d), 70 Stat. 954, authorized making of homestead allotments to native Indians, Aleuts, or Eskimos and provided for conveyance of allotted lands. Section was formerly classified to section 357 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Section 270–2, act May 17, 1906, ch. 2469, §2, as added Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 891, §1(e), 70 Stat. 954, permitted allotments of land in national forests if land was certified as chiefly valuable for agricultural or grazing uses. Section was formerly classified to section 357a of Title 48.

Section 270–3, act May 27, 1906, ch. 2469, §3, as added Aug. 2, 1956, ch. 891, §1(e), 70 Stat. 954, prohibited making of an allotment unless person made satisfactory proof of substantially continuous use and occupancy of land for five years. Section was formerly classified to section 357b of Title 48.

§270–4. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789

Section, acts May 14, 1898, ch. 299, §10, 30 Stat. 413; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114 §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to affidavits, and filing, publishing, and posting proof of claims.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, provided that the repeal made by section 703(a) is effective on and after tenth anniversary of date of approval of this Act, Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

§§270–5 to 270–10. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789

Section 270–5, act Apr. 29, 1950, ch. 137, §2, 64 Stat. 95, required filing of notice of location of settlement claims for public lands in Alaska. Section was formerly classified to section 371a of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Section 270–6, act Apr. 29, 1950, ch. 137, §3, 64 Stat. 95, set forth effects of failure to file notice of settlement claim. Section was formerly classified to section 371b of Title 48.

Section 270–7, acts Apr. 29, 1950, ch. 137, §4, 64 Stat. 95; July 11, 1956, ch. 571, §2, 70 Stat. 529, required final or commutation proof on unsurveyed land as basis for free survey. Section was formerly classified to section 371c of Title 48.

Section 270–8, acts July 8, 1916, ch. 228, §1, 39 Stat. 352; June 28, 1918, ch. 110, 40 Stat. 632, set forth the amount of homestead entries for every qualified person. Section was formerly classified to section 373 of Title 48.

Section 270–9, acts July 8, 1916, ch. 228, §1, 39 Stat. 352; June 28, 1918, ch. 110, 40 Stat. 632, removed bar of former entry in any other State or Territory as bar to homestead entry in Alaska. Section was formerly classified to section 374 of Title 48.

Section 270–10, act July 8, 1916, ch. 228, §2, as added June 28, 1918, ch. 110, 40 Stat. 633; amended Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100; July 11, 1956, ch. 571, §1, 70 Stat. 528, set forth requirements for entry on unsurveyed lands. Section was formerly classified to section 375 of Title 48.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789, provided that the repeal made by section 703(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

§270–11. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789

Section, acts Mar. 8, 1922, ch. 96, §1, 42 Stat. 415; Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–725, §1, 72 Stat. 730, related to entry on land containing coal, oil, or gas.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§270–12. Disposal by United States of coal, oil, or gas deposits reserved to United States; entry, reentry, etc., on lands for prospecting, mining, and removal

The coal, oil, or gas deposits reserved to the United States in accordance with the act of March 8, 1922 (42 Stat. 415; 43 U.S.C. 270–11 et seq.), as added to by the Act of August 17, 1961 (75 Stat. 384; 43 U.S.C. 270–13), and amended by the Act of October 3, 1962 (76 Stat. 740; 43 U.S.C. 270–13), shall be subject to disposal by the United States in accordance with the provisions of the laws applicable to coal, oil, or gas deposits or coal, oil, or gas lands in Alaska in force at the time of such disposal. Any person qualified to acquire coal, oil, or gas deposits, or the right to mine or remove the coal or to drill for and remove the oil or gas under the laws of the United States shall have the right at all times to enter upon the lands patented under the Act of March 8, 1922, as amended, and in accordance with the provisions hereof, for the purpose of prospecting for coal, oil, or gas therein, upon the approval by the Secretary of the Interior of a bond or undertaking to be filed with him as security for the payment of all damages to the crops and improvements on such lands by reason of such prospecting. Any person who has acquired from the United States the coal, oil, or gas deposits in any such land, or the right to mine, drill for, or remove the same, may reenter and occupy so much of the surface thereof incident to the mining and removal of the coal, oil, or gas therefrom, and mine and remove the coal or drill for and remove oil and gas upon payment of the damages caused thereby to the owner thereof, or upon giving a good and sufficient bond or undertaking in an action instituted in any competent court to ascertain and fix said damages: Provided, That the owner under such limited patent shall have the right to mine the coal for use on the land for domestic purposes at any time prior to the disposal by the United States of the coal deposits: Provided further, That nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the exploration upon or entry of any coal deposits withdrawn from such exploration and purchase.

(Mar. 8, 1922, ch. 96, §2, 42 Stat. 416; Pub. L. 85–725, §2, Aug. 23, 1958, 72 Stat. 730; Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(c), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2791.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of March 8, 1922 and this Act, referred to in text, is act Mar. 8, 1922, ch. 96, 42 Stat. 415, which is classified to sections 270–11 to 270–13 of this title. The provisions added by the act of Aug. 17, 1961, and amended by the act of Oct. 3, 1962 were classified to section 270–13 of this title. Sections 270–11 and 270–13 of this title were repealed by section 703(a) of Pub. L. 94–579. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 377 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–579 substituted provisions relating to disposal by United States of coal, oil, or gas deposits reserved to the United States, applicability of statutory provisions to such disposal, and entry, reentry, etc., on lands for prospecting, mining, and removal of deposits, for provisions relating to patent for land entered under section 270–11 of this title, reservation to the patented land, disposal of reserved coal, oil, or gas deposits, and entry, reentry, etc., on lands for prospecting, mining, and removal of deposits.

1958—Pub. L. 85–725 struck out "And provided further, That nothing herein contained shall be held or construed to authorize the entry or disposition, under section 274 of this title, or under Acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto, of withdrawn or classified coal, oil, or gas lands or of lands valuable for coal, oil, or gas".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(c), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2791, provided that the amendment made by section 703(c) is effective on and after tenth anniversary of date of approval of this Act, Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–579 not to be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, etc., existing on Oct. 21, 1976, see section 701 of Pub. L. 94–579, set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

§§270–13 to 270–17. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2789

Section 270–13, act Mar. 8, 1922, ch. 96, §3, as added Aug. 17, 1961, Pub. L. 87–147, 75 Stat. 384; amended Oct. 3, 1962, Pub. L. 87–742, 76 Stat. 740, authorized sale or other disposition of Alaskan lands containing coal, oil, or gas deposits. Section was formerly classified to section 377a of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Section 270–14, act July 8, 1916, ch. 228, §3, formerly §2, 39 Stat. 352, renumbered June 28, 1918, ch. 110, 40 Stat. 633, excepted certain lands in Alaska from homestead entry and settlement. Section was formerly classified to section 378 of Title 48.

Section 270–15, acts Apr. 13, 1926, ch. 121, §1, 44 Stat. 243; Apr. 29, 1950, ch. 134, §3, 64 Stat. 93, related to claims and rectangular system of surveys and departure for local or topographic conditions.

Section 270–16, acts Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; Apr. 13, 1926, ch. 121, §2, 44 Stat. 244; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to additional entries by soldiers.

Section 270–17, act Apr. 13, 1926, ch. 121, §3, 44 Stat. 244, related to disposition of deposit of estimated cost of work incident to survey, and promulgation of rules and regulations.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER IX—SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' HOMESTEAD

§§271 to 284. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 271, R.S. §2304; Mar. 1, 1901, ch. 674, 31 Stat. 847, related to soldiers and sailors entitled to make entry.

Section 272, R.S. §2305; Mar. 1, 1901, ch. 674, 31 Stat. 847; Apr. 6, 1922, ch. 122, §1, 42 Stat. 491, related to deduction of military and naval service from time required to perfect title, and rights of widows and children of veterans.

Section 272a, acts Feb. 25, 1919, ch. 37, 40 Stat. 1161; Dec. 28, 1922, ch. 19, 42 Stat. 1067, related to applicability of sections 271 and 272 of this title to military and naval operations on Mexican border or in World War I.

Section 273, act Apr. 6, 1922, ch. 122, §1, 42 Stat. 491, related to veterans receiving compensation for wounds or disability.

Section 274, R.S. §2306, related to additional entry by veteran.

Section 275, act Mar. 3, 1893, ch. 208, 27 Stat. 593; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to invalidity of additional entries, and commutation.

Section 276, act Aug. 18, 1894, ch. 301, §1, 28 Stat. 397, related to issuance of additional homestead certificates.

Section 277, R.S. §2309, related to additional entry by agent.

Section 278, R.S. §2307; Feb. 25, 1919, ch. 37, 40 Stat. 1161; Sept. 21, 1922, ch. 357, 42 Stat. 990, set forth rights of veteran's widow to make entry, and rights of children upon her death.

Section 279, acts Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §1, 58 Stat. 747; June 25, 1946, ch. 474, 60 Stat. 308; May 31, 1947, ch. 88, §1, 61 Stat. 123; June 18, 1954, ch. 306, §1(a), (b), 68 Stat. 253, set forth preference rights of entry of World War II or Korean conflict veterans.

Section 280, acts Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §2, 58 Stat. 748; May 31, 1947, ch. 88, §2, 61 Stat. 123, related to rights of dependents of World War II or Korean conflict veterans.

Section 281, act Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §3, 58 Stat. 748, related to death of World War II or Korean conflict veteran as affecting patent rights of minor children.

Section 282, acts Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §4, 58 Stat. 748; May 31, 1947, ch. 88, §3, 61 Stat. 124; June 18, 1954, ch. 306, §1(c), 68 Stat. 254, related to rights of World War II or Korean conflict veteran on revocation of withdrawal order.

Section 283, acts Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §6, formerly §5, 58 Stat. 748, renumbered §6, June 3, 1948, ch. 399, 62 Stat. 305, related to promulgation of rules and regulations respecting preference right of entry of World War II or Korean conflict veteran.

Section 284, act Sept. 27, 1944, ch. 421, §5, as added June 3, 1948, ch. 399, 62 Stat. 305, defined "homestead" for purposes of preference right of entry of World War II or Korean conflict veteran.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

SUBCHAPTER X—STOCK-RAISING HOMESTEAD

§§291 to 298. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section 291, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §1, 39 Stat. 862; Feb. 28, 1931, ch. 328, 46 Stat. 1454; June 9, 1933, ch. 53, 48 Stat. 119, related to entry on unappropriated, unreserved lands, and lands excepted from entry.

Section 292, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §2, 39 Stat. 862; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; June 6, 1924, ch. 274, 43 Stat. 469; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100, related to designation of lands subject to entry, and application thereof.

Section 293, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §3, 39 Stat. 863; Oct. 25, 1918, ch. 195, 40 Stat. 1016, related to persons entitled to make entries and effect of entries.

Section 294, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §4, 39 Stat. 863; Sept. 29, 1919, ch. 63, 41 Stat. 287, related to additional entries and amount of entry.

Section 295, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §5, 39 Stat. 863; Sept. 29, 1919, ch. 63, 41 Stat. 287, related to persons entitled to make additional entries.

Section 296, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §6, 39 Stat. 863, related to heads of families, etc., and relinquishment or reconveyance of land.

Section 297, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §7, 39 Stat. 864, related to applicability of commutation provisions to entries.

Section 298, act Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §8, 39 Stat. 864, set forth provisions relating to additional entries and preferential rights.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Savings Provision

§299. Reservation of coal and mineral rights

(a) General provisions

All entries made and patents issued under the provisions of this subchapter shall be subject to and contain a reservation to the United States of all the coal and other minerals in the lands so entered and patented, together with the right to prospect for, mine, and remove the same. The coal and other mineral deposits in such lands shall be subject to disposal by the United States in accordance with the provisions of the coal and mineral land laws in force at the time of such disposal. Any person qualified to locate and enter the coal or other mineral deposits, or having the right to mine and remove the same under the laws of the United States, shall have the right at all times to enter upon the lands entered or patented, as provided by this subchapter, for the purpose of prospecting for coal or other mineral therein, provided he shall not injure, damage, or destroy the permanent improvements of the entryman or patentee, and shall be liable to and shall compensate the entryman or patentee for all damages to the crops on such lands by reason of such prospecting. Any person who has acquired from the United States the coal or other mineral deposits in any such land, or the right to mine and remove the same, may reenter and occupy so much of the surface thereof as may be required for all purposes reasonably incident to the mining or removal of the coal or other minerals, first, upon securing the written consent or waiver of the homestead entryman or patentee; second, upon payment of the damages to crops or other tangible improvements to the owner thereof, where agreement may be had as to the amount thereof; or, third, in lieu of either of the foregoing provisions, upon the execution of a good and sufficient bond or undertaking to the United States for the use and benefit of the entryman or owner of the land, to secure the payment of such damages to the crops or tangible improvements of the entryman or owner, as may be determined and fixed in an action brought upon the bond or undertaking in a court of competent jurisdiction against the principal and sureties thereon, such bond or undertaking to be in form and in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior and to be filed with and approved by the officer designated by the Secretary of the Interior of the local land office of the district wherein the land is situate, subject to appeal to the Secretary of the Interior or such officer as he may designate: Provided, That all patents issued for the coal or other mineral deposits herein reserved shall contain appropriate notations declaring them to be subject to the provisions of this subchapter with reference to the disposition, occupancy, and use of the land as permitted to an entryman under this subchapter.

(b) Exploration; location of mining claims; notices

(1) In general

(A) Notwithstanding subsection (a) and any other provision of law to the contrary, after the effective date of this subsection no person other than the surface owner may enter lands subject to this subchapter to explore for, or to locate, a mining claim on such lands without—

(i) filing a notice of intention to locate a mining claim pursuant to paragraph (2); and

(ii) providing notice to the surface owner pursuant to paragraph (3).

(B) Any person who has complied with the requirements referred to in subparagraph (A) may, during the authorized exploration period, in order to locate a mining claim, enter lands subject to this subchapter to undertake mineral activities related to exploration that cause no more than a minimal disturbance of surface resources and do not involve the use of mechanized earthmoving equipment, explosives, the construction of roads, drill pads, or the use of toxic or hazardous materials.

(C) The authorized exploration period referred to in subparagraph (B) shall begin 30 days after notice is provided under paragraph (3) with respect to lands subject to such notice and shall end with the expiration of the 90-day period referred to in paragraph (2)(A) or any extension provided under paragraph (2).

(2) Notice of intention to locate a mining claim

Any person seeking to locate a mining claim on lands subject to this subchapter in order to engage in the mineral activities relating to exploration referred to under paragraph (1)(B) shall file with the Secretary of the Interior a notice of intention to locate a claim on the lands concerned. The notice shall be in such form as the Secretary shall prescribe. The notice shall contain the name and mailing address of the person filing the notice and a legal description of the lands to which the notice applies. The legal description shall be based on the public land survey or on such other description as is sufficient to permit the Secretary to record the notice on the land status records of the Secretary. Whenever any person has filed a notice under this paragraph with respect to any lands, during the 90-day period following the date of such filing, or any extension thereof pursuant to this paragraph, no other person (including the surface owner) may—

(A) file such a notice with respect to any portions of such lands;

(B) explore for minerals or locate a mining claim on any portion of such lands; or

If, within such 90-day period, the person who filed a notice under this paragraph files a plan of operations with the Secretary pursuant to subsection (f), such 90-day period shall be extended until the approval or disapproval of the plan by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (f).

(3) Notice to surface owner

Any person who has filed a notice of intention to locate a mining claim under paragraph (2) for any lands subject to this subchapter shall provide written notice of such filing, by registered or certified mail with return receipt, to the surface owner (as evidenced by local tax records) of the lands covered by the notice under paragraph (2). The notice shall be provided at least 30 days before entering such lands and shall contain each of the following:

(A) A brief description of the proposed mineral activities.

(B) A map and legal description of the lands to be subject to mineral exploration.

(D) A statement of the dates on which such activities will take place.

(4) Acreage limitations

The total acreage covered at any time by notices of intention to locate a mining claim under paragraph (2) filed by any person and by affiliates of such person may not exceed 6,400 acres of lands subject to this subchapter in any one State and 1,280 acres of such lands for a single surface owner. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "affiliate" means, with respect to any person, any other person which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person.

(c) Consent

Notwithstanding subsection (a) and any other provision of law, after the effective date of this subsection no person may engage in the conduct of mineral activities (other than those relating to exploration referred to in subsection (b)(1)B)) ¹ on a mining claim located on lands subject to this subchapter without the written consent of the surface owner thereof unless the Secretary has authorized the conduct of such activities under subsection (d).

(d) Authorized mineral activities

The Secretary shall authorize a person to conduct mineral activities (other than those relating to exploration referred to in subsection (b)(1)(B)) on lands subject to this subchapter without the consent of the surface owner thereof if such person complies with the requirements of subsections (e) and (f).

(e) Bond

(1) Before the Secretary may authorize any person to conduct mineral activities the Secretary shall require such person to post a bond or other financial guarantee in an amount to insure the completion of reclamation pursuant to this subchapter. Such bond or other financial guarantee shall ensure—

(A) payment to the surface owner, after the completion of such mineral activities and reclamation, compensation for any permanent damages to crops and tangible improvements of the surface owner that resulted from mineral activities; and

(B) payment to the surface owner of compensation for any permanent loss of income of the surface owner due to loss or impairment of grazing, or other uses of the land by the surface owner to the extent that reclamation required by the plan of operations would not permit such uses to continue at the level existing prior to the commencement of mineral activities.

(2) In determining the bond amount to cover permanent loss of income under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall consider, where appropriate, the potential loss of value due to the estimated permanent reduction in utilization of the land.

(f) Plan of operations

(1) Before the Secretary may authorize any person to conduct mineral activities on lands subject to this subchapter, the Secretary shall require such person to submit a plan of operations. Such plan shall include procedures for—

(A) the minimization of damages to crops and tangible improvements of the surface owner;

(B) the minimization of disruption to grazing or other uses of the land by the surface owner; and

(C) payment of a fee for the use of surface during mineral activities equivalent to the loss of income to the ranch operation as established pursuant to subsection (g).

(2) The Secretary shall provide a copy of the proposed plan of operations to the surface owner at least 45 days prior to the date the Secretary makes a determination as to whether such plan complies with the requirements of this subsection. During such 45-day period the surface owner may submit comments and recommend modifications to the proposed plan of operations to the Secretary.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall, within 60 days of receipt of the plan, approve the plan of operations if it complies with the requirements of this subchapter, including each of the following:

(i) The proposed plan of operations is complete and accurate.

(ii) The person submitting the proposed plan of operations has demonstrated that all other applicable Federal and State requirements have been met.

(B) The Secretary shall notify the person submitting a plan of operations of any modifications to such plan required to bring it into compliance with the requirements of this subchapter. If the person submitting the plan agrees to modify such plan in a manner acceptable to the Secretary, the Secretary shall approve the plan as modified. In the event no agreement can be reached on the modifications to the plan which, in the opinion of the Secretary, will bring such plan into compliance with the requirements of this subchapter, then the Secretary shall disapprove the plan and notify both the surface owner and the person submitting the plan of the decision.

(C) The 60-day period referred to in subparagraph (A) may be extended by the Secretary where additional time is required to comply with other applicable requirements of law.

(D) The Secretary shall suspend or revoke a plan of operation whenever the Secretary determines, on the Secretary's own motion or on a motion made by the surface owner, that the person conducting mineral activities is in substantial noncompliance with the terms and conditions of an approved plan of operations and has failed to remedy a violation after notice from the Secretary within the time required by the Secretary.

(4) Final approval of a plan of operations under this subsection shall be conditioned upon compliance with subsections (e) and (g).

(g) Fee

The fee referred to in subsection (f)(1) shall be—

(1) paid to the surface owner by the person submitting the plan of operations;

(2) paid in advance of any mineral activities or at such other time or times as may be agreed to by the surface owner and the person conducting such activities; and

(3) established by the Secretary taking into account the acreage involved and the degree of potential disruption to existing surface uses during mineral activities (including the loss of income to the surface owner and such surface owner's operations due to the loss or impairment of existing surface uses for the duration of the mineral activities), except that such fee shall not exceed the fair market value for the surface of the land.

(h) Reclamation

Lands affected by mineral activities under a plan of operations approved pursuant to subsection (f)(3) shall be reclaimed, to the maximum extent practicable, to a condition capable of supporting the uses to which such lands were capable of supporting prior to surface disturbance. Reclamation shall proceed as contemporaneously as practicable with the conduct of mineral activities.

(i) State law

(1) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as affecting any reclamation, bonding, inspection, enforcement, air or water quality standard or requirement of any State law or regulation which may be applicable to mineral activities on lands subject to this subchapter to the extent that such law or regulation is not inconsistent with this title.²

(2) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of any person to enforce or protect, under applicable law, the interest of such person in water resources affected by mineral activities.

(j) Inspections

Should any surface owner of land subject to this subchapter have reason to believe that they are or may be adversely affected by mineral activities due to any violation of the terms and conditions of a plan of operations approved under subsection (f), such surface owner may request an inspection of such lands. The Secretary shall determine within 10 days of the receipt of the request whether the request states a reason to believe that a violation exists, except in the event the surface owner alleges and provides reason to believe that an imminent danger exists, the 10-day period shall be waived and the inspection conducted immediately. When an inspection is conducted under this paragraph, the Secretary shall notify the surface owner and such surface owner shall be allowed to accompany the inspector on the inspection.

(k) Damages for failure to comply

(1) Whenever the surface owner of any land subject to this subchapter has suffered any permanent damages to crops or tangible improvements of the surface owner, or any permanent loss of income due to loss or impairment of grazing, or other uses of the land by the surface owner, if such damages or loss result from—

(A) any mineral activity undertaken without the consent of the surface owner under subsection (c) or an authorization by the Secretary under subsection (d); or

(B) the failure of the person conducting mineral activities to remedy to the satisfaction of the Secretary any substantial noncompliance with the terms and conditions of a plan under subsection (f);

the surface owner may bring an action in the appropriate United States district court for, and the court may award, double damages plus costs for willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(2) The surface owner of any land subject to this subchapter may also bring an action in the appropriate United States district court for double damages plus costs for willful misconduct or gross negligence against any person undertaking any mineral activities on lands subject to this subchapter in violation of any requirement of subsection (b).

(3) Any double damages plus costs awarded by the court under this subsection shall be reduced by the amount of any compensation which the surface owner has received (or is eligible to receive) pursuant to the bond or financial guarantee required under subsection (e).

(l) Payment of financial guarantee

The surface owner of any land subject to this subchapter may petition the Secretary for payment of all or any portion of a bond or other financial guarantee required under subsection (e) as compensation for any permanent damages to crops and tangible improvements of the surface owner, or any permanent loss of income due to loss or impairment of grazing, or other uses of the land by the surface owner. Pursuant to such a petition, the Secretary may use such bond or other guarantee to provide compensation to the surface owner for such damages and to insure the required reclamation.

(m) Bond release

The Secretary shall release the bond or other financial guarantee required under subsection (e) upon the successful completion of all requirements pursuant to a plan of operations approved under subsection (f).

(n) Conveyance to surface owner

The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to simplify the procedures which must be complied with by surface owners of lands subject to this subchapter who apply to the Secretary to obtain title to interests in such lands owned by the United States.

(o) Definitions

For the purposes of subsections (b) through (n)—

(1) The term "mineral activities" means any activity for, related to or incidental to mineral exploration, mining, and beneficiation activities for any locatable mineral on a mining claim. When used with respect to this term—

(A) the term "exploration" means those techniques employed to locate the presence of a locatable mineral deposit and to establish its nature, position, size, shape, grade and value;

(B) the term "mining" means the processes employed for the extraction of a locatable mineral from the earth; and

(C) the term "beneficiation" means the crushing and grinding of locatable mineral ore and such processes are employed to free the mineral from the other constituents, including but not necessarily limited to, physical and chemical separation techniques.

(2) The term "mining claim" means a claim located under the general mining laws of the United States (which generally comprise 30 U.S.C. chapters 2, 12A, and 16, and sections 161 and 162) subject to the terms and conditions of subsections (b) through (p) of this section.

(3) The term "tangible improvements" includes agricultural, residential and commercial improvements, including improvements made by residential subdividers.

(p) Minerals covered

Subsections (b) through (o) of this section apply only to minerals not subject to disposition under—

(1) the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 181 and following);

(2) the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 [30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]; or

(3) the Act of July 31, 1947, commonly known as the Materials Act of 1947 (30 U.S.C. 601 and following).

(Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §9, 39 Stat. 864; Oct. 28, 1921, ch. 114, §1, 42 Stat. 208; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1145; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, §403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100; Pub. L. 103–23, §1(a), (b), Apr. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 60, 65.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1)(A) and (c), is the date 180 days after Apr. 16, 1993.

This title, referred to in subsec. (i)(1), is unidentifiable because act Dec. 29, 1916, does not contain titles.

The Mineral Leasing Act, referred to in subsec. (p)(1), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.

The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (p)(2), is Pub. L. 91–581, Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1566, which is classified principally to chapter 23 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 30 and Tables.

The Materials Act of 1947, referred to in subsec. (p)(3), is act July 31, 1947, ch. 406, 61 Stat. 681, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§601 et seq.) of chapter 15 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 601 of Title 30 and Tables.

Amendments

1993—Pub. L. 103–23 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsecs. (b) to (p).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–23, §1(c), Apr. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 65, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment [Apr. 16, 1993]."

Regulations

Pub. L. 103–23, §1(d), Apr. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 65, provided that: "The Secretary of the Interior shall issue final regulations to implement the amendments made by this Act [amending this section] not later than the effective date of this Act [see Effective Date of 1993 Amendment note above]. Failure to promulgate these regulations by reason of any appeal or judicial review shall not delay the effective date as specified in paragraph (c)."

Abolition of Office of Surveyor General and Transfer of Functions

Act Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144, abolished office of surveyor general and transferred administration of all activities in charge of surveyors general to Field Surveying Service under jurisdiction of United States Supervisor of Surveys.

Report to Congress on Foreign Mineral Interests

Pub. L. 103–23, §2, Apr. 16, 1993, 107 Stat. 65, directed Secretary of the Interior to submit report to Congress within 2 years after Apr. 16, 1993, on acquisition of mineral interests made after such date by foreign firms on lands subject to this section.

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of the Interior, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of the Interior, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1950, §§1, 2, eff. May 24, 1950, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1262, set out under section 1451 of this title.

Words "officer designated by the Secretary of the Interior" substituted for "register" and "Secretary of the Interior or such officer as he may designate" substituted for "Commissioner of the General Land Office" on authority of section 403 of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946. See note set out under section 1 of this title.

¹ So in original. Probably should be subsection "(b)(1)(B))".

² See References in Text note below.

§300. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792

Section, acts Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §10, 39 Stat. 865; Jan. 29, 1929, ch. 114, 45 Stat. 1144, set forth provisions authorizing reservation of land containing water holes.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792, provided that the repeal made by section 704(a) is effective on and after Oct. 21, 1976.

Savings Provision

§301. Rules and regulations

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to make all necessary rules and regulations in harmony with the provisions and purposes of this subchapter for the purpose of carrying the same into effect.

(Dec. 29, 1916, ch. 9, §11, 39 Stat. 865.)

§302. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787

Section, act Mar. 4, 1923, ch. 245, §2, 42 Stat. 1445, related to additional entries, and lands in national forests.