§ 2302. Definitions

In this chapter:
(1) Exceptional resource
The term “exceptional resource” means a resource of scientific, natural, historic, cultural, or recreational value that has been documented by a Federal, State, or local governmental authority, and for which there is a compelling need for conservation and protection under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency in order to maintain the resource for the benefit of the public.
(2) Federally designated area
The term “federally designated area” means land in Alaska and the eleven contiguous Western States (as defined in section 1702 (o) of this title) that on July 25, 2000, was within the boundary of—
(A) a national monument, area of critical environmental concern, national conservation area, national riparian conservation area, national recreation area, national scenic area, research natural area, national outstanding natural area, or a national natural landmark managed by the Bureau of Land Management;
(B) a unit of the National Park System;
(C) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
(D) an area of the National Forest System designated for special management by an Act of Congress; or
(E) an area within which the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture is otherwise authorized by law to acquire lands or interests therein that is designated as—
(i) wilderness under the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.);
(ii) a wilderness study area;
(iii) a component of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.); or
(iv) a component of the National Trails System under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.).
(3) Inholding
The term “inholding” means any right, title, or interest, held by a non-Federal entity, in or to a tract of land that lies within the boundary of a federally designated area.
(4) Public land
The term “public land” means public lands (as defined in section 1702 of this title).
(5) Secretary
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.