Title 16, ConservationRelease 119-102

§497a Occupancy and Use Under Permit of Lands in Alaska for Various Purposes; Period of Permit; Size of Allotment; Prohibitions; Termination

Title 16 › CHAPTER 2 — NATIONAL FORESTS › SUBCHAPTER I — ESTABLISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATION › § 497a

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary of Agriculture can, under rules he sets, give permits to use and live on national-forest lands in Alaska for homes, recreation, education, business, farming, and industry, as long as those uses don't conflict with good forest management. Permits can last up to 30 years and cover no more than 80 acres. While a permit is in effect, that land cannot be claimed under public land, mining, or mineral leasing laws, and the Secretary may cancel a permit if its terms are broken or for other valid reasons.

Full Legal Text

Title 16, §497a

Conservation, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

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.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Codification Section was formerly classified to section 341 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

16 U.S.C. § 497a

Title 16, Conservation

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102