[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3421 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3421
To designate certain special management areas, wildlife conservation
areas, protection areas, recreation areas, wilderness areas, and a
scientific research and education area in the State of Colorado, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 15, 2025
Mr. Hurd of Colorado introduced the following bill; which was referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To designate certain special management areas, wildlife conservation
areas, protection areas, recreation areas, wilderness areas, and a
scientific research and education area in the State of Colorado, 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 ``Gunnison Outdoor Resources
Protection Act of 2025''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Collaboratively developed.--The term ``collaboratively
developed'', with respect to a project, means the project is
developed and implemented through a collaborative process
that--
(A) includes multiple interested persons
representing diverse interests; and
(B)(i) is transparent and nonexclusive; or
(ii) meets the requirements for a resource advisory
committee under--
(I) for projects carried out on National
Forest System land, subsections (c) through (f)
of section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and
Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16
U.S.C. 7125); or
(II) for projects carried out on Bureau of
Land Management land, subpart 1784 of part 1700
of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations).
(2) County.--The term ``County'' means Gunnison County,
Colorado.
(3) Covered area.--The term ``covered area'' means each of
the Special Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Areas,
Protection Areas, and Recreation Management Areas and the
Scientific Research and Education Area.
(4) Decommission.--The term ``decommission'', with respect
to a road, means--
(A) reestablishing native vegetation on the road;
(B) restoring any natural drainage, watershed
function, or other ecological processes that were
disrupted or adversely impacted by the road by removing
or hydrologically disconnecting the road prism and
reestablishing stable slope contours;
(C) effectively blocking the road to vehicular
traffic, where feasible; and
(D) developing and implementing an effective
monitoring and response plan for invasive species and
vehicular traffic incursions.
(5) Ecological integrity.--The term ``ecological
integrity'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of this Act).
(6) Off-highway vehicle.--The term ``off-highway
vehicle''--
(A) with respect to National Forest System land,
has the meaning given the term in section 212.1 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor
regulation); and
(B) with respect to land managed by the Bureau of
Land Management, has the meaning given the term ``off-
road vehicle'' in section 8340.0-5 of title 43, Code of
Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(7) Over-snow vehicle.--The term ``over-snow vehicle'' has
the meaning given the term in section 212.1 of title 36, Code
of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation).
(8) Protection area.--The term ``Protection Area'' means a
protection area designated by section 5(a).
(9) Recreation management area.--The term ``Recreation
Management Area'' means a recreation management area designated
by section 6(a).
(10) Restore.--The term ``restore'' has the meaning given
the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act).
(11) Scientific research and education area.--The term
``Scientific Research and Education Area'' means the Rocky
Mountain Scientific Research and Education Area designated by
section 7(a).
(12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
(A) the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through
the Chief of the Forest Service), with respect to
National Forest System land; and
(B) the Secretary of the Interior with respect to
land managed by the Director of the Bureau of Land
Management.
(13) Special management area.--The term ``Special
Management Area'' means a special management area designated by
section 3(a).
(14) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Colorado.
(15) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means
any area designated as wilderness by the amendments to section
2(a) of the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1132
note; Public Law 103-77) made by section 8(a).
(16) Wildland-urban interface.--The term ``wildland-urban
interface'' means land within a covered area that is within \1/
4\ mile of the interface and intermix areas mapped as the
wildland-urban interface in the document entitled ``The 2010
Wildland-Urban Interface of the Conterminous United States''
and published by the Department of Agriculture in 2015.
(17) Wildlife conservation area.--The term ``Wildlife
Conservation Area'' means a wildlife conservation area
designated by section 4(a).
(18) Winter travel management plan.--The term ``winter
travel management plan'' means a decision designating roads,
trails, or areas for over-snow vehicle use in accordance with--
(A) in the case of Forest Service land within a
covered area, subpart C of part 212 of title 36, Code
of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and
(B) in the case of Bureau of Land Management land
within a covered area, subpart 8342 of title 43, Code
of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.
(a) Designation.--
(1) American flag special management area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service comprising approximately 36,171
acres, as generally depicted as ``American Flag SMA'' on the
map entitled ``Sheet 4: Brush Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring
Creek'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the
``American Flag Special Management Area''.
(2) Beckwiths special management area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service comprising approximately 24,031 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Beckwiths SMA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 3: Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and dated August 27,
2024, is designated as the ``Beckwiths Special Management
Area''.
(3) Clear fork special management area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service comprising approximately 37,998 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Clear Fork SMA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 2: McClure Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Clear Fork Special Management Area''.
(4) Mcintosh mountain special management area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
comprising approximately 22,497 acres, as generally depicted as
``McIntosh Mountain SMA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 8:
Gunnison Valley and Ohio Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``McIntosh Mountain Special Management
Area''.
(5) North poverty gulch special management area.--Subject
to valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service comprising approximately 5,476
acres, as generally depicted as ``North Poverty Gulch SMA'' on
the map entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and
dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``North Poverty
Gulch Special Management Area''.
(6) Pilot knob special management area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service comprising approximately 16,973 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Pilot Knob SMA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 2: McClure Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Pilot Knob Special Management Area''.
(7) Signal peak special management area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service comprising
approximately 28,345 acres, as generally depicted as ``Signal
Peak SMA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 9: Cabin Creek'' and
dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Signal Peak
Special Management Area''.
(8) Union park special management area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service comprising approximately 22,483 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Union Park SMA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 5: Union Park'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Union Park Special Management Area''.
(9) Whetstone headwaters special management area.--Subject
to valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management
comprising approximately 20,676 acres, as generally depicted as
``Whetstone Headwaters SMA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 3:
Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Whetstone Headwaters Special Management
Area''.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Areas is to
conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit of present and future
generations the natural, scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed,
recreation, and wildlife resources of the Special Management Areas.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special
Management Areas in a manner that--
(A) conserves, protects, and enhances the resources
of the Special Management Areas; and
(B) is in accordance with--
(i) this Act; and
(ii) other applicable laws.
(2) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow
uses of the Special Management Areas that the Secretary
determines would further the purpose described in
subsection (b).
(B) Vehicle and bicycle use.--
(i) In general.--The use of off-highway
vehicles and bicycles in the Special Management
Areas shall be permitted only on roads, trails,
and areas designated for use by those vehicles
on the date of enactment of this Act, except--
(I) as needed for administrative
purposes;
(II) to respond to an emergency; or
(III) as authorized under clauses
(ii) and (iii).
(ii) Winter travel management.--For any
portion of a Special Management Area for which
the Secretary has not adopted a winter travel
management plan as of the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary--
(I) shall, not later than 3 years
after the date of enactment of this
Act, adopt a winter travel management
plan with respect to the applicable
portion of the Special Management Area;
and
(II) may, during any period
beginning on the date of enactment of
this Act and ending on the date of
adoption of a winter travel management
plan for the applicable portion under
subclause (I), permit the use of over-
snow vehicles in the applicable portion
of the Special Management Area in
accordance with the applicable land
management plan or other applicable
management direction.
(iii) Potential trails.--The Secretary may
permit--
(I) the use of bicycles on the
potential trails described in paragraph
(3) if the trails are designated by the
Secretary for the use; and
(II) the use of off-highway
vehicles on the potential trails
described in subparagraphs (A), (C),
and (F) of paragraph (3) if the trails
are designated by the Secretary for the
use.
(3) Limitation.--Nothing in this section affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law, of--
(A) a proposed trail of less than 50 inches in
width, commonly known as the ``Big Grassy Trail'',
within the American Flag Special Management Area
designated by subsection (a)(1);
(B) the proposed trails, commonly known as the
``Crested Butte to Paonia Trail'' and the ``Crested
Butte to Carbondale Trail'', within the Beckwiths
Special Management Area designated by subsection
(a)(2);
(C) the proposed trails, commonly known as the
``Antelope Ridge Trail and Connector'', the ``East West
Antelope Trail'', the ``West Antelope Trail'', and the
``Mill Creek Connector'', within the McIntosh Mountain
Special Management Area designated by subsection
(a)(4);
(D) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Gunnison to Crested Butte Trail'', and the trails
generally depicted in figure 7 of the document entitled
``Candidate Conservation Agreement: For the Gunnison
sage-grouse, Centrocercus minimus--Gunnison Basin
Population'' and dated 2012 within the Signal Peak
Special Management Area designated by subsection
(a)(7);
(E) the proposed trails, commonly known as the
``Gunnison to Crested Butte Trail'' and the ``Baxter
Gulch to Splain's Gulch Trail'', in the Whetstone
Headwaters Special Management Area designated by
subsection (a)(9); or
(F) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Splain's Gulch to Carbon Creek Trail'', in the
Whetstone Headwaters Special Management Area designated
by subsection (a)(9).
SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AREAS.
(a) Designation.--
(1) Cabin creek wildlife conservation area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
comprising approximately 29,518 acres, as generally depicted as
``Cabin Creek WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 9: Cabin
Creek'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Cabin
Creek Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(2) Flat top wildlife conservation area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service comprising approximately 28,844 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Flat Top WCA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 8: Gunnison Valley and Ohio Pass'' and dated August 27,
2024, is designated as the ``Flat Top Wildlife Conservation
Area''.
(3) Lake gulch and cebolla creek wildlife conservation
area.--Subject to valid existing rights, certain Federal land
in the County managed by the Bureau of Land Management
comprising approximately 50,535 acres, as generally depicted as
``Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek WCA'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 11: Lake Fork'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek Wildlife
Conservation Area''.
(4) Matchless wildlife conservation area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management comprising
approximately 12,975 acres, as generally depicted as
``Matchless WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 4: Brush Creek,
Cement Creek, and Spring Creek'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Matchless Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(5) Munsey creek wildlife conservation area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management
comprising approximately 3,281 acres, as generally depicted as
``Munsey Creek WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and
Schofield Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as
the ``Munsey Creek Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(6) Pinnacles wildlife conservation area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management comprising
approximately 27,935 acres, as generally depicted as
``Pinnacles WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 8: Gunnison
Valley and Ohio Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated
as the ``Pinnacles Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(7) Powderhorn wildlife conservation area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Bureau of Land Management comprising
approximately 27,668 acres, as generally depicted as
``Powderhorn WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 11: Lake Fork''
and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Powderhorn
Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(8) Sawtooth wildlife conservation area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County and in
Saguache County, Colorado, managed by the Bureau of Land
Management comprising approximately 43,109 acres, as generally
depicted as ``Sawtooth WCA'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 11:
Lake Fork'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the
``Sawtooth Wildlife Conservation Area''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Wildlife Conservation Areas
are--
(1) to conserve, protect, enhance, and restore for the
benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the
wildlife and wildlife habitat of the Wildlife Conservation
Areas; and
(2) to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations the natural,
scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed, and recreation
resources of the Wildlife Conservation Areas.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Wildlife
Conservation Areas in a manner that--
(A) furthers the purposes of the Wildlife
Conservation Areas; and
(B) is in accordance with--
(i) this Act; and
(ii) other applicable laws.
(2) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow
uses of the Wildlife Conservation Areas that the
Secretary determines would further the purposes
described in subsection (b).
(B) Vehicle and bicycle use.--
(i) In general.--The use of off-highway
vehicles and bicycles in the Wildlife
Conservation Areas shall be permitted only on
roads, trails, and areas designated for the
uses on the date of enactment of this Act.
(ii) Exceptions.--Notwithstanding clause
(i)--
(I) off-highway vehicles and
bicycles may be permitted--
(aa) as needed for
administrative purposes; or
(bb) to respond to an
emergency;
(II) for any portion of a Wildlife
Conservation Area for which the
Secretary has not adopted a winter
travel management plan as of the date
of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary--
(aa) shall, not later than
3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, adopt a
winter travel management plan
for the applicable portion of
the Wildlife Conservation Area;
and
(bb) may, during the period
beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act and
ending on the date of adoption
of a winter travel management
plan for the applicable portion
under item (aa), permit the use
of over-snow vehicles in the
applicable portion of the
Wildlife Conservation Area in
accordance with the applicable
land management plan or other
applicable management
direction;
(III) except as authorized under
subclause (I), the use of off-highway
vehicles and bicycles shall be
prohibited in the Matchless Wildlife
Conservation Area designated by
subsection (a)(4); and
(IV) the Secretary may permit the
use of bicycles on the potential trails
described in paragraph (3) if the
trails are designated by the Secretary
for the use.
(3) Limitation.--Nothing in this section affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law, of--
(A) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Gunnison to Crested Butte Trail'', in the Flat Top
Wildlife Conservation Area designated by subsection
(a)(2);
(B) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Crested Butte to Carbondale Trail'', in the Munsey
Creek Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (a)(5); or
(C) the proposed trails, commonly known as the
``Tenderfoot Mountain to Bambi's Trail'' and the ``Big
Loop Trail'', in the Sawtooth Wildlife Conservation
Area designated by subsection (a)(8).
SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF PROTECTION AREAS.
(a) Designation.--
(1) Castle protection area.--Subject to valid existing
rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by the
Forest Service comprising approximately 6,390 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Castle Protection Area'' on the map
entitled ``Sheet 8: Gunnison Valley and Ohio Pass'' and dated
August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Castle Protection
Area''.
(2) Deer creek protection area.--Subject to valid existing
rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by the
Forest Service comprising approximately 3,136 acres, as
generally depicted as ``Deer Creek Protection Area'' on the map
entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and dated
August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Deer Creek Protection
Area''.
(3) Granite basin protection area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management comprising
approximately 9,666 acres, as generally depicted as ``Granite
Basin Protection Area'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 4: Brush
Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring Creek'' and dated August 27,
2024, is designated as the ``Granite Basin Protection Area''.
(4) South poverty gulch protection area.--Subject to valid
existing rights, certain Federal land in the County managed by
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management comprising
approximately 1,350 acres, as generally depicted as ``South
Poverty Gulch Protection Area'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 3:
Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``South Poverty Gulch Protection Area''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Protection Areas are--
(1) to protect the natural and undeveloped character of the
Protection Areas; and
(2) to conserve and protect for the benefit and enjoyment
of present and future generations the natural, scenic,
scientific, cultural, watershed, recreation, and wildlife
resources of the Protection Areas.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Protection
Areas in a manner that--
(A) furthers the purposes of the Protection Areas
described in subsection (b); and
(B) is in accordance with--
(i) this Act; and
(ii) other applicable laws.
(2) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow
uses of the Protection Areas that the Secretary
determines would further the purposes described in
subsection (b).
(B) Vehicle use.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), as needed for administrative
purposes, or to respond to an emergency, the
use of off-highway vehicles in the Protection
Areas is prohibited.
(ii) Over-snow vehicles.--The Secretary may
permit the use of over-snow vehicles in the
Deer Creek Protection Area designated by
subsection (a)(2) on roads, trails, and areas
designated for the use on the date of enactment
of this Act.
(C) Bicycles.--The Secretary may permit the use of
bicycles in the Protection Areas only--
(i) on roads and trails designated for the
use on the date of enactment of this Act;
(ii) as needed for administrative purposes;
(iii) to respond to an emergency; or
(iv) if designated by the Secretary for the
use on the potential trails described in
paragraph (3).
(3) Limitation.--Nothing in this section affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law, of--
(A) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Deer Creek to Brush Creek Connector Trail'', within
the Deer Creek Protection Area designated by subsection
(a)(2);
(B) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Eccher Exit Trail'', within the Granite Basin
Protection Area designated by subsection (a)(3); or
(C) the proposed trail, commonly known as the
``Lower Loop Trail Extension'', in the South Poverty
Gulch Protection Area designated by subsection (a)(4).
SEC. 6. DESIGNATION OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREAS.
(a) Designation.--
(1) Double top recreation management area.--Subject to
valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service comprising approximately 14,734
acres, as generally depicted as ``Double Top RMA'' on the map
entitled ``Sheet 4: Brush Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring
Creek'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the
``Double Top Recreation Management Area''.
(2) Horse ranch park recreation management area.--Subject
to valid existing rights, certain Federal land in the County
managed by the Forest Service comprising approximately 3,513
acres, as generally depicted as ``Horse Ranch Park RMA'' on the
map entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and dated
August 27, 2024, is designated as the ``Horse Ranch Park
Recreation Management Area''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Recreation Management Areas
are--
(1) to provide for, and improve the management of,
recreation resources in the Recreation Management Areas for the
benefit and enjoyment of present and future generation; and
(2) to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations the natural,
scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed, and wildlife resources
of the Recreation Management Areas.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Recreation
Management Areas in a manner that--
(A) furthers the purposes of the Recreation
Management Areas described in subsection (b); and
(B) is in accordance with--
(i) this Act; and
(ii) other applicable laws.
(2) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow
uses of the Recreation Management Areas that the
Secretary determines would further the purposes
described in subsection (b).
(B) Vehicle and bicycle use.--
(i) Double top.--
(I) In general.--Except as provided
in subclause (II), the use of off-
highway vehicles and bicycles in the
Double Top Recreation Management Area
designated by subsection (a)(1) shall
be permitted only on roads and trails
designated for the use on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(II) Exceptions.--
(aa) Over-snow vehicles.--
Except as provided in item
(bb), the use of over-snow
vehicles shall not be permitted
in the Double Top Recreation
Management Area designated by
subsection (a)(1).
(bb) Administrative use.--
Nothing in this section limits
the use of off-highway vehicles
in the Double Top Recreation
Management Area designated by
subsection (a)(1) as necessary
for administrative purposes or
to respond to an emergency
(including as appropriate for
administrative support and
emergency response during the
Grand Traverse skiing event, as
permitted by the Grand Mesa,
Uncompahgre, and Gunnison
National Forests).
(ii) Horse ranch park.--
(I) Vehicle use.--
(aa) In general.--Except as
provided in item (bb), the use
of off-highway vehicles in the
Horse Ranch Park Recreation
Management Area designated by
subsection (a)(2) is
prohibited.
(bb) Exceptions.--The
Secretary may permit the use of
over-snow vehicles in the Horse
Ranch Park Recreation
Management Area designated by
subsection (a)(2)--
(AA) only on roads,
trails, and areas
designated for the use
on the date of
enactment of this Act;
or
(BB) as needed for
administrative purposes
or to respond to an
emergency.
(II) Bicycles.--The Secretary may
permit the use of bicycles in the Horse
Ranch Park Recreation Management Area
designated by subsection (a)(2) only--
(aa) on roads, trails, and
areas designated for the use on
the date of enactment of this
Act;
(bb) as needed for
administrative purposes;
(cc) to respond to an
emergency; or
(dd) if designated by the
Secretary for the use on the
potential trails described in
subclause (III).
(III) Limitation.--Nothing in this
section affects the potential
development, in accordance with
applicable law, of the proposed trail
commonly known as the ``Crested Butte
to Paonia Trail'', the proposed trail
commonly known as the ``Crested Butte
to Carbondale Trail'', or the proposed
trail commonly known as the ``Dark
Canyon Loop Trail'', in the Horse Ranch
Park Recreation Management Area
designated by subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 7. DESIGNATION OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND
EDUCATION AREA.
(a) Designation.--Subject to valid existing rights, certain Federal
land managed by the Forest Service comprising approximately 12,250
acres, as generally depicted as ``Rocky Mountain Scientific Research
and Education Area'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and
Schofield Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is designated as the
``Rocky Mountain Scientific Research and Education Area''.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Scientific Research and
Education Area are--
(1) to encourage and preserve conditions necessary for
ecological, evolutionary, geological, biogeochemical,
climatological, biological, meteorological, and other natural
science research and education;
(2) to provide opportunities for the use of continually
emerging techniques and methodologies in the conduct of the
research and education described in paragraph (1); and
(3) to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations the natural,
scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed, recreation, and
wildlife resources of the Scientific Research and Education
Area.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Scientific
Research and Education Area in a manner that--
(A) furthers the purposes of the Scientific
Research and Education Area described in subsection
(b); and
(B) is in accordance with--
(i) this Act; and
(ii) other applicable laws.
(2) Uses.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow
uses of the Scientific Research and Education Area that
the Secretary determines would further the purposes
described in subsection (b).
(B) Vehicle use.--Except as needed for
administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency,
the use of off-highway vehicles in the Scientific
Research and Education Area shall be permitted only on
roads designated for the use on the date of enactment
of this Act.
(C) Bicycles.--The use of bicycles in the
Scientific Research and Education Area shall be
permitted only--
(i) on roads and trails designated for the
use by the Secretary on the date of enactment
of this Act; or
(ii) on trails designated for the use by
the Secretary after the date of enactment of
this Act if the Secretary determines that the
use is consistent with the purposes described
in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b).
(d) Effect.--Nothing in this section limits the authority of the
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to conduct scientific research or
education activities inside or outside the boundaries of the Scientific
Research and Education Area.
SEC. 8. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS.
(a) Designation.--Section 2(a) of the Colorado Wilderness Act of
1993 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; 107 Stat. 756; 114 Stat. 1955; 116 Stat.
1055; 128 Stat. 3823) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``1993,'' and inserting
``1993, and approximately 2,096 acres, as generally depicted as
`Crystal Creek Wilderness Addition' and `Lottis Creek
Wilderness Addition' on the map entitled `Sheet 4: Brush Creek,
Cement Creek, and Spring Creek' and dated August 27, 2024,'';
(2) in paragraph (9)--
(A) by striking ``Gunnison'' and inserting
``Gunnison and White River''; and
(B) by striking ``1993,'' and inserting ``1993, and
approximately 11,780 acres, as generally depicted as
`Poverty Gulch Wilderness Addition', `Treasure
Wilderness Addition', and `Erickson Springs Wilderness
Addition' on the map entitled `Sheet 3: Kebler and
Schofield Pass' and dated August, 27, 2024,''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(23) Matchless wilderness.--Certain Federal land in the
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
comprising approximately 8,656 acres, as generally depicted as
`Matchless Wilderness' on the map entitled `Sheet 4: Brush
Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring Creek' and dated August, 27,
2024, which shall be known as the `Matchless Wilderness'.
``(24) East cement wilderness.--Certain Federal land in the
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
comprising approximately 7,684 acres, as generally depicted as
`East Cement Wilderness' on the map entitled `Sheet 4: Brush
Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring Creek' and dated August 27,
2024, which shall be known as the `East Cement Wilderness'.
``(25) Star peak wilderness.--Certain Federal land in the
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, and the White River National
Forests comprising approximately 7,210 acres, as generally
depicted as `Star Peak Wilderness' on the map entitled `Sheet
4: Brush Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring Creek' and dated
August 27, 2024, which shall be known as the `Star Peak
Wilderness'.
``(26) Maroon bells-snowmass wilderness addition.--Certain
Federal land in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison
National Forests comprising approximately 3,321 acres, as
generally depicted as `Deer Creek Wilderness Addition' and
`Ashcroft Wilderness Addition' on the map entitled `Sheet 4:
Brush Creek, Cement Creek, and Spring Creek' and dated August
27, 2024, which shall be incorporated in, and managed as part
of, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
``(27) West elk wilderness addition.--Certain Federal land
in the Gunnison Field Office administered by the Bureau of Land
Management, in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison
National Forests and in the Curecanti National Recreation Area,
comprising approximately 58,603 acres, as generally depicted as
`Lamborn Wilderness Addition', `Castle Wilderness Addition',
`Beaver Wilderness Addition', `Steuben Creek Wilderness
Addition', `East Elk Creek Wilderness Addition', `Dillon Mesa
Wilderness Addition', `Soap Creek Wilderness Addition', and
`Curecanti Wilderness Addition' on the map entitled `Sheet 7:
West Elk Additions' and dated August 27, 2024, which shall be
incorporated in, and managed as part of, the West Elk
Wilderness.
``(28) Uncompahgre wilderness additions.--Certain Federal
land in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National
Forests comprising approximately 13,948 acres, as generally
depicted as `Uncompahgre Wilderness Additions' on the map
entitled `Sheet 10: Uncompahgre Additions' and dated August 27,
2024, which shall be incorporated in, and managed as part of,
the Uncompahgre Wilderness.
``(29) Powderhorn wilderness addition.--Certain Federal
land in the Gunnison Field Office administered by the Bureau of
Land Management comprising approximately 9,604 acres, as
generally depicted as `Powderhorn Wilderness Addition' on the
map entitled `Sheet 11: Lake Fork' and dated August 27, 2024,
which shall be incorporated in, and managed as part of, the
Powderhorn Wilderness.''.
(b) Applicable Law.--Any reference in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.) or the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1132
note; Public Law 103-77) 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.
(c) Fire, Insects, and Diseases.--In accordance with section
4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), the Secretary may
carry out any measure within the wilderness areas that the Secretary
determines to be necessary to control fire, insects, and diseases,
subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
(d) West Elk Wilderness Boundary Modification.--
(1) In general.--The boundary of the West Elk Wilderness in
the County is modified to exclude the approximately 15 acres
generally depicted as ``West Elk Wilderness Boundary Pullback''
on the map entitled ``Sheet 3: Kebler and Schofield Pass'' and
dated August 27, 2024.
(2) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Federal land excluded from the boundary of the West Elk
Wilderness under paragraph (1) is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the
public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining
laws; and
(C) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral
materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(e) Release.--Congress finds that, for the purposes of subsection
(c) of section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782), the land within the Powderhorn Wilderness Study
Area not designated as wilderness by this section (or an amendment made
by this section)--
(1) has been adequately studied for wilderness designation;
and
(2) is no longer subject to that subsection.
SEC. 9. NORTH FORK VALLEY WATERSHED.
(a) Withdrawal.--
(1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Federal land in Delta County, Colorado, as generally depicted
as ``Oil and Gas Withdrawal'' on the map entitled ``Sheet 6:
North Fork Valley'' and dated August 27, 2024, is withdrawn
from operation of the mineral leasing laws with respect to oil
and gas.
(2) Effect.--Nothing in paragraph (1) prevents the
Secretary of the Interior from authorizing the use or
destruction of methane gas that would leak or be vented into
the atmosphere from--
(A) an active or inactive coal mine subject to a
Federal coal lease; or
(B) an abandoned underground coal mine or the site
of a former coal mine--
(i) that is not subject to a Federal coal
lease; and
(ii) with respect to which the Federal
interest in land includes mineral rights to the
methane gas.
(b) No Surface Occupancy Restriction.--Subject to valid existing
rights, the Federal land in Delta County, Colorado, as generally
depicted as ``Oil and Gas No Surface Occupancy'' on the map entitled
``Sheet 1: Electric Mountain'' and dated August 27, 2024, shall be
subject to a no surface occupancy restriction with respect to oil and
gas exploration, development, production, and distribution.
(c) Gunnison River Motorized Boats and Boat Ramp Use.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding the limitation on transfer
in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Approved
Resource Management Plan dated November 2004, the Secretary of
the Interior, in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.) and subject to paragraph (2) and such terms and
conditions as the Secretary of the Interior may require, may
transfer the special recreation use permit for the use of
motorized boats within the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area, if
the use was established before the date of designation of the
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area.
(2) Boat ramp.--The Secretary of the Interior may only
transfer the special recreation use permit described in
paragraph (1) under that paragraph if the Secretary of the
Interior determines that--
(A) the right of the public to the permanent and
reasonable use of the boat ramp for the Gunnison River
at the Gunnison Forks Day Use Area in Delta County,
Colorado, has been acquired by a Federal agency or a
State or local government; and
(B) any fees to be charged by the Federal agency or
the State or local government for public use of the
boat ramp described in subparagraph (A) would be
reasonable.
SEC. 10. LAND TO BE HELD IN TRUST FOR THE UTE MOUNTAIN UTE TRIBE.
(a) Trust.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act and subject to valid existing rights, on
request by the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (referred to in this
section as the ``Tribe''), the Secretary of the Interior shall
take into trust for the benefit of the Tribe the approximately
19,080 acres of land in the County, owned in fee by the Tribe,
as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Ute Mountain Ute
Tribe; Pinecrest Ranch--Fee to Trust Legislation'' and dated
September 20, 2024.
(2) Administration.--The land taken into trust by paragraph
(1) shall--
(A) be part of the reservation of the Tribe; and
(B) be administered in accordance with the laws and
regulations generally applicable to property held in
trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian
Tribe.
(3) Restriction on use for gaming activities.--The land
taken into trust by paragraph (1) shall not be eligible for, or
considered to have been taken into trust for, any gaming
activity under any Federal law, including the Indian Gaming
Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) and regulations
promulgated by the Secretary of the Interior or the National
Indian Gaming Commission under that Act.
(b) Survey.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, if any land is taken into trust under subsection (a), the
Secretary of the Interior shall complete a survey to establish the
boundaries of the land taken into trust under that subsection.
(c) Effect.--Nothing in this section shall affect the rights,
title, interests, or jurisdiction of the County in County Road 25 or
its right-of-way.
SEC. 11. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and a
legal description of the covered areas and wilderness areas
with--
(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives.
(2) Force of law.--Each map and legal description filed
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct any
typographical errors in the maps and legal descriptions.
(3) Public availability.--Each map and legal description
filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of
Land Management or the Forest Service, as applicable.
(b) Acquisition of Land.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may acquire any land or
interest in land within a covered area or wilderness area only
through exchange, donation, or purchase from a willing seller.
(2) Management.--Any land or interest in land acquired
under paragraph (1) shall be incorporated in, and administered
as a part of, the covered area or wilderness area in which the
land or interest in land is located.
(c) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the covered
areas and wilderness areas are withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mining materials, and
geothermal leasing laws.
(d) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this Act affects the
jurisdiction or responsibility of the State with respect to fish and
wildlife in the State.
(e) Grazing.--The laws (including regulations) and policies
followed by the Secretary in issuing and administering grazing permits
or leases on land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary shall
continue to apply within a covered area.
(f) Wildfire, Insect, and Disease Management.--In accordance with
this Act, the Secretary may--
(1) carry out any measures that the Secretary determines to
be necessary to manage wildland fire, and treat hazardous
fuels, insects, and diseases, in the covered areas; and
(2) coordinate the measures with the appropriate State or
local agency, as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
(g) Vegetation Management.--
(1) In general.--No project shall be carried out in a
covered area for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber.
(2) Ecological restoration.--Any vegetation management
project carried out in a covered area outside of the wildland-
urban interface that includes the harvest or sale of
merchantable materials shall--
(A) be collaboratively developed;
(B) limit the sale of merchantable materials to
small diameter trees or biomass; and
(C) in accordance with the best available science--
(i) restore ecological integrity;
(ii) maximize the retention of old growth
and large trees, as appropriate for the forest
type; and
(iii) focus on prescribed fire as the
primary means to achieve modified wildland fire
behavior, as measured by the projected
reduction of uncharacteristically severe
wildfire effects for the forest type.
(h) Roads and Trails.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no
road shall be constructed in a covered area.
(2) Exception.--Nothing in paragraph (1) prevents the
Secretary from--
(A) constructing a temporary road in a Protection
Area, Recreation Management Area, or Special Management
Area as the Secretary determines to be necessary as a
minimum requirement for carrying out a vegetation
management project in accordance with this Act;
(B) responding to an emergency; or
(C) authorizing the transportation of scientific
research equipment within the Scientific Research and
Education Area.
(3) Decommissioning of temporary roads.--Not later than 3
years after the date on which an applicable vegetation
management project is completed, the Secretary shall
decommission any temporary road constructed under paragraph
(2)(A) for the applicable vegetation management project.
(4) Rerouting.--Nothing in this Act prevents the Secretary
from rerouting a trail within a covered area to protect public
safety or natural resources from degradation, as determined to
be appropriate by the Secretary.
(i) Water Rights.--Nothing in this Act affects the use or
allocation of any absolute or conditional water right that is--
(1) decreed under the laws of the State; and
(2) in existence on the date of enactment of this Act.
(j) No Buffer Zones.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this Act establishes a
protective perimeter or buffer zone around a covered area or
wilderness area.
(2) Outside activities.--The fact that a non-wilderness
activity or use on land outside of a covered area or wilderness
area can be seen or heard from an area within a covered area or
wilderness area shall not preclude the conduct of the activity
or use outside the boundary of the covered area or wilderness
area.
(k) Seasonal Closures.--As appropriate and in accordance with
applicable law, the Secretary shall develop and implement seasonal
closures for off-highway vehicles and bicycles to protect wildlife and
wildlife habitat in--
(1) the McIntosh Mountain Special Management Area
designated by section 3(a)(4);
(2) the Signal Peak Special Management Area designated by
section 3(a)(7);
(3) the Cabin Creek Wildlife Conservation Area designated
by section 4(a)(1);
(4) the Flat Top Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
section 4(a)(2);
(5) the Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek Wildlife Conservation
Area designated by section 4(a)(3); and
(6) the Pinnacles Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
section 4(a)(6).
(l) Restoration Activities.--
(1) In general.--As appropriate and in accordance with
applicable law, the Secretary shall conduct wet meadow and
riparian restoration projects to improve climate resiliency and
wildlife habitat in--
(A) the McIntosh Mountain Special Management Area
designated by section 3(a)(4);
(B) the Signal Peak Special Management Area
designated by section 3(a)(7);
(C) the Flat Top Wildlife Conservation Area
designated by section 4(a)(2);
(D) the Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek Wildlife
Conservation Area designated by section 4(a)(3);
(E) the Pinnacles Wildlife Conservation Area
designated by section 4(a)(6); and
(F) the Sawtooth Wildlife Conservation Area
designated by section 4(a)(8).
(2) Collaboration.--In carrying out the projects described
in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall seek to collaborate
with--
(A) the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife;
(B) the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy
District;
(C) the County;
(D) in the case of a project located in the
Sawtooth Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
section 4(a)(8), Saguache County, Colorado;
(E) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
and
(F) other interested entities and individuals.
(m) Tribal Rights and Uses.--
(1) Treaty rights.--Nothing in this Act affects the treaty
rights of any Indian Tribe.
(2) Traditional tribal uses.--Subject to any terms and
conditions that the Secretary determines to be necessary and in
accordance with applicable law, the Secretary shall allow for
the continued use of a covered area or wilderness area by
members of Indian Tribes--
(A) for traditional ceremonies; and
(B) as a source of traditional plants and other
materials.
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