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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1348 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                S. 1348

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

 
To redesignate land within certain wilderness study areas in the State 
                  of Wyoming, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

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;
                    (C) applicable management provisions under 
                paragraph (2); and
                    (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.
                    (C) Copper mountain wilderness study area.--
                            (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
                    (C) any other applicable law.
    (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
                            (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.
    (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.
                            (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 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
                            (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.
    (c) Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area.--
            (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.
                            (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 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
                            (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.
                    (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
                            (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.
    (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.
                            (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.
            (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.
    (c) Study.--
            (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
                    (C) the parking, staging, and camping necessary to 
                accommodate special motorized recreation.
            (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.
            (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).

            Passed the Senate December 20 (legislative day, December 
      16), 2024.

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
118th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                                S. 1348

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 AN ACT

To redesignate land within certain wilderness study areas in the State 
                  of Wyoming, and for other purposes.
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