S 2548
· 119th Congress
· Public Lands and Natural Resources
Shawnee National Forest Conservation Act of 2025
Sponsor
Latest action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 217.
Action timeline
Every recorded action on this bill, newest first. Stage badges color-code the legislative path.
Oct 27, 2025
committee
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Oct 27, 2025
other
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 217.
Oct 21, 2025
committee
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Jul 30, 2025
introduced
Introduced in Senate
Jul 30, 2025
introduced
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S4907)
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Text versions
Each stage of the bill — official text published by GPO. Click any format to read on congress.gov / govinfo.
Changelog
ⓘ
How a bill moves through Congress. Each stage produces a new official text. The diff between them shows what changed at that step.
ih / is — Introduced in House / Senate. First filed version.rfh / rfs — Referred to a committee for review.rh / rs — Reported back by the committee to the floor (often with amendments — this is where most language changes happen).pcs / pch — Placed on Calendar for floor consideration.eh / es — Engrossed. Passed by the originating chamber. Text is now what was actually voted on.rdh / rds — Received by the other chamber.eah / eas — Engrossed Amendment. The other chamber passed an amended version.ath / ats — Agreed to. Both chambers settled on the same text.enr — Enrolled. Final reconciled text, sent to the President.pl — Public Law. Signed by the President. It's now law.pp — Public Print. Official printing post-enactment.
Most bills die before eh/es. Going from pcs → enr is the full path through both chambers.
ⓘ
How a bill moves through Congress. Each stage produces a new official text. The diff between them shows what changed at that step.
ih/is— Introduced in House / Senate. First filed version.rfh/rfs— Referred to a committee for review.rh/rs— Reported back by the committee to the floor (often with amendments — this is where most language changes happen).pcs/pch— Placed on Calendar for floor consideration.eh/es— Engrossed. Passed by the originating chamber. Text is now what was actually voted on.rdh/rds— Received by the other chamber.eah/eas— Engrossed Amendment. The other chamber passed an amended version.ath/ats— Agreed to. Both chambers settled on the same text.enr— Enrolled. Final reconciled text, sent to the President.pl— Public Law. Signed by the President. It's now law.pp— Public Print. Official printing post-enactment.
Most bills die before eh/es. Going from pcs → enr is the full path through both chambers.
Line-level diff between text versions of this bill — what actually changed at each legislative stage.
+378
−90
127 unchanged
--- Introduced (Senate)
+++ Reported (Senate)
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
-[S. 2548 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
+[S. 2548 Reported in Senate (RS)]
<DOC>
+Calendar No. 217
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2548
@@ -17,8 +18,15 @@
July 30, 2025
-Mr. Durbin introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
-referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
+Mr. Durbin (for himself and Ms. Duckworth) introduced the following
+bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
+Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
+
+October 27, 2025
+
+Reported by Mr. Boozman, with an amendment
+[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed
+in italic]
_______________________________________________________________________
@@ -30,6 +38,261 @@
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
+
+<DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Shawnee National Forest
+Conservation Act of 2025''.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED>SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED> In this Act:</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) Designated natural area.--The term
+``designated natural area'' means an area determined to be of
+exceptional ecological, botanical, geologic, scenic, or
+archeological value by--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) the Secretary; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B)(i) the State of Illinois; or</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (ii) the Secretary of the Interior, acting
+through the Director of the National Park
+Service.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) Designated research natural area.--The term
+``designated research natural area'' means an area that has
+been selected by the Secretary, and is managed by the Forest
+Service, for scientific research value.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map prepared
+by the Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Camp
+Hutchins Wilderness Area and Special Management Area'' and
+dated November 23, 2023.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the
+Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the
+Forest Service.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (5) Special management area.--The term ``Special
+Management Area'' means a Special Management Area established
+by section 4(a).</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED>SEC. 3. CAMP HUTCHINS WILDERNESS.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED> (a) Addition to the National Wilderness Preservation
+System.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
+seq.), certain land in the Shawnee National Forest in the State of
+Illinois managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately 750
+acres and generally depicted on the Map as ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness
+Area--Proposed'', is designated as wilderness and as a component of the
+National Wilderness Preservation System, and shall be known as the
+``Camp Hutchins Wilderness''.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (b) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
+Camp Hutchins Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary in
+accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except
+that any reference in that Act to the effective date shall be
+considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this
+Act.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (c) Hiking Trail.--Forest Road 211 shall be closed to
+public vehicular traffic and shall be maintained as a hiking trail,
+including the eastern extension of Forest Road 211 formerly known as
+the ``Hutchins Creek Spur'' up to the area known as ``Hutchins Creek
+Corridor'', as generally depicted on the Map.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
+Federal land within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness, including any land or
+interest in land that is acquired by the United States within the Camp
+Hutchins Wilderness after the date of enactment of this Act, is
+withdrawn from--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the
+public land laws;</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining
+laws; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral
+materials, and geothermal leasing laws.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (e) Map and Legal Description.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
+date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map
+and legal description of the Camp Hutchins Wilderness with--
+</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) the Committee on Agriculture,
+Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) the Committee on Agriculture of the
+House of Representatives.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) Effect.--The map and legal description filed
+under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
+included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
+clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal
+description.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) Availability.--The map and legal description
+filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
+public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary
+and on the Forest Service website.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED>SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED> (a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
+following Special Management Areas within the Shawnee National Forest
+in the State of Illinois are established:</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) Camp hutchins special management area.--
+Certain Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
+approximately 2,953 acres and generally depicted on the Map as
+``Camp Hutchins Special Management Area--Proposed'', which
+shall be known as the ``Camp Hutchins Special Management
+Area''.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) Ripple hollow special management area.--
+Certain Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
+approximately 3,445 acres and generally depicted as ``Ripple
+Hollow Special Management Area--Proposed'' on the map prepared
+by the Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Ripple
+Hollow Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023,
+which shall be known as the ``Ripple Hollow Special Management
+Area''.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) Burke branch special management area.--Certain
+Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising
+approximately 6,310 acres and generally depicted as ``Burke
+Branch Special Management Area--Proposed'', on the map prepared
+by the Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Burke
+Branch Special Management Area'' and dated November 23, 2023,
+which shall be known as the ``Burke Branch Special Management
+Area''.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Special Management
+Areas are--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) to conserve, protect, and enhance the
+ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historic,
+educational, and scientific resources of the Special Management
+Areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future
+generations;</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) to promote biodiversity and control invasive
+species; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) to allow for the continuation of restoration
+efforts and scientific study of the designated natural areas
+and designated research natural areas within the Special
+Management Areas.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED>SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.</DELETED>
+
+<DELETED> (a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the
+Special Management Areas--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) in a manner that conserves, protects, and
+enhances the purposes for which the Special Management Areas
+are established; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) in accordance with--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) this section; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) other applicable laws.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (b) Management Plan.--Not later than 3 years after the
+date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
+comprehensive management plan for the long-term protection and
+management of the Special Management Areas.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (c) Uses.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) In general.--The Secretary shall allow only
+uses of the Special Management Areas that are consistent with
+the purposes for which the Special Management Areas are
+established.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) Prescribed fire.--The Secretary may use
+prescribed fire to sustain the ecological structure and
+composition of the Special Management Areas to sustain the
+biodiversity of the Special Management Areas.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) Management tools.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) In general.--The Secretary may use
+herbicides, insecticides, and mechanized equipment in
+the control of fire, insects, disease, and invasive
+species, including the use of chainsaws, drones,
+aircraft, pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and
+rubber and tracked vehicles to carry out management of
+the Special Management Areas approved by the
+Secretary.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) Requirement.--In carrying out
+management of the Special Management Areas, the
+Secretary shall use the best available technology and
+science.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (4) Motorized vehicles.--Except in cases in which
+motorized vehicles are needed for administrative purposes,
+emergency response, or access on established roads accessing
+trailheads, or are essential to provide off-road access for
+ecosystem management of habitat, the use of motor vehicles in
+the Special Management Areas shall be prohibited.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (5) Roads.--The Secretary shall decommission and
+remove roads within the Special Management Areas, except roads
+needed for management or access to trailheads, as soon as
+practicable.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (6) Timber.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) In general.--Commercial timber
+harvesting, except as needed for fire, insect, and
+disease control, and for visitor and administrative
+safety, in the Special Management Areas shall be
+prohibited.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) Activities permitted.--Thinning of
+trees and other vegetation in the Special Management
+Areas shall be permitted for restoration of the
+designated natural areas and designated research
+natural areas and to further the management objectives
+described in this section.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (7) Inholdings.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) In general.--Access to private
+inholdings in the Special Management Areas shall be
+preserved.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) Acquisitions.--The Secretary shall
+acquire any private inholdings in the Special
+Management Areas by purchase or exchange as soon as
+feasible.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (8) Hunting and trapping.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) Hunting.--Hunting shall be permitted
+in the Special Management Areas as permitted by the
+State of Illinois and in accordance with regulations of
+the State of Illinois and regulations of the Forest
+Service.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) Trapping.--Trapping shall not be
+permitted in the Special Management Areas.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (C) Access by motorized vehicles.--Access
+within the Special Management Areas by hunters in
+motorized vehicles shall be prohibited.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (9) Volunteer restoration and research.--
+</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) Volunteers.--The Secretary shall allow
+organized groups of volunteers to participate in
+ecological restoration activities under the guidance of
+Forest Service ecologists and botanists within the
+Special Management Areas through cooperative
+agreements.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) Access for research purposes.--The
+Secretary shall allow access to the Special Management
+Areas for scientific research by qualified individuals
+and organizations, as determined by the
+Secretary.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (10) Ongoing management decisions.--The Supervisor
+of the Shawnee National Forest shall have the authority,
+without requiring the permission of the Secretary, to make
+management decisions concerning any designated natural area or
+designated research natural area within the Special Management
+Areas pursuant to the land and resource management plan for the
+Shawnee National Forest.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
+Federal land within the Special Management Areas, including any land or
+interest in land that is acquired by the United States within the
+Special Management Areas after the date of enactment of this Act, is
+withdrawn from--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the
+public land laws;</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining
+laws; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral
+materials, and geothermal leasing laws.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (e) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the
+date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map
+and legal description of each Special Management Area with--
+</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural
+Resources of the Senate; and</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of
+the House of Representatives.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (2) Effect.--The maps and legal descriptions filed
+under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
+included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
+clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal
+descriptions.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (3) Availability.--The maps and legal descriptions
+filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
+public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary
+and on the Forest Service website.</DELETED>
+<DELETED> (f) Public Information.--Annually, the Secretary shall
+make publicly available on the website of the Shawnee National Forest
+information describing the progress in achieving the management
+objectives described in this section.</DELETED>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
@@ -42,19 +305,13 @@
(1) Designated natural area.--The term ``designated natural
area'' means an area determined to be of exceptional
ecological, botanical, geologic, scenic, or archeological value
-by--
-(A) the Secretary; and
-(B)(i) the State of Illinois; or
-(ii) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through
-the Director of the National Park Service.
+by the Secretary.
(2) Designated research natural area.--The term
``designated research natural area'' means an area that has
been selected by the Secretary, and is managed by the Forest
Service, for scientific research value.
-(3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map prepared by the
-Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Camp Hutchins
-Wilderness Area and Special Management Area'' and dated
-November 23, 2023.
+(3) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map prepared and
+submitted by the Secretary under section 3(e)(1).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(5) Special management area.--The term ``Special Management
@@ -67,29 +324,31 @@
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain
land in the Shawnee National Forest in the State of Illinois managed by
the Forest Service, comprising approximately 750 acres and generally
-depicted on the Map as ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area--Proposed'', is
-designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness
-Preservation System, and shall be known as the ``Camp Hutchins
-Wilderness''.
+depicted as ``Camp Hutchins Wilderness Area--Proposed'' on the map
+prepared by the Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Camp
+Hutchins Wilderness Area and Special Management Area'' and dated
+November 23, 2023, is designated as wilderness and as a component of
+the National Wilderness Preservation System, and shall be known as the
+``Camp Hutchins Wilderness''.
(b) Management.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Camp
Hutchins Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except
that any reference in that Act to the effective date shall be
considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act.
-(c) Hiking Trail.--Forest Road 211 shall be closed to public
-vehicular traffic and shall be maintained as a hiking trail, including
-the eastern extension of Forest Road 211 formerly known as the
-``Hutchins Creek Spur'' up to the area known as ``Hutchins Creek
+(c) Hiking Trail.--National Forest System Road 211 shall be closed
+to public vehicular traffic and may be maintained as a hiking trail,
+including the eastern extension of Forest Road 211 formerly known as
+the ``Hutchins Creek Spur'' up to the area known as ``Hutchins Creek
Corridor'', as generally depicted on the Map.
(d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land
within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness, including any land or interest in
land that is acquired by the United States within the Camp Hutchins
Wilderness after the date of enactment of this Act, is withdrawn from--
-(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land
-laws;
-(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
-(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials,
-and geothermal leasing laws.
+(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land
+law;
+(2) location, entry, and patent under mining law; and
+(3) operation of mineral leasing, mineral materials, and
+geothermal leasing law.
(e) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and legal
@@ -98,15 +357,15 @@
Forestry of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
-(2) Effect.--The map and legal description filed under
+(2) Effect.--The Map and legal description filed under
paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
-clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal
+clerical and typographical errors on the Map and in the legal
description.
-(3) Availability.--The map and legal description filed
+(3) Availability.--The Map and legal description filed
under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary and on
-the Forest Service website.
+the website of the Forest Service.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.
@@ -115,9 +374,12 @@
State of Illinois are established:
(1) Camp hutchins special management area.--Certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately
-2,953 acres and generally depicted on the Map as ``Camp
-Hutchins Special Management Area--Proposed'', which shall be
-known as the ``Camp Hutchins Special Management Area''.
+2,953 acres and generally depicted as ``Camp Hutchins Special
+Management Area--Proposed'' on the map prepared by the
+Environmental Law and Policy Center entitled ``Camp Hutchins
+Wilderness Area and Special Management Area'' and dated
+November 23, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Camp Hutchins
+Special Management Area''.
(2) Ripple hollow special management area.--Certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately
3,445 acres and generally depicted as ``Ripple Hollow Special
@@ -140,11 +402,12 @@
Areas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future
generations;
(2) to promote biodiversity and control invasive species;
-and
(3) to allow for the continuation of restoration efforts
and scientific study of the designated natural areas and
designated research natural areas within the Special Management
-Areas.
+Areas; and
+(4) to allow for public use and enjoyment of the Special
+Management Areas.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.
@@ -155,47 +418,50 @@
established; and
(2) in accordance with--
(A) this section; and
-(B) other applicable laws.
+(B) other applicable law.
(b) Management Plan.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
-enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive
-management plan for the long-term protection and management of the
-Special Management Areas.
+enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a management plan
+for the long-term protection and management of the Special Management
+Areas.
(c) Uses.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall allow only uses of the
Special Management Areas that are consistent with the purposes
for which the Special Management Areas are established.
(2) Prescribed fire.--The Secretary may use prescribed fire
to sustain the ecological structure and composition of the
-Special Management Areas to sustain the biodiversity of the
-Special Management Areas.
+Special Management Areas, to sustain the biodiversity of the
+Special Management Areas, and to mitigate the risk of wildfire
+in the Special Management Areas or nearby areas.
(3) Management tools.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may use herbicides,
-insecticides, and mechanized equipment in the control
-of fire, insects, disease, and invasive species,
-including the use of chainsaws, drones, aircraft,
-pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and rubber and
-tracked vehicles to carry out management of the Special
+insecticides, and mechanized equipment, including
+chainsaws, drones, unmanned aerial systems, aircraft,
+pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and rubber-tired
+and tracked vehicles, to control fire, insects,
+disease, and invasive species in managing the Special
Management Areas approved by the Secretary.
-(B) Requirement.--In carrying out management of the
-Special Management Areas, the Secretary shall use the
-best available technology and science.
-(4) Motorized vehicles.--Except in cases in which motorized
+(B) Requirement.--In managing the Special
+Management Areas, the Secretary shall use the best
+available technology and science.
+(4) Motor vehicles.--Except in cases in which motor
vehicles are needed for administrative purposes, emergency
response, or access on established roads accessing trailheads,
-or are essential to provide off-road access for ecosystem
-management of habitat, the use of motor vehicles in the Special
-Management Areas shall be prohibited.
-(5) Roads.--The Secretary shall decommission and remove
-roads within the Special Management Areas, except roads needed
-for management or access to trailheads, as soon as practicable.
+inholdings, cemeteries, or campgrounds, or are essential to
+provide off-road access for ecosystem management of habitat,
+the use of motor vehicles, including over-snow vehicles, in the
+Special Management Areas shall be prohibited.
+(5) Roads.--The Secretary shall decommission as soon as
+practicable any National Forest System roads within the Special
+Management Areas that are not needed for management or access
+to trailheads, cemeteries, and inholdings.
(6) Timber.--
-(A) In general.--Commercial timber harvesting,
-except as needed for fire, insect, and disease control,
-and for visitor and administrative safety, in the
-Special Management Areas shall be prohibited.
+(A) In general.--Commercial timber harvesting in
+the Special Management Areas, except as needed for
+fire, insect, and disease control, and for visitor and
+administrative safety, shall be prohibited.
(B) Activities permitted.--Thinning of trees and
-other vegetation in the Special Management Areas shall
-be permitted for restoration of the designated natural
+other vegetation in the Special Management Areas is
+permitted for restoration of the designated natural
areas and designated research natural areas and to
further the management objectives described in this
section.
@@ -204,65 +470,87 @@
the Special Management Areas shall be preserved.
(B) Acquisitions.--The Secretary shall acquire any
private inholdings in the Special Management Areas by
-purchase or exchange as soon as feasible.
+purchase or exchange from willing sellers as soon as
+practicable.
(8) Hunting and trapping.--
(A) Hunting.--Hunting shall be permitted in the
Special Management Areas as permitted by the State of
Illinois and in accordance with regulations of the
-State of Illinois and regulations of the Forest
-Service.
+State of Illinois and regulations and orders issued by
+the Forest Service.
(B) Trapping.--Trapping shall not be permitted in
the Special Management Areas.
-(C) Access by motorized vehicles.--Access within
-the Special Management Areas by hunters in motorized
-vehicles shall be prohibited.
+(C) Access by motor vehicles.--Motor vehicle access
+by hunters within the Special Management Areas,
+including over-snow vehicles, shall be prohibited.
(9) Volunteer restoration and research.--
(A) Volunteers.--The Secretary shall allow
-organized groups of volunteers to participate in
-ecological restoration activities under the guidance of
-Forest Service ecologists and botanists within the
-Special Management Areas through cooperative
-agreements.
+volunteers of cooperators and individual Forest Service
+volunteers to participate in ecological restoration
+activities under the guidance of Forest Service
+ecologists and botanists within the Special Management
+Areas through cooperative agreements.
(B) Access for research purposes.--The Secretary
shall allow access to the Special Management Areas for
-scientific research by qualified individuals and
-organizations, as determined by the Secretary.
+scientific research by individuals and organizations
+that the Secretary determines to be qualified for that
+purpose.
(10) Ongoing management decisions.--The Supervisor of the
Shawnee National Forest shall have the authority, without
requiring the permission of the Secretary, to make management
decisions concerning any designated natural area or designated
research natural area within the Special Management Areas
-pursuant to the land and resource management plan for the
-Shawnee National Forest.
+pursuant to the land management plan for the Shawnee National
+Forest.
(d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land
within the Special Management Areas, including any land or interest in
land that is acquired by the United States within the Special
Management Areas after the date of enactment of this Act, is withdrawn
from--
-(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land
-laws;
-(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
-(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials,
-and geothermal leasing laws.
+(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land
+law;
+(2) location, entry, and patent under mining law; and
+(3) operation of mineral leasing, mineral materials, and
+geothermal leasing law.
(e) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and legal
-description of each Special Management Area with--
+descriptions of the Special Management Areas with--
(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives.
-(2) Effect.--The maps and legal descriptions filed under
+(2) Effect.--The map and legal descriptions filed under
paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
-clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal
+clerical and typographical errors on the map and in the legal
descriptions.
-(3) Availability.--The maps and legal descriptions filed
+(3) Availability.--The map and legal descriptions filed
under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary and on
-the Forest Service website.
+the website of the Forest Service.
(f) Public Information.--Annually, the Secretary shall make
-publicly available on the website of the Shawnee National Forest
-information describing the progress in achieving the management
-objectives described in this section.
-<all>
+publicly available on the website of the Shawnee National Forest a
+description of the progress in achieving the management objectives
+described in this section.
+Calendar No. 217
+
+119th CONGRESS
+
+1st Session
+
+S. 2548
+
+_______________________________________________________________________
+
+A BILL
+
+To designate the Camp Hutchins Wilderness and establish Special
+Management Areas in the Shawnee National Forest in the State of
+Illinois, and for other purposes.
+
+_______________________________________________________________________
+
+October 27, 2025
+
+Reported with an amendment
Cosponsors (1)
Members who signed on to support this bill.