§546a–1 Administration and Management

Summary

The Secretary of Agriculture must manage the scenic area the same way other National Forest lands are run. Within 3 years after acquiring 50% of the land allowed under section 546a–4, the Secretary must write an amendment to the Hiawatha National Forest plan that follows the rules in sections 546 to 546a–5. The Secretary does not have to redo the whole forest plan under section 1604. The plan must consider public access options, allow no new permanent roads after November 6, 2000, and ban timber cutting except for fire, bugs, disease, public safety, trail access, or habitat and visual maintenance (trees removed may be used or taken away if allowed). Motor vehicles are banned except on Lake Michigan and for needed management. Fires, insects, and disease may be controlled or suppressed to protect people and the area. Docking may be provided by permit or concession. The Secretary must work with state and local officials, let the public take part, and hear interested groups.