Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

This bill creates two protected areas along Colorado’s Dolores River: a National Conservation Area on about 52,872 acres of BLM land and a Special Management Area on about 15,452 acres in the San Juan National Forest. The goal is to protect native fish, whitewater boating, wildlife, scenery, and recreation while still allowing traditional uses that fit those goals. Within 3 years, agencies must write management plans with input from a new local advisory council. The Bureau of Reclamation must also publish a yearly update on progress for native fish below McPhee Dam. Existing uranium leases can continue under Department of Energy rules. The plan treats Ponderosa Gorge like wilderness, limiting new roads, motorized use, and commercial logging, with some safety and habitat exceptions. Motor vehicles are allowed only on designated routes, and most new mining and energy leasing is blocked. Grazing can continue under current rules, and private landowners will still get reasonable access. County roads, local zoning, and tribal treaty rights are not changed. The law also releases certain Dolores River segments from future Wild and Scenic River study.

It strongly protects existing water rights and local water use. It does not create federal reserved water rights, does not impose mandatory streamflows, and does not change how McPhee Reservoir or the Dolores Project are run. However, the federal government cannot help build new water projects that would harm the river’s free‑flowing character or badly reduce its natural and recreation values, with allowances for small diversions and minor fixes.

• Who is affected: local residents and counties, tribes, farmers and ranchers, boaters and anglers, and visitors. A 14‑member council with local, tribal, water, conservation, recreation, and grazing voices will advise on management.
• What changes day to day: more protection for fish, habitat, and recreation; limits on new roads, off‑road driving, and most new mining and energy leasing; continued grazing and access to private land; no new buffer zones on nearby private property.
• When: takes effect at enactment; management plans due within 3 years; annual native fish reports begin 1 year after enactment.