Sec. 5589. Visitor services and facilities
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/bill/117/hr/4350/pcs/section-5589·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The purpose of this subsection is to facilitate the development of an integrated visitor services plan to improve visitor experiences in the Recreation Area through expanded recreational opportunities and increased interpretation, education, resource protection, and enforcement. Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall develop and carry out an integrated visitor services plan for the Recreation Area in accordance with this paragraph.
The visitor services plan shall— assess current and anticipated future visitation to the Recreation Area, including recreation destinations; consider the demand for various types of recreation (including hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, and the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles), as permissible and appropriate; evaluate the impacts of recreation on natural and cultural resources, water rights and water resource facilities, public roads, adjacent residents and property owners, and utilities within the Recreation Area, as well as the effectiveness of current enforcement and efforts; assess the current level of interpretive and educational services and facilities; include recommendations to— expand opportunities for high-demand recreational activities, in accordance with the purposes described in section 5511; better manage Recreation Area resources and improve the experience of Recreation Area visitors through expanded interpretive and educational services and facilities, and improved enforcement; and better manage Recreation Area resources to reduce negative impacts on the environment, ecology, and integrated water management activities in the Recreation Area; in coordination and consultation with affected owners of non-Federal land, assess options to incorporate recreational opportunities on non-Federal land into the Recreation Area— in manner consistent with the purposes and uses of the non-Federal land; and with the consent of the non-Federal landowner; assess opportunities to provide recreational opportunities that connect with adjacent National Forest System land; and be developed and carried out in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.
In developing the visitor services plan, the Secretary shall— consult with— the Partnership; the Advisory Council; appropriate State and local agencies; and interested nongovernmental organizations; and involve members of the public. The Secretary may construct visitor use facilities in the Recreation Area. Each facility under paragraph
(1)shall be developed in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local— laws (including regulations); and plans. The Secretary may accept and use donated funds (subject to appropriations), property, in-kind contributions, and services to carry out this part. The Secretary may not use the authority provided by paragraph
(1)to accept non-Federal land that has been acquired after the date of the enactment of this subtitle through the use of eminent domain. In carrying out this part, the Secretary may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, units of State, Tribal, and local governments and private entities to conduct research, develop scientific analyses, and carry out any other initiative relating to the management of, and visitation to, the Recreation Area.