### Question
What does areas of critical environmental concern mean?


### Answer
**Areas of critical environmental concern** has the following meaning in *43 U.S.C. § 1702*:

> 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

#### Citation:
  - *43 U.S.C. § 1702*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 35-FEDERAL LAND POLICY AND MANAGEMENT > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

