Sec. 5. Designation of high-risk areas by the Secretary concerned
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/bill/113/hr/818/ih/section-5A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary concerned may designate high-risk areas of the National Forest System and the public lands 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 Secretary concerned shall consult with Governors of affected States, county government from affected counties, and with affected Indian tribes.
The following National Forest System land or public lands may not be designated as a high-risk area: A component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. A National Monument. 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 the National Forest System or public lands 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 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 Secretary concerned. The expiration of the 20-year period specified in subsection
(f)does not prohibit the Secretary concerned from redesignating an area of the National Forest System or public lands as a high-risk area if the Secretary determines that the National Forest System land or public lands continues to be subject to the terms of this section, except that such redesignation is subject to consultation with Governors from affected States, county government from affected counties, and affected Indian tribes. The designation of a high-risk area shall not be construed to limit or restrict— access to National Forest System land or public lands included in the area for hunting, fishing, and other related purposes; or valid and existing rights regarding the National Forest System land or public lands.