Us Code § 402 - Existing claims, locations, or entries not affected; exchange of lands

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 402 — Existing claims, locations, or entries not affected; exchange of lands, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 402. Existing claims, locations, or entries not affected; exchange of lands

Nothing herein contained shall affect any valid claim, location, or entry existing under the land laws of the United States prior to June 7, 1924, whether for homestead, mineral, right-of-way, or any other purpose whatsoever, or shall affect the rights of any such claimant, locator, or entryman to the full use and enjoyment of his land. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to exchange, in his discretion, alienated lands in Bryce Canyon National Park for unappropriated and unreserved public lands of equal value and approximately equal area in the State of Utah outside of said park.

(June 7, 1924, ch. 305, §3, 43 Stat. 594; Feb. 25, 1928, ch. 102, §1, 45 Stat. 147.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Herein, referred to in text, means act June 7, 1924, which is classified to sections 346, 401 and 402 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The land laws of the United States, referred to in text, are classified generally to Title 43, Public Lands.

Codification

The last sentence of this section as originally enacted is expressly applicable also to Zion National Park. See section 346 of this title.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Utah National Park" changed to "Bryce Canyon National Park" by section 1 of act Feb. 25, 1928, classified to section 402a of this title.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 402 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 402. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 402

What does United States Code § 402 cover?

Section 402 ("Existing claims, locations, or entries not affected; exchange of lands") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 402?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 402" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 402 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.