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Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023

Floor Speech

By: John Barrasso

Date: Dec. 20, 2024

Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following bills: Calendar No. 422, which is S. 1348, and Calendar No. 501, which is S. 1890.

1348 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Land Management.

(2) 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) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Wyoming.

(5) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means a wilderness area designated by section 3. SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.

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) Encampment river canyon wilderness.--

(A) 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) Excluded land.--The following land is not included in the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness:

(i) Any land in the NW\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\ sec. 24, T. 14 N., R. 84 W.

(ii) Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of--

(I) County Road 353; or

(II) Water Valley Road.

(2) Prospect mountain wilderness.--

(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 1,099.76 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Prospect Mountain Wilderness'' and dated December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Prospect Mountain Wilderness''.

(B) Excluded land.--Any land within 100 feet of the centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the Prospect Mountain Wilderness.

(3) Upper sweetwater canyon wilderness.--

(A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 2,877.35 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness'' and dated December 6, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.

(B) Boundary.--

(i) 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.

(ii) Eastern boundary.--The eastern boundary of the Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness 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) 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. 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) Lower sweetwater canyon wilderness.--

(A) 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) Boundary.--

(i) 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) 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) 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) 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''. SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.

(a) 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) 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

(2) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the Secretary.

(b) Fire Management and Related Activities.--

(1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out any activities in a wilderness area as are necessary for the control of fire, insects, or disease in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)).

(2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall coordinate with--

(A) the Wyoming Forestry Division; and

(B) the applicable county in the State in which the wilderness area is located.

(3) 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--

(A) 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

(B) 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) 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) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and

(2) 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.

(d) Buffer Zones.--

(1) In general.--Nothing in this section establishes a protective perimeter or buffer zone around a wilderness area.

(2) 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. SEC. 5. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.

(a) 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) Description of Land.--The wilderness study areas referred to in subsections (a) and (c) are the following:

(1) The Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

(2) The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

(3) The Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.

(4) The Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

(5) The Lankin Dome Wilderness Study Area.

(6) The Split Rock Wilderness Study Area.

(7) The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area.

(8) The Miller Springs Wilderness Study Area.

(9) The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.

(10) The Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

(11) The Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

(12) The Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area.

(13) The Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

(14) The North Fork Wilderness Study Area.

(15) The portion of the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area located in Washakie County, Wyoming.

(16) The Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

(17) The Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area.

(c) 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) Management of Released Land.--

(1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the portions of the wilderness study areas released under subsection (c) in accordance with--

(A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);

(B) applicable land management plans;

(D) any other applicable law.

(2) Specific management provisions.--

(A) 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) Dubois badlands wilderness study area.--

(i) 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) follows existing infrastructure and natural barriers;

(II) begins at an intersection with North Mountain View Road in the NE\1/4\NW\1/4\ sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.;

(III) from the point described in subclause (II), proceeds southeast to a point near the midpoint of the NE\1/4\ sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and

(IV) from the point described in subclause (III), proceeds southwest to a point in the SW\1/4\NE\1/4\ sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W., that intersects with the boundary of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.

(ii) Management.--The Secretary shall manage the portion of the Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area released under subsection (c) in accordance with--

(I) paragraph (1); and

(II) sections 6 and 7.

(i) 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) Mineral leasing.--

(I) 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) 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) 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) Underground rights-of-way.--The Secretary may grant underground rights-of-way for any mineral lease entered into under subclause (I).

(III) 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) 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) 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) paragraph (1); and

(ii) 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) Bobcat draw wilderness study area.--

(i) Travel management plan.--

(I) 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) Requirements.--The travel management plan under subclause (I) shall--

(aa) identify all existing roads and trails on the land released from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness Study Area under subsection (c);

(bb) designate each road or trail available for--

(AA) motorized or mechanized recreation; or

(BB) agriculture practices;

(cc) prohibit the construction of any new road or trail for motorized or mechanized recreation use; and

(dd) permit the continued use of nonmotorized trails.

(ii) Withdrawal.--

(I) 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) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(bb) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(cc) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(II) 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) 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) 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. SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS BADLANDS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA.

(a) 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) 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) Management.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall manage the Conservation Area--

(1) 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) in accordance with--

(A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);

(B) this section; and

(d) Motorized Vehicles.--

(1) 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) Exceptions.--The Secretary may allow the use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area as needed for administrative purposes and emergency response.

(e) 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) 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) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS MOTORIZED RECREATION AREA.

(a) 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) Management.--

(1) 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) is managed by the Bureau; and

(B) is west of North Mountain View Road.

(2) 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. SEC. 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.

(a) Bennet Mountains Special Management Area.--

(1) 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) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.

(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational, values of the area.

(4) Management.--

(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area--

(i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and

(ii) in accordance with--

(I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;

(II) this subsection; and

(III) any other applicable law (including regulations).

(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--

(i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.

(ii) 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) 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) 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) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.

(5) Withdrawal.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--

(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if--

(i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and

(b) Black Cat Special Management Area.--

(1) 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) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.

(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational values of the area.

(4) Management.--

(A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall manage the Special Management Area--

(i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and

(ii) in accordance with--

(I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to National Forest System land;

(II) this subsection; and

(III) any other applicable law (including regulations).

(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--

(i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.

(iii) 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) 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) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special Management Area.

(5) Withdrawal.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--

(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(B) 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) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and

(1) 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) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.

(3) Purpose.--The purpose of the Special Management Area is to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, and recreational, values of the area.

(4) Management.--

(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area--

(i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and

(ii) in accordance with--

(I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;

(II) this subsection; and

(III) any other applicable law (including regulations).

(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--

(i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.

(iii) 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) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special Management Area shall be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to the Bureau.

(D) Prohibition of certain overhead towers.--No new overhead transmission or communications tower shall be constructed in the Special Management Area.

(E) 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) increases access to the Special Management Area; and

(ii) does not result in a net loss of Federal land.

(F) 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) Withdrawal.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--

(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if--

(i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and

(C) 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) Fortification Creek Special Management Area; Fraker Mountain Special Management Area; North Fork Special Management Area.--

(1) Definition of special management area.--In this subsection, the term ``Special Management Area'' means a special management area established by paragraph (2).

(2) Establishment of special management areas.--Subject to valid existing rights there are established the following:

(A) 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) 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) 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) Administration.--The Special Management Areas shall be administered by the Secretary.

(4) 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) Management.--

(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage each Special Management Area--

(i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (4); and

(ii) in accordance with--

(I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;

(II) this subsection; and

(III) any other applicable law (including regulations).

(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--

(i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in a Special Management Area shall not be allowed.

(ii) 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) 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) 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) Prohibition of certain infrastructure.--The development, construction, or installation of infrastructure for recreational use shall not be allowed in--

(i) the Fraker Mountain Special Management Area; or

(ii) the North Fork Special Management Area.

(6) Withdrawal.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and subparagraph (B), the Special Management Areas are withdrawn from--

(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of a Special Management Area if--

(i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and

(e) Cedar Mountain Special Management Area.--

(1) 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) Administration.--The Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary.

(3) 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) Management.--

(A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the Special Management Area--

(i) in furtherance of the purpose described in paragraph (3); and

(ii) in accordance with--

(I) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the Bureau;

(II) this subsection; and

(III) any other applicable law (including regulations).

(B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--

(i) Roads.--The construction of new permanent roads in the Special Management Area shall not be allowed.

(iii) 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) 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) Withdrawal.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--

(i) all forms of appropriation or disposal under the public land laws;

(ii) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(iii) disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing.

(B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas resources within the boundaries of the Special Management Area if--

(i) the lease may only be accessed by directional drilling from a lease that is outside of the Special Management Area; and

(ii) 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.

(a) Definition of County.--In this section, the term ``County'' means Fremont County, Wyoming.

(b) Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern and Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.--

(1) 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) the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental Concern; or

(B) the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

(2) Requirements.--A transfer under paragraph (1) shall--

(A) comply with all requirements of law, including any required analysis; and

(B) be subject to appropriation.

(1) 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) Requirements.--The study under paragraph (1) shall evaluate--

(A) the potential for the development of special motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the Bureau in the County except--

(i) any land in T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs. 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the N\1/2\ sec. 34; and

(ii) any land that is subject to a restriction on the use of off-road vehicles under any Federal law, including this Act;

(B) the suitability of the land evaluated under subparagraph (A) for off-road vehicles, including rock crawlers; and

(3) 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) Fremont County Implementation Team.--

(1) 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) Membership.--The Team shall consist of--

(A) the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary); and

(B) 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of County Commissioners of the County.

(3) 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.

(a) Definition of Counties.--In this section, the term ``Counties'' means each of the following counties in the State:

(1) Hot Springs County.

(2) Washakie County.

(b) Study.--

(1) 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) Requirements.--

(A) 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) Public input; collaboration.--In carrying out the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--

(i) offer opportunities for public input; and

(ii) collaborate with--

(I) State parks, historic sites, and trails; and

(II) the Counties.

This Act may be cited as the ``Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) Bureau.--The term ``Bureau'' means the Bureau of Land Management.

(2) County.--The term ``County'' means Malheur County, Oregon.

(3) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means land in the County managed by the Bureau.

(4) Long-term ecological health.--The term ``long-term ecological health'', with respect to an ecosystem, means the ability of the ecological processes of the ecosystem to function in a manner that maintains the composition, structure, activity, and resilience of the ecosystem over time, including an ecologically appropriate diversity of plant and animal communities, habitats, connectivity, and conditions that are sustainable through successional processes.

(5) Malheur c.e.o. group.--The term ``Malheur C.E.O. Group'' means the group established by section 4(b).

(6) Operational flexibility.--The term ``operational flexibility'', with respect to grazing on the Federal land, means--

(A) a seasonal adjustment of livestock positioning for the purposes of that grazing pursuant to a flexible grazing use authorized under the program with respect to which written notice is provided; or

(B) an adjustment of water source placement with respect to which written notice is provided.

(7) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Malheur County Grazing Management Program authorized under section 3(a).

(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

(9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Oregon. SEC. 3. MALHEUR COUNTY GRAZING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--The Secretary may carry out a grazing management program on the Federal land, to be known as the ``Malheur County Grazing Management Program'', in accordance with applicable law (including regulations) and the memorandum entitled ``Bureau of Land Management Instruction Memorandum 2018-109'' (as in effect on September 30, 2021), to provide to authorized grazing permittees and lessees increased operational flexibility to improve the long-term ecological health of the Federal land.

(b) Permit Operational Flexibility.--

(1) Flexible grazing use alternative for a grazing permit or lease.--At the request of an authorized grazing permittee or lessee, for purposes of renewing a grazing permit or lease under the program, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Secretary shall develop and analyze at least 1 alternative to provide operational flexibility in livestock grazing use to account for changing conditions.

(2) Consultation.--The Secretary shall develop alternatives under paragraph (1) in consultation with--

(A) the applicable grazing permittee or lessee;

(B) affected Federal and State agencies;

(D) the Burns Paiute Tribe or the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes, as applicable;

(E) other landowners in the affected allotment; and

(F) interested members of the public.

(3) Implementation of interim operational flexibilities.-- If an applicable monitoring plan has been adopted under paragraph (4), in order to improve long-term ecological health, on the request of an authorized grazing permittee or lessee, the Secretary shall, using new and existing data, allow a variance to the terms and conditions of the existing applicable grazing permit or lease for the applicable year due to significant changes in weather, forage production, effects of fire or drought, or other temporary conditions--

(A) to adjust the season of use, the beginning date of the period of use, the ending date of the period of use, or both the beginning date and ending date, as applicable, under the grazing permit or lease, subject to the requirements that--

(i) unless otherwise specified in the appropriate allotment management plan or any other activity plan that is the functional equivalent to the appropriate allotment management plan under section 4120.2(a)(3) of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), the applicable adjusted date of the season of use occurs--

(I) not earlier than 14 days before the beginning date specified in the applicable permit or lease; and

(II) not later than 14 days after the ending date specified in the applicable permit or lease; and

(ii) the authorized grazing permittee or lessee provides written notice of the adjustment to the Bureau not later than 2 business days before the date of adjustment;

(B) to adjust the dates for pasture rotation based on average vegetation stage and soil condition by not more than 14 days, subject to the requirement that the authorized grazing permittee or lessee shall provide to the Bureau written notice of the adjustment not later than 2 business days before the date of adjustment;

(C) to adjust the placement of water structures for livestock or wildlife by not more than 100 yards from an associated existing road, pipeline, or structure, subject to applicable laws and the requirement that the authorized grazing permittee or lessee shall provide to the Bureau written notice of the adjustment not later than 2 business days before the date of adjustment; and

(D) in a case in which the monitoring plan adopted under paragraph (4) indicates alterations in the operational flexibilities are necessary to achieve ecological health or avoid immediate ecological degradation of the allotment or allotment area, to adjust the operational flexibilities immediately, subject to the requirement that the authorized grazing permittee or lessee shall provide written notice of the adjustment to the Bureau and the individuals and entities described in subparagraphs (B) through (F) of paragraph (2).

(4) Monitoring plans.--

(A) Monitoring plans for permit flexibility.--

(i) In general.--The Secretary shall adopt cooperative rangeland monitoring plans and rangeland health objectives to apply to actions taken under paragraph (1) and to monitor and evaluate the improvements or degradations to the long-term ecological health of the Federal land under the program, in consultation with grazing permittees or lessees and other individuals and entities described in paragraph (2), using existing or new scientifically supportable data.

(ii) Requirements.--A monitoring plan adopted under clause (i) shall--

(I) identify situations in which providing operational flexibility in grazing permit or lease uses under the program is appropriate to improve long-term ecological health of the Federal land;

(II) identify ways in which progress under the program would be measured toward long-term ecological health of the Federal land;

(III) include for projects monitored under the program--

(aa) a description of the condition standards for which the monitoring is tracking, including baseline conditions and desired outcome conditions;

(bb) a description of monitoring methods and protocols;

(cc) a schedule for collecting data;

(dd) an identification of the responsible party for data collection and storage;

(ee) an evaluation schedule;

(ff) a description of the anticipated use of the data;

(gg) provisions for adjusting any components of the monitoring plan; and

(hh) a description of the method to communicate the criteria for adjusting livestock grazing use; and

(IV) provide for annual reports on the effects of flexibility in grazing permit or lease uses under the program to allow the Secretary to make management adjustments to account for the information provided in the annual report.

(B) Monitoring plans for interim operational flexibility.--

(i) In general.--The Secretary shall adopt cooperative rangeland utilization monitoring plans and rangeland health objectives to apply to actions taken under paragraph (3) and to monitor and evaluate the improvements or degradations to the long-term ecological health of the Federal land identified for flexible use under the program.

(ii) Requirements.--A monitoring plan developed under clause (i) shall--

(I) evaluate the percent utilization of available forage;

(II) identify the appropriate percentage of utilization for the feed type, ecosystem, time of year, and type of animal using the allotment;

(III) include--

(aa) a description of the utilization standards for which the monitoring is tracking, including baseline conditions and desired outcome conditions;

(bb) a description of utilization evaluation protocol;

(cc) an evaluation schedule identifying periods during which utilization data will be collected;

(dd) provisions for adjusting any components of the monitoring plan, including acceptance of data from identified third parties; and

(ee) a description of the method to communicate the criteria for adjusting livestock grazing use based on the on- the-ground conditions after the period of use; and

(5) Terms and conditions.--

(A) Preferred alternative.--If the Secretary determines that an alternative considered under the program that provides operational flexibility is the preferred alternative, the Secretary shall--

(i) incorporate the alternative, including applicable monitoring plans adopted under paragraph (4), into the terms and conditions of the applicable grazing permit or lease; and

(ii) specify how the monitoring information with respect to the preferred alternative should be used to inform management adjustments under the program.

(B) Adjustments.--Before implementing any measure for purposes of operational flexibility with respect to a grazing use authorized under the terms and conditions of a permit or lease with respect to which an alternative has been incorporated under subparagraph (A), the grazing permittee or lessee shall notify the Secretary in writing of the proposed adjustment.

(C) Additional requirements.--The Secretary may include any other requirements in a permit or lease with respect to which an alternative has been incorporated under subparagraph (A) that the Secretary determines to be necessary.

(1) Review.--

(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), not earlier than the date that is 8 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the program to determine whether the objectives of the program are being met.

(B) No effect on program permits and leases.--The review of the program under subparagraph (A) shall not affect the existence, renewal, or termination of a grazing permit or lease entered into under the program.

(2) Termination.--If, based on the review conducted under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that the objectives of the program are not being met, the Secretary shall, on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act--

(A) modify the program in a manner to ensure that the objectives of the program would be met; or

(B) terminate the program.

(d) No Effect on Grazing Privileges.--Nothing in this Act--

(1) affects grazing privileges provided under the Act of June 28, 1934 (commonly known as the ``Taylor Grazing Act''; 43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.);

(2) requires the Secretary to consider modifying or terminating the classification of any existing grazing district on the Federal land in any subsequent plan or decision of the Secretary; or

(3) precludes the Secretary from modifying or terminating an existing permit or lease in accordance with applicable law (including regulations). SEC. 4. MALHEUR C.E.O. GROUP.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Consensus.--The term ``consensus'' means a unanimous agreement by the voting members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group present and constituting a quorum at a regularly scheduled business meeting of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.

(2) Federal agency.--

(A) In general.--The term ``Federal agency'' means an agency or department of the Government of the United States.

(B) Inclusions.--The term ``Federal agency'' includes--

(i) the Bureau of Reclamation;

(ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs;

(iii) the Bureau;

(iv) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and

(v) the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

(3) Quorum.--The term ``quorum'' means 1 more than \1/2\ of the voting members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.

(b) Establishment.--There is established the Malheur C.E.O. Group to assist in carrying out this section.

(1) In general.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group shall consist of 18 members, to be appointed in accordance with paragraph (2), including--

(A) 5 voting members who represent private interests, of whom--

(i) 3 members represent livestock grazing interests, of whom--

(I) 1 member resides in the northern \1/3\ of the County;

(II) 1 member resides in the center \1/3\ of the County; and

(III) 1 member resides in the southern \1/3\ of the County;

(ii) 1 member is in the recreation or tourism industry; and

(iii) 1 member is from an applicable irrigation district;

(B) 2 voting members who represent the environmental community, 1 of whom is based in the County;

(D) 2 voting members who are representatives of Indian Tribes, of whom--

(i) 1 member shall be a representative of the Burns Paiute Tribe; and

(ii) 1 member shall be a representative of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribes;

(E) 2 nonvoting members who are representatives of Federal agencies with authority and responsibility in the County and who shall provide technical assistance, 1 of whom shall represent the Bureau;

(F) 2 nonvoting members who are representatives of State agencies with authority and responsibility in the County and who shall provide technical assistance, of whom--

(i) 1 member shall be from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife; and

(ii) 1 member shall be from the State Parks Department; and

(G) 4 nonvoting members who are representatives of units of local government within the County and who shall provide technical assistance, 1 of whom shall be from the County weeds eradication department.

(2) Appointment; term; vacancy.--

(A) Appointment.--

(i) Governmental agencies.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O. Group representing a Federal agency or State or local agency shall be appointed by the head of the applicable agency.

(ii) Private interests.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O. Group representing private interests shall be appointed by the applicable represented groups.

(B) Term.--A member of the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall serve for a term of 3 years.

(d) Projects.--

(1) In general.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group shall propose eligible projects described in paragraph (2) on Federal land and water and non-Federal land and water in the County to be carried out by the Malheur C.E.O. Group or a third party, using funds provided by the Malheur C.E.O. Group, if a consensus of the Malheur C.E.O. Group approves the proposed eligible project.

(2) Description of eligible projects.--An eligible project referred to in paragraph (1) is a project--

(A) that complies with existing law (including regulations); and

(B) relating to--

(i) ecological restoration, including development, planning, and implementation;

(ii) range improvements for the purpose of providing more efficient and effective ecologically beneficial management of domestic livestock, fish, wildlife, or habitat;

(iii) invasive species management or eradication, including invasive weeds, vegetation, fish, or wildlife;

(iv) restoration of springs and related water infrastructure to enhance the availability of sustainable flows of freshwater for livestock, fish, or wildlife;

(v) conservation of cultural sites;

(vi) economic development or recreation management; or

(vii) research, monitoring, or analysis.

(3) Requirement.--

(A) In general.--In the case of an eligible project proposed under paragraph (1) that is to be carried out on Federal land or requires the use of Federal funds, the project may not be carried out without the approval of the head of the applicable Federal agency.

(B) Failure to approve.--If an eligible project described in subparagraph (A) is not approved by the head of the applicable Federal agency, not later than 14 business after the date on which the proposal is submitted to the head of the applicable Federal agency, the head of the Federal agency shall provide to the Malheur C.E.O. Group in writing a description of the reasons for not approving the proposed eligible project.

(4) Failure to approve by consensus.--If an eligible project proposed under paragraph (1) is not agreed to by consensus after 3 votes are conducted by the Malheur C.E.O. Group, the proposed eligible project may be agreed to by a quorum of the members of the Malheur C.E.O. Group, subject to the limitations that--

(A) the eligible project may not be carried out on Federal land; and

(B) no Federal funds may be used for an eligible project that is agreed to in accordance with this paragraph.

(5) Acceptance of donations.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group may--

(A) accept and place into a trust fund any donations, grants, or other funds received by the Malheur C.E.O. Group; and

(B) use amounts placed into a trust fund under paragraph (1) to carry out eligible projects approved in accordance with this section, including eligible projects carried out on Federal land or water or using Federal funds, if the project is approved by the head of the applicable Federal agency.

(6) Cost-sharing requirement.--

(A) In general.--The Federal share of the total cost of an eligible project carried out using amounts made available under subsection (i) shall be not more than 75 percent.

(B) Form of non-federal contribution.--The non-Federal contribution required under subparagraph (A) may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions.

(7) Funding recommendations.--All funding recommendations developed by the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall be based on a consensus of the Malheur C.E.O. Group members.

(e) Technical Assistance.--Any Federal agency with authority and responsibility in the County shall, to the extent practicable, provide technical assistance to the Malheur C.E.O. Group on request of the Malheur C.E.O. Group.

(f) Public Notice and Participation.--The Malheur C.E.O. Group shall conduct all meetings subject to applicable open meeting and public participation laws.

(g) Priorities.--For purposes of approving eligible projects proposed under subsection (d)(1), the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall give priority to voluntary habitat, range, and ecosystem restoration projects focused on improving the long- term ecological health of the Federal land and natural bodies of water.

(h) Additional Projects.--To the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations, Federal agencies may contribute to the implementation of projects recommended by the Malheur C.E.O. Group and approved by the Secretary.

(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--

(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2034.

(2) Maintenance and distribution.--Amounts made available under paragraph (1) shall be maintained and distributed by the Secretary.

(3) Administrative expenses.--Not more than more than 5 percent of amounts made available under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year may be used for the administration of this Act.

(4) Grants.--Of the amounts made available under paragraph (1), not more than 10 percent may be made available for a fiscal year to provide grants to the Malheur C.E.O. Group.

(j) Effect.--

(1) Existing activities.--The activities of the Malheur C.E.O. Group shall supplement, and not replace, existing activities to manage the natural resources of the County.

(2) Legal rights, duties, or authorities.--Nothing in this section affects any legal right, duty, or authority of any person or Federal agency, including any member of the Malheur C.E.O. Group. SEC. 5. LAND DESIGNATIONS.

(a) Definition of Wilderness Area.--In this section, the term ``wilderness area'' means a wilderness area designated by subsection (b)(1).

(b) Designation of Wilderness Areas.--

(1) In general.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following Federal land in the County comprising approximately 1,102,393 acres, as generally depicted on the referenced maps, is designated as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:

(A) Fifteenmile creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 61,647 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout Creek-Oregon Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Fifteenmile Creek Wilderness''.

(B) Oregon canyon mountains wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 53,559 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout Creek-Oregon Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Oregon Canyon Mountains Wilderness''.

(C) Twelvemile creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 38,099 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Trout Creek-Oregon Canyon Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Twelvemile Creek Wilderness''.

(D) Upper west little owyhee wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 93,199 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Upper West Little Owyhee Wilderness''.

(E) Lookout butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 66,242 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Lookout Butte Wilderness''.

(F) Mary gautreaux owyhee river canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 211,679 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Mary Gautreaux Owyhee River Canyon Wilderness''.

(G) Black butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 12,058 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Black Butte Wilderness''.

(H) Twin butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 18,150 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Twin Butte Wilderness''.

(I) Oregon butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 31,934 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Oregon Butte Wilderness''.

(J) Mahogany butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 8,953 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Mahogany Butte Wilderness''.

(K) Deer flat wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 12,250 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Deer Flat Wilderness''.

(L) Sacramento hill wilderness.--Certain Federal, comprising approximately 9,574 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Sacramento Hill Wilderness''.

(M) Deadman butte wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 7,152 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Deadman Butte Wilderness''.

(N) Big grassey wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 44,238 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Big Grassey Wilderness''.

(O) North fork owyhee wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 5,276 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Upper Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``North Fork Owyhee Wilderness''.

(P) Mary gautreaux lower owyhee canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 77,121 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Mary Gautreaux Lower Owyhee Canyon Wilderness''.

(Q) Jordan craters wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 29,255 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Jordan Craters Wilderness''.

(R) Owyhee breaks wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 31,637 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Owyhee Breaks Wilderness''.

(S) Dry creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 33,209 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Dry Creek Wilderness''.

(T) Dry creek buttes wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 88,289 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Dry Creek Buttes Wilderness''.

(U) Upper leslie gulch wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 2,997 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Upper Leslie Gulch Wilderness''.

(V) Slocum creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 7,534 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Slocum Creek Wilderness''.

(W) Honeycombs wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 41,122 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Honeycombs Wilderness''.

(X) Wild horse basin wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 18,402 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Wild Horse Basin Wilderness''.

(Y) Quartz mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 32,943 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Quartz Mountain Wilderness''.

(Z) The tongue wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 5,909 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as ``The Tongue Wilderness''.

(AA) Three fingers rock north wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 12,462 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Three Fingers Rock North Wilderness''.

(BB) Burnt mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 8,115 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Lower Owyhee'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Burnt Mountain Wilderness''.

(CC) Camp creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land, comprising approximately 72,597 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Camp Creek Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Camp Creek Wilderness''.

(2) Maps and legal descriptions.--

(A) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a map and legal description of each wilderness area.

(B) Effect.--Each map and legal description prepared under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map or legal description.

(C) Public availability.--The maps and legal descriptions prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau.

(3) Management.--

(A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness areas shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that--

(i) 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

(ii) any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the Secretary.

(B) Grazing.--The Secretary shall allow the continuation of the grazing of livestock, in the wilderness areas, if established before the date of enactment of this Act, in accordance with--

(i) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and

(ii) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (H. Rept. 101-405).

(C) Roads adjacent to wilderness areas.--Nothing in this Act requires the closure of any adjacent road outside the boundary of a wilderness area.

(D) Fish and wildlife management activities.--

(i) In general.--In furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the Secretary may conduct any management activities that are necessary to maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats in the wilderness areas, if the management activities are--

(I) consistent with applicable wilderness management plans; and

(II) conducted in accordance with appropriate policies, such as the policies established in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405).

(ii) Inclusions.--Management activities under clause (i) may include the occasional and temporary use of motorized vehicles, if the use, as determined by the Secretary, would promote healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations that would enhance wilderness values while causing the minimum impact necessary to accomplish those tasks.

(E) Existing activities.--Consistent with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in accordance with appropriate policies, such as the policies established in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101-405), the State may use aircraft (including helicopters) in the wilderness areas to survey capture, transplant, monitor, and provide water for wildlife populations, including bighorn sheep and feral stock, feral horses, and feral burros.

(1) Release of wilderness study areas.--

(A) 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)), the Clarks Butte Wilderness Study Area, Saddle Butte Wilderness Study Area, and Bowden Hills Wilderness Study Area have been adequately studied for wilderness designation.

(B) Release.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the land described in subparagraph (A)--

(i) 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

(ii) shall be managed in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), including any applicable land use plan adopted under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712).

(2) Management of certain land with wilderness characteristics.--Any portion of the Federal land that was previously determined by the Secretary to be land with wilderness characteristics that is not designated as wilderness by subsection (b)(1) and is not designated on the Map as ``land with wilderness characteristics'' shall be managed by the Secretary in accordance with the applicable land use plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712). SEC. 6. LAND CONVEYANCES TO BURNS PAIUTE TRIBE AND CASTLE ROCK CO-STEWARDSHIP AREA.

(a) Jonesboro Ranch, Road Gulch, and Black Canyon Land Conveyances.--

(1) Conveyance and taking into trust.--

(A) Title.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall accept title to the land described in paragraph (2), if conveyed or otherwise transferred to the United States by, or on behalf of, the Burns Paiute Tribe.

(B) Trust.--Land to which title is accepted by the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall--

(i) be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Burns Paiute Tribe; and

(ii) be part of the reservation of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

(2) Description of land.--The land referred to in paragraph (1)(A) is the following:

(A) Jonesboro ranch.--The parcel commonly known as ``Jonesboro Ranch'', located approximately 6 miles east of Juntura, Oregon, consisting of 21,548 acres of Federal land, 6,686 acres of certain private land owned by the Burns Paiute Tribe and associated with the Jonesboro Ranch containing the pastures referred to as ``Saddle Horse'' and ``Trail Horse'', ``Indian Creek'', ``Sperry Creek'', ``Antelope Swales'', ``Horse Camp'', ``Dinner Creek'', ``Upper Hunter Creek'', and ``Tim's Peak'', generally depicted as ``Jonesboro Parcels (Transfer)'' on the map entitled ``Proposed Wilderness Camp Creek Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, and more particularly described as follows:

(i) T. 20 S., R. 38 E., secs. 25 and 36, Willamette Meridian.

(ii) T. 20 S., R. 39 E., secs. 25-36, Willamette Meridian.

(iii) T. 20 S., R. 40 E., secs. 30, 31, and 32, Willamette Meridian.

(iv) T. 21 S., R. 39 E., secs. 1-18, 20-29, and 32-36, Willamette Meridian.

(v) T. 21 S., R. 40 E., secs. 5-8, 17-19, 30, and 31, Willamette Meridian.

(vi) T. 22 S., R. 39 E., secs. 1-5, 8, and 9, Willamette Meridian.

(B) Road gulch; black canyon.--The approximately 4,137 acres of State land containing the pastures referred to as ``Road Gulch'' and ``Black Canyon'' and more particularly described as follows:

(i) T. 20 S., R. 39 E., secs. 10, 11, 15, 14, 13, 21-28, and 36, Willamette Meridian.

(ii) T 20 S., R. 40 E., secs. 19, 30, 31, and 32, Willamette Meridian.

(3) Applicable law.--Land taken into trust under paragraph (1)(B) shall be administered in accordance with the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to property held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe.

(4) Map of trust land.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a map depicting the land taken into trust under paragraph (1)(B).

(5) Land exchange.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with the State under which the Secretary would exchange Federal land for the portions of the area described in paragraph (2)(B) that are owned by the State.

(b) Castle Rock Land To Be Held in Trust and Co-stewardship Area.--

(1) Land to be held in trust.--All right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the approximately 2,500 acres of land in the Castle Rock Wilderness Study Area, as depicted as ``Lands to be Taken into Trust'' on the map entitled ``Land into Trust and Co-Stewardship Castle Rock Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, shall--

(A) be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Burns Paiute Tribe; and

(B) be part of the reservation of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

(2) Castle rock co-stewardship area.--

(A) Memorandum of understanding.--

(i) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Burns Paiute Tribe to provide for the co-stewardship of the area depicted as ``Tribal Co-Stewardship Area'' on the map entitled ``Land into Trust and Co-Stewardship Castle Rock Group'' and dated December 12, 2023, to be known as the ``Castle Rock Co- Stewardship Area''.

(ii) Requirement.--The memorandum of understanding entered into under clause (i) shall ensure that the Castle Rock Co- Stewardship Area is managed in a manner that--

(I) ensures that Tribal interests are adequately considered;

(II) provides for maximum protection of cultural and archaeological resources; and

(III) provides for the protection of natural resources with cultural significance.

(B) Management agreements.--In accordance with applicable law (including regulations), the Secretary may enter into 1 or more management agreements with the Burns Paiute Tribe to authorize the Burns Paiute Tribe to carry out management activities in the Castle Rock Co-Stewardship Area in accordance with the memorandum of understanding entered into under subparagraph (A)(i).

(C) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in the Castle Rock Co-Stewardship Area, if established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be permitted to continue in accordance with applicable law (including regulations).

(D) Water rights.--Nothing in this paragraph--

(i) affects any valid and existing water rights; or

(ii) provides the Burns Paiute Tribe with any new water right or claim.

(3) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the land taken into trust under paragraph (1) and the land comprising the Castle Rock Co-Stewardship Area are withdrawn from--

(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;

(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and

(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

(d) Effect on Tribal Rights and Certain Existing Uses.-- Nothing in this section, including any designation or nondesignation of land transferred into trust to be held by the United States for the benefit of the Burns Paiute Tribe under this section--

(1) alters, modifies, enlarges, diminishes, or abrogates rights secured by a treaty, statute, Executive order, or other Federal law of any Indian Tribe, including off- reservation reserved rights; or

(2) affects--

(A) existing rights-of-way; or

(B) preexisting grazing uses and existing water rights or mining claims, except as specifically negotiated between any applicable Indian Tribe and the Secretary.

The committee-reported amendments in the nature of a substitute were agreed to en bloc.

The bills were ordered to be engrossed for a third reading and were read the third time.

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Mr. BARRASSO. I know of no further debate on the bills, en bloc.

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Mr. BARRASSO. 1890 be considered and agreed to; that the title of S. 1890, as amended, be agreed to; and that the motions to reconsider with respect to S. 1348 and S. 1890 be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I want to rise just to spend a couple of moments discussing a bill that we just passed. It is the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative. The Senate passed this by unanimous consent.

This legislation is very important to my home State of Wyoming-- something we have been working on for years. The bill would resolve the management status for thousands of acres of Federal public lands across 7 counties of the 23 counties in my home State of Wyoming.

These acres involve what are known as wilderness study areas. These are lands managed solely for preservation, even though they are not included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Bureau of Land Management studies these areas. They study them to determine whether they should be designated as wilderness lands or if these lands should be returned to multiple-use status.

Until Congress acts, the Bureau treats all of the land as if it is wilderness. In other words, these lands currently under study are closed off to almost every use. For the people of Wyoming who rely on access to the land to make a living and for recreation, this just doesn't work.

In 1991--now, here we are in 2024, but in 1991, the Bureau of Land Management released a report recommending a balanced approach for these Wyoming wilderness study areas. Specifically, the Bureau of Land Management recommended that Congress designate some of the lands as wilderness and release the majority of the lands back to multiple use.

Well, here we are over three decades later, and the lands still remain in limbo. That is why some of our counties began to work with me on the Wyoming Public Lands Initiative. I want to thank these Wyoming county commissioners for their collaboration going back 9 years, back to 2015.

The bill, which I am proud to sponsor on their behalf, generally follows the recommendations of the 1991 report. It strikes a balance between protecting these special places the people in Wyoming love while expanding the multiple-use areas that our State and local economies rely upon.

The bill was developed by the people who live near the land and who will be accessing the land when this bill is enacted. It has been developed really from the ground up by the people who know the land the best.

This legislation resolves a decades-old stalemate. The bill is going to increase conservation. It is going to ensure that other lands can be unlocked and for uses that are important to the people of Wyoming and to our economy. I firmly believe the people of Wyoming, not Washington, should decide how to manage these lands.

So I want to thank my friend and colleague Senator Wyden from the State of Oregon. We worked closely together. We serve on several committees together. We live near each other where we stay when we are in Washington instead of when he is home in Oregon and I am home in Wyoming. I look forward to continuing to work with him to get these bills passed into law and through the House in the near future.

As I see my friend and colleague from Oregon on the floor tonight, I just want to thank him for his years of cooperation and working together as we have on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and thank him for all of his consideration in allowing us to get this bill passed tonight.

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