§565b Transfer of Fire Lookout Towers and Other Improvements for Fire Control to States, Political Subdivisions or Agencies; Reversion

Summary

The Secretary of Agriculture may give or sell fire lookout towers, other Forest Service buildings used to prevent or fight fires, and the land tied to them (if that land is outside national forest boundaries) to states, local governments, or their agencies. The Secretary can set conditions, prices, or other terms for the transfer. Transfers are allowed only when the Forest Service no longer needs the property and the state or local agency can use it for fire protection. If the property is not used for its intended fire-protection purpose within two years after the transfer, it must go back to the United States. Also, if within 15 years after the transfer the property stops being used for that purpose for two years, ownership immediately returns to the United States.