To provide for the establishment of the Voyageurs National Park Intergovernmental Council, to provide for improved access to and use of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and for other purposes.
Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Lands.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 23, 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Voyageurs National Park Title II: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Title I: Voyageurs National Park - Establishes the Voyageurs National Park Intergovernmental Council which shall: (1) submit to the Secretary of the Interior comprehensive draft amendments and proposed revisions to the Park's management plan providing for a broad range of sustainable land and water uses and scenic and recreational activities; (2) analyze the economic and environmental costs and benefits of implementing sustainable practices; and (3) establish an ongoing process of assessing the effect of local, State, and Federal actions, plans, and land use decisions on the long-term sustainability of the region's economic and environmental values and resources. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 103) Requires the Secretary to receive from the Council, revise, and implement amendments to the Park's management plan, including amendments providing for recreational opportunities on all major lakes and bays. Title II: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness - Modifies Federal law designating the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota to: (1) remove certain restrictions on motorboat use on Basswood, Saganaga, and Birch Lakes, at Lac La Croix, and at Seagull Lake; (2) direct that certain wilderness homeowners, resort owners, and their guests have access to such lake or chain of lakes; and (3) allow the operation of motorized vehicles and associated equipment necessary to transport boats across the portages from Moose Lake Chain to Basswood Lake, from Fall Lake to Basswood Lake, and from Lake Vermillion to Trout Lake. (Sec. 204) Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Intergovernmental Council. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 205) Directs the Secretary to: (1) receive the Council's draft amendments to the revisions to the management plan, together with public comments, and review and submit to the Council appropriate recommendations; and (2) adopt the amended or revised plan if the Secretary determines that it is consistent with this Act and applicable law and is in the public interest. Specifies that the management plan of the wilderness may not be changed except in accordance with this section.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jan 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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