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President George W. Bush established the Governors Island National Monument by proclamation, reserving approximately 22 acres of federal land on Governors Island in New York Harbor to protect the historic fortifications Castle Williams and Fort Jay. The proclamation supersedes a prior 2001 monument proclamation that had been subject to a statutory sale requirement, following conveyances that returned the lands to federal ownership. The Secretary of the Interior is directed to manage the monument and prepare a management plan within 3 years.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 7053

Impact dates

Feb 7, 2006
Management plan for monument due

Key directives

Establish Governors Island National Monument on approximately 22 acres of federal land
Withdraw federal lands from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing
Secretary of Interior shall manage the monument consistent with proclamation purposes
Secretary shall prepare a management plan within 3 years of proclamation date
Secretary shall promulgate additional regulations as authorized by law for proper care and management

Who is ordered

Secretary of the Interior · Department of the Interior

Timeline

Immediate

National Monument established
Federal lands withdrawn from entry, sale, leasing, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing
Secretary of Interior accepts conveyance and assumes management

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Management plan due within 3 years of proclamation
Ongoing preservation, restoration, and enhancement of public visitation

Risks & tensions

Prior statutory sale requirement (Public Law 105-33) created legal complexity requiring state/city waivers and reconveyance to federal government
Monument dominance over 'valid existing rights' may create future property disputes
Limited federal footprint (22 acres) on island with multiple landowners requires coordination with NY State/City entities