16 U.S.C. § 410fff–9 — Study of lands within and adjacent to Curecanti National Recreation Area

(a) In general: Within three years of October 21, 1999, the Secretary, through the National Park Service Director, had to study land protection and open space in and around the Curecanti National Recreation Area. (b) Purpose of study: The study had to: (1) assess the natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic value of land in and around Curecanti, including open views, wildlife habitat, and other public benefits; (2) identify workable ways to protect that value; (3) recommend affordable and workable tools to achieve those goals; and (4) estimate what those approaches would cost. (c) Submission of report: Within three years of October 21, 1999, the Secretary had to send Congress a report that (1) contained the study's findings, (2) made recommendations based on those findings, and (3) recommended what action Congress could take regarding the land discussed. (d) Acquisition of additional land and interests in land: (1) Before finishing the study, the Secretary could buy certain private land — about 1,065 acres known as the "Hall and Fitti properties" — shown on a map dated 01/25/99. (2)(A) That land could be acquired by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. (B) No land could be acquired without the owner's consent. (C) After acquiring land this way, the Secretary had to (i) update the Curecanti National Recreation Area's boundary to include it, and (ii) manage the new land under applicable laws.