---
kind: "range"
citation: "16 U.S.C. §§ 543–543h"
title: "16"
from: "543"
to: "543h"
count: 9
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/543..543h"
---

# §543. Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area; establishment


The [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) in the Mono Basin within and adjacent to the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) in the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California, as generally depicted on a [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) entitled “Mono Basin [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4)” dated June 1983, and numbered 1983–3, is hereby designated as the Mono Basin [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) (hereafter in [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title referred to as the “[Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4)”). Such [map](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Forest Supervisor, Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) and in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of Agriculture (hereinafter in [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title referred to as the “[Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1)”) may make minor revisions in the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) after publication of notice to that effect in the Federal Register and submission of notice thereof to the [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Natural [Resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the United States House of [Representatives](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13) and the [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Energy and Natural [Resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the United States Senate. Such notice shall be published and submitted at least sixty days before the revision is made.


# §543a. Extension of National Forest boundary

- (a) The exterior boundary of the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) is hereby extended to include the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4). Any lands and interests therein acquired pursuant to [section 543b of this title](/usc/16/543b.md) shall become part of the [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [System](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14).
- (b) For the purposes of [section 200306(a)(2) of title 54](/usc/54/200306.md?p=a-2), the boundary of the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3), as modified by this section, shall be treated as if it were the boundary of that forest on January 1, 1964.

# §543b. Acquisition of lands

- (a) **Authority of Secretary; exceptions—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized to [acquire](/usc/16/620e.md?p=1) all lands and interests therein within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) by donation, exchange in accordance with [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title or other provisions of law, or purchase with donated or appropriated [funds](/usc/16/1421h.md?p=2), except that—
  - (1) any lands or interests therein within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) which are owned by the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California or any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) thereof (including the city of Los Angeles) may be acquired only by donation or exchange; and
  - (2) lands or interests therein within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) which are not owned by the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California or any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) thereof (including the city of Los Angeles) may be acquired only with the consent of the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) thereof unless the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) determines, after written notice to the [owner](/usc/16/429b–3.md?p=4) and after opportunity for comment, that the property is being developed, or proposed to be developed, in a manner which is detrimental to the integrity of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) or which is otherwise incompatible with the purposes of [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title.
- (b) **Guidelines; detrimental or incompatible use—**
  - (1) Not later than six months after September 28, 1984, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall publish specific guidelines under which determinations shall be made under [paragraph (2)](#a-2) of subsection (a). No use which existed prior to June 1, 1984, within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) included in the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) shall be treated under such guidelines as a detrimental or incompatible use within the meaning of such [paragraph (2)](#b-2).
  - (2) For purposes of [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2), any development or proposed development of private property within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) that is significantly different from, or a significant expansion of, development existing as of June 1, 1984, shall be considered by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) as detrimental to the integrity of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4). No reconstruction or expansion of a private or commercial building, including—
    - (A) reconstruction of an existing building,
    - (B) construction of attached structural [additions](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2), not to exceed 100 per centum of the square footage of the original building, and
    - (C) construction of reasonable support development such as roads, parking, water and sewage [systems](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14) shall be treated as detrimental to the integrity of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) or as an incompatible development within the meaning of [paragraph (2)](#a-2) of subsection (a).
- (c) **Preparation of environmental assessments—** Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall only be required to prepare an environmental assessment of any exchange of mineral or geothermal interest authorized by [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title.

# §543c. Administration

- (a) **Scenic Area and other lands to be administered as part of Inyo National Forest—**
  - (1) Except as otherwise provided in [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall administer the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) as a separate [unit](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) within the boundary of the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [System](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14). All Bureau of Land Management administered lands that fall within the boundaries of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) are hereby added to the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) and shall be administered in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [System](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14).
  - (2) In [addition](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2), the following parcels administered by the Bureau of Land Management are hereby added to the Inyo [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) and shall be administered in accordance with the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the [National Forest](/usc/16/5207.md?p=3) [System](/usc/16/668ee.md?p=14):

    township 1 south; range 26 east; Mount Diablo Meridian:

    east half of southwest quarter and south half of southeast quarter of [section 10](/usc/16/10.md); and

    township 1 north; range 26 east; Mount Diablo Meridian:

    southwest quarter of northeast quarter and west half of southeast quarter of [section 9](/usc/16/9.md);

    southwest quarter of southwest quarter of [section 15](/usc/16/15.md);

    southwest quarter of northwest quarter and northwest quarter of southwest quarter of [section 25](/usc/16/25.md);

    north half of southeast quarter of [section 26](/usc/16/26.md), west half of northwest quarter and northwest quarter of southwest quarter of section 27;

    township 1 north; range 27 east; Mount Diablo Meridian:

    east half of southeast quarter of [section 34](/usc/16/34.md);

    southwest quarter of northwest quarter of [section 35](/usc/16/35.md); and

    west half of [section 30](/usc/16/30.md) as intersected by [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) Boundary.

- (b) **Water rights; protection of geologic, ecologic and cultural resources; recreational use of Scenic Area; related facilities and programs; scientific study and research; commercial timber harvesting—**
  - (1) In a manner consistent with the protection of the water rights of the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California or any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) thereof (including the city of Los Angeles) or of any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) to the extent that such water rights have been granted or modified under the laws of the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall manage the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) to protect its geologic, ecologic, and cultural [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8). The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall provide for recreational use of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) and shall provide recreational and interpretive facilities (including trails and campgrounds) for the use of the public which are compatible with the provisions of [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title, and may assist adjacent affected local governmental agencies in the development of related interpretive [programs](/usc/16/460ss–6.md?p=1). The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall permit the full use of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) for scientific study and research in accordance with such rules and regulations as he may prescribe.
  - (2) Except as specifically provided in this subsection, no commercial timber harvesting shall be permitted in the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4), but the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall permit the utilization of wood material such as firewood, posts, poles, and Christmas trees by individuals for their domestic purposes under such regulations as he may prescribe to protect the natural and cultural [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4). The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may take action including the use of commercial timber harvest to the minimum extent necessary to control fires, insects and diseases that might—
    - (A) endanger irreplaceable features within the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4), or
    - (B) cause substantial damage to significant [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) adjacent to the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4).
- (c) **Grazing permits—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall permit those [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) holding currently valid grazing permits within the boundary of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) to continue to exercise such permits consistent with other applicable law.
- (d) **Cooperative agreements—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may enter into cooperative agreements with the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California and any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) thereof (including the city of Los Angeles) for purposes of protecting [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) and administering [areas](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) owned by the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) or by any such political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) which are within the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4).
- (e) **Management plan—** Within three years after September 28, 1984, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall submit to the [committees](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) referred to in [section 543 of this title](/usc/16/543.md), a detailed and comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/460mmm–1.md?p=3) for the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) which is consistent with the protection of water rights as provided in [subsection (b)(1)](#b-1). The plan shall include but not be limited to—
  - (1) an inventory of natural (including geologic) and cultural [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8);
  - (2) general development plans for public use facilities, including cost estimates; and
  - (3) measures for the preservation of the natural and cultural [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) in accordance with subsections [(a)](#a) and [(b)](#b) of this section.

  Such plan shall provide for hunting and [fishing](/usc/16/7901.md?p=b) (including commercial brine shrimp operations authorized under [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) law) within the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) in accordance with applicable Federal and [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) law, except to the extent otherwise necessary for reasons of public health and safety, the protection of [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8), scientific research activities, or public use and enjoyment.

- (f) **Visitor center—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized to construct a visitor center in the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) for the purpose of providing information through appropriate displays, printed material, and other interpretive [programs](/usc/16/460ss–6.md?p=1), about the natural and cultural [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4).
- (g) **Withdrawal of lands from operation of other Federal laws; regulation of mining claims—**
  - (1) Subject to valid existing rights, federally owned lands and interests therein within the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) are withdrawn from entry or appropriation under the mining laws of the United States, from the operation of the mineral leasing laws of the United States, from operation of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 [[30 U.S.C. 1001](/usc/30/1001.md) et seq.], and from disposition under the public land laws.
  - (2) Subject to valid existing rights, all mining claims located within the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) shall be subject to such reasonable regulations as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may prescribe to assure that mining will, to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with protection of the scenic, scientific, cultural, and other [resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), and any patent which may be issued after September 28, 1984, shall convey title only to the minerals together with the right to use the surface of lands for mining purposes subject to such reasonable regulations.
- (h) **Water rights—** Nothing in [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title shall be construed to reserve any water for purposes of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) or to affirm, deny, or otherwise affect the present (or prospective) water rights of any [person](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) or of the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California or of any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) thereof (including the city of Los Angeles), nor shall any provision of [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title be construed to cause, authorize, or allow any interference with or infringement of such water rights so long as, and to the extent that, those rights remain valid and enforceable under the laws of the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California.
- (i) **Rights-of-way of city of Los Angeles—**
  - (1) The Act entitled “An Act authorizing and directing the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior to sell to the city of Los Angeles, California, certain [public lands](/usc/16/620e.md?p=7) in California; and granting rights-of-way over [public lands](/usc/16/620e.md?p=7) and reserved lands to the city of Los Angeles in Mono County in the [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2) of California”, approved June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1892), is hereby repealed.
  - (2) The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior shall grant and convey rights-of-way easements, at no cost, to the city of Los Angeles for those rights-of-way on [public lands](/usc/16/620e.md?p=7) and [national forest lands](/usc/16/460hhh.md?p=1) in Mono County, California, as described and set forth in [maps](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and accompanying descriptions which were—
    - (A) filed by the city of Los Angeles with the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior on October 24, 1944, and
    - (B) accepted as proof of construction on behalf of the United States by the [Commissioner](/usc/16/3601.md?p=3) of the General Land Office on January 4, 1945.

    Such easement conveyances shall provide for the right of the city to continue its present operations and to maintain, reconstruct, and replace all existing water and power facilities located within the bounds of the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) described in the [maps](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=1) and descriptions referred to in the preceding sentence. The United States shall reserve in the conveyance easements all rights to use and permit the use by others of the lands so conveyed to the extent that such use does not unreasonably interfere with the rights granted herein to the city of Los Angeles.

  - (3) The grant in paragraph (2) of this subsection shall become effective upon relinquishment in writing by the city of Los Angeles of its applications dated October 20, 1944, and January 17, 1945, to purchase twenty-three thousand eight hundred and fifty acres of Federal land.
  - (4) The easements granted under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall provide that whenever the city of Los Angeles ceases to use the land or any part thereof subject to such easements for the purposes for which it is currently being used, as of September 28, 1984, all interests in such land or part thereof shall revert to the United States.
- (j) **Existing community recreational uses—** Existing community recreational [uses](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=10), as of September 28, 1984, shall be permitted at the levels and locations customarily exercised.

# §543d. Ecological studies; reports to Congressional committees and to Chief of Forest Service; progress reports


The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall take such steps as may be necessary to, within one hundred and eighty days of September 28, 1984, enter into a contract with the National Academy of Sciences for the purpose of conducting a scientific study of the ecology of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4). The study shall provide for consultation with knowledgeable local, [State](/usc/16/6456.md?p=2), Federal, and private [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) and organizations and shall provide findings and recommendations to the Congress. Such study shall be conducted in accordance with the best scientific methodology (as set forth by the National Academy of Sciences) and shall be transmitted by the National Academy of Sciences to the [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Energy and Natural [Resources](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=8) of the United States Senate, to the [Committee](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States House of [Representatives](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13), and to the Chief of the Forest Service not later than January 1, 1987. Progress reports regarding the study shall be transmitted to the above [committees](/usc/16/941b.md?p=1) on January 1, 1985, and January 1 of each year thereafter.


# §543e. Scenic Area Advisory Board

- (a) **Establishment; consultations with Secretary—** There is hereby established the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) [Advisory Board](/usc/16/460lll.md?p=2) (hereinafter referred to as the “[Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1)”). The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall consult with and seek the advice and recommendations of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) with respect to—
  - (1) the administration of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) with respect to policies, [programs](/usc/16/460ss–6.md?p=1), and activities in accordance with [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title;
  - (2) the preparation and implementation of the comprehensive [management plan](/usc/16/460mmm–1.md?p=3); and
  - (3) the location of the visitor center authorized by [section 543c(f) of this title](/usc/16/543c.md?p=f).
- (b) **Composition and selection—** The [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall be composed of nine members, who shall be selected as follows:
  - (1) five members appointed by the Mono County [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) of Supervisors;
  - (2) two members appointed by the Governor of California (one of whom shall be an employee of the California Division of [Parks](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) and Recreation);
  - (3) one member appointed by the mayor of the city of Los Angeles; and
  - (4) one member appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) (who shall be an employee of the Forest Service).
- (c) **Terms of appointment—** Each member of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years except that the initial appointments shall be for terms as follows:
  - (1) of those members appointed by the Mono County [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) of Supervisors one shall be appointed to serve for a term of one year, two shall be for a term of two years, and two shall be for a term of three years;
  - (2) of those members appointed by the Governor of California one shall be appointed to serve for a term of one year and one shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years;
  - (3) the member appointed by the mayor of the city of Los Angeles shall be appointed to serve for a term of two years; and
  - (4) the member appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall be appointed to serve for a term of three years.
- (d) **Initial appointment; Chairman—** The members of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall be appointed within ninety days of September 28, 1984. The members of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall, at their first meeting, elect a Chairman.
- (e) **Annual meetings and consultations with Secretary or designee—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), or a designee, shall from time to time, but at least annually, meet and consult with the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) on matters relating to the administration of the [scenic area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4).[^1]
- (f) **Compensation; expenses—** Members of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall serve without compensation as such, but the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) is authorized to pay, upon vouchers signed by the Chairman, the expenses reasonably incurred by the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) and its members in carrying out their duties under [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title.
- (g) **Vacancies—** Any vacancy in the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
- (h) **Quorum—** A majority of those members appointed shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of all business of the [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1).
- (i) **Termination—** The [Board](/usc/16/1447a.md?p=1) shall terminate ten years from the date of its first meeting.

# §543f. Traditional Native American uses


In recognition of the past use of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) by Indian people for traditional cultural and religious purposes, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall insure nonexclusive access to [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) lands by Indian people for such traditional cultural and religious purposes, including the harvest of the brine fly larvae. Such direction shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of August 11, 1978 (92 Stat. 469) [[42 U.S.C. 1996](/usc/42/1996.md), 1996a]. As a part of the plan prepared pursuant to [section 543c(c) of this title](/usc/16/543c.md?p=c), the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall, in consultation with appropriate [Indian tribes](/usc/16/544.md?p=g), define the past cultural and religious [uses](/usc/16/410hhh–1.md?p=10) of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/460ffff.md?p=4) by Indians.


# §543g. Authorization of appropriations


In [addition](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-2) to other amounts available for such purposes, effective October 1, 1985, there are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title.


# §543h. New spending authority


Any new spending authority described in subsection (c)(2)(A) or (B) of section 651[^1] of [title 2](/usc/2.md) which is provided under [sections 543 to 543h](/usc/16/543..543h.md) of this title shall be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts.