Legal corpus: the complete U.S. Code (59,740 sections, all 53 titles)

Ingested titles 12–51 and 54 from OLRC USLM XML @119-100 (the whole Code
now, uniform edition; Title 53 is reserved/empty). LegalText 11,221 ->
59,740; repo total 105,704 records. Deterministic (byte-identical rerun,
verified on Title 42's 8,356 sections); make check green. make
legal-us-code default now covers every title.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 <noreply@anthropic.com>

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1242.md

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1242"
+description: "National trails system"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1242"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1242"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1242"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "c89b1a1a0593229da2f0b41b38609f3388850b502c25ee02d4383c27e8a3f76d"
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+text_hash: "c7af0c1db85eace87eceefcfd44616db5983cf2660123a7fc2c31ce8958635c5"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1242 - National trails system
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Composition: recreation trails; scenic trails; historic trails; connecting or side trails; uniform markers The national system of trails shall be composed of the following:
+
+(1) National recreation trails, established as provided in section 1243 of this title, which will provide a variety of outdoor recreation uses in or reasonably accessible to urban areas.
+
+(2) National scenic trails, established as provided in section 1244 of this title, which will be extended trails so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass. National scenic trails may be located so as to represent desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, forest, and other areas, as well as landforms which exhibit significant characteristics of the physiographic regions of the Nation.
+
+(3) National historic trails, established as provided in section 1244 of this title, which will be extended trails which follow as closely as possible and practicable the original trails or routes of travel of national historical significance. Designation of such trails or routes shall be continuous, but the established or developed trail, and the acquisition thereof, need not be continuous onsite. National historic trails shall have as their purpose the identification and protection of the historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment. Only those selected land and water based components of an historic trail which are on federally owned lands and which meet the national historic trail criteria established in this chapter are included as Federal protection components of a national historic trail. The appropriate Secretary may certify other lands as protected segments of an historic trail upon application from State or local governmental agencies or private interests involved if such segments meet the national historic trail criteria established in this chapter and such criteria supplementary thereto as the appropriate Secretary may prescribe, and are administered by such agencies or interests without expense to the United States.
+
+(4) Connecting or side trails, established as provided in section 1245 of this title, which will provide additional points of public access to national recreation, national scenic or national historic trails or which will provide connections between such trails.
+
+The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with appropriate governmental agencies and public and private organizations, shall establish a uniform marker for the national trails system.
+
+(b) Extended trails For purposes of this section, the term “extended trails” means trails or trail segments which total at least one hundred miles in length, except that historic trails of less than one hundred miles may be designated as extended trails. While it is desirable that extended trails be continuous, studies of such trails may conclude that it is feasible to propose one or more trail segments which, in the aggregate, constitute at least one hundred miles in length.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 3, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 919; Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 551(4), (5), Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3511, 3512; Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 203, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 42; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title VIII, § 814(d)(1)(E), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4196.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments1996—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–333 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: “On October 1, 1982, and at the beginning of each odd numbered fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and to the President of the United States Senate, an initial and revised (respectively) National Trails System plan. Such comprehensive plan shall indicate the scope and extent of a completed nationwide system of trails, to include (1) desirable nationally significant scenic and historic components which are considered necessary to complete a comprehensive national system, and (2) other trails which would balance out a complete and comprehensive nationwide system of trails. Such plan, and the periodic revisions thereto, shall be prepared in full consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Governors of the various States, and the trails community.” 1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–11, § 203(1), (2), designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), redesignated former subsecs. (a) to (d) as pars. (1) to (4), respectively, and, in provisions preceding par. (1), substituted “shall be composed of the following:” for “shall be composed of—”. Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–11, § 203(3), inserted provision authorizing the location of national scenic trails so as to represent desert, marsh, grassland, mountain, canyon, river, forest, and other areas, as well as landforms which exhibit significant characteristics of the physiographic regions of the Nation. Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–11, § 203(4), (5), substituted “in this chapter are included as Federal” for “in this chapter, are established as initial Federal” in fourth sentence and struck out “subsequently” after “The appropriate Secretary may” in fifth sentence. Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 98–11, § 203(6), added subsecs. (b) and (c). 1978—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 95–625, § 551(4), (5), added subsec. (c), redesignated former subsec. (c) as (d), and substituted “, national scenic or national historic” for “or national scenic”.

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1243.md

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1243"
+description: "National recreation trails; establishment and designation; prerequisites"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1243"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1243"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1243"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "e8215f49e66ac76b3b858a8bbbd0c91e5a0f8cf9ac1134e9cf23ae9e95a0bf09"
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+text_hash: "12fc84ae4a9d816226782fa1fb29bd2b6bfbff85417abd63d1bfd29441ff2762"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1243 - National recreation trails; establishment and designation; prerequisites
+
+## Text
+
+(a) The Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Agriculture where lands administered by him are involved, may establish and designate national recreation trails, with the consent of the Federal agency, State, or political subdivision having jurisdiction over the lands involved, upon finding that—
+
+(i) such trails are reasonably accessible to urban areas, and, or
+
+(ii) such trails meet the criteria established in this chapter and such supplementary criteria as he may prescribe.
+
+(b) As provided in this section, trails within park, forest, and other recreation areas administered by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture or in other federally administered areas may be established and designated as “National Recreation Trails” by the appropriate Secretary and, when no Federal land acquisition is involved—
+
+(i) trails in or reasonably accessible to urban areas may be designated as “National Recreation Trails” by the appropriate Secretary with the consent of the States, their political subdivisions, or other appropriate administering agencies;
+
+(ii) trails within park, forest, and other recreation areas owned or administered by States may be designated as “National Recreation Trails” by the appropriate Secretary with the consent of the State; and
+
+(iii) trails on privately owned lands may be designated “National Recreation Trails” by the appropriate Secretary with the written consent of the owner of the property involved.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 4, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 919; Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 204, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 43.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments1983—Subsec. (b)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 98–11, § 204(1), substituted “appropriate Secretary” for “Secretary of the Interior”. Subsec. (b)(iii). Pub. L. 98–11, § 204(2)–(4), added cl. (iii).

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1245.md

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1245"
+description: "Connecting or side trails; establishment, designation, and marking as components of national trails system; location"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1245"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1245"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1245"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "decbfa42103f95bdb0f0e7744f3035f46d4fe1c29f14d654f354b94a2b6aeaa1"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "7be8950da5a93cac7c98e4576ce00340f2aba5e8e46d29915382c203c421d503"
+text_hash: "8b89417072333973ca3c90532b48d5cc1e1661e2faf64ad328043701da6d4d01"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1245 - Connecting or side trails; establishment, designation, and marking as components of national trails system; location
+
+## Text
+
+Connecting or side trails within park, forest, and other recreation areas administered by the Secretary of the Interior or Secretary of Agriculture may be established, designated, and marked by the appropriate Secretary as components of a national recreation, national scenic or national historic trail. When no Federal land acquisition is involved, connecting or side trails may be located across lands administered by interstate, State, or local governmental agencies with their consent, or, where the appropriate Secretary deems necessary or desirable, on privately owned lands with the consent of the landowner. Applications for approval and designation of connecting and side trails on non-Federal lands shall be submitted to the appropriate Secretary.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 6, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 922; Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 551(16), Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3515; Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 206, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 45.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments1983—Pub. L. 98–11 substituted “marked by the appropriate Secretary as components” for “marked as components” and “, or, where the appropriate Secretary deems necessary or desirable, on privately owned lands with the consent of the landowner. Applications for approval and designation of connecting and side trails on non-Federal lands shall be submitted to the appropriate Secretary” for “: Provided, That such trails provide additional points of public access to national recreation, national scenic or national historic trails”. 1978—Pub. L. 95–625 substituted “, national scenic or national historic” for “or national scenic,” and “, national scenic, or national historic” for “or scenic”.

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1247.md

@@ -0,0 +1,55 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1247"
+description: "State and local area recreation and historic trails"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1247"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1247"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1247"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "0ea0959caa3c659e558f3a9701c65d58d0e7f55cd9ca556c181ddc04cb492cab"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "7be8950da5a93cac7c98e4576ce00340f2aba5e8e46d29915382c203c421d503"
+text_hash: "c94ebd8e1f92ef60f19ac61a0a4edcdf1a52d14eeb737a16c8cb8b03cc0b718e"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1247 - State and local area recreation and historic trails
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Secretary of the Interior to encourage States, political subdivisions, and private interests; financial assistance for State and local projects The Secretary of the Interior is directed to encourage States to consider, in their comprehensive statewide outdoor recreation plans and proposals for financial assistance for State and local projects submitted pursuant to chapter 2003 of title 54, needs and opportunities for establishing park, forest, and other recreation and historic trails on lands owned or administered by States, and recreation and historic trails on lands in or near urban areas. The Secretary is also directed to encourage States to consider, in their comprehensive statewide historic preservation plans and proposals for financial assistance for State, local, and private projects submitted pursuant to division A of subtitle III of title 54, needs and opportunities for establishing historic trails. He is further directed, in accordance with the authority contained in chapter 2003 of title 54),11 So in original. The closing parenthesis preceding the comma probably should not appear. See 2014 Amendment note below. to encourage States, political subdivisions, and private interests, including nonprofit organizations, to establish such trails.
+
+(b) Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to encourage metropolitan and other urban areas; administrative and financial assistance in connection with recreation and transportation planning; administration of urban open-space program The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is directed, in administering the program of comprehensive urban planning and assistance under section 701 22 See References in Text note below. of the Housing Act of 1954, to encourage the planning of recreation trails in connection with the recreation and transportation planning for metropolitan and other urban areas. He is further directed, in administering the urban open-space program under title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 [42 U.S.C. 1500 et seq.], to encourage such recreation trails.
+
+(c) Secretary of Agriculture to encourage States, local agencies, and private interests The Secretary of Agriculture is directed, in accordance with authority vested in him, to encourage States and local agencies and private interests to establish such trails.
+
+(d) Interim use of railroad rights-of-way The Secretary of Transportation, the Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, and the Secretary of the Interior, in administering the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and chapter 224 of title 49, shall encourage State and local agencies and private interests to establish appropriate trails using the provisions of such programs. Consistent with the purposes of that Act, and in furtherance of the national policy to preserve established railroad rights-of-way for future reactivation of rail service, to protect rail transportation corridors, and to encourage energy efficient transportation use, in the case of interim use of any established railroad rights-of-way pursuant to donation, transfer, lease, sale, or otherwise in a manner consistent with this chapter, if such interim use is subject to restoration or reconstruction for railroad purposes, such interim use shall not be treated, for purposes of any law or rule of law, as an abandonment of the use of such rights-of-way for railroad purposes. If a State, political subdivision, or qualified private organization is prepared to assume full responsibility for management of such rights-of-way and for any legal liability arising out of such transfer or use, and for the payment of any and all taxes that may be levied or assessed against such rights-of-way, then the Board shall impose such terms and conditions as a requirement of any transfer or conveyance for interim use in a manner consistent with this chapter, and shall not permit abandonment or discontinuance inconsistent or disruptive of such use.
+
+(e) Designation and marking of trails; approval of Secretary of the Interior Such trails may be designated and suitably marked as parts of the nationwide system of trails by the States, their political subdivisions, or other appropriate administering agencies with the approval of the Secretary of the Interior.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 8, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 925; Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 551(22), Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3516; Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 208, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 48; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, § 317(1), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 949; Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(24), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3266; Pub. L. 117–58, div. B, title I, § 21301(j)(1), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 691.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextSection 701 of the Housing Act of 1954, referred to in subsec. (b), was classified to section 461 of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, title III, § 313(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 398. The Housing Act of 1961, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 87–70, June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 149. Title VII of the Housing Act of 1961 was classified generally to chapter 8C (§ 1500 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and was omitted from the Code pursuant to section 5316 of Title 42 which terminated authority to make grants or loans under such title VII after Jan. 1, 1975. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and Tables. The Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, referred to in subsec. (d), is Pub. L. 94–210, Feb. 5, 1976, 90 Stat. 31. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 801 of Title 45, Railroads, and Tables.
+
+Amendments2021—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–58 inserted “(45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.) and chapter 224 of title 49” after “Reform Act of 1976”. 2014—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted “chapter 2003 of title 54” for “the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act”, “division A of subtitle III of title 54” for “the Act of October 15, 1966 (80 Stat. 915), as amended”, and “chapter 2003 of title 54” for “the Act of May 28, 1963 (77 Stat. 49”. 1995—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–88 substituted “Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board” for “Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission” and “the Board” for “the Commission”. 1983—Subsecs. (d), (e). Pub. L. 98–11, § 208(2), added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsec. (d) as (e). 1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–625 inserted “and historic” after “establishing park, forest, and other recreation” and “administered by States, and recreation”, and directed the Secretary to encourage States to consider in their plans and proposals the needs and opportunities for establishing historic trails.
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective Date of 1995 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1248.md

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1248"
+description: "Easements and rights-of-way"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1248"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1248"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1248"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "dff0e53aea210b5e6d33ecd895e510d3c9a0c02d24cad0f7608f9f221e1dbbaa"
+raw_snapshot_hash: "7be8950da5a93cac7c98e4576ce00340f2aba5e8e46d29915382c203c421d503"
+text_hash: "bfa5184bf9e304dc11c7f4942206851bef491e31ffe26528a58fb391dae99d7d"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1248 - Easements and rights-of-way
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Authorization; conditions The Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture as the case may be, may grant easements and rights-of-way upon, over, under, across, or along any component of the national trails system in accordance with the laws applicable to the national park system and the national forest system, respectively: Provided, That any conditions contained in such easements and rights-of-way shall be related to the policy and purposes of this chapter.
+
+(b) Cooperation of Federal agencies with Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture The Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Surface Transportation Board, the Federal Communications Commission, the Secretary of Energy, and other Federal agencies having jurisdiction or control over or information concerning the use, abandonment, or disposition of roadways, utility rights-of-way, or other properties which may be suitable for the purpose of improving or expanding the national trails system shall cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture in order to assure, to the extent practicable, that any such properties having values suitable for trail purposes may be made available for such use.
+
+(c) Abandoned railroad grants; retention of rights Commencing October 4, 1988, any and all right, title, interest, and estate of the United States in all rights-of-way of the type described in section 912 of title 43, shall remain in the United States upon the abandonment or forfeiture of such rights-of-way, or portions thereof, except to the extent that any such right-of-way, or portion thereof, is embraced within a public highway no later than one year after a determination of abandonment or forfeiture, as provided under such section.
+
+(d) Location, incorporation, and management (1) All rights-of-way, or portions thereof, retained by the United States pursuant to subsection (c) which are located within the boundaries of a conservation system unit or a National Forest shall be added to and incorporated within such unit or National Forest and managed in accordance with applicable provisions of law, including this chapter.
+
+(2) All such retained rights-of-way, or portions thereof, which are located outside the boundaries of a conservation system unit or a National Forest but adjacent to or contiguous with any portion of the public lands shall be managed pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 [43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.] and other applicable law, including this section.
+
+(3) All such retained rights-of-way, or portions thereof, which are located outside the boundaries of a conservation system unit or National Forest which the Secretary of the Interior determines suitable for use as a public recreational trail or other recreational purposes shall be managed by the Secretary for such uses, as well as for such other uses as the Secretary determines to be appropriate pursuant to applicable laws, as long as such uses do not preclude trail use.
+
+(e) Release and quitclaim; conditions; sale; proceeds (1) The Secretary of the Interior is authorized where appropriate to release and quitclaim to a unit of government or to another entity meeting the requirements of this subsection any and all right, title, and interest in the surface estate of any portion of any right-of-way to the extent any such right, title, and interest was retained by the United States pursuant to subsection (c), if such portion is not located within the boundaries of any conservation system unit or National Forest. Such release and quitclaim shall be made only in response to an application therefor by a unit of State or local government or another entity which the Secretary of the Interior determines to be legally and financially qualified to manage the relevant portion for public recreational purposes. Upon receipt of such an application, the Secretary shall publish a notice concerning such application in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the relevant portion is located. Such release and quitclaim shall be on the following conditions:
+
+(A) If such unit or entity attempts to sell, convey, or otherwise transfer such right, title, or interest or attempts to permit the use of any part of such portion for any purpose incompatible with its use for public recreation, then any and all right, title, and interest released and quitclaimed by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection shall revert to the United States.
+
+(B) Such unit or entity shall assume full responsibility and hold the United States harmless for any legal liability which might arise with respect to the transfer, possession, use, release, or quitclaim of such right-of-way.
+
+(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States shall be under no duty to inspect such portion prior to such release and quitclaim, and shall incur no legal liability with respect to any hazard or any unsafe condition existing on such portion at the time of such release and quitclaim.
+
+(2) The Secretary is authorized to sell any portion of a right-of-way retained by the United States pursuant to subsection (c) located outside the boundaries of a conservation system unit or National Forest if any such portion is—
+
+(A) not adjacent to or contiguous with any portion of the public lands; or
+
+(B) determined by the Secretary, pursuant to the disposal criteria established by section 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 [43 U.S.C. 1713], to be suitable for sale.
+
+Prior to conducting any such sale, the Secretary shall take appropriate steps to afford a unit of State or local government or any other entity an opportunity to seek to obtain such portion pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
+
+(3) All proceeds from sales of such retained rights of way shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States and credited to the Land and Water Conservation Fund as provided in section 200302 of title 54.
+
+(4) The Secretary of the Interior shall annually report to the Congress the total proceeds from sales under paragraph (2) during the preceding fiscal year. Such report shall be included in the President’s annual budget submitted to the Congress.
+
+(f) “Conservation system unit” and “public lands” defined As used in this section—
+
+(1) The term “conservation system unit” has the same meaning given such term in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Public Law 96–487; 94 Stat. 2371 et seq.), except that such term shall also include units outside Alaska.
+
+(2) The term “public lands” has the same meaning given such term in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 [43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.].
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 9, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 925; Pub. L. 95–91, title III, § 301(b), Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 578; Pub. L. 100–470, § 3, Oct. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 2281; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, § 317(2), Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 949; Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(25), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3266.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextThe Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, referred to in subsecs. (d)(2) and (f)(2), is Pub. L. 94–579, Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2743, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§ 1701 et seq.) of Title 43, Public Lands. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1701 of Title 43 and Tables. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), is Pub. L. 96–487, Dec. 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 2371. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3101 of this title and Tables.
+
+Amendments2014—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted “section 200302 of title 54” for “section 460l–5 of this title”. 1995—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–88 substituted “Surface Transportation Board” for “Interstate Commerce Commission”. 1988—Subsecs. (c) to (f). Pub. L. 100–470 added subsecs. (c) to (f).
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective Date of 1995 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.
+
+Transfer of Functions “Secretary of Energy” substituted for “Federal Power Commission” in subsec. (b) pursuant to Pub. L. 95–91, § 301(b), which is classified to section 7151(b) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. The Federal Power Commission was terminated, and its functions, personnel, property, funds, etc., were transferred to the Secretary of Energy (except for certain functions which were transferred to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) by sections 7151(b), 7171(a), 7172(a), 7291, and 7293 of Title 42.
+
+Abandoned Railroad Grants; Congressional FindingsPub. L. 100–470, § 2, Oct. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 2281, provided that: “Congress hereby finds that— “(1) State and local governments have a special role to play under the National Trails System Act [16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.] in acquiring and developing trails for recreation and conservation purposes. “(2) Many miles of public land rights-of-way have been granted to the railroads by the United States, and much of this mileage could be suitable for trail use at such time as it may be abandoned. “(3) The United States should retain any residual interest it may have in such public land rights-of-way and relinquish it, where appropriate, in favor of State and local governments or other nonprofit entities for trail purposes.”
+
+CondemnationPub. L. 100–470, § 5, Oct. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 2283, provided that: “(a) Nothing in this Act [amending this section and section 1244 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1241 of this title] shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to use condemnation proceedings to retain or acquire all or any portion of a right-of-way described in this Act. “(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to expand or diminish existing condemnation authorities contained in the National Trails System Act, as amended [16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.].”
+
+Executive Documents
+
+Transfer of Functions Enforcement functions of Secretary or other official in Department of the Interior related to compliance with system activities requiring coordination and approval under this chapter and such functions of Secretary or other official in Department of Agriculture, insofar as they involve lands and programs under jurisdiction of that Department, related to compliance with this chapter with respect to pre-construction, construction, and initial operation of transportation system for Canadian and Alaskan natural gas transferred to Federal Inspector, Office of Federal Inspector for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, until first anniversary of date of initial operation of Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System, see Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1979, §§ 102(e), (f), 203(a), 44 F.R. 33663, 33666, 93 Stat. 1373, 1376, effective July 1, 1979, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Office of Federal Inspector for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation System abolished and functions and authority vested in Inspector transferred to Secretary of Energy by section 3012(b) of Pub. L. 102–486, set out as an Abolition of Office of Federal Inspector note under section 719e of Title 15, Commerce and Trade. Functions and authority vested in Secretary of Energy subsequently transferred to Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects by section 720d(f) of Title 15.

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1249.md

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1249"
+description: "Authorization of appropriations"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1249"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1249"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1249"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1249 - Authorization of appropriations
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails (1) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the acquisition of lands or interests in lands not more than $5,000,000 for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and not more than $500,000 for the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. From the appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years pursuant to chapter 2003 of title 54, not more than the following amounts may be expended for the acquisition of lands and interests in lands authorized to be acquired pursuant to the provisions of this chapter: for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, not to exceed $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1979, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1980, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, except that the difference between the foregoing amounts and the actual appropriations in any one fiscal year shall be available for appropriation in subsequent fiscal years.
+
+(2) It is the express intent of the Congress that the Secretary should substantially complete the land acquisition program necessary to insure the protection of the Appalachian Trail within three complete fiscal years following March 21, 1978.
+
+(b) Land deemed to qualify for funding For the purposes of Public Law 95–42 (91 Stat. 211), the lands and interests therein acquired pursuant to this section shall be deemed to qualify for funding under the provisions of section 1, clause 2, of said Act.
+
+(c) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter relating to the trails designated by section 1244(a) of this title.
+
+(2) Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (A) In general With respect to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (referred to in this paragraph as the “trail”) designated by section 1244(a)(12) of this title—
+
+(i) not more than $500,000 shall be appropriated for the acquisition of land or interests in land for the trail; and
+
+(ii) not more than $2,000,000 shall be appropriated for the development of the trail.
+
+(B) Participation by volunteer trail groups The administering agency for the trail shall encourage volunteer trail groups to participate in the development of the trail.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 10, Oct. 2, 1968, 82 Stat. 926; Pub. L. 95–248, § 1(5), Mar. 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 160; Pub. L. 95–625, title V, § 551(23), Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3517; Pub. L. 96–199, title I, § 101(b)(4), Mar. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 68; Pub. L. 96–370, § 1(b), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1360; Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 209, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 48; Pub. L. 100–35, § 1(b), May 8, 1987, 101 Stat. 302; Pub. L. 100–192, § 2, Dec. 16, 1987, 101 Stat. 1309; Pub. L. 101–365, § 2(b), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 429; Pub. L. 103–437, § 6(d)(38), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4585; Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title VIII, § 814(d)(1)(J), Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4196; Pub. L. 108–352, § 14(2), Oct. 21, 2004, 118 Stat. 1397; Pub. L. 111–11, title V, § 5301(b), Mar. 30, 2009, 123 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(26), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3266.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextPublic Law 95–42 (91 Stat. 211), referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 95–42, June 10, 1977, 91 Stat. 210, which, to the extent classified to the Code, amended former sections 460l–5, 460l–7, and 460l–9 of this title. Section 1, clause 2 of said Act amended former section 460l–7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
+
+Amendments2014—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted “chapter 2003 of title 54” for “the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (78 Stat. 897), as amended”. 2009—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–11 added subsec. (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which appropriated such sums as necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter relating to the trails designated by section 1244(a) of this title. 2004—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–352 substituted “the Ice Age” for “The Ice Age”. 1996—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–333 struck out at end “Until the entire acquisition program is completed, he shall transmit in writing at the close of each fiscal year the following information to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives: “(A) the amount of land acquired during the fiscal year and the amount expended therefor; “(B) the estimated amount of land remaining to be acquired; and “(C) the amount of land planned for acquisition in the ensuing fiscal year and the estimated cost thereof.” 1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–437 in introductory provisions substituted “Natural Resources” for “Interior and Insular Affairs” after “Committee on”. 1990—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 101–365 amended first sentence generally. Prior to amendment, first sentence read as follows: “There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 1983 and subsequent fiscal years such sums as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter relating to the trails designated by paragraphs (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (15), and (16) of section 1244(a) of this title.” 1987—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 100–192 substituted “, (10), (11), (12), (13), (15), and (16)” for “through (13) and (15)”. Pub. L. 100–35 inserted “and (15)” after “(13)”. 1983—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 98–11, § 209(1), (2), inserted “(a)(1)” before “There are hereby authorized to be appropriated” at beginning of undesignated opening paragraph, and substituted “for the” for “(a) The” before “Appalachian National Scenic Trail” at beginning of former subsec. (a). Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–11, § 209(3), (4), inserted “(2)” before sentence beginning “It is the express intent of the Congress” and substituted “protection of the Appalachian Trail” for “protection of the Trail”. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–11, § 209(5), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted provision that funds may be expended for the acquisition of lands or interests therein for the purpose of providing for one trail interpretation site, as described in section 1246(c) of this title, and added par. (2). 1980—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–370 substituted “(7), (8), (9), and (10)” for “(7), and (8)” and inserted reference to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Pub. L. 96–199 inserted references to the North Country National Scenic Trail in two places, once by its full name and once by the designation as the trail “designated by” section 1244(a)(8) of this title, substituted “appropriated prior to October 1, 1978” for “appropriated prior to October 1, 1979”, and substituted “no funds may be expended by Federal agencies for the acquisition of lands or interests in lands outside the exterior boundaries of existing Federal area” for “no funds may be expended for the acquisition of lands or interests in lands”. 1978—Pub. L. 95–248 inserted provisions relating to determinations respecting appropriations authorized for fiscal year 1979 and succeeding fiscal years. Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–625 struck out par. (1) designation, substituted “in subsequent fiscal years” for “in the subsequent fiscal year” and struck out par. (2) which provided for transmission of a report to Congressional committees by the Appalachian Trail Conference at the close of each fiscal year, until entire acquisition program was completed, covering conduct of negotiations for acquisition program and whether larger interests in land were being acquired than were necessary for the purposes of this chapter. Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–625 added subsec. (c).
+
+Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
+
+Effective Date of Appropriation Authorizations Under Pub. L. 98–11; Contract AuthorityPub. L. 98–11, title I, § 101, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 42, provided that: “Authorizations of appropriations under this Act [enacting sections 1250 and 1251 of this title, amending this section and sections 1241 to 1247 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1241 of this title] shall be effective only for the fiscal year beginning on October 1, 1983, and subsequent fiscal years. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, authority to enter into contracts, and to make payments, under this Act shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.”
+
+Appropriations for Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and Ice Age National Scenic Trail; Effective Date; Contract AuthorityPub. L. 96–370, § 2, Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1360, provided that: “Authorizations of moneys to be appropriated under this Act [amending sections 1244 and 1249 of this title] shall be effective on October 1, 1981. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, authority to enter into contracts, to incur obligations, or to make payments under this Act shall be effective only to the extent, and in such amounts, as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.”

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1250.md

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1250"
+description: "Volunteer trails assistance"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1250"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1250"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1250"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "f39911d3245d93ddc35990f37f2f6e82453803589ea7337c5194061cb2073cc7"
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+text_hash: "d698dd0f4d208dfb61d93f5b4c330bdd90280c2a1f936f1c9cf1955afe454e2f"
+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1250 - Volunteer trails assistance
+
+## Text
+
+(a) Volunteer planning, development, maintenance, and management of trails (1) In addition to the cooperative agreement and other authorities contained in this chapter, the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of any Federal agency administering Federal lands, are authorized to encourage volunteers and volunteer organizations to plan, develop, maintain, and manage, where appropriate, trails throughout the Nation.
+
+(2) Wherever appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the Secretaries are authorized and encouraged to utilize section 102301 of title 54, the Volunteers in the Forests Act of 1972 11 See References in Text note below. [16 U.S.C. 558a et seq.], and 200305 22 So in original. Probably should be preceded by “section”. of title 54 (relating to the development of Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans).
+
+(b) Scope of volunteer work Each Secretary or the head of any Federal land managing agency may assist volunteers and volunteer organizations in planning, developing, maintaining, and managing trails. Volunteer work may include, but need not be limited to—
+
+(1) planning, developing, maintaining, or managing (A) trails which are components of the national trails system, or (B) trails which, if so developed and maintained, could qualify for designation as components of the national trails system; or
+
+(2) operating programs to organize and supervise volunteer trail building efforts with respect to the trails referred to in paragraph (1), conducting trail-related research projects, or providing education and training to volunteers on methods of trails planning, construction, and maintenance.
+
+(c) Use of Federal facilities, equipment, tools, and technical assistance The appropriate Secretary or the head of any Federal land managing agency may utilize and make available Federal facilities, equipment, tools, and technical assistance to volunteers and volunteer organizations, subject to such limitations and restrictions as the appropriate Secretary or the head of any Federal land managing agency deems necessary or desirable.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 11, as added Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 210, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 49; amended Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(27), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3267.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+References in TextThe Volunteers in the Forests Act of 1972, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), probably means the Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972, Pub. L. 92–300, May 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 147, which was classified generally to former sections 558a to 558d of this title, prior to being amended generally and renamed the Volunteers in the National Forests and Public Lands Act by Pub. L. 118–234, title III, § 341, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2913. Section 342 of Pub. L. 118–234, set out as a note under section 558a of this title, provides that a reference in any law to the Volunteers in National Forests Act of 1972 shall be deemed to be a reference to the Volunteers in the National Forests and Public Lands Act. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 558a of this title and Tables.
+
+Amendments2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted “section 102301 of title 54” for “the Volunteers in the Parks Act of 1969” and “200305 of title 54” for “section 460l–8 of this title”.

legal/us/code/title-16/chapter-27/section-1251.md

@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+---
+type: "LegalText"
+title: "16 U.S.C. § 1251"
+description: "Definitions"
+jurisdiction: "us"
+corpus: "united_states_code"
+kind: "code_section"
+title_number: 16
+title_name: "CONSERVATION"
+chapter_number: "27"
+chapter_name: "NATIONAL TRAILS SYSTEM"
+section: "1251"
+citation: "16 U.S.C. § 1251"
+status: "current"
+release_point: "119-100"
+release_date: "2026-06-26"
+source: "official"
+source_url: "https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/100/xml_usc16@119-100.zip"
+source_identifier: "/us/usc/t16/s1251"
+source_file: "data/legal/raw/us/code/title-16/usc16.xml"
+source_hash: "a890417c90e806f2bcbf1a0fa1a533f322673582a0fd8de930f14a5b508c630c"
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+retrieved_at: "2026-07-04"
+confidence: "official"
+tags: ["legal", "us-code"]
+---
+
+# 16 U.S.C. § 1251 - Definitions
+
+## Text
+
+As used in this chapter:
+
+(1) The term “high potential historic sites” means those historic sites related to the route, or sites in close proximity thereto, which provide opportunity to interpret the historic significance of the trail during the period of its major use. Criteria for consideration as high potential sites include historic significance, presence of visible historic remnants, scenic quality, and relative freedom from intrusion.
+
+(2) The term “high potential route segments” means those segments of a trail which would afford high quality recreation experience in a portion of the route having greater than average scenic values or affording an opportunity to vicariously share the experience of the original users of a historic route.
+
+(3) The term “State” means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.
+
+(4) The term “without expense to the United States” means that no funds may be expended by Federal agencies for the development of trail related facilities or for the acquisition of lands or interests in lands outside the exterior boundaries of Federal areas. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, amounts made available to any State or political subdivision under chapter 2003 of title 54 or any other provision of law shall not be treated as an expense to the United States.
+
+(Pub. L. 90–543, § 12, as added Pub. L. 98–11, title II, § 210, Mar. 28, 1983, 97 Stat. 50; amended Pub. L. 113–287, § 5(d)(28), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3267.)
+
+## Notes
+
+Editorial Notes
+
+Amendments2014—Par. (4). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted “chapter 2003 of title 54” for “the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965”.
+
+Executive Documents
+
+Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.