Subject to valid existing rights, rivers authorized for study under Section 5(a) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act are withdrawn under the mining laws while in study status; this withdrawal covers the bed and bank and federal lands situated within one-quarter mile of the bank on each side of the river. River study areas are not withdrawn from mineral leasing but are subject to conditions determined by the appropriate Secretary necessary to safeguard the area during the study period. However, the bed and bank and federal lands within two miles of the bank of each side of the rivers authorized for study under the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act are withdrawn from both the mining laws and mineral leasing. Under Section 9(b) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the withdrawal impacts expire (unless the river is designated by Congress) three calendar years from the time the study report is received by Congress.
Rivers being studied under Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act are not withdrawn from the mining or mineral leasing laws. Protective management requirements for eligible or suitable river areas are subject existing laws and agency guidance until Congress acts.