§539s Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area

Summary

Designates about 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in Oregon as the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area. The official map is called "Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act" and is dated June 23, 2016. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, must prepare a formal map and legal description as soon as practicable after March 12, 2019. That map will have the same legal effect, may be fixed for clerical mistakes, and will be available for public inspection in Forest Service offices. As long as valid existing rights are not affected, the Secretary will manage the area under National Forest System law to protect its natural character, scientific value, plants, recreation (including primitive recreation), ecology, fish and wildlife, scenery, drinking water, and cultural resources. The plan must keep and improve wild salmonid (wild trout and salmon) habitat and maintain the watershed as a thermal refuge. The law does not change State fish and wildlife authority, does not create a buffer zone, and does not alter travel management. Wildland fire operations (including aircraft, machinery, mechanized equipment, fire breaks, backfires, and retardant) and vegetation projects are allowed if they meet the area’s purposes and the forest plan. Tribal treaty rights are not reduced. Federal land that lies in the area’s river segments is withdrawn from public land claims, mining claims, and mineral or geothermal leasing or materials laws, as long as valid existing rights are not affected.