S. 2548: Shawnee National Forest Conservation Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Shawnee National Forest Conservation Act of 2025, aims to enhance the conservation of certain lands within the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois. Its primary components are as follows:

1. Designation of Wilderness Area

The bill designates approximately 750 acres of land within the Shawnee National Forest as the Camp Hutchins Wilderness. This area will become part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and will be managed in accordance with wilderness preservation standards.

2. Management Plans

The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with administering the wilderness area and creating a management plan that aligns with the conservation goals of the wilderness area. This plan will guide the use and protection of the Camp Hutchins Wilderness.

3. Hiking Trail Designation

Part of Forest Road 211 will be closed to vehicle traffic and converted into a hiking trail extending to the Hutchins Creek Corridor, thereby promoting recreational activities consistent with wilderness values.

4. Withdrawal of Land

All federal land within the Camp Hutchins Wilderness will be withdrawn from various types of land use, including:

• Entry, appropriation, or disposal under public land laws
• Mining activities
• Oil and gas leasing

5. Establishment of Special Management Areas

The bill establishes three Special Management Areas within the Shawnee National Forest:

• Camp Hutchins Special Management Area (approximately 2,953 acres)
• Ripple Hollow Special Management Area (approximately 3,445 acres)
• Burke Branch Special Management Area (approximately 6,310 acres)

6. Conservation Goals

The purpose of these Special Management Areas is to:

• Protect and enhance ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historic, educational, and scientific resources
• Promote biodiversity and control invasive species
• Facilitate restoration efforts and scientific research

7. Management of Special Areas

The Secretary is required to develop a management plan within three years after enactment, which will guide the administration of these areas. The plan must protect the purposes for which the areas are established.

8. Allowed Activities

While some activities are permitted, such as prescribed burning for ecological maintenance, others are restricted:

• Motorized vehicle access is mostly prohibited, except for specific administrative needs.
• Commercial timber harvesting is banned, except for certain management purposes.
• Hunting is allowed according to state regulations, but trapping is prohibited.

9. Public Engagement and Research

The Secretary must allow volunteer activities for ecological restoration and support scientific research in the designated areas.

10. Progress Reports

Annual reports will be made available to the public detailing the progress towards achieving the management objectives set forth in the bill.

Relevant Companies

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