§545a Establishment of Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area

Summary

Creates the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area in the George Washington National Forest in Virginia. The area covers about 7,580 acres shown on a map dated June 21, 1993. The Secretary of Agriculture must file an official map and boundary description with two congressional committees soon after August 26, 1994, and that map is the final word if it conflicts with the stated acreage. The Secretary will run the area under the rules for national forests and must write a management plan within three years after August 26, 1994 as an update to the forest’s land plan. No new permanent roads can be built after August 26, 1994, except to keep access to private property. Timber cutting is generally banned except to fight fire, insects, disease, protect people and trails, or to keep wildlife clearings and scenery. Firewood can be taken for personal use along perimeter roads under set conditions. Motor vehicles may use State Route 635 and, with conditions, Forest Development Road 51; other motorized travel is banned except for official work or temporary wildlife projects. Fires must be fought in ways that meet the area’s goals. Insect and disease outbreaks may be controlled to protect the trees, visitors, or nearby private land. Water quality must be kept or improved. Federal lands in the area are withdrawn from mining and mineral leasing laws, subject to any valid existing rights.