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Provides interpretive rules for references in the Wilderness Act: references to the Act’s effective date are to be read as references to the date of enactment of this Act; references in the Wilderness Act to the Secretary of Agriculture are to be read as references to 'the Secretary' as used in this Act.
Sets interpretive rules affecting how provisions of section 4 of the Wilderness Act (including subsections referenced in this section such as 4(d)(1) and 4(d)(4)) are to be read for purposes of this Act: references to the Act’s effective date and to the Secretary of Agriculture are to be read as specified in this Act.
Specifies that any portion of the listed wilderness study areas that is not designated as wilderness 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)). This changes the applicability of that provision to the identified lands.
Designates new wilderness, establishes a National Conservation Area and several Special Management Areas, and creates a dedicated motorized recreation area in Wyoming. It also releases certain wilderness study areas, withdraws many of these lands from new mineral and energy development, and directs multiple travel plans and recreation studies on a timeline. The Secretary must manage the new wilderness under the Wilderness Act (with a fire plan due in 180 days and continued livestock grazing), complete travel management plans within two years for specified areas, build a boundary fence before opening a new motorized area near Dubois, and study additional motorized recreation opportunities in Hot Springs, Washakie, and Fremont Counties. Land exchanges related to two Areas of Critical Environmental Concern are encouraged, with a local implementation team to help carry out the plan.
Defines the term "Counties" to mean Hot Springs County and Washakie County (in the State).
The Secretary shall carry out a study to evaluate the potential for the development of new special motorized recreation areas in the Counties.
The study shall evaluate the potential for development of new special motorized recreation areas on Federal land managed by the Bureau in the Counties, except land that is subject to a restriction on the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles under any Federal law (including this Act).
In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall offer opportunities for public input.
In carrying out the study, the Secretary shall collaborate with State parks, historic sites, and trails, and with the Counties.
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Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced February 21, 2025 by Harriet Hageman · Last progress February 21, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House