Purposes of the Acquisition Planning District

The Secretary shall negotiate with land owners for the acquisition of lands and interest in lands suitable for Conservation Area expansion that meet the purposes described in section 460ooo–3(a) of this title. The Secretary shall only acquire property under this subchapter pursuant to section 460ooo–6 of this title. The Secretary, through the Bureau of Land Management, shall administer the public lands within the Acquisition Planning District pursuant to this subchapter and the applicable provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), subject to valid existing rights, and in accordance with the management plan. Such public lands shall become part of the Conservation Area when they become contiguous with the Conservation Area. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State of Arizona with respect to fish and wildlife within the Acquisition Planning District. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as affecting any property rights or management authority with regard to any lands or interest in lands held by the State of Arizona, any political subdivision of the State of Arizona, or any private property rights within the boundaries of the Acquisition Planning District. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as in any way diminishing the Secretary’s or the Bureau of Land Management’s authorities, rights, or responsibilities for managing the public lands within the Acquisition Planning District. The Secretary shall coordinate the management of the public lands within the Acquisition Planning District with that of surrounding county, State, and private lands consistent with the provisions of subsection (d).