Sec. 205. State designation of high-risk areas of National Forest System and public lands
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/bill/113/hr/1526/rfs/section-205·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Governor of a State may designate high-risk areas of Federal land in the State for the purposes of addressing— deteriorating forest health conditions in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act due to the bark beetle epidemic or drought, with the resulting imminent risk of devastating wildfires; and the future risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks through preventative treatments to improve forest health conditions. In designating high-risk areas, the Governor of a State shall consult with county government from affected counties and with affected Indian tribes.
The following Federal land may not be designated as a high-risk area: A component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Federal land on which the removal of vegetation is specifically prohibited by Federal statute. Federal land within a National Monument as of the date of the enactment of this Act. Designation of high-risk areas shall be consistent with standards and guidelines contained in the land and resource management plan or land use plan for the unit of Federal land for which the designation is being made, except that the Secretary concerned may modify such standards and guidelines to correspond with a specific high-risk area designation.
The first high-risk areas should be designated not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, but high-risk areas may be designated at any time consistent with subsection (a). The designation of a high-risk area in a State shall expire 20 years after the date of the designation, unless earlier terminated by the Governor of the State. The expiration of the 20-year period specified in subsection
(f)does not prohibit the Governor from redesignating an area of Federal land as a high-risk area under this section if the Governor determines that the Federal land continues to be subject to the terms of this section. The designation of a high-risk area shall not be construed to limit or restrict— access to Federal land included in the area for hunting, fishing, and other related purposes; or valid and existing rights regarding the Federal land.