Us Code § 485 - Exchange of lands in national forests; cutting timber in national forests in exchange for lands therein

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 485 — Exchange of lands in national forests; cutting timber in national forests in exchange for lands therein, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 485. Exchange of lands in national forests; cutting timber in national forests in exchange for lands therein

When the public interests will be benefited thereby, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized in his discretion to accept on behalf of the United States title to any lands within the exterior boundaries of the national forests which, in his opinion, are chiefly valuable for national-forest purposes, and in exchange therefor may patent not to exceed an equal value of such national-forest land, in the same State, surveyed and nonmineral in character, or he may authorize the grantor to cut and remove an equal value of timber within the national forests of the same State; the values in each case to be determined by him. Before any such exchange is effected notice of the contemplated exchange reciting the lands involved shall be published once each week for four successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in the county or counties in which may be situated the lands to be accepted, and in some like newspaper published in any county in which may be situated any lands or timber to be given in such exchange. Timber given in such exchanges shall be cut and removed under the laws and regulations relating to the national forests, and under the direction and supervision and in accordance with the requirements of the Secretary of Agriculture. Lands conveyed to the United States under this section and section 486 of this title shall, upon acceptance of title, become parts of the national forest within whose exterior boundaries they are located.

(Mar. 20, 1922, ch. 105, §1, 42 Stat. 465; Pub. L. 86–509, §1(a), June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 205.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

Functions of Secretary of the Interior under this section and section 486 of this title, with respect to exchanges of non-Federal lands for national forest lands or timber, transferred to Secretary of Agriculture, see Pub. L. 86–509, June 11, 1960, 74 Stat. 205, set out as a note under section 2201 of Title 7, Agriculture.

"Secretary of Agriculture is authorized", "in his opinion", "he may authorize" and "the values in each case to be determined by him" substituted in text for "Secretary of the Interior is authorized", "in the opinion of the Secretary of Agriculture", "the Secretary of Agriculture may authorize" and "the values in each case to be determined by the Secretary of Agriculture", respectively, in view of transfer of functions under this section to Secretary of Agriculture from Secretary of the Interior by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 86–509, set out as a note under section 2201 of Title 7.

About This Section

16 U.S.C. § 485 is part of Title 16 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 16 U.S.C. § 485. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 485

What does United States Code § 485 cover?

Section 485 ("Exchange of lands in national forests; cutting timber in national forests in exchange for lands therein") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 485?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 485" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 485 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.