Text of Senate Amendment 6074

Quick facts

Record: Senate Floor
Section type: Amendments
Chamber: Senate
Date: June 24, 2026
Congress: 119th Congress
Why this source matters: This section came from the Senate floor portion of the record.

Linked context

People mentioned: Klobuchar, Amy
Committees: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, Committee on Agriculture, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Readable version of the official text

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:

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.

(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

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).

(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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

(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”.

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;

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.

(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

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

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.

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;

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.

(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.

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.

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

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.

(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).

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.

(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).

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.

(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

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.

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.

(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

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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