§546a–1 Administration and management

Summary

The Secretary of Agriculture must manage the scenic area like other National Forest lands, following the applicable laws and rules and respecting any valid existing rights. Once 50 percent of the land allowed for purchase is acquired, the Secretary has 3 years to write an amendment to the Hiawatha National Forest plan that sets how the scenic area will be run. The Secretary does not have to redo the whole Hiawatha plan under the usual revision process. The management plan must cover public access options from the mainland, and it must follow several rules: no new permanent roads after Nov. 6, 2000; no general timber harvesting except for fire, insect or disease control, public safety, trail access, or habitat and visual-quality work (trees cut for these uses may be removed as allowed); no motorized travel except on Lake Michigan and for needed administrative use; wildfires and pest outbreaks may be controlled in ways that protect the area; docking must be provided by concession, permit, or similar means; and reasonable steps must be taken for public health, safety, and area protection. The Secretary must consult state and local officials, allow full public participation, and consider the views of interested parties.