---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 543f"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "543f"
heading: "Traditional Native American uses"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/543f"
units:
  - "Chapter 2 — National Forests"
  - "Subchapter II — Scenic Areas"
---

# §543f. Traditional Native American uses


In recognition of the past use of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/544.md?p=o) 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/16/544.md?p=o) 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 of the [Scenic Area](/usc/16/544.md?p=o) by Indians.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 98–425, title III, § 307, Sept. 28, 1984, 98 Stat. 1638.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 95–341, Aug. 11, 1978, 92 Stat. 469, which is classified to sections 1996 and 1996a 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 1996 of Title 42 and Tables.