Sec. 1. I.B. 1975, §3 is amended to read:

*Sec. 3. Purpose. The purpose of this Act is to set aside land to be retained in its natural state for the use and enjoyment of the public. The Preserve shall be managed for outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and hunting, and cross- country skiing and for timber harvesting. Timber harvesting within the Preserve shall be carried out in a manner approved by the Bureau of Forestry and consistent with the area's scenic beauty and natural features. All motor vehicles, not including vehicles engaged in timber harvesting or trail maintenance for cross-country skiing, shall be restricted to roads designated for their use, except that snowmobiles shall also be allowed on designated trails. Designated roads shall be limited to those easily accessible to automobiles as of the effective date of this Act. No buildings, ski lifts, power transmission facilities, or other structures shall be built in the Preserve except for open trail shelters, essential service facilities, temporary structures used in timber harvesting, small signs, and other small structures that are in keeping with the undeveloped character of the Preserve.

SUMMARY

This bill amends the laws governing the Bigelow Preserve to permit cross-country skiing and the use of vehicles engaged in trail maintenance for cross-country skiing within the boundary of the Bigelow Preserve.