§3203 Wilderness Management

Summary

Gives special rules for wilderness areas in Alaska but does not change how the Wilderness Act works for lands outside Alaska. It lets the Secretary of Agriculture allow fish research, management, and work to restore fish runs inside national forest wilderness and study areas created by this Act. Built items needed for that work — like fish passages, hatcheries, spawning channels, stream clearing, egg planting, and similar things — may be allowed if they are kept small, rustic, and cause as little harm to the wilderness as possible. Short-term motorized access for these purposes can be allowed under limits that protect wilderness character, water quality, and wildlife. Existing public cabins in these wilderness areas may stay and can be repaired or replaced under limits the appropriate Secretary sets. A few new public cabins or shelters may be built only if needed for health or safety, must blend with the surroundings, and the Secretary must notify the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee before removing or building one. The Secretary of Agriculture must, when possible, swap timber from other national forest lands that is equal in volume, species, grade, and accessibility for timber on lands newly made wilderness. The Secretary of Agriculture may also allow or regulate removal and salvage of logs from coastlines in national forest wilderness and monuments designated by this Act.