§ 545b. Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area

(a) Definitions In this section:

(1) Bull of the Woods Wilderness

The term “Bull of the Woods Wilderness” means the land designated as wilderness by section 3(4) of the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98–328; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note).

(2) Opal Creek Wilderness

The term “Opal Creek Wilderness” means certain land in the Willamette National Forest in the State of Oregon comprising approximately 12,800 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area”, dated July 1996.

(3) Scenic Recreation Area

The term “Scenic Recreation Area” means the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, comprising approximately 13,000 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area”, dated July 1996 and established under subsection (c)(1)(C) of this section.

(4) Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture.

(b) Purposes The purposes of this section are—

(1) to establish a wilderness and scenic recreation area to protect and provide for the enhancement of the natural, scenic, recreational, historic and cultural resources of the area in the vicinity of Opal Creek;

(2) to protect and support the economy of the communities of the Santiam Canyon; and

(3) to provide increased protection for an important drinking water source for communities served by the North Santiam River.

(c) Establishment

(1) Establishment On a determination by the Secretary under paragraph (2)—

(A) the Opal Creek Wilderness, as depicted on the map described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, is hereby designated as wilderness, subject to the provisions of the Wilderness Act [16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.], shall become a component of the National Wilderness System, and shall be known as the Opal Creek Wilderness;

(B) the part of the Bull of the Woods Wilderness that is located in the Willamette National Forest shall be incorporated into the Opal Creek Wilderness; and

(C) the Secretary shall establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area in the Willamette National Forest in the State of Oregon, comprising approximately 13,000 acres, as generally depicted on the map described in subsection (a)(3) of this section.

(2) Conditions The designations in paragraph (1) shall not take effect unless the Secretary makes a determination, not later than 2 years after November 12, 1996, that the following conditions have been met:

(A) the following have been donated to the United States in an acceptable condition and without encumbrances:

(i) all right, title, and interest in the following patented parcels of land—

(I) Santiam Number 1, mineral survey number 992, as described in patent number 39–92–0002, dated December 11, 1991;

(II) Ruth Quartz Mine Number 2, mineral survey number 994, as described in patent number 39–91–0012, dated February 12, 1991;

(III) Morning Star Lode, mineral survey number 993, as described in patent number 36–91–0011, dated February 12, 1991;

(ii) all right, title, and interest held by any entity other than the Times Mirror Land and Timber Company, its successors and assigns, in and to lands located in section 18, township 8 south, range 5 east, Marion County, Oregon, Eureka numbers 6, 7, 8, and 13 mining claims; and

(iii) an easement across the Hewitt, Starvation, and Poor Boy Mill Sites, mineral survey number 990, as described in patent number 36–91–0017, dated May 9, 1991. In the sole discretion of the Secretary, such easement may be limited to administrative use if an alternative access route, adequate and appropriate for public use, is provided.

(B) a binding agreement has been executed by the Secretary and the owners of record as of March 29, 1996, of the following interests, specifying the terms and conditions for the disposition of such interests to the United States Government—

(i) The lode mining claims known as Princess Lode, Black Prince Lode, and King Number 4 Lode, embracing portions of sections 29 and 32, township 8 south, range 5 east, Willamette Meridian, Marion County, Oregon, the claims being more particularly described in the field notes and depicted on the plat of mineral survey number 887, Oregon; and

(ii) Ruth Quartz Mine Number 1, mineral survey number 994, as described in patent number 39–91–0012, dated February 12, 1991.

(3) Additions to the wilderness and scenic recreation areas

(A) Lands or interests in lands conveyed to the United States under this subsection shall be included in and become part of, as appropriate, Opal Creek Wilderness or the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area.

(B) On acquiring all or substantially all of the land located in section 36, township 8 south, range 4 east, of the Willamette Meridian, Marion County, Oregon, commonly known as the Rosboro section by exchange, purchase from a willing seller, or by donation, the Secretary shall expand the boundary of the Scenic Recreation Area to include such land.

(C) On acquiring all or substantially all of the land located in section 18, township 8 south, range 5 east, Marion County, Oregon, commonly known as the Time Mirror property, by exchange, purchase from a willing seller, or by donation, such land shall be included in and become a part of the Opal Creek Wilderness.

(d) Administration

(1) In general

The Secretary shall administer the Scenic Recreation Area in accordance with this section and the laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System.

(2) Opal Creek Management Plan

(A) In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of establishment of the Scenic Recreation Area, the Secretary, in consultation with the advisory committee established under subsection (e)(1) of this section, shall prepare a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan (Management Plan) for the Scenic Recreation Area.

(B) Incorporation in land and resource management

Upon its completion, the Opal Creek Management Plan shall become part of the land and resource management plan for the Willamette National Forest and supersede any conflicting provision in such land and resource management plan. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to supersede the requirements of the Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.] or the National Forest Management Act or regulations promulgated under those Acts, or any other law.

(C) Requirements The Opal Creek Management Plan shall provide for a broad range of land uses, including—

(i) recreation;

(ii) harvesting of nontraditional forest products, such as gathering mushrooms and material to make baskets; and

(iii) educational and research opportunities.

(D) Plan amendments

The Secretary may amend the Opal Creek Management Plan as the Secretary may determine to be necessary, consistent with the procedures and purposes of this section.

(3) Cultural and historic resource inventory

(A) In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of establishment of the Scenic Recreation Area, the Secretary shall review and revise the inventory of the cultural and historic resources on the public land in the Scenic Recreation Area developed pursuant to the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98–328).

(B) Interpretation

Interpretive activities shall be developed under the management plan in consultation with State and local historic preservation organizations and shall include a balanced and factual interpretation of the cultural, ecological, and industrial history of forestry and mining in the Scenic Recreation Area.

(4) Transportation planning

(A) Rosboro fails to offer the land described in paragraph (2) within 2 years after November 12, 1996.

(6) Challenge

Rosboro shall have the right to challenge in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon a determination of marketability under paragraph (1) and a determination of value for the lands described in paragraphs (2) and (3) by the Secretary of Agriculture. The court shall have the authority to order the Secretary to complete the transaction contemplated in this subsection.

(7) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection.

(h) Omitted

(i) Economic development

(1) Economic development plan

As a condition for receiving funding under paragraph (2), the State of Oregon, in consultation with Marion County, Oregon, and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall develop a plan for economic development projects for which grants under this subsection may be used in a manner consistent with this section and to benefit local communities in the vicinity of the Opal Creek area. Such plan shall be based on an economic opportunity study and other appropriate information.

(2) Funds provided to the States for grants

Upon completion of the Opal Creek Management Plan, and receipt of the plan referred to in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide, subject to appropriations, $15,000,000 to the State of Oregon. Such funds shall be used to make grants or loans for economic development projects that further the purposes of this section and benefit the local communities in the vicinity of the Opal Creek area.

(3) Report The State of Oregon shall—

(A) prepare and provide the Secretary and Congress with an annual report on the use of the funds made available under this subsection;

(B) make available to the Secretary and to Congress, upon request, all accounts, financial records, and other information related to grants and loans made available pursuant to this subsection; and

(C) as loans are repaid, make additional grants and loans with the money made available for obligation by such repayments.

(Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title X, § 1023, Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4215; Pub. L. 106–176, title I, § 125, Mar. 10, 2000, 114 Stat. 30.)

References In Text

References in Text

The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1)(A), is Pub. L. 88–577, Sept. 3, 1964, 78 Stat. 890, which is classified generally to chapter 23 (§ 1131 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1131 of this title and Tables.

The Endangered Species Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), probably means the Endangered Species Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified generally to chapter 35 (§ 1531 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.

The National Forest Management Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), probably means the National Forest Management Act of 1976, Pub. L. 94–588, Oct. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 2949, which enacted sections 472a, 521b, 1600, and 1611 to 1614 of this title, amended sections 500, 515, 516, 518, 576b, and 1601 to 1610 of this title, repealed sections 476, 513, and 514 of this title, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 476, 513, 528, 594–2, and 1600 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1976 Amendment note set out under section 1600 of this title and Tables.

The Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984, referred to in subsec. (d)(3)(A), is Pub. L. 98–328, June 26, 1984, 98 Stat. 272, which enacted subchapter C (§ 460oo) of chapter 1 of this title and provisions listed in a table of Wilderness Areas set out under section 1132 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.

The Federal Power Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(9), is act June 10, 1920, ch. 285, 41 Stat. 1063, which is classified generally to chapter 12 (§ 791a et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 791a of this title and Tables.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(A), is Pub. L. 96–510, Dec. 11, 1980, 94 Stat. 2767, which is classified principally to chapter 103 (§ 9601 et seq.) 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 9601 of Title 42 and Tables.

Codification

Codification

Section is comprised of section 1023 of Pub. L. 104–333. Subsec. (c)(1)(A) of section 1023 of Pub. L. 104–333 also enacted provisions listed in a table of Wilderness Areas set out under section 1132 of this title. Subsec. (h) of section 1023 of Pub. L. 104–333 amended section 1274 of this title.

Provisions substantially identical to the text of this section were enacted by title I of div. B of Pub. L. 104–208, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–523, known as the Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996.

Amendments

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 106–176 struck out “of 1964” after “Wilderness Act”.

Change Of Name

Change of Name

Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007.

Short Title

Short Title

Pub. L. 104–208, div. B, title I, § 101, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–523, provided that: “This title [see Codification note above] may be cited as the ‘Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996’.”

Miscellaneous

Termination of Advisory Councils

Advisory councils established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a council established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such council is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a council established by the Congress, its duration is otherwise provided by law. See sections 3(2) and 14 of Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, 776, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.