Code of Federal Regulations Title 43. Public Lands:  Interior § 43.9260.0–3 Authority

Under section 303(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1733), the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to issue regulations with respect to the management, use, and protection of the public lands, including property located thereon, the violation of which is punishable as a criminal offense. Section 303(c) of the Act authorizes the Secretary to enter into contracts with appropriate local officials having law enforcement authority and to authorize Federal personnel to carry out the enforcement of Federal laws and regulations relating to the public lands and their resources. Section 303(d) of the Act authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with State and local regulatory and law enforcement officials for the enforcement of State laws and local ordinances on the public lands. In addition to general authority under FLPMA, other specific authorities are noted where applicable.