New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act

This bill establishes a process for federal agencies to coordinate with New Mexico land grant communities (known as "qualified land grant-mercedes") regarding their historical or traditional noncommercial uses of federal land. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture or Interior to create a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Mexico Land Grant Council, outlining procedures for permits, fee reductions (considering community socioeconomic conditions), and maintenance of infrastructure like water systems and cemeteries. The MOU covers activities such as water access, gathering plants, grazing, and maintaining shrines or cemeteries, while ensuring compliance with existing laws and consultation with affected tribes. It does not create new rights but streamlines coordination for uses already recognized under historical practice. The bill explicitly excludes Indian reservations and trust lands from its scope.