; (3) to protect outstanding natural biological values and habitat for plant and animal species along the Shenandoah Mountain crest above 3,000 feet above sea level elevation, including the Cow Knob salamander; (4) to protect forests in the National Scenic Area that may develop characteristics of old-growth forests; (5) to protect the Wilderness Areas; and (6) to provide for a variety of, and improve existing, recreation settings and opportunities in the National Scenic Area in a manner consistent with the purposes of the National Scenic Area described in paragraphs (1) through (5). (c) Administration (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall administer the National Scenic Area in accordance with— (A) this section; and (B) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System. (2) Exception Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall administer the Wilderness Areas in accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. ) and any other laws applicable to the Wilderness Areas, except that any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act for purposes of administering the Wilderness Areas. (3) Effect