Recognition of historic use
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure access to National Forest System land by Indians for traditional and cultural purposes, in accordance with subsection (b), in recognition of the historic use by Indians of National Forest System land.
Closing land from public access
Authority to close
Upon the approval by the Secretary of a request from an Indian tribe, the Secretary may temporarily close from public access specifically identified National Forest System land to protect the privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes.
Limitation
A closure of National Forest System land under paragraph (1) shall affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for activities of the applicable Indian tribe.
Consistency
Public Law 95–34142 U.S.C. 1996Access by Indian tribes to National Forest System land under this subsection shall be consistent with the purposes of (commonly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act; ).
Pub. L. 110–234, title VIII, § 8104122 Stat. 1288Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a)122 Stat. 1664(, , ; , title VIII, § 8104, , , 2049.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Pub. L. 95–34192 Stat. 469section 1996 of Title 42The American Indian Religious Freedom Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is , , , 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 and Tables.
Codification
Pub. L. 110–234Pub. L. 110–246Pub. L. 110–234section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246 and enacted identical sections. was repealed by .
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Pub. L. 110–234Pub. L. 110–246Pub. L. 110–234section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246section 8701 of Title 7Section and repeal of by effective , the date of enactment of , see , set out as a note under , Agriculture.
Definition of “Secretary”
section 8701 of Title 7“Secretary” as meaning the Secretary of Agriculture, see , Agriculture.