United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Jun 09, 2025
The Secretary shall ensure access to areas designated under this Act by members of Indian Tribes for traditional cultural and religious purposes, consistent with applicable law, including Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the “American Indian Religious Freedom Act”) (42 U.S.C. 1996 [, 1996a]).
In accordance with applicable law, including Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the “American Indian Religious Freedom Act”) (42 U.S.C. 1996 [, 1996a]), and subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary, on request of an Indian Tribe or Indian religious community, shall temporarily close to general public use any portion of an area designated as a national monument, special management area, wild and scenic river, area of critical environmental concern, or National Park System unit under this Act (referred to in this subsection as a “designated area”) to protect the privacy of traditional cultural and religious activities in the designated area by members of the Indian Tribe or Indian religious community.
In closing a portion of a designated area under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall limit the closure to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities.
Not later than 2 years after