# 43 U.S.C. § 1702: Definitions

> Federal · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1702

## Section

- **Citation:** 43 U.S.C. § 1702
- **Heading:** Definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** April 17, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 43—PUBLIC LANDS > CHAPTER 35—FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT > SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS

## Text

The term “areas of critical environmental concern” means areas within the public lands where special management attention is required (when such areas are developed or used or where no development is required) to protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards.

( Pub. L. 94–579, title I, § 103 , Oct. 21, 1976 , 90 Stat. 2745 .)

## Nearby sections

- [43 U.S.C. § 1701 Congressional declaration of policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1701.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1702 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1702.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1703 Repealed. Pub. L. 118–234, title III, § 315(a) , Jan. 4, 2025 , 138 Stat. 2903](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1703.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1711 Continuing inventory and identification of public lands; preparation and maintenance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1711.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1712 Land use plans](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1712.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1713 Sales of public land tracts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1713.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1714 Withdrawals of lands](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1714.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1715 Acquisitions of public lands and access over non-Federal lands to National Forest System units](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1715.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1716 Exchanges of public lands or interests therein within the National Forest System](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1716.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1717 Qualifications of conveyees](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1717.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1718 Documents of conveyance; terms, covenants, etc.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1718.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1719 Mineral interests; reservation and conveyance requirements and procedures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1719.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1720 Coordination by Secretary of the Interior with State and local governments](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1720.md)
- [43 U.S.C. § 1721 Conveyances of public lands to States, local governments, etc.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1721.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/usc_t43_s1702. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.