[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3278-S3285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 6074. Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Kaine, Mr.
Tuberville, Ms. Smith, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Warner, Mr. Warnock, Ms.
Duckworth, Mr. Durbin, and Mrs. Blackburn) submitted an amendment
intended to be proposed by her to the bill S. 4784, to authorize
appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was
ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
[[Page S3279]]
At the end of title X, add the following:
Subtitle H--National Forest System Land
SEC. 1094. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ``Management of Federal
Eastern Lands Act of 2026''.
SEC. 1094A. CHESTER COUNTY REVERSIONARY AND MINERAL INTERESTS
RELEASE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) within the parcel of State forest land located in
Henderson, Chester County, Tennessee, a recent survey by the
State determined that Bethel Baptist Church is encroaching on
State-owned land in Chickasaw State Forest by approximately
19 inches;
(2) the parcel described in paragraph (1) was conveyed to
the State by the Department of Agriculture, which retained a
reversionary interest in the land; and
(3) it is necessary to release the interests of the United
States in and to that land to resolve the encroachment issue
described in paragraph (1).
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Tennessee.
(3) State forest land.--The term ``State forest land''
means the approximately 0.62-acre parcel of land in Chickasaw
State Forest that is identified as ``State Forest Land'' on
the map prepared by the Forest Service entitled ``State
Forest Land Detail Map'' and dated December 13, 2019.
(c) Release of Reversionary Interest.--
(1) Release.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall release, without
consideration, the reversionary interest described in
paragraph (2).
(B) Requirements.--Notwithstanding any requirement for a
grant of land under section 32(c) of The Bankhead-Jones Farm
Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(c)) or any other provision of law,
the release under subparagraph (A) shall occur without any
appraisal, other report, or environmental or similar review
being undertaken.
(2) Description of reversionary interest.--The reversionary
interest referred to in paragraph (1)(A) is the reversionary
interest of the United States in and to the State forest land
that--
(A) takes effect if the State forest land ceases to be used
for public purposes; and
(B) was created by the deed--
(i) granting from the United States to the State the State
forest land;
(ii) dated August 12, 1955; and
(iii) registered on pages 588 through 591 of book 48 of the
record of deeds for Chester County, Tennessee.
(3) Payment of costs.--As a condition of the release under
paragraph (1), the State shall pay to the United States any
administrative costs incurred by the United States in
carrying out the release.
(d) Conveyance of Mineral Rights.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any requirement for the
conveyance of Federal mineral interests under section 209 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1719), part 2720 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations), or any other provision of law, the
Secretary shall convey to the State, by quitclaim deed,
without warranty, and without consideration, the mineral
interest in the State forest land owned by the United States.
(2) Requirements.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the conveyance under paragraph (1) shall occur--
(A) without any exploratory program as to the character of
the mineral deposits in the land;
(B) without any findings as to known mineral values and
mineral development of the land; and
(C) without any appraisal, other report, or environmental
or similar review being undertaken by the Secretary.
(3) Payment of costs.--As a condition of the conveyance
under paragraph (1), the State shall pay to the United States
any administrative costs incurred by the United States in
carrying out the conveyance.
SEC. 1094B. VIRGINIA WILDERNESS ADDITIONS.
(a) Rough Mountain Addition.--Section 1 of Public Law 100-
326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123
Stat. 1002) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(21) Rough mountain addition.--Certain land in the George
Washington National Forest comprising approximately 1,000
acres, as generally depicted as the `Rough Mountain Addition'
on the map entitled `GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST--South
half--Alternative I--Selected Alternative Management
Prescriptions--Land and Resources Management Plan Final
Environmental Impact Statement' and dated March 4, 2014,
which is incorporated in the Rough Mountain Wilderness Area
designated by paragraph (1).''.
(b) Rich Hole Addition.--
(1) Potential wilderness designation.--In furtherance of
the purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
certain land in the George Washington National Forest
comprising approximately 4,600 acres, as generally depicted
as the ``Rich Hole Addition'' on the map entitled ``GEORGE
WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST--South half--Alternative I--
Selected Alternative Management Prescriptions--Land and
Resources Management Plan Final Environmental Impact
Statement'' and dated March 4, 2014, is designated as a
potential wilderness area for incorporation in the Rich Hole
Wilderness Area designated by section 1(2) of Public Law 100-
326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584).
(2) Wilderness designation.--The potential wilderness area
designated by paragraph (1) shall be designated as wilderness
and incorporated in the Rich Hole Wilderness Area designated
by section 1(2) of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note;
102 Stat. 584) on the earlier of--
(A) the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') publishes
in the Federal Register notice that the activities permitted
under paragraph (4) have been completed; or
(B) the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(3) Management.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the
Secretary shall manage the potential wilderness area
designated by paragraph (1) in accordance with the Wilderness
Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
(4) Water quality improvement activities.--
(A) In general.--To enhance natural ecosystems within the
potential wilderness area designated by paragraph (1) by
implementing certain activities to improve water quality and
aquatic passage, as set forth in the Forest Service document
entitled ``Decision Notice for the Lower Cowpasture
Restoration and Management Project'' and dated December 2015,
the Secretary may use motorized equipment and mechanized
transport in the potential wilderness area until the date on
which the potential wilderness area is incorporated into the
Rich Hole Wilderness Area under paragraph (2).
(B) Requirement.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the
Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall use the
minimum tool or administrative practice necessary to carry
out that subparagraph with the least amount of adverse impact
on wilderness character and resources.
SEC. 1094C. CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND
LOCATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Alliance.--The term ``Alliance'' means the Scenic
Rivers Development Alliance, an instrumentality of the State
of Mississippi.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(b) Conveyance.--Subject to the requirements of this
section, not later than 180 days after the completion of the
appraisal under subsection (d)(2) and the written agreement
under subsection (e)(2), the Secretary shall convey by
quitclaim deed to the Alliance all right, title, and interest
of the United States in and to the surface estate of the
National Forest System land generally described in subsection
(c).
(c) Land to Be Conveyed.--
(1) In general.--The National Forest System land referred
to in subsection (b) is--
(A) the approximately 137.7 acres of real property located
in secs. 5 and 6, T. 5 N., R. 4 E., and sec. 31, T. 6 N., R.
4 E., Franklin County, Mississippi, as depicted on the map
prepared for the Alliance by Marling Surveying, LLC, entitled
``Map of Survey of a 137.70 Acre Tract, a Portion of U.S.
Department of Agriculture Forest Service Homochitto National
Forest Tracts H-41g & H-307'', and dated September 16, 2024;
and
(B) the approximately 173 acres of real property located in
secs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, T. 5 N., R. 4 E., Franklin County,
Mississippi, as depicted on the map prepared for the Alliance
by Marling Surveying, LLC, entitled ``Map of Survey of a +/-
173 Acre Tract, a Portion of U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service Homochitto National Forest Tracts H-1, H-3b,
H-41g & H-307'', and dated September 16, 2024.
(2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of the
National Forest System land to be conveyed under this section
shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the
Secretary.
(d) Consideration.--The consideration for the conveyance of
any National Forest System land under this section shall be--
(1) provided in the form of cash; and
(2) in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
National Forest System land being conveyed, as determined by
an appraisal conducted in accordance with the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and
approved by the Secretary.
(e) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under this
section shall be subject to--
(1) valid existing rights;
(2) a written agreement entered into between the Secretary
and the Alliance, under which the Alliance--
(A) agrees to cover the costs of upkeep and maintenance of
the Okhissa Lake Dam, including the dam, spillway, and
related water control facilities; and
(B) assumes responsibility and liability for compliance
with all Federal and State dam safety laws and regulations;
(3) the reservations in the United States of easements for
public roads and trails, including--
(A) a perpetual, nonexclusive road right-of-way 30 feet in
width for ingress and egress over all portions of Forest
Service Road 149A within any of the conveyed land; and
(B) such road and trail rights-of-way as the Secretary may
determine to be necessary or desirable to retain public and
administrative access to Okhissa Lake and appurtenant
National Forest System land;
(4) the reservation in the United States of all mineral
rights, oil and gas rights, and all other subsurface rights
in the conveyed land;
(5) a right of re-entry reserving to the Secretary the
right to retake possession and
[[Page S3280]]
title to the conveyed land in the event the land is
subsequently conveyed to a nonpublic entity or used for
purposes other than public recreation and fish and wildlife
habitat, subject to the condition that, in the event the
Secretary exercises such a right of re-entry, the Alliance
shall remain liable for the abatement and clean-up of
hazardous substances, oil, and any other contaminants;
(6) a restrictive covenant against the subdivision of the
conveyed land into residential lots; and
(7) such other terms and conditions as the Secretary
considers to be appropriate to protect the interests of the
United States.
(f) Proceeds From Sale.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall deposit the proceeds
of the conveyance of any National Forest System land under
this section in the fund established under Public Law 90-171
(commonly known as the ``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
(2) Use of funds.--Amounts deposited under paragraph (1)
shall remain available until expended, without further
appropriation, for the acquisition of land and interests in
land for the National Forest System.
(g) Costs.--As a condition for the conveyance under this
section, the Secretary shall require the Alliance to pay at
closing any reasonable appraisal, survey, and closing costs.
(h) Environmental Laws.--The Secretary shall not be
required to comply with National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other applicable
environmental law in carrying out the conveyance under this
section.
(i) Hazardous Materials.--For purposes of the conveyance
under this section, the Secretary--
(1) shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h)
of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)); and
(2) shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate
those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
SEC. 1094D. LAKE WINNIBIGOSHISH LAND EXCHANGE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) BWLT.--The term ``BWLT'' means Big Winnie Land and
Timber, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Corporation.
(2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Heig
Land Exchange'' and dated December 14, 2023.
(3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the
approximately 17.5 acres of Federal land in Itasca County,
Minnesota, generally depicted as the ``Federal Parcel'' on
the Map.
(4) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means
the approximately 36.7 acres of non-Federal land in Itasca
County, Minnesota, generally depicted as the ``Non-Federal
Parcel'' on the Map.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service.
(b) Exchange Authorized.--Subject to the provisions of this
section, if BWLT offers to convey the non-Federal land to the
United States, the Secretary shall, not later than 1 year
after the date on which such offer is made--
(1) accept the offer;
(2) convey to BWLT all right, title, and interest of the
United States in and to the Federal land, excepting and
reserving an easement for road access to National Forest
System land west of the Federal Parcel; and
(3) accept from BWLT all right, title, and interest of BWLT
in and to the non-Federal land.
(c) Requirements.--The exchange under subsection (b) shall
be--
(1) conditioned on title approval for the non-Federal land
by the Secretary in accordance with subsection (f);
(2) conditioned on a cash equalization payment made by BWLT
to the United States in accordance with subsection (d) if,
under the appraisals conducted in accordance with this
section, it is determined that the value of the Federal land
exceeds the value of the non-Federal land;
(3) conditioned on the satisfactory completion of a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment by BWLT, provided to the
Secretary, in advance of the acceptance of the non-Federal
parcel;
(4) subject to valid existing rights; and
(5) subject to any other terms and conditions the Secretary
determines appropriate.
(d) Equal Value and Cash Equalization.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
exchange under subsection (b) shall be for equal value or the
values shall be equalized by a cash payment.
(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
if the appraised value of the non-Federal land to be conveyed
to the United States exceeds the appraised value of the
Federal land, a cash equalization payment by the United
States to BWLT is hereby waived and the amount of such waived
payment shall be considered a donation by BWLT to the United
States for all purposes of law.
(e) Appraisals.--
(1) In general.--The value of the land to be exchanged
under this section shall be determined by appraisals
conducted by an independent and qualified appraiser mutually
agreed to by the Secretary and BWLT.
(2) Appraisal standards.--The Secretary shall complete
appraisals of the land to be exchanged under this section in
accordance with--
(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions; and
(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice.
(f) Format.--Title to the non-Federal land to be conveyed
to the United States under this section shall be found
sufficient by the Secretary pursuant to section 3111 of title
40, United States Code.
(g) Management of Acquired Land.--The non-Federal land
acquired by the United States under subsection (b) shall be--
(1) added to, and managed as part of, the Chippewa National
Forest; and
(2) managed in accordance with the laws, rules, and
regulations pertaining to National Forest System lands.
(h) Map and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the Map
and legal descriptions of all land to be conveyed under this
section.
(2) Controlling document.--In the case of a discrepancy
between the Map and a legal description, the Map shall
control.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary and BWLT, by mutual
agreement, may correct any minor errors in the Map or in the
legal descriptions, including with respect to the boundaries
of the Federal land and the non-Federal land.
(4) Map on file.--The Map and legal descriptions shall be
on file and available for public inspection in appropriate
offices of the Forest Service.
(i) Closing Costs.--As a condition for the exchange under
subsection (b), BWLT shall pay all closing costs associated
with the exchange, including for--
(1) title insurance and title search;
(2) any applicable inspection fees, escrow fees, attorneys
fees, and recording fees; and
(3) any environmental analysis or resource survey required
under Federal law, regulation, or policy, including a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment of the non-Federal land.
(j) Survey.--
(1) In general.--The exact acreages and legal descriptions
of the Federal and non-Federal land to be exchanged under
subsection (b) shall be determined by surveys satisfactory to
the Secretary.
(2) Costs of survey.--BWLT shall bear all costs associated
with the surveys under paragraph (1).
SEC. 1094E. RELEASE OF REVERSIONARY INTEREST, BLACK RIVER
STATE FOREST, WISCONSIN.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Deli, inc.--The term ``Deli, Inc.'' means Deli, Inc., a
sphagnum moss production business located in Millston,
Wisconsin.
(2) Deli land.--The term ``Deli land'' means the
approximately 37.27 acres of land owned or optioned to
acquire, subject to the approval of the land exchange by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin
Natural Resources Board, and the Governor of the State, in 2
separate parcels, by Deli, Inc., located in Millston,
Wisconsin, as depicted on the map and more particularly
described as follows:
(A) The approximately 31.3-acre parcel (including land
within the road right-of-way), together with any
improvements--
(i) comprising the NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ of sec. 29, T. 20 N., R.
2 W., Town of Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin;
(ii) excluding--
(I) land lying north of the railroad right-of-way; and
(II) a parcel 150 feet wide, with 50 feet lying to the
northeast, and 100 feet to the southwest, of a line
commencing at a point 5 feet east of the northwest corner of
the quarter-quarter section described in clause (i), thence
south 56 E. 39' a distance of 222 feet, thence south 57 E.
31' a distance of 1359 feet; and
(iii) subject to--
(I) any public water use or easements on Lee Lake; and
(II) any easements or restrictions of record, public
roadways, zoning and use ordinances, and the railroad right-
of-way.
(B) The approximately 5.97-acre parcel located in the SW\1/
4\SW\1/4\ of sec. 20, T. 20 N., R. 4 W., Town of Millston,
Jackson County, Wisconsin, comprising lot 7 of Certified
Survey Map No. 4483, as recorded in volume 19S of the
certified survey maps, page 334, as Document No. 413440 in
the Jackson County Register of Deeds.
(3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Black
River State Forest - Deli, Inc.'' and dated June 26, 2023.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Wisconsin.
(5) State forest land.--The term ``State forest land''
means the approximately 31.83 acres of land located in the
Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, as depicted
on the map and more particularly described as follows:
(A) The 23.13-acre parcel--
(i) comprising the portion of the E\1/2\SE\1/4\ of sec. 20,
T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town of Millston, Jackson County,
Wisconsin, lying south of the Interstate 94 southern right-
of-way; and
(ii) excluding a triangular parcel in the southwest corner
described as commencing at the southwest corner, thence east
260 feet, thence northwesterly to a point on the west
boundary thereof 200 feet north of the southwest corner,
thence south to the place of beginning.
(B) The 8.70-acre parcel comprising the portion of the
NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ of sec. 29, T. 20 N., R. 2. W., Town of
Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin, lying north of the
railroad right-of-way, forming a triangular piece, and more
[[Page S3281]]
particularly described as commencing at the northeast corner
of that quarter-quarter section, thence west 1010 feet to the
north line of the railroad right-of-way, thence southeasterly
along the boundary of the railroad to the east line of that
quarter-quarter section, thence north on the east line 750
feet to the place of beginning.
(b) Conditional Release.--
(1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(A) the State forest land is subject to a reversionary
interest of the United States pursuant to section 32(c) of
The Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7 U.S.C. 1011(c)),
requiring that the State forest land be used for public
purposes in perpetuity; and
(B) the State and Deli, Inc. have agreed that--
(i) the State will convey to Deli, Inc. the State forest
land in exchange for the Deli land; and
(ii) after that exchange, the Deli land will be added to
Black River State Forest in the State.
(2) Release.--If the State offers, in a written agreement,
to convey to Deli, Inc., the State forest land in exchange
for the conveyance of the Deli land by Deli, Inc. to the
State--
(A) the reversionary interest of the United States in the
State forest land shall be released; and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture shall provide, as
expeditiously as practicable, recordable evidence of the
release under subparagraph (A) in the form of a quitclaim
deed, which shall--
(i) convey any interest of the United States in and to the
State forest land, without consideration; and
(ii) be provided to the State for recording before the
exchange deeds are recorded.
(3) Corrections.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with the State, may make any necessary
corrections to the legal description of the State forest land
for purposes of the quitclaim deed described in paragraph
(2)(B).
SEC. 1094F. SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST CONSERVATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Designated natural area.--The term ``designated natural
area'' means an area determined to be of exceptional
ecological, botanical, geologic, scenic, or archeological
value by the Secretary.
(2) Designated research natural area.--The term
``designated research natural area'' means an area that has
been selected by the Secretary, and is managed by the Forest
Service, for scientific research value.
(3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map prepared and
submitted by the Secretary under subsection (b)(5)(A).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service.
(5) Special management area.--The term ``Special Management
Area'' means a Special Management Area established by
subsection (c)(1).
(b) Camp Hutchins Wilderness.--
(1) Addition to the national wilderness preservation
system.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.), certain land in the Shawnee National Forest in
the State of Illinois managed by the Forest Service,
comprising approximately 750 acres and generally depicted as
``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area--Proposed'' on the map
prepared by the Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled
``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area and Special Management Area''
and dated November 23, 2023, is designated as wilderness and
as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation
System, and shall be known as the ``Camp Hutchins
Wilderness''.
(2) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Camp
Hutchins Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
except that any reference in that Act to the effective date
shall be considered to be a reference to the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) Hiking trail.--National Forest System Road 211 shall be
closed to public vehicular traffic and may be maintained as a
hiking trail, including the eastern extension of Forest Road
211 formerly known as the ``Hutchins Creek Spur'' up to the
area known as ``Hutchins Creek Corridor'', as generally
depicted on the Map.
(4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness, including
any land or interest in land that is acquired by the United
States within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness after the date of
enactment of this Act, is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land
law;
(B) location, entry, and patent under mining law; and
(C) operation of mineral leasing, mineral materials, and
geothermal leasing law.
(5) Map and legal description.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and
legal description of the Camp Hutchins Wilderness with--
(i) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(B) Effect.--The Map and legal description filed under
subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
clerical and typographical errors on the Map and in the legal
description.
(C) Availability.--The Map and legal description filed
under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary
and on the website of the Forest Service.
(c) Establishment of Special Management Areas.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
following Special Management Areas within the Shawnee
National Forest in the State of Illinois are established:
(A) Camp hutchins special management area.--Certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately
2,953 acres and generally depicted as ``Camp Hutchins Special
Management Area--Proposed'' on the map prepared by the
Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Camp Hutchins
Wilderness Area and Special Management Area'' and dated
November 23, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Camp
Hutchins Special Management Area''.
(B) Ripple hollow special management area.--Certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately
3,445 acres and generally depicted as ``Ripple Hollow Special
Management Area--Proposed'' on the map prepared by the
Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Ripple Hollow
Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023, which
shall be known as the ``Ripple Hollow Special Management
Area''.
(C) Burke branch special management area.--Certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately
6,310 acres and generally depicted as ``Burke Branch Special
Management Area--Proposed'', on the map prepared by the
Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Burke Branch
Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023, which
shall be known as the ``Burke Branch Special Management
Area''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Special Management Areas
are--
(A) to conserve, protect, and enhance the ecological,
scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historic,
educational, and scientific resources of the Special
Management Areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and
future generations;
(B) to promote biodiversity and control invasive species;
(C) to allow for the continuation of restoration efforts
and scientific study of the designated natural areas and
designated research natural areas within the Special
Management Areas; and
(D) to allow for public use and enjoyment of the Special
Management Areas.
(d) Administration of Special Management Areas.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall administer the Special
Management Areas--
(A) in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the
purposes for which the Special Management Areas are
established; and
(B) in accordance with--
(i) this subsection; and
(ii) other applicable law.
(2) Management plan.--Not later than 3 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
management plan for the long-term protection and management
of the Special Management Areas.
(3) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall allow only uses of the
Special Management Areas that are consistent with the
purposes for which the Special Management Areas are
established.
(B) Prescribed fire.--The Secretary may use prescribed fire
to sustain the ecological structure and composition of the
Special Management Areas, to sustain the biodiversity of the
Special Management Areas, and to mitigate the risk of
wildfire in the Special Management Areas or nearby areas.
(C) Management tools.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary may use herbicides,
insecticides, and mechanized equipment, including chainsaws,
drones, unmanned aerial systems, aircraft, pickup trucks,
all-terrain vehicles, and rubber-tired and tracked vehicles,
to control fire, insects, disease, and invasive species in
managing the Special Management Areas approved by the
Secretary.
(ii) Requirement.--In managing the Special Management
Areas, the Secretary shall use the best available technology
and science.
(D) Motor vehicles.--Except in cases in which motor
vehicles are needed for administrative purposes, emergency
response, or access on established roads accessing
trailheads, inholdings, cemeteries, or campgrounds, or are
essential to provide off-road access for ecosystem management
of habitat, the use of motor vehicles, including over-snow
vehicles, in the Special Management Areas shall be
prohibited.
(E) Roads.--The Secretary shall decommission as soon as
practicable any National Forest System roads within the
Special Management Areas that are not needed for management
or access to trailheads, cemeteries, and inholdings.
(F) Timber.--
(i) In general.--Commercial timber harvesting in the
Special Management Areas, except as needed for fire, insect,
and disease control, and for visitor and administrative
safety, shall be prohibited.
(ii) Activities permitted.--Thinning of trees and other
vegetation in the Special
[[Page S3282]]
Management Areas is permitted for restoration of the
designated natural areas and designated research natural
areas and to further the management objectives described in
this subsection.
(G) Inholdings.--
(i) In general.--Access to private inholdings in the
Special Management Areas shall be preserved.
(ii) Acquisitions.--The Secretary shall acquire any private
inholdings in the Special Management Areas by purchase or
exchange from willing sellers as soon as practicable.
(H) Hunting and trapping.--
(i) Hunting.--Hunting shall be permitted in the Special
Management Areas as permitted by the State of Illinois and in
accordance with regulations of the State of Illinois and
regulations and orders issued by the Forest Service.
(ii) Trapping.--Trapping shall not be permitted in the
Special Management Areas.
(iii) Access by motor vehicles.--Motor vehicle access by
hunters within the Special Management Areas, including over-
snow vehicles, shall be prohibited.
(I) Volunteer restoration and research.--
(i) Volunteers.--The Secretary shall allow volunteers of
cooperators and individual Forest Service volunteers to
participate in ecological restoration activities under the
guidance of Forest Service ecologists and botanists within
the Special Management Areas through cooperative agreements.
(ii) Access for research purposes.--The Secretary shall
allow access to the Special Management Areas for scientific
research by individuals and organizations that the Secretary
determines to be qualified for that purpose.
(J) Ongoing management decisions.--The Supervisor of the
Shawnee National Forest shall have the authority, without
requiring the permission of the Secretary, to make management
decisions concerning any designated natural area or
designated research natural area within the Special
Management Areas pursuant to the land management plan for the
Shawnee National Forest.
(4) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the Special Management Areas, including
any land or interest in land that is acquired by the United
States within the Special Management Areas after the date of
enactment of this Act, is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land
law;
(B) location, entry, and patent under mining law; and
(C) operation of mineral leasing, mineral materials, and
geothermal leasing law.
(5) Maps and legal descriptions.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and
legal descriptions of the Special Management Areas with--
(i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
(B) Effect.--The map and legal descriptions filed under
subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
clerical and typographical errors on the map and in the legal
descriptions.
(C) Availability.--The map and legal descriptions filed
under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary
and on the website of the Forest Service.
(6) Public information.--Annually, the Secretary shall make
publicly available on the website of the Shawnee National
Forest a description of the progress in achieving the
management objectives described in this subsection.
SEC. 1094G. SHENANDOAH MOUNTAIN.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) National scenic area.--
(A) In general.--The term ``National Scenic Area'' means
the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area established by
subsection (b)(1).
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``National Scenic Area''
includes--
(i) any National Forest System land within the boundary of
the National Scenic Area that is administered as part of the
National Scenic Area; and
(ii) any National Forest System land within the boundary of
the National Scenic Area that is administered as a component
of the National Wilderness Preservation System under the
amendments made by subsection (c).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Virginia.
(4) Wilderness area.--The term ``Wilderness Area'' means a
wilderness area designated by paragraphs (22) through (26) of
section 1 of Public Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102
Stat. 584; 114 Stat. 2057; 123 Stat. 1002) (as added by
subsection (c)).
(b) Establishment of the Shenandoah Mountain National
Scenic Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area,
consisting of approximately 92,562 acres of National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests, as generally depicted on the map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(A).
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the National Scenic Area
are--
(A) to ensure the protection and preservation of the scenic
quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water
resources of the National Scenic Area;
(B) to protect wildlife, fish, and plant habitat in the
National Scenic Area;
(C) to protect outstanding natural biological values and
habitat for plant and animal species along the Shenandoah
Mountain crest above 3,000 feet above sea level elevation,
including the Cow Knob salamander;
(D) to protect forests in the National Scenic Area that may
develop characteristics of old-growth forests;
(E) to protect the Wilderness Areas; and
(F) to provide for a variety of, and improve existing,
recreation settings and opportunities in the National Scenic
Area in a manner consistent with the purposes of the National
Scenic Area described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(3) Administration.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
the Secretary shall administer the National Scenic Area in
accordance with--
(i) this subsection; and
(ii) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable
to the National Forest System.
(B) Exception.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Secretary shall administer the Wilderness Areas in accordance
with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and any
other laws applicable to the Wilderness Areas, except that
any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act
shall be considered to be a reference to the date of
enactment of this Act for purposes of administering the
Wilderness Areas.
(C) Effect; conflicts.--
(i) Effect.--The establishment of the National Scenic Area
shall not affect the administration of the Wilderness Areas.
(ii) Conflicts.--In the case of any conflict between the
laws applicable to the Wilderness Areas, the Wilderness Act
(16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) shall control.
(D) No buffer zones.--
(i) In general.--Nothing in this subsection creates a
protective perimeter or buffer zone around the National
Scenic Area or a Wilderness Area.
(ii) Activities outside national scenic area or wilderness
areas.--The fact that an activity or use on land outside the
National Scenic Area or a Wilderness Area can be seen or
heard by humans within the National Scenic Area or Wilderness
Area shall not preclude the activity or use outside the
boundaries of the National Scenic Area or Wilderness Area.
(4) Recreational uses.--
(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection or under applicable law, the Secretary shall
authorize the continuation of, or seek to improve, authorized
recreational uses of the National Scenic Area in existence on
the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection interferes with the
authority of the Secretary--
(i) to maintain or improve nonmotorized trails and
recreation sites within the National Scenic Area;
(ii) to construct new nonmotorized trails and recreation
sites within the National Scenic Area;
(iii) to adjust recreational uses within the National
Scenic Area for reasons of sound resource management or
public safety; and
(iv) to evaluate applications for, and issue or deny,
special use authorizations in connection with recreation
within the National Scenic Area.
(C) Requirement.--Recreation within the National Scenic
Area shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the
purposes of the National Scenic Area described in paragraph
(2).
(5) National forest system trail plan.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a National
Forest System trail plan for National Forest System land in
the National Scenic Area that is not located in a Wilderness
Area in order to construct, maintain, and improve
nonmotorized recreation National Forest System trails in a
manner consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic
Area described in paragraph (2).
(B) Potential inclusion.--The Secretary may address in the
National Forest System trail plan developed under
subparagraph (A) National Forest System land that is near,
but not within the boundary of, the National Scenic Area.
(C) Public input.--In developing the National Forest System
trail plan under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall seek
input from interested parties, including members of the
public.
(D) Requirements.--The National Forest System trail plan
developed under subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) promote sustainable trail management that protects
natural resources and provides diverse, high-quality
recreation opportunities, which may include loop trails for
nonmotorized uses;
(ii) consider natural resource protection, trail
sustainability, and trail maintenance needs as primary
factors in determining the location or relocation of National
Forest System trails; and
(iii) develop a National Forest System trail outside the
Little River Wilderness
[[Page S3283]]
Area in the area of the Tillman Road corridor (along National
Forest System road 101) to connect the Wolf Ridge Trail
parking area to the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail, as
generally depicted on the applicable map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(B), pending completion of the required
environmental analysis.
(E) Implementation report.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the
National Forest System trail plan developed under
subparagraph (A), including the identification of the
National Forest System trail described in subparagraph
(D)(iii) and any other priority National Forest System trails
identified for development.
(6) Roads.--
(A) In general.--The establishment of the National Scenic
Area shall not--
(i) result in the closure of any National Forest System
roads, as generally depicted on the map filed under
subsection (d)(1)(A); or
(ii) modify public access within the National Scenic Area.
(B) No new roads.--No new roads shall be constructed in the
National Scenic Area after the date of enactment of this Act.
(C) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection--
(i) denies any owner of private land or an interest in
private land that is located within the National Scenic Area
the right to access the private land;
(ii) alters the authority of the Secretary to open or close
roads in the National Scenic Area in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act in furtherance of the purposes of this
section; or
(iii) alters the authority of the State--
(I) to maintain the access road to the crest of Shenandoah
Mountain (Route 924); or
(II) to realign the access road described in subclause (I)
if necessary for reasons of sound resource management or
public safety.
(D) Parking areas.--
(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), the
reconstruction, minor relocation, and construction of parking
areas and related facilities within the National Scenic Area
are authorized in a manner consistent with the purposes of
the National Scenic Area described in paragraph (2).
(ii) Limitation.--Additional trailhead parking areas
authorized in the National Scenic Area under clause (i) may
be constructed only along National Forest System roads.
(7) Motorized travel.--Motorized travel shall be allowed
only on roads within the portions of the National Scenic Area
that are not Wilderness Areas, in a manner consistent with
paragraph (6).
(8) Water.--The Secretary shall administer the National
Scenic Area in a manner that maintains and enhances water
quality.
(9) Water impoundments.--The establishment of the National
Scenic Area shall not prohibit--
(A) the operation, maintenance, or improvement of, or
access to, dams, reservoirs, or related infrastructure in
existence on the date of enactment of this Act, as generally
depicted on the map filed under subsection (d)(1)(A); or
(B) the establishment of new dams, reservoirs, or related
infrastructure if necessary for municipal use.
(10) Timber harvest.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no
harvesting of timber shall be allowed within the National
Scenic Area.
(B) Exceptions.--
(i) Necessary harvesting.--The Secretary may authorize
harvesting of timber in the National Scenic Area if the
Secretary determines that the harvesting is necessary--
(I) to control fire;
(II) to provide for public safety or trail access;
(III) to construct or maintain overlooks and vistas; or
(IV) to control insect or disease outbreaks.
(ii) Firewood for personal use.--Firewood may be harvested
for personal use along roads within the National Scenic Area,
subject to any conditions that the Secretary may require.
(11) Insect and disease outbreaks.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary
may carry out activities necessary to control insect and
disease outbreaks in a manner consistent with the purposes of
the National Scenic Area described in paragraph (2)--
(i) to maintain scenic quality;
(ii) to reduce hazards to visitors; or
(iii) to protect National Forest System land or private
land.
(B) Limitations.--For purposes of activities carried out
under subparagraph (A)--
(i) native forest insect and disease outbreaks shall be
controlled only--
(I) to prevent unacceptable damage to resources on adjacent
land; or
(II) to protect threatened, endangered, sensitive, or
locally rare species, with biological control methods being
favored; and
(ii) nonnative insects and diseases may be eradicated or
suppressed only in order to prevent a loss of a special
biological community.
(12) Vegetation management.--The Secretary may engage in
vegetation management practices within the National Scenic
Area in a manner consistent with the purposes of the National
Scenic Area described in paragraph (2)--
(A) to maintain wildlife clearings and scenic enhancements
in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; or
(B) to construct not more than 100 acres of additional
wildlife clearings by--
(i) expanding wildlife clearings in existence on the date
of enactment of this Act; or
(ii) constructing new wildlife clearings of approximately 2
to 5 acres.
(13) Wildfire suppression.--
(A) In general.--Nothing in this subsection prohibits the
Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal, State, and
local agencies, as appropriate, from carrying out wildfire
suppression activities within the National Scenic Area.
(B) Requirements.--Wildfire suppression activities within
the National Scenic Area shall be carried out--
(i) in a manner consistent with the purposes of the
National Scenic Area described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) using such means as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(14) Prescribed fire.--Nothing in this section prohibits
the Secretary from conducting prescribed burns and necessary
burn unit preparation within the National Scenic Area in a
manner consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic
Area described in paragraph (2).
(15) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the National Scenic Area is withdrawn
from--
(i) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land
laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws;
(iii) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal
leasing laws;
(iv) wind, solar, or other renewable energy development;
and
(v) designation of new utility corridors, utility rights-
of-way, or communications sites.
(B) Effect.--Consistent with paragraph (6)(C)(i), the
withdrawal under subparagraph (A) shall not deny access to
private land or an interest in private land within the
National Scenic Area.
(16) Management plan.--
(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
the completion of the National Forest System trail plan under
paragraph (5), but not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop as an
amendment to the land management plan for the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forests a management plan
for the National Scenic Area that is consistent with this
subsection.
(B) Effect.--Nothing in this paragraph requires the
Secretary to revise the land management plan for the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forests under section 6 of
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of
1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
(c) Designation of Wilderness Areas.--Section 1 of Public
Law 100-326 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 584; 114 Stat.
2057; 123 Stat. 1002) (as amended by section 1094B(a)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(22) Skidmore fork wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 5,088 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
1094G(d)(1)(B) of the Management of Federal Eastern Lands Act
of 2026, which shall be known as the `Skidmore Fork
Wilderness'.
``(23) Ramseys draft wilderness addition.--Certain National
Forest System land in the George Washington and Jefferson
National Forests comprising approximately 6,961 acres, as
generally depicted on the applicable map filed under section
1094G(d)(1)(B) of the Management of Federal Eastern Lands Act
of 2026, which shall be incorporated into the Ramseys Draft
Wilderness designated by Public Law 98-586 (16 U.S.C. 1132
note; 98 Stat. 3106).
``(24) Lynn hollow wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 3,568 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
1094G(d)(1)(B) of the Management of Federal Eastern Lands Act
of 2026, which shall be known as the `Lynn Hollow
Wilderness'.
``(25) Little river wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 12,461 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
1094G(d)(1)(B) of the Management of Federal Eastern Lands Act
of 2026, which shall be known as the `Little River
Wilderness'.
``(26) Beech lick knob wilderness.--Certain National Forest
System land in the George Washington and Jefferson National
Forests comprising approximately 5,779 acres, as generally
depicted on the applicable map filed under section
1094G(d)(1)(B) of the Management of Federal Eastern Lands Act
of 2026, which shall be known as the `Beech Lick Knob
Wilderness'.''.
(d) Maps and Boundary Descriptions.--
(1) Filing.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file with the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the
Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the
Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives maps
and boundary descriptions of--
(A) the National Scenic Area; and
(B) each of the Wilderness Areas.
[[Page S3284]]
(2) Force and effect.--The maps and boundary descriptions
filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and
effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary
may correct clerical and typographical errors in the maps and
boundary descriptions.
(3) Maps control.--In the case of any discrepancy between
the acreage of the National Scenic Area or a Wilderness Area
and the applicable map filed under paragraph (1), the
applicable map filed under that paragraph shall control.
(4) Availability.--The maps and boundary descriptions filed
under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service.
SEC. 1094H. FLATSIDE WILDERNESS ADDITIONS.
(a) Additions to Flatside Wilderness.--Section 3(d) of
Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-508; 98 Stat.
2349) is amended by inserting ``and certain land in the
Ouachita National Forest, which comprise approximately 2,212
acres, generally depicted as `Land Proposed for Wilderness
Designation' on the map titled `Flatside Wilderness, Proposed
Addition Designation', dated November 12, 2024'' after
``1984''.
(b) Fire, Insects, and Diseases.--Nothing in this section
or the amendment made by subsection (a) shall be construed to
limit the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture under
section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)),
in accordance with existing laws (including regulations).
(c) Designation of Wilderness Addition.--The wilderness
designated by section 3(d) of Arkansas Wilderness Act of 1984
(Public Law 98-508; 98 Stat. 2349), shall be known as the
``Flatside-Bethune Wilderness''. Any reference in a law, map,
regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United
States to such portion of the Flatside Wilderness shall be
deemed to be a reference to the Flatside-Bethune Wilderness.
SEC. 1094I. TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.
(a) In General.--The boundaries of the Talladega National
Forest are modified to include the land depicted on the map
entitled ``Talladega National Forest Proposed Proclamation
Boundary Addition'' and dated September 6, 2024.
(b) Map.--The map described in subsection (a) shall be on
file and available for public inspection in the appropriate
office of the Forest Service.
(c) Acquisitions.--
(1) In general.--Within the area delineated on the map
described in subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture may
use the land acquisition authorities applicable to the
National Forest System, including the Act of March 1, 1911
(commonly known as the ``Weeks Law'') (36 Stat. 961, chapter
186; 16 U.S.C. 552 et seq.), to acquire land, waters, and
interests therein.
(2) Management.--Land acquired pursuant to paragraph (1)
shall be managed as land acquired under the Act of March 1,
1911 (commonly known as the ``Weeks Law'') (36 Stat. 961,
chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 552 et seq.), and in accordance with
all laws and regulations pertaining to the National Forest
System.
(3) Standards.--The Secretary shall ensure that any private
land or waters and any interest in private land or waters
acquired pursuant to paragraph (1) is acquired--
(A) from a willing seller by donation, exchange, or
purchase using donated or appropriated funds; and
(B) to the extent practicable, without undue delay.
SEC. 1094J. BENTON MACKAYE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL FEASIBILITY
STUDY.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that the Benton MacKaye
Trail--
(1) is a scenic, nonmotorized trail that traverses
approximately 287 miles over some of the most renowned
forests and mountains in the States of Georgia, Tennessee,
and North Carolina;
(2) showcases a wide variety of scenic views, including
high-elevation peaks, mature forests, and secluded
waterfalls;
(3) passes through wilderness that is rich with
biodiversity;
(4) passes through six designated Wilderness Areas, the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Chattahoochee-
Oconee, Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests;
(5) provides a wide array of easily accessible hikes for
novice and intermediate hikers, as well as more challenging
trails for backpacking;
(6) supports economic opportunities for numerous rural
communities which benefit from the visitors of the trail
spending their money on accommodations, food, and outdoor
supplies;
(7) runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia, through
Tennessee, and extends through the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park in North Carolina;
(8) is physically accessible; and
(9) can be maintained at a minimal cost because--
(A) the Benton MacKaye Trail has been maintained at its
current length since 2005;
(B) 95 percent of the Benton MacKaye Trail is located on
Federal land; and
(C) the Benton MacKaye Trail has been successfully
constructed, maintained, and managed by the Benton MacKaye
Trail Association since 1980.
(b) Benton Mackaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility
Study.--Section 5(c) of the National Trails System Act (16
U.S.C. 1244(c)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(50) Benton mackaye trail.--
``(A) In general.--The Benton MacKaye Trail, a scenic,
nonmotorized trail that traverses approximately 287 miles in
the States of Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
``(B) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of Agriculture, in
consultation with interested organizations, including the
Benton MacKaye Trail Association, shall complete and submit
to Congress the feasibility study for designating the Benton
MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail.''.
SEC. 1094K. STRATTON RIDGE AIR FORCE MEMORIAL.
(a) In General.--With the consent of the owner of the
private land adjacent to the Cherohala Skyway in the State of
North Carolina on which there is located a memorial honoring
the 9 members of the Air Force crew of the C-141B transport
plane that crashed during a training mission over the
Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests on August 31, 1982
(referred to in this section as the ``memorial''), and
subject to subsections (b) through (e), the Secretary of
Agriculture (referred to in this section as the
``Secretary'') may authorize, by special use authorization,
the installation and any maintenance associated with the
installation of the memorial at an appropriate site at the
Stratton Ridge rest area located at mile marker 2 on the
Cherohala Skyway in Graham County, North Carolina, in the
Nantahala National Forest.
(b) Site Approval.--The site at which the memorial is
installed under subsection (a) is subject to approval by the
Secretary, in concurrence with--
(1) the North Carolina Department of Transportation; and
(2) in a case in which the site is located adjacent to a
Federal-aid highway, the Administrator of the Federal Highway
Administration.
(c) Funding.--No Federal funds may be used to relocate,
install, or maintain the memorial under subsection (a).
(d) Costs.--The individual or entity requesting the
installation of the memorial on National Forest System land
under subsection (a) shall be responsible for the costs
associated with the use of National Forest System land for
the memorial, including the costs of--
(1) processing the application for the relocation;
(2) issuing a special use authorization for the memorial,
including the costs associated with any related environmental
analysis; and
(3) relocating, installing, and maintaining the memorial.
(e) Terms and Conditions.--The special use authorization
for the installation of the memorial under subsection (a) may
include any terms and conditions that are determined to be
appropriate by the Secretary, including a provision
preventing any enlargement or expansion of the memorial.
SEC. 1094L. AMENDMENT TO THE ACT OF JUNE 22, 1948.
Section 5 of the Act of June 22, 1948 (commonly known as
the ``Thye-Blatnik Act'') (62 Stat. 570, chapter 593; 16
U.S.C. 577g), is amended by striking ``of the fair appraised
value of such'' and inserting ``of the highest fair appraised
value, including historical fair appraised values, as
determined by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with
this section, of such''.
SEC. 1094M. CONVEYANCE OF SPECIFIED FOREST SERVICE PROPERTY
TO PERRY COUNTY, ARKANSAS.
(a) Required Conveyance.--Subject to this section, if the
County submits to the Secretary a written request for
conveyance of the property described in subsection (b) not
later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall convey to the County all right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the property
described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Property.--
(1) In general.--The property referred to in subsection (a)
is the parcel of real property, including all land and
improvements, generally referred to as parcel 850-10555-001
in the urban property records of the County, consisting of
approximately 0.81 acres of Forest Service land located at
1069 Fourche Avenue, Perryville, Arkansas 72126.
(2) Survey.--The exact acreage and legal description of
land to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined
by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
(c) Terms and Conditions.--The conveyance under subsection
(a) shall be--
(1) subject to valid existing rights;
(2) subject to reversion under subsection (g);
(3) made without consideration;
(4) made by quitclaim deed; and
(5) subject to such other terms and conditions as the
Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the
interests of the United States.
(d) Costs of Conveyance.--As a condition of the conveyance
under subsection (a), the County shall pay all costs
associated with the conveyance, including the cost of--
(1) a survey, if necessary, under subsection (b)(2);
(2) any environmental analysis or resources survey required
under Federal law; and
(3) any analysis required to comply with division A of
subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (commonly
referred to as the ``National Historic Preservation Act'').
(e) Environmental Conditions.--Notwithstanding section
120(h)(3)(A) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42
[[Page S3285]]
U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)(A)), the Secretary shall not be required to
provide any covenant or warranty for the property and
improvements conveyed to the County under subsection (a).
(f) Public Purposes Use.--The property conveyed under
subsection (a) shall be used only for public purposes, such
as supporting education and youth development.
(g) Reversion.--If the property conveyed under subsection
(a) ceases to be used in a manner consistent with subsection
(f), the property shall, at the discretion of the Secretary,
revert to the United States.
(h) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) County.--The term ``County'' means Perry County,
Arkansas.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service.
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