---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 471i"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "471i"
heading: "Pinelands National Reserve"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/471i"
units:
  - "Chapter 2 — National Forests"
  - "Subchapter I — Establishment and Administration"
---

# §471i. Pinelands National Reserve

- (a) **Congressional findings—** The Congress finds that—
  - (1) the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in New Jersey, containing approximately 1,000,000 acres of pine-oak forest, extensive surface and ground water resources of high quality, and a wide diversity of rare plant and animal species, provides significant ecological, natural, cultural, recreational, educational, agricultural, and public health benefits;
  - (2) there is a national interest in protecting and preserving these benefits for the residents of and visitors to the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
  - (3) a primary responsibility for protecting and enhancing these benefits resides with the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and the various local [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of government having jurisdiction over the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
  - (4) in view of the longstanding Federal practice of assisting the [States](/usc/16/544.md?p=r) in creating, protecting, preserving, and enhancing [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of significant regional and urban importance, and in view of the national significance of this resource, the Federal Government has an interest in assisting the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and its local [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of government in fulfilling their responsibilities and in avoiding adverse Federally approved or assisted impacts before these responsibilities can be undertaken;
  - (5) the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and its local [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of government have authority to prevent or minimize adverse uses of the land and water resources of the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) and can, to a great extent, protect the health, safety, and general welfare by the use of such authority; and
  - (6) there is a demonstrated need to protect, [preserve](/usc/16/698u–1.md?p=2) and enhance the land and water resources of the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) through a new program which combines the capabilities and resources of the local, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and Federal governments and the private sector and provides an alternative to large-scale direct Federal [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) and management in cases where such [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) and management is inappropriate.
- (b) **Purposes—** The purposes of this section are—
  - (1) to protect, [preserve](/usc/16/698u–1.md?p=2) and enhance the significant values of the land and water resources of the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
  - (2) to encourage and assist the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and its [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of local government in the development of a comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in order to assure orderly public and private development in the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) consistent with the findings of this section;
  - (3) to provide, during the development of this comprehensive plan, Federal financial assistance for the [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of lands in the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) that have critical ecological values which are in immediate danger of being adversely affected or destroyed;
  - (4) to encourage and assist the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and its [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of local government in developing a governmental mechanism to implement this comprehensive plan, and to provide Federal financial assistance for the [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of lands consistent with the comprehensive plan;
  - (5) to encourage adequate coordination of all government programs affecting the land and water resources of the Pinelands [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (c) **Pinelands National Reserve and Federal Project Review Area; establishment; map, availability—** There is hereby established the Pinelands National Reserve which shall consist of the approximately 1,000,000-acre [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) generally depicted on the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) entitled “Pinelands National Reserve Boundary [Map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1)” numbered NPS/80,011A and dated September 1978. Within the Pinelands National Reserve, there is hereby established the Federal [Project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) Review [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), which shall consist of the approximately 486,000 acre [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) also depicted on the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1). The [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Department of the Interior in Washington, and in the offices of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey planning entity established pursuant to [subsection (d)](#d), and in locations throughout the Pinelands National Reserve as determined by the planning entity.
- (d) **State planning entity for development of comprehensive management plan; membership; representation of interests; assistance and grants to State—** Within thirty days after November 10, 1978, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior (hereinafter referred to as the “[Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1)”) shall request the Governor of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey to establish, within ninety days of such request, a planning entity to develop a comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Pinelands National Reserve. In order to carry out the purposes of this section, such planning entity shall be composed of fifteen members to be appointed as follows: one member appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1); one member from each of the seven [counties](/usc/16/544.md?p=d) in the Pinelands National Reserve to be appointed by the respective governing bodies of each county; and seven members to be appointed by the Governor. The membership of the planning entity shall include residents of the Pinelands National Reserve who represent economic activities such as agriculture in the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), as well as residents of New Jersey who represent conservation interests. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall provide technical assistance and grants to the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) for the development of the plan or revisions thereof: Provided, That such grants shall not exceed 75 percent of the cost of developing the plan, shall be made only upon application of the Governor, on behalf of the planning entity, and shall be subject to such other conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may deem appropriate to assure [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local interim protection of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (e) **Planning entity consultations; public hearings—** During the development of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), the planning entity shall:
  - (1) consult with appropriate officials of any local government or [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or Federal agency which has jurisdiction over lands and waters within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
  - (2) consult with the officials of any local government which has jurisdiction over lands and waters within [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) delineated in accordance with [subsection (f)(2)(B)](#f-2-B);
  - (3) consult with interested professional, scientific and citizen organizations;
  - (4) consult with a citizens [advisory committee](/usc/16/698u–1.md?p=1) which may be established by the Governor; and
  - (5) conduct public hearings at places within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), and at such other places as may be appropriate, for the purpose of providing interested [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) with an opportunity to express their views with respect to matters covered by the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k).
- (f) **Comprehensive management plan; terms and provisions; resource assessment; boundary map, delineations; land use map and policy statement; coordination and consistency, public use, and financial components; programs; water implementation plan—** The comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Pinelands National Reserve shall include, but need not be limited to—
  - (1) A resource assessment which:
    - (A) determines the amount and type of human development and activity which the ecosystem can sustain while still maintaining the overall ecological values described in this section with special reference to (i) ground and surface water supply and quality; (ii) natural hazards, including fire; (iii) endangered, unique and unusual plants and animals and biotic communities; (iv) ecological factors relating to the protection and enhancement of blueberry and cranberry production and other agricultural activity; (v) air quality; and (vi) other appropriate considerations affecting the ecological integrity of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A); and
    - (B) includes an assessment of scenic, aesthetic, cultural, open space, and outdoor recreation resources of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) together with a determination of overall policies required to maintain and enhance these resources.
  - (2) A [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) showing the detailed boundary of the Pinelands National Reserve, such [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) to delineate:
    - (A) major [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) within the boundary which are of critical ecological importance;
    - (B) major [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) and resources adjacent to the boundary that have significance to the ecological integrity of the Pinelands National Reserve; and
    - (C) [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of scenic, open space, cultural and recreational significance.
  - (3) A land use capability [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and a comprehensive statement of policies for land use management of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) which:
    - (A) consider and detail the application of a variety of land and water protection and management techniques, including but not limited to, zoning and regulation derived from [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local police powers, development and use standards and permit systems, [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of conservation easements and other interests in land, public access agreements with private landowners, purchase of land for resale or lease-back, fee [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of public recreation sites and ecologically sensitive [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) and any other method of land and water protection and management which will help meet the goals and carry out the policies of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k);
    - (B) include a policy for the use of [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local police power responsibilities to the greatest extent practicable to regulate the use of land and water resources in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section; and
    - (C) recognize existing economic activities within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) and provide for the protection and enhancement of such activities as farming, forestry, proprietary recreational facilities, and those indigenous industries and commercial and [residential developments](/usc/16/544.md?p=n) which are consistent with the findings and purposes of this section.
  - (4) A coordination and consistency component which details the ways in which local, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and Federal programs and policies may best be coordinated to promote the goals and policies of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), and which details how land, water and structures managed by governmental or nongovernmental entities in the public interest within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) may be integrated into the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k).
  - (5) A public use component including, among other items, a detailed program to educate the public concerning appropriate uses of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (6) A financial component, together with a cash flow timetable, which:
    - (A) details the cost of implementing the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), including, but not limited to, payments in lieu of taxes, general administrative costs, and any anticipated extraordinary or continuing costs; and
    - (B) details the sources of revenue for covering such costs, including, but not limited to, grants, donations and loans from local, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and Federal departments and agencies, and from the private sector.
  - (7) A program to provide for the maximum feasible local government and public participation in the management of the Pinelands National Reserve.
  - (8) A program for [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local governmental implementation of the comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) in a manner that will insure the continued, uniform, consistent protection of this [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in accord with the purposes of this section.
  - (9) In conjunction with existing [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) programs and planning processes, a plan to implement the provisions of the Clean Water Act [[33 U.S.C. 1251](/usc/33/1251.md) et seq.] and the Safe Drinking Water Act [[42 U.S.C. 300f](/usc/42/300f.md) et seq.] which pertain to the surface and ground waters of the Pinelands National Reserve.
- (g) **Comprehensive management plan and revisions; approval by Secretary; submission to Congress; approval considerations; disapproval and revision recommendations, notification; resubmission and consideration; Federal assistance, termination; modifications and revisions; reimbursement—**
  - (1) The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey, through the planning entity, shall adopt and submit to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) a comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) within eighteen months after the date that funds are first provided for its preparation under [subsection (d)](#d). In the event the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) fails to submit the plan within such time period, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may obtain reimbursement or offset from the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of all Federal funds previously granted under this section. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall, within ninety days after the date the plan is submitted to him, either approve or disapprove the plan. Should the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) fail to act on the proposed plan within ninety days, the plan shall be regarded as approved. Upon approval, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall submit the plan to the Congress for a period of ninety days prior to implementation.
  - (2) In determining whether or not to approve the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall consider whether:
    - (A) the planning entity has afforded adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for public and governmental involvement in the preparation and review of the plan, and whether such review and comment thereon were considered in the plan or revision as presented to him;
    - (B) he has received adequate assurances from appropriate [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) officials that the recommended implementation program identified in the plan will be initiated within a reasonable time after the date of approval of the plan and such program will insure effective implementation of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local aspects of the plan;
    - (C) provision is made for the participation of a Federal representative in the implementation program;
    - (D) the plan requires the exercise of police power responsibilities to the greatest extent practicable to regulate the use of land and water resources in a manner consistent with the purposes of this section;
    - (E) the plan, if implemented, would adequately protect the significant natural, ecological, agricultural, scenic, cultural and recreational resources of the Pinelands National Reserve and, consistent with such protection, provide adequate and appropriate outdoor recreational opportunities and economic activities within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A);
    - (F) the plan provides for the Governor of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey to exercise effective and continuing oversight over its implementation; and
    - (G) after consultation with the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of Defense, the national defense mission of the military installations within, contiguous or adjacent to the Pinelands National Reserve has been adequately provided for.
  - (3) If the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) disapproves the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) or a revision thereof, he shall, within sixty days after the date of such disapproval, advise the planning entity in writing of the reasons therefor, together with his recommendations for revision. The [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey, through the planning entity shall, within one hundred and twenty days after receipt by the planning entity of notification of such disapproval, revise and resubmit the plan to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) who shall approve or disapprove a proposed revision within sixty days after the date it is submitted to him. Should the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) fail to act on a proposed revision within sixty days, the revision shall be considered as approved.
  - (4) The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall consider a plan revision in accordance with the procedure set forth in [paragraph (2)](#g-2). Such revisions must be consistent with the purposes of this section.
  - (5) In the event that the planning entity fails to obtain approval of the plan by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) within thirty-six months after the date funds are first provided under [subsection (d)](#d) for development of the plan, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall terminate all Federal assistance for and participation in the development of such plan, and may obtain reimbursement or offset from the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey of all Federal funds previously granted under this section.
  - (6) The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall provide technical assistance for and monitor at periodic intervals the implementation of the approved [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k). A local jurisdiction or the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) shall obtain the approval of the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) prior to any modification of the approved plan. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall consider a plan revision in accordance with the procedure set forth in [paragraph (2)](#g-2). Such revisions must be consistent with the purposes of this section. Any jurisdiction that implements changes to the approved [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), or adopts or acquiesces in changes to laws, regulations, or policies adopted to implement such plan, without approval of the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), may be liable for reimbursement or offset of all Federal funds previously granted to it under this section without regard to such additional terms and conditions or other requirements of law that may be applicable to such grants.
- (h) **Grants for State acquisition of property; Secretary’s acquisition and administration of property; conveyance by Secretary, terms and conditions; State reimbursement; grant authorization and applications; limitation—**
  - (1)
    - (A) During the development of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized to make grants to the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey for the [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) of lands and waters or interests therein within the Pinelands National Reserve that he determines, in consultation with the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) planning entity, have critical ecological values which are in immediate danger of being adversely affected or destroyed.
    - (B) The grants authorized by [subsection (h)(1)(A)](#h-1-A) together with the grants made under paragraph (4) of this subsection, shall (i) be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of [chapter 2003](/usc/54/chstII/ch2003.md) of title 54; (ii) not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of all property acquired by the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) pursuant to this subsection; (iii) be supplemental to any other Federal financial assistance for any other program; and (iv) be subject to such additional terms and conditions as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may deem necessary to effectuate the purposes of this section.
  - (2) In the event the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) elects not to make [acquisitions](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) as authorized under [subsection (h)(1)](#h-1), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), during the development of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), is authorized to [acquire](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) such lands, waters or interests therein by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, or otherwise, and to administer such property under the laws generally applicable to [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of the National [Park](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) System or National Wildlife Refuge System in a manner to carry out the purposes of this section.
  - (3) After his approval of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) (A) is authorized to convey property acquired pursuant to [subsection (h)(2)](#h-2) to [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or local authorities in accordance with the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), under such terms and conditions as he may deem appropriate, which shall include (i) a requirement that where the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) transfers land acquired with appropriated funds, the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or local government shall repay not less than 25 percent of the cost of such lands to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) under such terms and conditions as he may deem appropriate, and (ii) a retention of a right of reversion of title to the United States, and (B) shall accept from the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) those lands acquired pursuant to [subsection (h)(1)](#h-1), which are identified in the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) as being appropriate for Federal ownership and management: Provided, That the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall reimburse to the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) such sums as are necessary to (i) cover 100 percent of the original cost of [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) as to each parcel of land so transferred and (ii) assure that as to the remainder of lands acquired pursuant to [subsection (h)(1)](#h-1) not transferred under this subsection, the total [Federal land](/usc/16/3102.md?p=2) [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) cost does not exceed 75 percent of the purchase price of such lands.
  - (4) Upon approval of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized to make grants for the [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) within the Pinelands National Reserve of lands and waters or interests therein in a manner consistent with the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k). All applications for such grants shall be made within ten years from the date of implementation of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k).
- (i) **Applications for Federal construction assistance; review by planning entity; notifications; commencement of review process—** During the development of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for the Pinelands National Reserve, all applications for Federal assistance under programs covered by Part I of OMB Circular A–95 and direct Federal actions covered by Part II of OMB Circular A–95 within the Federal [Project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) Review [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) generally depicted on the [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) referred to in [subsection (c)](#c) which involve the construction of housing, industrial [parks](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3), highways, or sewage or water treatment facilities shall be reviewed by the planning entity, upon receipt from the New Jersey [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) A–95 Clearinghouse (hereinafter referred to as the Clearinghouse). If the planning entity finds that such application or proposed action would have no adverse impact on the resources and ecological values of the Federal [Project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) Review [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), the planning entity shall so notify the Clearinghouse. If the planning entity does not so find, Congress authorizes the planning entity to notify the Clearinghouse and other affected parties that such application or proposed action shall not proceed pending further review, and the planning entity shall forward such application or notice of proposed action to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1). Any such application or proposed action which the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) determines would be significantly adverse to the purposes of this section shall not proceed while the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) is being developed. The review process established under this subsection shall begin upon the appropriation of funds under [subsection (k)](#k).
- (j) **Federal action pursuant to Federal court or agency orders related to public health or safety, national security or defense, or environmental values unaffected—** Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or prohibit any Federal action ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or directed by a Federal agency as essential for the protection of public health or safety, for national security or defense, or for the maintenance of environmental values within the Pinelands National Reserve or the Federal [Project](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-4) Review [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (k) **Authorization of appropriations; sources for appropriations; acquisitions consistent with management plan—**
  - (1) There is authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $26 million to carry out the provisions of this section. Not to exceed $3 million shall be available for planning: Provided, That any funds not used for planning shall be available for land [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1); Provided further, That $23,000,000 shall be made available for land [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1), as authorized by this section. Such appropriations may be made from the general fund of the Treasury or from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended [[43 U.S.C. 1331](/usc/43/1331.md) et seq.], which would otherwise be credited to miscellaneous receipts.
  - (2) In [addition](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2) to other funds authorized pursuant to this subsection, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated not to exceed $14,500,000 for land [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1), the Federal share of which may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost. Land [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) pursuant to this subsection shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of [subsection (h)](#h) of this section insofar as such requirements are not inconsistent with this paragraph. Such [acquisitions](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) shall also be carried out in a manner consistent with the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) and shall include—
    - (A) lands located within the preservation [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of the National Reserve which is designated in the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k);
    - (B) lands that are within the [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) protected by the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) and that are threatened by adverse development or have critical ecological values; or
    - (C) lands that have limited practical use because of their location in the Reserve and that are held by landowners who both own less than 50 acres in the Reserve and have exhausted existing remedies to secure relief.

    Additional funds contributed by the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) to the Pinelands Development Bank after enactment of this Act, not to exceed $5,000,000, may be counted as part of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) share of land [acquisition](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) funds.

- (l) **Pinelands interpretative and educational program; Interior Department study and recommendations—**
  - (1) **Study and recommendations for interpretative and educational program—** For the purpose of enhancing public understanding, awareness, and appreciation with respect to the natural and cultural resources of the Pine Barrens [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) of New Jersey, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall, within 9 months after October 13, 1988, study and recommend appropriate initiatives to provide an educational and interpretative program for the Reserve. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall conduct such study in consultation with the planning entity and the appropriate departments and agencies of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey.
  - (2) **Items included—** The study and recommendations required by this subsection shall include, but not be limited to each of the following:
    - (A) Interpretative and informational materials, exhibits, films, lectures, and other devices and educational methods.
    - (B) A plan to provide for educational and interpretative programs for the Reserve, considering among other things the improvement of existing facilities and interpretative programs in the Reserve, including the possible use of existing facilities such as Whitesbog, Batsto, Double Trouble [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) [Park](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) and Stockton [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) College.
    - (C) The use and enhancement of existing fire towers in the Reserve to serve as observation platforms.
    - (D) The appropriate role for departments and agencies of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and the Federal Government in implementing the program.
  - (3) **Study of Development Credit Bank and Development Credit System—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized and directed to study the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey Pinelands Development Credit Bank and Pinelands Development Credit System, and to submit to the Congress within 9 months after October 13, 1988, such recommendations as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) determines appropriate for improvements of the operation of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) Pinelands Development Credit Bank and the overall Pinelands Development Credit Program.
  - (4) **Study of Municipal Council—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall study the Pinelands Municipal Council, and submit to the Congress within 9 months after October 13, 1988, such recommendations as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) determines appropriate for improvements of the operation of the council.
  - (5) **Contracts and agreements—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may enter into such contracts and agreements with the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of New Jersey and other public and private entities as may be necessary and appropriate to carry out the authorities and responsibilities of the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) under this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated not more than $500,000 to prepare and complete the study pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#l-1) and $3,000,000 to implement the recommendations of such study upon its approval by the Congress, the Federal share of which may not exceed 75 percent of the total cost.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 502, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3492; Pub. L. 100–486, Oct. 13, 1988, 102 Stat. 2429; Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(10), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3265.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Clean Water Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(9), is act June 30, 1948, ch. 758, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–500, § 2, Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 816, also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which is classified generally to chapter 26 (§ 1251 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1251 of Title 33 and Tables.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(9), is title XIV of act July 1, 1944, as added Pub. L. 93–523, § 2(a), Dec. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1660, which is classified generally to subchapter XII (§ 300f et seq.) of chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended, referred to in subsec. (k)(1), is act Aug. 7, 1953, ch. 345, 67 Stat. 462, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 1331 et seq.) of chapter 29 of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1301 of Title 43 and Tables.

Enactment of this Act, referred to in subsec. (k)(2), probably means date of enactment of Pub. L. 100–486, which enacted subsec. (k)(2) of this section and which was approved Oct. 13, 1988.

### Amendments

2014—Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 113–287, which directed substitution of “chapter 2003 of title 54” for “the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act” in section 502 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1998, was executed to this section, which is section 502 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

1988—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 100–486, § 2, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 100–486, § 1, added subsec. (l).