Us Code § 696 - National Key Deer Refuge; establishment; acquisition of property: exchanges, cash equalization payments; administration

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 696 — National Key Deer Refuge; establishment; acquisition of property: exchanges, cash equalization payments; administration, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 696. National Key Deer Refuge; establishment; acquisition of property: exchanges, cash equalization payments; administration

In order to protect and preserve in the national interest the key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to acquire by purchase, lease, exchange, and donations, including the use of donated funds, such lands or interests therein in townships 65 and 66 south, ranges 28, 29, and 30 east, Monroe County, Florida, as he shall find to be suitable for the conservation and management of the said key deer and other wildlife: Provided, That no lands within a one thousand-foot zone adjacent to either side of United States Highway Numbered 1 in Monroe County shall be acquired for the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge by condemnation. The Secretary, in the exercise of his exchange authority, may accept title to any non-Federal property in townships 65 and 66 south, ranges 28, 29, and 30 east, Monroe County, Florida, and in exchange therefor convey to the grantor of such property any federally owned property in the State of Florida under his jurisdiction which he classifies as suitable for exchange or other disposal. The values of the properties so exchanged either shall be approximately equal, or if they are not approximately equal the values shall be equalized by the payment of cash to the grantor or to the Secretary as the circumstances require. The properties so acquired shall constitute the National Key Deer Refuge, and shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the laws and regulations relating to the national wildlife refuges, including, but not limited to, sections 664, 666a, and 666b of this title, relating to the conservation of wildlife, fish, and game.

(Pub. L. 85–164, §1, Aug. 22, 1957, 71 Stat. 412; Pub. L. 89–669, §10(a), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 930.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1966—Pub. L. 89–669 struck out one thousand acres limitation on acquisition of property, substituted prohibition against condemnation of lands within a one thousand-foot zone adjacent to either side of U.S. Highway Numbered 1 for the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge for former prohibition against condemnation of lands on an island that is traversed at any point by U.S. Highway Numbered 1, and required cash equalization payment when making unequal exchanges of properties.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 696 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.

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 696

What does United States Code § 696 cover?

Section 696 ("National Key Deer Refuge; establishment; acquisition of property: exchanges, cash equalization payments; administration") 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 § 696?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 696" (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 § 696 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

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