---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 460bbbb"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "460bbbb"
heading: "Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/460bbbb"
units:
  - "Chapter 1 — National Parks, Military Parks, Monuments, and Seashores"
  - "Subchapter CXXXIX — Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area"
---

# §460bbbb. Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area

- (a) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Management Plan—** The term “[Management Plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k)” means the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) prepared under [subsection (e)(2)(A)](#e-2-A).
  - (2) **Map—** The term “[Map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1)” means the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) entitled “Northern Utah Lands Management Act-Overview” and dated February 4, 2019.
  - (3) **Recreation Area—** The term “Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A)” means the Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) established by [subsection (b)(1)](#b-1).
  - (4) **Secretary—** The term “[Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1)” means the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) of Agriculture.
  - (5) **State—** The term “[State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a)” means the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Utah.
- (b) **Establishment—**
  - (1) **In general—** Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a).
  - (2) **Area included—** The Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) shall consist of approximately 173,475 acres of land in the Ashley National Forest, as generally depicted on the [Map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1).
- (c) **Purposes—** The purposes of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) are to conserve and protect the watershed, geological, recreational, wildlife, scenic, natural, cultural, and historic resources of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (d) **Map and legal description—**
  - (1) **In general—** As soon as practicable after March 12, 2019, the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and legal description of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (2) **Effect—** The [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and legal description prepared under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this section, except that the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) may correct minor errors in the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) or legal description.
  - (3) **Availability—** A copy of the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and legal description prepared under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service.
- (e) **Administration—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall administer the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in accordance with—
    - (A) the laws generally applicable to the National Forest System, including the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ([16 U.S.C. 1600](/usc/16/1600.md) et seq.);
    - (B) this section; and
    - (C) any other applicable law.
  - (2) **Management plan—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than 2 years after March 12, 2019, the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall prepare a [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
    - (B) **Consultation—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall—
      - (i) prepare the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) in consultation and coordination with Uintah County, Utah, and affected [Indian Tribes](/usc/16/544.md?p=g); and
      - (ii) provide for public input in the preparation of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k).
- (f) **Uses—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall only allow such uses of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) that would—
  - (1) further the purposes for which the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) is established; and
  - (2) promote the long-term protection and management of the watershed and underground karst system of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (g) **Motorized vehicles—**
  - (1) **In general—** Except as needed for emergency response or administrative purposes, the use of motorized vehicles in the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) shall be permitted only on roads and motorized routes designated in the [Management Plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the use of motorized vehicles.
  - (2) **New roads—** No new permanent or temporary roads or other motorized vehicle routes shall be constructed within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) after March 12, 2019.
  - (3) **Existing roads—**
    - (A) **In general—** Necessary maintenance or repairs to existing roads designated in the [Management Plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the use of motorized vehicles, including necessary repairs to keep existing roads free of debris or other safety hazards, shall be permitted after March 12, 2019, consistent with the requirements of this section.
    - (B) **Rerouting—** Nothing in this subsection prevents the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) from rerouting an existing road or trail to protect Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) resources from degradation, or to protect public safety, as determined to be appropriate by the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1).
  - (4) **Over snow vehicles—**
    - (A) **In general—** Nothing in this section prohibits the use of snowmobiles and other over snow vehicles within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
    - (B) **Winter recreation use plan—** Not later than 2 years after March 12, 2019, the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall undertake a winter recreation use planning process, which shall include opportunities for use by snowmobiles or other over snow vehicles in appropriate [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (5) **Applicable law—** Activities authorized under this subsection shall be consistent with the applicable forest plan and travel [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for, and any law (including regulations) applicable to, the Ashley National Forest.
- (h) **Water infrastructure—**
  - (1) **Existing access—** The designation of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) shall not affect the ability of authorized users to access, operate, and maintain water infrastructure facilities within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in accordance with applicable authorizations and permits.
  - (2) **Cooperative agreements—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with authorized users and local governmental entities to provide, in accordance with any applicable law (including regulations)—
      - (i) access, including motorized access, for repair and maintenance to water infrastructure facilities within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), including Whiterocks Reservoir, subject to such terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) determines to be necessary; and
      - (ii) access and maintenance by authorized users and local governmental entities for the continued delivery of water to the Ashley Valley if water flows cease or become diminished due to impairment of the karst system, subject to such terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) determines to be necessary.
- (i) **Grazing—** The grazing of livestock in the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), where established before March 12, 2019, shall be allowed to continue, subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) considers to be necessary in accordance with—
  - (1) applicable law (including regulations);
  - (2) the purposes of the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A); and
  - (3) the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617).
- (j) **Fish and wildlife—** Nothing in this section affects the jurisdiction of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) with respect to the management of [fish and wildlife](/usc/16/3102.md?p=17) on [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) in the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a).
- (k) **Wildlife water projects—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1), in consultation with the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), may authorize wildlife water [projects](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) (including guzzlers) within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (l) **Water rights—** Nothing in this section—
  - (1) constitutes an express or implied reservation by the United States of any water rights with respect to the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
  - (2) affects any water rights in the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a);
  - (3) affects the use or allocation, in existence on March 12, 2019, of any water, water right, or interest in water;
  - (4) affects any vested absolute or decreed conditional water right in existence on March 12, 2019, including any water right held by the United States;
  - (5) affects any interstate water compact in existence on March 12, 2019; or
  - (6) shall be considered to be a relinquishment or reduction of any water rights reserved or appropriated by the United States in the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) on or before March 12, 2019.
- (m) **Withdrawal—** Subject to valid existing rights, all [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) in the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) is withdrawn from—
  - (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
  - (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
  - (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
- (n) **Vegetation management—** Nothing in this section prevents the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) from conducting vegetation management [projects](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4), including fuels reduction activities, within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) for the purposes of improving water quality and reducing risks from wildfire.
- (o) **Wildland fire operations—** Nothing in this section prohibits the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1), in consultation with other Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), local, and Tribal agencies, as appropriate, from conducting wildland fire treatment operations or restoration operations in the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), consistent with the purposes of this section.
- (p) **Recreation fees—** Except for fees for improved campgrounds, the [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) is prohibited from collecting recreation entrance or recreation use fees within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (q) **Communication infrastructure—** Nothing in this section affects the continued use of, and access to, communication infrastructure (including necessary upgrades) within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), in accordance with applicable authorizations and permits.
- (r) **Non-Federal land—**
  - (1) **In general—** Nothing in this section affects non-[Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) or interests in non-[Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (2) **Access—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/460iii–1.md?p=1) shall provide reasonable access to non-[Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) or interests in non-[Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (s) **Outfitting and guide activities—** Outfitting and guide services within the Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), including commercial outfitting and guide services, are authorized in accordance with this section and other applicable law (including regulations).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 116–9, title I, § 1117, Mar. 12, 2019, 133 Stat. 623.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 93–378, Aug. 17, 1974, 88 Stat. 476, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§ 1600 et seq.) of chapter 36 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1600 of this title and Tables.

### Prior Provisions

Prior sections 460bbbb to 460bbbb–7 were transferred to sections 410www to 410www–7 of this title.

Section 460bbbb, Pub. L. 96–428, § 1, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1839; Pub. L. 102–575, title XL, § 4024(a), Oct. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 4768; Pub. L. 115–108, § 2(1)–(3), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2267, related to establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.

Section 460bbbb–1, Pub. L. 96–428, § 2, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1839; Pub. L. 108–314, § 3, Oct. 5, 2004, 118 Stat. 1199; Pub. L. 115–108, § 2(2), (3), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2267, related to administration of the Park.

Section 460bbbb–2, Pub. L. 96–428, § 3, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 115–108, § 2(3), (4), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2267, related to authority of Secretary regarding property and concessions.

Section 460bbbb–3, Pub. L. 96–428, § 4, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1841, related to establishment of the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site Advisory Commission.

Section 460bbbb–4, Pub. L. 96–428, § 5, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1842; Pub. L. 115–108, § 2(3), Jan. 8, 2018, 131 Stat. 2267, related to prohibition of entrance or admission fees.

Section 460bbbb–5, Pub. L. 96–428, § 6, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1842; Pub. L. 102–575, title XL, § 4024(b), Oct. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 4768, related to authorization of appropriations and limitation on authority to enter into contracts, incur obligations, or make payments.

Section 460bbbb–6, Pub. L. 96–428, § 7, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1842, related to minimization of adverse impacts on preservation district.

Section 460bbbb–7, Pub. L. 96–428, § 8, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1843, related to submission of comprehensive general management plan.