§ 1859
Surveys interrupted
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, by threats or force, interrupts, hinders, or prevents the surveying of the public lands, or of any private land claim which has been or may be confirmed by the United States, by the persons authorized to survey the same in conformity with the instructions of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall be or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
History: (June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 789 (PDF, 39 MB); May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §42, 63 Stat. 95 (PDF, 5.2 MB); Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(J), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147 (PDF, 52 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime to use threats or force to interrupt, hinder, or stop authorized surveyors from surveying public lands or confirmed private land claims.