Federal lands within the boundaries of designated river areas (one-quarter mile—one-half mile for rivers in Alaska located outside national parks—from the bank on each side of the river) classified as wild are withdrawn from appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws by Sections 9(a) and 15(2) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. Federal lands within the boundaries of designated river areas classified as scenic or recreational are not withdrawn under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act from the mining and mineral leasing laws.
Existing valid claims or leases within the river boundary remain in effect, and activities may be allowed subject to regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment. Reasonable access to mining claims and mineral leases will be permitted. Mining claims, subject to valid existing rights, can be patented only as to the mineral estate and not the surface estate, subject to proof of discovery prior to the effective date of designation.
For river segments classified as wild, no new mining claims or mineral leases can be granted; however, existing valid claims or leases within the river boundary remain in effect, and activities may be allowed subject to regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
For river segments classified as scenic or recreational, filing of new mining claims or mineral leases is allowed but is subject to reasonable access and regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.