Code of Federal Regulations Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 43 - Public Lands: Interior is one of the fifty titles that comprise the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. It is the comprehensive collection of rules and regulations issued by federal agencies regarding the management and use of public lands and resources under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior.
The Department of the Interior is a cabinet-level agency responsible for managing most of the vast federal lands and natural resources, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. It also oversees programs related to Native American affairs, water resources, and scientific research concerning natural resources.
Key Agencies and Their Chapters within CFR Title 43:
Subtitle A - Office of the Secretary of the Interior (Parts 1-199): These are general regulations that apply across various bureaus and offices within the Department of the Interior. They often cover:
Practices Before the Department: Rules for attorneys and other representatives practicing before the Department.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act: Procedures for requesting records from the Department.
Departmental Hearings and Appeals Procedures: General rules for administrative appeals within the Department.
Protection of Archaeological Resources: Regulations for the preservation and management of archaeological sites on public and Indian lands.
Chapter I - Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior (Parts 400-999): The Bureau of Reclamation manages water resources in the Western United States. Its regulations in this chapter cover:
Reclamation Project Lands: Rules for the administration of lands associated with federal irrigation and water projects.
Water Users: Regulations pertaining to water delivery, water rights, and contracts with water users.
Safety and Health Regulations: Standards for workers and the public on reclamation facilities.
Archaeological Resources Protection: Specific rules related to archaeological sites on Bureau of Reclamation lands.
Chapter II - Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior (Parts 1000-9999): The BLM manages the most extensive federal land holdings, primarily in the Western U.S., encompassing a wide variety of uses. Its regulations are very broad and include:
Land Resource Management: General principles for managing public lands, including planning, withdrawals, and land acquisitions/disposals.
Grazing Administration: Rules for livestock grazing on public lands, including permits, fees, and resource management.
Minerals Management: Extensive regulations covering the exploration, development, and production of various minerals on public lands, including:
Oil and gas leasing and operations.
Coal leasing.
Hardrock mineral mining (under the 1872 Mining Law).
Geothermal resources.
Mining claim recordation.
Rights-of-Way: Rules for granting easements and rights-of-way across public lands for pipelines, power lines, roads, and other infrastructure.
Recreation: Regulations for various recreational activities on public lands, such as off-highway vehicle use, camping, and special recreation permits.
Wild Horse and Burro Management: Regulations for the protection, management, and removal of wild horses and burros on public lands.
Forest Management: Rules related to timber sales and forest product removal on BLM lands.
Adjudication Procedures: Rules for resolving disputes related to public land titles and uses.
Chapter III - Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (Parts 10000-10099): This specific commission has regulations related to mitigation and conservation efforts in Utah associated with reclamation projects.
Overall Purpose of CFR Title 43:
The regulations in CFR Title 43 provide the detailed legal framework for the sustainable management, conservation, and use of America's vast public lands and resources. They aim to:
Balance competing uses: Manage public lands for multiple uses, including conservation, recreation, grazing, mining, and energy development.
Protect natural and cultural resources: Implement laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on public lands.
Ensure public access and safety: Regulate access to public lands and ensure safety for users.
Generate revenue: Establish procedures for leasing and permitting activities that generate revenue for the federal government.
Facilitate responsible development: Provide clear rules for industries operating on public lands.
Anyone involved in activities on federal lands, from recreation to resource extraction, will frequently consult CFR Title 43 to understand the applicable federal requirements.
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