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This title preserves and acknowledges existing Bureau of Reclamation and Colorado River Storage Project authorities by referencing the Wayne N. Aspinall Unit and related authorities under 43 U.S.C. 620 and the Colorado River Storage Project Act; it states that nothing in the title affects those authorities.
This title recognizes and preserves the Aspinall Unit fish and wildlife/public access program under 43 U.S.C. 620g and requires the Secretary to continue to fulfill the obligation to acquire 26 miles of public fishing easements under that program.
Amends section 2(a) of the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993 by striking part of paragraph (18) and adding new wilderness additions and designations (paragraphs (23)–(26)) and by adding a new boundary modification to the extent of the Wilderness Act's provisions.
Inserts a new section 2408 (titled 'Release') after section 2407 declaring that portions of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Study Area not designated as wilderness have been adequately studied, are no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, and shall be managed in accordance with the subtitle and other applicable laws.
Redesignates existing section 2408 (codified at 16 U.S.C. 460zzz 7) as section 2409.
Protects and manages public lands in Colorado by adding new wilderness and wildlife conservation areas, creating a new national recreation area, and blocking most new mining and mineral leasing in the Thompson Divide. It sets clear rules for recreation, grazing, wildfire work, and habitat protection, while keeping State fish-and‑wildlife authority, tribal rights, and military overflights intact. It also launches a pilot program to find and reduce methane escaping from coal mines, allows certain leaseholders to relinquish leases for credits, and directs detailed maps, management plans, studies, and reports to guide how these lands are cared for over time.
Defines the term “State” to mean the State of Colorado.
Designates about 8,036 acres of Federal land in the White River National Forest as the “Proposed Williams Fork Mountains Wilderness” potential wilderness area, as shown on a map dated June 24, 2019.
Requires the potential wilderness area to be managed under the Wilderness Act and this section, subject to valid existing rights and except as otherwise provided for range improvements.
Requires that within 3 years after enactment, the Secretary publish a determination on whether to authorize livestock grazing or other livestock use on the vacant “Big Hole Allotment” and “Blue Ridge Allotment,” consistent with applicable law.
Allows the Secretary, when publishing the grazing determination, to modify or combine the vacant allotments.
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced February 27, 2025 by Joseph Neguse · Last progress February 27, 2025
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Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House