Montana National Forest Management Act of 1992

openUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

10 September 1991

Last action

2 October 1992 · Floor

Status

Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.

Summary

Montana National Forest Management Act of 1991 - Designates certain lands in Montana as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System (System). Directs: (1) the Secretary of Agriculture to file maps and legal descriptions of each wilderness area so designated with specified congressional committees; (2) that such maps and descriptions be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief of the Forest Service; and (3) that each area so designated be administered by the Secretary, subject to valid existing rights. Declares that it is not the intent of the Congress that: (1) such designation will not lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around wilderness areas; and (2) the fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from within a wilderness area shall not preclude such activities or uses up to the boundary of the wilderness area. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) the grazing of livestock; (2) State fish and game authority; (3) hunting; (4) the installation and maintenance of, and access to, hydrological, meteorological, or climatological collection devices and facilities; and (5) water rights. Determines and directs that: (1) decisions to allocate roadless areas to wilderness or nonwilderness categories pursuant to the Land and Resource Management Plans and associated environmental impact statements for the National Forest in the State of Montana (Plans), and the environmental analyses directly related to such allocations, not be subject to judicial review, with exceptions; (2) the Department of Agriculture not be required to review the wilderness option prior to the revision of the Plans, but review such option when such plans are revised (at least every 15 years), unless prior to that time the Secretary finds that conditions in a unit have significantly changed; (3) specified National Forest System (NFS) lands in Montana which were not designated as wilderness, special management, national recreation, or wilderness study areas be managed for multiple use and those areas need not be managed for the purpose of protecting their suitability for wilderness designation prior to or during revision of the initial Plans; (4) if revised Plans are implemented, areas not recommended for wilderness designation need not be managed for such purpose prior to or during revision of such Plans and areas recommended for wilderness designation be managed for such purpose; and (5) unless expressly authorized by the Congress, the Department not conduct any further statewide roadless area review and evaluation of NFS lands in Montana for purposes of determining their suitability for inclusion in the System. Designates certain special management areas for purposes of conserving, protecting, and enhancing scenic, fish and wildlife, biological, educational, and recreational values. Directs the Secretary to: (1) file maps for such areas with specified congressional committees; and (2) administer areas designated so as to achieve the purposes of their designation as national recreation areas, with exceptions. Withdraws all federally-owned lands within the areas so designated from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the mining and public land laws, and disposition under the geothermal and mineral leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. Permits the removal of minerals from such lands if the Secretary finds that such disposition would not have adverse effects on the administration of such areas. Authorizes: (1) the Secretary to permit management activities compatible with the purposes of which the areas were designated and measures deemed necessary in the event of fire, or infestation of insects or disease; and (2) the use of motorized equipment and the grazing of livestock, subject to specified limitations. Directs: (1) the Secretary to manage the Mount Helena and Hyalite National Education and Recreation Areas with a focus on education; (2) that all management activities be conducted in a way that provides the public with an opportunity to become better informed about natural resource protection and management; (3) that designated special management areas be administered as components of the national forests wherein they are located; and (4) that specified land and resource management plans for the affected national forests emphasize achieving the purposes for which the areas are designated. Designates the Elkhorns National Recreation and Wildlife Area, to be managed as a national recreation area that emphasizes big game habitat. Designates specified lands in the Custer National Forest and the Gallatin National Forest, and the Lolo National Forest as wilderness study areas. Requires the Thompson-Seton Wilderness study area to be managed to protect its suitability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System until the Congress determines otherwise. Withdraws federally-owned lands in the Badger-Two Medicine Area from all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the mining and public land laws and from disposition under the geothermal and mineral leasing laws, subject to valid existing rights. Directs the Secretary to manage such Area so as to protect its currently existing wilderness qualities. Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act precludes the gathering of timber by the Blackfeet Tribe in exercise of valid treaty rights within such Area; and (2) with respect to oil and gas leases on Federal lands within such Area, no disturbance shall be permitted pursuant to such leases until the Congress determines otherwise, and the term of any such lease subject to the limitations imposed by this Act shall be extended for a period of time equal to the term that such limitation remains in effect. Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a review of such Area; (2) establish a committee composed of representatives of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, the Pikuni Traditionalist Association, the National Park Service, and representatives of the user public (including environmental and user industry groups) to regularly advise the Secretary on the development of the report and submit its findings to the Congress; (3) give special consideration to the religious, wilderness, and wildlife uses of the Area, including any treaties with the Blackfeet Nation; and (4) establish a process to provide information to the Tribe and interested public about options for future designation of such Area. Directs the Secretary to: (1) exchange specified lands with Plum Creek Timber, L.P. (the company); and (2) acquire certain lands and interests in land of the company in and adjacent to the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area, the Scapegoat Wilderness Area, and other land in the Gallatin National Forest. Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) easements; (2) maps; (3) the timing of the transactions; and (4) incorporation of lands conveyed to the United States into the national forests. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire, by exchange, certain mineral interests owned by the company or an affiliate. Specifies that mineral interests conveyed by the United States pursuant to this Act shall underlie lands the surface of which are owned by the company (but if there are insufficient federally-owned mineral interests of approximately equal value underlying company lands, the Secretary and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may identify for exchange any other federally-owned mineral interest in land in Montana of which the surface estate is in private ownership). Provides that the execution and performance of an exchange agreement and the taking of other actions pursuant to this Act shall not be deemed a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, nor shall they require the preparation of an environmental assessment under this Act. Directs that the Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area and approximately 2,500 acres of the Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area no longer be subject to the requirement of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 pertaining to management in a manner that does not impair suitability for preservation as wilderness. Redesignates the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness as the Rattlesnake National Education and Recreation Area and Wilderness. Expresses the congressional policy that the U.S. Forest Service acquire and maintain reasonable public access to NFS lands in Montana. Authorizes appropriations.

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Timeline

10 September 1991
Introduced
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Source: IntroReferral
10 September 1991
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
Source: IntroReferral
11 September 1991
Referred
Referred to Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks.
Source: Committee
22 October 1991
Committee
Subcommittee on Public Lands, National Parks. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 102-384.
Source: Committee
20 November 1991
Reported
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Source: Committee
26 November 1991
Calendars
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 385.
Source: Calendars
26 November 1991
Reported
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Johnston with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Source: Committee
26 November 1991
Reported
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Johnston with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Source: Committee
29 January 1992
Floor
By Senator Johnston from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 102-255.
Source: Floor
29 January 1992
Committee
By Senator Johnston from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 102-255.
Source: Committee
24 March 1992
Floor
Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate.
Source: Floor
25 March 1992
Floor
The cloture vote on the motion to proceed vitiated by Unanimous Consent.
Source: Floor
26 March 1992
Floor
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
Source: Floor
26 March 1992
Vote
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 75-22. Record Vote No: 55.
Source: Floor
30 March 1992
Introduced
Referred jointly to the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
Source: IntroReferral
30 March 1992
Floor
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Source: Floor
30 March 1992
Floor
Received in the House.
Source: Floor
2 April 1992
Referred
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forests, Family Farms, and Energy.
Source: Committee
28 April 1992
Referred
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands.
Source: Committee
4 May 1992
Committee
Executive Comment Requested from USDA.
Source: Committee
9 June 1992
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
10 June 1992
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
24 June 1992
Committee
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
24 June 1992
Committee
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee.
Source: Committee
10 September 1992
Committee
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).
Source: Committee
10 September 1992
Committee
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
16 September 1992
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
17 September 1992
Reported
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Source: Committee
17 September 1992
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
24 September 1992
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
24 September 1992
Reported
Ordered to be Reported.
Source: Committee
30 September 1992
Introduced
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries for a period ending not later than Oct. 1, 1992 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and the amendment recommended by the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee pursuant to clause 1(n) of rule X.
Source: IntroReferral
30 September 1992
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Agriculture. H. Rept. 102-958, Part I.
Source: Committee
30 September 1992
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Agriculture. H. Rept. 102-958, Part I.
Source: Committee
1 October 1992
Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 556.
Source: Calendars
1 October 1992
Discharge
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries discharged.
Source: Discharge
1 October 1992
Committee
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries discharged.
Source: Committee
1 October 1992
Reported
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 590 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of S. 1696 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI or clause 7 of rule XIII are waived. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs now printed in the bill. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Source: Floor
1 October 1992
Referred
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment.
Source: Committee
2 October 1992
Passed
Rule H. Res. 590 passed House.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Vote
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 282 - 123 (Roll no. 455).
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 282 - 123 (Roll no. 455).
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Passed
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report S. 1696.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
The Speaker designated the Honorable Brian J. Donnelly to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 590 and Rule XXIII.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
Rule provides for consideration of S. 1696 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Points of order against consideration of the bill for failure to comply with clause 2(l)(6) of rule XI or clause 7 of rule XIII are waived. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs now printed in the bill. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order.
Source: Floor
2 October 1992
Floor
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 590.
Source: Floor

Votes

26 March 1992 · Bill Passed · On Passage of the Bill S. 1696 · Bill Passed · Official source

Yes 75 · No 22 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 3

Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.

Versions

Engrossed Amendment House · — · Download file
Engrossed in Senate · — · Download file
Introduced in Senate · — · Download file
Referred in House · — · Download file
Reported in House · — · Download file
Reported to Senate · — · Download file

Documents

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Reported to Senate (text)

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Reported to Senate (text)
Reported to Senate · EN
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Reported in House (text)
Reported in House · EN
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Referred in House (text)
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Introduced in Senate (text)
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Engrossed in Senate (text)
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Engrossed Amendment House (text)
Engrossed Amendment House · EN
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Passed House amended
summary · EN · 2 October 1992
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Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 26 March 1992
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Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 26 November 1991
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Introduced in Senate
summary · EN · 10 September 1991
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Related records

Sources

PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.

Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/102nd-congress/senate-bill/1696
Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/102/s/1696
us · 102-s-1696 · source updated 24 March 2026