§546a–1 Administration and Management

Summary

The Secretary of Agriculture must manage the scenic area like other National Forest lands, while respecting any existing valid rights. Within 3 years after half of the authorized land is acquired, the Secretary must add an amendment to the Hiawatha National Forest land and resource plan to guide how the scenic area is run. The Secretary does not have to do a full, formal plan rewrite under the usual long revision process. The plan must cover public access (including using existing services, concessions, or permits), roads (no new permanent roads after November 6, 2000), vegetation and timber rules (no timber harvest except to fight fire, control insects or disease, protect public safety, or keep trails open; some vegetation work for wildlife and scenery is allowed and cut trees may be removed), motorized travel (not allowed except on the waters of Lake Michigan and for needed administrative use), fire and pest control, docking (provide docks by concession, permit, or other means), and safety. The Secretary must consult state and local officials, allow full public participation, and consider the views of interested people and groups.