{"identifier":"/us/usc/t16/s546b","title":16,"num":"\u00a7\u202f546b.","heading":"Seng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, Jefferson National Forest, Virginia","text":"\u00a7\u202f546b.\nSeng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, Jefferson National Forest, Virginia\n(a)\nEstablishment\nThere are designated as National Scenic Areas\u2014\n(1) certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest, comprising approximately 5,192 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled \u201cSeng Mountain and Raccoon Branch\u201d and dated\nApril 28, 2008\n(2) certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest, comprising approximately 5,128 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled \u201cBear Creek\u201d and dated\nApril 28, 2008\n(b)\nPurposes\nThe purposes of the scenic areas are\u2014\n(1) to ensure the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources of the scenic areas;\n(2) consistent with paragraph (1), to protect wildlife and fish habitat in the scenic areas;\n(3) to protect areas in the scenic areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and\n(4) consistent with paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), to provide a variety of recreation opportunities in the scenic areas.\n(c)\nAdministration\n(1)\nIn general\nThe Secretary shall administer the scenic areas in accordance with\u2014\n(A) this subtitle; and\n(B) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System.\n(2)\nAuthorized uses\nThe Secretary shall only allow uses of the scenic areas that the Secretary determines will further the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b).\n(d)\nManagement plan\n(1)\nIn general\nNot later than 2 years after\nMarch 30, 2009\n(2)\nEffect\nNothing in this subsection requires the Secretary to revise the land and resource management plan for the Jefferson National Forest under\nsection 1604 of this title\n(e)\nRoads\n(1)\nIn general\nExcept as provided in paragraph (2), after\nMarch 30, 2009\n(2)\nLimitation\nNothing in this subsection denies any owner of private land (or an interest in private land) that is located in a scenic area the right to access the private land.\n(f)\nTimber harvest\n(1)\nIn general\nExcept as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), no harvesting of timber shall be allowed within the scenic areas.\n(2)\nExceptions\nThe Secretary may authorize harvesting of timber in the scenic areas if the Secretary determines that the harvesting is necessary to\u2014\n(A) control fire;\n(B) provide for public safety or trail access; or\n(C) control insect and disease outbreaks.\n(3)\nFirewood for personal use\nFirewood may be harvested for personal use along perimeter roads in the scenic areas, subject to any conditions that the Secretary may impose.\n(g)\nInsect and disease outbreaks\nThe Secretary may control insect and disease outbreaks\u2014\n(1) to maintain scenic quality;\n(2) to prevent tree mortality;\n(3) to reduce hazards to visitors; or\n(4) to protect private land.\n(h)\nVegetation management\nThe Secretary may engage in vegetation manipulation practices in the scenic areas to maintain the visual quality and wildlife clearings in existence on\nMarch 30, 2009\n(i)\nMotorized vehicles\n(1)\nIn general\nExcept as provided in paragraph (2), motorized vehicles shall not be allowed within the scenic areas.\n(2)\nExceptions\nThe Secretary may authorize the use of motorized vehicles\u2014\n(A) to carry out administrative activities that further the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b);\n(B) to assist wildlife management projects in existence on\nMarch 30, 2009\n(C) during deer and bear hunting seasons\u2014\n(i) on Forest Development Roads 49410 and 84b; and\n(ii) on the portion of Forest Development Road 6261 designated on the map described in subsection (a)(2) as \u201copen seasonally\u201d.\n(j)\nWildfire suppression\nWildfire suppression within the scenic areas shall be conducted\u2014\n(1) in a manner consistent with the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b); and\n(2) using such means as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.\n(k)\nWater\nThe Secretary shall administer the scenic areas in a manner that maintains and enhances water quality.\n(l)\nWithdrawal\nSubject to valid existing rights, all Federal land in the scenic areas is withdrawn from\u2014\n(1) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and\n(2) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws.","url":"https://projectusc.org/usc/t16/s546b.html","content":[{"t":"sec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b","children":[{"t":"num","text":"\u00a7\u202f546b."},{"t":"heading","text":"Seng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, Jefferson National Forest, Virginia"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/a","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(a)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Establishment"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"There are designated as National Scenic Areas\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/a/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest, comprising approximately 5,192 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled \u201cSeng Mountain and Raccoon Branch\u201d and dated ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"April 28, 2008","tail":", which shall be known as the \u201cSeng Mountain National Scenic Area\u201d; and"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/a/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"content","text":" certain National Forest System land in the Jefferson National Forest, comprising approximately 5,128 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled \u201cBear Creek\u201d and dated ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"April 28, 2008","tail":", which shall be known as the \u201cBear Creek National Scenic Area\u201d."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/b","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(b)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Purposes"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The purposes of the scenic areas are\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/b/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" to ensure the protection and preservation of scenic quality, water quality, natural characteristics, and water resources of the scenic areas;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/b/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"content","text":" consistent with paragraph (1), to protect wildlife and fish habitat in the scenic areas;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/b/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"content","text":" to protect areas in the scenic areas that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/b/4","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(4)"},{"t":"content","text":" consistent with paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), to provide a variety of recreation opportunities in the scenic areas.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/c","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(c)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Administration"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/c/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The Secretary shall administer the scenic areas in accordance with\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/c/1/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" this subtitle; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/c/1/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/c/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Authorized uses"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary shall only allow uses of the scenic areas that the Secretary determines will further the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b).","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/d","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(d)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Management plan"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/d/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Not later than 2 years after ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"March 30, 2009","tail":", the Secretary shall develop as an amendment to the land and resource management plan for the Jefferson National Forest a management plan for the scenic areas."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/d/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Effect"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Nothing in this subsection requires the Secretary to revise the land and resource management plan for the Jefferson National Forest under ","children":[{"t":"ref","text":"section 1604 of this title","href":"/us/usc/t16/s1604","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/e","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(e)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Roads"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/e/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Except as provided in paragraph (2), after ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"March 30, 2009","tail":", no roads shall be established or constructed within the scenic areas."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/e/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Limitation"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Nothing in this subsection denies any owner of private land (or an interest in private land) that is located in a scenic area the right to access the private land.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(f)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Timber harvest"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), no harvesting of timber shall be allowed within the scenic areas.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Exceptions"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The Secretary may authorize harvesting of timber in the scenic areas if the Secretary determines that the harvesting is necessary to\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/2/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" control fire;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/2/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" provide for public safety or trail access; or","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/2/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"content","text":" control insect and disease outbreaks.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/f/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Firewood for personal use"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Firewood may be harvested for personal use along perimeter roads in the scenic areas, subject to any conditions that the Secretary may impose.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/g","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(g)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Insect and disease outbreaks"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The Secretary may control insect and disease outbreaks\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/g/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" to maintain scenic quality;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/g/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"content","text":" to prevent tree mortality;","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/g/3","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(3)"},{"t":"content","text":" to reduce hazards to visitors; or","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/g/4","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(4)"},{"t":"content","text":" to protect private land.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/h","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(h)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Vegetation management"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary may engage in vegetation manipulation practices in the scenic areas to maintain the visual quality and wildlife clearings in existence on ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"March 30, 2009","tail":"."}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(i)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Motorized vehicles"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"heading","text":"In general"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"Except as provided in paragraph (2), motorized vehicles shall not be allowed within the scenic areas.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Exceptions"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"The Secretary may authorize the use of motorized vehicles\u2014"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2/A","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(A)"},{"t":"content","text":" to carry out administrative activities that further the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b);","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2/B","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(B)"},{"t":"content","text":" to assist wildlife management projects in existence on ","children":[{"t":"text","text":"March 30, 2009","tail":"; and"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subpara","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2/C","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(C)"},{"t":"chapeau","text":" during deer and bear hunting seasons\u2014"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2/C/i","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(i)"},{"t":"content","text":" on Forest Development Roads 49410 and 84b; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"clause","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/i/2/C/ii","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(ii)"},{"t":"content","text":" on the portion of Forest Development Road 6261 designated on the map described in subsection (a)(2) as \u201copen seasonally\u201d.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/j","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(j)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Wildfire suppression"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"Wildfire suppression within the scenic areas shall be conducted\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/j/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" in a manner consistent with the purposes of the scenic areas, as described in subsection (b); and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/j/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"content","text":" using such means as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/k","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(k)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Water"},{"t":"content","children":[{"t":"p","text":"The Secretary shall administer the scenic areas in a manner that maintains and enhances water quality.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"subsec","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/l","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(l)"},{"t":"heading","text":"Withdrawal"},{"t":"chapeau","text":"Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land in the scenic areas is withdrawn from\u2014"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/l/1","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(1)"},{"t":"content","text":" location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"para","id":"/us/usc/t16/s546b/l/2","children":[{"t":"num","text":"(2)"},{"t":"content","text":" operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws.","tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"}],"tail":"\n"},{"t":"text","text":"\n"},{"t":"text","text":"\n"}]}]}