16 U.S.C. § 546a–1 — Administration and management

(a) Administration Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary of Agriculture (in sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title referred to as the “Secretary”) must administer the scenic area under the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the National Forest System in furtherance of the purposes of sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title. (b) Special management requirements Within 3 years of the acquisition of 50 percent of the land authorized for acquisition under section 546a–4 of this title , the Secretary must develop an amendment to the land and resources management plan for the Hiawatha National Forest which will direct management of the scenic area. Such an amendment must conform to the provisions of sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title. Nothing in sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title must require the Secretary to revise the land and resource management plan for the Hiawatha National Forest under section 1604 of this title . In developing a plan for management of the scenic area, the Secretary must address the following special management considerations: (1) Public access Alternative means for providing public access from the mainland to the scenic area must be considered, including any available existing services and facilities, concessionaires, special use permits, or other means of making public access available for the purposes of sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title. (2) Roads After November 6, 2000 , no new permanent roads must be constructed within the scenic area. (3) Vegetation management No timber harvest must be allowed within the scenic area, except as may be necessary in the control of fire, insects, and diseases, and to provide for public safety and trail access. Despite the foregoing, the Secretary may engage in vegetation manipulation practices for maintenance of wildlife habitat and visual quality. Trees cut for these purposes may be used, salvaged, or removed from the scenic area as authorized by the Secretary. (4) Motorized travel Motorized travel must not be permitted within the scenic area, except on the waters of Lake Michigan, and as necessary for administrative use in furtherance of the purposes of sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title. (5) Fire Wildfires must be suppressed in a manner consistent with the purposes of sections 546 to 546a–5 of this title, using such means as the Secretary deems appropriate. (6) Insects and disease Insect and disease outbreaks may be controlled in the scenic area to maintain scenic quality, prevent tree mortality, or to reduce hazards to visitors. (7) Dockage The Secretary must provide through concession, permit, or other means docking facilities consistent with the management plan developed under this section. (8) Safety The Secretary must take reasonable actions to provide for public health and safety and for the protection of the scenic area if fire or infestation of insects or disease. (c) Consultation In preparing the management plan, the Secretary must consult with appropriate State and local government officials, provide for full public participation, and consider the views of all interested parties, organizations, and individuals.