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S. 1348 — what changed

Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023

From Reported in Senate to Engrossed in Senate. 6 sections amended and 3 added between Reported in Senate and Engrossed in Senate.

Sec. 2 Definitions

In this Act:

(1)
Bureau— The term Bureau means the Bureau of Land Management.
(2)
removed Department— The term Department means the Department of the Interior.
(3)
removed Director— The term Director means the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
(4)
removed Emergency— The term emergency means a situation that requires immediate action because of an imminent danger—
(A)
removed to the health or safety of people; or
(B)
removed of harm to property.
(2)
renumbered was (7) Range improvement— The term range improvement has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1902).
(3)
added Secretary— The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(4)
renumbered was (8) State— The term State means the State of Wyoming.
(5)
added Wilderness area— The term “wilderness area” means a wilderness area designated by section 3.

Sec. 3 Designation of wilderness areas

added In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following areas in the State are designated as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:

(1)
added Encampment River Canyon Wilderness—
(A)
added In general— Certain Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 4,523.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Encampment River Wilderness” and dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the “Encampment River Canyon Wilderness”.
(B)
added Excluded land— The following land is not included in the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness:
(i)
added Any land in the NW1⁄4NW1⁄4NW1⁄4 sec. 24, T. 14 N., R. 84 W.
(ii)
added Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of—
(a)
removed Designation of wilderness areas—
(1)
removed Encampment River Canyon Wilderness—
(A)
removed Designation— In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except as provided in subparagraph (B), the land within the boundaries of the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area is designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the “Encampment River Canyon Wilderness” (referred to in this paragraph as the “Wilderness”).
(B)
removed Excluded land—
(i)
removed Definition of Water Valley Road— In this subparagraph, the term Water Valley Road means the road in Carbon County, Wyoming, that is 50 feet wide and 17,340 feet long, consisting of approximately 19.904 acres of land in T. 14 N., R. 84 W., including—
(I)
removed in sec. 22, land in—
(aa)
removed the NE1/4SW1/4; and
(bb)
removed the S1/2SW1/4;
(II)
removed in sec. 27, land in lots 4, 6, and 7 of the NW1/4SW1/4;
(III)
removed in sec. 28, land in lot 1 of the NE1/4SE1/4;
(IV)
removed in sec. 34, land in—
(aa)
removed the S1/2NE1/4; and
(bb)
removed the E1/2NW1/4; and
(V)
removed in sec. 35, land in—
(aa)
removed the N1/2SW1/4;
(bb)
removed the NW1/4SE1/4; and
(cc)
removed the S1/2SE1/4.
(ii)
removed Land excluded from the Wilderness— The following land is not included in the Wilderness:
(I)
removed Any land in the NW1/4NW1/4NW1/4 sec. 24, T. 14 N., R. 84 W.
(II)
removed Any land within 50 feet of the centerline of—
(I)
renumbered was (2)(2)(3)(3)(4)(2) County Road 353; or
(II)
renumbered was (2)(2)(3)(3)(4)(3) Water Valley Road.
(C)
removed Maintenance of roads— Necessary maintenance or repairs to County Road 353 or Water Valley Road (as defined in subparagraph (B)) shall be permitted after the date of enactment of this Act, consistent with the requirements of this subsection.
(D)
removed Wildfire suppression—
(i)
removed In general— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a fire suppression plan for the protection of—
(I)
removed any individual or structure adjacent to the Wilderness; and
(II)
removed the population centers of—
(aa)
removed Encampment, Wyoming; and
(bb)
removed Riverside, Wyoming.
(ii)
removed Coordination— In carrying out clause (i), the Director shall coordinate with—
(I)
removed the Wyoming State Forestry Division; and
(II)
removed Carbon County, Wyoming.
(2)
removed Prospect Mountain Wilderness—
(A)
removed Designation— In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except as provided in subparagraph (B), the land within the boundaries of the Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area is designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the “Prospect Mountain Wilderness” (referred to in this paragraph as the “Wilderness”).
(B)
removed Excluded land— Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the Wilderness.
(C)
removed Maintenance of Prospect Road— Necessary maintenance or repairs to Prospect Road shall be permitted after the date of enactment of this Act, consistent with the requirements of this subsection.
(3)
removed Management of wilderness areas—
(A)
removed Administration— Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness areas designated in paragraphs (1) and (2) (referred to in this paragraph as the “Wilderness Areas”) shall be administered by the Director in accordance with—
(i)
removed this paragraph; and
(ii)
removed the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act.
(B)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Wilderness Areas, where established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be allowed to continue in accordance with—
(i)
removed section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4));
(ii)
removed the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617); and
(iii)
removed the guidelines set forth in appendix A of the Report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to accompany H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101–405).
(C)
removed Review of policies, practices, and regulations—
(i)
removed In general— To ensure that the policies, practices, and regulations of the Department conform to and implement the intent of Congress regarding forest fires and the outbreak of disease or insects, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall review all policies, practices, and regulations of the Department applicable to the Wilderness Areas that pertain to—
(I)
removed wildland fires, including the use of modern methods of fire suppression (including mechanical activity, as necessary); or
(II)
removed the outbreak of disease or insect populations.
(ii)
removed Revisions— On completion of the review under clause (i), the Secretary of the Interior shall revise or develop policies, practices, and regulations for the Wilderness Areas—
(I)
removed to ensure the timely and efficient control of fires, diseases, and insects in the Wilderness Areas, in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)); and
(II)
removed to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate protection from forest fires, disease outbreaks, and insect infestations to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent to the Wilderness Areas.
(b)
removed Designation of Bennett Mountains Special Management Area—
(1)
removed Designation— The land within the Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area is designated as the “Bennett Mountains Special Management Area” (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”).
(2)
removed Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Director.
(3)
removed Roads; motorized vehicles—
(A)
removed Roads—
(i)
removed Prohibition on new permanent roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
removed Temporary roads— The Director may authorize the construction of new temporary roads to respond to an emergency.
(B)
removed Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, to respond to an emergency, or to develop range improvements, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles by the travel management plan established under subparagraph (C).
(C)
removed Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(4)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered—
(A)
removed as a nondiscretionary use; and
(B)
removed in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau, including—
(i)
removed the Act of June 28, 1934 (commonly known as the “Taylor Grazing Act”) (48 Stat. 1269, chapter 865; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.);
(ii)
removed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(iii)
removed the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
(5)
removed Fire management and suppression—
(A)
removed In general— The Director shall carry out fire management and suppression activities in the Special Management Area in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(B)
removed Review of policies, practices, and regulations—
(i)
removed In general— To ensure that the policies, practices, and regulations of the Bureau conform to and implement the intent of Congress regarding forest fires, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall review all policies, practices, and regulations of the Bureau applicable to the Special Management Area that pertain to wildland fires, including the use of modern methods of fire suppression.
(ii)
removed Revision— On completion of the review under clause (i), the Director shall revise or develop policies, practices, and regulations for the Special Management Area—
(I)
removed to ensure the timely and efficient control of fires in the Special Management Area; and
(II)
removed to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate protection from forest fires to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent to the Special Management Area.
(6)
removed Timber harvesting— Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.
(7)
removed Withdrawal—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
removed location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(ii)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(2)
changed Designation of Black Cat Special Management Area—Prospect Mountain Wilderness—
(A)
changed Designation—In general— The Certain Federal land described administered by the Bureau in paragraph (2) is designated the State, comprising approximately 1,099.76 acres, as generally depicted on the “Black Cat Special Management Area” (referred to in this subsection map entitled “Proposed Prospect Mountain Wilderness” and dated December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the “Special Management Area”).“Prospect Mountain Wilderness”.
(B)
changed Included Excluded land— The Special Management Area shall consist of—Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the Prospect Mountain Wilderness.
(A)
removed the Federal land in T. 14 N., R. 81 W., sec. 35, that is managed by the Forest Service; and
(B)
removed the portions of T. 14 N., R. 81 W., secs. 26, 35, and 36, that are south and west of the North Platte River.
(3)
removed Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(4)
removed Roads; motorized vehicles—
(A)
removed Roads—
(i)
removed Prohibition on new permanent roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
removed Temporary roads— The Secretary of Agriculture may authorize the construction of new temporary roads to respond to an emergency.
(B)
removed Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, to respond to an emergency, or to develop or maintain range improvements, the Secretary of Agriculture shall prohibit the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area.
(5)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Areas shall be administered—
(A)
removed as a nondiscretionary use; and
(B)
removed in accordance with the laws generally applicable to the National Forest System, including—
(i)
removed the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 528 et seq.);
(ii)
removed the Act of June 28, 1934 (commonly known as the “Taylor Grazing Act”) (48 Stat. 1269, chapter 865; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.); and
(iii)
removed the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).
(6)
removed Fire management and suppression—
(A)
removed In general— The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out fire management and suppression activities in the Special Management Area—
(i)
removed in accordance with the laws generally applicable to—
(I)
removed the National Forest System; and
(II)
removed the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
removed
(I)
removed if a land management plan has been established for the Special Management Area, in accordance with that land management plan; or
(II)
removed if a land management plan has not been established for the Special Management Area, in a manner consistent with land that is similarly situated to the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(B)
removed Review of policies, practices, and regulations—
(i)
removed In general— To ensure that the policies, practices, and regulations of the Department of Agriculture conform to and implement the intent of Congress regarding forest fires, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall review all policies, practices, and regulations of the Department of Agriculture applicable to the Special Management Area that pertain to forest fires, including the use of modern methods of fire suppression.
(ii)
removed Revision— On completion of the review under clause (i), the Secretary of Agriculture shall revise or develop policies, practices, and regulations for the Special Management Area—
(I)
removed to ensure the timely and efficient control of fires in the Special Management Area; and
(II)
removed to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate protection from forest fires to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent to the Special Management Area.
(7)
removed Timber harvesting— Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.
(8)
removed Withdrawal—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
removed location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(ii)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may, with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(3)
changed Release of wilderness study areas—Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness—
(A)
changed Finding—In general— Congress finds that, for Certain Federal land administered by the purposes of section 603(c) of Bureau in the Federal Land Policy State, comprising approximately 2,877.35 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness” and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), any portion of a wilderness study area described in paragraph (2) that is not designated dated December 6, 2023, which shall be known as wilderness by this section has been adequately studied for wilderness designation.the “Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness”.
(B)
added Boundary—
(i)
added In general— Except as provided in clause (ii), the boundary of the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(2)
removed Description of land— The wilderness study areas referred to in paragraphs (1) and (3) are—
(ii)
changed Eastern boundary— The eastern boundary of the Encampment River Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area;shall be 100 feet from the western edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as “Strawberry Creek Road”.
(iii)
changed Exclusion of existing roads— Any established legal route with authorized motorized use in existence on the Prospect Mountain date of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area; andin T. 28 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is not included in the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness.
(4)
added Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness—
(A)
added In general— Certain Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 5,665.19 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness” and dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the “Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness”.
(B)
added Boundary—
(i)
added In general— Except as provided in clause (ii), the boundary of the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(ii)
added Western boundary— The western boundary of the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the eastern edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as “Strawberry Creek Road”.
(iii)
added Exclusion of existing roads— Any established legal route with authorized motorized use in existence on the date of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is not included in the Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness.
(5)
added Bobcat Draw Wilderness— Certain Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 6,246.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Bobcat Draw Wilderness” and dated December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the “Bobcat Draw Wilderness”.
(C)
removed the Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
(3)
removed Release— Any portion of a wilderness study area described in paragraph (2) that is not designated as wilderness by this section is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(4)
removed Management of released land—
(A)
removed Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area— The Director shall manage the portion of the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area released under paragraph (3) in a manner consistent with a resource management plan that is applicable to any land that—
(i)
removed is adjacent to that released portion; and
(ii)
removed is not included in the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness designated under subsection (a)(1).
(B)
removed Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area— The portion of the Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under paragraph (3) shall be managed in accordance with—
(i)
removed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(ii)
removed any other applicable law.
(C)
removed Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area— The Director shall manage the portion of the Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area released under paragraph (3) in accordance with subsection (b).

Sec. 4 Administration of wilderness areas

(a)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall administer the wilderness areas in accordance with this section and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that—
(1)
added any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act; and
(a)
removed Designation of Upper Sweetwater Canyon and Lower Sweetwater Canyon wilderness areas—
(1)
removed Designation—
(A)
removed In general— In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the land within the boundaries of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area is designated as wilderness and, as described in subparagraphs (B) and (C), as 2 components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the “Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness” (referred to in this subsection as the “Upper Wilderness”) and the “Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness” (referred to in this subsection as the “Lower Wilderness”).
(B)
removed Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness—
(i)
removed Boundary—
(I)
removed In general— Except as provided in subclause (II), the boundary of the Upper Wilderness shall conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(II)
removed Eastern boundary— The eastern boundary of the Upper Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the western edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper Wilderness and the Lower Wilderness, known as “Strawberry Creek Road”.
(ii)
removed Exclusion of existing roads— Any established legal route with authorized motorized use in existence on the date of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Wilderness in T. 28 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is not included in the Upper Wilderness.
(C)
removed Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness—
(i)
removed Boundary—
(I)
removed In general— Except as provided in subclauses (II) and (III), the boundary of the Lower Wilderness shall conform to the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(II)
removed Western boundary— The western boundary of the Lower Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the eastern edge of the north-south road bisecting the Upper Wilderness and the Lower Wilderness, known as “Strawberry Creek Road”.
(III)
removed Northern boundary— The northern boundary of the Lower Wilderness shall begin where the bisecting road referred to in subclause (II) enters the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area at the border of T. 29 N., R. 98 W., sec. 36, and T. 28 N., R. 98 W., sec. 2, and shall run east along the boundary of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 31, to the centerline of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 31, then north along that centerline to the midpoint of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 31, then east along that centerline to the boundary of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 32, then following the existing boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area to the midpoint of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 32, then east along the centerline of T. 29 N., R. 97 W., secs. 32 and 33, to the existing boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(ii)
removed Exclusion of existing roads— Any established legal route with authorized motorized use in existence on the date of enactment of this Act that enters the Upper Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 98 W., sec. 4, or the Lower Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., sec. 33, is not included in the Lower Wilderness.
(2)
removed Management—
(A)
removed Administration— Subject to valid existing rights, the Upper Wilderness and the Lower Wilderness shall be administered by the Director in accordance with—
(i)
removed this paragraph; and
(ii)
removed the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act.
(B)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Upper Wilderness and the Lower Wilderness, where established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be allowed to continue in accordance with—
(i)
removed section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4));
(ii)
removed the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617); and
(iii)
removed the guidelines set forth in appendix A of the Report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to accompany H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101–405).
(C)
removed Maintenance of existing roads— Necessary maintenance or repairs to any road described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (1) shall be permitted after the date of enactment of this Act, consistent with the requirements of this subsection.
(D)
removed Range improvements— The construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of range improvements shall be allowed in the Upper Wilderness and the Lower Wilderness.
(E)
removed Buffer zones—
(i)
removed In general— Nothing in this paragraph creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Upper Wilderness or the Lower Wilderness.
(ii)
removed Activities outside wilderness areas— The fact that an activity or use on land outside the Upper Wilderness or the Lower Wilderness can be seen or heard within the Upper Wilderness or the Lower Wilderness, respectively, shall not preclude the activity or use outside the boundary of the Upper Wilderness or the Lower Wilderness.
(2)
changed Release of wilderness study area— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management any reference in that Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area not designated as wilderness by this subsection has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act Secretary of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the Secretary.
(b)
changed Designation of Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area—Fire management and related activities—
(1)
changed Designation—In general— The land within the Lankin Dome, Split Rock, Savage Peak, and Miller Springs Wilderness Study Areas is designated Secretary may carry out any activities in a wilderness area as are necessary for the “Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area” (referred to control of fire, insects, or disease in this subsection as accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the “Special Management Area”).Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)).
(2)
changed Administration—Coordination— The Special Management Area shall be administered by In carrying out paragraph (1), the Director in a manner that protects—Secretary shall coordinate with—
(A)
changed valid existing rights;the Wyoming Forestry Division; and
(B)
changed agricultural uses;the applicable county in the State in which the wilderness area is located.
(3)
added Fire management plan— Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a fire management plan for the wilderness areas—
(C)
removed primitive recreational opportunities; and
(D)
removed natural, historic, and scenic resources.
(3)
removed Motorized vehicles—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the use of motorized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on established legal routes with authorized motorized use existing on the date of enactment of this Act.
(A)
changed Exceptions— Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), to ensure the use timely and efficient control of motorized vehicles may be allowed fires, diseases, and insects in the Special Management Area for the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance wilderness areas, in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of necessary infrastructure, as determined by the Director.Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)); and
(B)
added to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate protection from forest fires, disease outbreaks, and insect infestations to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent to the wilderness areas.
(c)
added Grazing— The grazing of livestock in a wilderness area, if established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be administered in accordance with—
(1)
added section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and
(2)
added the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of House Report 101–405, accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress, for land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.
(4)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(5)
removed Prohibition on certain overhead towers— No new overhead transmission or communications tower shall be constructed in the Special Management Area.
(6)
removed Underground rights-of-way— The Director may expand any underground right-of-way in the Special Management Area that exists as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(7)
removed Buffer zones—
(A)
removed In general— Nothing in this subsection creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Special Management Area.
(B)
removed Activities outside special management area— The fact that an activity or use on land outside the Special Management Area can be seen or heard within the Special Management Area shall not preclude the activity or use outside the boundary of the Special Management Area.
(8)
removed Land exchanges and easements—
(A)
removed Land exchanges—
(i)
removed In general— The Director may propose to, and carry out with, an individual or entity owning land in the vicinity of the Special Management Area any land exchange that—
(I)
removed increases access to the Special Management Area; and
(II)
removed does not result in a net loss of Federal land.
(ii)
removed Process— The Director may carry out clause (i)—
(I)
removed through the use of existing processes; or
(II)
removed by establishing a process for proposing and carrying out land exchanges under that clause.
(B)
removed Easements— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Director may acquire from an individual or entity owning land in the vicinity of the Special Management Area an easement for the purpose of increasing access to the Special Management Area.
(9)
removed Withdrawals—
(A)
removed Mining, mineral, and geothermal withdrawal—
(i)
removed In general— Except as provided in clause (ii), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(I)
removed location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(II)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(ii)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(I)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(II)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(B)
removed Wind and solar energy withdrawal— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from right-of-way leasing and disposition under all laws relating to wind or solar energy.
(10)
removed Release of wilderness study areas— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Lankin Dome, Split Rock, Savage Peak, and Miller Springs Wilderness Study Areas has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(c)
removed Release of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area—
(1)
removed Division— The Director shall divide the land within the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area by installing a fence, or repairing or relocating an existing fence, in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., sec. 5, that—
(A)
removed follows existing infrastructure and natural barriers;
(B)
removed begins at an intersection with North Mountain View Road in the NE1/4NW1/4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.;
(C)
removed from the point described in subparagraph (B), proceeds southeast to a point near the midpoint of the NE1/4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and
(D)
removed from the point described in subparagraph (C), proceeds southwest to a point in the SW1/4NE1/4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W., that intersects with the boundary of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
(2)
removed Dubois Motorized Recreation Area—
(A)
removed Establishment— There is established the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area (referred to in this paragraph as the “Recreation Area”) in the State, to be managed by the Director.
(B)
removed Area included— The Recreation Area shall consist of—
(i)
removed any land within the boundaries of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area that is west of the fence described in paragraph (1); and
(ii)
removed any Federal land in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., secs. 5 and 6 that—
(I)
removed is managed by the Bureau; and
(II)
removed is west of North Mountain View Road.
(C)
removed Management—
(i)
removed Boundary fence—
(I)
removed In general— The Director shall construct a fence along the western boundary of the Recreation Area on any land that—
(aa)
removed is managed by the Bureau; and
(bb)
removed is west of North Mountain View Road.
(II)
removed Coordination— In designing, locating, and constructing the fence described in subclause (I), the Director shall coordinate with the owners of any land adjacent to the land described in that subclause.
(ii)
removed Travel management plan— As soon as practicable after the date of completion of the fence described in clause (i), the Director shall establish a travel management plan for the Recreation Area to maximize the use of motorized off-road vehicles in the Recreation Area.
(3)
removed Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area—
(A)
removed Establishment— There is established the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area (referred to in this paragraph as the “Conservation Area”) in the State, to be managed by the Director.
(B)
removed Area included— The Conservation Area shall consist of any land within the boundaries of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area that is east of the fence described in paragraph (1).
(C)
removed Management—
(i)
removed In general— The Director shall manage the Conservation Area in a manner that protects—
(I)
removed valid existing rights;
(II)
removed agricultural uses;
(III)
removed primitive recreational opportunities; and
(IV)
removed natural, historic, and scenic resources.
(D)
removed Motorized vehicles—
(i)
removed In general— Except as provided in clause (ii), the use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
removed Exceptions— The Director may allow the use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area for—
(I)
removed habitat improvement;
(II)
removed the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of range improvements; and
(III)
removed to respond to an emergency.
(E)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Conservation Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(F)
removed Rights-of-way— No major right-of-way shall be allowed within the boundaries of the Conservation Area.
(G)
removed Withdrawal—
(i)
removed In general— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Conservation Area is withdrawn from—
(I)
removed location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(II)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(4)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(d)
changed Release of certain wilderness study areas—Buffer zones—
(1)
added In general— Nothing in this section establishes a protective perimeter or buffer zone around a wilderness area.
(2)
added Outside activities or uses— The fact that a nonwilderness activity or use can be seen or heard from within a wilderness area shall not preclude the activity or use outside the boundary of the wilderness area.
(1)
removed Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area—
(A)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area—
(i)
removed has been adequately studied for wilderness designation;
(ii)
removed is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and
(iii)
removed shall be managed in accordance with this paragraph.
(B)
removed Management of released land—
(i)
removed In general— The land described in subparagraph (A) shall be administered by the Director in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(ii)
removed Mineral leasing—
(I)
removed In general— Subject to surface occupancy requirements and any other provision of law, the Director may enter mineral leases for any land described in subparagraph (A) that has a slope of less than 25 percent.
(II)
removed Underground rights-of-way— The Director may grant underground rights-of-way for any mineral lease entered into under subclause (I).
(iii)
removed Prohibition of certain leases— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall not issue a new lease for a wind or solar project, an overhead transmission line, or a communication tower on the land described in subparagraph (A).
(C)
removed Authority to exchange land— In carrying out any land exchange involving any of the land described in subparagraph (A), the Director shall ensure that the exchange does not result in a net loss of Federal land.
(2)
removed Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area—
(A)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area—
(i)
removed has been adequately studied for wilderness designation;
(ii)
removed is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and
(iii)
removed shall be managed in accordance with this paragraph.
(B)
removed Management of released land— The land described in subparagraph (A) shall be administered by the Director in accordance with—
(i)
removed a resource management plan that is applicable to any land adjacent to the land described in subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
removed the Whiskey Mountain Cooperative Agreement between the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, the Forest Service, and the Bureau, including any amendment to that agreement relating to the management of bighorn sheep.
(e)
removed Management of land in Fremont County, Wyoming—
(1)
removed Definition of County— In this subsection, the term County means Fremont County, Wyoming.
(2)
removed Lander slope and Red Canyon Areas of Environmental Concern—
(A)
removed Transfers— The Director shall pursue transfers in which land managed by the Bureau in the County is exchanged for land owned by the State that is within the boundaries of—
(i)
removed the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern; or
(ii)
removed the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
(B)
removed Requirements— A transfer under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
removed comply with all requirements of law, including any required analysis; and
(ii)
removed be subject to appropriation.
(3)
removed Study—
(A)
removed In general— The Director shall carry out a study to evaluate the potential for the development of special motorized recreation areas in the County.
(B)
removed Requirements— The study under subparagraph (A) shall evaluate—
(i)
removed the potential for the development of special motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the Bureau in the County except—
(I)
removed T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs. 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the N1/2 sec. 34; and
(II)
removed any land that is subject to a restriction on the use of off-road vehicles under any Federal law, including this Act;
(ii)
removed the suitability of the land for off-road vehicles, including rock crawlers; and
(iii)
removed the parking, staging, and camping necessary to accommodate special motorized recreation.
(C)
removed Report— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings of the study under subparagraph (A).
(4)
removed Fremont County Implementation Team—
(A)
removed Establishment— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a team, to be known as the “Fremont County Implementation Team” (referred to in this paragraph as the “Team”) to advise and assist the Director with respect to the implementation of the management requirements described in this section that are applicable to land in the County.
(B)
removed Membership— The team shall consist of—
(i)
removed the Secretary of the Interior (or a designee of the Secretary of the Interior); and
(ii)
removed 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of the County.
(C)
removed Nonapplicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act— The team shall not be subject to the requirements of chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the “Federal Advisory Committee Act”).

Sec. 5 Release of Wilderness Study Areas

(a)
added Finding— Congress finds that, for purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), any portion of a wilderness study area described in subsection (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area by section 3 has been adequately studied for wilderness designation.
(b)
added Description of land— The wilderness study areas referred to in subsections (a) and (c) are the following:
(1)
added The Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(2)
added The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(a)
removed Designations—
(1)
removed Fortification Creek Management Area— The land within the Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area is designated as the “Fortification Creek Management Area”.
(2)
removed Fraker Mountain Management Area— The land within the Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area is designated as the “Fraker Mountain Management Area”.
(3)
removed North Fork Management Area— The land within the North Fork Wilderness Study Area is designated as the “North Fork Management Area”.
(b)
removed Management—
(1)
removed Administration— The management areas designated by subsection (a) (referred to in this subsection as the “Management Areas”) shall be administered by the Director in a manner that—
(A)
removed promotes nonmotorized backcountry recreation, including hunting; and
(B)
removed supports ongoing projects to maintain and improve—
(i)
removed wildlife habitat;
(ii)
removed forest health;
(iii)
removed watershed protection; and
(iv)
removed ecological and cultural values.
(2)
removed Roads—
(A)
removed Prohibition on new permanent roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Management Areas shall not be allowed.
(B)
removed Temporary roads— The Secretary of the Interior may authorize the construction of new temporary roads in the Management Areas—
(i)
removed for—
(I)
removed fire suppression;
(II)
removed forest health and restoration;
(III)
removed weed and pest control;
(IV)
removed habitat management;
(V)
removed livestock management; or
(VI)
removed the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of a range improvement; or
(ii)
removed to respond to an emergency.
(3)
removed Motorized vehicles—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles in the Management Areas shall not be allowed.
(B)
removed Exceptions— The Director may allow the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles in the Management Areas—
(i)
removed for—
(I)
removed fire suppression;
(II)
removed forest health and restoration;
(III)
removed weed and pest control;
(IV)
removed habitat management;
(V)
removed livestock management; or
(VI)
removed the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of a range improvement; or
(ii)
removed to respond to an emergency.
(3)
changed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Management Areas shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.The Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
(4)
changed Prohibition on certain infrastructure— The development, construction, or installation of infrastructure for recreational use shall not be allowed in—Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.
(5)
added The Lankin Dome Wilderness Study Area.
(6)
added The Split Rock Wilderness Study Area.
(7)
added The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area.
(8)
added The Miller Springs Wilderness Study Area.
(9)
added The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
(10)
added The Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(11)
added The Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(12)
added The Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area.
(13)
added The Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(14)
added The North Fork Wilderness Study Area.
(15)
added The portion of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area located in Washakie County, Wyoming.
(16)
added The Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area.
(17)
added The Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area.
(c)
added Release— Any portion of a wilderness study area described in subsection (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area 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)).
(d)
added Management of released land—
(1)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage the portions of the wilderness study areas released under subsection (c) in accordance with—
(A)
added the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(B)
added applicable land management plans;
(C)
added applicable management provisions under paragraph (2); and
(D)
added any other applicable law.
(2)
added Specific management provisions—
(A)
added Bennett mountains wilderness study area— The Secretary shall manage the portion of the Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with section 8(a).
(B)
added Dubois badlands wilderness study area—
(i)
added Division— The Secretary shall divide the land within the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area by authorizing the installation of a fence or the repair or relocation of an existing fence in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., sec. 5, that—
(I)
added follows existing infrastructure and natural barriers;
(II)
added begins at an intersection with North Mountain View Road in the NE1⁄4NW1⁄4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.;
(III)
added from the point described in subclause (II), proceeds southeast to a point near the midpoint of the NE1⁄4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and
(IV)
added from the point described in subclause (III), proceeds southwest to a point in the SW1⁄4NE1⁄4 sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W., that intersects with the boundary of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
(ii)
added Management— The Secretary shall manage the portion of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with—
(I)
added paragraph (1); and
(II)
added sections 6 and 7.
(C)
added Copper mountain wilderness study area—
(i)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage the portion of the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with paragraph (1).
(ii)
added Mineral leasing—
(I)
added In general— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the land released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) if—
(aa)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the land released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area; and
(bb)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance on the land released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area for any activities, including activities relating to exploration, development, or production.
(II)
added Underground rights-of-way— The Secretary may grant underground rights-of-way for any mineral lease entered into under subclause (I).
(III)
added Prohibition of certain leases— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall not issue a new lease for a wind or solar project, an overhead transmission line, or a communication tower on the land released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c).
(IV)
added Authority to exchange land— In carrying out any land exchange involving any of the land released from the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c), the Secretary shall ensure that the exchange does not result in a net loss of Federal land.
(D)
added Whiskey mountain wilderness study area— The Secretary shall manage the portion of the Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with—
(i)
added paragraph (1); and
(ii)
added the Whiskey Mountain Cooperative Agreement between the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, the Forest Service, and the Bureau, including any amendment to that agreement relating to the management of bighorn sheep.
(E)
added Bobcat draw wilderness study area—
(i)
added Travel management plan—
(I)
added In general— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop a travel management plan for the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c).
(II)
added Requirements— The travel management plan under subclause (I) shall—
(aa)
added identify all existing roads and trails on the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c);
(bb)
added designate each road or trail available for—
(AA)
added motorized or mechanized recreation; or
(BB)
added agriculture practices;
(cc)
added prohibit the construction of any new road or trail for motorized or mechanized recreation use; and
(dd)
added permit the continued use of nonmotorized trails.
(ii)
added Withdrawal—
(I)
added In general— Except as provided in subclause (II), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) is withdrawn from—
(aa)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(A)
removed the Fraker Mountain Management Area; or
(B)
removed the North Fork Management Area.
(6)
removed Withdrawal—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Management Areas is withdrawn from—
(bb)
renumbered was (3)(7)(2)(3) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(cc)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(II)
added Exception— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c) if—
(aa)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area; and
(bb)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance on the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(ii)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of a management area designated by paragraph (1) if—
(i)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the management area; and
(ii)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the management area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(7)
removed Release of wilderness study areas— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area, the Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area, and the North Fork Wilderness Study Area has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).

Sec. 6 Establishment of Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area

(a)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area (referred to in this section as the “Conservation Area”), comprising approximately 4,446.46 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Badlands National Conservation Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(b)
added Purpose— The purpose of the Conservation Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the ecological, wildlife, recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Area.
(c)
added Management— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall manage the Conservation Area—
(1)
added in a manner that only allows uses of the Conservation Area that the Secretary determines would further the purpose of the Conservation Area described in subsection (b); and
(2)
added in accordance with—
(A)
added the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(B)
added this section; and
(C)
added any other applicable law.
(d)
added Motorized vehicles—
(1)
added In general— The use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area shall be permitted only on existing roads, trails, and areas designated by the Secretary for use by such vehicles as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(2)
added Exceptions— The Secretary may allow the use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area as needed for administrative purposes and emergency response.
(e)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Conservation Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(f)
added Withdrawal— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Conservation Area is withdrawn from—
(1)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(a)
removed Designation of Bobcat Draw Wilderness—
(1)
removed Designation—
(A)
removed In general— In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the approximately 6,200 acres of land within the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area described in subparagraph (B) is designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the “Bobcat Draw Wilderness” (referred to in this subsection as the “Wilderness”).
(B)
removed Included land— The Wilderness shall consist of—
(i)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., secs. 2, 3, 10, 11, 15, 22, 23, 26, and 27, any land in the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area that is in Washakie County, Wyoming;
(ii)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., sec. 4, the land in—
(I)
removed the E1/2SE1/4;
(II)
removed lots 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the NE1/4;
(III)
removed the east 1/2 of lot 10 of the NW1/4; and
(IV)
removed the northeast 1/4 of lot 15 of the NW1/4;
(iii)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., sec. 9, the land in—
(I)
removed the E1/2NE1/4;
(II)
removed the SW1/4NE1/4;
(III)
removed the E1/2NW1/4NE1/4;
(IV)
removed the SE1/4SE1/4NW1/4;
(V)
removed the SE1/4;
(VI)
removed the E1/2NE1/4SW1/4;
(VII)
removed the SW1/4NE1/4SW1/4;
(VIII)
removed the SE1/4SW1/4; and
(IX)
removed the E1/2SW1/4SW1/4;
(iv)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., sec. 14, the land in—
(I)
removed the W1/2;
(II)
removed the W1/2NE1/4;
(III)
removed the W1/2SE1/4; and
(IV)
removed the SE1/4SE1/4;
(v)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., sec. 21, the land in—
(I)
removed the NE1/4;
(II)
removed the E1/2NE1/4NW1/4;
(III)
removed the E1/2SE1/4NW1/4;
(IV)
removed the E1/2NE1/4SW1/4;
(V)
removed that part of the E1/2SE1/4SW1/4 within the boundary of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area; and
(VI)
removed that part of the SE1/4 within the boundary of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area; and
(vi)
removed in T. 48 N., R. 97 W., sec. 24, the land in—
(I)
removed the W1/2NW1/4; and
(II)
removed that part of the NW1/4SW1/4 within the boundary of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area.
(2)
removed Management—
(A)
removed Administration— Subject to valid existing rights, the Wilderness shall be administered by the Director in accordance with—
(i)
removed this paragraph; and
(ii)
removed the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that any reference in that Act to the effective date of that Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of enactment of this Act.
(B)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Wilderness, where established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be allowed to continue in accordance with—
(i)
removed section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4));
(ii)
removed the guidelines set forth in the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress (H. Rept. 96–617); and
(iii)
removed the guidelines set forth in appendix A of the Report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to accompany H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101–405).
(C)
removed Review of policies, practices, and regulations—
(i)
removed In general— To ensure that the policies, practices, and regulations of the Department conform to and implement the intent of Congress regarding forest fires and the outbreak of disease or insects, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall review all policies, practices, and regulations of the Department applicable to the Wilderness that pertain to—
(I)
removed forest fires, including the use of modern methods of fire suppression (including mechanical activity, as necessary); or
(II)
removed the outbreak of disease or insect populations.
(ii)
removed Revisions— On completion of the review under clause (i), the Secretary of the Interior shall revise or develop policies, practices, and regulations for the Wilderness—
(I)
removed to ensure the timely and efficient control of fires, diseases, and insects in the Wilderness; and
(II)
removed to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, adequate protection from forest fires, disease outbreaks, and insect infestations to any Federal, State, or private land adjacent to the Wilderness.
(3)
removed Release of wilderness study area—
(A)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area not designated as wilderness by this subsection has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(B)
removed Classification and management of released land—
(i)
removed Classification— The Director shall designate the land described in subparagraph (A) as visual resource management class II.
(ii)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock on the land described in subparagraph (A) shall be administered—
(I)
removed as a nondiscretionary use; and
(II)
removed in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(C)
removed Travel management plan—
(i)
removed In general— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a travel management plan for the land described in subparagraph (A).
(ii)
removed Requirements— The travel management plan under clause (i) shall—
(I)
removed identify all existing roads and trails on the land described in subparagraph (A);
(II)
removed designate each road or trail available for—
(aa)
removed motorized or mechanized recreation; or
(bb)
removed agriculture practices;
(III)
removed prohibit the construction of any new road or trail for motorized or mechanized recreation use; and
(IV)
removed permit the continued use of nonmotorized trails.
(D)
removed Withdrawal—
(i)
removed In general— Except as provided in clause (ii), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land described in subparagraph (A) is withdrawn from—
(I)
removed location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(II)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(ii)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may lease oil and gas resources within the land described in subparagraph (A) if—
(I)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the land described in subparagraph (A); and
(II)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance on the land described in subparagraph (A) for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(b)
removed Designation of Cedar Mountain Special Management Area—
(1)
removed Designation—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the land within the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area is designated as the “Cedar Mountain Special Management Area” (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”).
(B)
removed Excluded land—
(i)
removed In general— The land described in clause (ii) is not included in the Special Management Area.
(ii)
removed Land described— The land referred to in clause (i) is the land designated by the Bureau as not suitable for wilderness in—
(I)
removed the NE1/4NW1/4 sec. 5, T. 44 N., R. 94 W;
(II)
removed the NE1/4SE1/4 sec. 5, T. 44 N., R. 94 W;
(III)
removed the SW1/4NE1/4 sec. 5, T. 44 N., R. 94 W; and
(IV)
removed the SW1/4SW1/4 sec. 32, T. 45 N., R. 94 W.
(2)
removed Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Director in a manner that—
(A)
removed maintains the recreational, scenic, cultural, ecological, wildlife, and livestock production values of the Special Management Area; and
(B)
removed promotes continued use of the Special Management Area for recreational activities, including hunting and wildlife viewing.
(3)
removed Travel management plan—
(A)
removed In general— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall develop a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(B)
removed Requirements— The travel management plan under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
removed identify all existing roads and trails in the Special Management Area;
(ii)
removed designate each road or trail available for—
(I)
removed motorized or mechanized recreation; or
(II)
removed agriculture practices;
(iii)
removed prohibit the construction of any new road or trail for motorized or mechanized recreation use; and
(iv)
removed permit the continued use of nonmotorized trails.
(4)
removed Motorized vehicles—
(A)
removed Use of motorized vehicles for livestock— The use of motorized vehicles shall be allowed on any road in the Special Management Area for—
(i)
removed the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of range improvements; or
(ii)
removed other livestock-management purposes.
(B)
removed Use of motorized vehicles for emergencies— The use of motorized vehicles shall be allowed in the Special Management Area—
(i)
removed for fire suppression;
(ii)
removed for weed and pest management; and
(iii)
removed to respond to an emergency.
(5)
removed Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered—
(A)
removed as a nondiscretionary use; and
(B)
removed in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(6)
removed Withdrawal—
(A)
removed In general— Except as provided in subparagraph (B), subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(2)
renumbered was (3)(7)(2)(3) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(ii)
removed disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
removed Exception— The Secretary of the Interior may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
removed the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
removed the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(7)
removed Release of wilderness study area—
(A)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area has been adequately studied for wilderness designation and is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)).
(B)
removed Management of certain released land— The Director shall manage any land described in subparagraph (A) that is not included in the Special Management Area in a manner consistent with a resource management plan that is applicable to any land that—
(i)
removed is managed by the Bureau; and
(ii)
removed is similarly situated to the land described in subparagraph (A) that is not included in the Special Management Area.
(c)
removed Release of Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area—
(1)
removed Release— Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the land within the Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area—
(A)
removed has been adequately studied for wilderness designation;
(B)
removed is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and
(C)
removed shall be managed in accordance with this subsection.
(2)
removed Management of released land— The land described in paragraph (1) shall be administered by the Director in accordance with—
(A)
removed the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(B)
removed a resource management plan that is applicable to any land adjacent to the land described in paragraph (1).
(d)
removed Study of land in Hot Springs and Washakie Counties—
(1)
removed Definition of Counties— In this subsection, the term Counties means each of the following counties in the State:
(A)
removed Hot Springs County.
(B)
removed Washakie County.
(2)
removed Study—
(A)
removed In general— The Director shall carry out a study to evaluate the potential for the development of new special motorized recreation areas in the Counties.
(B)
removed Requirements—
(i)
removed Land included— The study under subparagraph (A) shall evaluate the potential for the development of new special motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the Bureau in the Counties except any land that is subject to a restriction on the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles under any Federal law, including this Act.
(ii)
removed Public input; collaboration— In carrying out the study under subparagraph (A), the Director shall—
(I)
removed offer opportunities for public input; and
(II)
removed collaborate with—
(aa)
removed Wyoming Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails; and
(bb)
removed the Counties.
(C)
removed Report— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings of the study under subparagraph (A).

Sec. 7 Establishment of Dubois Motorized Recreation Area

(a)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area (referred to in this section as the “Recreation Area”), comprising approximately 367.72 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Dubois Motorized Recreation Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(b)
added Management—
(1)
added Boundary fence— The Secretary shall authorize the construction of a fence along the western boundary of the Recreation Area on any Federal land that—
(A)
added is managed by the Bureau; and
(B)
added is west of North Mountain View Road.
(2)
added Travel management plan— As soon as practicable after the date of completion of the fence described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the Recreation Area that efficiently coordinates the use of motorized off-road vehicles in the Recreation Area.

removed The proposed rule of the Bureau entitled “Conservation and Landscape Health” (88 Fed. Reg. 19583 (April 3, 2023)) or any substantially similar rule shall not apply to the land covered by this Act.

Sec. 8 Establishment of Special Management Areas

added
(a)
added Bennet mountains special management area—
(1)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Bennett Mountains Special Management Area (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”), comprising approximately 6,165.05 acres of Federal land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Bennet Mountains Special Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(2)
added Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.
(3)
added Purpose— The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational, values of the area.
(4)
added Management—
(A)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area—
(i)
added in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and
(ii)
added in accordance with—
(I)
added the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;
(II)
added this subsection; and
(III)
added any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B)
added Roads; motorized vehicles—
(i)
added Roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
added Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management, forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat management, livestock management, and range improvement, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles.
(iii)
added Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(C)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(D)
added Timber harvesting— Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.
(5)
added Withdrawal—
(A)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii)
added location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
added Exception— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(b)
added Black Cat Special Management Area—
(1)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Black Cat Special Management Area (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”), comprising approximately 1,178 acres of Federal land in Carbon County, Wyoming, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Black Cat Special Management Area” and dated November 13, 2023.
(2)
added Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3)
added Purpose— The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational values of the area.
(4)
added Management—
(A)
added In general— The Secretary of Agriculture shall manage the Special Management Area—
(i)
added in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and
(ii)
added in accordance with—
(I)
added the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to National Forest System land;
(II)
added this subsection; and
(III)
added any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B)
added Roads; motorized vehicles—
(i)
added Roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
added Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management, forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat management, livestock management, and range improvement, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles.
(iii)
added Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(C)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to grazing on National Forest System land.
(D)
added Timber harvesting— Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.
(5)
added Withdrawal—
(A)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii)
added location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
added Exception— The Secretary may, with the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(c)
added Sweetwater rocks special management area—
(1)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”), comprising approximately 34,347.79 acres of Federal land in Fremont and Natrona Counties, Wyoming, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(2)
added Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.
(3)
added Purpose— The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational, values of the area.
(4)
added Management—
(A)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area—
(i)
added in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and
(ii)
added in accordance with—
(I)
added the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;
(II)
added this subsection; and
(III)
added any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B)
added Roads; motorized vehicles—
(i)
added Roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
added Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management, forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat management, livestock management, and range improvement, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles.
(iii)
added Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(C)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to the Bureau.
(D)
added Prohibition of certain overhead towers— No new overhead transmission or communications tower shall be constructed in the Special Management Area.
(E)
added Land exchanges— The Secretary may propose to, and carry out with, an individual or entity owning land in the vicinity of the Special Management Area any land exchange that—
(i)
added increases access to the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added does not result in a net loss of Federal land.
(F)
added Underground rights-of-way— Notwithstanding paragraph (5), the Secretary may expand any underground right-of-way in the Special Management Area that exists as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(5)
added Withdrawal—
(A)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii)
added location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
added Exception— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(C)
added Wind and solar energy withdrawal— Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area is withdrawn from right-of-way leasing and disposition under laws relating to wind or solar energy.
(d)
added Fortification creek special management area; fraker mountain special management area; north fork special management area—
(1)
added Definition of special management area— In this subsection, the term “Special Management Area” means a special management area established by paragraph (2).
(2)
added Establishment of special management areas— Subject to valid existing rights there are established the following:
(A)
added The Fortification Creek Special Management Area, comprising approximately 12,520.69 acres of Federal land administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Fortification Creek Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(B)
added The Fraker Mountain Special Management Area, comprising approximately 6,248.28 acres of Federal land administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Fraker Mountain Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(C)
added The North Fork Special Management Area, comprising approximately 10,026.15 acres of Federal land administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed North Fork Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(3)
added Administration— The Special Management Areas shall be administered by the Secretary.
(4)
added Purpose— The purpose of a Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational, wildlife habitat, forest health, watershed protection, and ecological and cultural values of the area.
(5)
added Management—
(A)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage each Special Management Area—
(i)
added in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (4); and
(ii)
added in accordance with—
(I)
added the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;
(II)
added this subsection; and
(III)
added any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B)
added Roads; motorized vehicles—
(i)
added Roads— The construction of new permanent roads in a Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
added Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management, forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat management, livestock management, and range improvement, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in a Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles.
(iii)
added Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for each Special Management Area.
(C)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in a Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(D)
added Prohibition of certain infrastructure— The development, construction, or installation of infrastructure for recreational use shall not be allowed in—
(i)
added the Fraker Mountain Special Management Area; or
(ii)
added the North Fork Special Management Area.
(6)
added Withdrawal—
(A)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Areas are withdrawn from—
(i)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii)
added location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
added Exception— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of a Special Management Area if—
(i)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.
(e)
added Cedar mountain special management area—
(1)
added Establishment— Subject to valid existing rights, there is established the Cedar Mountain Special Management Area (referred to in this subsection as the “Special Management Area”), comprising approximately 20,745.73 acres of Federal land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally depicted on the map entitled “Proposed Cedar Mountain Special Management Area” and dated November 15, 2023.
(2)
added Administration— The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.
(3)
added Purpose— The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational, ecological, wildlife, and livestock production values of the area.
(4)
added Management—
(A)
added In general— The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area—
(i)
added in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and
(ii)
added in accordance with—
(I)
added the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;
(II)
added this subsection; and
(III)
added any other applicable law (including regulations).
(B)
added Roads; motorized vehicles—
(i)
added Roads— The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.
(ii)
added Motorized vehicles— Except as needed for administrative purposes, emergency response, fire management, forest health and restoration, weed and pest control, habitat management, livestock management, and range improvement, the use of motorized and mechanized vehicles in the Special Management Area shall be allowed only on existing roads and trails designated for the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles.
(iii)
added Travel management plan— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the Special Management Area.
(C)
added Grazing— Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.
(5)
added Withdrawal—
(A)
added In general— Subject to valid existing rights, the Special Management Area is withdrawn from—
(i)
added all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;
(ii)
added location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(iii)
added disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.
(B)
added Exception— The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if—
(i)
added the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and
(ii)
added the lease prohibits, without exception or waiver, surface occupancy and surface disturbance within the Special Management Area for any activities, including activities related to exploration, development, or production.

Sec. 9 Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern

added
(a)
added Definition of county— In this section, the term County means Fremont County, Wyoming.
(b)
added Lander slope area of critical environmental concern and red canyon area of critical environmental concern—
(1)
added Transfers— The Secretary shall pursue transfers in which land managed by the Bureau in the County is exchanged for land owned by the State that is within the boundaries of—
(A)
added the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern; or
(B)
added the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
(2)
added Requirements— A transfer under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
added comply with all requirements of law, including any required analysis; and
(B)
added be subject to appropriation.
(c)
added Study—
(1)
added In general— The Secretary shall carry out a study to evaluate the potential for the development of special motorized recreation areas in the County.
(2)
added Requirements— The study under paragraph (1) shall evaluate—
(A)
added the potential for the development of special motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the Bureau in the County except—
(i)
added any land in T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs. 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the N1⁄2 sec. 34; and
(ii)
added any land that is subject to a restriction on the use of off-road vehicles under any Federal law, including this Act;
(B)
added the suitability of the land evaluated under subparagraph (A) for off-road vehicles, including rock crawlers; and
(C)
added the parking, staging, and camping necessary to accommodate special motorized recreation.
(3)
added Report— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph (1).
(d)
added Fremont county implementation team—
(1)
added Establishment— Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a team, to be known as the “Fremont County Implementation Team” (referred to in this subsection as the “Team”) to advise and assist the Secretary with respect to the implementation of the management requirements described in this section that are applicable to land in the County.
(2)
added Membership— The Team shall consist of—
(A)
added the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary); and
(B)
added 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of the County.
(3)
added Nonapplicability of the federal advisory committee act— The Team shall not be subject to the requirements of chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the “Federal Advisory Committee Act”).

Sec. 10 Study of land in Hot Springs and Washakie Counties

added
(a)
added Definition of counties— In this section, the term Counties means each of the following counties in the State:
(1)
added Hot Springs County.
(2)
added Washakie County.
(b)
added Study—
(1)
added In general— The Secretary shall carry out a study to evaluate the potential for the development of new special motorized recreation areas in the Counties.
(2)
added Requirements—
(A)
added Land included— The study under paragraph (1) shall evaluate the potential for the development of new special motorized recreation areas on Federal land managed by the Bureau in the Counties except any land that is subject to a restriction on the use of motorized or mechanized vehicles under any Federal law, including this Act.
(B)
added Public input; collaboration— In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(i)
added offer opportunities for public input; and
(ii)
added collaborate with—
(I)
added State parks, historic sites, and trails; and
(II)
added the Counties.
(3)
added Report— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph (1).