[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1348 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 1348
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To redesignate land within certain wilderness study areas in the State
of Wyoming, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act
of 2023''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Land
Management.
(2) Range improvement.--The term ``range improvement'' has
the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Public
Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1902).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Wyoming.
(5) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means a
wilderness area designated by section 3.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.
In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the
following areas in the State are designated as wilderness and as
components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:
(1) Encampment river canyon wilderness.--
(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered
by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately
4,523.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Proposed Encampment River Wilderness'' and
dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the
``Encampment River Canyon Wilderness''.
(B) Excluded land.--The following land is not
included in the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness:
(i) Any land in the NW\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\
sec. 24, T. 14 N., R. 84 W.
(ii) Any land within 100 feet of the
centerline of--
(I) County Road 353; or
(II) Water Valley Road.
(2) Prospect mountain wilderness.--
(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered
by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately
1,099.76 acres, as generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Proposed Prospect Mountain Wilderness'' and
dated December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the
``Prospect Mountain Wilderness''.
(B) Excluded land.--Any land within 100 feet of the
centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the
Prospect Mountain Wilderness.
(3) Upper sweetwater canyon wilderness.--
(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered
by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately
2,877.35 acres, as generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Proposed Upper Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness'' and dated December 6, 2023, which shall be
known as the ``Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.
(B) Boundary.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the boundary of the Upper
Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to
the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness Study Area.
(ii) Eastern boundary.--The eastern
boundary of the Upper Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the western
edge of the north-south road bisecting the
Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the
Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as
``Strawberry Creek Road''.
(iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any
established legal route with authorized
motorized use in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act that enters the Upper
Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 28 N., R. 98
W., sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is
not included in the Upper Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness.
(4) Lower sweetwater canyon wilderness.--
(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered
by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately
5,665.19 acres, as generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness'' and
dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the
``Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.
(B) Boundary.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the boundary of the Lower
Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to
the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness Study Area.
(ii) Western boundary.--The western
boundary of the Lower Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the eastern
edge of the north-south road bisecting the
Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the
Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as
``Strawberry Creek Road''.
(iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any
established legal route with authorized
motorized use in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act that enters the Upper
Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 98
W., sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is
not included in the Lower Sweetwater Canyon
Wilderness.
(5) Bobcat draw wilderness.--Certain Federal land
administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising
approximately 6,246.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map
entitled ``Proposed Bobcat Draw Wilderness'' and dated December
8, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Bobcat Draw
Wilderness''.
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.
(a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary
shall administer the wilderness areas in accordance with this section
and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that--
(1) 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; and
(2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of
Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the
Secretary.
(b) Fire Management and Related Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out any activities
in a wilderness area as are necessary for the control of fire,
insects, or disease in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)).
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall coordinate with--
(A) the Wyoming Forestry Division; and
(B) the applicable county in the State in which the
wilderness area is located.
(3) Fire management plan.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
establish a fire management plan for the wilderness areas--
(A) to ensure the timely and efficient control of
fires, diseases, and insects in the wilderness areas,
in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness
Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)); and
(B) to provide, to the maximum extent practicable,
adequate protection from forest fires, disease
outbreaks, and insect infestations to any Federal,
State, or private land adjacent to the wilderness
areas.
(c) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in a wilderness area, if
established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be
administered in accordance with--
(1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1133(d)(4)); and
(2) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of House Report
101-405, accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress, for land
under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.
(d) Buffer Zones.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section establishes a
protective perimeter or buffer zone around a wilderness area.
(2) Outside activities or uses.--The fact that a
nonwilderness activity or use can be seen or heard from within
a wilderness area shall not preclude the activity or use
outside the boundary of the wilderness area.
SEC. 5. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that, for purposes of section 603(c)
of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1782(c)), any portion of a wilderness study area described in
subsection (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area by section 3
has been adequately studied for wilderness designation.
(b) Description of Land.--The wilderness study areas referred to in
subsections (a) and (c) are the following:
(1) The Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(2) The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(3) The Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
(4) The Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(5) The Lankin Dome Wilderness Study Area.
(6) The Split Rock Wilderness Study Area.
(7) The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area.
(8) The Miller Springs Wilderness Study Area.
(9) The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
(10) The Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(11) The Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(12) The Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area.
(13) The Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(14) The North Fork Wilderness Study Area.
(15) The portion of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area
located in Washakie County, Wyoming.
(16) The Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(17) The Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area.
(c) Release.--Any portion of a wilderness study area described in
subsection (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area by section 3
is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(d) Management of Released Land.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the portions of
the wilderness study areas released under subsection (c) in
accordance with--
(A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(B) applicable land management plans;
(C) applicable management provisions under
paragraph (2); and
(D) any other applicable law.
(2) Specific management provisions.--
(A) Bennett mountains wilderness study area.--The
Secretary shall manage the portion of the Bennett
Mountains Wilderness Study Area released under
subsection (c) in accordance with section 8(a).
(B) Dubois badlands wilderness study area.--
(i) Division.--The Secretary shall divide
the land within the Dubois Badlands Wilderness
Study Area by authorizing the installation of a
fence or the repair or relocation of an
existing fence in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., sec. 5,
that--
(I) follows existing infrastructure
and natural barriers;
(II) begins at an intersection with
North Mountain View Road in the NE\1/
4\NW\1/4\ sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.;
(III) from the point described in
subclause (II), proceeds southeast to a
point near the midpoint of the NE\1/4\
sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and
(IV) from the point described in
subclause (III), proceeds southwest to
a point in the SW\1/4\NE\1/4\ sec. 5,
T. 41 N., R. 106 W., that intersects
with the boundary of the Dubois
Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
(ii) Management.--The Secretary shall
manage the portion of the Dubois Badlands
Wilderness Study Area released under subsection
(c) in accordance with--
(I) paragraph (1); and
(II) sections 6 and 7.
(C) Copper mountain wilderness study area.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall manage
the portion of the Copper Mountain Wilderness
Study Area released under subsection (c) in
accordance with paragraph (1).
(ii) Mineral leasing.--
(I) In general.--The Secretary may
lease oil and gas resources within the
land released from the Copper Mountain
Wilderness Study Area under subsection
(c) if--
(aa) the lease may only be
accessed by directional
drilling from a lease that is
outside of the land released
from the Copper Mountain
Wilderness Study Area; and
(bb) the lease prohibits,
without exception or waiver,
surface occupancy and surface
disturbance on the land
released from the Copper
Mountain Wilderness Study Area
for any activities, including
activities relating to
exploration, development, or
production.
(II) Underground rights-of-way.--
The Secretary may grant underground
rights-of-way for any mineral lease
entered into under subclause (I).
(III) Prohibition of certain
leases.--Subject to valid rights in
existence on the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall not issue
a new lease for a wind or solar
project, an overhead transmission line,
or a communication tower on the land
released from the Copper Mountain
Wilderness Study Area under subsection
(c).
(IV) Authority to exchange land.--
In carrying out any land exchange
involving any of the land released from
the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study
Area under subsection (c), the
Secretary shall ensure that the
exchange does not result in a net loss
of Federal land.
(D) Whiskey mountain wilderness study area.--The
Secretary shall manage the portion of the Whiskey
Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under
subsection (c) in accordance with--
(i) paragraph (1); and
(ii) the Whiskey Mountain Cooperative
Agreement between the Wyoming Game and Fish
Commission, the Forest Service, and the Bureau,
including any amendment to that agreement
relating to the management of bighorn sheep.
(E) Bobcat draw wilderness study area.--
(i) Travel management plan.--
(I) In general.--Not later than 2
years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall develop a
travel management plan for the land
released from the Bobcat Draw
Wilderness Study Area under subsection
(c).
(II) Requirements.--The travel
management plan under subclause (I)
shall--
(aa) identify all existing
roads and trails on the land
released from the Bobcat Draw
Wilderness Study Area under
subsection (c);
(bb) designate each road or
trail available for--
(AA) motorized or
mechanized recreation;
or
(BB) agriculture
practices;
(cc) prohibit the
construction of any new road or
trail for motorized or
mechanized recreation use; and
(dd) permit the continued
use of nonmotorized trails.
(ii) Withdrawal.--
(I) In general.--Except as provided
in subclause (II), subject to valid
rights in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act, the land
released from the Bobcat Draw
Wilderness Study Area under subsection
(c) is withdrawn from--
(aa) all forms of
appropriation or disposal under
the public land laws;
(bb) location, entry, and
patent under the mining laws;
and
(cc) disposition under laws
relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing.
(II) Exception.--The Secretary may
lease oil and gas resources within the
land released from the Bobcat Draw
Wilderness Study Area under subsection
(c) if--
(aa) the lease may only be
accessed by directional
drilling from a lease that is
outside of the land released
from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness
Study Area; and
(bb) the lease prohibits,
without exception or waiver,
surface occupancy and surface
disturbance on the land
released from the Bobcat Draw
Wilderness Study Area for any
activities, including
activities related to
exploration, development, or
production.
SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS BADLANDS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA.
(a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is
established the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area (referred to
in this section as the ``Conservation Area''), comprising approximately
4,446.46 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State,
as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Badlands National
Conservation Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Conservation Area is to conserve,
protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and
future generations the ecological, wildlife, recreational, scenic,
cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Area.
(c) Management.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall manage the Conservation
Area--
(1) in a manner that only allows uses of the Conservation
Area that the Secretary determines would further the purpose of
the Conservation Area described in subsection (b); and
(2) in accordance with--
(A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(B) this section; and
(C) any other applicable law.
(d) Motorized Vehicles.--
(1) In general.--The use of motorized vehicles in the
Conservation Area shall be permitted only on existing roads,
trails, and areas designated by the Secretary for use by such
vehicles as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Exceptions.--The Secretary may allow the use of
motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area as needed for
administrative purposes and emergency response.
(e) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Conservation Area shall
be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to
land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(f) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date
of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the
Conservation Area is withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public
land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing.
SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS MOTORIZED RECREATION AREA.
(a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is
established the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area (referred to in this
section as the ``Recreation Area''), comprising approximately 367.72
acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, as
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Dubois Motorized
Recreation Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(b) Management.--
(1) Boundary fence.--The Secretary shall authorize the
construction of a fence along the western boundary of the
Recreation Area on any Federal land that--
(A) is managed by the Bureau; and
(B) is west of North Mountain View Road.
(2) Travel management plan.--As soon as practicable after
the date of completion of the fence described in paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the
Recreation Area that efficiently coordinates the use of
motorized off-road vehicles in the Recreation Area.
SEC. 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.
(a) Bennet Mountains Special Management Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Bennett Mountains Special Management Area
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management
Area''), comprising approximately 6,165.05 acres of Federal
land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Bennet Mountains
Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be
administered by the Secretary.
(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is
to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational,
values of the area.
(4) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the
Special Management Area--
(i) in furtherance of the purpose described
in paragraph (3); and
(ii) in accordance with--
(I) the laws (including
regulations) generally applicable to
the Bureau;
(II) this subsection; and
(III) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
(i) Roads.--The construction of new
permanent roads in the Special Management Area
shall not be allowed.
(ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed
for administrative purposes, emergency
response, fire management, forest health and
restoration, weed and pest control, habitat
management, livestock management, and range
improvement, the use of motorized and
mechanized vehicles in the Special Management
Area shall be allowed only on existing roads
and trails designated for the use of motorized
or mechanized vehicles.
(iii) Travel management plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
travel management plan for the Special
Management Area.
(C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special
Management Area shall be administered in accordance
with the laws generally applicable to land under the
jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber
harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special
Management Area.
(5) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights
and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is
withdrawn from--
(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal
under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws; and
(iii) disposition under laws relating to
mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas
resources within the boundaries of the Special
Management Area if--
(i) the lease may only be accessed by
directional drilling from a lease that is
outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii) the lease prohibits, without exception
or waiver, surface occupancy and surface
disturbance within the Special Management Area
for any activities, including activities
related to exploration, development, or
production.
(b) Black Cat Special Management Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Black Cat Special Management Area (referred
to in this subsection as the ``Special Management Area''),
comprising approximately 1,178 acres of Federal land in Carbon
County, Wyoming, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Black Cat Special Management Area'' and dated November 13,
2023.
(2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be
administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is
to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational
values of the area.
(4) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
manage the Special Management Area--
(i) in furtherance of the purpose described
in paragraph (3); and
(ii) in accordance with--
(I) the laws (including
regulations) generally applicable to
National Forest System land;
(II) this subsection; and
(III) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
(i) Roads.--The construction of new
permanent roads in the Special Management Area
shall not be allowed.
(ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed
for administrative purposes, emergency
response, fire management, forest health and
restoration, weed and pest control, habitat
management, livestock management, and range
improvement, the use of motorized and
mechanized vehicles in the Special Management
Area shall be allowed only on existing roads
and trails designated for the use of motorized
or mechanized vehicles.
(iii) Travel management plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall
establish a travel management plan for the
Special Management Area.
(C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special
Management Area shall be administered in accordance
with the laws generally applicable to grazing on
National Forest System land.
(D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber
harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special
Management Area.
(5) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights
and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is
withdrawn from--
(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal
under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws; and
(iii) disposition under laws relating to
mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may, with the
approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, lease oil and
gas resources within the boundaries of the Special
Management Area if--
(i) the lease may only be accessed by
directional drilling from a lease that is
outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii) the lease prohibits, without exception
or waiver, surface occupancy and surface
disturbance within the Special Management Area
for any activities, including activities
related to exploration, development, or
production.
(c) Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management
Area''), comprising approximately 34,347.79 acres of Federal
land in Fremont and Natrona Counties, Wyoming, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Sweetwater Rocks
Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be
administered by the Secretary.
(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is
to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational,
values of the area.
(4) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the
Special Management Area--
(i) in furtherance of the purpose described
in paragraph (3); and
(ii) in accordance with--
(I) the laws (including
regulations) generally applicable to
the Bureau;
(II) this subsection; and
(III) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
(i) Roads.--The construction of new
permanent roads in the Special Management Area
shall not be allowed.
(ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed
for administrative purposes, emergency
response, fire management, forest health and
restoration, weed and pest control, habitat
management, livestock management, and range
improvement, the use of motorized and
mechanized vehicles in the Special Management
Area shall be allowed only on existing roads
and trails designated for the use of motorized
or mechanized vehicles.
(iii) Travel management plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
travel management plan for the Special
Management Area.
(C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special
Management Area shall be administered in accordance
with the laws generally applicable to the Bureau.
(D) Prohibition of certain overhead towers.--No new
overhead transmission or communications tower shall be
constructed in the Special Management Area.
(E) Land exchanges.--The Secretary may propose to,
and carry out with, an individual or entity owning land
in the vicinity of the Special Management Area any land
exchange that--
(i) increases access to the Special
Management Area; and
(ii) does not result in a net loss of
Federal land.
(F) Underground rights-of-way.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (5), the Secretary may expand any underground
right-of-way in the Special Management Area that exists
as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(5) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights
and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is
withdrawn from--
(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal
under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws; and
(iii) disposition under laws relating to
mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas
resources within the boundaries of the Special
Management Area if--
(i) the lease may only be accessed by
directional drilling from a lease that is
outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii) the lease prohibits, without exception
or waiver, surface occupancy and surface
disturbance within the Special Management Area
for any activities, including activities
related to exploration, development, or
production.
(C) Wind and solar energy withdrawal.--Subject to
valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special
Management Area is withdrawn from right-of-way leasing
and disposition under laws relating to wind or solar
energy.
(d) Fortification Creek Special Management Area; Fraker Mountain
Special Management Area; North Fork Special Management Area.--
(1) Definition of special management area.--In this
subsection, the term ``Special Management Area'' means a
special management area established by paragraph (2).
(2) Establishment of special management areas.--Subject to
valid existing rights there are established the following:
(A) The Fortification Creek Special Management
Area, comprising approximately 12,520.69 acres of
Federal land administered in the State by the Bureau,
as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed
Fortification Creek Management Area'' and dated
November 15, 2023.
(B) The Fraker Mountain Special Management Area,
comprising approximately 6,248.28 acres of Federal land
administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Fraker Mountain
Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(C) The North Fork Special Management Area,
comprising approximately 10,026.15 acres of Federal
land administered in the State by the Bureau, as
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed North
Fork Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(3) Administration.--The Special Management Areas shall be
administered by the Secretary.
(4) Purpose.--The purpose of a Special Management Area is
to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational,
wildlife habitat, forest health, watershed protection, and
ecological and cultural values of the area.
(5) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage each
Special Management Area--
(i) in furtherance of the purpose described
in paragraph (4); and
(ii) in accordance with--
(I) the laws (including
regulations) generally applicable to
the Bureau;
(II) this subsection; and
(III) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
(i) Roads.--The construction of new
permanent roads in a Special Management Area
shall not be allowed.
(ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed
for administrative purposes, emergency
response, fire management, forest health and
restoration, weed and pest control, habitat
management, livestock management, and range
improvement, the use of motorized and
mechanized vehicles in a Special Management
Area shall be allowed only on existing roads
and trails designated for the use of motorized
or mechanized vehicles.
(iii) Travel management plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
travel management plan for each Special
Management Area.
(C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in a Special
Management Area shall be administered in accordance
with the laws generally applicable to land under the
jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(D) Prohibition of certain infrastructure.--The
development, construction, or installation of
infrastructure for recreational use shall not be
allowed in--
(i) the Fraker Mountain Special Management
Area; or
(ii) the North Fork Special Management
Area.
(6) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights
and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Areas are
withdrawn from--
(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal
under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws; and
(iii) disposition under laws relating to
mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas
resources within the boundaries of a Special Management
Area if--
(i) the lease may only be accessed by
directional drilling from a lease that is
outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii) the lease prohibits, without exception
or waiver, surface occupancy and surface
disturbance within the Special Management Area
for any activities, including activities
related to exploration, development, or
production.
(e) Cedar Mountain Special Management Area.--
(1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there
is established the Cedar Mountain Special Management Area
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management
Area''), comprising approximately 20,745.73 acres of Federal
land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Cedar Mountain Special
Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
(2) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be
administered by the Secretary.
(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is
to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational,
ecological, wildlife, and livestock production values of the
area.
(4) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the
Special Management Area--
(i) in furtherance of the purpose described
in paragraph (3); and
(ii) in accordance with--
(I) the laws (including
regulations) generally applicable to
the Bureau;
(II) this subsection; and
(III) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
(i) Roads.--The construction of new
permanent roads in the Special Management Area
shall not be allowed.
(ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed
for administrative purposes, emergency
response, fire management, forest health and
restoration, weed and pest control, habitat
management, livestock management, and range
improvement, the use of motorized and
mechanized vehicles in the Special Management
Area shall be allowed only on existing roads
and trails designated for the use of motorized
or mechanized vehicles.
(iii) Travel management plan.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
travel management plan for the Special
Management Area.
(C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special
Management Area shall be administered in accordance
with the laws generally applicable to land under the
jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(5) Withdrawal.--
(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights,
the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--
(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal
under the public land laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the
mining laws; and
(iii) disposition under laws relating to
mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas
resources within the boundaries of the Special
Management Area if--
(i) the lease may only be accessed by
directional drilling from a lease that is
outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii) the lease prohibits, without exception
or waiver, surface occupancy and surface
disturbance within the Special Management Area
for any activities, including activities
related to exploration, development, or
production.
SEC. 9. LANDER SLOPE AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN AND RED
CANYON AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN.
(a) Definition of County.--In this section, the term ``County''
means Fremont County, Wyoming.
(b) Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Red
Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.--
(1) Transfers.--The Secretary shall pursue transfers in
which land managed by the Bureau in the County is exchanged for
land owned by the State that is within the boundaries of--
(A) the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental
Concern; or
(B) the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental
Concern.
(2) Requirements.--A transfer under paragraph (1) shall--
(A) comply with all requirements of law, including
any required analysis; and
(B) be subject to appropriation.
(c) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to
evaluate the potential for the development of special motorized
recreation areas in the County.
(2) Requirements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall
evaluate--
(A) the potential for the development of special
motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the
Bureau in the County except--
(i) any land in T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs.
15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the
N\1/2\ sec. 34; and
(ii) any land that is subject to a
restriction on the use of off-road vehicles
under any Federal law, including this Act;
(B) the suitability of the land evaluated under
subparagraph (A) for off-road vehicles, including rock
crawlers; and
(C) the parking, staging, and camping necessary to
accommodate special motorized recreation.
(3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph
(1).
(d) Fremont County Implementation Team.--
(1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a team,
to be known as the ``Fremont County Implementation Team''
(referred to in this subsection as the ``Team'') to advise and
assist the Secretary with respect to the implementation of the
management requirements described in this section that are
applicable to land in the County.
(2) Membership.--The Team shall consist of--
(A) the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary);
and
(B) 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of
County Commissioners of the County.
(3) Nonapplicability of the federal advisory committee
act.--The Team shall not be subject to the requirements of
chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to
as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act'').
SEC. 10. STUDY OF LAND IN HOT SPRINGS AND WASHAKIE COUNTIES.
(a) Definition of Counties.--In this section, the term ``Counties''
means each of the following counties in the State:
(1) Hot Springs County.
(2) Washakie County.
(b) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to
evaluate the potential for the development of new special
motorized recreation areas in the Counties.
(2) Requirements.--
(A) Land included.--The study under paragraph (1)
shall evaluate the potential for the development of new
special motorized recreation areas on Federal land
managed by the Bureau in the Counties except any land
that is subject to a restriction on the use of
motorized or mechanized vehicles under any Federal law,
including this Act.
(B) Public input; collaboration.--In carrying out
the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
(i) offer opportunities for public input;
and
(ii) collaborate with--
(I) State parks, historic sites,
and trails; and
(II) the Counties.
(3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph
(1).
Passed the Senate December 20 (legislative day, December
16), 2024.
Attest:
Secretary.
118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 1348
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To redesignate land within certain wilderness study areas in the State
of Wyoming, and for other purposes.