Collapse to view only § 539l-4. Other administrative provisions

§ 471. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, § 704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792
§ 471a. Forest reserves in New Mexico and Arizona restricted

No forest reservation shall be created, nor shall any additions be made to one created prior to June 15, 1926, within the limits of the States of New Mexico and Arizona except by Act of Congress.

(June 15, 1926, ch. 587, 44 Stat. 745.)
§ 471b. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, § 704(a), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2792
§ 471c. Lands in California set aside as reserved forest lands

The tracts of land in the State of California known and described as follows: Commencing at the northwest corner of township 2 north, range 19 east Mount Diablo meridian, thence eastwardly on the line between townships 2 and 3 north, ranges 24 and 25 east; thence southwardly on the line between ranges 24 and 25 east to the Mount Diablo base line; thence eastwardly on said base line to the corner to township 1 south, ranges 25 and 26 east; thence southwardly on the line between ranges 25 and 26 east to the southeast corner of township 2 south, range 25 east; thence eastwardly on the line between townships 2 and 3 south, range 26 east to the corner to townships 2 and 3 south, ranges 26 and 27 east; thence southwardly on the line between ranges 26 and 27 east to the first standard parallel south; thence westwardly on the first standard parallel south to the southwest corner of township 4 south, range 19 east; thence northwardly on the line between ranges 18 and 19 east to the northwest corner of township 2 south, range 19 east; thence westwardly on the line between townships 1 and 2 south to the southwest corner of township 1 south, range 19 east; thence northwardly on the line between ranges 18 and 19 east to the northwest corner of township 2 north, range 19 east, the place of beginning, are reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and set apart as reserved forest lands; and all persons who shall locate or settle upon, or occupy the same or any part thereof, except as hereinafter provided, shall be considered trespassers and removed therefrom. Nothing in this section and sections 55, 61, and 471d of this title shall be construed as in anywise affecting any bona fide entry of land made within the limits above described under any law of the United States prior to October 1, 1890.

(Oct. 1, 1890, ch. 1263, § 1, 26 Stat. 650.)
§ 471d. Additional forest reserves in California

There is reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale under the laws of the United States, and set apart as reserved forest lands, as provided in section 471c of this title, and subject to all the limitations and provisions therein contained, the following lands, to wit: Township 17 south, range 30 east of the Mount Diablo meridian, excepting sections 31, 32, 33, and 34 of said township, included in section 41 of this title. And there is also reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale under the laws of the United States, and set apart as forest lands, subject to like limitations, conditions, and provisions, all of townships 15 and 16 south, of ranges 29 and 30 east of the Mount Diablo meridian. And there is also reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale under the laws of the United States, and set apart as reserved forest lands under like limitations, restrictions, and provisions, sections 5 and 6 in township 14 south, range 28, east of Mount Diablo meridian, and also sections 31 and 32 of township 13 south, range 28 east of the same meridian. Nothing in this section or sections 55, 61, and 471c of this title, shall authorize rules or contracts touching the protection and improvement of said reservations, beyond the sums that may be received by the Secretary of the Interior under the foregoing provisions, or authorize any charge against the Treasury of the United States.

(Oct. 1, 1890, ch. 1263, § 3, 26 Stat. 651.)
§ 471e. Extension of boundaries of Sequoia National Forest

Subject to existing valid claims, the boundaries of the Sequoia National Forest, California, be, and they are, extended to include the following described lands, which shall hereafter be subject to the laws, rules, and regulations relating to said national forest:

Southwest quarter, southwest quarter section 7; section 16 and section 17; east half northeast quarter, southwest quarter, northeast quarter, southeast quarter, northwest quarter, east half southeast quarter section 18; east half northwest quarter, northwest quarter northwest quarter, northeast quarter section 20; northwest quarter northwest quarter section 21; and tract numbered 48 in the southeast quarter section 28, all in township 21 south, range 31 east, of the Mount Diablo meridian in California.

(Dec. 9, 1942, ch. 712, 56 Stat. 1044.)
§ 471f. Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah National Forest; establishment; statement of purposes; publication in Federal Register

In order to preserve, develop, and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America and to promote, demonstrate, and stimulate interest in and knowledge of the management of forest lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield and the development and progress of management of forest lands in America, the Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized to establish the Cradle of Forestry in America in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina. As soon as possible after July 11, 1968, the Secretary of Agriculture shall publish notice of the designation thereof in the Federal Register together with a map showing the boundaries which shall be those shown on the map entitled “Cradle of Forestry in America” dated April 12, 1967, which shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture.

(Pub. L. 90–398, § 1, July 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 342.)
§ 471g. Administration, protection, and development; use of natural resources

The area designated as the Cradle of Forestry in America shall be administered, protected, and developed within and as a part of the Pisgah National Forest by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to national forests in such manner as in his judgment will best provide for the purposes of sections 471f to 471h of this title and for such management, utilization, and disposal of the natural resources as in his judgment will promote or is compatible with and does not significantly impair the purposes for which the Cradle of Forestry in America is established.

(Pub. L. 90–398, § 2, July 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 342.)
§ 471h. Cooperation with public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals; acceptance of contributions and gifts

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized to cooperate with and receive the cooperation of public and private agencies and organizations and individuals in the development, administration, and operation of the Cradle of Forestry in America. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to accept contributions and gifts to be used to further the purposes of sections 471f to 471h of this title.

(Pub. L. 90–398, § 3, July 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 342.)
§ 471i. Pinelands National Reserve
(a) Congressional findingsThe Congress finds that—
(1) the Pinelands area in New Jersey, containing approximately 1,000,000 acres of pine-oak forest, extensive surface and ground water resources of high quality, and a wide diversity of rare plant and animal species, provides significant ecological, natural, cultural, recreational, educational, agricultural, and public health benefits;
(2) there is a national interest in protecting and preserving these benefits for the residents of and visitors to the area;
(3) a primary responsibility for protecting and enhancing these benefits resides with the State of New Jersey and the various local units of government having jurisdiction over the area;
(4) in view of the longstanding Federal practice of assisting the States in creating, protecting, preserving, and enhancing areas of significant regional and urban importance, and in view of the national significance of this resource, the Federal Government has an interest in assisting the State of New Jersey and its local units of government in fulfilling their responsibilities and in avoiding adverse Federally approved or assisted impacts before these responsibilities can be undertaken;
(5) the State of New Jersey and its local units of government have authority to prevent or minimize adverse uses of the land and water resources of the Pinelands area and can, to a great extent, protect the health, safety, and general welfare by the use of such authority; and
(6) there is a demonstrated need to protect, preserve and enhance the land and water resources of the Pinelands area through a new program which combines the capabilities and resources of the local, State and Federal governments and the private sector and provides an alternative to large-scale direct Federal acquisition and management in cases where such acquisition and management is inappropriate.
(b) PurposesThe purposes of this section are—
(1) to protect, preserve and enhance the significant values of the land and water resources of the Pinelands area;
(2) to encourage and assist the State of New Jersey and its units of local government in the development of a comprehensive management plan for the Pinelands area in order to assure orderly public and private development in the area consistent with the findings of this section;
(3) to provide, during the development of this comprehensive plan, Federal financial assistance for the acquisition of lands in the Pinelands area that have critical ecological values which are in immediate danger of being adversely affected or destroyed;
(4) to encourage and assist the State and its units of local government in developing a governmental mechanism to implement this comprehensive plan, and to provide Federal financial assistance for the acquisition of lands consistent with the comprehensive plan;
(5) to encourage adequate coordination of all government programs affecting the land and water resources of the Pinelands area.
(c) Pinelands National Reserve and Federal Project Review Area; establishment; map, availability
(d) State planning entity for development of comprehensive management plan; membership; representation of interests; assistance and grants to State
(e) Planning entity consultations; public hearingsDuring the development of the management plan, the planning entity shall:
(1) consult with appropriate officials of any local government or State or Federal agency which has jurisdiction over lands and waters within the area;
(2) consult with the officials of any local government which has jurisdiction over lands and waters within areas delineated in accordance with subsection (f)(2)(B);
(3) consult with interested professional, scientific and citizen organizations;
(4) consult with a citizens advisory committee which may be established by the Governor; and
(5) conduct public hearings at places within the area, and at such other places as may be appropriate, for the purpose of providing interested persons with an opportunity to express their views with respect to matters covered by the management plan.
(f) Comprehensive management plan; terms and provisions; resource assessment; boundary map, delineations; land use map and policy statement; coordination and consistency, public use, and financial components; programs; water implementation planThe comprehensive management plan for the Pinelands National Reserve shall include, but need not be limited to—
(1) A resource assessment which:
(A) determines the amount and type of human development and activity which the ecosystem can sustain while still maintaining the overall ecological values described in this section with special reference to (i) ground and surface water supply and quality; (ii) natural hazards, including fire; (iii) endangered, unique and unusual plants and animals and biotic communities; (iv) ecological factors relating to the protection and enhancement of blueberry and cranberry production and other agricultural activity; (v) air quality; and (vi) other appropriate considerations affecting the ecological integrity of the area; and
(B) includes an assessment of scenic, aesthetic, cultural, open space, and outdoor recreation resources of the area together with a determination of overall policies required to maintain and enhance these resources.
(2) A map showing the detailed boundary of the Pinelands National Reserve, such map to delineate:
(A) major areas within the boundary which are of critical ecological importance;
(B) major areas and resources adjacent to the boundary that have significance to the ecological integrity of the Pinelands National Reserve; and
(C) areas of scenic, open space, cultural and recreational significance.
(3) A land use capability map and a comprehensive statement of policies for land use management of the area which:
(A) consider and detail the application of a variety of land and water protection and management techniques, including but not limited to, zoning and regulation derived from State and local police powers, development and use standards and permit systems, acquisition of conservation easements and other interests in land, public access agreements with private landowners, purchase of land for resale or lease-back, fee acquisition of public recreation sites and ecologically sensitive areas and any other method of land and water protection and management which will help meet the goals and carry out the policies of the management plan;
(B) include a policy for the use of State and local police power responsibilities to the greatest extent practicable to regulate the use of land and water resources in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section; and
(C) recognize existing economic activities within the area and provide for the protection and enhancement of such activities as farming, forestry, proprietary recreational facilities, and those indigenous industries and commercial and residential developments which are consistent with the findings and purposes of this section.
(4) A coordination and consistency component which details the ways in which local, State and Federal programs and policies may best be coordinated to promote the goals and policies of the management plan, and which details how land, water and structures managed by governmental or nongovernmental entities in the public interest within the area may be integrated into the management plan.
(5) A public use component including, among other items, a detailed program to educate the public concerning appropriate uses of the area.
(6) A financial component, together with a cash flow timetable, which:
(A) details the cost of implementing the management plan, including, but not limited to, payments in lieu of taxes, general administrative costs, and any anticipated extraordinary or continuing costs; and
(B) details the sources of revenue for covering such costs, including, but not limited to, grants, donations and loans from local, State, and Federal departments and agencies, and from the private sector.
(7) A program to provide for the maximum feasible local government and public participation in the management of the Pinelands National Reserve.
(8) A program for State and local governmental implementation of the comprehensive management plan in a manner that will insure the continued, uniform, consistent protection of this area in accord with the purposes of this section.
(9) In conjunction with existing State programs and planning processes, a plan to implement the provisions of the Clean Water Act [33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.] and the Safe Drinking Water Act [42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.] which pertain to the surface and ground waters of the Pinelands National Reserve.
(g) Comprehensive management plan and revisions; approval by Secretary; submission to Congress; approval considerations; disapproval and revision recommendations, notification; resubmission and consideration; Federal assistance, termination; modifications and revisions; reimbursement
(1) The State of New Jersey, through the planning entity, shall adopt and submit to the Secretary a comprehensive management plan within eighteen months after the date that funds are first provided for its preparation under subsection (d). In the event the State fails to submit the plan within such time period, the Secretary may obtain reimbursement or offset from the State of all Federal funds previously granted under this section. The Secretary shall, within ninety days after the date the plan is submitted to him, either approve or disapprove the plan. Should the Secretary fail to act on the proposed plan within ninety days, the plan shall be regarded as approved. Upon approval, the Secretary shall submit the plan to the Congress for a period of ninety days prior to implementation.
(2) In determining whether or not to approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider whether:
(A) the planning entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation and review of the plan, and whether such review and comment thereon were considered in the plan or revision as presented to him;
(B) he has received adequate assurances from appropriate State officials that the recommended implementation program identified in the plan will be initiated within a reasonable time after the date of approval of the plan and such program will insure effective implementation of the State and local aspects of the plan;
(C) provision is made for the participation of a Federal representative in the implementation program;
(D) the plan requires the exercise of police power responsibilities to the greatest extent practicable to regulate the use of land and water resources in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section;
(E) the plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the significant natural, ecological, agricultural, scenic, cultural and recreational resources of the Pinelands National Reserve and, consistent with such protection, provide adequate and appropriate outdoor recreational opportunities and economic activities within the area;
(F) the plan provides for the Governor of the State of New Jersey to exercise effective and continuing oversight over its implementation; and
(G) after consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the national defense mission of the military installations within, contiguous or adjacent to the Pinelands National Reserve has been adequately provided for.
(3) If the Secretary disapproves the management plan or a revision thereof, he shall, within sixty days after the date of such disapproval, advise the planning entity in writing of the reasons therefor, together with his recommendations for revision. The State of New Jersey, through the planning entity shall, within one hundred and twenty days after receipt by the planning entity of notification of such disapproval, revise and resubmit the plan to the Secretary who shall approve or disapprove a proposed revision within sixty days after the date it is submitted to him. Should the Secretary fail to act on a proposed revision within sixty days, the revision shall be considered as approved.
(4) The Secretary shall consider a plan revision in accordance with the procedure set forth in paragraph (2). Such revisions must be consistent with the purposes of this section.
(5) In the event that the planning entity fails to obtain approval of the plan by the Secretary within thirty-six months after the date funds are first provided under subsection (d) for development of the plan, the Secretary shall terminate all Federal assistance for and participation in the development of such plan, and may obtain reimbursement or offset from the State of New Jersey of all Federal funds previously granted under this section.
(6) The Secretary shall provide technical assistance for and monitor at periodic intervals the implementation of the approved management plan. A local jurisdiction or the State shall obtain the approval of the Secretary prior to any modification of the approved plan. The Secretary shall consider a plan revision in accordance with the procedure set forth in paragraph (2). Such revisions must be consistent with the purposes of this section. Any jurisdiction that implements changes to the approved management plan, or adopts or acquiesces in changes to laws, regulations, or policies adopted to implement such plan, without approval of the Secretary, may be liable for reimbursement or offset of all Federal funds previously granted to it under this section without regard to such additional terms and conditions or other requirements of law that may be applicable to such grants.
(h) Grants for State acquisition of property; Secretary’s acquisition and administration of property; conveyance by Secretary, terms and conditions; State reimbursement; grant authorization and applications; limitation
(1)
(A) During the development of the management plan, the Secretary is authorized to make grants to the State of New Jersey for the acquisition of lands and waters or interests therein within the Pinelands National Reserve that he determines, in consultation with the State planning entity, have critical ecological values which are in immediate danger of being adversely affected or destroyed.
(B) The grants authorized by subsection (h)(1)(A) together with the grants made under paragraph (4) of this subsection, shall (i) be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of chapter 2003 of title 54; (ii) not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of all property acquired by the State pursuant to this subsection; (iii) be supplemental to any other Federal financial assistance for any other program; and (iv) be subject to such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary may deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.
(2) In the event the State elects not to make acquisitions as authorized under subsection (h)(1), the Secretary, during the development of the management plan, is authorized to acquire such lands, waters or interests therein by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or otherwise, and to administer such property under the laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System or National Wildlife Refuge System in a manner to carry out the purposes of this section.
(3) After his approval of the management plan, the Secretary (A) is authorized to convey property acquired pursuant to subsection (h)(2) to State or local authorities in accordance with the management plan, under such terms and conditions as he may deem appropriate, which shall include (i) a requirement that where the Secretary transfers land acquired with appropriated funds, the State or local government shall repay not less than 25 percent of the cost of such lands to the Secretary under such terms and conditions as he may deem appropriate, and (ii) a retention of a right of reversion of title to the United States, and (B) shall accept from the State those lands acquired pursuant to subsection (h)(1), which are identified in the management plan as being appropriate for Federal ownership and management: Provided, That the Secretary shall reimburse to the State such sums as are necessary to (i) cover 100 percent of the original cost of acquisition as to each parcel of land so transferred and (ii) assure that as to the remainder of lands acquired pursuant to subsection (h)(1) not transferred under this subsection, the total Federal land acquisition cost does not exceed 75 percent of the purchase price of such lands.
(4) Upon approval of the management plan, the Secretary is authorized to make grants for the acquisition within the Pinelands National Reserve of lands and waters or interests therein in a manner consistent with the management plan. All applications for such grants shall be made within ten years from the date of implementation of the management plan.
(i) Applications for Federal construction assistance; review by planning entity; notifications; commencement of review process
(j) Federal action pursuant to Federal court or agency orders related to public health or safety, national security or defense, or environmental values unaffected
(k) Authorization of appropriations; sources for appropriations; acquisitions consistent with management plan
(1) There is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $26 million to carry out the provisions of this section. Not to exceed $3 million shall be available for planning: Provided, That any funds not used for planning shall be available for land acquisition; Provided further, That $23,000,000 shall be made available for land acquisition, as authorized by this section. Such appropriations may be made from the general fund of the Treasury or from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended [43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.], which would otherwise be credited to miscellaneous receipts.
(2) In addition to other funds authorized pursuant to this subsection, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $14,500,000 for land acquisition, the Federal share of which may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost. Land acquisition pursuant to this subsection shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of subsection (h) of this section insofar as such requirements are not inconsistent with this paragraph. Such acquisitions shall also be carried out in a manner consistent with the management plan and shall include—
(A) lands located within the preservation area of the National Reserve which is designated in the management plan;
(B) lands that are within the areas protected by the management plan and that are threatened by adverse development or have critical ecological values; or
(C) lands that have limited practical use because of their location in the Reserve and that are held by landowners who both own less than 50 acres in the Reserve and have exhausted existing remedies to secure relief.
Additional funds contributed by the State to the Pinelands Development Bank after enactment of this Act, not to exceed $5,000,000, may be counted as part of the State share of land acquisition funds.
(l) Pinelands interpretative and educational program; Interior Department study and recommendations
(1) Study and recommendations for interpretative and educational program
(2) Items includedThe study and recommendations required by this subsection shall include, but not be limited to each of the following:
(A) Interpretative and informational materials, exhibits, films, lectures, and other devices and educational methods.
(B) A plan to provide for educational and interpretative programs for the Reserve, considering among other things the improvement of existing facilities and interpretative programs in the Reserve, including the possible use of existing facilities such as Whitesbog, Batsto, Double Trouble State Park and Stockton State College.
(C) The use and enhancement of existing fire towers in the Reserve to serve as observation platforms.
(D) The appropriate role for departments and agencies of the State of New Jersey and the Federal Government in implementing the program.
(3) Study of Development Credit Bank and Development Credit System
(4) Study of Municipal Council
(5) Contracts and agreements
(Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 502, Nov. 10, 1978,
§ 471j. Headwaters Forest and Elk River Property acquisition
(a) Authorization
(b) Effective period of authorization
The authorization in subsection (a) expires March 1, 1999 and shall become effective only—
(1) when the State of California provides a $130,000,000 contribution for the transaction;
(2) when the State of California approves a Sustained Yield Plan covering Pacific Lumber Company timber property;
(3) when the Pacific Lumber Company dismisses the following legal actions as evidenced by instruments in form and substance satisfactory to each of the parties to such legal actions: Pacific Lumber Co. v. United States, No. 96–257L (Fed. Cls.) and Salmon Creek Corp. v. California Board of Forestry, No. 96–CS–1057 (Cal. Super. Ct.);
(4) when the incidental take permit under section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1539(a)] (based upon a multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan covering Pacific Lumber Company timber property, including applicable portions of the Elk River Property) is issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service;
(5) after an appraisal of all lands and interests therein to be acquired by the United States has been undertaken, such appraisal has been reviewed for a period not to exceed 30 days by the Comptroller General of the United States, and such appraisal has been provided to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate;
(6) after the Secretary of the Interior issues an opinion of value to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committees on Appropriations of the House and Senate for the land and property to be acquired by the Federal Government. Such opinion of value shall also include the total value of all compensation (including tax benefits) proposed to be provided for the acquisition;
(7) after an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan has been prepared and completed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.]; and
(8) when adequate provision has been made for public access to the property.
(c) Acquisition
(d) Habitat conservation plan
(1) Applicable standards
(2) Report
(3) HCP standards
(e) Payment to Humboldt County
(f) Payment in lieu of taxes
(g) Out-year budget limitations
The following funding limitations and parameters shall apply to the Headwaters Forest acquired under subsection (a)—
(1) At least 50 percent of the total funds for management of such lands above the annual level of $100,000 shall (with the exception of law enforcement activities and emergency activities) be from non-Federal sources.
(2) Subject to appropriations, the authorized annual Federal funding for management of such land is $300,000 (with the exception of law enforcement activities and emergency activities).
(3) The Secretary of the Interior or the Headwaters Forest Management Trust referenced in subsection (h) is authorized to accept and use donations of funds and personal property from the State of California, private individuals, and other nongovernmental entities for the purpose of management of the Headwaters Forest.
(h) Headwaters Forest Management Trust
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized, with the written concurrence of the Governor of the State of California, to establish a Headwaters Forest Management Trust (“Trust”) for the management of the Headwaters Forest as follows:
(1) Management authority
(2) Operations
(i) Management plan
(1) In general
A concise management plan for the Headwaters Forest shall be developed and periodically amended as necessary by the Secretary of the Interior in consultation with the State of California (and in the case that the authority provided in subsection (h) is exercised, the trustees shall develop and periodically amend the management plan), and shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Management goals for the plan shall be to conserve and study the land, fish, wildlife, and forests occurring on such land while providing public recreation opportunities and other management needs.
(B) Before a management structure and management plan are adopted for such land, the Secretary of the Interior or the board of trustees, as the case may be, shall submit a proposal for the structure and plan to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives. The proposed management plan shall not become effective until the passage of 90 days after its submission to the Committees.
(C) The Secretary of the Interior or the board of trustees, as the case may be, shall report annually to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives, and the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations concerning the management of lands acquired under the authority of this section and activities undertaken on such lands.
(2) Plan
The management plan shall guide general management of the Headwaters Forest. Such plan shall address the following management issues—
(A) scientific research on forests, fish, wildlife, and other such activities that will be fostered and permitted on the Headwaters Forest;
(B) providing recreation opportunities on the Headwaters Forest;
(C) access to the Headwaters Forest;
(D) construction of minimal necessary facilities within the Headwaters Forest so as to maintain the ecological integrity of the Headwaters Forest;
(E) other management needs; and
(F) an annual budget for the management of the Headwaters Forest, which shall include a projected revenue schedule (such as fees for research and recreation) and projected expenses.
(3) Compliance
(j) Cooperative management
(1) The Secretary of the Interior may enter into agreements with the State of California for the cooperative management of any of the following: Headwaters Forest, Redwood National Park, and proximate State lands. The purpose of such agreements is to acquire from and provide to the State of California goods and services to be used by the Secretary and the State of California in cooperative management of lands if the Secretary determines that appropriations for that purpose are available and an agreement is in the best interests of the United States; and
(2) an assignment arranged by the Secretary under section 3372 of title 5 of a Federal or State employee for work in any Federal or State of California lands, or an extension of such assignment, may be for any period of time determined by the Secretary or the State of California, as appropriate, to be mutually beneficial.
(Pub. L. 105–83, title V, § 501, Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1610.)
§ 472. Laws affecting national forest lands

The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall execute or cause to be executed all laws affecting public lands reserved under the provisions of section 471 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title, or sections supplemental to and amendatory thereof, after such lands have been so reserved, excepting such laws as affect the surveying, prospecting, locating, appropriating, entering, relinquishing, reconveying, certifying, or patenting of any of such lands.

(Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 1, 33 Stat. 628.)
§ 472a. Timber sales on National Forest System lands
(a) Authorization; rules and regulations; appraised value as minimum sale price
(b) Designation on map; prospectus
(c) Terms and conditions of contract
(d) Advertisement of sales; exceptions
(e) Bidding methods; purposes; oral auction procedures; monitoring and enforcement for prevention of collusive practices
(1) In the sale of trees, portions of trees, or forest products from National Forest System lands (hereinafter referred to in this subsection as “national forest materials”), the Secretary of Agriculture shall select the bidding method or methods which—
(A) insure open and fair competition;
(B) insure that the Federal Government receive not less than the appraised value as required by subsection (a) of this section;
(C) consider the economic stability of communities whose economies are dependent on such national forest materials, or achieve such other objectives as the Secretary deems necessary; and
(D) are consistent with the objectives of this Act and other Federal statutes.
The Secretary shall select or alter the bidding method or methods as he determines necessary to achieve the objectives stated in clauses (A), (B), (C), and (D) of this paragraph.
(2) In those instances when the Secretary selects oral auction as the bidding method for the sale of any national forest materials, he shall require that all prospective purchasers submit written sealed qualifying bids. Only prospective purchasers whose written sealed qualifying bids are equal to or in excess of the appraised value of such national forest materials may participate in the oral bidding process.
(3) The Secretary shall monitor bidding patterns involved in the sale of national forest materials. If the Secretary has a reasonable belief that collusive bidding practices may be occurring, then—
(A) he shall report any such instances of possible collusive bidding or suspected collusive bidding practices to the Attorney General of the United States with any and all supporting data;
(B) he may alter the bidding methods used within the affected area; and
(C) he shall take such other action as he deems necessary to eliminate such practices within the affected area.
(f) Research and demonstration projects
(g) Designation and supervision of harvesting
(1) In general
(2) RequirementPersons employed by the Secretary of Agriculture under paragraph (1)—
(A) shall have no personal interest in the purchase or harvest of the products; and
(B) shall not be directly or indirectly in the employment of the purchaser of the products.
(3) Methods for designation
(h) Utilization standards, methods of measurement, and harvesting practices; monetary deposits by purchasers of salvage harvests; nature, purposes and availability of designated fund; return of surplus to Treasury
(i) Purchaser credit for permanent road construction; right of election of small business concerns; estimated cost; date of completion; use of funds for construction; effective date
(1) For sales of timber which include a provision for purchaser credit for construction of permanent roads with an estimated cost in excess of $20,000, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate regulations requiring that the notice of sale afford timber purchasers qualifying as “small business concerns” under the Small Business Act, as amended [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], and the regulations issued thereunder, an estimate of the cost and the right, when submitting a bid, to elect that the Secretary build the proposed road.
(2) If the purchaser makes such an election, the price subsequently paid for the timber shall include all of the estimated cost of the road. In the notice of sale, the Secretary of Agriculture shall set a date when such road shall be completed which shall be applicable to either construction by the purchaser or the Secretary, depending on the election. To accomplish requested work, the Secretary is authorized to use from any receipts from the sale of timber a sum equal to the estimate for timber purchaser credits, and such additional sums as may be appropriated for the construction of roads, such funds to be available until expended, to construct a road that meets the standards specified in the notice of sale.
(3) The provisions of this subsection shall become effective on October 1, 1976.
(Pub. L. 94–588, § 14, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2958; Pub. L. 95–233, Feb. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 32; Pub. L. 101–626, title I, § 105(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4427; Pub. L. 113–79, title VIII, § 8303, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 924.)
§ 473. Revocation, modification, or vacation of orders or proclamations establishing national forests

The President of the United States is authorized and empowered to revoke, modify, or suspend any and all Executive orders and proclamations or any part thereof issued under section 471 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title, from time to time as he shall deem best for the public interests. By such modification he may reduce the area or change the boundary lines or may vacate altogether any order creating a national forest.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 34, 36.)
§ 474. Surveys; plats and field notes; maps; effect under Act June 4, 1897

Surveys, field notes, and plats returned from the survey of public lands designated as national forests undertaken under the supervision of the Director of the United States Geological Survey in accordance with provisions of Act June 4, 1897, chapter 2, section 1, thirtieth Statutes, page 34, shall have the same legal force and effect as surveys, field notes, and plats returned through the Field Surveying Service; and such surveys, which include subdivision surveys under the rectangular system, approved by the Secretary of the Interior or such officer as he may designate as in other cases, and properly certified copies thereof shall be filed in the respective land offices of the districts in which such lands are situated, as in other cases. All laws inconsistent with the provisions hereof are declared inoperative as respects such survey. A copy of every topographic map and other maps showing the distribution of the forests, together with such field notes as may be taken relating thereto, shall be certified thereto by the Director of the Survey and filed in the Bureau of Land Management.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 34; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 462, 43 Stat. 1144; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100; Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1000.)
§ 475. Purposes for which national forests may be established and administered

All public lands designated and reserved prior to June 4, 1897, by the President of the United States under the provisions of section 471 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title, the orders for which shall be and remain in full force and effect, unsuspended and unrevoked, and all public lands that may hereafter be set aside and reserved as national forests under said section, shall be as far as practicable controlled and administered in accordance with the following provisions. No national forest shall be established, except to improve and protect the forest within the boundaries, or for the purpose of securing favorable conditions of water flows, and to furnish a continuous supply of timber for the use and necessities of citizens of the United States; but it is not the purpose or intent of these provisions, or of said section, to authorize the inclusion therein of lands more valuable for the mineral therein, or for agricultural purposes, than for forest purposes.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 34.)
§ 476. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–588, § 13, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2958
§ 477. Use of timber and stone by settlers

The Secretary of Agriculture may permit, under regulations to be prescribed by him, the use of timber and stone found upon national forests, free of charge, by bona fide settlers, miners, residents, and prospectors for minerals, for firewood, fencing, buildings, mining, prospecting, and other domestic purposes, as may be needed by such persons for such purposes; such timber to be used within the State or Territory, respectively, where such national forests may be located.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 35; Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 1, 33 Stat. 628.)
§ 478. Egress or ingress of actual settlers; prospecting

Nothing in sections 473 to 478, 479 to 482 and 551 of this title shall be construed as prohibiting the egress or ingress of actual settlers residing within the boundaries of national forests, or from crossing the same to and from their property or homes; and such wagon roads and other improvements may be constructed thereon as may be necessary to reach their homes and to utilize their property under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Nor shall anything in such sections prohibit any person from entering upon such national forests for all proper and lawful purposes, including that of prospecting, locating, and developing the mineral resources thereof. Such persons must comply with the rules and regulations covering such national forests.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 36; Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 1, 33 Stat. 628.)
§ 478a. Townsites

When the Secretary of Agriculture determines that a tract of National Forest System land in Alaska or in the eleven contiguous Western States is located adjacent to or contiguous to an established community, and that transfer of such land would serve indigenous community objectives that outweigh the public objectives and values which would be served by maintaining such tract in Federal ownership, he may, upon application, set aside and designate as a townsite an area of not to exceed six hundred and forty acres of National Forest System land for any one application. After public notice, and satisfactory showing of need therefor by any county, city, or other local governmental subdivision, the Secretary may offer such area for sale to a governmental subdivision at a price not less than the fair market value thereof: Provided, however, That the Secretary may condition conveyances of townsites upon the enactment, maintenance, and enforcement of a valid ordinance which assures any land so conveyed will be controlled by the governmental subdivision so that use of the area will not interfere with the protection, management, and development of adjacent or contiguous National Forest System lands.

(Pub. L. 85–569, July 31, 1958, 72 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 94–579, title II, § 213, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2760.)
§ 479. Sites for schools and churches
(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 36.)
§ 479a. Conveyance of National Forest System lands for educational purposes
(a) Authority to conveyUpon written application, the Secretary of Agriculture may convey National Forest System lands to a public school district for use for educational purposes if the Secretary determines that—
(1) the public school district seeking the conveyance will use the conveyed land for a public or publicly funded elementary or secondary school, to provide grounds or facilities related to such a school, or for both purposes;
(2) the conveyance will serve the public interest;
(3) the land to be conveyed is not otherwise needed for the purposes of the National Forest System;
(4) the total acreage to be conveyed does not exceed the amount reasonably necessary for the proposed use;
(5) the land is to be used for an established or proposed project that is described in detail in the application to the Secretary, and the conveyance would serve public objectives (either locally or at large) that outweigh the objectives and values which would be served by maintaining such land in Federal ownership;
(6) the applicant is financially and otherwise capable of implementing the proposed project;
(7) the land to be conveyed has been identified for disposal in an applicable land and resource management plan under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.); and
(8) an opportunity for public participation in a disposal under this section has been provided, including at least one public hearing or meeting, to provide for public comments.
(b) Acreage limitation
(c) Costs and mineral rights
(1) A conveyance under this section shall be for a nominal cost. The conveyance may not include the transfer of mineral or water rights.
(2) If necessary, the exact acreage and legal description of the real property conveyed under this section shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary and the applicant. The cost of the survey shall be borne by the applicant.
(d) Review of applicationsWhen the Secretary receives an application under this section, the Secretary shall—
(1) before the end of the 14-day period beginning on the date of the receipt of the application, provide notice of that receipt to the applicant; and
(2) before the end of the 120-day period beginning on that date—
(A) make a final determination whether or not to convey land pursuant to the application, and notify the applicant of that determination; or
(B) submit written notice to the applicant containing the reasons why a final determination has not been made.
(e) Reversionary interest
(Pub. L. 106–577, title II, § 202, Dec. 28, 2000, 114 Stat. 3070.)
§ 480. Civil and criminal jurisdiction

The jurisdiction, both civil and criminal, over persons within national forests shall not be affected or changed by reason of their existence, except so far as the punishment of offenses against the United States therein is concerned; the intent and meaning of this provision being that the State wherein any such national forest is situated shall not, by reason of the establishment thereof, lose its jurisdiction, nor the inhabitants thereof their rights and privileges as citizens, or be absolved from their duties as citizens of the State.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 36; Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 12, 36 Stat. 963.)
§ 481. Use of waters

All waters within the boundaries of national forests may be used for domestic, mining, milling, or irrigation purposes, under the laws of the State wherein such national forests are situated, or under the laws of the United States and the rules and regulations established thereunder.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 36.)
§ 482. Mineral lands; restoration to public domain; location and entry

Upon the recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the President, after sixty days’ notice thereof, published in two papers of general circulation in the State or Territory wherein any national forest is situated, and near the said national forest, any public lands embraced within the limits of any such forest which, after due examination by personal inspection of a competent person appointed for that purpose by the Secretary of the Interior, shall be found better adapted for mining or for agricultural purposes than for forest usage, may be restored to the public domain. And any mineral lands in any national forest which have been or which may be shown to be such, and subject to entry under the existing mining laws of the United States and the rules and regulations applying thereto, shall continue to be subject to such location and entry, notwithstanding any provisions contained in sections 473 to 478, 479 to 482 and 551 of this title.

(June 4, 1897, ch. 2, § 1, 30 Stat. 36.)
§ 482a. Mining rights in Prescott National Forest

On and after January 19, 1933, mining locations made under the United States mining laws upon lands within the municipal watershed of the city of Prescott, within the Prescott National Forest in the State of Arizona, specifically described as the west half southwest quarter section 13; south half section 14; southeast quarter, and east half southwest quarter section 15; east half, and south half southwest quarter section 22; all of section 23; west half section 24; all of sections 26 and 27; north half north half section 34; and north half north half section 35, township 13 north, range 2 west, Gila and Salt River Base and meridian, an area of three thousand six hundred acres, more or less, shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting and mining, including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

On and after January 19, 1933, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the municipal watershed of the city of Prescott, within the Prescott National Forest, in the State of Arizona, shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national-forest rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture.

Valid mining claims within the municipal watershed of the city of Prescott, within the Prescott National Forest in the State of Arizona, existing on January 19, 1933, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Arizona, may be perfected under this section, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(Jan. 19, 1933, ch. 12, §§ 1–3, 47 Stat. 771.)
§ 482b. Mount Hood National Forest; mining rights

On and after May 11, 1934, mining locations made under the United States mining laws upon lands within the Mount Hood National Forest in the State of Oregon shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting and mining, including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(May 11, 1934, ch. 280, § 1, 48 Stat. 773.)
§ 482c. Patents affecting forest lands

On and after May 11, 1934, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the Mount Hood National Forest within the State of Oregon shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national-forest rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Forest Service.

(May 11, 1934, ch. 280, § 2, 48 Stat. 773.)
§ 482d. Perfection of claims within forest

Valid mining claims within the Mount Hood National Forest in the State of Oregon existing on May 11, 1934, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Oregon, may be perfected under sections 482b and 482c of this title, or under the law under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(May 11, 1934, ch. 280, § 3, 48 Stat. 773.)
§ 482e. Lincoln National Forest; mining rights

On and after June 13, 1939, mining locations made under the United States mining laws upon lands within the watershed of the headwaters of the Bonito River in the Lincoln National Forest within the State of New Mexico, specifically described as those certain pieces or parcels of land situate, lying, and being in the county of Lincoln, State of New Mexico, described as follows:

The east half east half section 12, east half east half section 13, east half northeast quarter section 24, township 10 south, range 10 east, New Mexico principal meridian; southeast quarter section 25, southwest quarter section 26, south half section 27, southeast quarter and south half southwest quarter section 28, southeast quarter section 31, and all of sections 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36, township 9 south, range 11 east, New Mexico principal meridian; all of sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, and 29, north half section 19, north half and southwest quarter section 24, northwest quarter section 26, north half northeast quarter section 32, and north half north half section 33, township 10 south, range 11 east, New Mexico principal meridian; southwest quarter section 25, south half of fractional section 26, all of fractional section 35, and all of section 36, township 9 south, range 12 east, New Mexico principal meridian; all of section 1, all of fractional section 2, all of fractional section 11, all of section 12, all of section 13, all of fractional section 14, north half of fractional section 23, and north half section 24, township 10 south, range 12 east, New Mexico principal meridian; having an area of approximately thirty-nine and three hundred and seventy-six one-thousandths square miles, shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use only so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting and mining, including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(June 13, 1939, ch. 201, § 1, 53 Stat. 817.)
§ 482f. Patents affecting forest lands

On and after June 13, 1939, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the watershed of headwaters of the Bonito River in the Lincoln Forest, in the State of New Mexico, shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing the mineral deposits, if the timber is removed in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture.

(June 13, 1939, ch. 201, § 2, 53 Stat. 818.)
§ 482g. Perfection of claims within forest

Valid mining claims within the watershed of the headwaters of the Bonito River in the Lincoln National Forest, within the State of New Mexico, as above described, existing on June 13, 1939, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of New Mexico, may be perfected under sections 482e and 482f of this title, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(June 13, 1939, ch. 201, § 3, 53 Stat. 818.)
§ 482h. Coronado National Forest; mining rights

On and after March 15, 1940, mining locations made under the mining laws of the United States upon lands within four hundred feet of the center line of the Catalina Highway, Coronado National Forest, Arizona, which highway begins at the south boundary of said national forest near the southeast corner of section 7, township 13 south, range 16 east, Gila and Salt River base and meridian, and runs in a general northerly direction for a distance of about twenty-five miles to Soldier Camp, shall confer on the locator no right to the surface of the land described in his location other than the right to occupy and use, under the rules and regulations relating to the administration of the Coronado National Forest, so much thereof as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting and mining, and shall not authorize the taking of any resource other than the mineral deposits, or the occupancy of said land for any purpose other than prospecting and mining; and each patent issued thereafter under the United States mining laws upon a mineral location made upon lands within four hundred feet of said center line shall convey title only to the mineral deposits within said land and the right, subject to rules and regulations relating to the national forests, to occupy and use the surface of the land for prospecting and mining only: Provided, That valid mining claims within said lands existing on March 15, 1940, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the laws under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Arizona may be perfected in accordance with the laws under which they were initiated.

(Mar. 15, 1940, ch. 59, 54 Stat. 52.)
§ 482h–1. Protection of scenic values of forest

On and after June 11, 1946, mining locations made under mining laws of the United States within the following-described lands within the Coronado National Forest, Pima County, Arizona: Sections 25, 26, 35, and 36, and the east half of section 34, township 11 south, range 15 east; sections 30, 31, 32, and 33, and the west half of section 29, township 11 south, range 16 east; sections 1, 2, and 3, township 12 south, range 15 east; sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 16, the west half of section 11, the west half of section 14, and the northwest quarter of section 23, township 12 south, range 16 east; Gila and Salt River base and meridian, shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting, mining, and beneficiation of ores including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining and ore reducing operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(June 11, 1946, ch. 377, § 1, 60 Stat. 254.)
§ 482h–2. Cutting of timber; reservation of patent rights

On and after June 11, 1946, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the above-described area shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national-forest rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture.

(June 11, 1946, ch. 377, § 2, 60 Stat. 255.)
§ 482h–3. Perfection of mining claims

Valid mining claims within the said lands, existing on June 11, 1946, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Arizona, may be perfected under sections 482h–1 to 482h–3 of this title, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(June 11, 1946, ch. 377, § 3, 60 Stat. 255.)
§ 482i. Plumas National Forest; offer of lands; additions; mining rights

Within the following-described areas any lands not in Government ownership which are found by the Secretary of Agriculture to be chiefly valuable for national-forest purposes may be offered in exchange under the provisions of sections 485 and 486 of this title, upon notice as therein provided and upon acceptance of title, shall become parts of the Plumas National Forest; and any of such described areas in Government ownership found by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to be chiefly valuable for national-forest purposes and not now parts of any national forest may be added to said national forest as herein provided by proclamation of the President, subject to all valid claims and provisions of existing withdrawals: Provided, That any lands received in exchange under the provisions of this section shall be open to mineral locations, mineral development, and patent in accordance with the mining laws of the United States:

Township 18 north, range 7 east, Mount Diablo base and meridian, California: Sections 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 22, 23, 26, and 27.

(June 5, 1942, ch. 334, 56 Stat. 311.)
§ 482j. Santa Fe National Forest; mining rights; protection of scenic values

On and after June 10, 1949, mining locations made under mining laws of the United States within the following-described lands within the Santa Fe National Forest, Santa Fe, New Mexico: Sections 1, 2, 3, the northeast quarter of section 11 and the north half of section 12, in surveyed township 17 north, range 10 east; sections 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 36, and that portion of section 25, outside the boundaries of the Gabaldon Grant in surveyed township 18 north, range 10 east; three thousand eight hundred and forty acres, more or less, in unsurveyed township 18 north, range 11 east, expected to be legally described, when surveyed, as sections 7, 8, 18, 19, and 30, the northeast quarter of section 17, the west half of section 17 and the west half of section 20, township 18 north, range 11 east, New Mexico principal meridian, shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting, mining, and beneficiation of ores including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining and ore reducing operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(June 10, 1949, ch. 190, § 1, 63 Stat. 168.)
§ 482k. Patents affecting forest lands

On and after June 10, 1949, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the above-described area shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national-forest rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture.

(June 10, 1949, ch. 190, § 2, 63 Stat. 168.)
§ 482l. Perfection of mining claims within forest

Valid mining claims within the said lands, existing on June 10, 1949, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of New Mexico, may be perfected under sections 482j to 482l of this title, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(June 10, 1949, ch. 190, § 3, 63 Stat. 169.)
§ 482m. Teton National Forest in Wyoming; additional lands

The following-described lands of the Jackson Hole National Monument are made a part of the Teton National Forest and shall be administered hereafter in accordance with the laws applicable to said forest:

sixth principal meridian

(Sept. 14, 1950, ch. 950, § 3, 64 Stat. 850.)
§ 482n. Coconino National Forest; mining rights; protection of scenic values

On and after May 24, 1949, mining locations made under the mining laws of the United States within the following-described lands within the Coconino National Forest, Coconino County, Arizona: Sections 14, 15, 19, 20, 22, 27, 28, 29, 34, of township 19 north, range 6 east; and sections 4, 5, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 33, and 34 of township 18 north, range 6 east; and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, southeast quarter of section 8, sections 9, 10, 11, and 12, of township 17 north, range 6 east; Gila and Salt River base and meridian, shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting, mining, and beneficiation of ores including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining and ore reducing operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of national-forest regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(May 24, 1949, ch. 136, § 1, 63 Stat. 75.)
§ 482n–1. Cutting of timber within forest; reservation of patent rights

On and after May 24, 1949, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the above-described area shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by the national-forest rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture.

(May 24, 1949, ch. 136, § 2, 63 Stat. 75.)
§ 482n–2. Perfection of mining claims within forest

Valid mining claims within the said lands, existing on May 24, 1949, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Arizona, may be perfected under sections 482n to 482n–3 of this title, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(May 24, 1949, ch. 136, § 3, 63 Stat. 76.)
§ 482n–3. Sedona-Oak Creek area

The provisions of sections 482n to 482n–2 of this title are extended to the following-described lands within the Coconino National Forest, Coconino and Yavapai Counties, Arizona:

Sections 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and the southwest quarter of section 25, township 18 north, range 4 east;

Sections 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, and the east half of the east half of section 29, township 18 north, range 5 east;

Sections 18, 19, 29, 30, 31, and 32, township 18 north, range 6 east;

Sections 1 to 36, inclusive, township 17 north, range 5 east;

Sections 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and all of section 8 except the southeast quarter, township 17 north, range 6 east;

Sections 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, and 24, township 16 north, range 5 east.

Sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20, township 16 north, range 6 east, Gila and Salt River Base and meridian: Provided, however, That as applied to any lands described in this section, the word “hereinafter” in sections 482n and 482n–1 of this title and the words “date of the enactment of this Act” in section 482n–2 of this title, shall be deemed to relate to the date of the enactment of this section.

(May 24, 1949, ch. 136, § 4, as added May 19, 1955, ch. 42, 69 Stat. 50.)
§ 482o. Kaibab National Forest; mining rights; protection of scenic values

On and after July 12, 1951 mining locations made under the mining laws of the United States within the following-described lands within the Kaibab National Forest, Coconino County, Arizona:

Sections 2, 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, and 26, township 22 north, range 2 east;

Sections 1, 12, and 13, township 28 north, range 2 east;

Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, and 36, township 29 north, range 2 east;

Sections 13, 24, 25, and 36, township 30 north, range 2 east;

Section 18, township 30 north, range 3 east;

Sections 12 and 13, township 30 north, range 5 east;

Sections 7, 18, 19, 29, 30, 32, and 33, township 30 north, range 6 east;

Sections 3 and 4, township 29 north, range 6 east, Gila and Salt River Base and meridian; and also those mining locations made under the mining laws of the United States on public domain lands within those particular sections of townships 23 north, 24 north, 25 north, 26 north, 27 north, and 28 north, all in range 2 east, Gila and Salt River Base and meridian, through which there extends Arizona State Highway numbered 64 and a strip of land one thousand feet wide on each side of the center line of the right-of-way thereof; shall confer on the locator the right to occupy and use so much of the surface of the land covered by the location as may be reasonably necessary to carry on prospecting, mining, and beneficiation of ores, including the taking of mineral deposits and timber required by or in the mining and ore-reducing operations, and no permit shall be required or charge made for such use or occupancy: Provided, however, That the cutting and removal of timber, except where clearing is necessary in connection with mining operations or to provide space for buildings or structures used in connection with mining operations, shall be conducted in accordance with the rules for timber cutting on adjoining national-forest land, or rules and regulations issued by the Secretary of the Interior under sections 482o to 482q of this title with respect to public domain lands under his jurisdiction, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining and prospecting shall be allowed except under the national-forest rules and regulations or rules and regulations of the Secretary of the Interior, as the case may be, nor shall the locator prevent or obstruct other occupancy of the surface or use of surface resources under authority of such regulations, or permits issued thereunder, if such occupancy or use is not in conflict with mineral development.

(July 12, 1951, ch. 222, § 1, 65 Stat. 118.)
§ 482p. Patents affecting lands within forest

On and after July 12, 1951, all patents issued under the United States mining laws affecting lands within the above-described area shall convey title to the mineral deposits within the claim, together with the right to cut and remove so much of the mature timber therefrom as may be needed in extracting and removing and beneficiation of the mineral deposits, if the timber is cut under sound principles of forest management as defined by such rules and regulations, but each patent shall reserve to the United States all title in or to the surface of the lands and products thereof, and no use of the surface of the claim or the resources therefrom not reasonably required for carrying on mining or prospecting shall be allowed except under the rules and regulations of the Department of Agriculture or the Department of the Interior, respectively.

(July 12, 1951, ch. 222, § 2, 65 Stat. 118.)
§ 482q. Perfection of mining claims within forest

Valid mining claims within the said lands, existing on July 12, 1951, and thereafter maintained in compliance with the law under which they were initiated and the laws of the State of Arizona, may be perfected under sections 482o to 482q of this title, or under the laws under which they were initiated, as the claimant may desire.

(July 12, 1951, ch. 222, § 3, 65 Stat. 119.)
§§ 483, 484. Repealed. Pub. L. 86–596, § 3, July 6, 1960, 74 Stat. 335
§ 484a. Exchange of lands in national forests; public schools; deposit of funds by school authority with insufficient exchange land; limitations on use

Whenever an exchange of land is proposed by a State, county, or municipal government or public school district or other public school authority under sections 485 and 486 of this title or other authority under which the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to exchange national forest lands or other lands administered by the Forest Service, if the State, county, or municipal government or public school authority proposing the exchange has insufficient land to offer, the exchange may be completed upon deposit with the Secretary of Agriculture of a portion or all of the value of the selected land. Any amount so deposited shall be covered into a special fund in the Treasury which when appropriated shall be available until expended by the Secretary of Agriculture for the acquisition of lands in the same State as the selected lands and which are determined by him to be suitable for the same purposes as the selected lands. Lands so acquired shall have the same status and shall be subject to the same laws, regulations, and rules as the selected lands.

The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to the conveyance in exchange of more than eighty acres to any one State, county, or municipal government or public school district or other public school authority. Lands may be conveyed to any State, county, or municipal government pursuant to this section only if the lands were being utilized by such entities on January 12, 1983. Lands so conveyed may be used only for the purposes for which they were being used prior to conveyance.

(Pub. L. 90–171, Dec. 4, 1967, 81 Stat. 531; Pub. L. 97–465, § 8, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2536.)
§ 485. Exchange of lands in national forests; cutting timber in national forests in exchange for lands therein

When the public interests will be benefited thereby, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized in his discretion to accept on behalf of the United States title to any lands within the exterior boundaries of the national forests which, in his opinion, are chiefly valuable for national-forest purposes, and in exchange therefor may patent not to exceed an equal value of such national-forest land, in the same State, surveyed and nonmineral in character, or he may authorize the grantor to cut and remove an equal value of timber within the national forests of the same State; the values in each case to be determined by him. Before any such exchange is effected notice of the contemplated exchange reciting the lands involved shall be published once each week for four successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties in which may be situated the lands to be accepted, and in some like newspaper published in any county in which may be situated any lands or timber to be given in such exchange. Timber given in such exchanges shall be cut and removed under the laws and regulations relating to the national forests, and under the direction and supervision and in accordance with the requirements of the Secretary of Agriculture. Lands conveyed to the United States under this section and section 486 of this title shall, upon acceptance of title, become parts of the national forest within whose exterior boundaries they are located.

(Mar. 20, 1922, ch. 105, § 1, 42 Stat. 465; Pub. L. 86–509, § 1(a), June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 205.)
§ 485a. Omitted
§ 486. Exchange of lands in national forests; reservations of timber, minerals, or easements

Either party to an exchange may make reservations of timber, minerals, or easements, the values of which shall be duly considered in determining the values of the exchanged lands. Where reservations are made in lands conveyed to the United States the right to enjoy them shall be subject to such reasonable conditions respecting ingress and egress and the use of the surface of the land as may be deemed necessary by the Secretary of Agriculture; where mineral reservations are made in lands conveyed by the United States it shall be so stipulated in the patents, and that any person who acquires the right to mine and remove the reserved deposits may enter and occupy so much of the surface as may be required for all purposes incident to the mining and removal of the minerals therefrom, and may mine and remove such minerals upon payment to the owner of the surface for damages caused to the land and improvements thereon. All property, rights, easements, and benefits authorized by this section to be retained by or reserved to owners of lands conveyed to the United States shall be subject to the tax laws of the States where such lands are located.

(Mar. 20, 1922, ch. 105, § 2, as added Feb. 28, 1925, ch. 375, 43 Stat. 1090.)
§§ 486a to 486w. Omitted
§ 487. Cutting timber on land added to Siskiyou National Forest

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, in his discretion, to sell the merchantable timber on the land added to the Siskiyou National Forest by section 1 hereof, in accordance with the regulations governing the sale of public timber in the national forests, and the entire proceeds of any sale of the timber on such land shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States in a special fund designated as “The Oregon and California land-grant fund”, referred to in the Act of Congress approved June 9, 1916, chapter 137, section 10, Thirty-ninth Statutes, page 222, and be disposed of in the manner therein designated, the land added forming part of the area which revested in the United States under the provisions of the said Act.

(Sept. 22, 1922, ch. 407, § 2, 42 Stat. 1019.)
§ 487a. Cutting timber on lands added to Rogue River National Forest

When the Secretary of Agriculture finds that merchantable timber may be cut without detriment to the purity or depletion of the water supply from lands added to the Rogue River National Forest by Act of June 4, 1936, chapter 494, section 1, 49 Stat. 1460, title to which has been revested in the United States under the Act of Congress approved June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218), said Secretary is authorized to dispose of such merchantable timber on such lands in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture for the national forests and the entire proceeds of any such sale shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States in a special fund designated “The Oregon and California Land Grant Fund”, referred to in section 10 of the said Act of June 9, 1916, and be disposed of in the manner therein designated.

(June 4, 1936, ch. 494, § 2, 49 Stat. 1461.)
§ 488. Establishment of exterior boundaries of national forests

On and after Mar. 3, 1899, all standard, meander, township, and section lines of the public-land surveys shall be established under the direction and supervision of the Secretary of the Interior or such officer as he may designate, whether the lands to be surveyed are within or without national forests, except that where the exterior boundaries of national forests are required to be coincident with standard, township, or section lines, such boundaries may, if not previously established in the ordinary course of the public-land surveys, be established and marked under the supervision of the Director of the United States Geological Survey whenever necessary to complete the survey of such exterior boundaries.

(Mar. 3, 1899, ch. 424, § 1, 30 Stat. 1097; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 403, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1100.)
§ 489. Repealed. Pub. L. 87–869, § 5, Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1157
§ 490. Deposits from timber purchasers to defray cost of disposing of debris

Purchasers of national-forest timber may be required by the Secretary of Agriculture to deposit the estimated cost to the United States of disposing of brush and other debris resulting from their cutting operations, such deposits to be covered into the Treasury and constitute a special fund, which is appropriated and shall remain available until expended: Provided, That any deposits in excess of the amount expended for disposals shall be transferred to miscellaneous receipts, forest-reserve fund, to be credited to the receipts of the year in which such transfer is made.

(Aug. 11, 1916, ch. 313, 39 Stat. 462; Apr. 24, 1950, ch. 97, § 6, 64 Stat. 84.)
§ 491. Omitted
§ 492. Earth, stone, and timber for Departments of the Army and Navy, and Government works in Alaska

On and after March 4, 1915 the Secretary of Agriculture, under regulations to be prescribed by him, is authorized to permit the Navy Department to take from the national forests such earth, stone, and timber for the use of the Navy as may be compatible with the administration of the national forests for the purposes for which they are established, and also in the same manner to permit the taking of earth, stone, and timber from the national forests for the construction of Government railways and other Government works in Alaska. He is authorized also to permit the Department of the Army to take earth, stone, and timber from the national forests for use in the construction of river and harbor and other works in charge of that department, subject to such regulations and restrictions as he may prescribe.

(Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 144, 38 Stat. 1100; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 467, § 13, 43 Stat. 1197; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(98), 45 Stat. 993; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 493. Omitted
§ 494. Calaveras Bigtree National Forest

The Secretary of Agriculture, to secure and protect for all time the big trees scientifically known as Sequoia washingtoniana, is empowered, in his discretion, to obtain for the United States the complete title to any or all of the following-described lands in the State of California: In township 4 north, range 15 east, Mount Diablo meridian, the northeast quarter of section 1; in township 4 north, range 16 east, Mount Diablo meridian, the north half of section 6; in township 5 north, range 15 east, Mount Diablo meridian, the southwest quarter of section 14, south half of section 15, north half of section 22, northwest quarter of section 23, and southeast quarter of section 36, and in township 5 north, range 16 east, Mount Diablo meridian, the west half of section 28, the east half and southwest quarter of section 29, the southeast quarter of section 30, all of sections 31, 32, and the northwest quarter of section 33. And such area or areas, as fast as complete title is acquired, shall be permanently held by the United States and shall be known as the Calaveras Bigtree National Forest and shall be administered, and protected, by the Secretary of Agriculture from the funds appropriated for the administration of National Forest land to prolong the existence, growth, and promote the reproduction of said big trees. The owners of land acquired hereunder shall convey to the United States full title to any of the above-described areas approved for said national forest by the Secretary of Agriculture, the completeness of such title to be determined by the Secretary of the Interior in each case, and shall be reimbursed therefor only in one or both of the following ways: (1) They may be given the right to file with the Secretary of the Interior, within sixty days after such conveyance, selections of surveyed, unappropriated, nonmineral public lands or of nonmineral national forest lands, and if the lands so selected shall be found subject to selection and of the actual value in lands and stumpage substantially equal to that of the lands and stumpage conveyed they may be patented to said owners in lieu of the conveyed lands. In any case where any part of the lands selected is national forest land, the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture shall first be secured with respect to such part, or (2) the Secretary of Agriculture may grant to any such conveying owner the right to cut from national forest land an amount of timber and wood substantially equal to the amount of timber and wood on the land acquired by the United States under the provisions of this section.

(Feb. 18, 1909, ch. 143, 35 Stat. 626; May 7, 1912, ch. 105, § 1, 37 Stat. 108.)
§ 495. Leases of lands for sanitariums or hotels

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, under such rules and regulations as he from time to time may make, to rent or lease to responsible persons or corporations applying therefor suitable spaces and portions of ground near, or adjacent to, mineral, medicinal, or other springs, within any national forest established within the United States, or hereafter to be established, and where the public is accustomed or desires to frequent, for health or pleasure, for the purpose of erecting upon such leased ground sanitariums or hotels, to be opened for the reception of the public. And he is further authorized to make such regulations, for the convenience of people visiting such springs, with reference to spaces and locations, for the erection of tents or temporary dwelling houses to be erected or constructed for the use of those visiting such springs for health or pleasure. And the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to prescribe the terms and duration and the compensation to be paid for the privileges granted under the provisions of this section.

(Feb. 28, 1899, ch. 221, § 1, 30 Stat. 908; Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 1, 33 Stat. 628.)
§ 496. Disposition of funds

All funds arising from the privileges granted under section 495 of this title shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as provided by law.

(Feb. 28, 1899, ch. 221, § 2, 30 Stat. 908; Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2907, 34 Stat. 1270.)
§ 497. Use and occupation of lands for hotels, resorts, summer homes, stores, and facilities for industrial, commercial, educational or public uses

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, under such regulations as he may make and upon such terms and conditions as he may deem proper, (a) to permit the use and occupancy of suitable areas of land within the national forests, not exceeding eighty acres and for periods not exceeding thirty years, for the purpose of constructing or maintaining hotels, resorts, and any other structures or facilities necessary or desirable for recreation, public convenience, or safety; (b) to permit the use and occupancy of suitable areas of land within the national forests, not exceeding five acres and for periods not exceeding thirty years, for the purpose of constructing or maintaining summer homes and stores; (c) to permit the use and occupancy of suitable areas of land within the national forest, not exceeding eighty acres and for periods not exceeding thirty years, for the purpose of constructing or maintaining buildings, structures, and facilities for industrial or commercial purposes whenever such use is related to or consistent with other uses on the national forests; (d) to permit any State or political subdivision thereof, or any public or nonprofit agency, to use and occupy suitable areas of land within the national forests not exceeding eighty acres and for periods not exceeding thirty years, for the purpose of constructing or maintaining any buildings, structures, or facilities necessary or desirable for education or for any public use or in connection with any public activity. The authority provided by this section shall be exercised in such manner as not to preclude the general public from full enjoyment of the natural, scenic, recreational, and other aspects of the national forests.

(Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 144, 38 Stat. 1101; July 28, 1956, ch. 771, 70 Stat. 708.)
§ 497a. Occupancy and use under permit of lands in Alaska for various purposes; period of permit; size of allotment; prohibitions; termination

The Secretary of Agriculture, in conformity with regulations prescribed by him, may permit the use and occupancy of national-forest lands in Alaska for purposes of residence, recreation, public convenience, education, industry, agriculture, and commerce, not incompatible with the best use and management of the national forests, for such periods as may be warranted but not exceeding thirty years and of such areas as may be necessary but not exceeding eighty acres, and after such permits have been issued and so long as they continue in full force and effect the lands therein described shall not be subject to location, entry, or appropriation, under the public land laws or mining laws, or to disposition under the mineral leasing laws: Provided, That nothing contained in this section shall prevent the said Secretary from canceling, revoking, or otherwise terminating a permit so issued upon proof of a breach of its terms and conditions or for other just cause.

(Mar. 30, 1948, ch. 162, 62 Stat. 100.)
§ 497b. Ski area permits
(a) Law applicable to permits
(b) AuthorityThe Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter referred to as “the Secretary”) is authorized to issue permits (hereinafter referred to as “ski area permits”) for the use and occupancy of suitable lands within the National Forest System for skiing and other snow sports and recreational uses authorized by this section. A ski area permit—
(1) may be issued for a term not to exceed 40 years;
(2) shall ordinarily be issued for a term of 40 years (unless the Secretary determines that the facilities or operations are of a scale or nature as are not likely to require long-term financing or operation), or that there are public policy reasons specific to a particular permit for a shorter term;
(3) shall encompass such acreage as the Secretary determines sufficient and appropriate to accommodate the permittee’s needs for ski operations and appropriate ancillary facilities;
(4) may be renewed at the discretion of the Secretary;
(5) may be cancelled by the Secretary in whole or in part for any violation of the permit terms or conditions, for nonpayment of permit fees, or upon the determination by the Secretary in his planning for the uses of the national forests that the permitted area is needed for higher public purposes;
(6) may be modified from time to time by the Secretary to accommodate changes in plans or operations in accordance with the provisions of applicable law;
(7) shall be subject to such reasonable terms and conditions as the Secretary deems appropriate; and
(8) shall be subject to a permit fee based on fair market value in accordance with applicable law.
(c) Other recreational uses
(1) Authority of Secretary
(2) RequirementsEach activity and facility authorized by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) encourage outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature;
(B) to the extent practicable—
(i) harmonize with the natural environment of the National Forest System land on which the activity or facility is located; and
(ii) be located within the developed portions of the ski area;
(C) be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
(D) be authorized in accordance with—
(i) the applicable land and resource management plan; and
(ii) applicable laws (including regulations).
(3) InclusionsActivities and facilities that may, in appropriate circumstances, be authorized under paragraph (1) include—
(A) zip lines;
(B) mountain bike terrain parks and trails;
(C) frisbee golf courses; and
(D) ropes courses.
(4) ExclusionsActivities and facilities that are prohibited under paragraph (1) include—
(A) tennis courts;
(B) water slides and water parks;
(C) swimming pools;
(D) golf courses; and
(E) amusement parks.
(5) Limitation
(6) Boundary determination
(7) Effect on existing authorized activities and facilities
(d) Regulations
(e) Construction with Secretary’s duties under other laws
(Pub. L. 99–522, § 3, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 3000; Pub. L. 112–46, § 3, Nov. 7, 2011, 125 Stat. 538.)
§ 497c. Ski area permit rental charge
(a) In general
(b) Formula
(1) The ski area permit rental charge (SAPRC) shall be calculated by adding the permittee’s gross revenues from lift ticket/year-round ski area use pass sales plus revenue from ski school operations (LT+SS) and multiplying such total by the slope transport feet percentage (STFP) on National Forest System land. That amount shall be increased by the gross year-round revenue from ancillary facilities (GRAF) physically located on national forest land, including all permittee or subpermittee lodging, food service, rental shops, parking and other ancillary operations, to determine the adjusted gross revenue (AGR) subject to the permit rental charge. The final rental charge shall be calculated by multiplying the AGR by the following percentages for each revenue bracket and adding the total for each revenue bracket:
(A) 1.5 percent of all adjusted gross revenue below $3,000,000;
(B) 2.5 percent for adjusted gross revenue between $3,000,000 and $15,000,000;
(C) 2.75 percent for adjusted gross revenue between $15,000,000 and $50,000,000; and
(D) 4.0 percent for the amount of adjusted gross revenue that exceeds $50,000,000.
Utilizing the abbreviations indicated in this subsection the ski area permit fee (SAPF) formula can be simply illustrated as:
SAPF = ((LT + SS) × STFP) + GRAF = AGR; AGR × % BRACKETS
(2) In cases where ski areas are only partially located on national forest lands, the slope transport feet percentage on national forest land referred to in this subsection shall be calculated as generally described in the Forest Service Manual in effect as of January 1, 1992. Revenues from Nordic ski operations shall be included or excluded from the rental charge calculation according to the percentage of trails physically located on national forest land.
(3) In order to ensure that the rental charge remains fair and equitable to both the United States and the ski area permittees, the adjusted gross revenue figures for each revenue bracket in paragraph (1) shall be adjusted annually by the percent increase or decrease in the national Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year. No later than 3 years after November 12, 1996, and every 5 years thereafter the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Resources of the United States House of Representatives a report analyzing whether the ski area permit rental charge required by this section is returning a fair market value rental to the United States together with any recommendations the Secretary may have for modifications of the system.
(c) Payment
(d) Effective dateThe ski area permit rental charge set forth in this section shall become effective on June 1, 1996 and cover receipts retroactive to June 1, 1995: Provided, That if a permittee has paid rental charges for the period June 1, 1995, to June 1, 1996, under the graduated rate rental charge system formula in effect prior to November 12, 1996, such rental charges shall be credited toward the new rental charge due on June 1, 1996. In order to ensure increasing rental charge receipt levels to the United States during transition from the graduated rate rental charge system formula to the formula of this section, the rental charge paid by any individual permittee shall be—
(1) for the 1995–1996 permit year, either the rental charge paid for the preceding 1994–1995 base year or the rental charge calculated pursuant to this section, whichever is higher;
(2) for the 1996–1997 permit year, either the rental charge paid for the 1994–1995 base year or the rental charge calculated pursuant to this section, whichever is higher; and
(3) for the 1997–1998 permit year, either the rental charge for the 1994–1995 base year or the rental charge calculated pursuant to this section, whichever is higher.
If an individual permittee’s adjusted gross revenue for the 1995–1996, 1996–1997, or 1997–1998 permit years falls more than 10 percent below the adjusted gross revenue for the 1994–1995 base year, the rental charge paid shall be the rental charge calculated pursuant to this section.
(e) Non-national forest land operations
(f) “Revenue” and “sales” defined; limitations
(g) Minimum rental charge
(h) Five-year phase-in of increase
(i) Construction with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(j) Withdrawal from mining laws
(Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title VII, § 701, Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4182; Pub. L. 106–176, title I, § 117, Mar. 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 27.)
§ 497d. Recreation residence fees

The Secretary of Agriculture shall on and after November 14, 1997, phase in, over a 3-year period in equal annual installments, that portion of the fee increase for a recreation residence special use permit holder which is more than 100 percent of the previous year’s fee: Provided, That no recreation residence fee may be increased any sooner than one year from the time the permittee has been notified by the Forest Service of the results of an appraisal which has been conducted for the purpose of establishing such fees: Provided further, That no increases in recreation residence fees on the Sawtooth National Forest will be implemented prior to January 1, 1999.

(Pub. L. 105–83, title III, § 343, Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1604.)
§ 497e. Enhancing Forest Service administration of rights-of-way and land uses
(a) Program required
(b) Deposit of fees
(c) Use of retained amounts
(d) Reporting requirement
(e) Definition of authorization
(f) Implementation
(Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(3) [title III, § 331], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–196; Pub. L. 108–447, div. E, title III, § 345, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3105; Pub. L. 109–54, title IV, § 425, Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 555; Pub. L. 110–161, div. F, title IV, § 416, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2148; Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title IV, § 425, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 344.)
§ 498. Cooperative work agreements: disposal of moneys received; refund of excess; payment from appropriation; conflict of interest

On or after June 30, 1914, all moneys received as contributions toward cooperative work in forest investigations, or the protection, management, and improvement of the National Forest System, shall be covered into the Treasury and shall constitute a special fund, which is appropriated and made available until expended, as the Secretary of Agriculture may direct, for the payment of the expenses of said investigations, protection, management, or improvements by the Forest Service, and for refunds to the contributors of amounts heretofore or hereafter paid in by them in excess of their share of the cost of said investigations, protection, management, or improvements. Payment for work undertaken pursuant to this section may be made from any appropriation of the Forest Service that is available for similar work if a written agreement so provides and reimbursement will be provided by a cooperator in the same fiscal year as the expenditure by the Forest Service. A reimbursement received from a cooperator that covers the proportionate share of the cooperator of the cost of the work shall be deposited to the credit of the appropriation of the Forest Service from which the payment was initially made or, if the appropriation is no longer available, to the credit of an appropriation of the Forest Service that is available for similar work. The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish written rules that establish criteria to be used to determine whether the acceptance of contributions of money under this section would adversely affect the ability of an officer or employee of the Department of Agriculture to carry out a duty or program of the officer or employee in a fair and objective manner or would compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of the program, officer, or employee. The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish written rules that protect the interests of the Forest Service in cooperative work agreements.

(June 30, 1914, ch. 131, 38 Stat. 430; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(99), 45 Stat. 993;
§ 499. Disposal of money received by or on account of Forest Service; refund of excess and moneys erroneously collected; receipts from permits

All money received by or on account of the Forest Service for timber, or from any other source of national-forest revenue, including moneys received from sale of products from or for the use of lands in national forests created under section 471(b) 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title, and moneys received on account of permits for hunting, fishing, or camping on lands acquired under authority of sections 513 to 517 and 521 of this title, shall be covered into the Treasury of the United States as a miscellaneous receipt and there is hereby appropriated and made available as the Secretary of Agriculture may direct out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, so much as may be necessary to make refunds to depositors of money heretofore or hereafter deposited by them to secure the purchase price on the sale of any products or for the use of any land or resources of the national forests in excess of amounts found actually due from them to the United States and also so much as may be necessary to refund or pay over to the rightful claimants such sums as may be found by the Secretary of Agriculture to have been erroneously collected for the use of any lands, or for timber or other resources sold from lands located within, but not a part of, the national forests, or for alleged illegal acts done upon such lands, which acts are subsequently found to have been proper and legal.

(Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2907, 34 Stat. 1270; Mar. 4, 1911, ch. 238, 36 Stat. 1253; Mar. 4, 1917, ch. 179, 39 Stat. 1149; June 7, 1924, ch. 348, § 9, 43 Stat. 655; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, § 1(97), 45 Stat. 993.)
§ 500. Payment and evaluation of receipts to State or Territory for schools and roads; moneys received; projections of revenues and estimated payments

On and after May 23, 1908, an amount equal to the annual average of 25 percent of all amounts received for the applicable fiscal year and each of the preceding 6 fiscal years from each national forest shall be paid, at the end of such year, by the Secretary of the Treasury to the State or Territory in which such national forest is situated, to be expended as the State or Territorial legislature may prescribe for the benefit of the public schools and public roads of the county or counties in which such national forest is situated: Provided, That when any national forest is in more than one State or Territory or county the distributive share to each from the proceeds of such forest shall be proportional to its area therein. In sales of logs, ties, poles, posts, cordwood, pulpwood, and other forest products the amounts made available for schools and roads by this section shall be based upon the stumpage value of the timber. Beginning October 1, 1976, the term “moneys received” shall include all collections under the Act of June 9, 1930, and all amounts earned or allowed any purchaser of national forest timber and other forest products within such State as purchaser credits, for the construction of roads on the National Forest Transportation System within such national forests or parts thereof in connection with any Forest Service timber sales contract. The Secretary of Agriculture shall, from time to time as he goes through his process of developing the budget revenue estimates, make available to the States his current projections of revenues and payments estimated to be made under the Act of May 23, 1908, as amended, or any other special Acts making payments in lieu of taxes, for their use for local budget planning purposes.

(May 23, 1908, ch. 192, 35 Stat. 260; Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 13, 36 Stat. 963; June 30, 1914, ch. 131, 38 Stat. 441; Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title II, § 212, 58 Stat. 737; Apr. 24, 1950, ch. 97, § 17(b), 64 Stat. 87; Pub. L. 94–588, § 16, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2961; Pub. L. 110–343, div. C, title VI, § 601(b), Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3910.)
§ 501. Expenditures from receipts for roads and trails; cooperation with State authorities; evaluation of receipts

On or after Mar. 4, 1913, ten per centum of all moneys received from the national forests during each fiscal year shall be available at the end thereof, to be expended by the Secretary of Agriculture for the construction and maintenance of roads and trails within the national forests in the States from which such proceeds are derived; but the Secretary of Agriculture may, whenever practicable, in the construction and maintenance of such roads, secure the cooperation or aid of the proper State or Territorial authorities in the furtherance of any system of highways of which such roads may be made a part. In sales of logs, ties, poles, posts, cordwood, pulpwood, and other forest products the amounts made available for schools and roads by this section shall be based upon the stumpage value of the timber.

(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 145, § 1 (part), 37 Stat. 843; Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title II, § 212, 58 Stat. 737.)
§ 501a. Omitted
§ 502. Rental of property for Forest Service; forage, care, and housing of animals; storage of vehicles and other equipment; pack stock; loss, damage, or destruction of horses, vehicles, and other equipment
The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe:
(a) To hire or rent property from employees of the Forest Service for the use of that Service whenever the public interest will be promoted thereby.
(b) To provide forage, care, and housing for animals, and storage for vehicles and other equipment obtained by the Forest Service for the use of that service from employees.
(c) To contract with public and private agencies, corporations, firms, associations, or individuals to train, provide forage, care, and housing for, and to work pack stock owned and held in reserve by the Forest Service for fire emergency purposes and as all or part of the consideration therefor to permit such contractors to use the stock for their own purposes during the periods of nonuse by the Forest Service.
(d) To reimburse owners for loss, damage, or destruction of horses, vehicles, and other equipment obtained by the Forest Service for the use of that service from employees or other private owners: Provided, That payments or reimbursements herein authorized may be made from the applicable appropriations for the Forest Service: And provided further, That except for fire fighting emergencies no reimbursement herein authorized shall be made in an amount in excess of $50 to persons who were employees of the Forest Service prior to the time the equipment was obtained or $2,500 in any other case, unless the equipment was made available under a written agreement, contract, or lease.
(Mar. 4, 1913, ch. 145, § 1 (part), 37 Stat. 843; Jan. 31, 1931, ch. 76, 46 Stat. 1052; Pub. L. 85–464, § 1, June 20, 1958, 72 Stat. 216; Pub. L. 89–270, Oct. 19, 1965, 79 Stat. 991; Pub. L. 97–375, title I, § 103(b), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1819.)
§ 503. Repealed. Pub. L. 85–767, § 2[1], Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 919
§ 503a. Omitted
§ 504. Purchases of tree seeds, cones, forage plant seed, and nursery stock for national forests

The provisions of section 6101 of title 41 shall not apply to any purchase by the Forest Service of forest-tree seed or cones or of forage plant seed when the amount involved does not exceed $10,000, nor to any purchase of forest-tree nursery stock when the amount involved does not exceed $500, whenever, in the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, such method is in the public interest.

(June 30, 1914, ch. 131, 38 Stat. 429; Apr. 24, 1950, ch. 97, § 2, 64 Stat. 83.)
§ 504a. Sale of forest-tree seed and nursery stock to States and political subdivisions; disposition of moneys; exchanges; limitation

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, subject to such conditions as he may prescribe, to sell forest-tree seed and nursery stock to States and political subdivisions thereof and to public agencies of other countries, at rates not less than the actual or estimated cost to the United States of procuring or producing such seed or nursery stock, moneys received from the sale thereof to be credited to the appropriation or appropriations of the Forest Service currently available for the procurement or production of seed or nursery stock at the time such moneys are deposited: Provided, That the Secretary of Agriculture may exchange with such public agencies forest-tree seed and nursery stock for forest-tree seed or nursery stock of the same or different species upon a determination that such exchange is in the interest of the United States and that the value of the property given in exchange does not exceed the value of the property received: Provided further, That no nursery stock shall be sold or exchanged under this section as ornamental or other stock for landscape planting of the types commonly grown by established commercial nurserymen.

(Apr. 24, 1950, ch. 97, § 9, 64 Stat. 85.)
§ 505. Use of national forests established on land reserved for purposes of national defense; maintenance available

Where a national forest is established under section 471(b) of this title on land previously reserved for the Army or Navy for purposes of national defense the land shall remain subject to the unhampered use of the Department of the Army or Navy Department for said purposes and nothing in this section or section 471(b) of this title shall be construed to relinquish the authority over such lands for purposes of national defense now vested in the department for which the lands were formerly reserved. Any moneys available for the maintenance, improvement, protection, construction of highways and general administration of the national forests shall be available for expenditure on national forests created under this section.

(June 7, 1924, ch. 348, § 9, 43 Stat. 655; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 505a. Interchange of lands between Department of Agriculture and military departments of Department of Defense; report to Congress

The Secretary of Agriculture with respect to National Forest System lands and the Secretary of a military department with respect to lands under the control of the military department which lie within or adjacent to the exterior boundaries of a unit of the National Forest System are authorized, subject to any applicable provisions of chapters 1 to 11 of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41, to interchange such lands, or any part thereof, without reimbursement or transfer of funds whenever they shall determine that such interchange will facilitate land management and will provide maximum use thereof for authorized purposes: Provided, That no such interchange of lands shall become effective until forty-five days (counting only days occurring during any regular or special session of the Congress) after the submission to the Congress by the respective Secretaries of notice of intention to make the interchange.

(July 26, 1956, ch. 736, § 1, 70 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 100–409, § 7(a), (b), Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1091.)
§ 505b. Laws applicable

Any National Forest System lands which are transferred to a military department in accordance with this section and section 505a of this title shall be thereafter subject only to the laws applicable to other lands within the military installation or other public works project for which such lands are required and any lands which are transferred to the Department of Agriculture in accordance with this section and section 505a of this title shall become subject to the laws applicable to lands acquired under the Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 961), as amended. Lands interchanged under the authority of this section and section 505a of this title shall be deemed to include interests in lands.

(July 26, 1956, ch. 736, § 2, 70 Stat. 657; Pub. L. 100–409, § 7(a), (c), Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1091.)
§§ 506 to 508. Repealed. Pub. L. 87–869, § 4, Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1157
§ 508a. Omitted
§ 508b. National forests in Minnesota; authority to prospect, develop, mine, remove, and utilize mineral resources

Where, through withdrawal or reservation or by statutory limitation or otherwise, all or any part of the mineral resources in public-domain lands or lands received in exchange for public-domain lands or for timber on such lands situated within the exterior boundaries of the national forests in Minnesota, are not subject to development or utilization under the mining laws of the United States or the mineral leasing laws, and for the development and utilization of which no other statutory authority exists, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized, under general regulations to be prescribed by him and upon such terms and for specified periods or otherwise as he may deem to be for the best interests of the United States, to permit the pros­pecting for and the development and utilization of such mineral resources: Provided, That the development and utilization of such mineral deposits shall not be permitted by the Secretary of the Interior except with the consent of the Secretary of Agriculture. All receipts derived from permits or leases issued under the authority of this section for prospecting for and the development and utilization of such mineral resources shall be paid into the same funds or accounts in the Treasury and shall be distributed in the same manner as prescribed for national forest revenue by sections 499 to 501 of this title.

(June 30, 1950, ch. 430, 64 Stat. 311.)
§ 509. Repealed. Pub. L. 87–869, § 4, Oct. 23, 1962, 76 Stat. 1157
§§ 510, 510a. Omitted
§ 511. Reinstatement of entries canceled or relinquished

All homestead entries which have been canceled or relinquished, or are invalid solely because of the erroneous allowance of such entries after the withdrawal of lands for national-forest purposes, may be reinstated or allowed to remain intact, but in the case of entries canceled prior to March 3, 1911, applications for reinstatement must have been filed in the proper local land office prior to July 1, 1912.

(Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 225, § 1, 36 Stat. 1084.)
§ 512. Omitted
§ 513. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–588, § 17(a)(1), (2), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2961
§ 514. Repealed. Pub. L. 94–588, § 17(a)(6), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2962
§ 515. Examination, location, and purchase of forested, cut-over, or denuded lands; consent of State legislature to acquisition of land by the United States

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized and directed to examine, locate, and purchase such forested, cut-over, or denuded lands within the watersheds of navigable streams as in his judgment may be necessary to the regulation of the flow of navigable streams or for the production of timber. No deed or other instrument of conveyance of lands referred to herein shall be accepted or approved by the Secretary of Agriculture under this Act until the legislature of the State in which the land lies shall have consented to the acquisition of such land by the United States for the purpose of preserving the navigability of navigable streams.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 6, 36 Stat. 962; June 7, 1924, ch. 348, § 6, 43 Stat. 654; Pub. L. 94–588, § 17(a)(3), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2961.)
§ 516. Exchange of lands in the public interest; equal value; cutting and removing timber; publication of contemplated exchange

When the public interests will be benefited thereby, the Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized, in his discretion, to accept on behalf of the United States title to any lands within the exterior boundaries of national forests which, in his opinion, are chiefly valuable for the purposes of this Act, and in exchange therefor to convey by deed not to exceed an equal value of such national forest land in the same State, or he may authorize the grantor to cut and remove an equal value of timber within such national forests in the same State, the values in each case to be determined by him: Provided, That before any such exchange is effected notice of the contemplated exchange reciting the lands involved shall be published once each week for four successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties in which may be situated the lands to be accepted, and in some like newspaper published in any county in which may be situated any lands or timber to be given in such exchange. Timber given in such exchanges shall be cut and removed under the laws and regulations relating to such national forests, and under the direction and supervision and in accordance with the requirements of the Secretary of Agriculture. Lands so accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture shall, upon acceptance, become parts of the national forests within whose exterior boundaries they are located, and be subjected to all provisions of this Act.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 7, 36 Stat. 962; Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 473, 43 Stat. 1215; Pub. L. 94–588, § 17(a)(4), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2961.)
§ 517. Title to lands to be acquired

The Secretary of Agriculture may do all things necessary to secure the safe title in the United States to the lands to be acquired under this Act, but no payment shall be made for any such lands until the title shall be satisfactory to the Attorney General or his designee and shall be vested in the United States.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 8 (part), 36 Stat. 962; Pub. L. 91–393, § 3, Sept. 1, 1970, 84 Stat. 835.)
§ 517a. Payment of awards in condemnation proceedings

In condemnation proceedings, heretofore or hereafter prosecuted, for the acquisition of lands under this Act, in which a decree is entered vesting title thereto in the United States upon payment of the award into the registry of the court, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to make such payment when advised by the Attorney General that the proceedings and the decree are regular.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 8 (part), 36 Stat. 962; Dec. 11, 1926, ch. 5, 44 Stat. 919.)
§ 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.)
§ 519. Agricultural lands included in tracts acquired; sale for homesteads

Inasmuch as small areas of land chiefly valuable for agriculture may of necessity or by inadvertence be included in tracts acquired under this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may, in his discretion, and he is authorized, upon application or otherwise, to examine and ascertain the location and extent of such areas as in his opinion may be occupied for agricultural purposes without injury to the forests or to stream flow and which are not needed for public purposes, and may list and describe the same by metes and bounds, or otherwise, and offer them for sale as homesteads at their true value, to be fixed by him, to actual settlers, in tracts not exceeding eighty acres, in area, under such rules and regulations as he may prescribe; and in case of such sale the jurisdiction over the lands sold shall, ipso facto, revert to the State in which the lands sold lie. And no right, title, interest, or claim in or to any lands acquired under this Act, or the waters thereon, or the products, resources, or use thereof after such lands shall have been so acquired, shall be initiated or perfected, except as in this section provided.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 10, 36 Stat. 962; Pub. L. 86–509, § 1(k), June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 205.)
§ 519a. Transfer of forest reservation lands for military purposes

If any of the lands purchased or to be purchased by the United States under the provisions of the Act approved March 1, 1911, as amended, within the limits of townships 1, 2, and 3 north, ranges 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, in Forest and Perry Counties, State of Mississippi, are determined to be chiefly valuable and necessary for a National Guard encampment and related military purposes, the Secretary of Agriculture may, and he is, authorized to convey full title to said lands to the State of Mississippi or the Department of the Army: Provided, That there is paid into the Treasury of the United States, or made available by transfer on the books of said Treasury, sums of money equal to the full amounts expended by the Department of Agriculture for the purchase of said lands, and the money so paid into or transferred on the books of the Treasury shall be available for expenditure by the Secretary of Agriculture for the purchase of other lands under the provisions of said Act of March 1, 1911, as amended.

(Mar. 2, 1935, ch. 21, 49 Stat. 37; July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II, § 205(a), 61 Stat. 501.)
§ 520. Regulations as to mineral resources

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized, under general regulations to be prescribed by him, to permit the prospecting, development, and utilization of the mineral resources of the lands acquired under the Act of March first, nineteen hundred and eleven, known as the Weeks law, upon such terms and for specified periods or otherwise, as he may deem to be for the best interests of the United States; and all moneys received on account of charges, if any, made under this Act shall be disposed of as is provided by existing law for the disposition of receipts from national forests.

(Mar. 4, 1917, ch. 179, 39 Stat. 1150; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 402, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7876, 60 Stat. 1099; Pub. L. 86–509, § 1(l), June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 205.)
§ 521.

Subject to the provisions of section 519 of this title the lands acquired under this Act shall be permanently reserved, held, and administered as national forest lands under the provisions of section 471 1

1 See References in Text note below.
of this title and acts supplemental to and amendatory thereof. And the Secretary of Agriculture may from time to time divide the lands acquired under this Act into such specific national forests and so designate the same as he may deem best for administrative purposes.

(Mar. 1, 1911, ch. 186, § 11, 36 Stat. 963.)
§ 521a. Administration, management, and consolidation of certain lands

In order to facilitate the administration, management, and consolidation of the national forests, all lands of the United States within the exterior boundaries of national forests which were or hereafter are acquired for or in connection with the national forests or transferred to the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, for administration and protection substantially in accordance with national forest regulations, policies, and procedures, excepting (a) lands reserved from the public domain or acquired pursuant to laws authorizing the exchange of land or timber reserved from or part of the public domain, and (b) lands within the official limits of towns or cities, notwithstanding the provisions of any other Act, are made subject to the Weeks Act of March 1, 1911 (36 Stat. 961), as amended, and to all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to national forest lands acquired thereunder: Provided, That nothing in this section shall be construed as (1) affecting the status of lands administered by the Secretary of Agriculture under the Act of June 24, 1954 (68 Stat. 270), and which are revested Oregon and California Railroad grant lands, administered as national forest lands, or (2) changing the disposition of revenues from or authorizing the exchange of the lands, or the timber thereon, described in the Act of February 11, 1920 (ch. 69, 41 Stat. 405), the Act of September 22, 1922 (ch. 407, 42 Stat. 1019), and the Act of June 4, 1936 (ch. 494, 49 Stat. 1460).

(Pub. L. 85–862, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1571.)
§ 521b. Report of Secretary of Agriculture prior to purchase or exchange of land; contents; waiting period
For purposes of providing information that will aid the Congress in its oversight responsibilities and improve the accountability of expenditures for the acquisition of forest land, the Secretary of Agriculture may not hereafter enter into any land purchase or exchange relating to the National Forest System of $150,000 or more for the types of lands which have been heretofore approved by the National Forest Reservation Commission until after 30 days from the date upon which a detailed report of the facts concerning such proposed purchase or transfer is submitted to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate or such earlier time as may be approved by both such committees. Such report shall contain at least the following:
(1) guidelines utilized by the Secretary in determining that the land should be acquired;
(2) the location and size of the land;
(3) the purchase price of the land and the criteria used by the Secretary in determining such price;
(4) the person from whom the land is being acquired; and
(5) any adjustment made by the Secretary of relative value pursuant to section 1716(f)(2)(B)(ii) of title 43.
(Pub. L. 94–588, § 17(b), Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2962; Pub. L. 100–409, § 6, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1090; Pub. L. 103–437, § 6(r), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4587.)
§ 521c. Definitions
For purposes of sections 521c to 521i of this title—
(1) the term “person” includes any State or any political subdivision or entity thereof;
(2) the term “interchange” means a land transfer in which the Secretary and another person exchange titles to lands or interests in lands of approximately equal value where the Secretary finds that such a value determination can be made without a formal appraisal and under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe; and
(3) the term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States.
(Pub. L. 97–465, § 1, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2535.)
§ 521d. Sale, exchange, or interchange of National Forest System land
(a) Conveyance authority; consideration
The Secretary is authorized, when the Secretary determines it to be in the public interest—
(1) to sell, exchange, or interchange by quitclaim deed, all right, title, and interest, including the mineral estate, of the United States in and to National Forest System lands described in section 521e of this title; and
(2) to accept as consideration for the lands sold, exchanged, or interchanged other lands, interests in lands, or cash payment, or any combination of such forms of consideration, which, in the case of conveyance by sale or exchange, is at least equal in value, including the mineral estate, or, in the case of conveyance by interchange, is of approximately equal value, including the mineral estate, to the lands being conveyed by the Secretary.
(b) Inclusion of terms, covenants, conditions, and reservations
(1) In general
(2) Limitation
(c) Disposition of proceeds
(1) Deposit in Sisk fund
(2) Use
Amounts deposited under paragraph (1) shall be available to the Secretary until expended for—
(A) the acquisition of land or interests in land for administrative sites for the National Forest System in the State from which the amounts were derived;
(B) the acquisition of land or interests in land for inclusion in the National Forest System in that State, including land or interests in land that enhance opportunities for recreational access; or
(C) the reimbursement of the Secretary for costs incurred in preparing a sale conducted under the authority of section 521e of this title if the sale is a competitive sale.
(Pub. L. 97–465, § 2, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2535; Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, § 8621(c), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4852.)
§ 521e. Small parcels and road rights-of-wayThe National Forest System lands which may be sold, exchanged, or interchanged under sections 521c to 521i of this title are those the sale or exchange of which is not practicable under any other authority of the Secretary, which have a value as determined by the Secretary of not more than $500,000, and which are—
(1) parcels of forty acres or less which are interspersed with or adjacent to lands which have been transferred out of Federal ownership under the mining laws and which are determined by the Secretary, because of location or size, not to be subject to efficient administration;
(2) parcels of ten acres or less which are encroached upon by improvements occupied or used under claim or color of title by persons to whom no advance notice was given that the improvements encroached or would encroach upon such parcels, and who in good faith relied upon an erroneous survey, title search, or other land description indicating that there was not such encroachment;
(3) road rights-of-way, reserved or acquired, which are substantially surrounded by lands not owned by the United States and which are no longer needed by the United States, subject to the first right of abutting landowners to acquire such rights-of-way;
(4) parcels of 40 acres or less that are determined by the Secretary—
(A) to be physically isolated from other Federal land;
(B) to be inaccessible; or
(C) to have lost National Forest character;
(5) parcels of 10 acres or less that are not eligible for conveyance under paragraph (2) but are encroached on by a permanent habitable improvement for which there is no evidence that the encroachment was intentional or negligent; or
(6) parcels used as a cemetery (including a parcel of not more than 1 acre adjacent to the parcel used as a cemetery), a landfill, or a sewage treatment plant under a special use authorization issued or otherwise authorized by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 97–465, § 3, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2535; Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, § 8621(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4852.)
§ 521f. Costs of conveyance and value of improvements

Any person to whom lands are conveyed under sections 521c to 521i of this title shall bear all reasonable costs of administration, survey, and appraisal incidental to such conveyance, as determined by the Secretary. In determining the value of any lands or interest in lands to be conveyed under sections 521c to 521i of this title, the Secretary may, in those cases in which the Secretary determines it would be in the public interest, exclude from such determination the value of any improvements to the lands made by any person other than the Government. In the case of road rights-of-way conveyed under sections 521c to 521i of this title, the person to whom the right-of-way is conveyed shall reimburse the United States for the value of any improvements to such right-of-way which may have been made by the United States. The Secretary may, in those cases in which the Secretary determines that it would be in the public interest, waive payment by any person of costs incidental to any conveyance authorized by sections 521c to 521i of this title or reimbursement by any person for the value of improvements to rights-of-way otherwise required by this section.

(Pub. L. 97–465, § 4, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2536.)
§ 521g. Road rights-of-way subject to State or local law

Conveyance of any road rights-of-way under sections 521c to 521i of this title shall not be construed as permitting any designation, maintenance, or use of such rights-of-way for road or other purposes except to the extent permitted by State or local law and under conditions imposed by such law.

(Pub. L. 97–465, § 5, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2536.)
§ 521h. Regulations; contents
The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out the provisions of sections 521c to 521i of this title, including specification of—
(1) criteria which shall be used in making the determination as to what constitutes the public interest;
(2) the definition of and the procedure for determining “approximately equal value”; and
(3) factors relating to location or size which shall be considered in connection with determining the lands to be sold, exchanged, or interchanged under clause (1) of section 521e of this title.
(Pub. L. 97–465, § 6, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2536.)
§ 521i. Unaffected lands

Nothing in sections 521c to 521i of this title shall authorize conveyance of Federal lands within the National Wilderness Preservation System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, National Trails System, or National Monuments. Nothing in sections 521c to 521i of this title shall authorize sale of Federal lands, within National Recreation Areas.

(Pub. L. 97–465, § 7, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2536.)
§ 522. Omitted
§ 523. Omitted
§ 524. Rights-of-way for dams, reservoirs, or water plants for municipal, mining, and milling purposes

Rights-of-way for the construction and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, water plants, ditches, flumes, pipes, tunnels, and canals, within and across the national forests of the United States, are granted to citizens and corporations of the United States for municipal or mining purposes, and for the purposes of the milling and reduction of ores, during the period of their beneficial use, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior, and subject to the laws of the State or Territory in which said forests are respectively situated.

(Feb. 1, 1905, ch. 288, § 4, 33 Stat. 628.)
§ 525. Rights-of-way for wagon roads or railroads

In the form provided by existing law the Secretary of the Interior may file and approve surveys and plats of any right of way for a wagon road, railroad, or other highway over and across any national forest when in his judgment the public interests will not be injuriously affected thereby.

(Mar. 3, 1899, ch. 427, § 1, 30 Stat. 1233.)
§ 526. Establishment and protection of water rights

There are authorized to be appropriated for expenditure by the Forest Service such sums as may be necessary for the investigation and establishment of water rights, including the purchase thereof or of lands or interests in lands or rights-of-way for use and protection of water rights necessary or beneficial in connection with the administration and public use of the national forests.

(Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title II, § 213, 58 Stat. 737.)
§ 527. Use of Forest Service funds for administration of certain lands

The Forest Service may expend funds available for national forest protection and management for the administration of lands under contract for purchase or for the acquisition of which condemnation proceedings have been instituted under the Act of March 1, 1911, and the Act of June 7, 1924, and lands transferred to the Forest Service for administration.

(Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412, title II, § 211, 58 Stat. 737.)
§ 528. Development and administration of renewable surface resources for multiple use and sustained yield of products and services; Congressional declaration of policy and purpose

It is the policy of the Congress that the national forests are established and shall be administered for outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes. The purposes of sections 528 to 531 of this title are declared to be supplemental to, but not in derogation of, the purposes for which the national forests were established as set forth in section 475 of this title. Nothing herein shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish on the national forests. Nothing herein shall be construed so as to affect the use or administration of the mineral resources of national forest lands or to affect the use or administration of Federal lands not within national forests.

(Pub. L. 86–517, § 1, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215.)
§ 529. Authorization of development and administration consideration to relative values of resources; areas of wilderness

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized and directed to develop and administer the renewable surface resources of the national forests for multiple use and sustained yield of the several products and services obtained therefrom. In the administration of the national forests due consideration shall be given to the relative values of the various resources in particular areas. The establishment and maintenance of areas of wilderness are consistent with the purposes and provisions of sections 528 to 531 of this title.

(Pub. L. 86–517, § 2, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215.)
§ 530. Cooperation for purposes of development and administration with State and local governmental agencies and others

In the effectuation of sections 528 to 531 of this title the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to cooperate with interested State and local governmental agencies and others in the development and management of the national forests.

(Pub. L. 86–517, § 3, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215.)
§ 531. Definitions
As used in sections 528 to 531 of this title the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) “Multiple use” means: The management of all the various renewable surface resources of the national forests so that they are utilized in the combination that will best meet the needs of the American people; making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources or related services over areas large enough to provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions; that some land will be used for less than all of the resources; and harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources, each with the other, without impairment of the productivity of the land, with consideration being given to the relative values of the various resources, and not necessarily the combination of uses that will give the greatest dollar return or the greatest unit output.
(b) “Sustained yield of the several products and services” means the achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level annual or regular periodic output of the various renewable resources of the national forests without impairment of the productivity of the land.
(Pub. L. 86–517, § 4, June 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 215.)
§ 532. Roads and trails system; Congressional findings and declaration of policy

The Congress hereby finds and declares that the construction and maintenance of an adequate system of roads and trails within and near the national forests and other lands administered by the Forest Service is essential if increasing demands for timber, recreation, and other uses of such lands are to be met; that the existence of such a system would have the effect, among other things, of increasing the value of timber and other resources tributary to such roads; and that such a system is essential to enable the Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter called the Secretary) to provide for intensive use, protection, development, and management of these lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield of products and services.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 1, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1089.)
§ 533. Grant of easements for road rights-of-way; authority of Secretary of Agriculture; regulations

The Secretary is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, subject to the provisions of sections 532 to 538 of this title, to grant permanent or temporary easements for specified periods or otherwise for road rights-of-way (1) over national forest lands and other lands administered by the Forest Service, and (2) over any other related lands with respect to which the Department of Agriculture has rights under the terms of the grant to it.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 2, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1089.)
§ 534. Termination and cancellation of easements; notice; hearing

An easement granted under sections 532 to 538 of this title may be terminated by consent of the owner of the easement, by condemnation, or after a five-year period of nonuse the Secretary may, if he finds the owner has abandoned the easement, make a determination to cancel it. Before the Secretary may cancel an easement for nonuse the owner of such easement must be notified of the determination to cancel and be given, upon his request made within sixty days after receipt of the notice, a hearing in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be issued by the Secretary.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 3, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1089.)
§ 535. Forest development roads; acquisition, construction, and maintenance; maximum economy; methods of financing; cost arrangements for construction standards; transfer of unused effective purchaser credit for road construction

The Secretary is authorized to provide for the acquisition, construction, and maintenance of forest development roads within and near the national forests and other lands administered by the Forest Service in locations and according to specifications which will permit maximum economy in harvesting timber from such lands tributary to such roads and at the same time meet the requirements for protection, development, and management thereof, and for utilization of the other resources thereof. Financing of such roads may be accomplished (1) by the Secretary utilizing appropriated funds, (2) by requirements on purchasers of national forest timber and other products, including provisions for amortization of road costs in contracts, (3) by cooperative financing with other public agencies and with private agencies or persons, or (4) by a combination of these methods: Provided, That where roads of a higher standard than that needed in the harvesting and removal of the timber and other products covered by the particular sale are to be constructed, the purchaser of the national forest timber and other products shall not be required to bear that part of the costs necessary to meet such higher standard, and the Secretary is authorized to make such arrangements to this end as may be appropriate. The Secretary is authorized, under such rules and regulations as he shall prescribe, to permit the transfer of unused effective purchaser credit for road construction earned after December 16, 1975, from one timber sale to a purchaser to another timber sale to the same purchaser within the same National Forest.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 4, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1089; Pub. L. 94–154, Dec. 16, 1975, 89 Stat. 823.)
§ 535a. Forest development roads: prohibition on credits; inclusion of construction costs in notice of sale; special election by small business concerns; construction standards; authorization of harvesting; treatment of road value
(a) Prohibition on timber purchaser road credits
(b) Construction of roads by timber purchasers
(1) Whenever the Secretary of Agriculture makes a determination that a forest development road referred to in subsection (a) shall be constructed or paid for, in whole or in part, by a purchaser of national forest timber or other forest products, the Secretary shall include notice of the determination in the notice of sale of the timber or other forest products. The notice of sale shall contain, or announce the availability of, sufficient information related to the road described in the notice to permit a prospective bidder on the sale to calculate the likely cost that would be incurred by the bidder to construct or finance the construction of the road so that the bidder may reflect such cost in the bid.
(2) If there is an increase or decrease in the cost of roads constructed by the timber purchaser, caused by variations in quantities, changes or modifications subsequent to the sale of timber made in accordance with applicable timber sale contract provisions, then an adjustment to the price paid for timber harvested by the purchaser shall be made. The adjustment shall be applied by the Secretary as soon as practicable after any such design change is implemented.
(c) Special election by small business concerns
(1) A notice of sale referred to in subsection (b) containing specified road construction of $50,000 or more, shall give a purchaser of national forest timber or other forest products that qualifies as a “small business concern” under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.), and regulations issued thereunder, the option to elect that the Secretary of Agriculture build the roads described in the notice. The Secretary shall provide the small business concern with an estimate of the cost that would be incurred by the Secretary to construct the roads on behalf of the small business concern. The notice of sale shall also include the date on which the roads described in the notice will be completed by the Secretary if the election is made.
(2) If the election referred to in paragraph (1) is made, the purchaser of the national forest timber or other forest products shall pay to the Secretary of Agriculture, in addition to the price paid for the timber or other forest products, an amount equal to the estimated cost of the roads which otherwise would be paid by the purchaser as provided in the notice of sale. Pending receipt of such amount, the Secretary may use receipts from the sale of national forest timber or other forest products and such additional sums as may be appropriated for the construction of roads, such funds to be available until expended, to accomplish the requested road construction.
(d) Authorization of harvesting
(e) Construction standard
(f) Treatment of road value
(g) Effective date
(1) This section and the requirements of this section shall take effect (and apply thereafter) upon the earlier of—
(A)April 1, 1999; or
(B) the date that is the later of—
(i) the effective date of regulations issued by the Secretary of Agriculture to implement this section; and
(ii) the date on which new timber sale contract provisions designed to implement this section, that have been published for public comment, are approved by the Secretary.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any sale of national forest timber or other forest products for which notice of sale is provided before the effective date of this section, and any effective purchaser road credit earned pursuant to a contract resulting from such a notice of sale or otherwise earned before that effective date shall remain in effect, and shall continue to be subject to section 535 of this title and section 472a(i) of this title, and rules issued thereunder, as in effect on the day before October 21, 1998.
(Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(e) [title III, § 329], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681–292.)
§ 536. Recording of instruments; furnishing of instruments affecting public domain lands to Secretary of the Interior

Copies of all instruments affecting permanent interests in land executed pursuant to sections 532 to 538 of this title shall be recorded in each county where the lands are located. Copies of all instruments affecting interests in lands reserved from the public domain shall be furnished to the Secretary of the Interior.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 5, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1089.)
§ 537. Maintenance and reconstruction by road users; funds for maintenance and reconstruction; availability of deposits until expended, transfer of funds, and refunds

The Secretary may require the user or users of a road under the control of the Forest Service, including purchasers of Government timber and other products, to maintain such roads in a satisfactory condition commensurate with the particular use requirements of each. Such maintenance to be borne by each user shall be proportionate to total use. The Secretary may also require the user or users of such a road to reconstruct the same when such reconstruction is determined to be necessary to accommodate such use. If such maintenance or reconstruction cannot be so provided or if the Secretary determines that maintenance or reconstruction by a user would not be practical, then the Secretary may require that sufficient funds be deposited by the user to provide his portion of such total maintenance or reconstruction. Deposits made to cover the maintenance or reconstruction of roads are hereby made available until expended to cover the cost to the United States of accomplishing the purpose for which deposited: Provided, That deposits received for work on adjacent and overlapping areas may be combined when it is the most practicable and efficient manner of performing the work, and cost thereof may be determined by estimates: And provided further, That unexpended balances upon accomplishment of the purpose for which deposited shall be transferred to miscellaneous receipts or refunded.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 6, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1090.)
§ 538. User fees fund for delayed payments to grantors

Whenever the agreement under which the United States has obtained for the use of, or in connection with, the national forests and other lands administered by the Forest Service a right-of-way or easement for a road or an existing road or the right to use an existing road provides for delayed payments to the Government’s grantor, any fees or other collections received by the Secretary for the use of the road may be placed in a fund to be available for making payments to the grantor.

(Pub. L. 88–657, § 7, Oct. 13, 1964, 78 Stat. 1090.)
§ 538a. Forest Service Legacy Road and Trail Remediation Program
(a) Establishment
(b) ActivitiesIn carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall, taking into account foreseeable changes in weather and hydrology—
(1) restore passages for fish and other aquatic species by—
(A) improving, repairing, or replacing culverts and other infrastructure; and
(B) removing barriers, as the Secretary determines appropriate, from the passages;
(2) decommission unauthorized user-created roads and trails that are not a National Forest System road or a National Forest System trail, if the applicable unit of the National Forest System has published—
(A) a Motor Vehicle Use Map and the road is not identified as a National Forest System road on that Motor Vehicle Use Map; or
(B) a map depicting the authorized trails in the applicable unit of the National Forest System and the trail is not identified as a National Forest System trail on that map;
(3) prepare previously closed National Forest System roads for long-term storage, in accordance with subsections (c)(1) and (d), in a manner that—
(A) prevents motor vehicle use, as appropriate to conform to route designations;
(B) prevents the roads from damaging adjacent resources, including aquatic and wildlife resources;
(C) reduces or eliminates the need for road maintenance; and
(D) preserves the roads for future use;
(4) decommission previously closed National Forest System roads and trails in accordance with subsections (c)(1) and (d);
(5) relocate National Forest System roads and trails—
(A) to increase resilience to extreme weather events, flooding, and other natural disasters; and
(B) to respond to changing resource conditions and public input;
(6) convert National Forest System roads to National Forest System trails, while allowing for continued use for motorized and nonmotorized recreation, to the extent the use is compatible with the management status of the road or trail;
(7) decommission temporary roads—
(A) that were constructed before November 15, 2021
(i) for emergency operations; or
(ii) to facilitate a resource extraction project;
(B) that were designated as a temporary road by the Secretary; and
(C)
(i) in violation of section 1608(b) of this title, on which vegetation cover has not been reestablished; or
(ii) that have not been fully decommissioned; and
(8) carry out projects on National Forest System roads, trails, and bridges to improve resilience to extreme weather events, flooding, or other natural disasters.
(c) Project selection
(1) Project eligibility
(A) In generalThe Secretary may only fund under the Program a project described in paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (b) if the Secretary previously and separately—
(i) solicited public comment for changing the management status of the applicable National Forest System road or trail—(I) to close the road or trail to access; and(II) to minimize impacts to natural resources; and
(ii) has closed the road or trail to access as described in clause (i)(I).
(B) RequirementEach project carried out under the Program shall be on a National Forest System road or trail, except with respect to—
(i) a project described in subsection (b)(2); or
(ii) a project carried out on a watershed for which the Secretary has entered into a cooperative agreement under section 1011a of this title.
(2) Annual selection of projects for fundingThe Secretary shall—
(A) establish a process for annually selecting projects for funding under the Program, consistent with the requirements of this section;
(B) solicit and consider public input regionally in the ranking of projects for funding under the Program;
(C) give priority for funding under the Program to projects that would—
(i) protect or improve water quality in public drinking water source areas;
(ii) restore the habitat of a threatened, endangered, or sensitive fish or wildlife species; or
(iii) maintain future access to the adjacent area for the public, contractors, permittees, or firefighters; and
(D) publish on the website of the Forest Service—
(i) the selection process established under subparagraph (A); and
(ii) a list that includes a description and the proposed outcome of each project funded under the Program in each fiscal year.
(d) ImplementationIn implementing the Program, the Secretary shall ensure that—
(1) the system of roads and trails on the applicable unit of the National Forest System—
(A) is adequate to meet any increasing demands for timber, recreation, and other uses;
(B) provides for intensive use, protection, development, and management of the land under principles of multiple use and sustained yield of products and services;
(C) does not damage, degrade, or impair adjacent resources, including aquatic and wildlife resources, to the extent practicable;
(D) reflects long-term funding expectations; and
(E) is adequate for supporting emergency operations, such as evacuation routes during wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters; and
(2) all projects funded under the Program are consistent with any applicable forest plan or travel management plan.
(e) Savings clause
(Pub. L. 88–657, § 8, as added Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title VIII, § 40801(a), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1094.)
§ 539. Additions to existing national forests; administration
(a) The following units of the National Forest System are hereby expanded:
(1) Chugach National Forest by the addition of four areas, Nellie Juan, College Fjord, Copper/Rude River, and Controller Bay, containing approximately one million nine hundred thousand acres of public land, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Chugach National Forest additions—proposed”, and dated October 1978; and
(2) Tongass National Forest by the addition of three areas, Kates Needle, Juneau Icefield, and Brabazon Range, containing approximately one million four hundred and fifty thousand acres of public lands, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Tongass National Forest additions—proposed”, and dated October 1978.
(b) Subject to valid existing rights, lands added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests by this section shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Act and the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the national forest system: Provided, That the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitat shall be the primary purpose for the management of the Copper/Rude River addition and the Copper River-Bering River portion of the existing Chugach National Forest, as generally depicted on the map appropriately referenced and dated October 1978: Provided, That the taking of fish and wildlife shall be permitted within zones established by this subsection pursuant to the provisions of this Act and other applicable State and Federal law. Multiple use activities shall be permitted in a manner consistent with the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitat as set forth in special regulations which shall be promulgated by the Secretary.
(Pub. L. 96–487, title V, § 501, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2398.)
§ 539a. Mining and mineral leasing on certain national forest lands

(Pub. L. 96–487, title V, § 502, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2399.)
§ 539b. Fisheries on national forest lands in Alaska
(a) Regulations for protection and maintenance of habitats
(b) Approved plan for mining operations; requirements; review; modification; suspension of activitiesBecause of the large scale of contemplated mining operations and the proximity of such operations to important fishery resources, with respect to mining operations in the Quartz Hill area of the Tongass National Forest, the regulations of the Secretary shall, pursuant to this subsection, include a requirement that all mining operations involving significant surface disturbance shall be in accordance with an approved plan of operations. Before approving any proposed plan or distinct stages of such plan of operations for any such claims when any fishery habitat or fishery value may be affected, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior and the State of Alaska, determine—
(1) that such plan or stages of such plan are based upon and shall include studies or information which he determines are adequate for—
(A) evaluating the water quality and water quantity, fishery habitat, and other fishery values of the affected area; and
(B) evaluating to the maximum extent feasible and relevant, the sensitivity to environmental degradation from activities carried out under such plan of the fishery habitat as it affects the various life stages of anadromous fish and other foodfish and their major food chain components;
(2) that such plan adequately identifies the risks the operations under such plan or such stages might pose to and the benefits the operations under such plan might provide to—
(A) the natural stability and the present and continued productivity of anadromous fish and other foodfish;
(B) fishery habitat, including but not limited to water quality and water quantity; and
(C) other fishery values;
(3) that such plan includes provisions which he determines are adequate for the purposes of—
(A) preventing significant adverse environmental impacts to the fishery habitat (including but not limited to water quality and water quantity) or other fishery values; and
(B) maintaining present and continued productivity of the habitat of anadromous fish and other foodfish which might be affected by the mining and other activities proposed to be conducted in accordance with such plan or such stages of the plan of operations;
(4)
(A) the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent feasible, that the cumulative effects of activities carried out under the operating plan will not interfere with the ability to collect baseline information needed by the Secretary to evaluate the effects of various stages of the operating plan on the fishery habitat and productivity of such habitats;
(B) the Secretary shall review such plan and mining activities on at least an annual basis. With respect to any mining or associated activities, the Secretary, if he determines upon notice and hearing, that the activities are harmful to the continued productivity of anadromous fish, or other foodfish populations or fishery habitat, shall require a modification of the plan to eliminate or mitigate, if necessary, the harmful effects of such activities; and
(5) upon a finding by the Secretary that a mining activity conducted as a part of a mining operation exists which constitutes a threat of irreparable harm to anadromous fish, or other foodfish populations or their habitat, and that immediate correction is required to prevent such harm, he may require such activity to be suspended for not to exceed seven days, provided the activity may be resumed at the end of said seven-day period unless otherwise required by a United States district court.
(c) Authority of State of Alaska to manage fish and wildlife
(d) Authority of Secretary of Agriculture to manage national forests
(Pub. L. 96–487, title V, § 505, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2405.)
§ 539c. Cooperative fisheries planning; report to Congress
(a) The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources through fish hatchery and aquaculture facilities and activities in the Tongass National Forest. Participation in this process shall include but not be limited to the State of Alaska and appropriate nonprofit aquaculture corporations. The Secretary may contract with private, nonprofit associations for services in such planning.
(b) Each subsequent revision of National Forest management plans under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 [16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.] and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 shall contain a report on the status of the planning process undertaken under this paragraph, including, but not limited to, a description of current hatchery and aquaculture projects, an analysis of the success of these projects, and a prioritized list of projects anticipated for the duration of the management plan. The report shall be submitted by the Secretary to the Congress with recommendations for any legislative action which the Secretary may deem necessary to implement the proposed hatchery and aquaculture projects.
(Pub. L. 96–487, title V, § 507, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2412.)
§ 539d. National forest timber utilization program
(a) Tongass National Forest timber supply; satisfaction of certain market demands
(b) Insured and guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forests materials in Alaska; authorization of appropriations
(1) The Secretary is authorized and directed to establish a special program of insured or guaranteed loans to purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment and the implementation of new technologies which lead to the utilization of wood products which might otherwise not be utilized. The Secretary is authorized to promulgate such regulations as he deems appropriate to define eligibility requirements for the participation in the loan program and the terms and conditions applicable to loans made under the program. Except as otherwise provided in this section or regulations promulgated specifically for this loan program, such program shall be carried out in a manner which is consistent with other authorities available to the Secretary.
(2) To carry out the special loan program established by this section, there are hereby authorized beginning after the fiscal year 1980 to be appropriated $5,000,000 from National Forest Fund receipts, to be deposited in a special fund in the Treasury of the United States to remain available until expended. Repayments of principal and interest and other recoveries on loans authorized by this section shall be credited to this fund and shall remain available until expended in order to carry out the purposes of this section.
(c) Study on increase of timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska; transmittal to Congress
(d) Identification of lands not suited for timber production; consideration of economic factors unnecessary
(e) Protection of riparian habitat; maintenance of buffer zones in Tongass National Forest; relocation of prior independent sale or released volume
(f) Timber supply from Tongass National Forest for purchasers qualifying as “small business concerns”
(Pub. L. 96–487, title VII, § 705, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2420; Pub. L. 101–626, title I, §§ 101–103(a), 105(b), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4426, 4427.)
§ 539e. Reports
(a) Timber supply and demand in southeastern Alaska
(b) Status of Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska; contents
(c) Cooperation and consultation
(Pub. L. 96–487, title VII, § 706, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2420; Pub. L. 101–626, title I, § 104, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4427; Pub. L. 103–437, § 6(d)(31), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4584.)
§ 539f. Nonprofit organization user of national forest lands
(a) Permits for organization camps; waiver of charges; performance of services; loss of entitlement
(b) “Other nonprofit organization” defined
(Pub. L. 98–478, § 3, Oct. 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 2216; Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095.)
§ 539g. Kings River Special Management Area
(a) Establishment
(b) Area included
(c) Administration
(d) Mining and mineral leasing
(e) Hunting and fishing
(f) Management plan
(g) Access to private lands
(h) Specific protections
(Pub. L. 100–150, § 2, Nov. 3, 1987, 101 Stat. 881.)
§ 539h. Greer Spring Special Management Area
(a) Objectives and establishments
(b) Area included
(c) Timber harvesting
(d) Hunting and fishing
(e) Mining and mineral leasing
(f) Vehicular access
(Pub. L. 102–220, § 4, Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1674.)
§ 539i. Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area
(a) Establishment
(1) In order to conserve, protect, and enhance the scenic, wildlife, recreational, and other natural resource values of the Fossil Ridge area, there is hereby established the Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area (hereinafter referred to as the “recreation management area”).
(2) The recreation management area shall consist of certain lands in the Gunnison National Forest, Colorado, which comprise approximately 43,900 acres, as generally depicted as “Area A” on a map entitled “Fossil Ridge Wilderness Proposal”, dated January, 1993.
(b) Administration
(c) Withdrawal
(d) Timber harvesting
(e) Livestock grazing
(f) Development
(g) Off-road recreation
(Pub. L. 103–77, § 5, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 760.)
§ 539j. Bowen Gulch Protection Area
(a) Establishment
(1) There is hereby established in the Arapaho National Forest, Colorado, the Bowen Gulch Protection Area (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the “protection area”).
(2) The protection area shall consist of certain lands in the Arapaho National Forest, Colorado, which comprise approximately 11,600 acres, as generally depicted as “Area A” on a map entitled “Bowen Gulch Additions to Never Summer Wilderness Proposal”, dated January, 1993.
(b) Administration
(c) Withdrawal
(d) Development
(e) Timber harvesting
(f) Motorized travel
(g) Management plan
(Pub. L. 103–77, § 6, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 761.)
§ 539k. Kelly Butte Special Management Area
(a) Establishment
(b) ManagementThe Kelly Butte Special Management Area shall be managed by the Secretary in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations generally applicable to National Forest System lands, and subject to the following additional provisions:
(1) the Area shall be managed with special emphasis on:
(A) preserving its natural character and protecting and enhancing water quality in the upper Green River watershed;
(B) permitting hunting and fishing;
(C) providing opportunities for primitive and semi-primitive recreation and scientific research and study;
(D) protecting and enhancing populations of fish, wildlife and native plant species; and
(E) allowing for traditional uses by native American peoples;
(2) commercial timber harvest and road construction shall be prohibited;
(3) the Area shall be closed to the use of motor vehicles, except as may be necessary for administrative purposes or in emergencies (including rescue operations) to protect public health and safety; and
(4) the Area shall, subject to valid existing rights, be permanently withdrawn from all forms of entry and appropriation under the U.S. mining laws and mineral leasing laws, including the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 [30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.].
(c) No buffer zones
(Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(e) [title VI, § 611], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681–334.)
§ 539l. Designation of James Peak Protection Area, Colorado
(a) Findings and purpose
(1) Findings
The Congress finds the following:
(A) The lands covered by this section include important resources and values, including wildlife habitat, clean water, open space, and opportunities for solitude.
(B) These lands also include areas that are suitable for recreational uses, including use of snowmobiles in times of adequate snow cover as well as use of other motorized and nonmotorized mechanical devices.
(C) These lands should be managed in a way that affords permanent protection to their resources and values while permitting continued recreational uses in appropriate locales and subject to appropriate regulations.
(2) Purpose
(b) Designation
(c) Map and boundary description
(d) Management
(1) In general
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Protection Area shall be managed and administered by the Secretary in the same manner as the management area prescription designations identified for these lands in the 1997 Revision of the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest and the Pawnee National Grasslands. Such management and administration shall be in accordance with the following:
(A) Grazing
(B) Mining withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land within the Protection Area and all land and interests in land acquired for the Protection Area by the United States are withdrawn from—
(i) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii) the operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws, and all amendments thereto.
Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to affect discretionary authority of the Secretary under other Federal laws to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way or other land use authorizations consistent with the other provisions of this Act.
(C) Motorized and mechanized travel
(i) Review and inventory
Not later than two years after August 21, 2002, the Secretary, in consultation with interested parties, shall complete a review and inventory of all roads and trails in the Protection Area on which use was allowed on September 10, 2001, except those lands managed under the management prescription referred to in subparagraph (F). During the review and inventory, the Secretary may—
(I) connect existing roads and trails in the inventoried area to other existing roads and trails in the inventoried area for the purpose of mechanized and other nonmotorized use on any lands within the Protection Area as long as there is no net gain in the total mileage of either roads or trails open for public use within the Protection Area; and(II) close or remove roads or trails within the Protection Area that the Secretary determines to be undesirable, except those roads or trails managed pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection or subsection (e)(3).
(ii) After completion of inventory
(D) New roads and trails
No new roads or trails shall be established within the Protection Area except those which the Secretary shall establish as follows:
(i) Roads and trails established to replace roads or trails of the same character and scope which have become nonserviceable through reasons other than neglect.
(ii) Nonpermanent roads as needed for hazardous fuels reduction or other control of fire, insect or disease control projects, or other management purposes.
(iii) Roads determined to be appropriate for reasonable access under section 539l–1(b)(2) of this title.
(iv) A loop trail established pursuant to section 539l–3 of this title.
(v) Construction of a trail for nonmotorized use following the corridor designated as the Continental Divide Trail.
(E) Timber harvesting
(F) Special interest area
(2) Natural gas pipeline
(3) Permanent Federal ownership
(e) Issues related to water
(1) Statutory construction
(A) Nothing in this Act shall constitute or be construed to constitute either an express or implied reservation of any water or water rights with respect to the lands within the Protection Area.
(B) Nothing in this Act shall affect any conditional or absolute water rights in the State of Colorado existing on August 21, 2002.
(C) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as establishing a precedent with regard to any future protection area designation.
(D) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting, altering, modifying, or amending any of the interstate compacts or equitable apportionment decrees that apportion water among and between the State of Colorado and other States.
(2) Colorado water law
(3) Water infrastructure
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 3, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1056.)
§ 539l–1. Inholdings
(a) State Land Board lands
(b) Jim Creek inholding
(1) Acquisition of lands
(2) Landowner rights
(c) Report
(1) In general
The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report concerning any agreement or the status of negotiations conducted pursuant to—
(A) subsection (a), upon conclusion of an agreement for acquisition by the United States of lands referred to in subsection (a), or 1 year after August 21, 2002, whichever occurs first; and
(B) subsection (b), upon conclusion of an agreement for acquisition by the United States of lands referred to in subsection (b), or 1 year after August 21, 2002, whichever occurs first.
(2) Funding information
(d) Management of acquisitions
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 4, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1059.)
§ 539l–2. James Peak Fall River trailhead
(a) Services and facilitiesFollowing the consultation required by subsection (c), the Forest Supervisor of the Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest in the State of Colorado (in this section referred to as the “Forest Supervisor”) shall establish a trailhead and corresponding facilities and services to regulate use of National Forest System lands in the vicinity of the Fall River basin south of the communities of Alice Township and St. Mary’s Glacier in the State of Colorado. The facilities and services shall include the following:
(1) Trailhead parking.
(2) Public restroom accommodations.
(3) Trailhead and trail maintenance.
(b) Personnel
(c) ConsultationThe Forest Supervisor shall consult with the Clear Creek County commissioners and with residents of Alice Township and St. Mary’s Glacier regarding—
(1) the appropriate location of facilities and services in the area described in subsection (a); and
(2) appropriate measures that may be needed in this area—
(A) to provide access by emergency or law enforcement vehicles;
(B) for public health; and
(C) to address concerns regarding impeded access by local residents.
(d) Report
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 5, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1060.)
§ 539l–3. Loop trail study; authorization
(a) Study
(b) Establishment
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 6, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1060.)
§ 539l–4. Other administrative provisions
(a) Buffer zones
(b) Rollins Pass Road
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 7, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1060.)
§ 539l–5. Wilderness potential
(a) In general
(b) Evaluation of certain lands
(Pub. L. 107–216, § 8, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1061.)
§ 539m. Findings and purposes
(a) Findings
Congress finds that—
(1) in 1748, the Pueblo of Sandia received a grant from a representative of the King of Spain, which grant was recognized and confirmed by Congress in 1858 (11 Stat. 374); and
(2) in 1994, the Pueblo filed a civil action against the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (Civil No. 1:94CV02624), asserting that Federal surveys of the grant boundaries erroneously excluded certain land within the Cibola National Forest, including a portion of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title are—
(1) to establish the T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area in the Cibola National Forest;
(2) to confirm the status of national forest land and wilderness land in the Area while resolving issues associated with the civil action referred to in subsection (a)(2) and the opinions of the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior dated December 9, 1988 (M–36963; 96 I.D. 331) and January 19, 2001 (M–37002); and
(3) to provide the Pueblo, the parties to the civil action, and the public with a fair and just settlement of the Pueblo’s claim.
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 402, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 279.)
§ 539m–1. DefinitionsIn sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title:
(1) Area
(A) In general
(B) ExclusionsThe term “Area” does not include—
(i) the subdivisions;
(ii) Pueblo-owned land;
(iii) the crest facilities; or
(iv) the special use permit area.
(2) Crest facilitiesThe term “crest facilities” means—
(A) all facilities and developments located on the crest of Sandia Mountain, including the Sandia Crest Electronic Site;
(B) electronic site access roads;
(C) the Crest House;
(D) the upper terminal, restaurant, and related facilities of Sandia Peak Tram Company;
(E) the Crest Observation Area;
(F) parking lots;
(G) restrooms;
(H) the Crest Trail (Trail No. 130);
(I) hang glider launch sites;
(J) the Kiwanis cabin; and
(K) the land on which the facilities described in subparagraphs (A) through (J) are located and the land extending 100 feet along terrain to the west of each such facility, unless a different distance is agreed to in writing by the Secretary and the Pueblo and documented in the survey of the Area.
(3) Existing useThe term “existing use” means a use that—
(A) is occurring in the Area as of February 20, 2003; or
(B) is authorized in the Area after November 1, 1995, but before February 20, 2003.
(4) La Luz tract
(5) Local public body
(6) Map
(7) Modified use
(A) In general
(B) InclusionsThe term “modified use” includes—
(i) a trail or trailhead being modified, such as to accommodate handicapped access;
(ii) a parking area being reconfigured (but not expanded); and
(iii) a special use authorization for a group recreation use being authorized for a different use area or time period.
(8) New use
(A) In generalThe term “new use” means—
(i) a use that is not occurring in the Area as of February 20, 2003; and
(ii) an existing use that is being modified so as to be significantly expanded or altered in scope, dimension, or impact on the land, water, air, or wildlife resources of the Area.
(B) ExclusionsThe term “new use” does not include a use that—
(i) is categorically excluded from documentation requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
(ii) is carried out to comply with the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(9) Piedra Lisa tract
(10) Pueblo
(11) Secretary
(12) Settlement Agreement
(13) Special use permit
(14) Special use permit area
(A) In general
(B) InclusionsThe term “special use permit area” includes—
(i) approximately 46 acres of land used as an aerial tramway corridor;
(ii) approximately 945 acres of land used as a ski area; and
(iii) the land and facilities described in Exhibit A to the special use permit, including—(I) the maintenance road to the lower tram tower;(II) water storage and water distribution facilities; and(III) 7 helispots.
(15) SubdivisionThe term “subdivision” means—
(A) the subdivision of—
(i) Sandia Heights Addition;
(ii) Sandia Heights North Unit I, II, or 3;
(iii) Tierra Monte;
(iv) Valley View Acres; or
(v) Evergreen Hills; and
(B) any additional plat or privately-owned property depicted on the map.
(16) Traditional or cultural useThe term “traditional or cultural use” means—
(A) a ceremonial activity (including the placing of ceremonial materials in the Area); and
(B) the use, hunting, trapping, or gathering of plants, animals, wood, water, and other natural resources for a noncommercial purpose.
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 403, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 280.)
§ 539m–2. T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area
(a) EstablishmentThe T’uf Shur Bien Preservation Trust Area is established within the Cibola National Forest and the Sandia Mountain Wilderness as depicted on the map—
(1) to recognize and protect in perpetuity the rights and interests of the Pueblo in and to the Area, as specified in section 539m–3(a) of this title;
(2) to preserve in perpetuity the national forest and wilderness character of the Area; and
(3) to recognize and protect in perpetuity the longstanding use and enjoyment of the Area by the public.
(b) Administration and applicable law
(1) In general
(2) Traditional or cultural usesTraditional or cultural uses by Pueblo members and members of other federally-recognized Indian tribes authorized to use the Area by the Pueblo under section 539m–3(a)(4) of this title shall not be restricted except by—
(A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act) as in effect on February 20, 2003; and
(B) applicable Federal wildlife protection laws, as provided in section 539m–4(a)(2) of this title.
(3) Later enactments
(4) TrustThe use of the word “Trust” in the name of the Area—
(A) is in recognition of the specific rights and interests of the Pueblo in the Area; and
(B) does not confer on the Pueblo the ownership interest that exists in a case in which the Secretary of the Interior accepts the title to land held in trust for the benefit of an Indian tribe.
(c) Map
(1) Filing
(2) Public availability
(3) EffectThe map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same effect as if the map and legal description were included in sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title, except that—
(A) technical and typographical errors shall be corrected;
(B) changes that may be necessary under subsection (b), (d), or (e) of section 539m–7 of this title or subsection (b) or (c) of section 539m–11 of this title shall be made; and
(C) to the extent that the map and the language of sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title conflict, the language of sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title shall control.
(d) No conveyance of title
(e) Prohibited uses
(1) In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law—
(A) no use prohibited by the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) as of February 20, 2003, shall be permitted in the wilderness portion of the Area; and
(B) none of the following uses shall be permitted in any portion of the Area:
(i) Gaming or gambling.
(ii) Mineral production.
(iii) Timber production.
(iv) Any new use to which the Pueblo objects under section 539m–3(a)(3) of this title.
(2) Mining claims
(f) No modification of boundariesEstablishment of the Area shall not—
(1) affect the boundaries of or repeal or disestablish the Sandia Mountain Wilderness or the Cibola National Forest; or
(2) modify the existing boundary of the Pueblo grant.
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 404, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 282.)
§ 539m–3. Pueblo rights and interests in the Area
(a) In generalThe Pueblo shall have the following rights and interests in the Area:
(1) Free and unrestricted access to the Area for traditional or cultural uses, to the extent that those uses are not inconsistent with—
(A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) (including regulations promulgated under that Act) as in effect on February 20, 2003; or
(B) applicable Federal wildlife protection laws as provided in section 539m–4(a)(2) of this title.
(2) Perpetual preservation of the national forest and wilderness character of the Area under sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title.
(3) Rights in the management of the Area as specified in section 539m–5 of this title, including—
(A) the right to consent or withhold consent to a new use;
(B) the right to consultation regarding a modified use;
(C) the right to consultation regarding the management and preservation of the Area; and
(D) the right to dispute resolution procedures.
(4) Exclusive authority, in accordance with the customs and laws of the Pueblo, to administer access to the Area for traditional or cultural uses by members of the Pueblo and of other federally-recognized Indian tribes.
(5) Such other rights and interests as are recognized in subsection (c) and sections 539m–2, 539m–5, 539m–6, and 539m–7 of this title.
(b) Access
(c) Compensable interest
(1) In generalIf, by an Act of Congress enacted after February 20, 2003, Congress diminishes the national forest or wilderness designation of the Area by authorizing a use prohibited by section 539m–2(e) of this title in all or any portion of the Area, or denies the Pueblo access for any traditional or cultural use in all or any portion of the Area—
(A) the United States shall compensate the Pueblo as if the Pueblo held a fee title interest in the affected portion of the Area and as though the United States had acquired such an interest by legislative exercise of the power of eminent domain; and
(B) the restrictions of sections 539m–2(e) and 539m–4(a) of this title shall be disregarded in determining just compensation owed to the Pueblo.
(2) Effect
(
§ 539m–4. Limitations on Pueblo rights and interests in the Area
(a) Limitations
The rights and interests of the Pueblo recognized in sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title do not include—
(1) any right to sell, grant, lease, convey, encumber, or exchange land or any interest in land in the Area (and any such conveyance shall not have validity in law or equity);
(2) any exemption from applicable Federal wildlife protection laws;
(3) any right to engage in a use prohibited by section 539m–2(e) of this title; or
(4) any right to exclude persons or governmental entities from the Area.
(b) Exception
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 406, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 284.)
§ 539m–5. Management of the Area
(a) Process
(1) In general
(2) New uses
(A) Request for consent after consultation
(i) Denial of consent
(ii) Granting of consent
(B) Final request for consent
(i) Request
(ii) Denial of consent
(iii) Failure to respondIf the Pueblo fails to respond to the consent request within 30 days after receipt of the proposed record of decision or decision notice—(I) the Pueblo shall be deemed to have consented to the proposed record of decision or decision notice; and(II) the Secretary may proceed to issue the final record of decision or decision notice.
(3) Public involvement
(A) In generalWith respect to a proposed new use or modified use, the public shall be provided notice of—
(i) the purpose and need for the proposed new use or modified use;
(ii) the role of the Pueblo in the decisionmaking process; and
(iii) the position of the Pueblo on the proposal.
(B) Court challenge
(b) Emergencies and emergency closure orders
(1) AuthorityThe Secretary shall retain the authority of the Secretary to manage emergency situations, to—
(A) provide for public safety; and
(B) issue emergency closure orders in the Area subject to applicable law.
(2) Notice
(3) No consent
(c) Disputes involving Forest Service management and Pueblo traditional uses
(1) In general
(2) Dispute resolution process
(A) In generalIn the case of a conflict described in paragraph (1)—
(i) the party identifying the conflict shall notify the other party in writing addressed to the Governor of the Pueblo or the Regional Forester, as appropriate, specifying the nature of the dispute; and
(ii) the Governor of the Pueblo or the Regional Forester shall attempt to resolve the dispute for a period of at least 30 days after notice has been provided before bringing a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico.
(B) Disputes requiring immediate resolutionIn the case of a conflict that requires immediate resolution to avoid imminent, substantial, and irreparable harm—
(i) the party identifying the conflict shall notify the other party and seek to resolve the dispute within 3 days of the date of notification; and
(ii) if the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within 3 days—(I) either party may bring a civil action for immediate relief in the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico; and(II) the procedural requirements specified in subparagraph (A) shall not apply.
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 407, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 284.)
§ 539m–6. Jurisdiction over the Area
(a) Criminal jurisdiction
(1) In general
(2) Jurisdiction of the Pueblo
(3) Jurisdiction of the United States
The United States shall have jurisdiction over—
(A) an offense described in section 1153 of title 18 committed by a member of the Pueblo or another federally-recognized Indian tribe;
(B) an offense committed by any person in violation of the laws (including regulations) pertaining to the protection and management of national forests;
(C) enforcement of Federal criminal laws of general applicability; and
(D) any other offense committed by a member of the Pueblo against a person not a member of the Pueblo.
(4) Jurisdiction of the State of New Mexico
(5) Overlapping jurisdiction
(6) Federal use of State law
(b) Civil jurisdiction
(1) In general
(2) Jurisdiction of the Pueblo
(A) In general
The Pueblo shall have exclusive civil adjudicatory jurisdiction over—
(i) a dispute involving only members of the Pueblo;
(ii) a civil action brought by the Pueblo against a member of the Pueblo; and
(iii) a civil action brought by the Pueblo against a member of another federally-recognized Indian tribe for a violation of an understanding between the Pueblo and the other tribe regarding use of or access to the Area for traditional or cultural uses.
(B) Regulatory jurisdiction
The Pueblo shall have no regulatory jurisdiction over the Area, except that the Pueblo shall have exclusive authority to—
(i) regulate traditional or cultural uses by the members of the Pueblo and administer access to the Area by other federally-recognized Indian tribes for traditional or cultural uses, to the extent such regulation is consistent with sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title; and
(ii) regulate hunting and trapping in the Area by members of the Pueblo, to the extent that the hunting or trapping is related to traditional or cultural uses, except that such hunting and trapping outside of that portion of the Area in sections 13, 14, 23, 24, and the northeast quarter of section 25 of T12N, R4E, and section 19 of T12N, R5E, N.M.P.M., Sandoval County, New Mexico, shall be regulated by the Pueblo in a manner consistent with the regulations of the State of New Mexico concerning types of weapons and proximity of hunting and trapping to trails and residences.
(C) Taxing jurisdiction
(3) State and local taxing jurisdiction
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 408, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 286.)
§ 539m–7. Subdivisions and other property interests
(a) Subdivisions
(1) In general
(2) Jurisdiction
(A) In general
(B) State jurisdiction
(3) Limitations on trust land
(b) Piedra Lisa
(1) In general
(2) Declaration of trust title
The Piedra Lisa tract—
(A) shall be transferred to the United States;
(B) is declared to be held in trust for the Pueblo by the United States; and
(C) shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior subject to all limitations on use pertaining to the Area contained in sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title.
(3) Applicability of certain restriction
(c) Crest facilities
(1) In general
(2) Jurisdiction
(d) Special use permit area
(1) In general
(2) Jurisdiction
(A) In general
(B) Preexisting status
(3) Amendment to plan
(4) Land dedicated to aerial tramway and related uses
(e) La Luz tract
(1) In general
(2) Nonapplicability of certain restriction
(f) Evergreen Hills access
(g) Pueblo fee land
(h) Rights-of-way
(1) Road rights-of-way
(A) In general
In accordance with the Pueblo having given its consent in the Settlement Agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall grant to the County of Bernalillo, New Mexico, in perpetuity, the following irrevocable rights-of-way for roads identified on the map in order to provide for public access to the subdivisions, the special use permit land and facilities, the other leasehold and easement rights and interests of the Sandia Peak Tram Company and its affiliates, the Sandia Heights South Subdivision, and the Area—
(i) a right-of-way for Tramway Road;
(ii) a right-of-way for Juniper Hill Road North;
(iii) a right-of-way for Juniper Hill Road South;
(iv) a right-of-way for Sandia Heights Road; and
(v) a right-of-way for Juan Tabo Canyon Road (Forest Road No. 333).
(B) Conditions
The road rights-of-way shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i) Such rights-of-way may not be expanded or otherwise modified without the Pueblo’s written consent, but road maintenance to the rights-of-way shall not be subject to Pueblo consent.
(ii) The rights-of-way shall not authorize uses for any purpose other than roads without the Pueblo’s written consent.
(iii) Except as provided in the Settlement Agreement, existing rights-of-way or leasehold interests and obligations held by the Sandia Peak Tram Company and its affiliates, shall be preserved, protected, and unaffected by sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title.
(2) Utility rights-of-way
(3) Forest Service rights-of-way
In accordance with the Pueblo having given its consent in the Settlement Agreement, the Secretary of the Interior shall grant to the Forest Service the following irrevocable rights-of-way in perpetuity for Forest Service trails crossing land of the Pueblo in order to provide for public access to the Area and through Pueblo land—
(A) a right-of-way for a portion of the Crest Spur Trail (Trail No. 84), crossing a portion of the La Luz tract, as identified on the map;
(B) a right-of-way for the extension of the Foothills Trail (Trail No. 365A), as identified on the map; and
(C) a right-of-way for that portion of the Piedra Lisa North-South Trail (Trail No. 135) crossing the Piedra Lisa tract.
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 409, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 287.)
§ 539m–8. Extinguishment of claims
(a) In general
(b) Subdivisions
(c) Special use and crest facilities areas
Any Pueblo right, title and interest of any kind, including aboriginal claims, and related boundary, survey, trespass, and monetary damage claims, are permanently extinguished in and to—
(1) the land described in the special use permit; and
(2) the land on which the crest facilities are located.
(d) Pueblo agreement
(e) Consideration
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 410, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 290.)
§ 539m–9. Construction
(a) Strict construction
(b) Existing rights
(c) Not precedent
(d) Fish and wildlife
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 411, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 291.)
§ 539m–10. Judicial review
(a) Enforcement
(b) Waiver
(c) Venue
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 412, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 291.)
§ 539m–11. Provisions relating to contributions and land exchange
(a) Contributions
(1) In generalThe Secretary may accept contributions from the Pueblo, or from other persons or governmental entities—
(A) to perform and complete a survey of the Area; or
(B) to carry out any other project or activity for the benefit of the Area in accordance with sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title.
(2) Deadline
(b) Land exchange
(1) In general
(2) Acceptance of payment
(3) Funds received
(4) Treatment of land exchanged or conveyed
(5) Failure to make offer
(6) Failure to exchange
(A) In generalIf the land exchange authorized under paragraph (1) is not completed by the date that is 30 days after June 9, 2014, the Secretary, on request of the Pueblo and the Secretary of the Interior, shall transfer the National Forest land generally depicted as “Land to be Held in Trust” on the map entitled “Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act” and dated October 18, 2013, to the Secretary of the Interior to be held in trust by the United States for the Pueblo—
(i) subject to the restriction enforced by the Secretary of the Interior that the land remain undeveloped, with the natural characteristics of the land to be preserved in perpetuity; and
(ii) consistent with subsection (c).
(B) Other transfersAfter the transfer under subparagraph (A) is complete, the Secretary of the Interior, with the consent of the Pueblo, shall—
(i) transfer to the Secretary, consistent with section 539m–9(c) of this title(I) the La Luz tract generally depicted on the map entitled “Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act” and dated October 18, 2013; and(II) the conservation easement for the Piedra Lisa tract generally depicted on the map entitled “Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act” and dated October 18, 2013; and
(ii) grant to the Secretary a right-of-way for the Piedra Lisa Trail within the Piedra Lisa tract generally depicted on the map entitled “Sandia Pueblo Settlement Technical Amendment Act” and dated October 18, 2013.
(c) Land acquisition and other compensation
(1) In general
(2) Piedra Lisa tractSubject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall compensate the Pueblo for the fair market value of—
(A) the right-of-way established pursuant to section 539m–7(h)(3)(C) of this title; and
(B) the conservation easement established by the limitations on use of the Piedra Lisa tract pursuant to section 539m–7(b)(2) of this title.
(d) Reimbursement of certain costs
(1) In generalThe Pueblo, the County of Bernalillo, New Mexico, and any person that owns or has owned property inside of the exterior boundaries of the Area as designated on the map, and who has incurred actual and direct costs as a result of participating in the case of Pueblo of Sandia v. Babbitt, Civ. No. 94–2624 HHG (D.D.C.), or other proceedings directly related to resolving the issues litigated in that case, may apply for reimbursement in accordance with this section. Costs directly related to such participation which shall qualify for reimbursement shall be—
(A) dues or payments to a homeowner association for the purpose of legal representation; and
(B) legal fees and related expenses.
(2) Treatment of reimbursement
(3) Payments
(4) Applications
(5) Maximum reimbursement
(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 413, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 292; Pub. L. 111–11, title III, § 3309, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1139; Pub. L. 113–119, § 2, June 9, 2014, 128 Stat. 1185.)
§ 539m–12. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out sections 539m to 539m–12 of this title, including such sums as are necessary for the Forest Service to carry out responsibilities of the Forest Service in accordance with section 539m–11(c) of this title.

(Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, § 414, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 294.)
§ 539n. Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resources Management Unit
(1) Establishment
(A) In general
(B) Exclusion of certain land
(C) Withdrawal
(i) In generalSubject to valid rights in existence on March 30, 2009, the Federal land designated as the Management Unit is withdrawn from all forms of—(I) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;(II) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and(III) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(ii) Exception
(2) PurposesThe purposes of the Management Unit are—
(A) to ensure the protection of the quality and quantity of the Crystal Springs watershed as a clean drinking water source for the residents of Hood River County, Oregon; and
(B) to allow visitors to enjoy the special scenic, natural, cultural, and wildlife values of the Crystal Springs watershed.
(3) Map and legal description
(A) Submission of legal descriptionAs soon as practicable after March 30, 2009, the Secretary shall file a map and a legal description of the Management Unit with—
(i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
(B) Force of law
(C) Public availability
(4) Administration
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall—
(i) administer the Management Unit—(I) in accordance with the laws (including regulations) and rules applicable to units of the National Forest System; and(II) consistent with the purposes described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) only allow uses of the Management Unit that are consistent with the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(B) Fuel reduction in proximity to improvements and primary public roadsTo protect the water quality, water quantity, and scenic, cultural, natural, and wildlife values of the Management Unit, the Secretary may conduct fuel reduction and forest health management treatments to maintain and restore fire-resilient forest structures containing late successional forest structure characterized by large trees and multistoried canopies, as ecologically appropriate, on National Forest System land in the Management Unit—
(i) in any area located not more than 400 feet from structures located on—(I) National Forest System land; or(II) private land adjacent to National Forest System land;
(ii) in any area located not more than 400 feet from the Cooper Spur Road, the Cloud Cap Road, or the Cooper Spur Ski Area Loop Road; and
(iii) on any other National Forest System land in the Management Unit, with priority given to activities that restore previously harvested stands, including the removal of logging slash, smaller diameter material, and ladder fuels.
(5) Prohibited activitiesSubject to valid existing rights, the following activities shall be prohibited on National Forest System land in the Management Unit:
(A) New road construction or renovation of existing non-System roads, except as necessary to protect public health and safety.
(B) Projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber (other than activities relating to the harvest of merchantable products that are byproducts of activities conducted to further the purposes described in paragraph (2)).
(C) Commercial livestock grazing.
(D) The placement of new fuel storage tanks.
(E) Except to the extent necessary to further the purposes described in paragraph (2), the application of any toxic chemicals (other than fire retardants), including pesticides, rodenticides, or herbicides.
(6) Forest road closures
(A) In general
(B) Exception
(7) Private land
(A) EffectNothing in this section affects the use of, or access to, any private property within the area identified on the map as the “Crystal Springs Zone of Contribution” by—
(i) the owners of the private property; and
(ii) guests to the private property.
(B) Cooperation
(8) Acquisition of land
(A) In general
(B) Inclusion in Management Unit
(Pub. L. 111–11, title I, § 1205(a), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1014.)
§ 539o. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
(a) Designation
(b) Map and legal description
(1) In generalAs soon as practicable, but not later than 3 years after March 30, 2009, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of the Forest with—
(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
(2) Force of law
(3) Public availability
(c) Management
(1) In generalThe Secretary shall administer the Forest—
(A) in a manner that—
(i) protect 1
1 So in original. Probably should be “protects”.
the resources and values of the area in accordance with the purposes for which the Forest is established, as described in subsection (a); and
(ii) promotes the objectives of the applicable management plan (as in effect on March 30, 2009), including objectives relating to—(I) the protection of bristlecone pines for public enjoyment and scientific study;(II) the recognition of the botanical, scenic, and historical values of the area; and(III) the maintenance of near-natural conditions by ensuring that all activities are subordinate to the needs of protecting and preserving bristlecone pines and wood remnants; and
(B) in accordance with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.), this section, and any other applicable laws.
(2) Uses
(A) In general
(B) Scientific research
(3) WithdrawalSubject to valid existing rights, all Federal land within the Forest is withdrawn from—
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(Pub. L. 111–11, title I, § 1808, Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1060.)
§ 539p. Southeast Arizona land exchange and conservation
(a) Purpose
(b) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Apache Leap
(2) Federal land
(3) Indian tribe
(4) Non-Federal land
(5) Oak Flat Campground
(6) Oak Flat Withdrawal Area
(7) Resolution Copper
(8) Secretary
(9) State
(10) Town
(11) Resolution mine plan of operations
(c) Land exchange
(1) In general
(2) Conditions on acceptanceTitle to any non-Federal land conveyed by Resolution Copper to the United States under this section shall be in a form that—
(A) is acceptable to the Secretary, for land to be administered by the Forest Service and the Secretary of the Interior, for land to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management; and
(B) conforms to the title approval standards of the Attorney General of the United States applicable to land acquisitions by the Federal Government.
(3) Consultation with Indian tribes
(A) In general
(B) ImplementationFollowing the consultations under paragraph (A), the Secretary shall consult with Resolution Copper and seek to find mutually acceptable measures to—
(i) address the concerns of the affected Indian tribes; and
(ii) minimize the adverse effects on the affected Indian tribes resulting from mining and related activities on the Federal land conveyed to Resolution Copper under this section.
(4) Appraisals
(A) In general
(B) Requirements
(i) In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), an appraisal prepared under this paragraph shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including—(I) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and(II) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(ii) Final appraised valueAfter the final appraised values of the Federal land and non-Federal land are determined and approved by the Secretary, the Secretary shall not be required to reappraise or update the final appraised value—(I) for a period of 3 years beginning on the date of the approval by the Secretary of the final appraised value; or(II) at all, in accordance with section 254.14 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), after an exchange agreement is entered into by Resolution Copper and the Secretary.
(iii) Improvements
(iv) Public review
(C) Appraisal information
(5) Equal value land exchange
(A) In general
(B) Surplus of Federal land value
(i) In generalIf the final appraised value of the Federal land exceeds the value of the non-Federal land, Resolution Copper shall—(I) convey additional non-Federal land in the State to the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior, consistent with the requirements of this section and subject to the approval of the applicable Secretary;(II) make a cash payment to the United States; or(III) use a combination of the methods described in subclauses (I) and (II), as agreed to by Resolution Copper, the Secretary, and the Secretary of the Interior.
(ii) Amount of payment
(iii) Disposition and use of proceeds
(C) Surplus of non-Federal landIf the final appraised value of the non-Federal land exceeds the value of the Federal land—
(i) the United States shall not make a payment to Resolution Copper to equalize the value; and
(ii) except as provided in subsection (h), the surplus value of the non-Federal land shall be considered to be a donation by Resolution Copper to the United States.
(6) Oak Flat Withdrawal Area
(A) PermitsSubject to the provisions of this paragraph and notwithstanding any withdrawal of the Oak Flat Withdrawal Area from the mining, mineral leasing, or public land laws, the Secretary, upon enactment of this Act, shall issue to Resolution Copper—
(i) if so requested by Resolution Copper, within 30 days of such request, a special use permit to carry out mineral exploration activities under the Oak Flat Withdrawal Area from existing drill pads located outside the Area, if the activities would not disturb the surface of the Area; and
(ii) if so requested by Resolution Copper, within 90 days of such request, a special use permit to carry out mineral exploration activities within the Oak Flat Withdrawal Area (but not within the Oak Flat Campground), if the activities are conducted from a single exploratory drill pad which is located to reasonably minimize visual and noise impacts on the Campground.
(B) Conditions
(C) Termination
(7) CostsAs a condition of the land exchange under this section, Resolution Copper shall agree to pay, without compensation, all costs that are—
(A) associated with the land exchange and any environmental review document under paragraph (9); and
(B) agreed to by the Secretary.
(8) Use of Federal land
(9) Environmental compliance
(A) In general
(B) Environmental analysis
(C) Impacts on cultural and archeological resourcesThe environmental impact statement prepared under subparagraph (B) shall—
(i) assess the effects of the mining and related activities on the Federal land conveyed to Resolution Copper under this section on the cultural and archeological resources that may be located on the Federal land; and
(ii) identify measures that may be taken, to the extent practicable, to minimize potential adverse impacts on those resources, if any.
(D) EffectNothing in this paragraph precludes the Secretary from using separate environmental review documents prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or other applicable laws for exploration or other activities not involving—
(i) the land exchange; or
(ii) the extraction of minerals in commercial quantities by Resolution Copper on or under the Federal land.
(10) Title transfer
(d) Conveyance and management of non-Federal land
(1) ConveyanceOn receipt of title to the Federal land, Resolution Copper shall simultaneously convey—
(A) to the Secretary, all right, title, and interest that the Secretary determines to be acceptable in and to—
(i) the approximately 147 acres of land located in Gila County, Arizona, depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Turkey Creek” and dated March 2011;
(ii) the approximately 148 acres of land located in Yavapai County, Arizona, depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Tangle Creek” and dated March 2011;
(iii) the approximately 149 acres of land located in Maricopa County, Arizona, depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Cave Creek” and dated March 2011;
(iv) the approximately 640 acres of land located in Coconino County, Arizona, depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–East Clear Creek” and dated March 2011; and
(v) the approximately 110 acres of land located in Pinal County, Arizona, depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Apache Leap South End” and dated March 2011; and
(B) to the Secretary of the Interior, all right, title, and interest that the Secretary of the Interior determines to be acceptable in and to—
(i) the approximately 3,050 acres of land located in Pinal County, Arizona, identified as “Lands to DOI” as generally depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Lower San Pedro River” and dated July 6, 2011;
(ii) the approximately 160 acres of land located in Gila and Pinal Counties, Arizona, identified as “Lands to DOI” as generally depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Dripping Springs” and dated July 6, 2011; and
(iii) the approximately 940 acres of land located in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, identified as “Lands to DOI” as generally depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Non-Federal Parcel–Appleton Ranch” and dated July 6, 2011.
(2) Management of acquired land
(A) Land acquired by the Secretary
(i) In generalLand acquired by the Secretary under this section shall—(I) become part of the national forest in which the land is located; and(II) be administered in accordance with the laws applicable to the National Forest System.
(ii) Boundary revision
(iii) Land and Water Conservation Fund
(B) Land acquired by the Secretary of the Interior
(i) San Pedro National 1
1 So in original. The word “Riparian” probably should precede “National”.
Conservation Area
(I) In general(II) Management plan
(ii) Dripping springs
(iii) Las Cienegas National Conservation Area
(e) Value adjustment payment to United States
(1) Annual production reporting
(A) Report required
(B) Sharing reports with State
(C) Report contents
(2) Payment on production
(3) State law unaffected
(4) Use of funds
(A) Separate fund
(B) Authorized use
(f) WithdrawalSubject to valid existing rights, Apache Leap and any land acquired by the United States under this section are withdrawn from all forms of—
(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(g) Apache Leap Special Management Area
(1) Designation
(2) PurposeThe purposes of the special management area are—
(A) to preserve the natural character of Apache Leap;
(B) to allow for traditional uses of the area by Native American people; and
(C) to protect and conserve the cultural and archeological resources of the area.
(3) Surrender of mining and extraction rights
(4) Management
(A) In general
(B) Authorized activitiesThe activities that are authorized in the special management area are—
(i) installation of seismic monitoring equipment on the surface and subsurface to protect the resources located within the special management area;
(ii) installation of fences, signs, or other measures necessary to protect the health and safety of the public; and
(iii) operation of an underground tunnel and associated workings, as described in the Resolution mine plan of operations, subject to any terms and conditions the Secretary may reasonably require.
(5) Plan
(A) In general
(B) ConsiderationsIn preparing the plan under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider whether additional measures are necessary to—
(i) protect the cultural, archaeological, or historical resources of Apache Leap, including permanent or seasonal closures of all or a portion of Apache Leap; and
(ii) provide access for recreation.
(6) Mining activities
(h) Conveyances to Town of Superior, Arizona
(1) ConveyancesOn request from the Town and subject to the provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall convey to the Town the following:
(A) Approximately 30 acres of land as depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Federal Parcel–Fairview Cemetery” and dated March 2011.
(B) The reversionary interest and any reserved mineral interest of the United States in the approximately 265 acres of land located in Pinal County, Arizona, as depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Federal Reversionary Interest–Superior Airport” and dated March 2011.
(C) The approximately 250 acres of land located in Pinal County, Arizona, as depicted on the map entitled “Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011–Federal Parcel–Superior Airport Contiguous Parcels” and dated March 2011.
(2) Payment
(3) Sisk Act
(4) Terms and conditions
(i) Miscellaneous provisions
(1) Revocation of orders; withdrawal
(A) Revocation of orders
(B) WithdrawalOn December 19, 2014, if the Federal land or any Federal interest in the non-Federal land to be exchanged under subsection (c) is not withdrawn or segregated from entry and appropriation under a public land law (including mining and mineral leasing laws and the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.)), the land or interest shall be withdrawn, without further action required by the Secretary concerned, from entry and appropriation. The withdrawal shall be terminated—
(i) on the date of consummation of the land exchange; or
(ii) if Resolution Copper notifies the Secretary in writing that it has elected to withdraw from the land exchange pursuant to section 206(d) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1716(d)).
(C) Rights of Resolution Copper
(2) Maps, estimates, and descriptions
(A) Minor errors
(B) Conflict
(C) Availability
(3) Public access in and around Oak Flat Campground
(Pub. L. 113–291, div. B, title XXX, § 3003, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3732.)
§ 539q. Hermosa Creek watershed protection
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) City
(2) County
(3) Secretary
(4) Special Management Area
(5) State
(b) Designation of Hermosa Creek Special Management Area
(1) Designation
(2) Purpose
(3) Administration
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall administer the Special Management Area—
(i) in a manner that conserves, protects, and manages the resources of the Special Management Area described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) in accordance with—(I) the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.);(II) this Act; and(III) any other applicable laws.
(B) Uses
(i) In general
(ii) Motorized and mechanized vehicles(I) In general(II) Oversnow vehiclesThe Secretary shall authorize the use of snowmobiles and other oversnow vehicles within the Special Management Area—(aa) when there exists adequate snow coverage; and(bb) subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require.
(iii) Grazing
(iv) Prohibited activitiesWithin the area of the Special Management Area identified as “East Hermosa Area” on the map entitled “Proposed Hermosa Creek Special Management Area and Proposed Hermosa Creek Wilderness Area” and dated November 12, 2014, the following activities shall be prohibited:(I) New permanent or temporary road construction or the renovation of existing nonsystem roads, except as allowed under the final rule entitled “Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to the National Forests in Colorado” (77 Fed. Reg. 39576 (July 3, 2012)).(II) Projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber (other than activities relating to the harvest of merchantable products that are byproducts of activities conducted for ecological restoration or to further the purposes described in this section).
(4) State and Federal water managementNothing in this subsection affects the potential for development, operation, or maintenance of a water storage reservoir at the site in the Special Management Area that is identified in—
(A) pages 17 through 20 of the Statewide Water Supply Initiative studies prepared by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and issued by the State in November 2004; and
(B) page 27 of the Colorado Dam Site Inventory prepared by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and dated August 1996.
(5) Withdrawal
(A) In generalSubject to valid rights in existence on December 19, 2014, and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Federal land within the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(B) Exception
(6) Winter skiing and related winter activitiesNothing in this subsection alters or limits—
(A) a permit held by a ski area;
(B) the implementation of the activities governed by a ski area permit; or
(C) the authority of the Secretary to modify or expand an existing ski area permit.
(7) Vegetation managementNothing in this subsection prevents the Secretary from conducting vegetation management projects within the Special Management Area—
(A) subject to—
(i) such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
(ii) all applicable laws (including regulations); and
(B) in a manner consistent with—
(i) the purposes 1 described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) this subsection.
(8) Wildfire, insect, and disease managementIn accordance with this subsection, the Secretary may—
(A) carry out any measures that the Secretary determines to be necessary to manage wildland fire and treat hazardous fuels, insects, and diseases in the Special Management Area; and
(B) coordinate those measures with the appropriate State or local agency, as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
(9) Management planNot later than 3 years after December 19, 2014, the Secretary shall develop a management plan for the long-term protection and management of the Special Management Area that—
(A) takes into account public input; and
(B) provides for recreational opportunities to occur within the Special Management Area, including skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, snowmobiling, motorcycle riding, off-highway vehicle use, snowshoeing, and camping.
(10) Trail and open area snowmobile usage
(11) State water rightsNothing in this subsection affects access to, use of, or allocation of any absolute or conditional water right that is—
(A) decreed under the laws of the State; and
(B) in existence on December 19, 2014.
(c) Hermosa Creek Wilderness
(1) Omitted
(2) Effective date
(3) Fire, insects, and diseases
(d) Durango Area mineral withdrawal
(1) WithdrawalSubject to valid existing rights, the land and mineral interests described in paragraph (2) are withdrawn from all forms of—
(A) entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, or mineral materials.
(2) Description of land and mineral interests
(3) Public purpose conveyanceNotwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior may convey any portion of the land described in paragraph (2) that is administered by the Bureau of Land Management to the City, the County, or the State—
(A) pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the “Recreation and Public Purposes Act”) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.); or
(B) by exchange in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations).
(e) Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to County
(1) In generalOn the expiration of the permit numbered COC 64651 (09) and dated February 24, 2009, on request and agreement of the County, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the County, without consideration and subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in paragraph (2), subject to—
(A) paragraph (3);
(B) the condition that the County shall pay all administrative and other costs associated with the conveyance; and
(C) such other terms and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior determines to be necessary.
(2) Description of land
(3) Use of conveyed land
(4) Reversion
(f) Molas Pass Recreation Area; Wilderness Study Area release; Wilderness Study Area transfer of administrative jurisdiction
(1) Molas Pass Recreation Area
(A) Designation
(B) Use of snowmobilesThe use of snowmobiles shall be authorized in the Molas Pass Recreation Area—
(i) during periods of adequate snow coverage;
(ii) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and other applicable laws (including regulations);
(iii) on designated trails for winter motorized travel and grooming;
(iv) in designated areas for open area motorized travel; and
(v) subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require.
(C) Other recreational opportunities
(2) Molas Pass Wilderness Study Area
(A) Transfer of administrative jurisdiction
(B) AdministrationThe Federal land described in subparagraph (A) shall—
(i) be known as the “Molas Pass Wilderness Study Area”; and
(ii) be administered by the Secretary, so as to maintain the wilderness character and potential of the Federal land for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
(3) Release
(A) Finding
(B) ReleaseEffective beginning on December 19, 2014, the land described in subparagraph (C)—
(i) shall not be subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c));
(ii) shall be managed in accordance with land management plans adopted under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712); and
(iii) shall not be subject to Secretarial Order 3310 issued on December 22, 2010.
(C) Description of land
(g) General provisions
(1) Fish and wildlife
(2) Maps and legal descriptions
(A) In generalAs soon as practicable after December 19, 2014, the Secretary or the Secretary of the Interior, as appropriate, shall prepare maps and legal descriptions of—
(i) the Special Management Area;
(ii) the wilderness area designated by the amendment made by subsection (c)(1); 2
(iii) the withdrawal pursuant to subsection (d);
(iv) the conveyance pursuant to subsection (e);
(v) the recreation area designated by subsection (f)(1); and
(vi) the wilderness study area designated by subsection (f)(2)(B)(i).
(B) Force of law
(C) Public availability
(3) Adjacent management
(A) In generalNothing in this section establishes a protective perimeter or buffer zone around—
(i) the Special Management Area;
(ii) the wilderness area designated by an amendment made by subsection (c)(1); 2 or
(iii) the wilderness study area designated by subsection (f)(2)(B)(i).
(B) Nonwilderness activities
(4) Military overflightsNothing in this section restricts or precludes—
(A) any low-level overflight of military aircraft over an area designated as a wilderness area under an amendment made by this section,2 including military overflights that can be seen, heard, or detected within the wilderness area;
(B) flight testing or evaluation; or
(C) the designation or establishment of—
(i) new units of special use airspace; or
(ii) any military flight training route over a wilderness area described in subparagraph (A).
(Pub. L. 113–291, div. B, title XXX, § 3062, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3821.)
§ 539r. Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Management Area and wilderness additions
(a) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Conservation Management Area
(2) DecommissionThe term “decommission” means—
(A) to reestablish vegetation on a road; and
(B) to restore any natural drainage, watershed function, or other ecological processes that are disrupted or adversely impacted by the road by removing or hydrologically disconnecting the road prism.
(3) District
(4) Map
(5) Nonmotorized recreation trail
(6) SecretaryThe term “Secretary” means—
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior.
(7) State
(b) Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Management Area
(1) Establishment
(A) In general
(B) Area included
(C) Incorporation of acquired land and interestsAny land or interest in land that is located in the Conservation Management Area and is acquired by the United States from a willing seller shall—
(i) become part of the Conservation Management Area; and
(ii) be managed in accordance with—(I) in the case of land managed by the Forest Service—(aa) the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the “Weeks Law”) (16 U.S.C. 552 et seq.); and(bb) any laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System;(II) in the case of land managed, by the Bureau of Land Management, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);(III) this subsection; and(IV) any other applicable law (including regulations).
(2) Purposes
(3) Management
(A) In generalThe Secretary shall manage the Conservation Management Area—
(i) in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the resources of the Conservation Management Area; and
(ii) in accordance with—(I) the laws (including regulations) and rules applicable to the National Forest System for land managed by the Forest Service;(II) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) for land managed by the Bureau of Land Management;(III) this subsection; and(IV) any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B) Uses
(i) In general
(ii) Motorized vehicles(I) In general(II) New or temporary roads(III) ExceptionsNothing in subclause (I) or (II) prevents the Secretary from—(aa) rerouting or closing an existing road or trail to protect natural resources from degradation, as determined to be appropriate by the Secretary;(bb) constructing a temporary road on which motorized vehicles are permitted as part of a vegetation management project in any portion of the Conservation Management Area located not more than ¼ mile from the Teton Road, South Teton Road, Sun River Road, Beaver Willow Road, or Benchmark Road;(cc) authorizing the use of motorized vehicles for administrative purposes (including noxious weed eradication or grazing management); or(dd) responding to an emergency.(IV) Decommissioning of temporary roads
(iii) GrazingThe Secretary shall permit grazing within the Conservation Management Area, if established on December 19, 2014(I) subject to—(aa) such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary determines appropriate; and(bb) all applicable laws; and(II) in a manner consistent with—(aa) the purposes described in paragraph (2); and(bb) the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617).
(iv) Vegetation managementNothing in this section prevents the Secretary from conducting vegetation management projects within the Conservation Management Area—(I) subject to—(aa) such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary determines appropriate; and(bb) all applicable laws (including regulations); and(II) in a manner consistent with the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(4) Adjacent management
(A) In general
(B) Effect
(c) Designation of wilderness additions
(1) In generalIn accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following Federal land in the State is designated as wilderness and as additions to existing components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:
(A) Bob Marshall Wilderness
(B) Scapegoat Wilderness
(2) Management of wilderness additions
(3) LivestockThe grazing of livestock and the maintenance of existing facilities relating to grazing in the wilderness additions designated by this subsection, if established before December 19, 2014, shall be permitted to continue in accordance with—
(A) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and
(B) the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617).
(4) Wildfire, insect, and disease management
(5) Adjacent management
(A) In general
(B) Nonwilderness activities
(d) Maps and legal descriptions
(1) In general
(2) Force of law
(3) Public availability
(e) Noxious weed management
(1) In general
(2) ContentsThe management strategy shall—
(A) include recommendations to protect wildlife, forage, and other natural resources in the district from noxious weeds;
(B) identify opportunities to coordinate noxious weed prevention, control, and eradication efforts in the district with State and local agencies, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and others;
(C) identify existing resources for preventing, controlling, and eradicating noxious weeds in the district;
(D) identify additional resources that are appropriate to effectively prevent, control, or eradicate noxious weeds in the district; and
(E) identify opportunities to coordinate with county weed districts in Glacier, Pondera, Teton, and Lewis and Clark Counties in the State to apply for grants and enter into agreements for noxious weed control and eradication projects under the Noxious Weed Control and Eradication Act of 2004 (7 U.S.C. 7781 et seq.).
(3) ConsultationIn developing the management strategy required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with—
(A) the Secretary of the Interior;
(B) appropriate State, tribal, and local governmental entities; and
(C) members of the public.
(f) Nonmotorized recreation opportunities
(g) Management of fish and wildlife; hunting and fishing
(h) Overflights
(1) Jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration
(2) Benchmark airstrip
(i) Release of wilderness study areas
(1) Finding
(2) ReleaseThe Zook Creek and Buffalo Creek wilderness study areas—
(A) are no longer subject to—
(i) section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); or
(ii) Secretarial Order 3310 issued on December 22, 2010; and
(B) shall be managed in accordance with the applicable land use plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).
(j) Assessment update
(1) In generalNot later than 5 years after December 19, 2014, the Secretary shall review and update the assessment for oil and gas potential for the following wilderness study areas in the State:
(A) Bridge Coulee.
(B) Musselshell Breaks.
(2) Report
(Pub. L. 113–291, div. B, title XXX, § 3065, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3833.)
§ 539s. Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area
(a) FindingsCongress finds that—
(1) Frank Moore has committed his life to family, friends, his country, and fly fishing;
(2) Frank Moore is a World War II veteran who stormed the beaches of Normandy along with 150,000 troops during the D-Day Allied invasion and was awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his bravery;
(3) Frank Moore returned home after the war, started a family, and pursued his passion of fishing on the winding rivers in Oregon;
(4) as the proprietor of the Steamboat Inn along the North Umpqua River in Oregon for nearly 20 years, Frank Moore, along with his wife Jeanne, shared his love of fishing, the flowing river, and the great outdoors, with visitors from all over the United States and the world;
(5) Frank Moore has spent most of his life fishing the vast rivers of Oregon, during which time he has contributed significantly to efforts to conserve fish habitats and protect river health, including serving on the State of Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission;
(6) Frank Moore has been recognized for his conservation work with the National Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year award, the Wild Steelhead Coalition Conservation Award, and his 2010 induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame; and
(7) in honor of the many accomplishments of Frank Moore, both on and off the river, approximately 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in the State of Oregon should be designated as the “Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area”.
(b) DefinitionsIn this section:
(1) Map
(2) Secretary
(3) Special Management Area
(4) State
(c) Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area, Oregon
(1) Designation
(2) Map; legal description
(A) In general
(B) Force of law
(C) Availability
(3) AdministrationSubject to valid existing rights, the Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary—
(A) in accordance with all laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System; and
(B) in a manner that—
(i) conserves and enhances the natural character, scientific use, and the botanical, recreational, ecological, fish and wildlife, scenic, drinking water, and cultural values of the Special Management Area;
(ii) maintains and seeks to enhance the wild salmonid habitat of the Special Management Area;
(iii) maintains or enhances the watershed as a thermal refuge for wild salmonids; and
(iv) preserves opportunities for recreation, including primitive recreation.
(4) Fish and wildlife
(5) Adjacent managementNothing in this section—
(A) creates any protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Special Management Area; or
(B) modifies the applicable travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(6) Wildfire management
(7) Vegetation managementNothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from conducting vegetation management projects within the Special Management Area in a manner consistent with—
(A) the purposes described in paragraph (3); and
(B) the applicable forest plan.
(8) Protection of tribal rights
(9) WithdrawalSubject to valid existing rights, the Federal land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area river segments designated by paragraph (1) is withdrawn from all forms of—
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(Pub. L. 116–9, title I, § 1103, Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 605.)