Title 16 — ConservationRelease 119-73
§577a Conserving shore line beauty for recreational use of public lands in northern Minnesota; regulation of logging
Title 16 › Chapter CHAPTER 3— - FORESTS; FOREST SERVICE; REFORESTATION; MANAGEMENT › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— - GENERAL PROVISIONS › § 577a
Summary
Federal lands along certain boating lakes and streams must keep shorelines scenic. Logging is banned within 400 feet of the waterline unless the Forest Service allows a shorter distance in particular cases. Live timber can't be cut inside 200 feet except for banks, landings, or logging; diseased, insect‑infested, dying, or dead trees may be removed closer.
Full Legal Text
Title 16, §577a
Conservation — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The principle of conserving the natural beauty of shore lines for recreational use shall apply to all Federal lands which border upon any boundary lake or stream contiguous to this area, or any other lake or stream within this area which is now or eventually to be in general use for boat or canoe travel, and that for the purpose of carrying out this principle logging of all such shores to a depth of four hundred feet from the natural water line is forbidden except as the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture may see fit in particular instances to vary the distance for practical reasons: Provided, That in no case shall logging of any timber other than diseased, insect infested, dying, or dead be permitted closer to the natural shore line than two hundred feet, except where necessary to open areas for banking grounds, landings, and other uses connected with logging operations.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
Functions of all officers, agencies, and employees of Department of Agriculture transferred, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Agriculture by Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1953, § 1, eff. June 4, 1953, 18 F.R. 3219, 67 Stat. 633, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
16 U.S.C. § 577a
Title 16 — Conservation
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73