[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3136-S3141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 6005. Mr. BENNET (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper) submitted an
amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to
authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities
of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for
defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military
personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which
was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:
At the end of subtitle G of title X, add the following:
SEC. 1094. GUNNISON OUTDOOR RESOURCES PROTECTION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(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 subsection (d)(1).
(9) Recreation management area.--The term ``Recreation
Management Area'' means a recreation management area
designated by subsection (e)(1).
(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
subsection (f)(1).
(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 subsection (b)(1).
(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 subsection
(g)(1).
(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 subsection (c)(1).
(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).
(b) Designation of Special Management Areas.--
(1) Designation.--
(A) 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''.
(B) 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''.
(C) 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
[[Page S3137]]
``Sheet 2: McClure Pass'' and dated August 27, 2024, is
designated as the ``Clear Fork Special Management Area''.
(D) 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''.
(E) 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''.
(F) 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''.
(G) 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''.
(H) 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''.
(I) 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''.
(2) 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.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special
Management Areas in a manner that--
(i) conserves, protects, and enhances the resources of the
Special Management Areas; and
(ii) is in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) other applicable laws.
(B) Uses.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow uses of the
Special Management Areas that the Secretary determines would
further the purpose described in paragraph (2).
(ii) 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--
(aa) as needed for administrative purposes;
(bb) to respond to an emergency; or
(cc) as authorized under subclauses (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--
(aa) 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
(bb) 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 item (aa), 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--
(aa) the use of bicycles on the potential trails described
in subparagraph (C) if the trails are designated by the
Secretary for the use; and
(bb) the use of off-highway vehicles on the potential
trails described in clauses (i), (iii), and (vi) of
subparagraph (C) if the trails are designated by the
Secretary for the use.
(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law,
of--
(i) 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 paragraph
(1)(A);
(ii) 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 paragraph (1)(B);
(iii) 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 paragraph (1)(D);
(iv) 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
paragraph (1)(G);
(v) 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 paragraph (1)(I); or
(vi) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Splain's
Gulch to Carbon Creek Trail'', in the Whetstone Headwaters
Special Management Area designated by paragraph (1)(I).
(c) Designation of Wildlife Conservation Areas.--
(1) Designation.--
(A) 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''.
(B) 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''.
(C) 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''.
(D) 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''.
(E) 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''.
(F) 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''.
(G) 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''.
(H) 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''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Wildlife Conservation
Areas are--
(A) 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
(B) 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.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Wildlife
Conservation Areas in a manner that--
[[Page S3138]]
(i) furthers the purposes of the Wildlife Conservation
Areas; and
(ii) is in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) other applicable laws.
(B) Uses.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow uses of the
Wildlife Conservation Areas that the Secretary determines
would further the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(ii) 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 subclause (I)--
(aa) off-highway vehicles and bicycles may be permitted--
(AA) as needed for administrative purposes; or
(BB) to respond to an emergency;
(bb) 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 subitem (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;
(cc) except as authorized under item (aa), the use of off-
highway vehicles and bicycles shall be prohibited in the
Matchless Wildlife Conservation Area designated by paragraph
(1)(D); and
(dd) the Secretary may permit the use of bicycles on the
potential trails described in subparagraph (C) if the trails
are designated by the Secretary for the use.
(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law,
of--
(i) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Gunnison to
Crested Butte Trail'', in the Flat Top Wildlife Conservation
Area designated by paragraph (1)(B);
(ii) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Crested
Butte to Carbondale Trail'', in the Munsey Creek Wildlife
Conservation Area designated by paragraph (1)(E); or
(iii) 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 paragraph (1)(H).
(d) Designation of Protection Areas.--
(1) Designation.--
(A) 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''.
(B) 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''.
(C) 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''.
(D) 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''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Protection Areas are--
(A) to protect the natural and undeveloped character of the
Protection Areas; and
(B) 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.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Protection
Areas in a manner that--
(i) furthers the purposes of the Protection Areas described
in paragraph (2); and
(ii) is in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) other applicable laws.
(B) Uses.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow uses of the
Protection Areas that the Secretary determines would further
the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(ii) Vehicle use.--
(I) In general.--Except as provided in subclause (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 paragraph (1)(B) on roads, trails, and areas
designated for the use on the date of enactment of this Act.
(iii) 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 subparagraph (C).
(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection affects the
potential development, in accordance with applicable law,
of--
(i) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Deer Creek
to Brush Creek Connector Trail'', within the Deer Creek
Protection Area designated by paragraph (1)(B);
(ii) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Eccher
Exit Trail'', within the Granite Basin Protection Area
designated by paragraph (1)(C); or
(iii) the proposed trail, commonly known as the ``Lower
Loop Trail Extension'', in the South Poverty Gulch Protection
Area designated by paragraph (1)(D).
(e) Designation of Recreation Management Areas.--
(1) Designation.--
(A) 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''.
(B) 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''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Recreation Management
Areas are--
(A) to provide for, and improve the management of,
recreation resources in the Recreation Management Areas for
the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations;
and
(B) 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.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Recreation
Management Areas in a manner that--
(i) furthers the purposes of the Recreation Management
Areas described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) is in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) other applicable laws.
(B) Uses.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall only allow uses of the
Recreation Management Areas that the Secretary determines
would further the purposes described in paragraph (2).
(ii) Vehicle and bicycle use.--
(I) Double top.--
(aa) In general.--Except as provided in item (bb), the use
of off-highway vehicles and bicycles in the Double Top
Recreation Management Area designated by paragraph (1)(A)
shall be permitted only on roads and trails designated for
the use on the date of enactment of this Act.
(bb) Exceptions.--
(AA) Over-snow vehicles.--Except as provided in subitem
(BB), the use of over-snow vehicles shall not be permitted in
the Double Top Recreation Management Area designated by
paragraph (1)(A).
(BB) Administrative use.--Nothing in this subsection limits
the use of off-highway vehicles in the Double Top Recreation
Management Area designated by paragraph (1)(A) 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.--
(aa) Vehicle use.--
(AA) In general.--Except as provided in subitem (BB), the
use of off-highway vehicles in the Horse Ranch Park
Recreation Management Area designated by paragraph (1)(B) is
prohibited.
(BB) Exceptions.--The Secretary may permit the use of over-
snow vehicles in the Horse Ranch Park Recreation Management
Area designated by paragraph (1)(B) only on roads, trails,
and areas designated for the use on the date of enactment of
this Act or as needed for administrative purposes or to
respond to an emergency.
(bb) Bicycles.--The Secretary may permit the use of
bicycles in the Horse Ranch Park Recreation Management Area
designated by paragraph (1)(B) only--
[[Page S3139]]
(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 item (cc).
(cc) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection 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
paragraph (1)(B).
(f) Designation of the Rocky Mountain Scientific Research
and Education Area.--
(1) 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''.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of the Scientific Research and
Education Area are--
(A) to encourage and preserve conditions necessary for
ecological, evolutionary, geological, biogeochemical,
climatological, biological, meteorological, and other natural
science research and education;
(B) to provide opportunities for the use of continually
emerging techniques and methodologies in the conduct of the
research and education described in subparagraph (A); and
(C) 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.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Scientific
Research and Education Area in a manner that--
(i) furthers the purposes of the Scientific Research and
Education Area described in paragraph (2); and
(ii) is in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) other applicable laws.
(B) Uses.--
(i) 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 paragraph
(2).
(ii) 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.
(iii) 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 subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2).
(4) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection 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.
(g) Designation of Wilderness.--
(1) 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--
(A) 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,'';
(B) in paragraph (9)--
(i) by striking ``Gunnison'' and inserting ``Gunnison and
White River''; and
(ii) 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
(C) 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.''.
(2) 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.
(3) 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.
(4) West elk wilderness boundary modification.--
(A) 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.
(B) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Federal land excluded from the boundary of the West Elk
Wilderness under subparagraph (A) is withdrawn from--
(i) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land
laws;
(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials,
and geothermal leasing laws.
(5) 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 subsection (or an amendment made by this
subsection)--
(A) has been adequately studied for wilderness designation;
and
(B) is no longer subject to that subsection.
(h) North Fork Valley Watershed.--
(1) Withdrawal.--
(A) 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.
(B) Effect.--Nothing in subparagraph (A) 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--
(i) an active or inactive coal mine subject to a Federal
coal lease; or
(ii) 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.
(2) 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,
[[Page S3140]]
shall be subject to a no surface occupancy restriction with
respect to oil and gas exploration, development, production,
and distribution.
(3) Gunnison river motorized boats and boat ramp use.--
(A) 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 subparagraph (B) 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.
(B) Boat ramp.--The Secretary of the Interior may only
transfer the special recreation use permit described in
subparagraph (A) under that subparagraph if the Secretary of
the Interior determines that--
(i) 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
(ii) any fees to be charged by the Federal agency or the
State or local government for public use of the boat ramp
described in clause (i) would be reasonable.
(i) Land to Be Held in Trust for the Ute Mountain Ute
Tribe.--
(1) Trust.--
(A) 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
subsection 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.
(B) Administration.--The land taken into trust by
subparagraph (A) shall--
(i) be part of the reservation of the Tribe; and
(ii) 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.
(C) Restriction on use for gaming activities.--The land
taken into trust by subparagraph (A) 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.
(2) Survey.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, if any land is taken into trust under
paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall complete a
survey to establish the boundaries of the land taken into
trust under that paragraph.
(3) Effect.--Nothing in this subsection shall affect the
rights, title, interests, or jurisdiction of the County in
County Road 25 or its right-of-way.
(j) General Provisions.--
(1) Maps and legal descriptions.--
(A) 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--
(i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate; and
(ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
(B) Force of law.--Each map and legal description filed
under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect
as if included in this section, except that the Secretary may
correct any typographical errors in the maps and legal
descriptions.
(C) Public availability.--Each map and legal description
filed under subparagraph (A) 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.
(2) Acquisition of land.--
(A) 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.
(B) Management.--Any land or interest in land acquired
under subparagraph (A) 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.
(3) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
covered areas and wilderness areas are withdrawn from--
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C) operation of the mineral leasing, mining materials, and
geothermal leasing laws.
(4) Fish and wildlife.--Nothing in this section affects the
jurisdiction or responsibility of the State with respect to
fish and wildlife in the State.
(5) 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.
(6) Wildfire, insect, and disease management.--In
accordance with this section, the Secretary may--
(A) 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
(B) coordinate the measures with the appropriate State or
local agency, as the Secretary determines to be necessary.
(7) Vegetation management.--
(A) In general.--No project shall be carried out in a
covered area for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber.
(B) 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--
(i) be collaboratively developed;
(ii) limit the sale of merchantable materials to small
diameter trees or biomass; and
(iii) 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.
(8) Roads and trails.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), no
road shall be constructed in a covered area.
(B) Exception.--Nothing in subparagraph (A) prevents the
Secretary from--
(i) 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 section;
(ii) responding to an emergency; or
(iii) authorizing the transportation of scientific research
equipment within the Scientific Research and Education Area.
(C) 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
subparagraph (B)(i) for the applicable vegetation management
project.
(D) Rerouting.--Nothing in this section 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.
(9) Water rights.--Nothing in this section affects the use
or allocation of any absolute or conditional water right that
is--
(A) decreed under the laws of the State; and
(B) in existence on the date of enactment of this Act.
(10) No buffer zones.--
(A) In general.--Nothing in this section establishes a
protective perimeter or buffer zone around a covered area or
wilderness area.
(B) 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.
(11) 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--
(A) the McIntosh Mountain Special Management Area
designated by subsection (b)(1)(D);
(B) the Signal Peak Special Management Area designated by
subsection (b)(1)(G);
(C) the Cabin Creek Wildlife Conservation Area designated
by subsection (c)(1)(A);
(D) the Flat Top Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (c)(1)(B);
(E) the Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek Wildlife Conservation
Area designated by subsection (c)(1)(C); and
(F) the Pinnacles Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (c)(1)(F).
(12) Restoration activities.--
(A) 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--
(i) the McIntosh Mountain Special Management Area
designated by subsection (b)(1)(D);
(ii) the Signal Peak Special Management Area designated by
subsection (b)(1)(G);
(iii) the Flat Top Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (c)(1)(B);
(iv) the Lake Gulch and Cebolla Creek Wildlife Conservation
Area designated by subsection (c)(1)(C);
(v) the Pinnacles Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (c)(1)(F); and
(vi) the Sawtooth Wildlife Conservation Area designated by
subsection (c)(1)(H).
(B) Collaboration.--In carrying out the projects described
in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall seek to collaborate
with--
(i) the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife;
(ii) the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District;
(iii) the County;
[[Page S3141]]
(iv) in the case of a project located in the Sawtooth
Wildlife Conservation Area designated by subsection
(c)(1)(H), Saguache County, Colorado;
(v) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and
(vi) other interested entities and individuals.
(13) Tribal rights and uses.--
(A) Treaty rights.--Nothing in this section affects the
treaty rights of any Indian Tribe.
(B) 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--
(i) for traditional ceremonies; and
(ii) as a source of traditional plants and other materials.
______