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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Accessibility and Partnership Act of 1996

Subcommittee on Forests and Public Lands. Hearings held.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 8, 1996

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Accessibility and Partnership Act of 1996 - Modifies certain restrictions on motorboat use on specified lakes within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota. Permits the operation of motorized vehicles and associated equipment to assist in the transport of a boat across the portages from the Moose Lake Chain (currently, Sucker Lake) to Basswood Lake, from Fall Lake to Basswood Lake, and from Lake Vermilion to Trout Lake. Establishes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Intergovernmental Council to develop, review, monitor implementation of, and, if necessary, modify a comprehensive management plan for the Wilderness. Prohibits the Council from considering: (1) removing the wilderness designation; (2) allowing mining, logging, or commercial or residential development; or (3) allowing motorized uses not otherwise authorized. Provides for review, recommendations for revisions, and approval or disapproval of such plan by the Secretary of Agriculture. Prohibits the Secretary, pending approval of the plan, from issuing any regulation that relates to the Wilderness, except for: (1) regulations required for routine business, such as issuing permits, visitor education, maintenance, and law enforcement; and (2) emergency regulations.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Grams, Rod [R-MN] · R–MN

Committees

  • Energy and Natural Resources Committee
0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

    Actions

    A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

    1. Subcommittee on Forests and Public Lands. Hearings held.

    2. Referred to Subcommittee on Forests and Public Lands.

    3. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4865-4866)

    5. Introduced in Senate

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    Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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