Establishment of the Governors Island National Monument

President George W. Bush established the Governors Island National Monument under the Antiquities Act, reserving approximately 22 acres containing Castle Williams and Fort Jay. The proclamation supersedes a prior 2001 monument designation by re-establishing federal control after land conveyances, and directs the Secretary of the Interior to prepare a management plan within 3 years.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 7053

Impact dates

Feb 7, 2006
Management plan for monument due from Secretary of the Interior

Key directives

Establish Governors Island National Monument on approximately 22 acres
Withdraw federal lands from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under public land laws
Secretary of Interior to manage monument consistent with proclamation purposes
Secretary to prepare management plan within 3 years of proclamation date
Secretary to 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

Monument boundaries established and federal lands withdrawn from disposition
Secretary of Interior accepts conveyance of lands

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Management plan due within 3 years
Ongoing preservation, restoration, and public visitation enhancement of Castle Williams and Fort Jay

Risks & tensions

Prior 2001 monument (Proclamation 7402) was encumbered by statutory sale requirement; this proclamation resolves that by relying on state/city waiver and National Trust conveyance back to US
Subject to 'valid existing rights' — uncertainty if any such rights exist
Monument 'dominant reservation' language may create tension with prior withdrawals if conflicts arise