(a)
Freehold and Leasehold Interests.—
With respect to any property acquired by the Secretary within a System unit or
related area, except property within national parks or within national monuments of
scientific significance, the Secretary may convey a freehold or leasehold interest
in the property, subject to such terms and conditions as will ensure the use of the
property in a manner that is, in the judgment of the Secretary, consistent with the
purpose for which the System unit or related area was authorized by Congress. The
Secretary shall convey the interest to the highest bidder, in accordance with such
regulations as the Secretary may prescribe. The conveyance shall be at not less than
the fair market value of the interest, as determined by the Secretary, except that
if the conveyance is proposed within 2 years after the property to be conveyed is
acquired by the Secretary, the Secretary shall allow the last owner of record of the
property 30 days following the date on which the owner is notified by the Secretary
in writing that the property is to be conveyed within which to notify the Secretary
that the owner wishes to acquire the interest. On receiving the timely request, the
Secretary shall convey the interest to the person, in accordance with such
regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, on payment or agreement to pay an amount
equal to the highest bid price.
(b)
Exchange of Land.—
(1)
In general.—
The Secretary may accept title to any non-Federal property or interest in
property within a System unit or related area under the Secretary’s
administration in exchange for any Federally-owned property or interest under
the Secretary’s jurisdiction that the Secretary determines is suitable for
exchange or other disposal and that is located in the same State as the
non-Federal property to be acquired.
(2)
Exception.—
Timberland subject to harvest under a sustained yield program shall not be
exchanged under paragraph (1).
(3)
Public hearing.—
On request of a State or a political subdivision thereof, or of a party in
interest, prior to an exchange under this subsection the Secretary shall hold a
public hearing in the area where the properties to be exchanged are located.
(4)
Values of properties exchanged.—
The values of the properties exchanged—
(A)
shall be approximately equal; or
(B)
if they are not approximately equal, shall be equalized by the payment
of cash to the grantor from funds appropriated for the acquisition of land
for the area, or to the Secretary, as the circumstances require.
(c)
Proceeds Credited to Land and Water Conservation
Fund.—
The proceeds received from any conveyance under this section shall be credited
to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.