43 USC ch. 35 Federal Land Policy and Management

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

43 USC Ch. 35: FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
From Title 43—PUBLIC LANDS

CHAPTER 35—FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec.

1701.
1702.
1703.

1711.
1712.
1713.
1714.
1715.
1716.
1717.
1718.
1719.
1720.
1721.
1722.
1723.

1731.
1732.
1733.
1734.
1734a.
1735.
1736.
1736a.
1737.
1738.
1739.
1740.
1741.
1742.
1743.
1744.
1745.
1746.
1747.
1748.
1748a.
about:blank

Congressional declaration of policy.
Definitions.
Cooperative action and sharing of resources by Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture.
SUBCHAPTER II—LAND USE PLANNING AND LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION
Continuing inventory and identification of public lands; preparation and maintenance.
Land use plans.
Sales of public land tracts.
Withdrawals of lands.
Acquisitions of public lands and access over non-Federal lands to National Forest System units.
Exchanges of public lands or interests therein within the National Forest System.
Qualifications of conveyees.
Documents of conveyance; terms, covenants, etc.
Mineral interests; reservation and conveyance requirements and procedures.
Coordination by Secretary of the Interior with State and local governments.
Conveyances of public lands to States, local governments, etc.
Sale of public lands subject to unintentional trespass.
Temporary revocation authority.
SUBCHAPTER III—ADMINISTRATION
Bureau of Land Management.
Management of use, occupancy, and development of public lands.
Enforcement authority.
Fees, charges, and commissions.
Availability of excess fees.
Forfeitures and deposits.
Working capital fund.
Revolving fund derived from disposal of salvage timber.
Implementation provisions.
Contracts for surveys and resource protection; renewals; funding requirements.
Advisory councils.
Rules and regulations.
Annual reports.
Search, rescue, and protection forces; emergency situations authorizing hiring.
Disclosure of financial interests by officers or employees.
Recordation of mining claims.
Disclaimer of interest in lands.
Correction of conveyance documents.
Loans to States and political subdivisions; purposes; amounts; allocation; terms and conditions;
interest rate; security; limitations; forebearance for benefit of borrowers; recordkeeping
requirements; discrimination prohibited; deposit of receipts.
Funding requirements.
FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Funds.
Page 1 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

1748a–1.
1748a–2.
1748b.
1748c.

1751.
1752.
1753.

1761.
1762.
1763.
1764.
1765.
1766.
1767.
1768.
1769.
1770.
1771.
1772.

1781.
1781a.
1782.
1783.
1784.
1785.
1786.
1787.

Request for additional wildfire suppression funds.
Reporting requirements.
Cohesive wildfire management strategy.
Bureau of Land Management Foundation.
SUBCHAPTER IV—RANGE MANAGEMENT
Grazing fees; feasibility study; contents; submission of report; annual distribution and use of
range betterment funds; nature of distributions.
Grazing leases and permits.
Omitted.
SUBCHAPTER V—RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Grant, issue, or renewal of rights-of-way.
Roads.
Right-of-way corridors; criteria and procedures applicable for designation.
General requirements.
Terms and conditions.
Suspension or termination; grounds; procedures applicable.
Rights-of-way for Federal departments and agencies.
Conveyance of lands covered by right-of-way; terms and conditions.
Existing right-of-way or right-of-use unaffected; exceptions; rights-of-way for railroad and
appurtenant communication facilities; applicability of existing terms and conditions.
Applicability of provisions to other Federal laws.
Coordination of applications.
Vegetation managment, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance relating to electric
transmission and distribution facility rights of way.
SUBCHAPTER VI—DESIGNATED MANAGEMENT AREAS
California Desert Conservation Area.
Acceptance of donation of certain existing permits or leases.
Bureau of Land Management Wilderness Study.
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Lands in Alaska; designation as wilderness; management by Bureau of Land Management
pending Congressional action.
Fossil Forest Research Natural Area.
Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.

SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§1701. Congressional declaration of policy
(a) The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States that—
(1) the public lands be retained in Federal ownership, unless as a result of the land use planning procedure
provided for in this Act, it is determined that disposal of a particular parcel will serve the national interest;
(2) the national interest will be best realized if the public lands and their resources are periodically and
systematically inventoried and their present and future use is projected through a land use planning process
coordinated with other Federal and State planning efforts;
(3) public lands not previously designated for any specific use and all existing classifications of public lands
about:blank

Page 2 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

that were effected by executive action or statute before October 21, 1976, be reviewed in accordance with the
provisions of this Act;
(4) the Congress exercise its constitutional authority to withdraw or otherwise designate or dedicate Federal
lands for specified purposes and that Congress delineate the extent to which the Executive may withdraw lands
without legislative action;
(5) in administering public land statutes and exercising discretionary authority granted by them, the Secretary
be required to establish comprehensive rules and regulations after considering the views of the general public;
and to structure adjudication procedures to assure adequate third party participation, objective administrative
review of initial decisions, and expeditious decisionmaking;
(6) judicial review of public land adjudication decisions be provided by law;
(7) goals and objectives be established by law as guidelines for public land use planning, and that
management be on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield unless otherwise specified by law;
(8) the public lands be managed in a manner that will protect the quality of scientific, scenic, historical,
ecological, environmental, air and atmospheric, water resource, and archeological values; that, where
appropriate, will preserve and protect certain public lands in their natural condition; that will provide food and
habitat for fish and wildlife and domestic animals; and that will provide for outdoor recreation and human
occupancy and use;
(9) the United States receive fair market value of the use of the public lands and their resources unless
otherwise provided for by statute;
(10) uniform procedures for any disposal of public land, acquisition of non-Federal land for public purposes,
and the exchange of such lands be established by statute, requiring each disposal, acquisition, and exchange to
be consistent with the prescribed mission of the department or agency involved, and reserving to the Congress
review of disposals in excess of a specified acreage;
(11) regulations and plans for the protection of public land areas of critical environmental concern be promptly
developed;
(12) the public lands be managed in a manner which recognizes the Nation's need for domestic sources of
minerals, food, timber, and fiber from the public lands including implementation of the Mining and Minerals Policy
Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1876, 30 U.S.C. 21a) as it pertains to the public lands; and
(13) the Federal Government should, on a basis equitable to both the Federal and local taxpayer, provide for
payments to compensate States and local governments for burdens created as a result of the immunity of
Federal lands from State and local taxation.
(b) The policies of this Act shall become effective only as specific statutory authority for their implementation is
enacted by this Act or by subsequent legislation and shall then be construed as supplemental to and not in
derogation of the purposes for which public lands are administered under other provisions of law.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title I, §102, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2744.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (3) and (b), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(12), is Pub. L. 91–631, Dec.
31, 1970, 84 Stat. 1876, which is classified to section 21a of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining.

SHORT TITLE OF 2018 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, §101, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1059, provided that: "This division [see Tables
for classification] may be cited as the 'Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management
Activities Act'."

SHORT TITLE OF 2009 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 111–88, div. A, title V, §501, Oct. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 2968, provided that: "This title [enacting
sections 1748a and 1748b of this title] may be cited as the 'Federal Land Assistance, Management, and

Enhancement Act of 2009' or 'FLAME Act of 2009'."

about:blank

Page 3 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

SHORT TITLE OF 1988 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 100–409, §1, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1086, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 1723 of
this title, amending section 1716 of this title and sections 505a, 505b, and 521b of Title 16, Conservation, and
enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 751 and 1716 of this title] may be cited as the

'Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1988'."

SHORT TITLE
Pub. L. 94–579, title I, §101, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2744, provided that: "This Act [see Tables for
classification] may be cited as the 'Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976'."

SAVINGS PROVISION
Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §701, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2786, provided that:

"(a) Nothing in this Act, or in any amendment made by this Act [see Short Title note above], shall
be construed as terminating any valid lease, permit, patent, right-of-way, or other land use right or
authorization existing on the date of approval of this Act [Oct. 21, 1976].
"(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Act, in the event of conflict with or inconsistency
between this Act and the Acts of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j [now 43 U.S.C.
2601 et seq., see Tables for classification]), and May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753), insofar as they relate to
management of timber resources, and disposition of revenues from lands and resources, the latter
Acts shall prevail.
"(c) All withdrawals, reservations, classifications, and designations in effect as of the date of
approval of this Act shall remain in full force and effect until modified under the provisions of this Act
or other applicable law.
"(d) Nothing in this Act, or in any amendments made by this Act, shall be construed as permitting
any person to place, or allow to be placed, spent oil shale, overburden, or byproducts from the
recovery of other minerals found with oil shale, on any Federal land other than Federal land which
has been leased for the recovery of shale oil under the Act of February 25, 1920 (41 Stat. 437, as
amended; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).
"(e) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as modifying, revoking, or changing any provision of the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
"(f) Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to repeal any existing law by implication.
"(g) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as limiting or restricting the power and authority of the
United States or—
"(1) as affecting in any way any law governing appropriation or use of, or Federal right to,
water on public lands;
"(2) as expanding or diminishing Federal or State jurisdiction, responsibility, interests, or
rights in water resources development or control;
"(3) as displacing, superseding, limiting, or modifying any interstate compact or the
jurisdiction or responsibility of any legally established joint or common agency of two or more
States or of two or more States and the Federal Government;
"(4) as superseding, modifying, or repealing, except as specifically set forth in this Act,
existing laws applicable to the various Federal agencies which are authorized to develop or
participate in the development of water resources or to exercise licensing or regulatory functions
in relation thereto;
"(5) as modifying the terms of any interstate compact;
"(6) as a limitation upon any State criminal statute or upon the police power of the respective
States, or as derogating the authority of a local police officer in the performance of his duties, or
as depriving any State or political subdivision thereof of any right it may have to exercise civil and
criminal jurisdiction on the national resource lands; or as amending, limiting, or infringing the
existing laws providing grants of lands to the States.
about:blank

Page 4 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

"(h) All actions by the Secretary concerned under this Act shall be subject to valid existing rights.
"(i) The adequacy of reports required by this Act to be submitted to the Congress or its
committees shall not be subject to judicial review.
"(j) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the distribution of livestock grazing
revenues to local governments under the Granger-Thye Act (64 Stat. 85, 16 U.S.C. 580h), under the
Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 500), under the Act of March 4, 1913 (37
Stat. 843, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 501), and under the Act of June 20, 1910 (36 Stat. 557)."

SEVERABILITY
Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §707, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2794, provided that: "If any provision of this Act

[see Short Title note set out above] or the application thereof is held invalid, the remainder of the Act
and the application thereof shall not be affected thereby."

EXISTING RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §706(b), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2794, provided that: "Nothing in section

706(a) [see Tables for classification], except as it pertains to rights-of-way, may be construed as
affecting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture under the Act of June 4, 1897 (30 Stat. 35, as
amended, 16 U.S.C. 551); the Act of July 22, 1937 (50 Stat. 525, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1010–1212); or
the Act of September 3, 1954 (68 Stat. 1146, 43 U.S.C. 931c)."

§1702. Definitions
Without altering in any way the meaning of the following terms as used in any other statute, whether or not such
statute is referred to in, or amended by, this Act, as used in this Act—
(a) The term "areas of critical environmental concern" means areas within the public lands where special
management attention is required (when such areas are developed or used or where no development is required)
to protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife
resources or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards.
(b) The term "holder" means any State or local governmental entity, individual, partnership, corporation,
association, or other business entity receiving or using a right-of-way under subchapter V of this chapter.
(c) The term "multiple use" means the management of the public lands and their various resource values so that
they are utilized in the combination that will best meet the present and future needs of the American people;
making the most judicious use of the land for some or all of these resources or related services over areas large
enough to provide sufficient latitude for periodic adjustments in use to conform to changing needs and conditions;
the use of some land for less than all of the resources; a combination of balanced and diverse resource uses that
takes into account the long-term needs of future generations for renewable and nonrenewable resources, including,
but not limited to, recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish, and natural scenic, scientific and
historical values; and harmonious and coordinated management of the various resources without permanent
impairment of the productivity of the land and the quality of the environment with consideration being given to the
relative values of the resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic
return or the greatest unit output.
(d) The term "public involvement" means the opportunity for participation by affected citizens in rulemaking,
decisionmaking, and planning with respect to the public lands, including public meetings or hearings held at
locations near the affected lands, or advisory mechanisms, or such other procedures as may be necessary to
provide public comment in a particular instance.
(e) The term "public lands" means any land and interest in land owned by the United States within the several
States and administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management, without regard
to how the United States acquired ownership, except—
(1) lands located on the Outer Continental Shelf; and
(2) lands held for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos.
(f) The term "right-of-way" includes an easement, lease, permit, or license to occupy, use, or traverse public
lands granted for the purpose listed in subchapter V of this chapter.
about:blank

Page 5 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(g) The term "Secretary", unless specifically designated otherwise, means the Secretary of the Interior.
(h) The term "sustained yield" means the achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level annual or
regular periodic output of the various renewable resources of the public lands consistent with multiple use.
(i) The term "wilderness" as used in section 1782 of this title shall have the same meaning as it does in section
1131(c) of title 16.
(j) The term "withdrawal" means withholding an area of Federal land from settlement, sale, location, or entry,
under some or all of the general land laws, for the purpose of limiting activities under those laws in order to
maintain other public values in the area or reserving the area for a particular public purpose or program; or
transferring jurisdiction over an area of Federal land, other than "property" governed by the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act, as amended (40 U.S.C. 472) 1 from one department, bureau or agency to another
department, bureau or agency.
(k) An "allotment management plan" means a document prepared in consultation with the lessees or permittees
involved, which applies to livestock operations on the public lands or on lands within National Forests in the eleven
contiguous Western States and which:
(1) prescribes the manner in, and extent to, which livestock operations will be conducted in order to meet the
multiple-use, sustained-yield, economic and other needs and objectives as determined for the lands by the
Secretary concerned; and
(2) describes the type, location, ownership, and general specifications for the range improvements to be
installed and maintained on the lands to meet the livestock grazing and other objectives of land management;
and
(3) contains such other provisions relating to livestock grazing and other objectives found by the Secretary
concerned to be consistent with the provisions of this Act and other applicable law.
(l) The term "principal or major uses" includes, and is limited to, domestic livestock grazing, fish and wildlife
development and utilization, mineral exploration and production, rights-of-way, outdoor recreation, and timber
production.
(m) The term "department" means a unit of the executive branch of the Federal Government which is headed by
a member of the President's Cabinet and the term "agency" means a unit of the executive branch of the Federal
Government which is not under the jurisdiction of a head of a department.
(n) The term "Bureau 2 means the Bureau of Land Management.
(o) The term "eleven contiguous Western States" means the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
(p) The term "grazing permit and lease" means any document authorizing use of public lands or lands in National
Forests in the eleven contiguous western States for the purpose of grazing domestic livestock.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title I, §103, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2745.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in the opening par. and in subsec. (k), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat.
2743, as amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (j), is act
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, 63 Stat. 377, which was substantially repealed and restated in chapters 1 to
11 of Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and division C of subtitle I of Title 41, Public
Contracts, by Pub. L. 107–217, §§1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304, which Act enacted Title
40, and Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855, which Act enacted Title 41. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1949 Act note set out under section
101 of Title 41 and Tables. For disposition of sections of former Titles 40 and 41, see Disposition
Tables preceding section 101 of Title 40 and section 101 of Title 41.
1 See References in Text note below.
2 So in original. Probably should be followed by closing quotation marks.

about:blank

Page 6 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1703. Cooperative action and sharing of resources by Secretaries of the Interior
and Agriculture
In fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, subject to
annual review of Congress, may establish programs to conduct projects, planning, permitting, leasing, contracting
and other activities, either jointly or on behalf of one another; may co-locate in Federal offices and facilities leased
by an agency of either Department; and may promulgate special rules as needed to test the feasibility of issuing
unified permits, applications, and leases. The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture may make reciprocal
delegations of their respective authorities, duties and responsibilities in support of the "Service First" initiative
agency-wide to promote customer service and efficiency. Nothing herein shall alter, expand or limit the applicability
of any public law or regulation to lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service,
Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Forest Service or matters under the purview of other bureaus or offices of either
Department. To facilitate the sharing of resources under the Service First initiative, the Secretaries of the Interior
and Agriculture may make transfers of funds and reimbursement of funds on an annual basis, including transfers
and reimbursements for multi-year projects, except that this authority may not be used to circumvent requirements
and limitations imposed on the use of funds.
(Pub. L. 106–291, title III, §330, Oct. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 996; Pub. L. 109–54, title IV, §428, Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat.
555; Pub. L. 111–8, div. E, title IV, §418, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 747; Pub. L. 112–74, div. E, title IV, §422, Dec. 23,
2011, 125 Stat. 1045; Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title IV, §430, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 345.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2001, and not as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
which comprises this chapter.
Section was formerly set out as a note under section 1701 of this title.

AMENDMENTS
2014—Pub. L. 113–76, in first sentence, substituted "programs" for "programs. involving the land
management agencies referred to in this section" and "and may promulgate" for "and promulgate"
and, in third sentence, inserted "or matters under the purview of other bureaus or offices of either
Department" after "Forest Service".
2011—Pub. L. 112–74 substituted "In fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter" for "In fiscal
years 2001 through 2011" and "programs." for "pilot programs".
2009—Pub. L. 111–8 substituted "2011" for "2008".
2005—Pub. L. 109–54 substituted "2008" for "2005", struck out "may pilot test agency-wide joint
permitting and leasing programs" before ", subject to annual review", inserted "may establish pilot
programs involving the land management agencies referred to in this section to conduct projects,
planning, permitting, leasing, contracting and other activities, either jointly or on behalf of one
another; may co-locate in Federal offices and facilities leased by an agency of either Department;"
after "Congress,", inserted ", National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service," after "Bureau of
Land Management", and inserted at end "To facilitate the sharing of resources under the Service
First initiative, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture may make transfers of funds and
reimbursement of funds on an annual basis, including transfers and reimbursements for multi-year
projects, except that this authority may not be used to circumvent requirements and limitations
imposed on the use of funds."

SUBCHAPTER II—LAND USE PLANNING AND LAND ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION

about:blank

Page 7 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1711. Continuing inventory and identification of public lands; preparation and
maintenance
(a) The Secretary shall prepare and maintain on a continuing basis an inventory of all public lands and their
resource and other values (including, but not limited to, outdoor recreation and scenic values), giving priority to
areas of critical environmental concern. This inventory shall be kept current so as to reflect changes in conditions
and to identify new and emerging resource and other values. The preparation and maintenance of such inventory
or the identification of such areas shall not, of itself, change or prevent change of the management or use of public
lands.
(b) As funds and manpower are made available, the Secretary shall ascertain the boundaries of the public lands;
provide means of public identification thereof including, where appropriate, signs and maps; and provide State and
local governments with data from the inventory for the purpose of planning and regulating the uses of non-Federal
lands in proximity of such public lands.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §201, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2747.)

§1712. Land use plans
(a) Development, maintenance, and revision by Secretary
The Secretary shall, with public involvement and consistent with the terms and conditions of this Act, develop,
maintain, and, when appropriate, revise land use plans which provide by tracts or areas for the use of the public
lands. Land use plans shall be developed for the public lands regardless of whether such lands previously have
been classified, withdrawn, set aside, or otherwise designated for one or more uses.
(b) Coordination of plans for National Forest System lands with Indian land use planning and management
programs for purposes of development and revision
In the development and revision of land use plans, the Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate land use plans
for lands in the National Forest System with the land use planning and management programs of and for Indian
tribes by, among other things, considering the policies of approved tribal land resource management programs.
(c) Criteria for development and revision
In the development and revision of land use plans, the Secretary shall—
(1) use and observe the principles of multiple use and sustained yield set forth in this and other applicable law;
(2) use a systematic interdisciplinary approach to achieve integrated consideration of physical, biological,
economic, and other sciences;
(3) give priority to the designation and protection of areas of critical environmental concern;
(4) rely, to the extent it is available, on the inventory of the public lands, their resources, and other values;
(5) consider present and potential uses of the public lands;
(6) consider the relative scarcity of the values involved and the availability of alternative means (including
recycling) and sites for realization of those values;
(7) weigh long-term benefits to the public against short-term benefits;
(8) provide for compliance with applicable pollution control laws, including State and Federal air, water, noise,
or other pollution standards or implementation plans; and
(9) to the extent consistent with the laws governing the administration of the public lands, coordinate the land
use inventory, planning, and management activities of or for such lands with the land use planning and
management programs of other Federal departments and agencies and of the States and local governments
within which the lands are located, including, but not limited to, the statewide outdoor recreation plans developed
under chapter 2003 of title 54, and of or for Indian tribes by, among other things, considering the policies of
approved State and tribal land resource management programs. In implementing this directive, the Secretary
shall, to the extent he finds practical, keep apprised of State, local, and tribal land use plans; assure that
consideration is given to those State, local, and tribal plans that are germane in the development of land use
plans for public lands; assist in resolving, to the extent practical, inconsistencies between Federal and nonFederal Government plans, and shall provide for meaningful public involvement of State and local government
officials, both elected and appointed, in the development of land use programs, land use regulations, and land
use decisions for public lands, including early public notice of proposed decisions which may have a significant
about:blank

Page 8 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

impact on non-Federal lands. Such officials in each State are authorized to furnish advice to the Secretary with
respect to the development and revision of land use plans, land use guidelines, land use rules, and land use
regulations for the public lands within such State and with respect to such other land use matters as may be
referred to them by him. Land use plans of the Secretary under this section shall be consistent with State and
local plans to the maximum extent he finds consistent with Federal law and the purposes of this Act.
(d) Review and inclusion of classified public lands; review of existing land use plans; modification and
termination of classifications
Any classification of public lands or any land use plan in effect on October 21, 1976, is subject to review in the
land use planning process conducted under this section, and all public lands, regardless of classification, are
subject to inclusion in any land use plan developed pursuant to this section. The Secretary may modify or terminate
any such classification consistent with such land use plans.
(e) Management decisions for implementation of developed or revised plans
The Secretary may issue management decisions to implement land use plans developed or revised under this
section in accordance with the following:
(1) Such decisions, including but not limited to exclusions (that is, total elimination) of one or more of the
principal or major uses made by a management decision shall remain subject to reconsideration, modification,
and termination through revision by the Secretary or his delegate, under the provisions of this section, of the land
use plan involved.
(2) Any management decision or action pursuant to a management decision that excludes (that is, totally
eliminates) one or more of the principal or major uses for two or more years with respect to a tract of land of one
hundred thousand acres or more shall be reported by the Secretary to the House of Representatives and the
Senate. If within ninety days from the giving of such notice (exclusive of days on which either House has
adjourned for more than three consecutive days), the Congress adopts a concurrent resolution of nonapproval of
the management decision or action, then the management decision or action shall be promptly terminated by the
Secretary. If the committee to which a resolution has been referred during the said ninety day period, has not
reported it at the end of thirty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to either discharge the committee
from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee from consideration of any other
resolution with respect to the management decision or action. A motion to discharge may be made only by an
individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after the committee
has reported such a resolution), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour, to be divided
equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not be in
order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed
to. If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to any other
resolution with respect to the same management decision or action. When the committee has reprinted, or has
been discharged from further consideration of a resolution, it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even though
a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the
resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall
not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or
disagreed to.
(3) Withdrawals made pursuant to section 1714 of this title may be used in carrying out management
decisions, but public lands shall be removed from or restored to the operation of the Mining Law of 1872, as
amended (R.S. 2318–2352; 30 U.S.C. 21 et seq.) or transferred to another department, bureau, or agency only
by withdrawal action pursuant to section 1714 of this title or other action pursuant to applicable law: Provided,
That nothing in this section shall prevent a wholly owned Government corporation from acquiring and holding
rights as a citizen under the Mining Law of 1872.
(f) Procedures applicable to formulation of plans and programs for public land management
The Secretary shall allow an opportunity for public involvement and by regulation shall establish procedures,
including public hearings where appropriate, to give Federal, State, and local governments and the public,
adequate notice and opportunity to comment upon and participate in the formulation of plans and programs relating
to the management of the public lands.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §202, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2747; Pub. L. 113–287, §5(l)(6), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat.
3271.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
about:blank

Page 9 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c)(9), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Mining Law of 1872, as amended, referred to in subsec. (e)(3), is act May 10, 1872, ch. 152,
17 Stat. 91, as amended, which was incorporated into the Revised Statutes of 1878 as R.S. §§2319
to 2328, 2331, 2333 to 2337, and 2344, which are classified to sections 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to
35, 37, 39 to 42, and 47 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of R.S.
§§2318–2352, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
2014—Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted "chapter 2003 of title 54" for "the Act of September
3, 1964 (78 Stat. 897), as amended".

§1713. Sales of public land tracts
(a) Criteria for disposal; excepted lands
A tract of the public lands (except land in units of the National Wilderness Preservation System, National Wild
and Scenic Rivers Systems, and National System of Trails) may be sold under this Act where, as a result of land
use planning required under section 1712 of this title, the Secretary determines that the sale of such tract meets the
following disposal criteria:
(1) such tract because of its location or other characteristics is difficult and uneconomic to manage as part of
the public lands, and is not suitable for management by another Federal department or agency; or
(2) such tract was acquired for a specific purpose and the tract is no longer required for that or any other
Federal purpose; or
(3) disposal of such tract will serve important public objectives, including but not limited to, expansion of
communities and economic development, which cannot be achieved prudently or feasibly on land other than
public land and which outweigh other public objectives and values, including, but not limited to, recreation and
scenic values, which would be served by maintaining such tract in Federal ownership.
(b) Conveyance of land of agricultural value and desert in character
Where the Secretary determines that land to be conveyed under clause (3) of subsection (a) of this section is of
agricultural value and is desert in character, such land shall be conveyed either under the sale authority of this
section or in accordance with other existing law.
(c) Congressional approval procedures applicable to tracts in excess of two thousand five hundred acres
Where a tract of the public lands in excess of two thousand five hundred acres has been designated for sale,
such sale may be made only after the end of the ninety days (not counting days on which the House of
Representatives or the Senate has adjourned for more than three consecutive days) beginning on the day the
Secretary has submitted notice of such designation to the Senate and the House of Representatives, and then only
if the Congress has not adopted a concurrent resolution stating that such House does not approve of such
designation. If the committee to which a resolution has been referred during the said ninety day period, has not
reported it at the end of thirty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to either discharge the committee
from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee from consideration of any other
resolution with respect to the designation. A motion to discharge may be made only by an individual favoring the
resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after the committee has reported such a
resolution), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour, to be divided equally between those
favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in
order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to. If the motion to discharge
is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to any other resolution with respect to the
same designation. When the committee has reprinted, or has been discharged from further consideration of a
resolution, it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been
disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and
shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to
reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to.
about:blank

Page 10 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(d) Sale price
Sales of public lands shall be made at a price not less than their fair market value as determined by the
Secretary.
(e) Maximum size of tracts
The Secretary shall determine and establish the size of tracts of public lands to be sold on the basis of the land
use capabilities and development requirements of the lands; and, where any such tract which is judged by the
Secretary to be chiefly valuable for agriculture is sold, its size shall be no larger than necessary to support a familysized farm.
(f) Competitive bidding requirements
Sales of public lands under this section shall be conducted under competitive bidding procedures to be
established by the Secretary. However, where the Secretary determines it necessary and proper in order (1) to
assure equitable distribution among purchasers of lands, or (2) to recognize equitable considerations or public
policies, including but not limited to, a preference to users, he may sell those lands with modified competitive
bidding or without competitive bidding. In recognizing public policies, the Secretary shall give consideration to the
following potential purchasers:
(1) the State in which the land is located;
(2) the local government entities in such State which are in the vicinity of the land;
(3) adjoining landowners;
(4) individuals; and
(5) any other person.
(g) Acceptance or rejection of offers to purchase
The Secretary shall accept or reject, in writing, any offer to purchase made through competitive bidding at his
invitation no later than thirty days after the receipt of such offer or, in the case of a tract in excess of two thousand
five hundred acres, at the end of thirty days after the end of the ninety-day period provided in subsection (c) of this
section, whichever is later, unless the offeror waives his right to a decision within such thirty-day period. Prior to the
expiration of such periods the Secretary may refuse to accept any offer or may withdraw any land or interest in land
from sale under this section when he determines that consummation of the sale would not be consistent with this
Act or other applicable law.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §203, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2750.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (g), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

§1714. Withdrawals of lands
(a) Authorization and limitation; delegation of authority
On and after the effective date of this Act the Secretary is authorized to make, modify, extend, or revoke
withdrawals but only in accordance with the provisions and limitations of this section. The Secretary may delegate
this withdrawal authority only to individuals in the Office of the Secretary who have been appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b) Application and procedures applicable subsequent to submission of application
(1) Within thirty days of receipt of an application for withdrawal, and whenever he proposes a withdrawal on his
own motion, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register stating that the application has been
submitted for filing or the proposal has been made and the extent to which the land is to be segregated while the
application is being considered by the Secretary. Upon publication of such notice the land shall be segregated from
the operation of the public land laws to the extent specified in the notice. The segregative effect of the application
shall terminate upon (a) rejection of the application by the Secretary, (b) withdrawal of lands by the Secretary, or (c)
the expiration of two years from the date of the notice.
(2) The publication provisions of this subsection are not applicable to withdrawals under subsection (e) hereof.
about:blank

Page 11 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(c) Congressional approval procedures applicable to withdrawals aggregating five thousand acres or more
(1) On and after October 21, 1976, a withdrawal aggregating five thousand acres or more may be made (or such
a withdrawal or any other withdrawal involving in the aggregate five thousand acres or more which terminates after
such date of approval may be extended) only for a period of not more than twenty years by the Secretary on his
own motion or upon request by a department or agency head. The Secretary shall notify both Houses of Congress
of such a withdrawal no later than its effective date and the withdrawal shall terminate and become ineffective at
the end of ninety days (not counting days on which the Senate or the House of Representatives has adjourned for
more than three consecutive days) beginning on the day notice of such withdrawal has been submitted to the
Senate and the House of Representatives, if the Congress has adopted a concurrent resolution stating that such
House does not approve the withdrawal. If the committee to which a resolution has been referred during the said
ninety day period, has not reported it at the end of thirty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to either
discharge the committee from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee from
consideration of any other resolution with respect to the Presidential recommendation. A motion to discharge may
be made only by an individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made
after the committee has reported such a resolution), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour,
to be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall
not be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or
disagreed to. If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to
any other resolution with respect to the same Presidential recommendation. When the committee has reprinted, or
has been discharged from further consideration of a resolution, it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even
though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the
resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not
be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or
disagreed to.
(2) With the notices required by subsection (c)(1) of this section and within three months after filing the notice
under subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary shall furnish to the committees—
(1) a clear explanation of the proposed use of the land involved which led to the withdrawal;
(2) an inventory and evaluation of the current natural resource uses and values of the site and adjacent public
and nonpublic land and how it appears they will be affected by the proposed use, including particularly aspects of
use that might cause degradation of the environment, and also the economic impact of the change in use on
individuals, local communities, and the Nation;
(3) an identification of present users of the land involved, and how they will be affected by the proposed use;
(4) an analysis of the manner in which existing and potential resource uses are incompatible with or in conflict
with the proposed use, together with a statement of the provisions to be made for continuation or termination of
existing uses, including an economic analysis of such continuation or termination;
(5) an analysis of the manner in which such lands will be used in relation to the specific requirements for the
proposed use;
(6) a statement as to whether any suitable alternative sites are available (including cost estimates) for the
proposed use or for uses such a withdrawal would displace;
(7) a statement of the consultation which has been or will be had with other Federal departments and
agencies, with regional, State, and local government bodies, and with other appropriate individuals and groups;
(8) a statement indicating the effect of the proposed uses, if any, on State and local government interests and
the regional economy;
(9) a statement of the expected length of time needed for the withdrawal;
(10) the time and place of hearings and of other public involvement concerning such withdrawal;
(11) the place where the records on the withdrawal can be examined by interested parties; and
(12) a report prepared by a qualified mining engineer, engineering geologist, or geologist which shall include
but not be limited to information on: general geology, known mineral deposits, past and present mineral
production, mining claims, mineral leases, evaluation of future mineral potential, present and potential market
demands.
(d) Withdrawals aggregating less than five thousand acres; procedure applicable
A withdrawal aggregating less than five thousand acres may be made under this subsection by the Secretary on
his own motion or upon request by a department or an agency head—
(1) for such period of time as he deems desirable for a resource use; or
(2) for a period of not more than twenty years for any other use, including but not limited to use for
administrative sites, location of facilities, and other proprietary purposes; or
about:blank

Page 12 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(3) for a period of not more than five years to preserve such tract for a specific use then under consideration by
the Congress.
(e) Emergency withdrawals; procedure applicable; duration
When the Secretary determines, or when the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
or the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate notifies the Secretary, that an emergency
situation exists and that extraordinary measures must be taken to preserve values that would otherwise be lost, the
Secretary notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (c)(1) and (d) of this section, shall immediately make a
withdrawal and file notice of such emergency withdrawal with both of those Committees. Such emergency
withdrawal shall be effective when made but shall last only for a period not to exceed three years and may not be
extended except under the provisions of subsection (c)(1) or (d), whichever is applicable, and (b)(1) of this section.
The information required in subsection (c)(2) of this subsection 1 shall be furnished the committees within three
months after filing such notice.
(f) Review of existing withdrawals and extensions; procedure applicable to extensions; duration
All withdrawals and extensions thereof, whether made prior to or after October 21, 1976, having a specific period
shall be reviewed by the Secretary toward the end of the withdrawal period and may be extended or further
extended only upon compliance with the provisions of subsection (c)(1) or (d), whichever is applicable, and only if
the Secretary determines that the purpose for which the withdrawal was first made requires the extension, and then
only for a period no longer than the length of the original withdrawal period. The Secretary shall report on such
review and extensions to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
(g) Processing and adjudication of existing applications
All applications for withdrawal pending on October 21, 1976 shall be processed and adjudicated to conclusion
within fifteen years of October 21, 1976, in accordance with the provisions of this section. The segregative effect of
any application not so processed shall terminate on that date.
(h) Public hearing required for new withdrawals
All new withdrawals made by the Secretary under this section (except an emergency withdrawal made under
subsection (e) of this section) shall be promulgated after an opportunity for a public hearing.
(i) Consent for withdrawal of lands under administration of department or agency other than Department of
the Interior
In the case of lands under the administration of any department or agency other than the Department of the
Interior, the Secretary shall make, modify, and revoke withdrawals only with the consent of the head of the
department or agency concerned, except when the provisions of subsection (e) of this section apply.
(j) Applicability of other Federal laws withdrawing lands as limiting authority
The Secretary shall not make, modify, or revoke any withdrawal created by Act of Congress; make a withdrawal
which can be made only by Act of Congress; modify or revoke any withdrawal creating national monuments under
chapter 3203 of title 54; or modify, or revoke any withdrawal which added lands to the National Wildlife Refuge
System prior to October 21, 1976, or which thereafter adds lands to that System under the terms of this Act.
Nothing in this Act is intended to modify or change any provision of the Act of February 27, 1976 (90 Stat. 199; 16
U.S.C. 668dd(a)).
(k) Authorization of appropriations for processing applications
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated the sum of $10,000,000 for the purpose of processing withdrawal
applications pending on the effective date of this Act, to be available until expended.
(l) Review of existing withdrawals in certain States; procedure applicable for determination of future status
of lands; authorization of appropriations
(1) The Secretary shall, within fifteen years of October 21, 1976, review withdrawals existing on October 21,
1976, in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, and Wyoming of (1) all Federal lands other than withdrawals of the public lands administered by the
Bureau of Land Management and of lands which, on October 21, 1976, were part of Indian reservations and other
Indian holdings, the National Forest System, the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, other
lands administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service or the Secretary through the Fish and Wildlife Service, the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and the National System of Trails; and (2) all public lands administered by
about:blank

Page 13 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

the Bureau of Land Management and of lands in the National Forest System (except those in wilderness areas,
and those areas formally identified as primitive or natural areas or designated as national recreation areas) which
closed the lands to appropriation under the Mining Law of 1872 (17 Stat. 91, as amended; 30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.) or
to leasing under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (41 Stat. 437, as amended; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.).
(2) In the review required by paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall determine whether, and for how
long, the continuation of the existing withdrawal of the lands would be, in his judgment, consistent with the statutory
objectives of the programs for which the lands were dedicated and of the other relevant programs. The Secretary
shall report his recommendations to the President, together with statements of concurrence or nonconcurrence
submitted by the heads of the departments or agencies which administer the lands. The President shall transmit
this report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, together with his
recommendations for action by the Secretary, or for legislation. The Secretary may act to terminate withdrawals
other than those made by Act of the Congress in accordance with the recommendations of the President unless
before the end of ninety days (not counting days on which the Senate and the House of Representatives has
adjourned for more than three consecutive days) beginning on the day the report of the President has been
submitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives the Congress has adopted a concurrent resolution
indicating otherwise. If the committee to which a resolution has been referred during the said ninety day period, has
not reported it at the end of thirty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in order to either discharge the
committee from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee from consideration of any
other resolution with respect to the Presidential recommendation. A motion to discharge may be made only by an
individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after the committee has
reported such a resolution), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour, to be divided equally
between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it
shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to. If the
motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to any other resolution
with respect to the same Presidential recommendation. When the committee has reprinted, or has been discharged
from further consideration of a resolution, it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even though a previous motion
to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution. The motion
shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not be in order, and it shall
not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or disagreed to.
(3) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated not more than $10,000,000 for the purpose of paragraph (1)
of this subsection to be available until expended to the Secretary and to the heads of other departments and
agencies which will be involved.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §204, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2751; Pub. L. 103–437, §16(d)(1), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat.
4594; Pub. L. 113–287, §5(l)(7), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3271.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
On and after the effective date of this Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (k), probably means on
and after the date of enactment of Pub. L. 94–579, which was approved Oct. 21, 1976.
Act of February 27, 1976 (90 Stat. 199; 16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)), referred to in subsec. (j), is Pub. L. 94–
223, Feb. 27, 1976, 90 Stat. 199, which amended section 668dd of Title 16. For complete classification of
this Act to the Code, see Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (j), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Mining Law of 1872 (17 Stat. 91, as amended; 30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.), referred to in subsec. (l)(1),
is act May 10, 1972, ch. 152, 17 Stat. 91, as amended. That act was incorporated into the Revised
Statutes as R.S. §§2319 to 2328, 2331, 2333 to 2337, and 2344, which are classified to sections 22
to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 35, 37, 39 to 42, and 47 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete
classification of R.S. §§2319 to 2328, 2331, 2333 to 2337, and 2344 to the Code, see Tables.
The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (41 Stat. 437, as amended; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), referred to in
subsec. (l)(1), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat. 437, as amended, known as the Mineral Leasing
Act, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181 et seq.) of Title 30. For complete classification of
this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.
about:blank

Page 14 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

AMENDMENTS
2014—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted "chapter 3203 of title 54" for "the Act of June 8, 1906
(34 Stat. 225; 16 U.S.C. 431–433)".
1994—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–437, §16(d)(1)(A), substituted "Committee on Natural Resources of
the House of Representatives or the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate"
for "Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of either the House of Representatives or the Senate"
and "both of those Committees" for "the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the Senate
and the House of Representatives".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–437, §16(d)(1)(B), substituted "Committee on Natural Resources of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate" for
"Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate".
1 So in original. Probably should be "section".

§1715. Acquisitions of public lands and access over non-Federal lands to
National Forest System units
(a) Authorization and limitations on authority of Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Secretary, with respect to the public lands and the Secretary of
Agriculture, with respect to the acquisition of access over non-Federal lands to units of the National Forest System,
are authorized to acquire pursuant to this Act by purchase, exchange, donation, or eminent domain, lands or
interests therein: Provided, That with respect to the public lands, the Secretary may exercise the power of eminent
domain only if necessary to secure access to public lands, and then only if the lands so acquired are confined to as
narrow a corridor as is necessary to serve such purpose. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as
expanding or limiting the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire land by eminent domain within the
boundaries of units of the National Forest System.
(b) Conformity to departmental policies and land-use plan of acquisitions
Acquisitions pursuant to this section shall be consistent with the mission of the department involved and with
applicable departmental land-use plans.
(c) Status of lands and interests in lands upon acquisition by Secretary of the Interior; transfers to
Secretary of Agriculture of lands and interests in lands acquired within National Forest System
boundaries
Except as provided in subsection (e), lands and interests in lands acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this
section or section 1716 of this title shall, upon acceptance of title, become public lands, and, for the administration
of public land laws not repealed by this Act, shall remain public lands. If such acquired lands or interests in lands
are located within the exterior boundaries of a grazing district established pursuant to section 315 of this title, they
shall become a part of that district. Lands and interests in lands acquired pursuant to this section which are within
boundaries of the National Forest System may be transferred to the Secretary of Agriculture and shall then become
National Forest System lands and subject to all the laws, rules, and regulations applicable thereto.
(d) Status of lands and interests in lands upon acquisition by Secretary of Agriculture
Lands and interests in lands acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to this section shall, upon
acceptance of title, become National Forest System lands subject to all the laws, rules, and regulations applicable
thereto.
(e) Status and administration of lands acquired in exchange for lands revested in or reconveyed to United
States
Lands acquired by the Secretary pursuant to this section or section 1716 of this title in exchange for lands which
were revested in the United States pursuant to the provisions of the Act of June 9, 1916 (39 Stat. 218) or
reconveyed to the United States pursuant to the provisions of the Act of February 26, 1919 (40 Stat. 1179), shall be
considered for all purposes to have the same status as, and shall be administered in accordance with the same
provisions of law applicable to, the revested or reconveyed lands exchanged for the lands acquired by the
about:blank

Page 15 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Secretary.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §205, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2755; Pub. L. 99–632, §5, Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3521.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Act of June 9, 1916, referred to in subsec. (e), is not classified to the Code.
Act of February 26, 1919, referred to in subsec. (e), is act Feb. 26, 1919, ch. 47, 40 Stat. 1179,
which is not classified to the Code.

AMENDMENTS
1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–632, §5(1), inserted exception relating to subsec. (e).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–632, §5(2), added subsec. (e).

§1716. Exchanges of public lands or interests therein within the National Forest
System
(a) Authorization and limitations on authority of Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture
A tract of public land or interests therein may be disposed of by exchange by the Secretary under this Act and a
tract of land or interests therein within the National Forest System may be disposed of by exchange by the
Secretary of Agriculture under applicable law where the Secretary concerned determines that the public interest will
be well served by making that exchange: Provided, That when considering public interest the Secretary concerned
shall give full consideration to better Federal land management and the needs of State and local people, including
needs for lands for the economy, community expansion, recreation areas, food, fiber, minerals, and fish and wildlife
and the Secretary concerned finds that the values and the objectives which Federal lands or interests to be
conveyed may serve if retained in Federal ownership are not more than the values of the non-Federal lands or
interests and the public objectives they could serve if acquired.
(b) Implementation requirements; cash equalization waiver
In exercising the exchange authority granted by subsection (a) or by section 1715(a) of this title, the Secretary
concerned may accept title to any non-Federal land or interests therein in exchange for such land, or interests
therein which he finds proper for transfer out of Federal ownership and which are located in the same State as the
non-Federal land or interest to be acquired. For the purposes of this subsection, unsurveyed school sections which,
upon survey by the Secretary, would become State lands, shall be considered as "non-Federal lands". The values
of the lands exchanged by the Secretary under this Act and by the Secretary of Agriculture under applicable law
relating to lands within the National Forest System either shall be equal, or if they are not equal, the values shall be
equalized by the payment of money to the grantor or to the Secretary concerned as the circumstances require so
long as payment does not exceed 25 per centum of the total value of the lands or interests transferred out of
Federal ownership. The Secretary concerned and the other party or parties involved in the exchange may mutually
agree to waive the requirement for the payment of money to equalize values where the Secretary concerned
determines that the exchange will be expedited thereby and that the public interest will be better served by such a
waiver of cash equalization payments and where the amount to be waived is no more than 3 per centum of the
value of the lands being transferred out of Federal ownership or $15,000, whichever is less, except that the
Secretary of Agriculture shall not agree to waive any such requirement for payment of money to the United States.
The Secretary concerned shall try to reduce the amount of the payment of money to as small an amount as
possible.
(c) Status of lands acquired upon exchange by Secretary of the Interior
Lands acquired by the Secretary by exchange under this section which are within the boundaries of any unit of
the National Forest System, National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wild and Scenic
Rivers System, National Trails System, National Wilderness Preservation System, or any other system established
by Act of Congress, or the boundaries of the California Desert Conservation Area, or the boundaries of any national
conservation area or national recreation area established by Act of Congress, upon acceptance of title by the
about:blank

Page 16 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

United States shall immediately be reserved for and become a part of the unit or area within which they are located,
without further action by the Secretary, and shall thereafter be managed in accordance with all laws, rules, and
regulations applicable to such unit or area.
(d) Appraisal of land; submission to arbitrator; determination to proceed or withdraw from exchange; use
of other valuation process; suspension of deadlines
(1) No later than ninety days after entering into an agreement to initiate an exchange of land or interests therein
pursuant to this Act or other applicable law, the Secretary concerned and other party or parties involved in the
exchange shall arrange for appraisal (to be completed within a time frame and under such terms as are negotiated
by the parties) of the lands or interests therein involved in the exchange in accordance with subsection (f) of this
section.
(2) If within one hundred and eighty days after the submission of an appraisal or appraisals for review and
approval by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary concerned and the other party or parties involved cannot agree
to accept the findings of an appraisal or appraisals, the appraisal or appraisals shall be submitted to an arbitrator
appointed by the Secretary from a list of arbitrators submitted to him by the American Arbitration Association for
arbitration to be conducted in accordance with the real estate valuation arbitration rules of the American Arbitration
Association. Such arbitration shall be binding for a period of not to exceed two years on the Secretary concerned
and the other party or parties involved in the exchange insofar as concerns the value of the lands which were the
subject of the appraisal or appraisals.
(3) Within thirty days after the completion of the arbitration, the Secretary concerned and the other party or
parties involved in the exchange shall determine whether to proceed with the exchange, modify the exchange to
reflect the findings of the arbitration or any other factors, or to withdraw from the exchange. A decision to withdraw
from the exchange may be made by either the Secretary concerned or the other party or parties involved.
(4) Instead of submitting the appraisal to an arbitrator, as provided in paragraph (2) of this section,1 the Secretary
concerned and the other party or parties involved in an exchange may mutually agree to employ a process of
bargaining or some other process to determine the values of the properties involved in the exchange.
(5) The Secretary concerned and the other party or parties involved in an exchange may mutually agree to
suspend or modify any of the deadlines contained in this subsection.
(e) Simultaneous issue of patents or titles
Unless mutually agreed otherwise by the Secretary concerned and the other party or parties involved in an
exchange pursuant to this Act or other applicable law, all patents or titles to be issued for land or interests therein to
be acquired by the Federal Government and lands or interest therein to be transferred out of Federal ownership
shall be issued simultaneously after the Secretary concerned has taken any necessary steps to assure that the
United States will receive acceptable title.
(f) New rules and regulations; appraisal rules and regulations; "costs and other responsibilities or
requirements" defined
(1) Within one year after August 20, 1988, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture shall promulgate new
and comprehensive rules and regulations governing exchanges of land and interests therein pursuant to this Act
and other applicable law. Such rules and regulations shall fully reflect the changes in law made by subsections (d)
through (i) of this section and shall include provisions pertaining to appraisals of lands and interests therein
involved in such exchanges.
(2) The provisions of the rules and regulations issued pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection governing
appraisals shall reflect nationally recognized appraisal standards, including, to the extent appropriate, the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions: Provided, however, That the provisions of such rules and
regulations shall—
(A) ensure that the same nationally approved appraisal standards are used in appraising lands or interest
therein being acquired by the Federal Government and appraising lands or interests therein being transferred out
of Federal ownership; and
(B) with respect to costs or other responsibilities or requirements associated with land exchanges—
(i) recognize that the parties involved in an exchange may mutually agree that one party (or parties) will
assume, without compensation, all or part of certain costs or other responsibilities or requirements ordinarily
borne by the other party or parties; and
(ii) also permit the Secretary concerned, where such Secretary determines it is in the public interest and it is
in the best interest of consummating an exchange pursuant to this Act or other applicable law, and upon
mutual agreement of the parties, to make adjustments to the relative values involved in an exchange
about:blank

Page 17 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

transaction in order to compensate a party or parties to the exchange for assuming costs or other
responsibilities or requirements which would ordinarily be borne by the other party or parties.
As used in this subparagraph, the term "costs or other responsibilities or requirements" shall include, but not be
limited to, costs or other requirements associated with land surveys and appraisals, mineral examinations, title
searches, archeological surveys and salvage, removal of encumbrances, arbitration pursuant to subsection (d) of
this section, curing deficiencies preventing highest and best use, and other costs to comply with laws, regulations
and policies applicable to exchange transactions, or which are necessary to bring the Federal or non-Federal lands
or interests involved in the exchange to their highest and best use for the appraisal and exchange purposes. Prior
to making any adjustments pursuant to this subparagraph, the Secretary concerned shall be satisfied that the
amount of such adjustment is reasonable and accurately reflects the approximate value of any costs or services
provided or any responsibilities or requirements assumed.
(g) Exchanges to proceed under existing laws and regulations pending new rules and regulations
Until such time as new and comprehensive rules and regulations governing exchange of land and interests
therein are promulgated pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, land exchanges may proceed in accordance with
existing laws and regulations, and nothing in the Act shall be construed to require any delay in, or otherwise hinder,
the processing and consummation of land exchanges pending the promulgation of such new and comprehensive
rules and regulations. Where the Secretary concerned and the party or parties involved in an exchange have
agreed to initiate an exchange of land or interests therein prior to the day of enactment of such subsections,
subsections (d) through (i) of this section shall not apply to such exchanges unless the Secretary concerned and
the party or parties involved in the exchange mutually agree otherwise.
(h) Exchange of lands or interests of approximately equal value; conditions; "approximately equal value"
defined
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act and other applicable laws which require that exchanges of land or
interests therein be for equal value, where the Secretary concerned determines it is in the public interest and that
the consummation of a particular exchange will be expedited thereby, the Secretary concerned may exchange
lands or interests therein which are of approximately equal value in cases where—
(A) the combined value of the lands or interests therein to be transferred from Federal ownership by the
Secretary concerned in such exchange is not more than $150,000; and
(B) the Secretary concerned finds in accordance with the regulations to be promulgated pursuant to subsection
(f) of this section that a determination of approximately equal value can be made without formal appraisals, as
based on a statement of value made by a qualified appraiser and approved by an authorized officer; and
(C) the definition of and procedure for determining "approximately equal value" has been set forth in
regulations by the Secretary concerned and the Secretary concerned documents how such determination was
made in the case of the particular exchange involved.
(2) As used in this subsection, the term "approximately equal value" shall have the same meaning with respect to
lands managed by the Secretary of Agriculture as it does in the Act of January 22, 1983 (commonly known as the
"Small Tracts Act").
(i) Segregation from appropriation under mining and public land laws
(1) Upon receipt of an offer to exchange lands or interests in lands pursuant to this Act or other applicable laws,
at the request of the head of the department or agency having jurisdiction over the lands involved, the Secretary of
the Interior may temporarily segregate the Federal lands under consideration for exchange from appropriation
under the mining laws. Such temporary segregation may only be made for a period of not to exceed five years.
Upon a decision not to proceed with the exchange or upon deletion of any particular parcel from the exchange offer,
the Federal lands involved or deleted shall be promptly restored to their former status under the mining laws. Any
segregation pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to valid existing rights as of the date of such segregation.
(2) All non-Federal lands which are acquired by the United States through exchange pursuant to this Act or
pursuant to other law applicable to lands managed by the Secretary of Agriculture shall be automatically
segregated from appropriation under the public land law, including the mining laws, for ninety days after
acceptance of title by the United States. Such segregation shall be subject to valid existing rights as of the date of
such acceptance of title. At the end of such ninety day period, such segregation shall end and such lands shall be
open to operation of the public land laws and to entry, location, and patent under the mining laws except to the
extent otherwise provided by this Act or other applicable law, or appropriate actions pursuant thereto.
about:blank

Page 18 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §206, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2756; Pub. L. 100–409, §§3, 9, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat.
1087, 1092.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), (d)(1), (e), (f)(1), (2)(B)(ii), (g), (h)(1), and (i), is Pub. L. 94–
579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Act of January 22, 1983 (commonly known as the "Small Tracts Act"), referred to in subsec. (h)
(2), is Pub. L. 97–465, Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2535, which enacted sections 521c to 521i of Title 16,
Conservation, and amended section 484a of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–409, §3(b), inserted "concerned" after "Secretary" in first sentence.
Pub. L. 100–409, §9, inserted provision relating to waiver of cash equalization payments.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–409, §3(c), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec.

(c) read as follows: "Lands acquired by exchange under this section by the Secretary which are
within the boundaries of the National Forest System may be transferred to the Secretary of
Agriculture and shall then become National Forest System lands and subject to all the laws, rules,
and regulations applicable to the National Forest System. Lands acquired by exchange by the
Secretary under this section which are within the boundaries of National Park, Wildlife Refuge, Wild
and Scenic Rivers, Trails, or any other System established by Act of Congress may be transferred
to the appropriate agency head for administration as part of such System and in accordance with
the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to such System."
Subsecs. (d) to (i). Pub. L. 100–409, §3(a), added subsecs. (d) to (i).

CONGRESSIONAL STATEMENT OF FINDINGS AND PURPOSES
Pub. L. 100–409, §2, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1086, provided that:
"(a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds and declares that—

"(1) land exchanges are a very important tool for Federal and State land managers and
private landowners to consolidate Federal, State, and private holdings of land or interests in land
for purposes of more efficient management and to secure important objectives including the
protection of fish and wildlife habitat and aesthetic values; the enhancement of recreation
opportunities; the consolidation of mineral and timber holdings for more logical and efficient
development; the expansion of communities; the promotion of multiple-use values; and fulfillment
of public needs;
"(2) needs for land ownership adjustments and consolidation consistently outpace available
funding for land purchases by the Federal Government and thereby make land exchanges an
increasingly important method of land acquisition and consolidation for both Federal and State
land managers and private landowners;
"(3) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 [Pub. L. 94–579, see Short Title
note set out under section 1701 of this title] and other laws provide a basic framework and authority
for land exchanges involving lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Agriculture; and
"(4) such existing laws are in need of certain revisions to streamline and facilitate land
exchange procedures and expedite exchanges.
"(b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under
section 1701 of this title] are:
"(1) to facilitate and expedite land exchanges pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 and other laws applicable to exchanges involving lands managed by the
about:blank

Page 19 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Departments of the Interior and Agriculture by—
"(A) providing more uniform rules and regulations pertaining to land appraisals which
reflect nationally recognized appraisal standards; and
"(B) establishing procedures and guidelines for the resolution of appraisal disputes.[;]
"(2) to provide sufficient resources to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to ensure
that land exchange activities can proceed consistent with the public interest; and
"(3) to require a study and report concerning improvements in the handling of certain
information related to Federal and other lands."

LAND EXCHANGE FUNDING AUTHORIZATION
Pub. L. 100–409, §4, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1090, provided that: "In order to ensure that there are
increased funds and personnel available to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to
consider, process, and consummate land exchanges pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 [Pub. L. 94–579, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of this title]
and other applicable law, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1989
through 1998 an annual amount not to exceed $4,000,000 which shall be used jointly or divided
among the Secretaries as they determine appropriate for the consideration, processing, and
consummation of land exchanges pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976, as amended, and other applicable law. Such moneys are expressly intended by Congress to
be in addition to, and not offset against, moneys otherwise annually requested by the Secretaries,
and appropriated by Congress for land exchange purposes."

SAVINGS PROVISION
Pub. L. 100–409, §5, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1090, provided that: "Nothing in this Act [see Short Title
of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 1701 of this title] shall be construed as amending the
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 92–203, as amended) [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.] or the
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487, as amended) [see Tables for
classification] or as enlarging or diminishing the authority with regard to exchanges conferred upon
either the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture by either such Acts. If any
provision of this Act or the application thereof is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the
application thereof shall not be affected thereby. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to change
the discretionary nature of land exchanges or to prohibit the Secretary concerned or any other party
or parties involved in a land exchange from withdrawing from the exchange at any time, unless the
Secretary concerned and the other party or parties specifically commit otherwise by written
agreement."
1 So in original. Probably should be "subsection,".

§1717. Qualifications of conveyees
No tract of land may be disposed of under this Act, whether by sale, exchange, or donation, to any person who is
not a citizen of the United States, or in the case of a corporation, is not subject to the laws of any State or of the
United States.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §207, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2757.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.
about:blank

Page 20 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1718. Documents of conveyance; terms, covenants, etc.
The Secretary shall issue all patents or other documents of conveyance after any disposal authorized by this Act.
The Secretary shall insert in any such patent or other document of conveyance he issues, except in the case of
land exchanges, for which the provisions of subsection 1716(b) of this title shall apply, such terms, covenants,
conditions, and reservations as he deems necessary to insure proper land use and protection of the public interest:
Provided, That a conveyance of lands by the Secretary, subject to such terms, covenants, conditions, and
reservations, shall not exempt the grantee from compliance with applicable Federal or State law or State land use
plans: Provided further, That the Secretary shall not make conveyances of public lands containing terms and
conditions which would, at the time of the conveyance, constitute a violation of any law or regulation pursuant to
State and local land use plans, or programs.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §208, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2757.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

§1719. Mineral interests; reservation and conveyance requirements and
procedures
(a) All conveyances of title issued by the Secretary, except those involving land exchanges provided for in section
1716 of this title, shall reserve to the United States all minerals in the lands, together with the right to prospect for,
mine, and remove the minerals under applicable law and such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, except
that if the Secretary makes the findings specified in subsection (b) of this section, the minerals may then be
conveyed together with the surface to the prospective surface owner as provided in subsection (b).
(b)(1) The Secretary, after consultation with the appropriate department or agency head, may convey mineral
interests owned by the United States where the surface is or will be in non-Federal ownership, regardless of which
Federal entity may have administered the surface, if he finds (1) that there are no known mineral values in the land,
or (2) that the reservation of the mineral rights in the United States is interfering with or precluding appropriate
nonmineral development of the land and that such development is a more beneficial use of the land than mineral
development.
(2) Conveyance of mineral interests pursuant to this section shall be made only to the existing or proposed
record owner of the surface, upon payment of administrative costs and the fair market value of the interests being
conveyed.
(3) Before considering an application for conveyance of mineral interests pursuant to this section—
(i) the Secretary shall require the deposit by the applicant of a sum of money which he deems sufficient to
cover administrative costs including, but not limited to, costs of conducting an exploratory program to determine
the character of the mineral deposits in the land, evaluating the data obtained under the exploratory program to
determine the fair market value of the mineral interests to be conveyed, and preparing and issuing the
documents of conveyance: Provided, That, if the administrative costs exceed the deposit, the applicant shall pay
the outstanding amount; and, if the deposit exceeds the administrative costs, the applicant shall be given a credit
for or refund of the excess; or
(ii) the applicant, with the consent of the Secretary, shall have conducted, and submitted to the Secretary the
results of, such an exploratory program, in accordance with standards promulgated by the Secretary.
(4) Moneys paid to the Secretary for administrative costs pursuant to this subsection shall be paid to the agency
which rendered the service and deposited to the appropriation then current.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §209, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2757.)

§1720. Coordination by Secretary of the Interior with State and local governments
about:blank

Page 21 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

At least sixty days prior to offering for sale or otherwise conveying public lands under this Act, the Secretary shall
notify the Governor of the State within which such lands are located and the head of the governing body of any
political subdivision of the State having zoning or other land use regulatory jurisdiction in the geographical area
within which such lands are located, in order to afford the appropriate body the opportunity to zone or otherwise
regulate, or change or amend existing zoning or other regulations concerning the use of such lands prior to such
conveyance. The Secretary shall also promptly notify such public officials of the issuance of the patent or other
document of conveyance for such lands.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §210, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2758.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

§1721. Conveyances of public lands to States, local governments, etc.
(a) Unsurveyed islands; authorization and limitations on authority
The Secretary is authorized to convey to States or their political subdivisions under the Recreation and Public
Purposes Act (44 Stat. 741 as amended; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), as amended, but without regard to the acreage
limitations contained therein, unsurveyed islands determined by the Secretary to be public lands of the United
States. The conveyance of any such island may be made without survey: Provided, however, That such island may
be surveyed at the request of the applicant State or its political subdivision if such State or subdivision donates
money or services to the Secretary for such survey, the Secretary accepts such money or services, and such
services are conducted pursuant to criteria established by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. Any
such island so surveyed shall not be conveyed without approval of such survey by the Secretary prior to the
conveyance.
(b) Omitted lands; authorization and limitations on authority
(1) The Secretary is authorized to convey to States and their political subdivisions under the Recreation and
Public Purposes Act [43 U.S.C. 869 to 869–4], but without regard to the acreage limitations contained therein,
lands other than islands determined by him after survey to be public lands of the United States erroneously or
fraudulently omitted from the original surveys (hereinafter referred to as "omitted lands"). Any such conveyance
shall not be made without a survey: Provided, That the prospective recipient may donate money or services to the
Secretary for the surveying necessary prior to conveyance if the Secretary accepts such money or services, such
services are conducted pursuant to criteria established by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, and
such survey is approved by the Secretary prior to the conveyance.
(2) The Secretary is authorized to convey to the occupant of any omitted lands which, after survey, are found to
have been occupied and developed for a five-year period prior to January 1, 1975, if the Secretary determines that
such conveyance is in the public interest and will serve objectives which outweigh all public objectives and values
which would be served by retaining such lands in Federal ownership. Conveyance under this subparagraph shall
be made at not less than the fair market value of the land, as determined by the Secretary, and upon payment in
addition of administrative costs, including the cost of making the survey, the cost of appraisal, and the cost of
making the conveyance.
(c) Conformity with land use plans and programs and coordination with State and local governments of
conveyances
(1) No conveyance shall be made pursuant to this section until the relevant State government, local government,
and areawide planning agency designated pursuant to section 204 of the Demonstration Cities and Metropolitan
Development Act of 1966 (80 Stat. 1255, 1262) [42 U.S.C. 3334] and/or section 6506 of title 31 have notified the
Secretary as to the consistency of such conveyance with applicable State and local government land use plans and
programs.
(2) The provisions of section 1720 of this title shall be applicable to all conveyances under this section.
(d) Applicability of other statutory requirements for authorized use of conveyed lands
The final sentence of section 1(c) of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act [43 U.S.C. 869(c)] shall not be
about:blank

Page 22 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

applicable to conveyances under this section.
(e) Limitations on uses of conveyed lands
No conveyance pursuant to this section shall be used as the basis for determining the baseline between Federal
and State ownership, the boundary of any State for purposes of determining the extent of a State's submerged
lands or the line of demarcation of Federal jurisdiction, or any similar or related purpose.
(f) Applicability to lands within National Forest System, National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge
System, and National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any lands within the National Forest System, defined in the Act of
August 17, 1974 (88 Stat. 476; 16 U.S.C. 1601), the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System,
and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
(g) Applicability to other statutory provisions authorizing sale of specific omitted lands
Nothing in this section shall supersede the provisions of the Act of December 22, 1928 (45 Stat. 1069; 43 U.S.C.
1068), as amended, and the Act of May 31, 1962 (76 Stat. 89), or any other Act authorizing the sale of specific
omitted lands.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §211, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2758.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Recreation and Public Purposes Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b)(1), is act June 14,
1926, ch. 578, 44 Stat. 741, as amended, which is classified to sections 869 to 869–4 of this title. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 869 of this
title and Tables.
Act of August 17, 1974 (88 Stat. 476; 16 U.S.C. 1601), referred to in subsec. (f), is Pub. L. 93–378,
Aug. 17, 1974, 88 Stat. 476, as amended, known as the Forest and Rangelands Renewable
Resources Planning Act of 1974, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§1600 et seq.) chapter
36 of Title 16, Conservation. The provisions of such Act defining the lands within the National Forest
System are set out in section 1609 of Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see
Short Title note set out under section 1600 of Title 16 and Tables.
Act of December 22, 1928 (45 Stat. 1069; 43 U.S.C. 1068), as amended, referred to in subsec. (g), is
act Dec. 22, 1928, ch. 47, 45 Stat. 1069, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 25A
(§1068 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Act of May 31, 1962, referred to in subsec. (g), is Pub. L. 87–469, May 31, 1962, 76 Stat. 89, which is
not classified to the Code.

CODIFICATION
In subsec. (c)(1), "section 6506 of title 31" substituted for "title IV of the Intergovernmental
Cooperation Act of 1968 (82 Stat. 1098, 1103–4) [42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.]" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258,
§4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

§1722. Sale of public lands subject to unintentional trespass
(a) Preference right of contiguous landowners; offering price
Notwithstanding the provisions of the Act of September 26, 1968 (82 Stat. 870; 43 U.S.C. 1431–1435),
hereinafter called the "1968 Act", with respect to applications under the 1968 Act which were pending before the
Secretary as of the effective date of this subsection and which he approves for sale under the criteria prescribed by
the 1968 Act, he shall give the right of first refusal to those having a preference right under section 2 of the 1968
Act [43 U.S.C. 1432]. The Secretary shall offer such lands to such preference right holders at their fair market value
(exclusive of any values added to the land by such holders and their predecessors in interest) as determined by the
Secretary as of September 26, 1973.
(b) Procedures applicable

about:blank

Page 23 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Within three years after October 21, 1976, the Secretary shall notify the filers of applications subject to paragraph
(a) of this section whether he will offer them the lands applied for and at what price; that is, their fair market value
as of September 26, 1973, excluding any value added to the lands by the applicants or their predecessors in
interest. He will also notify the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the
lands which he has determined not to sell pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section and the reasons therefor. With
respect to such lands which the Secretary determined not to sell, he shall take no other action to convey those
lands or interests in them before the end of ninety days (not counting days on which the House of Representatives
or the Senate has adjourned for more than three consecutive days) beginning on the date the Secretary has
submitted such notice to the Senate and House of Representatives. If, during that ninety-day period, the Congress
adopts a concurrent resolution stating the length of time such suspension of action should continue, he shall
continue such suspension for the specified time period. If the committee to which a resolution has been referred
during the said ninety-day period, has not reported it at the end of thirty calendar days after its referral, it shall be in
order to either discharge the committee from further consideration of such resolution or to discharge the committee
from consideration of any other resolution with respect to the suspension of action. A motion to discharge may be
made only by an individual favoring the resolution, shall be highly privileged (except that it may not be made after
the committee has reported such a resolution), and debate thereon shall be limited to not more than one hour, to be
divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the resolution. An amendment to the motion shall not
be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or
disagreed to. If the motion to discharge is agreed to or disagreed to, the motion may not be made with respect to
any other resolution with respect to the same suspension of action. When the committee has reprinted, or has been
discharged from further consideration of a resolution, it shall at any time thereafter be in order (even though a
previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the
resolution. The motion shall be highly privileged and shall not be debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not
be in order, and it shall not be in order to move to reconsider the vote by which the motion was agreed to or
disagreed to.
(c) Time for processing of applications and sales
Within five years after October 21, 1976, the Secretary shall complete the processing of all applications filed
under the 1968 Act and hold sales covering all lands which he has determined to sell thereunder.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §214, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2760.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
Act of September 26, 1968, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 90–516, Sept. 26, 1968, 82 Stat.
870, which was classified generally to subchapter VII [§1431 et seq.] of chapter 30 of this title, and
was omitted from the Code pursuant to section 1435 of this title, which provided that the authority
granted by that subchapter was to expire three years from September 26, 1968, with certain
exceptions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code prior to omission, see Tables.
The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (a), probably means the date of the
enactment of such subsection (a) by Pub. L. 94–579, which was approved Oct. 21, 1976.

§1723. Temporary revocation authority
(a) Exchange involved
When the sole impediment to consummation of an exchange of lands or interests therein (hereinafter referred to
as an exchange) determined to be in the public interest, is the inability of the Secretary of the Interior to revoke,
modify, or terminate part or all of a withdrawal or classification because of the order (or subsequent modification or
continuance thereof) of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia dated February 10, 1986, in Civil
Action No. 85–2238 (National Wildlife Federation v. Robert E. Burford, et al.), the Secretary of the Interior is hereby
authorized, notwithstanding such order (or subsequent modification or continuance thereof), to use the authority
contained herein, in lieu of other authority provided in this Act including section 1714 of this title, to revoke, modify,
or terminate in whole or in part, withdrawals or classifications to the extent deemed necessary by the Secretary to
enable the United States to transfer land or interests therein out of Federal ownership pursuant to an exchange.
(b) Requirements

about:blank

Page 24 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

The authority specified in subsection (a) of this section may be exercised only in cases where—
(1) a particular exchange is proposed to be carried out pursuant to this Act, as amended, or other applicable
law authorizing such an exchange;
(2) the proposed exchange has been prepared in compliance with all laws applicable to such exchange;
(3) the head of each Federal agency managing the lands proposed for such transfer has submitted to the
Secretary of the Interior a statement of concurrence with the proposed revocation, modification, or termination;
(4) at least sixty days have elapsed since the Secretary of the Interior has published in the Federal Register a
notice of the proposed revocation, modification, or termination; and
(5) at least sixty days have elapsed since the Secretary of the Interior has transmitted to the Committee on
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
United States Senate a report which includes—
(A) a justification for the necessity of exercising such authority in order to complete an exchange;
(B) an explanation of the reasons why the continuation of the withdrawal or a classification or portion thereof
proposed for revocation, modification, or termination is no longer necessary for the purposes of the statutory or
other program or programs for which the withdrawal or classification was made or other relevant programs;
(C) assurances that all relevant documents concerning the proposed exchange or purchase for which such
authority is proposed to be exercised (including documents related to compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and all other applicable provisions of law) are
available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary concerned located nearest to the lands proposed
for transfer out of Federal ownership in furtherance of such exchange and that the relevant portions of such
documents are also available in the offices of the Secretary concerned in Washington, District of Columbia;
and
(D) an explanation of the effect of the revocation, modification, or termination of a withdrawal or classification
or portion thereof and the transfer of lands out of Federal ownership pursuant to the particular proposed
exchange, on the objectives of the land management plan which is applicable at the time of such transfer to
the land to be transferred out of Federal ownership.
(c) Limitations
(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affirming or denying any of the allegations made by any party in
the civil action specified in subsection (a), or as constituting an expression of congressional opinion with respect to
the merits of any allegation, contention, or argument made or issue raised by any party in such action, or as
expanding or diminishing the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
(2) Except as specifically provided in this section, nothing in this section shall be construed as modifying,
terminating, revoking, or otherwise affecting any provision of law applicable to land exchanges, withdrawals, or
classifications.
(3) The availability or exercise of the authority granted in subsection (a) may not be considered by the Secretary
of the Interior in making a determination pursuant to this Act or other applicable law as to whether or not any
proposed exchange is in the public interest.
(d) Termination
The authority specified in subsection (a) shall expire either (1) on December 31, 1990, or (2) when the Court
order (or subsequent modification or continuation thereof) specified in subsection (a) is no longer in effect,
whichever occurs first.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title II, §215, as added Pub. L. 100–409, §10, Aug. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1092; amended Pub. L.
103–437, §16(d)(2), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4595.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b)(1), and (c)(3), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat.
2743, as amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (b)(5)(C), is Pub. L. 91–190,
Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title
42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short
Title note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.

AMENDMENTS
about:blank

Page 25 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

1994—Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "Natural Resources" for "Interior and Insular
Affairs" before "of the House".

SAVINGS PROVISION
See note set out under section 1716 of this title.

SUBCHAPTER III—ADMINISTRATION

§1731. Bureau of Land Management
(a) Director; appointment, qualifications, functions, and duties
The Bureau of Land Management established by Reorganization Plan Numbered 3, of 1946 shall have as its
head a Director. Appointments to the position of Director shall hereafter be made by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate. The Director of the Bureau shall have a broad background and substantial
experience in public land and natural resource management. He shall carry out such functions and shall perform
such duties as the Secretary may prescribe with respect to the management of lands and resources under his
jurisdiction according to the applicable provisions of this Act and any other applicable law.
(b) Statutory transfer of functions, powers and duties relating to administration of laws
Subject to the discretion granted to him by Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1950, the Secretary shall carry
out through the Bureau all functions, powers, and duties vested in him and relating to the administration of laws
which, on October 21, 1976, were carried out by him through the Bureau of Land Management established by
section 403 of Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1946. The Bureau shall administer such laws according to the
provisions thereof existing as of October 21, 1976, as modified by the provisions of this Act or by subsequent law.
(c) Associate Director, Assistant Directors, and other employees; appointment and compensation
In addition to the Director, there shall be an Associate Director of the Bureau and so many Assistant Directors,
and other employees, as may be necessary, who shall be appointed by the Secretary subject to the provisions of
title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of
chapter 51 and subchapter 3 1 of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(d) Existing regulations relating to administration of laws
Nothing in this section shall affect any regulation of the Secretary with respect to the administration of laws
administered by him through the Bureau on October 21, 1976.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §301, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2762.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The provision of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946 establishing the Bureau of Land Management,
referred to in subsec. (a), is section 403 of such Reorg. Plan. Section 403 of Reorg. Plan No. 3 of
1946, also referred to in subsec. (b), is set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Reorganization Plan Numbered 3 of 1950, referred to in subsec. (b), is set out under section 1451
of this title.
The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (c), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5.

USE OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR PROTECTION OF LANDS AND SURVEYS OF FEDERAL LANDS IN
ALASKA
Pub. L. 102–381, title I, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1378, provided in part: "That appropriations herein

about:blank

Page 26 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

[Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1993] made, in fiscal year
1993 and thereafter, may be expended for surveys of Federal lands and on a reimbursable basis for
surveys of Federal lands and for protection of lands for the State of Alaska".
1 So in original. Probably should be subchapter "III".

§1732. Management of use, occupancy, and development of public lands
(a) Multiple use and sustained yield requirements applicable; exception
The Secretary shall manage the public lands under principles of multiple use and sustained yield, in accordance
with the land use plans developed by him under section 1712 of this title when they are available, except that
where a tract of such public land has been dedicated to specific uses according to any other provisions of law it
shall be managed in accordance with such law.
(b) Easements, permits, etc., for utilization through habitation, cultivation, and development of small trade
or manufacturing concerns; applicable statutory requirements
In managing the public lands, the Secretary shall, subject to this Act and other applicable law and under such
terms and conditions as are consistent with such law, regulate, through easements, permits, leases, licenses,
published rules, or other instruments as the Secretary deems appropriate, the use, occupancy, and development of
the public lands, including, but not limited to, long-term leases to permit individuals to utilize public lands for
habitation, cultivation, and the development of small trade or manufacturing concerns: Provided, That unless
otherwise provided for by law, the Secretary may permit Federal departments and agencies to use, occupy, and
develop public lands only through rights-of-way under section 1767 of this title, withdrawals under section 1714 of
this title, and, where the proposed use and development are similar or closely related to the programs of the
Secretary for the public lands involved, cooperative agreements under section 1737(b) of this title: Provided further,
That nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary concerned to require Federal permits to
hunt and fish on public lands or on lands in the National Forest System and adjacent waters or as enlarging or
diminishing the responsibility and authority of the States for management of fish and resident wildlife. However, the
Secretary concerned may designate areas of public land and of lands in the National Forest System where, and
establish periods when, no hunting or fishing will be permitted for reasons of public safety, administration, or
compliance with provisions of applicable law. Except in emergencies, any regulations of the Secretary concerned
relating to hunting and fishing pursuant to this section shall be put into effect only after consultation with the
appropriate State fish and game department. Nothing in this Act shall modify or change any provision of Federal
law relating to migratory birds or to endangered or threatened species. Except as provided in section 1744, section
1782, and subsection (f) of section 1781 of this title and in the last sentence of this paragraph, no provision of this
section or any other section of this Act shall in any way amend the Mining Law of 1872 or impair the rights of any
locators or claims under that Act, including, but not limited to, rights of ingress and egress. In managing the public
lands the Secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, take any action necessary to prevent unnecessary or undue
degradation of the lands.
(c) Revocation or suspension provision in instrument authorizing use, occupancy or development;
violation of provision; procedure applicable
The Secretary shall insert in any instrument providing for the use, occupancy, or development of the public lands
a provision authorizing revocation or suspension, after notice and hearing, of such instrument upon a final
administrative finding of a violation of any term or condition of the instrument, including, but not limited to, terms
and conditions requiring compliance with regulations under Acts applicable to the public lands and compliance with
applicable State or Federal air or water quality standard or implementation plan: Provided, That such violation
occurred on public lands covered by such instrument and occurred in connection with the exercise of rights and
privileges granted by it: Provided further, That the Secretary shall terminate any such suspension no later than the
date upon which he determines the cause of said violation has been rectified: Provided further, That the Secretary
may order an immediate temporary suspension prior to a hearing or final administrative finding if he determines that
such a suspension is necessary to protect health or safety or the environment: Provided further, That, where other
applicable law contains specific provisions for suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a permit, license, or other
authorization to use, occupy, or develop the public lands, the specific provisions of such law shall prevail.
(d) Authorization to utilize certain public lands in Alaska for military purposes
about:blank

Page 27 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(1) The Secretary of the Interior, after consultation with the Governor of Alaska, may issue to the Secretary of
Defense or to the Secretary of a military department within the Department of Defense or to the Commandant of
the Coast Guard a nonrenewable general authorization to utilize public lands in Alaska (other than within a
conservation system unit or the Steese National Conservation Area or the White Mountains National Recreation
Area) for purposes of military maneuvering, military training, or equipment testing not involving artillery firing, aerial
or other gunnery, or other use of live ammunition or ordnance.
(2) Use of public lands pursuant to a general authorization under this subsection shall be limited to areas where
such use would not be inconsistent with the plans prepared pursuant to section 1712 of this title. Each such use
shall be subject to a requirement that the using department shall be responsible for any necessary cleanup and
decontamination of the lands used, and to such other terms and conditions (including but not limited to restrictions
on use of off-road or all-terrain vehicles) as the Secretary of the Interior may require to—
(A) minimize adverse impacts on the natural, environmental, scientific, cultural, and other resources and
values (including fish and wildlife habitat) of the public lands involved; and
(B) minimize the period and method of such use and the interference with or restrictions on other uses of the
public lands involved.
(3)(A) A general authorization issued pursuant to this subsection shall not be for a term of more than three years
and shall be revoked in whole or in part, as the Secretary of the Interior finds necessary, prior to the end of such
term upon a determination by the Secretary of the Interior that there has been a failure to comply with its terms and
conditions or that activities pursuant to such an authorization have had or might have a significant adverse impact
on the resources or values of the affected lands.
(B) Each specific use of a particular area of public lands pursuant to a general authorization under this
subsection shall be subject to specific authorization by the Secretary and to appropriate terms and conditions,
including such as are described in paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(4) Issuance of a general authorization pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of section
1712(f) of this title, section 3120 of title 16, and all other applicable provisions of law. The Secretary of a military
department (or the Commandant of the Coast Guard) requesting such authorization shall reimburse the Secretary
of the Interior for the costs of implementing this paragraph. An authorization pursuant to this subsection shall not
authorize the construction of permanent structures or facilities on the public lands.
(5) To the extent that public safety may require closure to public use of any portion of the public lands covered by
an authorization issued pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary of the military Department concerned or the
Commandant of the Coast Guard shall take appropriate steps to notify the public concerning such closure and to
provide appropriate warnings of risks to public safety.
(6) For purposes of this subsection, the term "conservation system unit" has the same meaning as specified in
section 3102 of title 16.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §302, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2762; Pub. L. 100–586, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2980.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Mining Law of 1872, referred to in subsec. (b), is act May 10, 1872, ch. 152, 17 Stat. 91, which
was incorporated into the Revised Statutes of 1878 as R.S. §§2319 to 2328, 2331, 2333 to 2337,
and 2344, which are classified to sections 22 to 24, 26 to 28, 29, 30, 33 to 35, 37, 39 to 42, and 47 of Title 30,
Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of such Revised Statutes sections to the
Code, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
1988—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–586 added subsec. (d).

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the
authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of
Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557
about:blank

Page 28 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to
compliance with land use permits for temporary use of public lands and other associated land uses,
issued under sections 1732, 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, with respect to pre-construction,
construction, and initial operation of transportation systems for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas
transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas
Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas
Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93
Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization
and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System
abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by
section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under
section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy
subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by
section 720d(f) of Title 15.

MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES TO PREVENT WASTING OF PACIFIC YEW
For Congressional findings relating to management guidelines to prevent wasting of Pacific yew
in current and future timber sales on Federal lands, see section 4801(a)(8) of Title 16, Conservation.

§1733. Enforcement authority
(a) Regulations for implementation of management, use, and protection requirements; violations; criminal
penalties
The Secretary shall issue regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act with respect to the
management, use, and protection of the public lands, including the property located thereon. Any person who
knowingly and willfully violates any such regulation which is lawfully issued pursuant to this Act shall be fined no
more than $1,000 or imprisoned no more than twelve months, or both. Any person charged with a violation of such
regulation may be tried and sentenced by any United States magistrate judge designated for that purpose by the
court by which he was appointed, in the same manner and subject to the same conditions and limitations as
provided for in section 3401 of title 18.
(b) Civil actions by Attorney General for violations of regulations; nature of relief; jurisdiction
At the request of the Secretary, the Attorney General may institute a civil action in any United States district court
for an injunction or other appropriate order to prevent any person from utilizing public lands in violation of
regulations issued by the Secretary under this Act.
(c) Contracts for enforcement of Federal laws and regulations by local law enforcement officials; procedure
applicable; contract requirements and implementation
(1) When the Secretary determines that assistance is necessary in enforcing Federal laws and regulations
relating to the public lands or their resources he shall offer a contract to appropriate local officials having law
enforcement authority within their respective jurisdictions with the view of achieving maximum feasible reliance
upon local law enforcement officials in enforcing such laws and regulations. The Secretary shall negotiate on
reasonable terms with such officials who have authority to enter into such contracts to enforce such Federal laws
and regulations. In the performance of their duties under such contracts such officials and their agents are
authorized to carry firearms; execute and serve any warrant or other process issued by a court or officer of
competent jurisdiction; make arrests without warrant or process for a misdemeanor he has reasonable grounds to
believe is being committed in his presence or view, or for a felony if he has reasonable grounds to believe that the
person to be arrested has committed or is committing such felony; search without warrant or process any person,
place, or conveyance according to any Federal law or rule of law; and seize without warrant or process any
evidentiary item as provided by Federal law. The Secretary shall provide such law enforcement training as he
deems necessary in order to carry out the contracted for responsibilities. While exercising the powers and
about:blank

Page 29 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

authorities provided by such contract pursuant to this section, such law enforcement officials and their agents shall
have all the immunities of Federal law enforcement officials.
(2) The Secretary may authorize Federal personnel or appropriate local officials to carry out his law enforcement
responsibilities with respect to the public lands and their resources. Such designated personnel shall receive the
training and have the responsibilities and authority provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d) Cooperation with regulatory and law enforcement officials of any State or political subdivision in
enforcement of laws or ordinances
In connection with the administration and regulation of the use and occupancy of the public lands, the Secretary
is authorized to cooperate with the regulatory and law enforcement officials of any State or political subdivision
thereof in the enforcement of the laws or ordinances of such State or subdivision. Such cooperation may include
reimbursement to a State or its subdivision for expenditures incurred by it in connection with activities which assist
in the administration and regulation of use and occupancy of the public lands.
(e) Uniformed desert ranger force in California Desert Conservation Area; establishment; enforcement of
Federal laws and regulations
Nothing in this section shall prevent the Secretary from promptly establishing a uniformed desert ranger force in
the California Desert Conservation Area established pursuant to section 1781 of this title for the purpose of
enforcing Federal laws and regulations relating to the public lands and resources managed by him in such area.
The officers and members of such ranger force shall have the same responsibilities and authority as provided for in
paragraph (1) of subsection (c) of this section.
(f) Applicability of other Federal enforcement provisions
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as reducing or limiting the enforcement authority vested in the Secretary by
any other statute.
(g) Unlawful activities
The use, occupancy, or development of any portion of the public lands contrary to any regulation of the Secretary
or other responsible authority, or contrary to any order issued pursuant to any such regulation, is unlawful and
prohibited.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §303, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2763; Pub. L. 101–650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat.
5117.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (a), (b), and (f), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

CHANGE OF NAME
"United States magistrate judge" substituted for "United States magistrate" in subsec. (a)
pursuant to section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and
Judicial Procedure.

MODIFICATION OF REGULATIONS RELATING TO MINING OPERATIONS ON PUBLIC LANDS; POSTING OF
RECLAMATION BOND FOR ALL OPERATIONS INVOLVING SIGNIFICANT SURFACE DISTURBANCE
Pub. L. 99–500, §101(h) [title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–242, 1783-243, and Pub. L. 99–591,
§101(h) [title I], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–242, 3341-243, provided: "That regulations pertaining to
mining operations on public lands conducted under the Mining Law of 1872 (30 U.S.C. 22, et seq.)
and sections 302, 303, and 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1732, 1733, and 1782) shall be modified to include a requirement for the posting of reclamation bonds

by operators for all operations which involve significant surface disturbance, (a) at the discretion of
the authorized officer for operators who have a record of compliance with pertinent regulations
concerning mining on public lands, and (b) on a mandatory basis only for operators with a history of
noncompliance with the aforesaid regulations: Provided further, That surety bonds, third party surety
bonds, or irrevocable letters of credit shall qualify as bond instruments: Provided further, That
about:blank

Page 30 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

evidence of an equivalent bond posted with a State agency shall be accepted in lieu of a separate
bond: Provided further, That the amount of such bonds shall be sufficient to cover the costs of
reclamation as estimated by the Bureau of Land Management."

§1734. Fees, charges, and commissions
(a) Authority to establish and modify
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may establish reasonable filing and service fees and
reasonable charges, and commissions with respect to applications and other documents relating to the public lands
and may change and abolish such fees, charges, and commissions.
(b) Deposits for payments to reimburse reasonable costs of United States
The Secretary is authorized to require a deposit of any payments intended to reimburse the United States for
reasonable costs with respect to applications and other documents relating to such lands. The moneys received for
reasonable costs under this subsection shall be deposited with the Treasury in a special account and are hereby
authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended. As used in this section "reasonable costs"
include, but are not limited to, the costs of special studies; environmental impact statements; monitoring
construction, operation, maintenance, and termination of any authorized facility; or other special activities. In
determining whether costs are reasonable under this section, the Secretary may take into consideration actual
costs (exclusive of management overhead), the monetary value of the rights or privileges sought by the applicant,
the efficiency to the government processing involved, that portion of the cost incurred for the benefit of the general
public interest rather than for the exclusive benefit of the applicant, the public service provided, and other factors
relevant to determining the reasonableness of the costs.
(c) Refunds
In any case where it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Secretary that any person has made a payment under
any statute relating to the sale, lease, use, or other disposition of public lands which is not required or is in excess
of the amount required by applicable law and the regulations issued by the Secretary, the Secretary, upon
application or otherwise, may cause a refund to be made from applicable funds.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §304, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2765.)

FILING FEES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR NONCOMPETITIVE OIL AND GAS LEASES; STUDY AND REPORT
OF RENTAL CHARGES ON OIL AND GAS LEASES
Pub. L. 97–35, title XIV, §1401(d), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 748, provided that:

"(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective October 1, 1981, all applications for
noncompetitive oil and gas leases shall be accompanied by a filing fee of not less than $25 for each
such application: Provided, That any increase in the filing fee above $25 shall be established by
regulation and subject to the provisions of the Act of August 31, 1951 (65 Stat. 290) [probably means
title V of that Act which was classified to section 483a of former Title 31, Money and Finance and
was repealed and reenacted as section 9701 of Title 31 by Pub. L. 97–258] the Act of October 20, 1976
(90 Stat. 2765) [probably should be Oct. 21, 1976, meaning this chapter] but not limited to actual
costs. Such fees shall be retained as a service charge even though the application or offer may be
rejected or withdrawn in whole or in part.
"(2) The Secretary of the Interior is hereby directed to conduct a study and report to Congress
within one year of the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1981], regarding the current annual
rental charges on all noncompetitive oil and gas leases to investigate the feasibility and effect of
raising such rentals."

§1734a. Availability of excess fees
In fiscal year 1997 and thereafter, all fees, excluding mining claim fees, in excess of the fiscal year 1996
collections established by the Secretary of the Interior under the authority of section 1734 of this title for processing,
about:blank

Page 31 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

recording, or documenting authorizations to use public lands or public land natural resources (including cultural,
historical, and mineral) and for providing specific services to public land users, and which are not presently being
covered into any Bureau of Land Management appropriation accounts, and not otherwise dedicated by law for a
specific distribution, shall be made immediately available for program operations in this account and remain
available until expended.
(Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(d) [title I], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–181, 3009-182.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1997, and not as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
which comprises this chapter.

§1735. Forfeitures and deposits
(a) Credit to separate account in Treasury; appropriation and availability
Any moneys received by the United States as a result of the forfeiture of a bond or other security by a resource
developer or purchaser or permittee who does not fulfill the requirements of his contract or permit or does not
comply with the regulations of the Secretary; or as a result of a compromise or settlement of any claim whether
sounding in tort or in contract involving present or potential damage to the public lands shall be credited to a
separate account in the Treasury and are hereby authorized to be appropriated and made available, until expended
as the Secretary may direct, to cover the cost to the United States of any improvement, protection, or rehabilitation
work on those public lands which has been rendered necessary by the action which has led to the forfeiture,
compromise, or settlement.
(b) Expenditure of moneys collected administering Oregon and California Railroad and Coos Bay Wagon
Road Grant lands
Any moneys collected under this Act in connection with lands administered under the Act of August 28, 1937 (50
Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j),1 shall be expended for the benefit of such land only.
(c) Refunds
If any portion of a deposit or amount forfeited under this Act is found by the Secretary to be in excess of the cost
of doing the work authorized under this Act, the Secretary, upon application or otherwise, may cause a refund of the
amount in excess to be made from applicable funds.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §305, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2765.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j), referred to in subsec. (b), probably
means act Aug. 28, 1937, ch. 876, 50 Stat. 874, which was formerly classified principally to sections
1181a to 1181f of this title prior to editorial reclassification, and is now classified principally to
subchapter I (§2601 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title. Section 3 of the Act, former section 1181c of this
title, was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787. Sections 1181f–1 to
1181f–4 of this title, included within the parenthetical reference to sections 1181a to 1181j, were
enacted by act May 24, 1939, ch. 144, 53 Stat. 753, and were editorially reclassified as subchapter II
(§2621 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title. Sections 1181g to 1181j of this title, also included within the
parenthetical reference to sections 1181a to 1181j, were enacted by act June 24, 1954, ch. 357, 68
Stat. 270, and were editorially reclassified as subchapter III (§2631 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title.
For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENT, PROTECTION, OR REHABILITATION OF DAMAGED PUBLIC
about:blank

Page 32 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

LANDS
Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(c) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–156, 1321-158; renumbered title
I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327, provided in part: "That notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary of section 305(a) of the Act of October 21, 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1735(a)), any
moneys that have been or will be received pursuant to that section, whether as a result of forfeiture,
compromise, or settlement, if not appropriate for refund pursuant to section 305(c) of that Act (43
U.S.C. 1735(c)), shall be available and may be expended under the authority of this or subsequent
appropriations Acts by the Secretary to improve, protect, or rehabilitate any public lands
administered through the Bureau of Land Management which have been damaged by the action of
a resource developer, purchaser, permittee, or any unauthorized person, without regard to whether
all moneys collected from each such forfeiture, compromise, or settlement are used on the exact
lands damage to which led to the forfeiture, compromise, or settlement: Provided further, That such
moneys are in excess of amounts needed to repair damage to the exact land for which collected."
Similar provisions were contained in the following appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 115–141, div. G, title I, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 637.
Pub. L. 115–31, div. G, title I, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 437.
Pub. L. 114–113, div. G, title I, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2527.
Pub. L. 113–235, div. F, title I, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2398.
Pub. L. 113–76, div. G, title I, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 291.
Pub. L. 112–74, div. E, title I, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 987.
Pub. L. 111–88, div. A, title I, Oct. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 2906.
Pub. L. 111–8, div. E, title I, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 703.
Pub. L. 110–161, div. F, title I, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2099.
Pub. L. 109–54, title I, Aug. 2, 2005, 119 Stat. 502.
Pub. L. 108–447, div. E, title I, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3042.
Pub. L. 108–108, title I, Nov. 10, 2003, 117 Stat. 1244.
Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title I, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 219.
Pub. L. 107–63, title I, Nov. 5, 2001, 115 Stat. 418.
Pub. L. 106–291, title I, Oct. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 925.
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, §1000(a)(3) [title I], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A-138.
Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(e) [title I], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–231, 2681-234.
Pub. L. 105–83, title I, Nov. 14, 1997, 111 Stat. 1545.
Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(d) [title I], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–181, 3009-184.
Pub. L. 103–332, title I, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2501.
Pub. L. 103–138, title I, Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1381.
Pub. L. 102–381, title I, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1377.
Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 992.
Pub. L. 101–512, title I, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1917.
Pub. L. 101–121, title I, Oct. 23, 1989, 103 Stat. 703.
Pub. L. 100–446, title I, Sept. 27, 1988, 102 Stat. 1776.
Pub. L. 100–202, §101(g) [title I], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–213, 1329-215.
1 See References in Text note below.

§1736. Working capital fund
(a) Establishment; availability of fund
There is hereby established a working capital fund for the management of the public lands. This fund shall be
available without fiscal year limitation for expenses necessary for furnishing, in accordance with chapters 1 to 11 of
about:blank

Page 33 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b), 3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41,
and regulations promulgated thereunder, supplies and equipment services in support of Bureau programs,
including but not limited to, the purchase or construction of storage facilities, equipment yards, and related
improvements and the purchase, lease, or rent of motor vehicles, aircraft, heavy equipment, and fire control and
other resource management equipment within the limitations set forth in appropriations made to the Secretary for
the Bureau.
(b) Initial funding; subsequent transfers
The initial capital of the fund shall consist of appropriations made for that purpose together with the fair and
reasonable value at the fund's inception of the inventories, equipment, receivables, and other assets, less the
liabilities, transferred to the fund. The Secretary is authorized to make such subsequent transfers to the fund as he
deems appropriate in connection with the functions to be carried on through the fund.
(c) Payments credited to fund; amount; advancement or reimbursement
The fund shall be credited with payments from appropriations, and funds of the Bureau, other agencies of the
Department of the Interior, other Federal agencies, and other sources, as authorized by law, at rates approximately
equal to the cost of furnishing the facilities, supplies, equipment, and services (including depreciation and accrued
annual leave). Such payments may be made in advance in connection with firm orders, or by way of
reimbursement.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated a sum not to exceed $3,000,000 as initial capital of the working
capital fund.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §306, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2766.)

CODIFICATION
In subsec. (a), "chapters 1 to 11 of title 40 and division C (except sections 3302, 3307(e), 3501(b),
3509, 3906, 4710, and 4711) of subtitle I of title 41" substituted for "the Federal Property and
Administrative Services Act of 1949 (63 Stat. 377, as amended)" on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, §5(c),
Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, which Act enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and
Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

§1736a. Revolving fund derived from disposal of salvage timber
There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States a special fund to be derived on and after
October 5, 1992, from the Federal share of moneys received from the disposal of salvage timber prepared for sale
from the lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. The money in
this fund shall be immediately available to the Bureau of Land Management without further appropriation, for the
purposes of planning and preparing salvage timber for disposal, the administration of salvage timber sales, and
subsequent site preparation and reforestation.
(Pub. L. 102–381, title I, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1376.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1993, and not as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
which comprises this chapter.

DISTRIBUTION OF RECEIPTS
Title I of Pub. L. 102–381, 106 Stat. 1376, provided in part that: "Nothing in this provision [enacting
this section] shall alter the formulas currently in existence by law for the distribution of receipts for
the applicable lands and timber resources."

about:blank

Page 34 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1737. Implementation provisions
(a) Investigations, studies, and experiments
The Secretary may conduct investigations, studies, and experiments, on his own initiative or in cooperation with
others, involving the management, protection, development, acquisition, and conveying of the public lands.
(b) Contracts and cooperative agreements
Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the Secretary may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements
involving the management, protection, development, and sale of public lands.
(c) Contributions and donations of money, services, and property
The Secretary may accept contributions or donations of money, services, and property, real, personal, or mixed,
for the management, protection, development, acquisition, and conveying of the public lands, including the
acquisition of rights-of-way for such purposes. He may accept contributions for cadastral surveying performed on
federally controlled or intermingled lands. Moneys received hereunder shall be credited to a separate account in
the Treasury and are hereby authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended, as the Secretary
may direct, for payment of expenses incident to the function toward the administration of which the contributions
were made and for refunds to depositors of amounts contributed by them in specific instances where contributions
are in excess of their share of the cost.
(d) Recruitment of volunteers
The Secretary may recruit, without regard to the civil service classification laws, rules, or regulations, the services
of individuals contributed without compensation as volunteers for aiding in or facilitating the activities administered
by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management.
(e) Restrictions on activities of volunteers
In accepting such services of individuals as volunteers, the Secretary—
(1) shall not permit the use of volunteers in hazardous duty or law enforcement work, or in policymaking
processes or to displace any employee; and
(2) may provide for services or costs incidental to the utilization of volunteers, including transportation,
supplies, lodging, subsistence, recruiting, training, and supervision.
(f) Federal employment status of volunteers
Volunteers shall not be deemed employees of the United States except for the purposes of—
(1) the tort claims provisions of title 28;
(2) subchapter 1 1 of chapter 81 of title 5; and
(3) claims relating to damage to, or loss of, personal property of a volunteer incident to volunteer service, in
which case the provisions of section 3721 of title 31 shall apply.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
Effective with fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1984, there are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of subsection (d), but not more than $250,000 may be
appropriated for any one fiscal year.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §307, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2766; Pub. L. 98–540, §2, Oct. 24, 1984, 98 Stat. 2718; Pub.
L. 101–286, title II, §204(c), May 9, 1990, 104 Stat. 175.)

AMENDMENTS
1990—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–286 amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f)
read as follows: "Volunteers shall not be deemed employees of the United States except for the
purposes of the tort claims provisions of title 28 and subchapter 1 of chapter 81 of title 5, relating to
compensation for work injuries."
1984—Subsecs. (d) to (g). Pub. L. 98–540 added subsecs. (d) to (g).
1 So in original. Probably should be subchapter "I".

about:blank

Page 35 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1738. Contracts for surveys and resource protection; renewals; funding
requirements
(a) The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts for the use of aircraft, and for supplies and services, prior
to the passage of an appropriation therefor, for airborne cadastral survey and resource protection operations of the
Bureau. He may renew such contracts annually, not more than twice, without additional competition. Such contracts
shall obligate funds for the fiscal years in which the costs are incurred.
(b) Each such contract shall provide that the obligation of the United States for the ensuing fiscal years is
contingent upon the passage of an applicable appropriation, and that no payment shall be made under the contract
for the ensuing fiscal years until such appropriation becomes available for expenditure.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §308, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2767.)

§1739. Advisory councils
(a) Establishment; membership; operation
The Secretary shall establish advisory councils of not less than ten and not more than fifteen members appointed
by him from among persons who are representative of the various major citizens' interests concerning the problems
relating to land use planning or the management of the public lands located within the area for which an advisory
council is established. At least one member of each council shall be an elected official of general purpose
government serving the people of such area. To the extent practicable there shall be no overlap or duplication of
such councils. Appointments shall be made in accordance with rules prescribed by the Secretary. The
establishment and operation of an advisory council established under this section shall conform to the requirements
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (86 Stat. 770).
(b) Meetings
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, each advisory council established by the
Secretary under this section shall meet at least once a year with such meetings being called by the Secretary.
(c) Travel and per diem payments
Members of advisory councils shall serve without pay, except travel and per diem will be paid each member for
meetings called by the Secretary.
(d) Functions
An advisory council may furnish advice to the Secretary with respect to the land use planning, classification,
retention, management, and disposal of the public lands within the area for which the advisory council is
established and such other matters as may be referred to it by the Secretary.
(e) Public participation; procedures applicable
In exercising his authorities under this Act, the Secretary, by regulation, shall establish procedures, including
public hearings where appropriate, to give the Federal, State, and local governments and the public adequate
notice and an opportunity to comment upon the formulation of standards and criteria for, and to participate in, the
preparation and execution of plans and programs for, and the management of, the public lands.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §309, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2767; Pub. L. 95–514, §13, Oct. 25, 1978, 92 Stat. 1808.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86
Stat. 770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and
Employees.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–514 substituted in first sentence "shall establish" for "is authorized to
about:blank

Page 36 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

establish".

TERMINATION OF ADVISORY COUNCILS
Advisory councils established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the
2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a council
established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such council is renewed by
appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a council
established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 3(2) and 14
of Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, 776, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government
Organization and Employees.

§1740. Rules and regulations
The Secretary, with respect to the public lands, shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes
of this Act and of other laws applicable to the public lands, and the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to lands
within the National Forest System, shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act. The
promulgation of such rules and regulations shall be governed by the provisions of chapter 5 of title 5, without regard
to section 553(a)(2). Prior to the promulgation of such rules and regulations, such lands shall be administered
under existing rules and regulations concerning such lands to the extent practical.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §310, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2767.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

§1741. Annual reports
(a) Purpose; time for submission
For the purpose of providing information that will aid Congress in carrying out its oversight responsibilities for
public lands programs and for other purposes, the Secretary shall prepare a report in accordance with subsections
(b) and (c) and submit it to the Congress no later than one hundred and twenty days after the end of each fiscal
year beginning with the report for fiscal year 1979.
(b) Format
A list of programs and specific information to be included in the report as well as the format of the report shall be
developed by the Secretary after consulting with the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and shall be provided to the
committees prior to the end of the second quarter of each fiscal year.
(c) Contents
The report shall include, but not be limited to, program identification information, program evaluation information,
and program budgetary information for the preceding current and succeeding fiscal years.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §311, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2768; Pub. L. 103–437, §16(d)(3), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat.
4595.)

AMENDMENTS
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–437 substituted "Committee on Natural Resources of the House of

Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate" for
"Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House and Senate".

TERMINATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
about:blank

Page 37 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions of law requiring submittal to Congress of
any annual, semiannual, or other regular periodic report listed in House Document No. 103–7 (in
which the 9th item on page 112 identifies a reporting provision which, as subsequently amended, is
contained in this section), see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under
section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance.

§1742. Search, rescue, and protection forces; emergency situations authorizing
hiring
Where in his judgment sufficient search, rescue, and protection forces are not otherwise available, the Secretary
is authorized in cases of emergency to incur such expenses as may be necessary (a) in searching for and
rescuing, or in cooperating in the search for and rescue of, persons lost on the public lands, (b) in protecting or
rescuing, or in cooperating in the protection and rescue of, persons or animals endangered by an act of God, and
(c) in transporting deceased persons or persons seriously ill or injured to the nearest place where interested parties
or local authorities are located.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §312, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2768.)

§1743. Disclosure of financial interests by officers or employees
(a) Annual written statement; availability to public
Each officer or employee of the Secretary and the Bureau who—
(1) performs any function or duty under this Act; and
(2) has any known financial interest in any person who (A) applies for or receives any permit, lease, or right-ofway under, or (B) applies for or acquires any land or interests therein under, or (C) is otherwise subject to the
provisions of, this Act,
shall, beginning on February 1, 1977, annually file with the Secretary a written statement concerning all such
interests held by such officer or employee during the preceding calendar year. Such statement shall be available to
the public.
(b) Implementation of requirements
The Secretary shall—
(1) act within ninety days after October 21, 1976—
(A) to define the term "known financial interests" for the purposes of subsection (a) of this section; and
(B) to establish the methods by which the requirement to file written statements specified in subsection (a) of
this section will be monitored and enforced, including appropriate provisions for the filing by such officers and
employees of such statements and the review by the Secretary of such statements; and
(2) report to the Congress on June 1 of each calendar year with respect to such disclosures and the actions
taken in regard thereto during the preceding calendar year.
(c) Exempted personnel
In the rules prescribed in subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary may identify specific positions within the
Department of the Interior which are of a nonregulatory or nonpolicymaking nature and provide that officers or
employees occupying such positions shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(d) Violations; criminal penalties
Any officer or employee who is subject to, and knowingly violates, this section, shall be fined not more than
$2,500 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §313, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2768.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), (2), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
about:blank

Page 38 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

TERMINATION OF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in subsec. (b) of this section relating to the
requirement that the Secretary report to Congress on June 1 of each calendar year, see section
3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and
Finance, and the 2nd item on page 108 of House Document No. 103–7.

§1744. Recordation of mining claims
(a) Filing requirements
The owner of an unpatented lode or placer mining claim located prior to October 21, 1976, shall, within the threeyear period following October 21, 1976 and prior to December 31 of each year thereafter, file the instruments
required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection. The owner of an unpatented lode or placer mining claim
located after October 21, 1976 shall, prior to December 31 of each year following the calendar year in which the
said claim was located, file the instruments required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection:
(1) File for record in the office where the location notice or certificate is recorded either a notice of intention to
hold the mining claim (including but not limited to such notices as are provided by law to be filed when there has
been a suspension or deferment of annual assessment work), an affidavit of assessment work performed thereon,
on 1 a detailed report provided by section 28–1 of title 30, relating thereto.
(2) File in the office of the Bureau designated by the Secretary a copy of the official record of the instrument filed
or recorded pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, including a description of the location of the mining claim
sufficient to locate the claimed lands on the ground.
(b) Additional filing requirements
The owner of an unpatented lode or placer mining claim or mill or tunnel site located prior to October 21, 1976
shall, within the three-year period following October 21, 1976, file in the office of the Bureau designated by the
Secretary a copy of the official record of the notice of location or certificate of location, including a description of the
location of the mining claim or mill or tunnel site sufficient to locate the claimed lands on the ground. The owner of
an unpatented lode or placer mining claim or mill or tunnel site located after October 21, 1976 shall, within ninety
days after the date of location of such claim, file in the office of the Bureau designated by the Secretary a copy of
the official record of the notice of location or certificate of location, including a description of the location of the
mining claim or mill or tunnel site sufficient to locate the claimed lands on the ground.
(c) Failure to file as constituting abandonment; defective or untimely filing
The failure to file such instruments as required by subsections (a) and (b) shall be deemed conclusively to
constitute an abandonment of the mining claim or mill or tunnel site by the owner; but it shall not be considered a
failure to file if the instrument is defective or not timely filed for record under other Federal laws permitting filing or
recording thereof, or if the instrument is filed for record by or on behalf of some but not all of the owners of the
mining claim or mill or tunnel site.
(d) Validity of claims, waiver of assessment, etc., as unaffected
Such recordation or application by itself shall not render valid any claim which would not be otherwise valid under
applicable law. Nothing in this section shall be construed as a waiver of the assessment and other requirements of
such law.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §314, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2769.)
1 So in original. Probably should be "or".

§1745. Disclaimer of interest in lands
(a) Issuance of recordable document; criteria
about:blank

Page 39 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

After consulting with any affected Federal agency, the Secretary is authorized to issue a document of disclaimer
of interest or interests in any lands in any form suitable for recordation, where the disclaimer will help remove a
cloud on the title of such lands and where he determines (1) a record interest of the United States in lands has
terminated by operation of law or is otherwise invalid; or (2) the lands lying between the meander line shown on a
plat of survey approved by the Bureau or its predecessors and the actual shoreline of a body of water are not lands
of the United States; or (3) accreted, relicted, or avulsed lands are not lands of the United States.
(b) Procedures applicable
No document or disclaimer shall be issued pursuant to this section unless the applicant therefor has filed with the
Secretary an application in writing and notice of such application setting forth the grounds supporting such
application has been published in the Federal Register at least ninety days preceding the issuance of such
disclaimer and until the applicant therefor has paid to the Secretary the administrative costs of issuing the
disclaimer as determined by the Secretary. All receipts shall be deposited to the then-current appropriation from
which expended.
(c) Construction as quit-claim deed from United States
Issuance of a document of disclaimer by the Secretary pursuant to the provisions of this section and regulations
promulgated hereunder shall have the same effect as a quit-claim deed from the United States.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §315, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2770.)

§1746. Correction of conveyance documents
The Secretary may correct patents or documents of conveyance issued pursuant to section 1718 of this title or to
other Acts relating to the disposal of public lands where necessary in order to eliminate errors. In addition, the
Secretary may make corrections of errors in any documents of conveyance which have heretofore been issued by
the Federal Government to dispose of public lands. Any corrections authorized by this section which affect the
boundaries of, or jurisdiction over, land administered by another Federal agency shall be made only after
consultation with, and the approval of, the head of such other agency.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §316, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2770; Pub. L. 108–7, div. F, title IV, §411(e), Feb. 20, 2003,
117 Stat. 291.)

AMENDMENTS
2003—Pub. L. 108–7 inserted at end "Any corrections authorized by this section which affect the

boundaries of, or jurisdiction over, land administered by another Federal agency shall be made only
after consultation with, and the approval of, the head of such other agency."

§1747. Loans to States and political subdivisions; purposes; amounts; allocation;
terms and conditions; interest rate; security; limitations; forebearance for
benefit of borrowers; recordkeeping requirements; discrimination prohibited;
deposit of receipts
(1) The Secretary is authorized to make loans to States and their political subdivisions in order to relieve social or
economic impacts occasioned by the development of minerals leased in such States pursuant to the Act of
February 25, 1920, as amended [30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.]. Such loans shall be confined to the uses specified for the
50 per centum of mineral leasing revenues to be received by such States and subdivisions pursuant to section 35
of such Act [30 U.S.C. 191].
(2) The total amount of loans outstanding pursuant to this section for any State and political subdivisions thereof
in any year shall be not more than the anticipated mineral leasing revenues to be received by that State pursuant to
section 35 of the Act of February 25, 1920, as amended [30 U.S.C. 191], for the ten years following.
(3) The Secretary, after consultation with the Governors of the affected States, shall allocate such loans among
the States and their political subdivisions in a fair and equitable manner, giving priority to those States and
subdivisions suffering the most severe impacts.
(4) Loans made pursuant to this section shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary
about:blank

Page 40 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

determines necessary to assure the achievement of the purpose of this section. The Secretary shall promulgate
such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section no later than three months after
August 20, 1978.
(5) Loans made pursuant to this section shall bear interest equivalent to the lowest interest rate paid on an issue
of at least $1,000,000 of tax exempt bonds of such State or any agency thereof within the preceding calendar year.
(6) Any loan made pursuant to this section shall be secured only by a pledge of the revenues received by the
State or the political subdivision thereof pursuant to section 35 of the Act of February 25, 1920, as amended [30
U.S.C. 191], and shall not constitute an obligation upon the general property or taxing authority of such unit of
government.
(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, loans made pursuant to this section may be used for the nonFederal share of the aggregate cost of any project or program otherwise funded by the Federal Government which
requires a non-Federal share for such project or program and which provides planning or public facilities otherwise
eligible for assistance under this section.
(8) Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude any forebearance 1 for the benefit of the borrower
including loan restructuring, which may be determined by the Secretary as justified by the failure of anticipated
mineral development or related revenues to materialize as expected when the loan was made pursuant to this
section.
(9) Recipients of loans made pursuant to this section shall keep such records as the Secretary shall prescribe by
regulation, including records which fully disclose the disposition of the proceeds of such assistance and such other
records as the Secretary may require to facilitate an effective audit. The Secretary and the Comptroller General of
the United States or their duly authorized representatives shall have access, for the purpose of audit, to such
records.
(10) No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex be
excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or
activity funded in whole or part with funds made available under this section.
(11) All amounts collected in connection with loans made pursuant to this section, including interest payments or
repayments of principal on loans, fees, and other moneys, derived in connection with this section, shall be
deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §317(c), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2771; Pub. L. 95–352, §1(f), Aug. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 515.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
Act of February 25, 1920, as amended, referred to in par. (1), is act Feb. 25, 1920, ch. 85, 41 Stat.
437, as amended, known as the Mineral Leasing Act, which is classified generally to chapter 3A (§181
et seq.) of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see
Short Title note set out under section 181 of Title 30 and Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section is comprised of subsec. (c) of section 317 of Pub. L. 94–579. Subsecs. (a) and (b) of
section 317 of Pub. L. 94–579 are classified to section 191 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and Mining, and a
note set out under that section; respectively.

AMENDMENTS
1978—Pars. (1) and (2). Pub. L. 95–352 redesignated par. (1) as pars. (1) and (2), in par. (1) struck
out provisions establishing interest rate requirements, and in par. (2) struck out exception for Alaska
and requirements for repayment. Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Pars. (3) to (11). Pub. L. 95–352 redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively,
and added pars. (5) to (11).
1 So in original.

§1748. Funding requirements
about:blank

Page 41 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(a) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of
this Act, but no amounts shall be appropriated to carry out after October 1, 2002, any program, function, or activity
of the Bureau under this or any other Act unless such sums are specifically authorized to be appropriated as of
October 21, 1976 or are authorized to be appropriated in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) of this
section.
(b) Procedure applicable for authorization of appropriations
Consistent with section 1110 of title 31, beginning May 15, 1977, and not later than May 15 of each second even
numbered year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the
President of the Senate a request for the authorization of appropriations for all programs, functions, and activities of
the Bureau to be carried out during the four-fiscal-year period beginning on October 1 of the calendar year following
the calendar year in which such request is submitted. The Secretary shall include in his request, in addition to the
information contained in his budget request and justification statement to the Office of Management and Budget,
the funding levels which he determines can be efficiently and effectively utilized in the execution of his
responsibilities for each such program, function, or activity, notwithstanding any budget guidelines or limitations
imposed by any official or agency of the executive branch.
(c) Distribution of receipts from Bureau from disposal of lands, etc.
Nothing in this section shall apply to the distribution of receipts of the Bureau from the disposal of lands, natural
resources, and interests in lands in accordance with applicable law, nor to the use of contributed funds, private
deposits for public survey work, and townsite trusteeships, nor to fund allocations from other Federal agencies,
reimbursements from both Federal and non-Federal sources, and funds expended for emergency firefighting and
rehabilitation.
(d) Purchase of certain public lands from Land and Water Conservation Fund
In exercising the authority to acquire by purchase granted by section 1715(a) of this title, the Secretary may use
the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase lands which are necessary for proper management of public
lands which are primarily of value for outdoor recreation purposes.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title III, §318, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2771; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title III, §310, Nov. 12, 1996,
110 Stat. 4139.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.

CODIFICATION
In subsec. (b), "section 1110 of title 31" substituted for "section 607 of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974 [31 U.S.C. 11c]" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first
section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

AMENDMENTS
1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–333 substituted "October 1, 2002" for "October 1, 1978".

§1748a. FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Funds
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Federal land
The term "Federal land" means—
(A) public land, as defined in section 1702 of this title;
(B) units of the National Park System;
(C) refuges of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
about:blank

Page 42 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(D) land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of Indian tribes or members of an Indian tribe; and
(E) land in the National Forest System, as defined in section 1609(a) of title 16.
(2) FLAME Fund
The term "FLAME Fund" means a FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund established by subsection (b).
(3) Relevant congressional committees
The term "relevant congressional committees" means the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on
Natural Resources, and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Appropriations, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and the Committee on Indian Affairs of the
Senate.
(4) Secretary concerned
The term "Secretary concerned" means—
(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to—
(i) Federal land described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of paragraph (1); and
(ii) the FLAME Fund established for the Department of the Interior; and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to—
(i) National Forest System land; and
(ii) the FLAME Fund established for the Department of the Agriculture.
(b) Establishment of FLAME Funds
There is established in the Treasury of the United States the following accounts:
(1) The FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund for the Department of the Interior.
(2) The FLAME Wildfire Suppression Reserve Fund for the Department of Agriculture.
(c) Purpose of FLAME Funds
The FLAME Funds shall be available to cover the costs of large or complex wildfire events and as a reserve
when amounts provided for wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response in the Wildland Fire
Management appropriation accounts are exhausted.
(d) Funding
(1) Credits to funds
A FLAME Fund shall consist of the following:
(A) Such amounts as are appropriated to that FLAME Fund.
(B) Such amounts as are transferred to that FLAME Fund under paragraph (5).
(2) Authorization of appropriations
(A) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to the FLAME Funds such amounts as are necessary to carry out
this section.
(B) Congressional intent
It is the intent of Congress that, for fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amounts requested
by the President for a FLAME Fund should be not less than the amount estimated by the Secretary concerned
as the amount necessary for that fiscal year for wildfire suppression activities of the Secretary that meet the
criteria specified in subsection (e)(2)(B)(i).
(C) Sense of Congress on designation of flame fund appropriations, supplemental funding request,
and supplement to other suppression funding
It is the sense of Congress that for fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter—
(i) amounts appropriated to a FLAME Fund in excess of the amount estimated by the Secretary concerned
as the amount necessary for that fiscal year for wildfire suppression activities of the Secretary that meet the
criteria specified in subsection (e)(2)(B)(i) should be designated as amounts necessary to meet emergency
needs;
(ii) the Secretary concerned should promptly make a supplemental request for additional funds to
replenish the FLAME Fund if the Secretary determines that the FLAME Fund will be exhausted within 30
days; and
about:blank

Page 43 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(iii) funding made available through the FLAME Fund should be used to supplement the funding otherwise
appropriated to the Secretary concerned for wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response in the
Wildland Fire Management appropriation accounts.
(3) Availability
Amounts in a FLAME Fund shall remain available to the Secretary concerned until expended.
(4) Notice of insufficient funds
The Secretary concerned shall notify the relevant congressional committees if the Secretary estimates that
only 60 days worth of funds remain in the FLAME Fund administered by that Secretary.
(5) Transfer authority
If a FLAME Fund has insufficient funds, the Secretary concerned administering the other FLAME Fund may
transfer amounts to the FLAME Fund with insufficient funds. Not more than $100,000,000 may be transferred
from a FLAME Fund during any fiscal year under this authority.
(e) Use of FLAME Fund
(1) In general
Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), amounts in a FLAME Fund shall be available to the Secretary concerned to
transfer to the Wildland Fire Management appropriation account of that Secretary to pay the costs of wildfire
suppression activities of that Secretary that are separate from amounts for wildfire suppression activities annually
appropriated to that Secretary under the Wildland Fire Management appropriation account of that Secretary.
(2) Declaration required
(A) In general
Amounts in a FLAME Fund shall be available for transfer under paragraph (1) only after that Secretary
concerned issues a declaration that a wildfire suppression event is eligible for funding from the FLAME Fund.
(B) Declaration criteria
A declaration by the Secretary concerned under subparagraph (A) may be issued only if—
(i) in the case of an individual wildfire incident—
(I) the fire covers 300 or more acres; or
(II) the Secretary concerned determines that the fire has required an emergency Federal response
based on the significant complexity, severity, or threat posed by the fire to human life, property, or
resources; or
(ii) the cumulative costs of wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response activities for the
Secretary concerned will exceed, within 30 days, all of the amounts previously appropriated (including
amounts appropriated under an emergency designation, but excluding amounts appropriated to the FLAME
Fund) to the Secretary concerned for wildfire suppression and Federal emergency response.
(3) State, private, and tribal land
Use of a FLAME Fund for emergency wildfire suppression activities on State land, private land, and tribal land
shall be consistent with any existing agreements in which the Secretary concerned has agreed to assume
responsibility for wildfire suppression activities on the land.
(f) Treatment of anticipated and predicted activities
For fiscal year 2011 and subsequent fiscal years, the Secretary concerned shall request funds within the
Wildland Fire Management appropriation account of that Secretary for regular wildfire suppression activities that do
not meet the criteria specified in subsection (e)(2)(B)(i).
(g) Prohibition on other transfers
The Secretary concerned may not transfer funds from non-fire accounts to the Wildland Fire Management
appropriation account of that Secretary unless amounts in the FLAME Fund of that Secretary and any amounts
appropriated to that Secretary for the purpose of wildfire suppression will be exhausted within 30 days.
(h) Accounting and reports
(1) Accounting and reporting requirements

about:blank

Page 44 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

The Secretary concerned shall account and report on amounts transferred from the respective FLAME Fund in
a manner that is consistent with existing National Fire Plan reporting procedures.
(2) Annual report
The Secretary concerned shall submit to the relevant congressional committees and make available to the
public an annual report that—
(A) describes the obligation and expenditure of amounts transferred from the FLAME Fund; and
(B) includes any recommendations that the Secretary concerned may have to improve the administrative
control and oversight of the FLAME Fund.
(3) Estimates of wildfire suppression costs to improve budgeting and funding
(A) In general
Consistent with the schedule provided in subparagraph (C), the Secretary concerned shall submit to the
relevant congressional committees an estimate of anticipated wildfire suppression costs for the applicable
fiscal year.
(B) Independent review
The methodology for developing the estimates under subparagraph (A) shall be subject to periodic
independent review to ensure compliance with subparagraph (D).
(C) Schedule
The Secretary concerned shall submit an estimate under subparagraph (A) during—
(i) the first week of March of each year;
(ii) the first week of May of each year;
(iii) the first week of July of each year; and
(iv) if a bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service for the following
fiscal year has not been enacted by September 1, the first week of September of each year.
(D) Requirements
An estimate of anticipated wildfire suppression costs shall be developed using the best available—
(i) climate, weather, and other relevant data; and
(ii) models and other analytic tools.
(i) Termination of authority
The authority of the Secretary concerned to use the FLAME Fund established for that Secretary shall terminate
at the end of the third fiscal year in which no appropriations to, or withdrawals from, that FLAME Fund have been
made for a period of three consecutive fiscal years. Upon termination of such authority, any amounts remaining in
the affected FLAME Fund shall be transferred to, and made a part of, the Wildland Fire Management appropriation
account of the Secretary concerned for wildland suppression activities.
(Pub. L. 111–88, div. A, title V, §502, Oct. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 2968.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement
Act of 2009, also known as the FLAME Act of 2009, and also as part of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, and not as part of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

§1748a–1. Request for additional wildfire suppression funds
If the amount provided for wildfire suppression operations for that fiscal year will be exhausted within 30 calendar
days, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (as applicable), in consultation with the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget, shall promptly submit a request to Congress for supplemental
appropriations.
(Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title I, §103, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1060.)

CODIFICATION
about:blank

Page 45 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Section was enacted as part of the Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management
Activities Act, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and not as part of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

§1748a–2. Reporting requirements
(a) In general
Not later than 90 days after the end of the fiscal year for which additional new budget authority is used, pursuant
to section 901(b)(2)(F)(i) of title 2, as added by section 102 of this division, the Secretary of the Interior or the
Secretary of Agriculture (as applicable), in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget,
shall—
(1) prepare an annual report with respect to the additional new budget authority;
(2) submit to the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, and Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, and Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate the annual report prepared under paragraph (1); and
(3) make the report prepared under paragraph (1) available to the public.
(b) Components
The annual report prepared under subsection (a)(1) shall—
(1) document obligations and outlays of the additional new budget authority for wildfire suppression operations;
(2) identify risk-based factors that influenced management decisions with respect to wildfire suppression
operations;
(3) analyze a statistically significant sample of large fires, including an analysis for each fire of—
(A) cost drivers;
(B) the effectiveness of risk management techniques and whether fire operations strategy tracked the risk
assessment;
(C) any resulting ecological or other benefits to the landscape;
(D) the impact of investments in wildfire suppression operations preparedness;
(E) effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations, including an analysis of resources lost versus dollars
invested;
(F) effectiveness of any fuel treatments on fire behavior and suppression expenditures;
(G) levels of exposure experienced by firefighters;
(H) suggested corrective actions; and
(I) any other factors the Secretary of the Interior or Secretary of Agriculture (as applicable) determines to be
appropriate;
(4) include an accounting of overall fire management and spending by the Department of the Interior or the
Department of Agriculture, which shall be analyzed by fire size, cost, regional location, and other factors;
(5) describe any lessons learned in the conduct of wildfire suppression operations; and
(6) include any other elements that the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture (as applicable)
determines to be necessary.
(Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title I, §104, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1061.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
Section 102 of this division, referred to in subsec. (a), means section 102 of div. O of Pub. L. 115–
141.

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Wildfire Suppression Funding and Forest Management
Activities Act, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, and not as part of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

about:blank

Page 46 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1748b. Cohesive wildfire management strategy
(a) Strategy required
Not later than one year after October 30, 2009, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture,
acting jointly, shall submit to Congress a report that contains a cohesive wildfire management strategy, consistent
with the recommendations described in recent reports of the Government Accountability Office regarding
management strategies.
(b) Elements of strategy
The strategy required by subsection (a) shall provide for—
(1) the identification of the most cost-effective means for allocating fire management budget resources;
(2) the reinvestment in non-fire programs by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture;
(3) employing the appropriate management response to wildfires;
(4) assessing the level of risk to communities;
(5) the allocation of hazardous fuels reduction funds based on the priority of hazardous fuels reduction
projects;
(6) assessing the impacts of climate change on the frequency and severity of wildfire; and
(7) studying the effects of invasive species on wildfire risk.
(c) Revision
At least once during each five-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the cohesive wildfire
management strategy under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall
revise the strategy to address any changes affecting the strategy, including changes with respect to landscape,
vegetation, climate, and weather.
(Pub. L. 111–88, div. A, title V, §503, Oct. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 2971.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Federal Land Assistance, Management, and Enhancement
Act of 2009, also known as the FLAME Act of 2009, and also as part of the Department of the
Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, and not as part of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

§1748c. Bureau of Land Management Foundation
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Board
The term "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Foundation established under subsection (c).
(2) Foundation
The term "Foundation" means the Bureau of Land Management Foundation established by subsection (b)(1)
(A).
(3) Public land
The term "public land" has the meaning given the term "public lands" in section 1702 of this title.
(4) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
(5) Wild free-roaming horses and burros
The term "wild free-roaming horses and burros" has the meaning given the term in section 1332 of title 16.
(b) Establishment and purposes
(1) Establishment
about:blank

Page 47 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(A) In general
There is established a foundation, to be known as the "Bureau of Land Management Foundation".
(B) Limitation
The Foundation shall not be considered to be an agency or establishment of the United States.
(C) Tax exemption
The Foundation shall be considered to be a charitable and nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of
title 26.
(2) Purposes
The purposes of the Foundation are—
(A) to encourage, accept, and administer private gifts of money and real and personal property for the
benefit of, or in connection with the activities and services of, the Bureau of Land Management;
(B) to carry out activities that advance the purposes for which public land is administered;
(C) to carry out and encourage educational, technical, scientific, and other assistance or activities that
support the mission of the Bureau of Land Management; and
(D) to assist the Bureau of Land Management with challenges that could be better addressed with the
support of a foundation, including—
(i) reclamation and conservation activities;
(ii) activities relating to wild free-roaming horses and burros; and
(iii) the stewardship of cultural and archeological treasures on public land.
(c) Board of Directors
(1) Establishment
(A) In general
The Foundation shall be governed by a Board of Directors.
(B) Composition
(i) In general
The Board shall consist of not more than 9 members.
(ii) Ex-officio member
The Director of the Bureau of Land Management shall be an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the Board.
(C) Requirements
(i) Citizenship
A member appointed to the Board shall be a citizen of the United States.
(ii) Expertise
A majority of members appointed to the Board shall have education or experience relating to natural,
cultural, conservation, or other resource management, law, or research.
(iii) Diverse points of view
To the maximum extent practicable, the members of the Board shall represent diverse points of view.
(2) Date of initial appointment
Not later than 1 year after May 5, 2017, the Secretary shall appoint the initial members of the Board.
(3) Terms
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a member of the Board shall be appointed for a term of 6 years.
(B) Initial appointments
The Secretary shall stagger the initial appointments to the Board, as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate, in a manner that ensures that—
(i) 1/3 of the members shall serve for a term of 2 years;
(ii) 1/3 of the members shall serve for a term of 4 years; and
about:blank

Page 48 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(iii) 1/3 of the members shall serve for a term of 6 years.
(C) Vacancies
A vacancy on the Board shall be filled—
(i) not later than 60 days after the date of the vacancy;
(ii) in the manner in which the original appointment was made; and
(iii) for the remainder of the term of the member vacating the Board.
(D) Removal for failure to attend meetings
(i) In general
A member of the Board may be removed from the Board by a majority vote of the Board, if the individual
fails to attend 3 consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the Board.
(ii) Requirements
A vacancy as the result of a removal under clause (i) shall be filled in accordance with subparagraph (C).
(E) Limitation
A member of the Board shall not serve more than 12 consecutive years on the Board.
(4) Chairperson
(A) In general
The Board shall elect a Chairperson from among the members of the Board.
(B) Term
The Chairperson of the Board—
(i) shall serve as Chairperson for a 2-year term; and
(ii) may be reelected as Chairperson while serving as a member of the Board.
(5) Quorum
A majority of the voting members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the
Board.
(6) Meetings
The Board shall meet—
(A) at the call of the Chairperson; but
(B) not less than once each calendar year.
(7) Reimbursement of expenses
(A) In general
Serving as a member of the Board shall not constitute employment by the Federal Government for any
purpose.
(B) Reimbursement
A member of the Board shall serve without pay, other than reimbursement for the actual and necessary
traveling and subsistence expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the member for the
Foundation, in accordance with section 5703 of title 5.
(8) General powers
The Board may—
(A) appoint officers and employees in accordance with paragraph (9);
(B) adopt a constitution and bylaws consistent with the purposes of the Foundation and this section; and
(C) carry out any other activities that may be necessary to function and to carry out this section.
(9) Officers and employees
(A) In general
No officer or employee may be appointed to the Foundation until the date on which the Board determines
that the Foundation has sufficient funds to pay for the service of the officer or employee.
(B) Limitation
about:blank

Page 49 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Appointment as an officer or employee of the Foundation shall not constitute employment by the Federal
Government.
(10) Limitation and conflicts of interest
(A) Prohibition on political activity
The Foundation shall not participate or intervene in a political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public
office.
(B) Limitation on participation
No member of the Board or officer or employee of the Foundation shall participate, directly or indirectly, in
the consideration or determination of any question before the Foundation that affects—
(i) the financial interests of the member of the Board, officer, or employee; or
(ii) the interests of any corporation partnership, entity, or organization in which the member of the Board,
officer, or employee—
(I) is an officer, director, or trustee; or
(II) has any direct or indirect financial interest.
(d) Powers and obligations
(1) In general
The Foundation—
(A) shall have perpetual succession; and
(B) may conduct business throughout the several States, territories, and possessions of the United States.
(2) Notice; service of process
(A) Designated agent
The Foundation shall at all times maintain a designated agent in the District of Columbia authorized to
accept service of process for the Foundation.
(B) Service of process
The serving of notice to, or service of process on, the agent required under this paragraph, or mailed to the
business address of the agent, shall be deemed to be notice to, or the service of process on, the Foundation.
(3) Seal
The Foundation shall have an official seal, to be selected by the Board, which shall be judicially noticed.
(4) Powers
To carry out the purposes of the Foundation, the Foundation shall have, in addition to powers otherwise
authorized by this section, the usual powers of a not-for-profit corporation in the District of Columbia, including
the power—
(A) to accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift, devise, or bequest, absolutely or in trust, of
real or personal property, or any income from, or other interest in, the property;
(B) to acquire by donation, gift, devise, purchase, or exchange, and to dispose of, any real or personal
property or interest in the property;
(C) to sell, donate, lease, invest, reinvest, retain, or otherwise dispose of any property or income from
property, unless limited by the instrument of transfer;
(D) to borrow money and issue bonds, debentures, or other debt instruments;
(E) to sue and be sued, and complain and defend itself in any court of competent jurisdiction, except that the
members of the Board shall not be held personally liable, except in a case of gross negligence;
(F)(i) to enter into contracts or other agreements with public agencies, private organizations, and persons;
and
(ii) to make such payments as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the contracts or agreements;
and
(G) to carry out any activity necessary and proper to advance the purposes of the Foundation.
(5) Real property
(A) In general
For purposes of this section, an interest in real property shall include mineral and water rights, rights-of-way,
about:blank

Page 50 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

and easements, appurtenant or in gross.
(B) Acceptance
A gift, devise, or bequest of real property may be accepted by the Foundation, regardless of whether the
property is encumbered, restricted, or subject to beneficial interests of a private person, if any current or future
interest in the property is for the benefit of the Foundation.
(C) Declining gifts
The Foundation may, at the discretion of the Foundation, decline any gift, devise, or bequest of real property.
(D) Prohibition on condemnation
No land, water, or interest in land or water, that is owned by the Foundation shall be subject to condemnation
by any State, political subdivision of a State, or agent or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision of a
State.
(e) Administrative services and support
(1) Funding
(A) In general
For the purposes of assisting the Foundation in establishing an office and meeting initial administrative,
project, and other expenses, the Secretary may provide to the Foundation, from funds appropriated under
subsection (j), such sums as are necessary for fiscal years 2017 and 2018.
(B) Availability of funds
Funds made available under subparagraph (A) shall remain available to the Foundation until expended for
authorized purposes.
(2) Administrative expenses
(A) In general
The Secretary may provide to the Foundation personnel, facilities, equipment, and other administrative
services, subject to such limitations, terms, and conditions as the Secretary may establish.
(B) Reimbursement
The Foundation may reimburse the Secretary for any support provided under subparagraph (A), in whole or
in part, and any reimbursement received by the Secretary under this subparagraph shall be deposited in the
Treasury to the credit of the appropriations then current and chargeable for the cost of providing the services.
(f) Volunteers
The Secretary may accept, without regard to the civil service classification laws (including regulations), the
services of the Foundation, the Board, and the officers, employees, and agents of the Foundation, without
compensation from the Department of the Interior, as volunteers for the performance of the functions under section
1737(d) of this title.
(g) Audits and report requirements
(1) Audits
For purposes of section 10101 of title 36, the Foundation shall be considered to be a private corporation
established under Federal law.
(2) Annual reports
At the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall submit to Congress a report that describes the proceedings and
activities of the Foundation during that fiscal year, including a full and complete statement of the receipts,
expenditures, and investments.
(h) United States release from liability
(1) In general
The United States shall not be liable for any debt, default, act, or omission of the Foundation.
(2) Full faith and credit
The full faith and credit of the United States shall not extend to any obligation of the Foundation.
about:blank

Page 51 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(i) Limitation on authority
Nothing in this section authorizes the Foundation to perform any function the authority for which is provided to
the Bureau of Land Management under any other provision of law.
(j) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(Pub. L. 115–31, div. G, title I, §122, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 463.)

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017,
and not as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this
chapter.

SUBCHAPTER IV—RANGE MANAGEMENT

§1751. Grazing fees; feasibility study; contents; submission of report; annual
distribution and use of range betterment funds; nature of distributions
(a) The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly cause to be conducted a study to
determine the value of grazing on the lands under their jurisdiction in the eleven Western States with a view to
establishing a fee to be charged for domestic livestock grazing on such lands which is equitable to the United
States and to the holders of grazing permits and leases on such lands. In making such study, the Secretaries shall
take into consideration the costs of production normally associated with domestic livestock grazing in the eleven
Western States, differences in forage values, and such other factors as may relate to the reasonableness of such
fees. The Secretaries shall report the result of such study to the Congress not later than one year from and after
October 21, 1976, together with recommendations to implement a reasonable grazing fee schedule based upon
such study. If the report required herein has not been submitted to the Congress within one year after October 21,
1976, the grazing fee charge then in effect shall not be altered and shall remain the same until such report has
been submitted to the Congress. Neither Secretary shall increase the grazing fee in the 1977 grazing year.
(b)(1) Congress finds that a substantial amount of the Federal range lands is deteriorating in quality, and that
installation of additional range improvements could arrest much of the continuing deterioration and could lead to
substantial betterment of forage conditions with resulting benefits to wildlife, watershed protection, and livestock
production. Congress therefore directs that 50 per centum or $10,000,000 per annum, whichever is greater of all
moneys received by the United States as fees for grazing domestic livestock on public lands (other than from
ceded Indian lands) under the Taylor Grazing Act (48 Stat. 1269; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.) and the Act of August 28,
1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181d),1 and on lands in National Forests in the sixteen contiguous Western States
under the provisions of this section shall be credited to a separate account in the Treasury, one-half of which is
authorized to be appropriated and made available for use in the district, region, or national forest from which such
moneys were derived, as the respective Secretary may direct after consultation with district, regional, or national
forest user representatives, for the purpose of on-the-ground range rehabilitation, protection, and improvements on
such lands, and the remaining one-half shall be used for on-the-ground range rehabilitation, protection, and
improvements as the Secretary concerned directs. Any funds so appropriated shall be in addition to any other
appropriations made to the respective Secretary for planning and administration of the range betterment program
and for other range management. Such rehabilitation, protection, and improvements shall include all forms of range
land betterment including, but not limited to, seeding and reseeding, fence construction, weed control, water
development, and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement as the respective Secretary may direct after consultation
with user representatives. The annual distribution and use of range betterment funds authorized by this paragraph
shall not be considered a major Federal action requiring a detailed statement pursuant to section 4332(c) 2 of title
42.
(2) All distributions of moneys made under subsection (b)(1) shall be in addition to distributions made under
about:blank

Page 52 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

section 10 of the Taylor Grazing Act [43 U.S.C. 315i] and shall not apply to distribution of moneys made under
section 11 of that Act [43 U.S.C. 315j]. The remaining moneys received by the United States as fees for grazing
domestic livestock on the public lands shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title IV, §401(a), (b)(1), (2), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2772; Pub. L. 95–514, §6(b), Oct. 25, 1978, 92
Stat. 1806.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Taylor Grazing Act (48 Stat. 1269; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.), referred to in subsec. (b), is act June
28, 1934, ch. 865, 48 Stat. 1269, as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§315 et
seq.) of chapter 8A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note
set out under section 315 of this title and Tables.
Act of August 28, 1937, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), probably means section 4 of act Aug. 28,
1937, ch. 876, title I, 50 Stat. 875, which was formerly classified to section 1181d of this title prior to
editorial reclassification as section 2603 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Tables.

CODIFICATION
Subsec. (b)(2) of this section is comprised of second and third sentences of section 401(b)(2) of
Pub. L. 94–579. The first sentence of such section 401(b)(2) amended section 315i(b) of this title.

AMENDMENTS
1978—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–514 inserted "or $10,000,000 per annum, whichever is greater"
after "50 per centum" and substituted "sixteen contiguous Western States" for "eleven contiguous
Western States".

CREDIT ON GRAZING FEE FOR APPROVED CONSERVATION PRACTICES
Pub. L. 115–141, div. G, title III, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 671, provided in part: "That notwithstanding
section 33 of the Bankhead[-]Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1012), the Secretary of Agriculture, in
calculating a fee for grazing on a National Grassland, may provide a credit of up to 50 percent of the
calculated fee to a Grazing Association or direct permittee for a conservation practice approved by
the Secretary in advance of the fiscal year in which the cost of the conservation practice is incurred.
And, that the amount credited shall remain available to the Grazing Association or the direct
permittee, as appropriate, in the fiscal year in which the credit is made and each fiscal year
thereafter for use on the project for conservation practices approved by the Secretary."
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation act:
Pub. L. 115–31, div. G, title III, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 477.

MORATORIUM ON INCREASE OF GRAZING FEE FOR 1978 GRAZING YEAR
Pub. L. 95–321, July 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 394, in order to allow the Congress sufficient time to analyze

the report and recommendations of the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture under subsec. (a) of
this section and to take appropriate action, provided that the 1978 grazing year fee was not to be
raised by the Secretary of the Interior for the grazing of livestock on public lands nor by the
Secretary of Agriculture for such grazing on lands under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service.
1 See References in Text note below.
2 So in original. Probably means "4332(2)(C)".

§1752. Grazing leases and permits
about:blank

Page 53 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(a) Terms and conditions
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing on public
lands issued by the Secretary under the Act of June 28, 1934 (48 Stat. 1269, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.)
or the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j),1 or by the Secretary of
Agriculture, with respect to lands within National Forests in the sixteen contiguous Western States, shall be for a
term of ten years subject to such terms and conditions the Secretary concerned deems appropriate and consistent
with the governing law, including, but not limited to, the authority of the Secretary concerned to cancel, suspend, or
modify a grazing permit or lease, in whole or in part, pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof, or to cancel or
suspend a grazing permit or lease for any violation of a grazing regulation or of any term or condition of such
grazing permit or lease.
(b) Terms of lesser duration
Permits or leases may be issued by the Secretary concerned for a period shorter than ten years where the
Secretary concerned determines that—
(1) the land is pending disposal; or
(2) the land will be devoted to a public purpose prior to the end of ten years; or
(3) it will be in the best interest of sound land management to specify a shorter term: Provided, That the
absence from an allotment management plan of details the Secretary concerned would like to include but which
are undeveloped shall not be the basis for establishing a term shorter than ten years: Provided further, That the
absence of completed land use plans or court ordered environmental statements shall not be the sole basis for
establishing a term shorter than ten years unless the Secretary determines on a case-by-case basis that the
information to be contained in such land use plan or court ordered environmental impact statement is necessary
to determine whether a shorter term should be established for any of the reasons set forth in items (1) through
(3) of this subsection.
(c) First priority for renewal of expiring permit or lease
(1) Renewal of expiring or transferred permit or lease
During any period in which (A) the lands for which the permit or lease is issued remain available for domestic
livestock grazing in accordance with land use plans prepared pursuant to section 1712 of this title or section
1604 of title 16, (B) the permittee or lessee is in compliance with the rules and regulations issued and the terms
and conditions in the permit or lease specified by the Secretary concerned, and (C) the permittee or lessee
accepts the terms and conditions to be included by the Secretary concerned in the new permit or lease, the
holder of the expiring permit or lease shall be given first priority for receipt of the new permit or lease.
(2) Continuation of terms under new permit or lease
The terms and conditions in a grazing permit or lease that has expired, or was terminated due to a grazing
preference transfer, shall be continued under a new permit or lease until the date on which the Secretary
concerned completes any environmental analysis and documentation for the permit or lease required under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws.
(3) Completion of processing
As of the date on which the Secretary concerned completes the processing of a grazing permit or lease in
accordance with paragraph (2), the permit or lease may be canceled, suspended, or modified, in whole or in part.
(4) Environmental reviews
The Secretary concerned shall seek to conduct environmental reviews on an allotment or multiple allotment
basis, to the extent practicable, if the allotments share similar ecological conditions, for purposes of compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other applicable laws.
(d) Allotment management plan requirements
All permits and leases for domestic livestock grazing issued pursuant to this section may incorporate an
allotment management plan developed by the Secretary concerned. However, nothing in this subsection shall be
construed to supersede any requirement for completion of court ordered environmental impact statements prior to
development and incorporation of allotment management plans. If the Secretary concerned elects to develop an
allotment management plan for a given area, he shall do so in careful and considered consultation, cooperation
and coordination with the lessees, permittees, and landowners involved, the district grazing advisory boards
established pursuant to section 1753 of this title, and any State or States having lands within the area to be
covered by such allotment management plan. Allotment management plans shall be tailored to the specific range
about:blank

Page 54 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

condition of the area to be covered by such plan, and shall be reviewed on a periodic basis to determine whether
they have been effective in improving the range condition of the lands involved or whether such lands can be better
managed under the provisions of subsection (e) of this section. The Secretary concerned may revise or terminate
such plans or develop new plans from time to time after such review and careful and considered consultation,
cooperation and coordination with the parties involved. As used in this subsection, the terms "court ordered
environmental impact statement" and "range condition" shall be defined as in the "Public Rangelands Improvement
Act of 1978 [43 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.]".
(e) Omission of allotment management plan requirements and incorporation of appropriate terms and
conditions; reexamination of range conditions
In all cases where the Secretary concerned has not completed an allotment management plan or determines that
an allotment management plan is not necessary for management of livestock operations and will not be prepared,
the Secretary concerned shall incorporate in grazing permits and leases such terms and conditions as he deems
appropriate for management of the permitted or leased lands pursuant to applicable law. The Secretary concerned
shall also specify therein the numbers of animals to be grazed and the seasons of use and that he may reexamine
the condition of the range at any time and, if he finds on reexamination that the condition of the range requires
adjustment in the amount or other aspect of grazing use, that the permittee or lessee shall adjust his use to the
extent the Secretary concerned deems necessary. Such readjustment shall be put into full force and effect on the
date specified by the Secretary concerned.
(f) Allotment management plan applicability to non-Federal lands; appeal rights
Allotment management plans shall not refer to livestock operations or range improvements on non-Federal lands
except where the non-Federal lands are intermingled with, or, with the consent of the permittee or lessee involved,
associated with, the Federal lands subject to the plan. The Secretary concerned under appropriate regulations shall
grant to lessees and permittees the right of appeal from decisions which specify the terms and conditions of
allotment management plans. The preceding sentence of this subsection shall not be construed as limiting any
other right of appeal from decisions of such officials.
(g) Cancellation of permit or lease; determination of reasonable compensation; notice
Whenever a permit or lease for grazing domestic livestock is canceled in whole or in part, in order to devote the
lands covered by the permit or lease to another public purpose, including disposal, the permittee or lessee shall
receive from the United States a reasonable compensation for the adjusted value, to be determined by the
Secretary concerned, of his interest in authorized permanent improvements placed or constructed by the permittee
or lessee on lands covered by such permit or lease, but not to exceed the fair market value of the terminated
portion of the permittee's or lessee's interest therein. Except in cases of emergency, no permit or lease shall be
canceled under this subsection without two years' prior notification.
(h) National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(1) In general
The issuance of a grazing permit or lease by the Secretary concerned may be categorically excluded from the
requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) if—
(A) the issued permit or lease continues the current grazing management of the allotment; and
(B) the Secretary concerned—
(i) has assessed and evaluated the grazing allotment associated with the lease or permit; and
(ii) based on the assessment and evaluation under clause (i), has determined that the allotment—
(I) with respect to public land administered by the Secretary of the Interior—
(aa) is meeting land health standards; or
(bb) is not meeting land health standards due to factors other than existing livestock grazing; or
(II) with respect to National Forest System land administered by the Secretary of Agriculture—
(aa) is meeting objectives in the applicable land and resource management plan; or
(bb) is not meeting the objectives in the applicable land resource management plan due to factors
other than existing livestock grazing.
(2) Trailing and crossing
The trailing and crossing of livestock across public land and National Forest System land and the
implementation of trailing and crossing practices by the Secretary concerned may be categorically excluded from
about:blank

Page 55 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
(i) Priority and timing for completion of environmental analyses
The Secretary concerned, in the sole discretion of the Secretary concerned, shall determine the priority and
timing for completing each required environmental analysis with respect to a grazing allotment, permit, or lease
based on—
(1) the environmental significance of the grazing allotment, permit, or lease; and
(2) the available funding for the environmental analysis.
(j) Applicability of provisions to rights, etc., in or to public lands or lands in National Forests
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as modifying in any way law existing on October 21, 1976, with respect to
the creation of right, title, interest or estate in or to public lands or lands in National Forests by issuance of grazing
permits and leases.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title IV, §402, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2773; Pub. L. 95–514, §§7, 8, Oct. 25, 1978, 92 Stat. 1807;
Pub. L. 113–291, div. B, title XXX, §3023, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3762.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
Act of June 28, 1934, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 28, 1934, ch. 865, 48 Stat. 1269, known
as the Taylor Grazing Act, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§315 et seq.) of chapter 8A
of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under
section 315 of this title and Tables.
Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874; 43 U.S.C. 1181a–1181j), referred to in subsec. (a), probably
means act Aug. 28, 1937, ch. 876, 50 Stat. 874, which was formerly classified principally to sections
1181a to 1181f of this title prior to editorial reclassification, and is now classified principally to
subchapter I (§2601 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title. Section 3 of the Act, former section 1181c of this
title, was repealed by Pub. L. 94–579, title VII, §702, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2787. Sections 1181f–1 to
1181f–4 of this title, included within the parenthetical reference to sections 1181a to 1181j, were
enacted by act May 24, 1939, ch. 144, 53 Stat. 753, and were editorially reclassified as subchapter II
(§2621 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title. Sections 1181g to 1181j of this title, also included within the
parenthetical reference to sections 1181a to 1181j, were enacted by act June 24, 1954, ch. 357, 68
Stat. 270, and were editorially reclassified as subchapter III (§2631 et seq.) of chapter 44 of this title.
For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2), (4) and (h), is Pub. L.
91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42,
The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title
note set out under section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 95–514, Oct.
25, 1978, 92 Stat. 1803, which is classified principally to chapter 37 (§1901 et seq.) of this title. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1901 of this
title and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (j), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, known as the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
2014—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 113–291, §3023(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and
inserted heading, substituted "During any period in which" for "So long as", redesignated former
pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, and added pars. (2) to (4).
Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 113–291, §3023(2), (3), added subsecs. (h) and (i) and redesignated
former subsec. (h) as (j).
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–514, §7(b), substituted "sixteen contiguous Western States" for
about:blank

Page 56 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

"eleven contiguous Western States".
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 95–514, §7(a), inserted provision that absence of completed land use plans
or court ordered environmental statements shall not be the sole basis for establishing a term shorter
than ten years unless information therein would be necessary to determine whether a shorter term
should be established for any of the specified reasons.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–514, §8(a), struck out ", with the exceptions authorized in subsection (e) of
this section, on and after October 1, 1988," after "pursuant to this section" and inserted provisions
prohibiting any requirements for completion of court ordered environmental impact statements prior
to development and incorporation of allotment plans from being superseded by subsec. (d),
providing for careful and considered consultation, cooperation, and coordination with certain
persons, including landowners involved, district grazing advisory boards and States having lands
within the covered area and for tailoring allotment management plans to the specific range condition
of the covered area and periodic review thereof, authorizing the Secretary to terminate or develop
the plans after review and careful and considered consultation, cooperation, and coordination with
the parties involved, and defining "court ordered environmental impact statement" and "range
condition".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–514, §8(b), substituted introductory word "In" for "Prior to October 1, 1988,
or thereafter, in".

GRAZING PERMIT RENEWALS
Pub. L. 108–108, title III, §325, Nov. 10, 2003, 117 Stat. 1308, provided in part: "That beginning in
November 2004, and every year thereafter, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture shall
report to Congress the extent to which they are completing analysis required under applicable laws
prior to the expiration of grazing permits, and beginning in May 2004, and every two years
thereafter, the Secretaries shall provide Congress recommendations for legislative provisions
necessary to ensure all permit renewals are completed in a timely manner. The legislative
recommendations provided shall be consistent with the funding levels requested in the Secretaries'
budget proposals".

APPEALS OF REDUCTIONS IN GRAZING ALLOTMENTS ON PUBLIC RANGELAND; TIME; EFFECTIVE DATE
OF REDUCTIONS; SUSPENSION PENDING FINAL ACTION ON APPEAL
Provisions requiring appeals of reductions in grazing allotments on public rangelands to be taken
within a certain time period; providing that reductions of up to 10 per centum in grazing allotments
are effective when so designated by the Secretary; suspending proposed reductions in excess of 10
per centum pending final action on appeals; and requiring final action on appeals to be completed
within 2 years of filing of the appeal were contained in the following appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 102–381, title I, Oct. 5, 1992, 106 Stat. 1378.
Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 993.
Pub. L. 101–512, title I, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1917.
Pub. L. 101–121, title I, Oct. 23, 1989, 103 Stat. 704.
Pub. L. 100–446, title I, Sept. 27, 1988, 102 Stat. 1776.
Pub. L. 100–202, §101(g) [title I], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–213, 1329-216.
Pub. L. 99–500, §101(h) [title I], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–242, 1783-245, and Pub. L. 99–591,
§101(h) [title I], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–242, 3341-245.
Pub. L. 99–190, §101(d) [title I], Dec. 19, 1985, 99 Stat. 1224, 1226.
Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(c) [title I], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1837, 1840.
Pub. L. 98–146, title I, Nov. 4, 1983, 97 Stat. 921.
Pub. L. 97–394, title I, Dec. 30, 1982, 96 Stat. 1968.
Pub. L. 97–100, title I, Dec. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1393.
Pub. L. 96–514, title I, Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2959.
about:blank

Page 57 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Pub. L. 96–126, title I, Nov. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 956.
1 See References in Text note below.

§1753. Omitted
CODIFICATION
Section, Pub. L. 94–579, title IV, §403, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2775; Pub. L. 95–514, §10, Oct. 25,
1978, 92 Stat. 1808, provided for the establishment and maintenance of grazing advisory boards and
expired on Dec. 31, 1985.

SUBCHAPTER V—RIGHTS-OF-WAY

§1761. Grant, issue, or renewal of rights-of-way
(a) Authorized purposes
The Secretary, with respect to the public lands (including public lands, as defined in section 1702(e) of this title,
which are reserved from entry pursuant to section 24 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 818)) and, the Secretary
of Agriculture, with respect to lands within the National Forest System (except in each case land designated as
wilderness), are authorized to grant, issue, or renew rights-of-way over, upon, under, or through such lands for—
(1) reservoirs, canals, ditches, flumes, laterals, pipes, pipelines, tunnels, and other facilities and systems for
the impoundment, storage, transportation, or distribution of water;
(2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation or distribution of liquids and gases, other than water and
other than oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels, or any refined product produced therefrom, and for
storage and terminal facilities in connection therewith;
(3) pipelines, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation and distribution of solid
materials, and facilities for the storage of such materials in connection therewith;
(4) systems for generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy, except that the applicant shall also
comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under the Federal Power
Act, including part 1 1 thereof (41 Stat. 1063, 16 U.S.C. 791a–825r).; 2
(5) systems for transmission or reception of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic
signals, and other means of communication;
(6) roads, trails, highways, railroads, canals, tunnels, tramways, airways, livestock driveways, or other means
of transportation except where such facilities are constructed and maintained in connection with commercial
recreation facilities on lands in the National Forest System; or
(7) such other necessary transportation or other systems or facilities which are in the public interest and which
require rights-of-way over, upon, under, or through such lands.
(b) Procedures applicable; administration
(1) The Secretary concerned shall require, prior to granting, issuing, or renewing a right-of-way, that the applicant
submit and disclose those plans, contracts, agreements, or other information reasonably related to the use, or
intended use, of the right-of-way, including its effect on competition, which he deems necessary to a determination,
in accordance with the provisions of this Act, as to whether a right-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed and
the terms and conditions which should be included in the right-of-way.
(2) If the applicant is a partnership, corporation, association, or other business entity, the Secretary concerned,
prior to granting a right-to-way 3 pursuant to this subchapter, shall require the applicant to disclose the identity of
the participants in the entity, when he deems it necessary to a determination, in accordance with the provisions of
this subchapter, as to whether a right-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed and the terms and conditions
which should be included in the right-of-way. Such disclosures shall include, where applicable: (A) the name and
address of each partner; (B) the name and address of each shareholder owning 3 per centum or more of the
about:blank

Page 58 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

shares, together with the number and percentage of any class of voting shares of the entity which such shareholder
is authorized to vote; and (C) the name and address of each affiliate of the entity together with, in the case of an
affiliate controlled by the entity, the number of shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of that affiliate
owned, directly or indirectly, by that entity, and, in the case of an affiliate which controls that entity, the number of
shares and the percentage of any class of voting stock of that entity owned, directly or indirectly, by the affiliate.
(3) The Secretary of Agriculture shall have the authority to administer all rights-of-way granted or issued under
authority of previous Acts with respect to lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, including
rights-of-way granted or issued pursuant to authority given to the Secretary of the Interior by such previous Acts.
(c) Permanent easement for water systems; issuance, preconditions, etc.
(1) Upon receipt of a written application pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection from an applicant meeting
the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture shall issue a permanent easement, without a
requirement for reimbursement, for a water system as described in subsection (a)(1) of this section, traversing
Federal lands within the National Forest System ("National Forest Lands"), constructed and in operation or placed
into operation prior to October 21, 1976, if—
(A) the traversed National Forest lands are in a State where the appropriation doctrine governs the ownership
of water rights;
(B) at the time of submission of the application the water system is used solely for agricultural irrigation or
livestock watering purposes;
(C) the use served by the water system is not located solely on Federal lands;
(D) the originally constructed facilities comprising such system have been in substantially continuous operation
without abandonment;
(E) the applicant has a valid existing right, established under applicable State law, for water to be conveyed by
the water system;
(F) a recordable survey and other information concerning the location and characteristics of the system as
necessary for proper management of National Forest lands is provided to the Secretary of Agriculture by the
applicant for the easement; and
(G) the applicant submits such application on or before December 31, 1996.
(2)(A) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as affecting any grants made by any previous Act. To the
extent any such previous grant of right-of-way is a valid existing right, it shall remain in full force and effect unless
an owner thereof notifies the Secretary of Agriculture that such owner elects to have a water system on such rightof-way governed by the provisions of this subsection and submits a written application for issuance of an easement
pursuant to this subsection, in which case upon the issuance of an easement pursuant to this subsection such
previous grant shall be deemed to have been relinquished and shall terminate.
(B) Easements issued under the authority of this subsection shall be fully transferable with all existing conditions
and without the imposition of fees or new conditions or stipulations at the time of transfer. The holder shall notify the
Secretary of Agriculture within sixty days of any address change of the holder or change in ownership of the
facilities.
(C) Easements issued under the authority of this subsection shall include all changes or modifications to the
original facilities in existence as of October 21, 1976, the date of enactment of this Act.
(D) Any future extension or enlargement of facilities after October 21, 1976, shall require the issuance of a
separate authorization, not authorized under this subsection.
(3)(A) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the Secretary of Agriculture may terminate or suspend an
easement issued pursuant to this subsection in accordance with the procedural and other provisions of section
1766 of this title. An easement issued pursuant to this subsection shall terminate if the water system for which such
easement was issued is used for any purpose other than agricultural irrigation or livestock watering use. For
purposes of subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of this subsection, non-use of a water system for agricultural
irrigation or livestock watering purposes for any continuous five-year period shall constitute a rebuttable
presumption of abandonment of the facilities comprising such system.
(B) Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to be an assertion by the United States of any right or claim with
regard to the reservation, acquisition, or use of water. Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to confer on the
Secretary of Agriculture any power or authority to regulate or control in any manner the appropriation, diversion, or
use of water for any purpose (nor to diminish any such power or authority of such Secretary under applicable law)
or to require the conveyance or transfer to the United States of any right or claim to the appropriation, diversion, or
use of water.
(C) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all rights-of-way issued pursuant to this subsection are
about:blank

Page 59 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

subject to all conditions and requirements of this Act.
(D) In the event a right-of-way issued pursuant to this subsection is allowed to deteriorate to the point of
threatening persons or property and the holder of the right-of-way, after consultation with the Secretary of
Agriculture, refuses to perform the repair and maintenance necessary to remove the threat to persons or property,
the Secretary shall have the right to undertake such repair and maintenance on the right-of-way and to assess the
holder for the costs of such repair and maintenance, regardless of whether the Secretary had required the holder to
furnish a bond or other security pursuant to subsection (i) of this section.
(d) Rights-of-way on certain Federal lands
With respect to any project or portion thereof that was licensed pursuant to, or granted an exemption from, part I
of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.] which is located on lands subject to a reservation under section
24 of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C. 818] and which did not receive a permit, right-of-way or other approval
under this section prior to October 24, 1992, no such permit, right-of-way, or other approval shall be required for
continued operation, including continued operation pursuant to section 15 of the Federal Power Act [16 U.S.C.
808], of such project unless the Commission determines that such project involves the use of any additional public
lands or National Forest lands not subject to such reservation.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §501, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2776; Pub. L. 99–545, §1(b), (c), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat.
3047, 3048; Pub. L. 102–486, title XXIV, §2401, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3096.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Power Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(4) and (d), is act June 20, 1920, ch. 285, 41
Stat. 1063, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§791a et seq.) of Title 16,
Conservation. Part I of the Act is classified generally to subchapter I (§791a et seq.) of chapter 12 of
Title 16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of Title 16 and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1) and (c)(3)(C), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743,
as amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

AMENDMENTS
1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–486, §2401(1), inserted "(including public lands, as defined in
section 1702(e) of this title, which are reserved from entry pursuant to section 24 of the Federal Power
Act (16 U.S.C. 818))".
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 102–486, §2401(2), substituted "Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
under the Federal Power Act, including part 1 thereof (41 Stat. 1063, 16 U.S.C. 791a–825r)." for
"Federal Power Commission under the Federal Power Act of 1935 (49 Stat. 847; 16 U.S.C. 791)". The

substitution was made to reflect the probable intent of Congress, in the absence of closing
quotations designating the provisions to be struck out.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–486, §2401(3), added subsec. (d).
1986—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–545, §1(c), added par. (3).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–545, §1(b), added subsec. (c).

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture, insofar as they
involve lands and programs under jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with land
use permits for other associated land uses issued under sections 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, and
such functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with
land use permits for temporary use of public lands and other associated land uses, issued under
sections 1732, 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, with respect to pre-construction, construction, and
initial operation of transportation systems for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to
Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until
first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg.
Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), (f), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1,
about:blank

Page 60 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal
Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority
vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out
as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and
Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal
Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.
1 So in original. Probably should be part "I".
2 So in original. The period preceding the semicolon probably should not appear.
3 So in original. Probably should be "right-of-way".

§1762. Roads
(a) Authority to acquire, construct, and maintain; financing arrangements
The Secretary, with respect to the public lands, is authorized to provide for the acquisition, construction, and
maintenance of roads within and near the public lands in locations and according to specifications which will permit
maximum economy in harvesting timber from such lands tributary to such roads and at the same time meet the
requirements for protection, development, and management of such lands for utilization of the other resources
thereof. Financing of such roads may be accomplished (1) by the Secretary utilizing appropriated funds, (2) by
requirements on purchasers of timber and other products from the public lands, including provisions for
amortization of road costs in contracts, (3) by cooperative financing with other public agencies and with private
agencies or persons, or (4) by a combination of these methods: Provided, That, where roads of a higher standard
than that needed in the harvesting and removal of the timber and other products covered by the particular sale are
to be constructed, the purchaser of timber and other products from public lands shall not, except when the
provisions of the second proviso of this subsection apply, be required to bear that part of the costs necessary to
meet such higher standard, and the Secretary is authorized to make such arrangements to this end as may be
appropriate: Provided further, That when timber is offered with the condition that the purchaser thereof will build a
road or roads in accordance with standards specified in the offer, the purchaser of the timber will be responsible for
paying the full costs of construction of such roads.
(b) Recordation of copies of affected instruments
Copies of all instruments affecting permanent interests in land executed pursuant to this section shall be
recorded in each county where the lands are located.
(c) Maintenance or reconstruction of facilities by users
The Secretary may require the user or users of a road, trail, land, or other facility administered by him through
the Bureau, including purchasers of Government timber and other products, to maintain such facilities in a
satisfactory condition commensurate with the particular use requirements of each. Such maintenance to be borne
by each user shall be proportionate to total use. The Secretary may also require the user or users of such a facility
to reconstruct the same when such reconstruction is determined to be necessary to accommodate such use. If
such maintenance or reconstruction cannot be so provided or if the Secretary determines that maintenance or
reconstruction by a user would not be practical, then the Secretary may require that sufficient funds be deposited
by the user to provide his portion of such total maintenance or reconstruction. Deposits made to cover the
maintenance or reconstruction of roads are hereby made available until expended to cover the cost to the United
States of accomplishing the purposes for which deposited: Provided, That deposits received for work on adjacent
and overlapping areas may be combined when it is the most practicable and efficient manner of performing the
work, and cost thereof may be determined by estimates: And provided further, That unexpended balances upon
accomplishment of the purpose for which deposited shall be transferred to miscellaneous receipts or refunded.
(d) Fund for user fees for delayed payment to grantor
Whenever the agreement under which the United States has obtained for the use of, or in connection with, the
public lands a right-of-way or easement for a road or an existing road or the right to use an existing road provides
for delayed payments to the Government's grantor, any fees or other collections received by the Secretary for the
about:blank

Page 61 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

use of the road may be placed in a fund to be available for making payments to the grantor.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §502, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2777.)

§1763. Right-of-way corridors; criteria and procedures applicable for designation
In order to minimize adverse environmental impacts and the proliferation of separate rights-of-way, the utilization
of rights-of-way in common shall be required to the extent practical, and each right-of-way or permit shall reserve to
the Secretary concerned the right to grant additional rights-of-way or permits for compatible uses on or adjacent to
rights-of-way granted pursuant to this Act. In designating right-of-way corridors and in determining whether to
require that rights-of-way be confined to them, the Secretary concerned shall take into consideration national and
State land use policies, environmental quality, economic efficiency, national security, safety, and good engineering
and technological practices. The Secretary concerned shall issue regulations containing the criteria and procedures
he will use in designating such corridors. Any existing transportation and utility corridors may be designated as
transportation and utility corridors pursuant to this subsection without further review.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §503, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2778.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known as
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Tables.

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture, insofar as they
involve lands and programs under jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with land
use permits for other associated land uses issued under sections 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, and
such functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with
land use permits for temporary use of public lands and other associated land uses, issued under
sections 1732, 1761, and 1763 to 1771 of this title, with respect to pre-construction, construction, and
initial operation of transportation systems for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to
Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until
first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg.
Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§102(e), (f), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1,
1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal
Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority
vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out
as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and
Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal
Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

§1764. General requirements
(a) Boundary specifications; criteria; temporary use of additional lands
The Secretary concerned shall specify the boundaries of each right-of-way as precisely as is practical. Each
right-of-way shall be limited to the ground which the Secretary concerned determines (1) will be occupied by
facilities which constitute the project for which the right-of-way is granted, issued, or renewed, (2) to be necessary
for the operation or maintenance of the project, (3) to be necessary to protect the public safety, and (4) will do no
unnecessary damage to the environment. The Secretary concerned may authorize the temporary use of such
additional lands as he determines to be reasonably necessary for the construction, operation, maintenance, or
termination of the project or a portion thereof, or for access thereto.
(b) Terms and conditions of right-of-way or permit
about:blank

Page 62 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Each right-of-way or permit granted, issued, or renewed pursuant to this section shall be limited to a reasonable
term in light of all circumstances concerning the project. In determining the duration of a right-of-way the Secretary
concerned shall, among other things, take into consideration the cost of the facility, its useful life, and any public
purpose it serves. The right-of-way shall specify whether it is or is not renewable and the terms and conditions
applicable to the renewal.
(c) Applicability of regulations or stipulations
Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or renewed pursuant to this subchapter under such regulations or
stipulations, consistent with the provisions of this subchapter or any other applicable law, and shall also be subject
to such terms and conditions as the Secretary concerned may prescribe regarding extent, duration, survey,
location, construction, maintenance, transfer or assignment, and termination.
(d) Submission of plan of construction, operation, and rehabilitation by new project applicants; plan
requirements
The Secretary concerned prior to granting or issuing a right-of-way pursuant to this subchapter for a new project
which may have a significant impact on the environment, shall require the applicant to submit a plan of
construction, operation, and rehabilitation for such right-of-way which shall comply with stipulations or with
regulations issued by that Secretary, including the terms and conditions required under section 1765 of this title.
(e) Regulatory requirements for terms and conditions; revision and applicability of regulations
The Secretary concerned shall issue regulations with respect to the terms and conditions that will be included in
rights-of-way pursuant to section 1765 of this title. Such regulations shall be regularly revised as needed. Such
regulations shall be applicable to every right-of-way granted or issued pursuant to this subchapter and to any
subsequent renewal thereof, and may be applicable to rights-of-way not granted or issued, but renewed pursuant to
this subchapter.
(f) Removal or use of mineral and vegetative materials
Mineral and vegetative materials, including timber, within or without a right-of-way, may be used or disposed of in
connection with construction or other purposes only if authorization to remove or use such materials has been
obtained pursuant to applicable laws or for emergency repair work necessary for those rights-of-way authorized
under section 1761(c) of this title.
(g) Rental payments; amount, waiver, etc.
The holder of a right-of-way shall pay in advance the fair market value thereof, as determined by the Secretary
granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way. The Secretary concerned may require either annual payment or a
payment covering more than one year at a time except that private individuals may make at their option either
annual payments or payments covering more than one year if the annual fee is greater than one hundred dollars.
The Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is granted, issued or renewed in consideration of
a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in connection with a cooperative cost share program between the
United States and the holder. The Secretary concerned may, by regulation or prior to promulgation of such
regulations, as a condition of a right-of-way, require an applicant for or holder of a right-of-way to reimburse the
United States for all reasonable administrative and other costs incurred in processing an application for such rightof-way and in inspection and monitoring of construction, operation, and termination of the facility pursuant to such
right-of-way: Provided, however, That the Secretary concerned need not secure reimbursement in any situation
where there is in existence a cooperative cost share right-of-way program between the United States and the
holder of a right-of-way. Rights-of-way may be granted, issued, or renewed to a Federal, State, or local government
or any agency or instrumentality thereof, to nonprofit associations or nonprofit corporations which are not
themselves controlled or owned by profitmaking corporations or business enterprises, or to a holder where he
provides without or at reduced charges a valuable benefit to the public or to the programs of the Secretary
concerned, or to a holder in connection with the authorized use or occupancy of Federal land for which the United
States is already receiving compensation for such lesser charge, including free use as the Secretary concerned
finds equitable and in the public interest. Such rights-of-way issued at less than fair market value are not
assignable except with the approval of the Secretary issuing the right-of-way. The moneys received for
reimbursement of reasonable costs shall be deposited with the Treasury in a special account and are hereby
authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended. Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or
renewed, without rental fees, for electric or telephone facilities eligible for financing pursuant to the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended [7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.], determined without regard to any application
requirement under that Act, or any extensions from such facilities: Provided, That nothing in this sentence shall be
about:blank

Page 63 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

construed to affect the authority of the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing the right-of-way to require
reimbursement of reasonable administrative and other costs pursuant to the second sentence of this subsection.
(h) Liability for damage or injury incurred by United States for use and occupancy of rights-of-way;
indemnification of United States; no-fault liability; amount of damages
(1) The Secretary concerned shall promulgate regulations specifying the extent to which holders of rights-of-way
under this subchapter shall be liable to the United States for damage or injury incurred by the United States caused
by the use and occupancy of the rights-of-way. The regulations shall also specify the extent to which such holders
shall indemnify or hold harmless the United States for liabilities, damages, or claims caused by their use and
occupancy of the rights-of-way.
(2) Any regulation or stipulation imposing liability without fault shall include a maximum limitation on damages
commensurate with the foreseeable risks or hazards presented. Any liability for damage or injury in excess of this
amount shall be determined by ordinary rules of negligence.
(i) Bond or security requirements
Where he deems it appropriate, the Secretary concerned may require a holder of a right-of-way to furnish a
bond, or other security, satisfactory to him to secure all or any of the obligations imposed by the terms and
conditions of the right-of-way or by any rule or regulation of the Secretary concerned.
(j) Criteria for grant, issue, or renewal of right-of-way
The Secretary concerned shall grant, issue, or renew a right-of-way under this subchapter only when he is
satisfied that the applicant has the technical and financial capability to construct the project for which the right-ofway is requested, and in accord with the requirements of this subchapter.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §504, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2778; Pub. L. 98–300, May 25, 1984, 98 Stat. 215; Pub. L.
99–545, §2, Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3048; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1032(a), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4239.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, referred to in subsec. (g), is act May 20, 1936, ch. 432, 49
Stat. 1363, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§901 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture.
For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 901 of Title 7 and Tables.

AMENDMENTS
1996—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 104–333 substituted "eligible for financing pursuant to the Rural

Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, determined without regard to any application requirement
under that Act," for "financed pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended,".
1986—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–545, §2(1), inserted before the period at end "or for emergency repair
work necessary for those rights-of-way authorized under section 1761(c) of this title".
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–545, §2(2), substituted "The holder of a right-of-way shall pay in advance
the fair market value thereof, as determined by the Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing such
right-of-way. The Secretary concerned may require either annual payment or a payment covering
more than one year at a time except that private individuals may make at their option either annual
payments or payments covering more than one year if the annual fee is greater than one hundred
dollars. The Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is granted, issued or
renewed in consideration of a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in connection with a
cooperative cost share program between the United States and the holder." for "The holder of a
right-of-way shall pay annually in advance the fair market value thereof as determined by the
Secretary granting, issuing, or renewing such right-of-way: Provided, That when the annual rental is
less than $100, the Secretary concerned may require advance payment for more than one year at a
time: Provided further, That the Secretary concerned may waive rentals where a right-of-way is
granted, issued, or renewed in reciprocation for a right-of-way conveyed to the United States in
connection with a cooperative cost share program between the United States and the holder."
1984—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–300 inserted at end "Rights-of-way shall be granted, issued, or
renewed, without rental fees, for electric or telephone facilities financed pursuant to the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, or any extensions from such facilities: Provided, That
about:blank

Page 64 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

nothing in this sentence shall be construed to affect the authority of the Secretary granting, issuing,
or renewing the right-of-way to require reimbursement of reasonable administrative and other costs
pursuant to the second sentence of this subsection."

EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1032(b), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4239, provided that: "The
amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to rights-of-way
leases held on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 12, 1996]."

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1765. Terms and conditions
Each right-of-way shall contain—
(a) terms and conditions which will (i) carry out the purposes of this Act and rules and regulations issued
thereunder; (ii) minimize damage to scenic and esthetic values and fish and wildlife habitat and otherwise protect
the environment; (iii) require compliance with applicable air and water quality standards established by or
pursuant to applicable Federal or State law; and (iv) require compliance with State standards for public health
and safety, environmental protection, and siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of or for rights-of-way
for similar purposes if those standards are more stringent than applicable Federal standards; and
(b) such terms and conditions as the Secretary concerned deems necessary to (i) protect Federal property and
economic interests; (ii) manage efficiently the lands which are subject to the right-of-way or adjacent thereto and
protect the other lawful users of the lands adjacent to or traversed by such right-of-way; (iii) protect lives and
property; (iv) protect the interests of individuals living in the general area traversed by the right-of-way who rely
on the fish, wildlife, and other biotic resources of the area for subsistence purposes; (v) require location of the
right-of-way along a route that will cause least damage to the environment, taking into consideration feasibility
and other relevant factors; and (vi) otherwise protect the public interest in the lands traversed by the right-of-way
or adjacent thereto.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §505, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2780.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in par. (a), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, known
as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this Act to
the Code, see Tables.

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1766. Suspension or termination; grounds; procedures applicable
Abandonment of a right-of-way or noncompliance with any provision of this subchapter condition of the right-ofway, or applicable rule or regulation of the Secretary concerned may be grounds for suspension or termination of
the right-of-way if, after due notice to the holder of the right-of-way and, and 1 with respect to easements, an
appropriate administrative proceeding pursuant to section 554 of title 5, the Secretary concerned determines that
any such ground exists and that suspension or termination is justified. No administrative proceeding shall be
required where the right-of-way by its terms provides that it terminates on the occurrence of a fixed or agreed-upon
condition, event, or time. If the Secretary concerned determines that an immediate temporary suspension of
activities within a right-of-way for violation of its terms and conditions is necessary to protect public health or safety
or the environment, he may abate such activities prior to an administrative proceeding. Prior to commencing any
proceeding to suspend or terminate a right-of-way the Secretary concerned shall give written notice to the holder of
the grounds for such action and shall give the holder a reasonable time to resume use of the right-of-way or to
about:blank

Page 65 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

comply with this subchapter condition, rule, or regulation as the case may be. Failure of the holder of the right-ofway to use the right-of-way for the purpose for which it was granted, issued, or renewed, for any continuous fiveyear period, shall constitute a rebuttable presumption of abandonment of the right-of-way except that where the
failure of the holder to use the right-of-way for the purpose for which it was granted, issued, or renewed for any
continuous five-year period is due to circumstances not within the holder's control, the Secretary concerned is not
required to commence proceedings to suspend or terminate the right-of-way.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §506, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2780.)

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.
1 So in original.

§1767. Rights-of-way for Federal departments and agencies
(a) The Secretary concerned may provide under applicable provisions of this subchapter for the use of any
department or agency of the United States a right-of-way over, upon, under or through the land administered by
him, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose.
(b) Where a right-of-way has been reserved for the use of any department or agency of the United States, the
Secretary shall take no action to terminate, or otherwise limit, that use without the consent of the head of such
department or agency.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §507, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2781.)

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1768. Conveyance of lands covered by right-of-way; terms and conditions
If under applicable law the Secretary concerned decides to transfer out of Federal ownership any lands covered
in whole or in part by a right-of-way, including a right-of-way granted under the Act of November 16, 1973 (87 Stat.
576; 30 U.S.C. 185), the lands may be conveyed subject to the right-of-way; however, if the Secretary concerned
determines that retention of Federal control over the right-of-way is necessary to assure that the purposes of this
subchapter will be carried out, the terms and conditions of the right-of-way complied with, or the lands protected, he
shall (a) reserve to the United States that portion of the lands which lies within the boundaries of the right-of-way, or
(b) convey the lands, including that portion within the boundaries of the right-of-way, subject to the right-of-way and
reserving to the United States the right to enforce all or any of the terms and conditions of the right-of-way,
including the right to renew it or extend it upon its termination and to collect rents.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §508, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2781.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
Act of November 16, 1973, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 93–153, Nov. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 576. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1769. Existing right-of-way or right-of-use unaffected; exceptions; rights-of-way
for railroad and appurtenant communication facilities; applicability of existing
terms and conditions
about:blank

Page 66 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(a) Nothing in this subchapter shall have the effect of terminating any right-of-way or right-of-use heretofore
issued, granted, or permitted. However, with the consent of the holder thereof, the Secretary concerned may cancel
such a right-of-way or right-of-use and in its stead issue a right-of-way pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
(b) When the Secretary concerned issues a right-of-way under this subchapter for a railroad and appurtenant
communication facilities in connection with a realinement of a railroad on lands under his jurisdiction by virtue of a
right-of-way granted by the United States, he may, when he considers it to be in the public interest and the lands
involved are not within an incorporated community and are of approximately equal value, notwithstanding the
provisions of this subchapter, provide in the new right-of-way the same terms and conditions as applied to the
portion of the existing right-of-way relinquished to the United States with respect to the payment of annual rental,
duration of the right-of-way, and the nature of the interest in lands granted. The Secretary concerned or his
delegate shall take final action upon all applications for the grant, issue, or renewal of rights-of-way under
subsection (b) of this section no later than six months after receipt from the applicant of all information required
from the applicant by this subchapter.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §509, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2781.)

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1770. Applicability of provisions to other Federal laws
(a) Right-of-way
Effective on and after October 21, 1976, no right-of-way for the purposes listed in this subchapter shall be
granted, issued, or renewed over, upon, under, or through such lands except under and subject to the provisions,
limitations, and conditions of this subchapter: Provided, That nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as
affecting or modifying the provisions of sections 532 to 538 of title 16 and in the event of conflict with, or
inconsistency between, this subchapter and sections 532 to 538 of title 16, the latter shall prevail: Provided further,
That nothing in this Act should be construed as making it mandatory that, with respect to forest roads, the
Secretary of Agriculture limit rights-of-way grants or their term of years or require disclosure pursuant to section
1761(b) of this title or impose any other condition contemplated by this Act that is contrary to present practices of
that Secretary under sections 532 to 538 of title 16. Any pending application for a right-of-way under any other law
on the effective date of this section shall be considered as an application under this subchapter. The Secretary
concerned may require the applicant to submit any additional information he deems necessary to comply with the
requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Highway use
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to preclude the use of lands covered by this subchapter for
highway purposes pursuant to sections 107 and 317 of title 23.
(c) Application of antitrust laws
(1) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as exempting any holder of a right-of-way issued under this
subchapter from any provision of the antitrust laws of the United States.
(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "antitrust laws" includes the Act of July 2, 1890 (26 Stat.1 15
U.S.C. 1 et seq.); the Act of October 15, 1914 (38 Stat. 730, 15 U.S.C. 12 et seq.); the Federal Trade Commission
Act (38 Stat. 717; 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.); and sections 73 and 74 of the Act of August 27, 1894 [15 U.S.C. 8, 9].
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §510, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2782.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.
The effective date of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), probably means the date of
enactment of this section by Pub. L. 94–579, which was approved Oct. 21, 1976.
Act of July 2, 1890, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is act July 2, 1890, ch. 647, 26 Stat. 209, as
about:blank

Page 67 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

amended, known as the Sherman Act, which is classified to sections 1 to 7 of Title 15, Commerce and
Trade. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1
of Title 15 and Tables.
Act of October 15, 1914, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is act Oct. 15, 1914, ch. 323, 38 Stat. 730, as
amended, known as the Clayton Act, which is classified generally to sections 12, 13, 14 to 19, 21, and 22
to 27 of Title 15, and sections 52 and 53 of Title 29, Labor. For further details and complete classification
of this Act to the Code, see References in Text note set out under section 12 of Title 15 and Tables.
The Federal Trade Commission Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is act Sept. 26, 1914, ch. 311,
38 Stat. 717, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§41 et seq.) of chapter 2 of Title
15. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 58 of Title 15 and Tables.
Sections 73 and 74 of the Act of August 27, 1894, referred to in subsec. (c), are sections 73 and
74 of act Aug. 27, 1894, ch. 349, 28 Stat. 570, which are classified to sections 8 and 9 of Title 15.

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by "209".

§1771. Coordination of applications
Applicants before Federal departments and agencies other than the Department of the Interior or Agriculture
seeking a license, certificate, or other authority for a project which involve a right-of-way over, upon, under, or
through public land or National Forest System lands must simultaneously apply to the Secretary concerned for the
appropriate authority to use public lands or National Forest System lands and submit to the Secretary concerned all
information furnished to the other Federal department or agency.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §511, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2782.)

TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
See note set out under section 1763 of this title.

§1772. Vegetation managment, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance
relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights of way
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Hazard tree
The term "hazard tree" means any tree or part thereof (whether located inside or outside a right-of-way) that
has been designated, prior to tree failure, by a certified or licensed arborist or forester under the supervision of
the Secretary concerned or the owner or operator of a transmission or distribution facility to be—
(A) dead, likely to die within the routine vegetation management cycle, or likely to fail within the routine
vegetation management cycle; and
(B) if the tree or part of the tree failed, likely to—
(i) cause substantial damage or disruption to a transmission or distribution facility; or
(ii) come within 10 feet of an electric power line.
(2) Owner; operator
The terms "owner" and "operator" include contractors or other agents engaged by the owner or operator of an
electric transmission or distribution facility.
(3) Plan
The term "plan" means a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan that
about:blank

Page 68 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

—
(A) is prepared by the owner or operator of 1 or more electric transmission or distribution facilities to cover 1
or more electric transmission and distribution rights-of-way; and
(B) provides for the long-term, cost-effective, efficient, and timely management of facilities and vegetation
within the width of the right-of-way and abutting Federal land, including hazard trees, to enhance electric
reliability, promote public safety, and avoid fire hazards.
(4) Secretary concerned
The term "Secretary concerned" means—
(A) the Secretary, with respect to public lands; and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System land.
(b) Guidance
(1) In general
To enhance the reliability of the electric grid and reduce the threat of wildfire damage to, and wildfire caused by
vegetation-related conditions within, electric transmission and distribution rights-of-way and abutting Federal
land, including hazard trees, the Secretary concerned shall issue and periodically update guidance to ensure that
provisions are appropriately developed and implemented for utility vegetation management, facility inspection,
and operation and maintenance of rights-of-way, regardless of the means by which the rights-of-way are
established (including by grant, special use authorization, and easement).
(2) Limitation
The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall be compatible with mandatory reliability standards established
by the Electric Reliability Organization.
(3) Considerations
The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall take into account—
(A) all applicable law, including fire safety and electric system reliability requirements (including reliability
standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization under section 824o of title 16); and
(B) the Memorandum of Understanding on Vegetation Management for Powerline Rights-of-Way between
the Edison Electric Institute, Utility Arborist Association, the Department of the Interior, the Department of
Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency signed in 2016.
(4) Requirements
The guidance issued under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) be developed in consultation with the owners of transmission and distribution facilities that hold rights-ofway;
(B) seek to minimize the need for case-by-case approvals for—
(i) routine vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance activities; and
(ii) utility vegetation management activities that are necessary to control hazard trees; and
(C) provide for prompt and timely review of requests to conduct vegetation management activities that
require approval of the Secretary concerned, especially activities requiring expedited or immediate action.
(c) Vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plans
(1) Development and submission
Consistent with subsection (b), the Secretary concerned shall provide owners and operators of electric
transmission or distribution facilities located on public lands and National Forest System land, as applicable, with
the option to develop and submit a plan.
(2) ERO standards
Owners and operators subject to mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability
Organization (or superseding standards) may use those standards as part of the plan.
(3) Plan requirements
A plan developed under paragraph (1) shall—
(A) identify the applicable transmission or distribution facilities to be maintained;
(B) take into account operations and maintenance plans for the applicable transmission or distribution line;
about:blank

Page 69 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(C) describe the vegetation management, inspection, and operation and maintenance methods that may be
used to comply with all applicable law, including fire safety requirements and reliability standards established
by the Electric Reliability Organization;
(D) include schedules for—
(i) the applicable owner or operator to notify the Secretary concerned about routine and major
maintenance;
(ii) the applicable owner or operator to request approval from the Secretary concerned about undertaking
routine and major maintenance; and
(iii) the Secretary concerned to respond to a request by an owner or operator under clause (ii); and
(E) describe processes for—
(i) identifying changes in conditions; and
(ii) modifying the approved plan, if necessary.
(4) Review and approval process
(A) In general
The Secretary concerned shall jointly develop a consolidated and coordinated process for the review and
approval of plans submitted under paragraph (1) that—
(i) includes timelines and benchmarks for—
(I) the submission of agency comments on the plans and schedules for final decision; and
(II) the timely review of modifications of the plans in cases in which modifications are necessary;
(ii) is consistent with applicable law; and 1
(iii) includes a process for modifications to a plan in a prompt manner if changed conditions necessitate a
modification to a plan; and
(iv) ensures, to the maximum extent practicable, a prompt review and approval process not to exceed 120
days.
(B) Plan modification
Upon reasonable advance notice to an owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility of
any changed conditions that warrant a modification to a plan, the Secretary concerned shall—
(i) provide an opportunity for the owner or operator to submit a proposed plan modification, consistent with
the process described under subparagraph (A)(iii), to address the changed condition identified by the
Secretary concerned;
(ii) consider the proposed plan modification consistent with the process described under paragraph (4)(A);
and
(iii) allow the owner or operator to continue to implement any element of the approved plan that does not
directly and adversely affect the condition precipitating the need for modification.
(5) Categories of actions not requiring environmental analysis
With respect to the development and approval of plans submitted under paragraph (1), as well as with respect
to actions carried out under such plans, the Secretary concerned shall identify categories of actions for which
neither an environmental impact statement nor an environmental assessment shall be required under section
1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(d) Certain owners and operators
(1) In general
The owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility that is not subject to the mandatory
reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization or that sold less than or equal to
1,000,000 megawatt hours of electric energy for purposes other than resale during each of the 3 calendar years
immediately preceding March 23, 2018, may enter into an agreement with the Secretary concerned in lieu of a
plan under subsection (c).
(2) Minimum requirements
The Secretary concerned shall ensure that the minimum requirements for an agreement under paragraph (1)—
(A) reflect the relative financial resources of the applicable owner or operator compared to other owners or
operators of an electric transmission or distribution facility;
about:blank

Page 70 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(B) include schedules as described in subsection (c)(3)(D);
(C) are subject to modification requirements as described in subsection (c)(4)(B); and
(D) comply with applicable law.
(e) Emergency conditions
If vegetation or hazard trees have contacted or present an imminent danger of contacting an electric
transmission or distribution line from within or adjacent to an electric transmission or distribution right-of-way, the
owner or operator of the electric transmission or distribution lines—
(1) may prune or remove the vegetation or hazard tree—
(A) to avoid the disruption of electric service; and
(B) to eliminate immediate fire and safety hazards; and
(2) shall notify the appropriate local agent of the Secretary concerned not later than 1 day after the date of the
response to emergency conditions.
(f) Activities that require approval
(1) In general
Except as provided under paragraph (3), the owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility
may conduct vegetation management activities that require approval of the Secretary concerned in accordance
with a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d) only with the
approval of the Secretary concerned.
(2) Requirement to respond
The Secretary concerned shall respond to a request for approval to conduct vegetation management activities
in accordance with the applicable schedules in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered
into under subsection (d).
(3) Authorized activities
The owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility may conduct vegetation management
activities that require approval of the Secretary concerned in accordance with a plan approved under subsection
(c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d) without the approval of the Secretary concerned if—
(A) the owner or operator submitted a request to the Secretary concerned in accordance with the applicable
schedule in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d);
(B) the vegetation management activities, including the removal of hazard trees, proposed in the request
under subparagraph (A) are in accordance with a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered
into under subsection (d); and
(C) the Secretary concerned fails to respond to the request under subparagraph (A) in accordance with the
applicable schedule in a plan approved under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection
(d).
(g) Liability
(1) In general
The Secretary concerned shall not impose strict liability for damages or injury resulting from—
(A) the Secretary concerned unreasonably withholding or delaying—
(i) approval of a plan under subsection (c); or
(ii) entrance into an agreement under subsection (d); or
(B) the Secretary concerned unreasonably failing to adhere to an applicable schedule in a plan approved
under subsection (c) or an agreement entered into under subsection (d).
(2) Damages
For the period ending 10 years after March 23, 2018, the Secretary concerned shall not impose strict liability in
an amount greater than $500,000 per incident for damages or injury resulting from activities conducted by an
owner or operator in accordance with an approved agreement under subsection (d).
(3) Rule of construction
Nothing in paragraph (2) shall be construed to effect 1 any liability imposed by the Secretary concerned under
about:blank

Page 71 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

section 251.56(d) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on March 23, 2018) and section 2807.12
of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on March 23, 2018), for activities conducted by an owner or
operator in accordance with an approved plan under subsection (c).
(h) Reporting requirement
(1) Activities that require approval
The Secretary concerned shall report requests and actions made under subsection (f) annually on the website
of the Secretary concerned.
(2) Liability
Not later than four years after March 23, 2018, the Secretary concerned shall prepare and submit a report to
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate that describes the effect on the Treasury of the strict liability limitation established by
subsection (g)(2).
(i) Training and guidance
In consultation with the electric utility industry, the Secretary concerned is encouraged to develop a program to
train personnel of the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service involved in vegetation management
decisions relating to electric transmission and distribution facilities to ensure that the personnel—
(1) understand electric system reliability requirements as the requirements relate to vegetation management of
transmission and distribution rights-of-way on Federal land, including reliability standards established by the
Electric Reliability Organization and fire safety requirements;
(2) assist owners and operators of electric transmission and distribution facilities in complying with applicable
electric reliability and fire safety requirements;
(3) encourage and assist willing owners and operators of electric transmission and distribution facilities to
incorporate on a voluntary basis vegetation management practices to enhance habitats and forage for pollinators
and for other wildlife if the practices are compatible with the integrated vegetation management practices
necessary for reliability and safety; and
(4) understand how existing and emerging unmanned technologies can help electric utilities, the Federal
Government, State and local governments, and private landowners—
(A) to more efficiently identify vegetation management needs;
(B) to reduce the risk of wildfires; and
(C) to lower ratepayer energy costs.
(j) Implementation
The Secretary concerned shall—
(1) not later than 1 year after March 23, 2018, propose regulations, or amend existing regulations, to
implement this section; and
(2) not later than 2 years after March 23, 2018, finalize regulations, or amend existing regulations, to
implement this section.
(k) Existing vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plans
Nothing in this section requires an owner or operator to develop and submit a new plan under this section if a
plan consistent with this section has already been approved by the Secretary concerned before March 23, 2018.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title V, §512, as added Pub. L. 115–141, div. O, title II, §211(a), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1068.)
1 So in original.

SUBCHAPTER VI—DESIGNATED MANAGEMENT AREAS

§1781. California Desert Conservation Area
(a) Congressional findings
The Congress finds that—
about:blank

Page 72 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(1) the California desert contains historical, scenic, archeological, environmental, biological, cultural, scientific,
educational, recreational, and economic resources that are uniquely located adjacent to an area of large
population;
(2) the California desert environment is a total ecosystem that is extremely fragile, easily scarred, and slowly
healed;
(3) the California desert environment and its resources, including certain rare and endangered species of
wildlife, plants, and fishes, and numerous archeological and historic sites, are seriously threatened by air
pollution, inadequate Federal management authority, and pressures of increased use, particularly recreational
use, which are certain to intensify because of the rapidly growing population of southern California;
(4) the use of all California desert resources can and should be provided for in a multiple use and sustained
yield management plant 1 to conserve these resources for future generations, and to provide present and future
use and enjoyment, particularly outdoor recreation uses, including the use, where appropriate, of off-road
recreational vehicles;
(5) the Secretary has initiated a comprehensive planning process and established an interim management
program for the public lands in the California desert; and
(6) to insure further study of the relationship of man and the California desert environment, preserve the unique
and irreplaceable resources, including archeological values, and conserve the use of the economic resources of
the California desert, the public must be provided more opportunity to participate in such planning and
management, and additional management authority must be provided to the Secretary to facilitate effective
implementation of such planning and management.
(b) Statement of purpose
It is the purpose of this section to provide for the immediate and future protection and administration of the public
lands in the California desert within the framework of a program of multiple use and sustained yield, and the
maintenance of environmental quality.
(c) Description of Area
(1) For the purpose of this section, the term "California desert" means the area generally depicted on a map
entitled "California Desert Conservation Area—Proposed" dated April 1974, and described as provided in
subsection (c)(2).
(2) As soon as practicable after October 21, 1976, the Secretary shall file a revised map and a legal description
of the California Desert Conservation Area with the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States
Senate and the House of Representatives, and such map and description shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act. Correction of clerical and typographical errors in such legal description and a map may be
made by the Secretary. To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall make such legal description and map
available to the public promptly upon request.
(d) Preparation and implementation of comprehensive long-range plan for management, use, etc.
The Secretary, in accordance with section 1712 of this title, shall prepare and implement a comprehensive, longrange plan for the management, use, development, and protection of the public lands within the California Desert
Conservation Area. Such plan shall take into account the principles of multiple use and sustained yield in providing
for resource use and development, including, but not limited to, maintenance of environmental quality, rights-ofway, and mineral development. Such plan shall be completed and implementation thereof initiated on or before
September 30, 1980.
(e) Interim program for management, use, etc.
During the period beginning on October 21, 1976, and ending on the effective date of implementation of the
comprehensive, long-range plan, the Secretary shall execute an interim program to manage, use, and protect the
public lands, and their resources now in danger of destruction, in the California Desert Conservation Area, to
provide for the public use of such lands in an orderly and reasonable manner such as through the development of
campgrounds and visitor centers, and to provide for a uniformed desert ranger force.
(f) Applicability of mining laws
Subject to valid existing rights, nothing in this Act shall affect the applicability of the United States mining laws on
the public lands within the California Desert Conservation Area, except that all mining claims located on public
lands within the California Desert Conservation Area shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe to effectuate the purposes of this section. Any patent issued on any such mining claim
shall recite this limitation and continue to be subject to such regulations. Such regulations shall provide for such
about:blank

Page 73 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

measures as may be reasonable to protect the scenic, scientific, and environmental values of the public lands of
the California Desert Conservation Area against undue impairment, and to assure against pollution of the streams
and waters within the California Desert Conservation Area.
(g) Advisory Committee; establishment; functions
(1) The Secretary, within sixty days after October 21, 1976, shall establish a California Desert Conservation Area
Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as "advisory committee") in accordance with the provisions of section
1739 of this title.
(2) It shall be the function of the advisory committee to advise the Secretary with respect to the preparation and
implementation of the comprehensive, long-range plan required under subsection (d) of this section.
(h) Management of lands under jurisdiction of Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Defense
The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Defense shall manage lands within their respective jurisdictions
located in or adjacent to the California Desert Conservation Area, in accordance with the laws relating to such
lands and wherever practicable, in a manner consonant with the purpose of this section. The Secretary, the
Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Defense are authorized and directed to consult among themselves
and take cooperative actions to carry out the provisions of this subsection, including a program of law enforcement
in accordance with applicable authorities to protect the archeological and other values of the California Desert
Conservation Area and adjacent lands.
(i) Omitted
(j) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1977 through 1981 not to exceed $40,000,000 for the
purpose of this section, such amount to remain available until expended.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title VI, §601, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2782.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2) and (f), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as
amended, known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

CODIFICATION
Subsec. (i) of this section, which required the Secretary to report annually to Congress on the
progress in, and any problems concerning, the implementation of this section, terminated, effective
May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under
section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, the last item on page 107 of House Document
No. 103–7.

CHANGE OF NAME
Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the Senate, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), abolished
and replaced by Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, effective Feb. 11,
1977. See Rule XXV of Standing Rules of the Senate, as amended by Senate Resolution No. 4
(popularly cited as the "Committee System Reorganization Amendments of 1977"), approved Feb.
4, 1977.
Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives changed to Committee
on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 1993, by House Resolution No. 5,
One Hundred Third Congress.

DESERT LILY SANCTUARY
Pub. L. 103–433, title I, §107, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4483, provided that:
"(a) DESIGNATION.—There is hereby established the Desert Lily Sanctuary within the California

Desert Conservation Area, California, of the Bureau of Land Management, comprising
approximately two thousand forty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled 'Desert Lily
about:blank

Page 74 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Sanctuary', dated February 1986. The Secretary [of the Interior] shall administer the area to provide
maximum protection to the desert lily.
"(b) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal lands within the Desert Lily Sanctuary
are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
from location, entry, and patent under the United States mining laws; and from disposition under all
laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing, and mineral materials, and all amendments
thereto."

DINOSAUR TRACKWAY AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN
Pub. L. 103–433, title I, §108, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4483, provided that:
"(a) DESIGNATION.—There is hereby established the Dinosaur Trackway Area of Critical

Environmental Concern within the California Desert Conservation Area, of the Bureau of Land
Management, comprising approximately five hundred and ninety acres as generally depicted on a
map entitled 'Dinosaur Trackway Area of Critical Environmental Concern', dated July 1993. The
Secretary [of the Interior] shall administer the area to preserve the paleontological resources within
the area.
"(b) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal lands within and adjacent to the
Dinosaur Trackway Area of Critical Environmental Concern, as generally depicted on a map entitled
'Dinosaur Trackway Mineral Withdrawal Area', dated July 1993, are hereby withdrawn from all forms
of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and patent under
the United States mining laws; and from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and
geothermal leasing, and mineral materials, and all amendments thereto."
1 So in original. Probably should be "plan".

§1781a. Acceptance of donation of certain existing permits or leases
(1) During fiscal year 2012 and thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior shall accept the donation of any valid
existing permits or leases authorizing grazing on public lands within the California Desert Conservation Area. With
respect to each permit or lease donated under this paragraph, the Secretary shall terminate the grazing permit or
lease, ensure a permanent end (except as provided in paragraph (2)), to grazing on the land covered by the permit
or lease, and make the land available for mitigation by allocating the forage to wildlife use consistent with any
applicable Habitat Conservation Plan, section 10(a)(1)(B) permit, or section 7 consultation under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(2) If the land covered by a permit or lease donated under paragraph (1) is also covered by another valid existing
permit or lease that is not donated under such paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior shall reduce the authorized
grazing level on the land covered by the permit or lease to reflect the donation of the permit or lease under
paragraph (1). To ensure that there is a permanent reduction in the level of grazing on the land covered by a permit
or lease donated under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not allow grazing use to exceed the authorized level
under the remaining valid existing permit or lease that is not donated.
(Pub. L. 112–74, div. E, title I, §122(b), Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1013.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in par. (1), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87
Stat. 884, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. Sections
10(a)(1)(B) and 7 of the Act are classified to sections 1539(a)(1)(B) and 1536, respectively, of Title
16. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531
of Title 16 and Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related
about:blank

Page 75 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012,
and not as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this
chapter.

§1782. Bureau of Land Management Wilderness Study
(a) Lands subject to review and designation as wilderness
Within fifteen years after October 21, 1976, the Secretary shall review those roadless areas of five thousand
acres or more and roadless islands of the public lands, identified during the inventory required by section 1711(a) of
this title as having wilderness characteristics described in the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964 (78 Stat. 890;
16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and shall from time to time report to the President his recommendation as to the suitability
or nonsuitability of each such area or island for preservation as wilderness: Provided, That prior to any
recommendations for the designation of an area as wilderness the Secretary shall cause mineral surveys to be
conducted by the United States Geological Survey and the United States Bureau of Mines to determine the mineral
values, if any, that may be present in such areas: Provided further, That the Secretary shall report to the President
by July 1, 1980, his recommendations on those areas which the Secretary has prior to November 1, 1975, formally
identified as natural or primitive areas. The review required by this subsection shall be conducted in accordance
with the procedure specified in section 3(d) of the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1132(d)].
(b) Presidential recommendation for designation as wilderness
The President shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of his
recommendations with respect to designation as wilderness of each such area, together with a map thereof and a
definition of its boundaries. Such advice by the President shall be given within two years of the receipt of each
report from the Secretary. A recommendation of the President for designation as wilderness shall become effective
only if so provided by an Act of Congress.
(c) Status of lands during period of review and determination
During the period of review of such areas and until Congress has determined otherwise, the Secretary shall
continue to manage such lands according to his authority under this Act and other applicable law in a manner so as
not to impair the suitability of such areas for preservation as wilderness, subject, however, to the continuation of
existing mining and grazing uses and mineral leasing in the manner and degree in which the same was being
conducted on October 21, 1976: Provided, That, in managing the public lands the Secretary shall by regulation or
otherwise take any action required to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the lands and their resources
or to afford environmental protection. Unless previously withdrawn from appropriation under the mining laws, such
lands shall continue to be subject to such appropriation during the period of review unless withdrawn by the
Secretary under the procedures of section 1714 of this title for reasons other than preservation of their wilderness
character. Once an area has been designated for preservation as wilderness, the provisions of the Wilderness Act
[16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.] which apply to national forest wilderness areas shall apply with respect to the
administration and use of such designated area, including mineral surveys required by section 4(d)(2) of the
Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(2)], and mineral development, access, exchange of lands, and ingress and
egress for mining claimants and occupants.
(Pub. L. 94–579, title VI, §603, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2785; Pub. L. 102–154, title I, Nov. 13, 1991, 105 Stat. 1000;
Pub. L. 102–285, §10(b), May 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 172.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is Pub. L. 88–577,
Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of
Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out
under section 1131 of Title 16 and Tables.
This Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended,
known as the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Tables.

CHANGE OF NAME
about:blank

Page 76 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

"United States Geological Survey" substituted for "Geological Survey" in subsec. (a) pursuant to
provision of title I of Pub. L. 102–154, set out as a note under section 31 of this title.
"United States Bureau of Mines" substituted for "Bureau of Mines" in subsec. (a) pursuant to
section 10(b) of Pub. L. 102–285, set out as a note under section 1 of Title 30, Mineral Lands and
Mining. For provisions relating to closure and transfer of functions of the United States Bureau of
Mines, see note set out under section 1 of Title 30.
Pub. L. 104–134, title I, §101(c) [title I], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–156, 1321-165; renumbered title
I, Pub. L. 104–140, §1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327, provided in part: "That the authority granted to
the United States Bureau of Mines to conduct mineral surveys and to determine mineral values by
section 603 of Public Law 94–579 [43 U.S.C. 1782] is hereby transferred to, and vested in, the Director
of the United States Geological Survey."

§1783. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
(a) Establishment
In order to protect the unique scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational values of certain lands in and
around Yaquina Head, in Lincoln County, Oregon, there is hereby established, subject to valid existing rights, the
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (hereinafter referred to as the "area"). The boundaries of the area are
those shown on the map entitled "Yaquina Head Area", dated July 1979, which shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the Office of the Director, Bureau of Land Management, United States Department of the
Interior, and the State Office of the Bureau of Land Management in the State of Oregon.
(b) Administration by Secretary of the Interior; management plan; quarrying permits
(1) The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary") shall administer the Yaquina Head
Outstanding Natural Area in accordance with the laws and regulations applicable to the public lands as defined in
section 103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1702) [43 U.S.C.
1702(e)], in such a manner as will best provide for—
(A) the conservation and development of the scenic, natural, and historic values of the area;
(B) the continued use of the area for purposes of education, scientific study, and public recreation which do not
substantially impair the purposes for which the area is established; and
(C) protection of the wildlife habitat of the area.
(2) The Secretary shall develop a management plan for the area which accomplishes the purposes and is
consistent with the provisions of this section. This plan shall be developed in accordance with the provisions of
section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1712).
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary is authorized to issue permits or to contract
for the quarrying of materials from the area in accordance with the management plan for the area on condition that
the lands be reclaimed and restored to the satisfaction of the Secretary. Such authorization to quarry shall require
payment of fair market value for the materials to be quarried, as established by the Secretary, and shall also include
any terms and conditions which the Secretary determines necessary to protect the values of such quarry lands for
purposes of this section.
(c) Revocation of 1866 reservation of lands for lighthouse purposes; restoration to public lands status
The reservation of lands for lighthouse purposes made by Executive order of June 8, 1866, of certain lands
totaling approximately 18.1 acres, as depicted on the map referred to in subsection (a), is hereby revoked. The
lands referred to in subsection (a) are hereby restored to the status of public lands as defined in section 103(e) of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1702) [43 U.S.C. 1702(e)], and
shall be administered in accordance with the management plan for the area developed pursuant to subsection (b),
except that such lands are hereby withdrawn from settlement, sale, location, or entry, under the public land laws,
including the mining laws (30 U.S.C., ch. 2), leasing under the mineral leasing laws (30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.), and
disposals under the Materials Act of July 31, 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 601, 602) [43 U.S.C. 601 et seq.].
(d) Acquisition of lands not already in Federal ownership
The Secretary shall, as soon as possible but in no event later than twenty-four months following March 5, 1980,
acquire by purchase, exchange, donation, or condemnation all or any part of the lands and waters and interests in
about:blank

Page 77 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

lands and waters within the area referred to in subsection (a) which are not in Federal ownership except that State
land shall not be acquired by purchase or condemnation. Any lands or interests acquired by the Secretary pursuant
to this section shall become public lands as defined in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as
amended [43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.]. Upon acquisition by the United States, such lands are automatically withdrawn
under the provisions of subsection (c) except that lands affected by quarrying operations in the area shall be
subject to disposals under the Materials Act of July 31, 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 601, 602) [30 U.S.C. 601 et
seq.]. Any lands acquired pursuant to this subsection shall be administered in accordance with the management
plan for the area developed pursuant to subsection (b).
(e) Wind energy research
The Secretary is authorized to conduct a study relating to the use of lands in the area for purposes of wind
energy research. If the Secretary determines after such study that the conduct of wind energy research activity will
not substantially impair the values of the lands in the area for purposes of this section, the Secretary is further
authorized to issue permits for the use of such lands as a site for installation and field testing of an experimental
wind turbine generating system. Any permit issued pursuant to this subsection shall contain such terms and
conditions as the Secretary determines necessary to protect the values of such lands for purposes of this section.
(f) Reclamation and restoration of lands affected by quarrying operations
The Secretary shall develop and administer, in addition to any requirements imposed pursuant to subsection (b)
(3), a program for the reclamation and restoration of all lands affected by quarrying operations in the area acquired
pursuant to subsection (d). All revenues received by the United States in connection with quarrying operations
authorized by subsection (b)(3) shall be deposited in a separate fund account which shall be established by the
Secretary of the Treasury. Such revenues are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary as needed for
reclamation and restoration of any lands acquired pursuant to subsection (d). After completion of such reclamation
and restoration to the satisfaction of the Secretary, any unexpended revenues in such fund shall be returned to the
general fund of the United States Treasury.
(g) Authorization of appropriations
There are hereby authorized to be appropriated in addition to that authorized by subsection (f), such sums as
may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(Pub. L. 96–199, title I, §119, Mar. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 71.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Materials Act of July 31, 1947, as amended (30 U.S.C. 601, 602), referred to in subsecs. (c)
and (d), is act July 31, 1947, ch. 406, 61 Stat. 681, as amended, which is classified generally to
subchapter I (§601 et seq.) of chapter 15 of Title 30. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note set out under section 601 of Title 30 and Tables.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, referred to in subsec. (d), is
Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, which is classified principally to this chapter.
For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of
this title and Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section was not enacted as part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which
comprises this chapter.

§1784. Lands in Alaska; designation as wilderness; management by Bureau of
Land Management pending Congressional action
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, section 1782 of this title shall not apply to any lands in Alaska.
However, in carrying out his duties under sections 1711 and 1712 of this title and other applicable laws, the
Secretary may identify areas in Alaska which he determines are suitable as wilderness and may, from time to time,
make recommendations to the Congress for inclusion of any such areas in the National Wilderness Preservation
System, pursuant to the provisions of the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.]. In the absence of congressional
about:blank

Page 78 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

action relating to any such recommendation of the Secretary, the Bureau of Land Management shall manage all
such areas which are within its jurisdiction in accordance with the applicable land use plans and applicable
provisions of law.
(Pub. L. 96–487, title XIII, §1320, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2487.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Wilderness Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, as amended,
which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§1131 et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of Title 16 and
Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, and not as
part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

KENAI NATIVES ASSOCIATION LAND EXCHANGE
Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title III, §311, Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4139, as amended by Pub. L. 106–176,
title I, §105, Mar. 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 25, provided that:
"(a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the 'Kenai Natives Association Equity Act

Amendments of 1996'.
"(b) FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.—
"(1) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds the following:
"(A) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Kenai Natives Association, Inc.,
have agreed to transfers of certain land rights, in and near the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge,
negotiated as directed by Public Law 102–458 [106 Stat. 2267].
"(B) The lands to be acquired by the Service are within the area impacted by the Exxon
Valdez oil spill of 1989, and these lands included important habitat for various species of fish
and wildlife for which significant injury resulting from the spill has been documented through the
EVOS Trustee Council restoration process. This analysis has indicated that these lands
generally have value for the restoration of such injured natural resources as pink salmon, dolly
varden, bald eagles, river otters, and cultural and archaeological resources. This analysis has
also indicated that these lands generally have high value for the restoration of injured species
that rely on these natural resources, including wilderness quality, recreation, tourism, and
subsistence.
"(C) Restoration of the injured species will benefit from acquisition and the prevention of
disturbances which may adversely affect their recovery.
"(D) It is in the public interest to complete the conveyances provided for in this section.
"(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section is to authorize and direct the Secretary, at the
election of KNA, to complete the conveyances provided for in this section.
"(c) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section, the term—
"(1) 'ANCSA' means the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.);
"(2) 'ANILCA' means the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487;
94 Stat. 2371 et seq. [see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of Title 16, Conservation]);
"(3) 'conservation system unit' has the same meaning as in section 102(4) of ANILCA (16
U.S.C. 3102(4));
"(4) 'CIRI' means the Cook Inlet Region, Inc., a Native Regional Corporation incorporated in
the State of Alaska pursuant to the terms of ANCSA;
"(5) 'EVOS' means the Exxon Valdez oil spill;
"(6) 'KNA' means the Kenai Natives Association, Inc., an urban corporation incorporated in
the State of Alaska pursuant to the terms of ANCSA;
about:blank

Page 79 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

"(7) 'lands' means any lands, waters, or interests therein;
"(8) 'Refuge' means the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge;
"(9) 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior;
"(10) 'Service' means the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and
"(11) 'Terms and Conditions' means the Terms and Conditions for Land Consolidation and
Management in the Cook Inlet Area, as clarified on August 31, 1976, ratified by section 12 of
Public Law 94–204 (43 U.S.C. 1611 note).
"(d) ACQUISITION OF LANDS.—
"(1) OFFER TO KNA.—
"(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of the funds identified in paragraph (2)(C), no
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 12, 1996], the Secretary
shall offer to convey to KNA the interests in land and rights set forth in paragraph (2)(B), subject
to valid existing rights, in return for the conveyance by KNA to the United States of the interests
in land or relinquishment of ANCSA selections set forth in paragraph (2)(A). Payment for the
lands conveyed to the United States by KNA is contingent upon KNA's acceptance of the entire
conveyance outlined herein.
"(B) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may not convey any lands or make payment to KNA under
this section unless title to the lands to be conveyed by KNA under this section has been found
by the United States to be sufficient in accordance with the provisions of section 355 of the
Revised Statutes (40 U.S.C. 255) [now 40 U.S.C. 3111, 3112].
"(2) ACQUISITION LANDS.—
"(A) LANDS TO BE CONVEYED TO THE UNITED STATES.—The lands to be conveyed by KNA to the
United States, or the valid selection rights under ANCSA to be relinquished, all situated within
the boundary of the Refuge, are the following:
"(i) The conveyance of approximately 803 acres located along and on islands within
the Kenai River, known as the Stephanka Tract.
"(ii) The conveyance of approximately 1,243 acres located along the Moose River,
known as the Moose River Patented Lands Tract.
"(iii) The relinquishment of KNA's selection known as the Moose River Selected
Tract, containing approximately 753 acres located along the Moose River.
"(iv) The relinquishment of KNA's remaining ANCSA entitlement of approximately
454 acres.
"(v) The relinquishment of all KNA's remaining overselections. Upon completion of
all relinquishments outlined above, all KNA's entitlement shall be deemed to be extinguished
and the completion of this acquisition will satisfy all of KNA's ANCSA entitlement.
"(vi) The conveyance of an access easement providing the United States and its
assigns access across KNA's surface estate in the SW¼ of section 21, T. 6 N., R. 9 W.,
Seward Meridian, Alaska.
"(vii) The conveyance of approximately 100 acres within the Beaver Creek Patented
Tract, which is contiguous to lands being retained by the United States contiguous to the
Beaver Creek Patented Tract, in exchange for 280 acres of Service lands currently situated
within the Beaver Creek Selected Tract.
"(B) LANDS TO BE CONVEYED TO KNA.—The rights provided or lands to be conveyed by the United
States to KNA, are the following:
"(i) The surface and subsurface estate to approximately 5 acres, subject to
reservations of easements for existing roads and utilities, located within the city of Kenai,
Alaska, identified as United States Survey 1435, withdrawn by Executive Order 2943 and
known as the old Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters site.
"(ii) The remaining subsurface estate held by the United States to approximately
13,651 acres, including portions of the Beaver Creek Patented Tract, the Beaver Creek
about:blank

Page 80 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

Selected Tract, and portions of the Swanson River Road West Tract and the Swanson River
Road East Tract, where the surface was previously or will be conveyed to KNA pursuant to
this Act but excluding the SW¼ of section 21, T. 6 N., R. 9 W., Seward Meridian, Alaska,
which will be retained by the United States. The conveyance of these subsurface interests
will be subject to the rights of CIRI to the coal, oil, gas, and to all rights CIRI, its successors,
and assigns would have under paragraph 1(B) of the Terms and Conditions, including the
right to sand and gravel, to construct facilities, to have rights-of-way, and to otherwise
develop it subsurface interests.
"(iii)(I) The nonexclusive right to use sand and gravel which is reasonably necessary
for on-site development without compensation or permit on those portions of the Swanson
River Road East Tract, comprising approximately 1,738.04 acres; where the entire
subsurface of the land is presently owned by the United States. The United States shall
retain the ownership of all other sand and gravel located within the subsurface and KNA shall
not sell or dispose of such sand and gravel.
"(II) The right to excavate within the subsurface estate as reasonably necessary for
structures, utilities, transportation systems, and other development of the surface estate.
"(iv) The nonexclusive right to excavate within the subsurface estate as reasonably
necessary for structures, utilities, transportation systems, and other development of the
surface estate on the SW¼, section 21, T. 6 N., R. 9 W., Seward Meridian, Alaska, where the
entire subsurface of the land is owned by the United States and which public lands shall
continue to be withdrawn from mining following their removal from the Refuge boundary
under paragraph (3)(A)(ii). The United States shall retain the ownership of all other sand and
gravel located within the subsurface of this parcel.
"(v) The surface estate of approximately 280 acres known as the Beaver Creek
Selected Tract. This tract shall be conveyed to KNA in exchange for lands conveyed to the
United States as described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii).
"(C) PAYMENT.—The United States shall make a total cash payment to KNA for the abovedescribed lands of $4,443,000, contingent upon the appropriate approvals of the Federal or
State of Alaska EVOS Trustees (or both) necessary for any expenditure of the EVOS
settlement funds.
"(D) NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES.—Upon completion of the acquisition authorized in
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, at no cost to KNA, in coordination with KNA, promptly
undertake to nominate the Stephanka Tract to the National Register of Historic Places, in
recognition of the archaeological artifacts from the original Dena'ina Settlement. If the
Department of the Interior establishes a historical, cultural, or archaeological interpretive site,
KNA shall have the exclusive right to operate a Dena'ina interpretive site on the Stephanka
Tract under the regulations and policies of the department. If KNA declines to operate such a
site, the department may do so under its existing authorities. Prior to the department
undertaking any archaeological activities whatsoever on the Stephanka Tract, KNA shall be
consulted.
"(3) GENERAL PROVISIONS.—
"(A) REMOVAL OF KNA LANDS FROM THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM.—
"(i) Effective on the date of closing for the Acquisition Lands identified in paragraph
(2)(B), all lands retained by or conveyed to KNA pursuant to this section, and the subsurface
interests of CIRI underlying such lands shall be automatically removed from the National
Wildlife Refuge System and shall neither be considered as part of the Refuge nor subject to
any laws pertaining solely to lands within the boundaries of the Refuge. The conveyance
restrictions imposed by section 22(g) of ANCSA [43 U.S.C. 1621(g)] (i) shall then be ineffective
and cease to apply to such interests of KNA and CIRI, and (ii) shall not be applicable to the
interests received by KNA in accordance with paragraph (2)(B) or to the CIRI interests
about:blank

Page 81 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

underlying them. The Secretary shall adjust the boundaries of the Refuge so as to exclude all
interests in lands retained or received in exchange by KNA in accordance with this section,
including both surface and subsurface, and shall also exclude all interests currently held by
CIRI. On lands within the Swanson River Road East Tract, the boundary adjustment shall
only include the surface estate where the subsurface estate is retained by the United States.
"(ii)(I) The Secretary, KNA, and CIRI shall execute an agreement within 45 days of
the date of enactment of this section [Nov. 12, 1996] which preserves CIRI's rights under
paragraph 1(B)(1) of the Terms and Conditions, addresses CIRI's obligations under such
paragraph, and adequately addresses management issues associated with the boundary
adjustment set forth in this section and with the differing interests in land resulting from
enactment of this section.
"(II) In the event that no agreement is executed as provided for in subclause (I),
solely for the purposes of administering CIRI's rights under paragraph 1(B)(1) of the Terms
and Conditions, the Secretary and CIRI shall be deemed to have retained their respective
rights and obligations with respect to CIRI's subsurface interests under the requirements of
the Terms and Conditions in effect on June 18, 1996. Notwithstanding the boundary
adjustments made pursuant to this section, conveyances to KNA shall be deemed to remain
subject to the Secretary's and CIRI's rights and obligations under paragraph 1(B)(1) of the
Terms and Conditions.
"(iii) The Secretary is authorized to acquire by purchase or exchange, on a willing
seller basis only, any lands retained by or conveyed to KNA. In the event that any lands
owned by KNA are subsequently acquired by the United States, they shall be automatically
included in the Refuge System. The laws and regulations applicable to Refuge lands shall
then apply to these lands and the Secretary shall then adjust the boundaries accordingly.
"(iv) Nothing in this section is intended to enlarge or diminish the authorities, rights,
duties, obligations, or the property rights held by CIRI under the Terms and Conditions, or
otherwise except as set forth in this section. In the event of the purchase by the United States
of any lands from KNA in accordance with subparagraph (A)(ii), the United States shall
reassume from KNA the rights it previously held under the Terms and Conditions and the
provisions in any patent implementing section 22(g) of ANCSA [43 U.S.C. 1621(g)] will again
apply.
"(v) By virtue of implementation of this section, CIRI is deemed entitled to 1,207
acres of in-lieu subsurface entitlement under section 12(a)(1) of ANCSA [43 U.S.C. 1611(a)(1)].
Such entitlement shall be fulfilled in accordance with paragraph 1(B)(2)(A) of the Terms and
Conditions.
"(B) MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS.—Maps and a legal description of the lands described
above shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the United
States Department of the Interior, and the Secretary shall, no later than 90 days after
enactment of this section, prepare a legal description of the lands described in paragraph (2)(A)
(vii). Such maps and legal description shall have the same force and effect as if included in the
section, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors.
"(C) ACCEPTANCE.—KNA may accept the offer made in this section by notifying the
Secretary in writing of its decision within 180 days of receipt of the offer. In the event the offer is
rejected, the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural
Resources] of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
"(D) FINAL MAPS.—Not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the acquisition authorized
by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall transmit a final report and maps accurately depicting the
lands transferred and conveyed pursuant to this section and the acreage and legal descriptions
of such lands to the Committee on Resources [now Committee on Natural Resources] of the
about:blank

Page 82 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the
Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
"(e) ADJUSTMENTS TO NATIONAL WILDERNESS SYSTEM.—Upon acquisition of lands by the United States
pursuant to subsection (d)(2)(A), that portion of the Stephanka Tract lying south and west of the
Kenai River, consisting of approximately 592 acres, shall be included in and managed as part of the
Kenai Wilderness and such lands shall be managed in accordance with the applicable provisions of
the Wilderness Act and ANILCA.
"(f) DESIGNATION OF LAKE TODATONTEN SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA.—
"(1) PURPOSE.—To balance the potential effects on fish, wildlife, and habitat of the removal of
KNA lands from the Refuge System, the Secretary is hereby directed to withdraw, subject to valid
existing rights, from location, entry, and patent under the mining laws and to create as a special
management unit for the protection of fish, wildlife, and habitat, certain unappropriated and
unreserved public lands, totaling approximately 37,000 acres adjacent to the west boundary of
the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge to be known as the 'Lake Todatonten Special Management
Area', as depicted on the map entitled 'Proposed: Lake Todatonten Special Management Area',
dated June 13, 1996, and to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
"(2) MANAGEMENT.—
"(A) Such designation is subject to all valid existing rights as well as the subsistence
preferences provided under title VIII of ANILCA [16 U.S.C. 3111 et seq.]. Any lands conveyed to
the State of Alaska shall be removed from the Lake Todatonten Special Management Area.
"(B) The Secretary may permit any additional uses of the area, or grant easements, only
to the extent that such use, including leasing under the mineral leasing laws, is determined to
not detract from nor materially interfere with the purposes for which the Special Management
Area is established.
"(C)(i) The BLM shall establish the Lake Todatonten Special Management Area
Committee. The membership of the Committee shall consist of 11 members as follows:
"(I) Two residents each from the villages of Alatna, Allakaket, Hughes, and Tanana.
"(II) One representative from each of Doyon Corporation, the Tanana Chiefs
Conference, and the State of Alaska.
"(ii) Members of the Committee shall serve without pay.
"(iii) The BLM shall hold meetings of the Lake Todatonten Special Management Area
Committee at least once per year to discuss management issues within the Special
Management Area. The BLM shall not allow any new type of activity in the Special
Management Area without first conferring with the Committee in a timely manner.
"(3) ACCESS.—The Secretary shall allow the following:
"(A) Private access for any purpose, including economic development, to lands within the
boundaries of the Special Management Area which are owned by third parties or are held in
trust by the Secretary for third parties pursuant to the Alaska Native Allotment Act (25 U.S.C.
336). Such rights may be subject to restrictions issued by the BLM to protect subsistence uses
of the Special Management Area.
"(B) Existing public access across the Special Management Area. Section 1110(a) of
ANILCA [16 U.S.C. 3170(a)] shall apply to the Special Management Area.
"(4) SECRETARIAL ORDER AND MAPS.—The Secretary shall file with the Committee on Resources [now
Committee on Natural Resources] of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the
Secretarial Order and maps setting forth the boundaries of the Area within 90 days of the
completion of the acquisition authorized by this section. Once established, this Order may only be
amended or revoked by Act of Congress.
"(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section."
about:blank

Page 83 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1785. Fossil Forest Research Natural Area
(a) Establishment
To conserve and protect natural values and to provide scientific knowledge, education, and interpretation for the
benefit of future generations, there is established the Fossil Forest Research Natural Area (referred to in this
section as the "Area"), consisting of the approximately 2,770 acres in the Farmington District of the Bureau of Land
Management, New Mexico, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Fossil Forest", dated June 1983.
(b) Map and legal description
(1) In general
As soon as practicable after November 12, 1996, the Secretary of the Interior shall file a map and legal
description of the Area with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee
on Resources of the House of Representatives.
(2) Force and effect
The map and legal description described in paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in
this Act.
(3) Technical corrections
The Secretary of the Interior may correct clerical, typographical, and cartographical errors in the map and legal
description subsequent to filing the map pursuant to paragraph (1).
(4) Public inspection
The map and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Director of
the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior.
(c) Management
(1) In general
The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall manage the
Area—
(A) to protect the resources within the Area; and
(B) in accordance with this Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et
seq.), and other applicable provisions of law.
(2) Mining
(A) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, the lands within the Area are withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under
the mining laws and from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, and
mineral material sales.
(B) Coal preference rights
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to issue coal leases in New Mexico in exchange for any
preference right coal lease application within the Area. Such exchanges shall be made in accordance with
applicable existing laws and regulations relating to coal leases after a determination has been made by the
Secretary that the applicant is entitled to a preference right lease and that the exchange is in the public
interest.
(C) Oil and gas leases
Operations on oil and gas leases issued prior to November 12, 1996, shall be subject to the applicable
provisions of Group 3100 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (including section 3162.5–1), and such other
terms, stipulations, and conditions as the Secretary of the Interior considers necessary to avoid significant
disturbance of the land surface or impairment of the natural, educational, and scientific research values of the
Area in existence on November 12, 1996.
(3) Grazing
Livestock grazing on lands within the Area may not be permitted.
about:blank

Page 84 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(d) Inventory
Not later than 3 full fiscal years after November 12, 1996, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director
of the Bureau of Land Management, shall develop a baseline inventory of all categories of fossil resources within
the Area. After the inventory is developed, the Secretary shall conduct monitoring surveys at intervals specified in
the management plan developed for the Area in accordance with subsection (e).
(e) Management plan
(1) In general
Not later than 5 years after November 12, 1996, the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and submit to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives a management plan that describes the appropriate use of the Area consistent with this
subsection.
(2) Contents
The management plan shall include—
(A) a plan for the implementation of a continuing cooperative program with other agencies and groups for—
(i) laboratory and field interpretation; and
(ii) public education about the resources and values of the Area (including vertebrate fossils);
(B) provisions for vehicle management that are consistent with the purpose of the Area and that provide for
the use of vehicles to the minimum extent necessary to accomplish an individual scientific project;
(C) procedures for the excavation and collection of fossil remains, including botanical fossils, and the use of
motorized and mechanical equipment to the minimum extent necessary to accomplish an individual scientific
project; and
(D) mitigation and reclamation standards for activities that disturb the surface to the detriment of scenic and
environmental values.
(Pub. L. 98–603, title I, §103, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3156; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, §1022(e), Nov. 12, 1996,
110 Stat. 4213; Pub. L. 106–176, title I, §124, Mar. 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 30.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
This Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2) and (c)(1)(B), is Pub. L. 98–603, Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3155,
as amended, known as the San Juan Basin Wilderness Protection Act of 1984. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)
(B), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, as amended, which is classified principally to this
chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section
1701 of this title and Tables.

CODIFICATION
November 12, 1996, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was in the original "the date of enactment of this
Act", which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 104–333, which amended this
section generally, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Section was enacted as part of the San Juan Basin Wilderness Protection Act of 1984, and not as
part of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

AMENDMENTS
2000—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–176, §124(1), substituted "Committee on Resources" for

"Committee on Natural Resources".
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–176, §124(2), which directed amendment of par. (1) by substituting "this
subsection" for "this Act", was executed by making the substitution following "consistent with", to
reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Pub. L. 106–176, §124(1), substituted 'Committee on Resources" for "Committee on Natural
Resources".
about:blank

Page 85 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

1996—Pub. L. 104–333 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows:

"(a) In recognition of its paramount aesthetic, natural, scientific, educational, and paleontological
values, the approximately two thousand seven hundred and twenty acre area in the Albuquerque
District of the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico, known as the 'Fossil Forest', as generally
depicted on a map entitled 'Fossil Forest', dated June 1983, is hereby withdrawn, subject to valid
existing rights, from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from disposition under all
laws pertaining to mineral leasing and geothermal leasing and all amendments thereto. The
Secretary of the Interior shall administer the area in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act and shall take such measures as are necessary to ensure that no activities are
permitted within the area which would significantly disturb the land surface or impair the area's
existing natural, educational, and scientific research values, including paleontological study,
excavation, and interpretation.
"(b) Within one year of October 30, 1984, the Secretary of the Interior shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the administration of the Fossil Forest area referred to in subsection (a) of this
section in accordance with the provisions of this Act and shall file a copy of such rules and
regulations with the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate.
"(c) The Bureau of Land Management is hereby directed to conduct a long-range study of the
Fossil Forest to determine how best to manage the area's resource values identified in subsection
(a) of this section. Within eight years of October 30, 1984, the Secretary shall forward the study
results and management plan for the area to Congress. During the study period and until Congress
determines otherwise, the Fossil Forest area shall be managed under the provisions of this Act."

CHANGE OF NAME
Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural
Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress,
Jan. 5, 2007.

§1786. Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Light Station
The term "Light Station" means Piedras Blancas Light Station.
(2) Outstanding Natural Area
The term "Outstanding Natural Area" means the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural
Area established pursuant to subsection (c).
(3) Public lands
The term "public lands" has the meaning stated in section 103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1703(e)).1
(4) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Findings
Congress finds as follows:
(1) The publicly owned Piedras Blancas Light Station has nationally recognized historical structures that should
be preserved for present and future generations.
(2) The coastline adjacent to the Light Station is internationally recognized as having significant wildlife and
marine habitat that provides critical information to research institutions throughout the world.
about:blank

Page 86 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(3) The Light Station tells an important story about California's coastal prehistory and history in the context of
the surrounding region and communities.
(4) The coastal area surrounding the Light Station was traditionally used by Indian people, including the
Chumash and Salinan Indian tribes.
(5) The Light Station is historically associated with the nearby world-famous Hearst Castle (Hearst San Simeon
State Historical Monument), now administered by the State of California.
(6) The Light Station represents a model partnership where future management can be successfully
accomplished among the Federal Government, the State of California, San Luis Obispo County, local
communities, and private groups.
(7) Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area would make a significant addition to the
National Landscape Conservation System administered by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land
Management.
(8) Statutory protection is needed for the Light Station and its surrounding Federal lands to ensure that it
remains a part of our historic, cultural, and natural heritage and to be a source of inspiration for the people of the
United States.
(c) Designation of the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area
(1) In general
In order to protect, conserve, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the
unique and nationally important historical, natural, cultural, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational values
of certain lands in and around the Piedras Blancas Light Station, in San Luis Obispo County, California, while
allowing certain recreational and research activities to continue, there is established, subject to valid existing
rights, the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area.
(2) Maps and legal descriptions
The boundaries of the Outstanding Natural Area as those shown on the map entitled "Piedras Blancas Historic
Light Station: Outstanding Natural Area", dated May 5, 2004, which shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the Office of the Director, Bureau of Land Management, United States Department of the Interior,
and the State office of the Bureau of Land Management in the State of California.
(3) Basis of management
The Secretary shall manage the Outstanding Natural Area as part of the National Landscape Conservation
System to protect the resources of the area, and shall allow only those uses that further the purposes for the
establishment of the Outstanding Natural Area, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1701 et seq.), and other applicable laws.
(4) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, and in accordance with the existing withdrawal as set forth in Public Land Order
7501 (Oct. 12, 2001, Vol. 66, No. 198, Federal Register 52149), the Federal lands and interests in lands included
within the Outstanding Natural Area are hereby withdrawn from—
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the public land mining laws; and
(C) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws and the mineral materials laws.
(d) Management of the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area
(1) In general
The Secretary shall manage the Outstanding Natural Area in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances
the unique and nationally important historical, natural, cultural, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational
values of that area, including an emphasis on preserving and restoring the Light Station facilities, consistent with
the requirements of subsection (c)(3).
(2) Uses
Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall only allow such uses of the Outstanding Natural Area as the
Secretary finds are likely to further the purposes for which the Outstanding Natural Area is established as set
forth in subsection (c)(1).
(3) Management plan
Not later than 3 years after of 2 May 8, 2008, the Secretary shall complete a comprehensive management plan
about:blank

Page 87 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

consistent with the requirements of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1712) to provide long-term management guidance for the public lands within the Outstanding Natural
Area and fulfill the purposes for which it is established, as set forth in subsection (c)(1). The management plan
shall be developed in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local government agencies, with full
public participation, and the contents shall include—
(A) provisions designed to ensure the protection of the resources and values described in subsection (c)(1);
(B) objectives to restore the historic Light Station and ancillary buildings;
(C) an implementation plan for a continuing program of interpretation and public education about the Light
Station and its importance to the surrounding community;
(D) a proposal for minimal administrative and public facilities to be developed or improved at a level
compatible with achieving the resources objectives for the Outstanding Natural Area as described in paragraph
(1) and with other proposed management activities to accommodate visitors and researchers to the
Outstanding Natural Area; and
(E) cultural resources management strategies for the Outstanding Natural Area, prepared in consultation
with appropriate departments of the State of California, with emphasis on the preservation of the resources of
the Outstanding Natural Area and the interpretive, education, and long-term scientific uses of the resources,
giving priority to the enforcement of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa et
seq.) and division A of subtitle III of title 54 within the Outstanding Natural Area.
(4) Cooperative agreements
In order to better implement the management plan and to continue the successful partnerships with the local
communities and the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, administered by the California Department
of Parks and Recreation, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the appropriate Federal,
State, and local agencies pursuant to section 307(b) of the Federal Land Management 3 Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1737(b)).
(5) Research activities
In order to continue the successful partnership with research organizations and agencies and to assist in the
development and implementation of the management plan, the Secretary may authorize within the Outstanding
Natural Area appropriate research activities for the purposes identified in subsection (c)(1) and pursuant to
section 307(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1737(a)).
(6) Acquisition
State and privately held lands or interests in lands adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area and identified as
appropriate for acquisition in the management plan may be acquired by the Secretary as part of the Outstanding
Natural Area only by—
(A) donation;
(B) exchange with a willing party; or
(C) purchase from a willing seller.
(7) Additions to the Outstanding Natural Area
Any lands or interest in lands adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area acquired by the United States after
May 8, 2008, shall be added to and administered as part of the Outstanding Natural Area.
(8) Overflights
Nothing in this section or the management plan shall be construed to—
(A) restrict or preclude overflights, including low level overflights, military, commercial, and general aviation
overflights that can be seen or heard within the Outstanding Natural Area;
(B) restrict or preclude the designation or creation of new units of special use airspace or the establishment
of military flight training routes over the Outstanding Natural Area; or
(C) modify regulations governing low-level overflights above the adjacent Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary.
(9) Law enforcement activities
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude or otherwise affect coastal border security operations or
other law enforcement activities by the Coast Guard or other agencies within the Department of Homeland
Security, the Department of Justice, or any other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies within the
Outstanding Natural Area.
about:blank

Page 88 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(10) Native American uses and interests
In recognition of the past use of the Outstanding Natural Area by Indians and Indian tribes for traditional
cultural and religious purposes, the Secretary shall ensure access to the Outstanding Natural Area by Indians
and Indian tribes for such traditional cultural and religious purposes. In implementing this subsection, the
Secretary, upon the request of an Indian tribe or Indian religious community, shall temporarily close to the general
public use of one or more specific portions of the Outstanding Natural Area in order to protect the privacy of
traditional cultural and religious activities in such areas by the Indian tribe or Indian religious community. Any
such closure shall be made to affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for such
purposes. Such access shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of Public Law 95–341 (42 U.S.C. 1996 et
seq.; commonly referred to as the "American Indian Religious Freedom Act").
(11) No buffer zones
The designation of the Outstanding Natural Area is not intended to lead to the creation of protective perimeters
or buffer zones around 4 area. The fact that activities outside the Outstanding Natural Area and not consistent
with the purposes of this section can be seen or heard within the Outstanding Natural Area shall not, of itself,
preclude such activities or uses up to the boundary of the Outstanding Natural Area.
(e) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(Pub. L. 110–229, title II, §201, May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 759; Pub. L. 113–287, §5(l)(8), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat.
3271.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is Pub. L. 94–
579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of this title and
Tables.
The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(E), is Pub. L.
96–95, Oct. 31, 1979, 93 Stat. 721, which is classified generally to chapter 1B (§470aa et seq.) of Title 16,
Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under
section 470aa of Title 16 and Tables.
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(10), is Pub. L. 95–341, Aug.
11, 1978, 92 Stat. 469, which is classified to sections 1996 and 1996a of Title 42, The Public Health and
Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section
1996 of Title 42 and Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, and not as part
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.

AMENDMENTS
2014—Subsec. (d)(3)(E). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted "division A of subtitle III of title 54" for "the
National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.)".
1 So in original. Probably should be "1702(e))."
2 So in original. The word "of" probably should not appear.
3 So in original. The word "Management" probably should not appear.
4 So in original. Probably should be followed by "the".

about:blank

Page 89 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

§1787. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Commandant
The term "Commandant" means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(2) Lighthouse
The term "Lighthouse" means the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse located in Palm Beach County, Florida.
(3) Local Partners
The term "Local Partners" includes—
(A) Palm Beach County, Florida;
(B) the Town of Jupiter, Florida;
(C) the Village of Tequesta, Florida; and
(D) the Loxahatchee River Historical Society.
(4) Management plan
The term "management plan" means the management plan developed under subsection (c)(1).
(5) Map
The term "map" means the map entitled "Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area" and dated October
29, 2007.
(6) Outstanding Natural Area
The term "Outstanding Natural Area" means the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area established
by subsection (b)(1).
(7) Public land
The term "public land" has the meaning given the term "public lands" in section 103(e) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702(e)).
(8) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
(9) State
The term "State" means the State of Florida.
(b) Establishment of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
(1) Establishment
Subject to valid existing rights, there is established for the purposes described in paragraph (2) the Jupiter Inlet
Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area, the boundaries of which are depicted on the map.
(2) Purposes
The purposes of the Outstanding Natural Area are to protect, conserve, and enhance the unique and nationally
important historic, natural, cultural, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational values of the Federal land
surrounding the Lighthouse for the benefit of present generations and future generations of people in the United
States, while—
(A) allowing certain recreational and research activities to continue in the Outstanding Natural Area; and
(B) ensuring that Coast Guard operations and activities are unimpeded within the boundaries of the
Outstanding Natural Area.
(3) Availability of map
The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land
Management.
(4) Withdrawal
(A) In general
Subject to valid existing rights, subsection (e), and any existing withdrawals under the Executive orders and
about:blank

Page 90 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

public land order described in subparagraph (B), the Federal land and any interests in the Federal land
included in the Outstanding Natural Area are withdrawn from—
(i) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws and the mineral materials laws.
(B) Description of Executive orders
The Executive orders and public land order described in subparagraph (A) are—
(i) the Executive Order dated October 22, 1854;
(ii) Executive Order No. 4254 (June 12, 1925); and
(iii) Public Land Order No. 7202 (61 Fed. Reg. 29758).
(c) Management plan
(1) In general
Not later than 3 years after May 8, 2008, the Secretary, in consultation with the Commandant, shall develop a
comprehensive management plan in accordance with section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) to—
(A) provide long-term management guidance for the public land in the Outstanding Natural Area; and
(B) ensure that the Outstanding Natural Area fulfills the purposes for which the Outstanding Natural Area is
established.
(2) Consultation; public participation
The management plan shall be developed—
(A) in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, county, and local government agencies, the
Commandant, the Local Partners, and other partners; and
(B) in a manner that ensures full public participation.
(3) Existing plans
The management plan shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with existing resource plans,
policies, and programs.
(4) Inclusions
The management plan shall include—
(A) objectives and provisions to ensure—
(i) the protection and conservation of the resource values of the Outstanding Natural Area; and
(ii) the restoration of native plant communities and estuaries in the Outstanding Natural Area, with an
emphasis on the conservation and enhancement of healthy, functioning ecological systems in perpetuity;
(B) objectives and provisions to maintain or recreate historic structures;
(C) an implementation plan for a program of interpretation and public education about the natural and
cultural resources of the Lighthouse, the public land surrounding the Lighthouse, and associated structures;
(D) a proposal for administrative and public facilities to be developed or improved that—
(i) are compatible with achieving the resource objectives for the Outstanding Natural Area described in
subsection (d)(1)(A)(ii); and
(ii) would accommodate visitors to the Outstanding Natural Area;
(E) natural and cultural resource management strategies for the Outstanding Natural Area, to be developed
in consultation with appropriate departments of the State, the Local Partners, and the Commandant, with an
emphasis on resource conservation in the Outstanding Natural Area and the interpretive, educational, and
long-term scientific uses of the resources; and
(F) recreational use strategies for the Outstanding Natural Area, to be prepared in consultation with the
Local Partners, appropriate departments of the State, and the Coast Guard, with an emphasis on passive
recreation.
(5) Interim plan
Until a management plan is adopted for the Outstanding Natural Area, the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource
Management Plan (including any updates or amendments to the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource
Management Plan) shall be in effect.
about:blank

Page 91 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(d) Management of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
(1) Management
(A) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Local Partners and the Commandant, shall manage the Outstanding
Natural Area—
(i) as part of the National Landscape Conservation System;
(ii) in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the unique and nationally important historical,
natural, cultural, scientific, educational, scenic, and recreational values of the Outstanding Natural Area,
including an emphasis on the restoration of native ecological systems; and
(iii) in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)
and other applicable laws.
(B) Limitation
In managing the Outstanding Natural Area, the Secretary shall not take any action that precludes, prohibits,
or otherwise affects the conduct of ongoing or future Coast Guard operations or activities on lots 16 and 18, as
depicted on the map.
(2) Uses
Subject to valid existing rights and subsection (e), the Secretary shall only allow uses of the Outstanding
Natural Area that the Secretary, in consultation with the Commandant and Local Partners, determines would
likely further the purposes for which the Outstanding Natural Area is established.
(3) Cooperative agreements
To facilitate implementation of the management plan and to continue the successful partnerships with local
communities and other partners, the Secretary may, in accordance with section 307(b) of the Federal Land
Management 1 Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1737(b)), enter into cooperative agreements with
the appropriate Federal, State, county, other local government agencies, and other partners (including the
Loxahatchee River Historical Society) for the long-term management of the Outstanding Natural Area.
(4) Research activities
To continue successful research partnerships, pursue future research partnerships, and assist in the
development and implementation of the management plan, the Secretary may, in accordance with section 307(a)
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1737(a)), authorize the conduct of
appropriate research activities in the Outstanding Natural Area for the purposes described in subsection (b)(2).
(5) Acquisition of land
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may acquire for inclusion in the Outstanding Natural Area any
State or private land or any interest in State or private land that is—
(i) adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area; and
(ii) identified in the management plan as appropriate for acquisition.
(B) Means of acquisition
Land or an interest in land may be acquired under subparagraph (A) only by donation, exchange, or
purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds.
(C) Additions to the Outstanding Natural Area
Any land or interest in land adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area acquired by the United States after
May 8, 2008, under subparagraph (A) shall be added to, and administered as part of, the Outstanding Natural
Area.
(6) Law enforcement activities
Nothing in this section, the management plan, or the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource Management Plan
(including any updates or amendments to the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource Management Plan) precludes,
prohibits, or otherwise affects—
(A) any maritime security, maritime safety, or environmental protection mission or activity of the Coast
Guard;
about:blank

Page 92 of 93

11/29/18, 12(00 PM

(B) any border security operation or law enforcement activity by the Department of Homeland Security or the
Department of Justice; or
(C) any law enforcement activity of any Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency in the Outstanding
Natural Area.
(7) Future disposition of Coast Guard facilities
If the Commandant determines, after May 8, 2008, that Coast Guard facilities within the Outstanding Natural
Area exceed the needs of the Coast Guard, the Commandant may relinquish the facilities to the Secretary
without removal, subject only to any environmental remediation that may be required by law.
(e) Effect on ongoing and future Coast Guard operations
Nothing in this section, the management plan, or the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource Management Plan
(including updates or amendments to the Jupiter Inlet Coordinated Resource Management Plan) precludes,
prohibits, or otherwise affects ongoing or future Coast Guard operations or activities in the Outstanding Natural
Area, including—
(1) the continued and future operation of, access to, maintenance of, and, as may be necessitated for Coast
Guard missions, the expansion, enhancement, or replacement of, the Coast Guard High Frequency antenna site
on lot 16;
(2) the continued and future operation of, access to, maintenance of, and, as may be necessitated for Coast
Guard missions, the expansion, enhancement, or replacement of, the military family housing area on lot 18;
(3) the continued and future use of, access to, maintenance of, and, as may be necessitated for Coast Guard
missions, the expansion, enhancement, or replacement of, the pier on lot 18;
(4) the existing lease of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse on lot 18 from the Coast Guard to the Loxahatchee River
Historical Society; or
(5) any easements or other less-than-fee interests in property appurtenant to existing Coast Guard facilities on
lots 16 and 18.
(f) Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
(Pub. L. 110–229, title II, §202, May 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 763.)

REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Executive Order dated October 22, 1854, and Executive Order No. 4254 (June 12, 1925),
referred to in subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i), (ii), were not classified to the Code.
The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(A)(iii), is Pub.
L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of this title and
Tables.

CODIFICATION
Section was enacted as part of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, and not as part
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 which comprises this chapter.
1 So in original. The word "Management" probably should not appear.

about:blank

Page 93 of 93