Us Code § 518 - Acquisition of lands not defeated by rights-of-way, easements, and reservations

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 518 — Acquisition of lands not defeated by rights-of-way, easements, and reservations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 518. Acquisition of lands not defeated by rights-of-way, easements, and reservations

Such acquisition by the United States shall in no case be defeated because of located or defined rights of way, easements, and reservations, which, from their nature will, in the opinion of the Secretary of Agriculture, in no manner interfere with the use of the lands so encumbered, for the purposes of this Act. Such rights of way, easements, and reservations retained by the owner from whom the United States receives title, shall be subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture for their occupation, use, operation, protection, and administration, and such rules and regulations shall be expressed in and made part of the written instrument conveying title to the lands to the United States; and the use, occupation, and operation of such rights of way, easements, and reservations shall be under, subject to, and in obedience with the rules and regulations so expressed.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, §9, 36 Stat. 962; Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 145, §1 (part), 37 Stat. 855; Pub. L. 94–588, §17(a)(5), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2962.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This Act, referred to in text, means act Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, 36 Stat. 961, popularly known as the Weeks Law, which enacted this section, former sections 513 and 514 of this title, and sections 515 to 517a, 519, 521, 552, and 563 of this title and amended sections 480 and 500 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 552 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–588 struck out "the National Forest Reservation Commission and" after "in the opinion of".

1913—Act Mar. 4, 1913, amended act Mar. 1, 1911, generally to provide that acquisition of lands under this section would not be defeated by rights of way, easements, and reservations retained by the owner from whom title is received.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 518 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. § 518. 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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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 518

What does United States Code § 518 cover?

Section 518 ("Acquisition of lands not defeated by rights-of-way, easements, and reservations") 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 § 518?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 518" (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 § 518 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.