California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2017

To provide for conservation, enhanced recreation opportunities, and development of renewable energy in the California Desert Conservation Area, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2017 (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—California Desert conservation and recreation Sec. 101. California Desert conservation and recreation. Sec. 102. Visitor center. Sec. 103. California State school land. Sec. 104. Designation of wild and scenic rivers. Sec. 105. Conforming amendments. TITLE II—Development of renewable energy on public land Sec. 201. Definitions. Sec. 202. Disposition of revenues. I California Desert conservation and recreation 101. California Desert conservation and recreation (a) In general Public Law 103–433 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa et seq. XIII Wilderness 1301. Designation of wilderness areas (a) Designation of wilderness areas To be administered by the bureau of land management In accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. 43 U.S.C. 1781 (1) Avawatz mountains wilderness Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 87,700 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Avawatz Mountains Proposed Wilderness Avawatz Mountains Wilderness (2) Golden valley wilderness Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 1,250 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Golden Valley Proposed Wilderness Additions Golden Valley Wilderness (3) Great falls basin wilderness (A) In general Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 7,870 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Great Falls Basin Proposed Wilderness Great Falls Basin Wilderness (B) Limitations Designation of the wilderness under subparagraph (A) shall not establish a Class I Airshed under the Clean Air Act ( 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. (4) Kingston range wilderness Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 53,320 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Kingston Range Proposed Wilderness Additions Kingston Range Wilderness (5) Soda mountains wilderness Certain land in the Conservation Area, administered by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 79,990 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Soda Mountains Proposed Wilderness Soda Mountains Wilderness (b) Designation of wilderness areas To be administered by the national park service In accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. 43 U.S.C. 1781 (1) Death valley national park wilderness additions-north eureka valley Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the National Park Service, comprising approximately 11,496 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-North Eureka Valley (2) Death valley national park wilderness additions-ibex Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the National Park Service, comprising approximately 23,650 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-Ibex (3) Death valley national park wilderness additions-panamint valley Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the National Park Service, comprising approximately 4,807 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-Panamint Valley (4) Death valley national park wilderness additions-warm springs Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the National Park Service, comprising approximately 10,485 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-Warm Spring Canyon/Galena Canyon (5) Death valley national park wilderness additions-axe head Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the National Park Service, comprising approximately 8,638 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-Axe Head (6) Death valley national park wilderness additions-bowling alley Certain land in the Conservation Area administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 32,520 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Wilderness Area-Bowling Alley (c) Designation of wilderness area To be administered by the forest service (1) In general In accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. (2) Description of land The land referred to in paragraph (1) is certain land in the San Bernardino National Forest, comprising approximately 7,141 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Sand to Snow National Monument (3) Fire management and related activities (A) In general The Secretary may carry out such activities in the wilderness area designated by paragraph (1) as are necessary for the control of fire, insects, and disease, in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1) (B) Funding priorities Nothing in this subsection limits the provision of any funding for fire or fuel management in the wilderness area designated by paragraph (1). (C) Revision and development of local fire management plans As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall amend the local fire management plans that apply to the wilderness area designated by paragraph (1). (D) Administration In accordance with subparagraph (A) and other applicable Federal law, to ensure a timely and efficient response to fire emergencies in the wilderness area designated by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (i) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title, establish agency approval procedures (including appropriate delegations of authority to the Forest Supervisor, District Manager, or other agency officials) for responding to fire emergencies in the wilderness area designated by paragraph (1); and (ii) enter into agreements with appropriate State or local firefighting agencies relating to that wilderness area. 1302. Management (a) Adjacent management (1) In general Nothing in this title creates any protective perimeter or buffer zone around the wilderness areas designated by section 1301. (2) Activities outside wilderness areas (A) In general The fact that an activity (including military activities) or use on land outside a wilderness area designated by section 1301 can be seen or heard within the wilderness area shall not preclude or restrict the activity or use outside the boundary of the wilderness area. (B) Effect on nonwilderness activities (i) In general In any permitting proceeding (including a review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (ii) Description of projects A project referred to in clause (i) is a renewable energy project or associated energy transport facility project— (I) for which the Bureau of Land Management has received a right-of-way use application on or before the date of enactment of this title; and (II) that is located outside the boundary of a wilderness area designated by section 1301. (3) No additional regulation Nothing in this title requires additional regulation of activities on land outside the boundary of the wilderness areas. (4) Effect on military operations Nothing in this title alters any authority of the Secretary of Defense to conduct any military operations at desert installations, facilities, and ranges of the State that are authorized under any other provision of law. (5) Effect on utility facilities and rights-of-way (A) In general Subject to paragraph (2), nothing in this title terminates or precludes the renewal or reauthorization of any valid existing right-of-way or customary operation, maintenance, repair, upgrading, or replacement activities in a right-of-way, issued, granted, or permitted to the Southern California Edison Company or predecessors, successors, or assigns of the Southern California Edison Company that is located on land included in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area or the Sand to Snow National Monument. (B) Limitation The activities described in subparagraph (A) shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes the impact of the activities resources of the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area or the Sand to Snow National Monument. (C) Applicable law In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (b) Maps; legal descriptions (1) In general As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of each wilderness area and wilderness addition designated by section 1301 with— (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Force of law A map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this title, except that the Secretary may correct errors in the maps and legal descriptions. (3) Public availability Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed and made available for public inspection in the appropriate office of the Secretary. (c) Administration Subject to valid existing rights, the land designated as wilderness or as a wilderness addition by section 1301 shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with this Act and the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. 1303. Release of wilderness study areas (a) Finding Congress finds that, for purposes of section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1782 (b) Description of study areas The study areas referred to in subsection (a) are— (1) the Cady Mountains Wilderness Study Area; (2) the Kingston Range Wilderness Study Area; (3) the Avawatz Mountain Wilderness Study Area; (4) the Death Valley National Park Boundary and Wilderness 17 Wilderness Study Area; (5) the Great Falls Basin Wilderness Study Area; and (6) the Soda Mountains Wilderness Study Area. (c) Release Any portion of a wilderness study area described in subsection (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area or wilderness addition by section 1301 is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1782(c) 1304. Treatment of cherry-stemmed roads (a) Definition of cherry-Stemmed road In this section, the term cherry-stemmed road (1) excluded from a wilderness area or wilderness addition designated by that section; and (2) within a nonwilderness corridor having designated wilderness on both sides. (b) Prohibition on closure or travel restrictions on cherry-Stemmed roads The Secretary shall not— (1) close any cherry-stemmed road that is open to the public as of the date of enactment of this title; (2) prohibit motorized access on a cherry-stemmed road that is open to the public for motorized access as of the date of enactment of this title; or (3) prohibit mechanized access on a cherry-stemmed road that is open to the public for mechanized access as of the date of enactment of this title. (c) Resource protection or public safety exceptions Subsection (b) shall not apply to a cherry-stemmed road if the Secretary determines that a closure or traffic restriction of the cherry-stemmed road is necessary for purposes of significant resource protection or public safety. XIV Designation of special management area 1401. Definitions In this title: (1) Management area The term Management Area (2) Map The term map Vinagre Wash Proposed Special Management Area (3) Public land The term public land public lands 43 U.S.C. 1702 (4) Secretary The term Secretary 1402. Vinagre wash special management area (a) Establishment There is established the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area in the State, to be managed by the El Centro Field Office and the Yuma Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management. (b) Purpose The purpose of the Management Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance— (1) the plant and wildlife values of the Management Area; and (2) the outstanding and nationally significant ecological, geological, scenic, recreational, archaeological, cultural, historic, and other resources of the Management Area. (c) Boundaries The Management Area shall consist of the public land in Imperial County, California, comprising approximately 81,880 acres, as generally depicted on the map. (d) Map; legal description (1) In general As soon as practicable, but not later than 3 years, after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall submit a map and legal description of the Management Area to— (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Effect The map and legal description submitted under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this title, except that the Secretary may correct any errors in the map and legal description. (3) Availability Copies of the map submitted under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in— (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and (B) the appropriate office of the Bureau of Land Management in the State. 1403. Management (a) In general The Secretary shall allow hiking, camping, hunting, and sightseeing and the use of motorized vehicles, mountain bikes, and horses on designated routes in the Management Area in a manner that— (1) is consistent with the purpose of the Management Area described in section 1402(b); (2) ensures public health and safety; and (3) is consistent with all applicable laws (including regulations) and the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. (b) Off-Highway vehicle use (1) In general Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and all other applicable laws, the use of off-highway vehicles shall be permitted on routes in the Management Area generally depicted on the map. (2) Closure The Secretary may temporarily close or permanently reroute a portion of a route described in paragraph (1)— (A) to prevent, or allow for restoration of, resource damage; (B) to protect tribal cultural resources, including the resources identified in the tribal cultural resources management plan developed under section 1805(c); (C) to address public safety concerns; or (D) as otherwise required by law. (3) Designation of additional routes During the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary— (A) shall accept petitions from the public regarding additional routes for off-highway vehicles; and (B) may designate additional routes that the Secretary determines— (i) would provide significant or unique recreational opportunities; and (ii) are consistent with the purposes of the Management Area. (c) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land within the Management Area is withdrawn from— (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) right-of-way, leasing, or disposition under all laws relating to— (A) minerals; or (B) solar, wind, and geothermal energy. (d) No buffers The establishment of the Management Area shall not— (1) create a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Management Area; or (2) preclude uses or activities outside the Management Area that are permitted under other applicable laws, even if the uses or activities are prohibited within the Management Area. (e) Notice of available routes The Secretary shall ensure that visitors to the Management Area have access to adequate notice relating to the availability of designated routes in the Management Area through— (1) the placement of appropriate signage along the designated routes; (2) the distribution of maps, safety education materials, and other information that the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and (3) restoration of areas that are not designated as open routes, including vertical mulching. (f) Stewardship The Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribes and other interests, shall develop a program to provide opportunities for monitoring and stewardship of the Management Area to minimize environmental impacts and prevent resource damage from recreational use, including volunteer assistance with— (1) route signage; (2) restoration of closed routes; (3) protection of Management Area resources; and (4) recreation education. (g) Protection of tribal cultural resources Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary, in accordance with chapter 2003 (1) prepare and complete a tribal cultural resources survey of the Management Area; and (2) consult with the Quechan Indian Nation and other Indian tribes demonstrating ancestral, cultural, or other ties to the resources within the Management Area on the development and implementation of the tribal cultural resources survey under paragraph (1). 1404. Potential wilderness (a) Protection of wilderness character (1) In general The Secretary shall manage the Federal land in the Management Area described in paragraph (2) in a manner that preserves the character of the land for the eventual inclusion of the land in the National Wilderness Preservation System. (2) Description of land The Federal land described in this paragraph is— (A) the approximately 10,860 acres of land, as generally depicted as the Indian Pass Additions on the map entitled Vinagre Wash Proposed Special Management Area (B) the approximately 17,250 acres of land, as generally depicted as Milpitas Wash Potential Wilderness on the map entitled Vinagre Wash Proposed Special Management Area (C) the approximately 11,840 acres of land, as generally depicted as Buzzards Peak Potential Wilderness on the map entitled Vinagre Wash Proposed Special Management Area (D) the approximately 9,350 acres of land, as generally depicted as Palo Verde Mountains Potential Wilderness on the map entitled Vinagre Wash Proposed Special Management Area (3) Use of land (A) Military uses The Secretary shall manage the Federal land in the Management Area described in paragraph (2) in a manner that is consistent with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. (B) Prohibited uses The following shall be prohibited on the Federal land described in paragraph (2): (i) Permanent roads. (ii) Commercial enterprises. (iii) Except as necessary to meet the minimum requirements for the administration of the Federal land and to protect public health and safety— (I) the use of mechanized vehicles; and (II) the establishment of temporary roads. (4) Wilderness designation (A) In general The Federal land described in paragraph (2) shall be designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System on the date on which the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, publishes a notice in the Federal Register that all activities on the Federal land that are incompatible with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. (B) Designation On designation of the Federal land under clause (i)— (i) the land described in paragraph (2)(A) shall be incorporated in, and shall be considered to be a part of, the Indian Pass Wilderness; (ii) the land described in paragraph (2)(B) shall be designated as the Milpitas Wash Wilderness (iii) the land described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be designated as the Buzzard Peak Wilderness (iv) the land described in paragraph (2)(D) shall be incorporated in, and shall be considered to be a part of, the Palo Verde Mountains Wilderness. (b) Administration of wilderness Subject to valid existing rights, the land designated as wilderness or as a wilderness addition by this title shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with this Act and the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. XV National park system additions 1501. Death valley national park boundary revision (a) In general The boundary of Death Valley National Park is adjusted to include— (1) the approximately 33,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Inyo County, California, abutting the southern end of the Death Valley National Park that lies between Death Valley National Park to the north and Ft. Irwin Military Reservation to the south and which runs approximately 34 miles from west to east, as depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Boundary Addition-Bowling Alley (2) the approximately 6,369 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Inyo County, California, located in the northeast area of Death Valley National Park that is within, and surrounded by, land under the jurisdiction of the Director of the National Park Service, as depicted on the map entitled Death Valley National Park Proposed Boundary Addition-Crater (b) Availability of map The maps described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service. (c) Administration The Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this title as the Secretary (1) administer any land added to Death Valley National Park under subsection (a)— (A) as part of Death Valley National Park; and (B) in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations); and (2) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title, develop a memorandum of understanding with Inyo County, California, permitting ongoing access and use to existing gravel pits along Saline Valley Road within Death Valley National Park for road maintenance and repairs in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations). 1502. Mojave national preserve The boundary of the Mojave National Preserve is adjusted to include the 25 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Baker, California, as depicted on the map entitled Mojave National Preserve Proposed Boundary Addition 1503. Joshua tree national park boundary revision (a) In general The boundary of the Joshua Tree National Park is adjusted to include— (1) the 2,879 acres of land managed by Director of the Bureau of Land Management that are contiguous at several different places to the northern boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park in the northwest section of the Park, as depicted on the map entitled Joshua Tree National Park Proposed Boundary Additions (2) the 1,639 acres of land to be acquired from the Mojave Desert Land Trust that are contiguous at several different places to the northern boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park in the northwest section of the Park, as depicted on the map entitled Mojave Desert Land Trust National Park Service Additions (b) Availability of maps The map described in subsection (a) and the map depicting the 25 acres described in subsection (c)(2) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service. (c) Administration (1) In general The Secretary shall administer any land added to the Joshua Tree National Park under subsection (a) and the additional land described in paragraph (2)— (A) as part of Joshua Tree National Park; and (B) in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations). (2) Description of additional land The additional land referred to in paragraph (1) is the 25 acres of land— (A) depicted on the map entitled Joshua Tree National Park Boundary Adjustment Map (B) added to Joshua Tree National Park by the notice of the Department of the Interior of August 28, 2003 (68 Fed. Reg. 51799); and (C) more particularly described as lots 26, 27, 28, 33, and 34 in sec. 34, T. 1 N., R. 8 E., San Bernardino Meridian. (d) Southern California edison company energy transport facilities and rights-of-Way (1) In general Nothing in this title terminates any valid right-of-way for the customary operation, maintenance, upgrade, repair, relocation within an existing right-of-way, replacement, or other authorized energy transport facility activities in a right-of-way issued, granted, or permitted to the Southern California Edison Company or the predecessors, successors, or assigns of the Southern California Edison Company that is located on land described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), including, at a minimum, the use of mechanized vehicles, helicopters, or other aerial devices. (2) Upgrades and replacements Nothing in this title prohibits the upgrading or replacement of— (A) Southern California Edison Company energy transport facilities, including the energy transport facilities referred to as the Jellystone, Burnt Mountain, Whitehorn, Allegra, and Utah distribution circuits rights-of-way; or (B) an energy transport facility in rights-of-way issued, granted, or permitted by the Secretary adjacent to Southern California Edison Joshua Tree Utility Facilities. (3) Publication of plans Not later than the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this title or the issuance of a new energy transport facility right-of-way within the Joshua Tree National Park, whichever is earlier, the Secretary, in consultation with the Southern California Edison Company, shall publish plans for regular and emergency access by the Southern California Edison Company to the rights-of-way of the Southern California Edison Company within Joshua Tree National Park. 1504. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this title. XVI Off-highway vehicle recreation areas 1601. Designation of off-highway vehicle recreation areas (a) In general (1) Designation In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. (A) Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 7,630 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Dumont Dunes Proposed National OHV Recreation Area Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (B) El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 14,930 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled El Mirage Proposed National OHV Recreation Area El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (C) Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 23,910 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Rasor Proposed National OHV Recreation Area Rasor Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (D) Spangler Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 56,140 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Spangler Hills Proposed National OHV Recreation Area Spangler Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (E) Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 40,110 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Stoddard Valley Proposed National OHV Recreation Area Stoddard Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (2) Redesignation and expansion of Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (A) In general The Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area designated by section 2945 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (division B of Public Law 113–66 (i) is redesignated as the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (ii) is expanded to include certain land as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Additions (B) Relation to authorized Navy use The redesignation of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area as the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area does not alter or interfere with the rights and obligations of the Navy regarding the use of portions of the Recreation Area as provided in subtitle C of title XXIX of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (division B of Public Law 113–66 (C) References Any reference in any law, regulation, document, record, map, or other paper of the United States to the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area shall be deemed to be a reference to the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. (b) Purpose The purpose of the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded under subsection (a) is to preserve and enhance the recreational opportunities within the Conservation Area (including opportunities for off-highway vehicle recreation), while conserving the wildlife and other natural resource values of the Conservation Area. (c) Maps and descriptions (1) Preparation and submission As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of each off-highway vehicle recreation area designated or expanded by subsection (a) with— (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (2) Legal effect The map and legal descriptions of the off-highway vehicle recreation areas filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this title, except that the Secretary may correct errors in the map and legal descriptions. (3) Public availability Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be filed and made available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management. (d) Use of the land (1) Recreational activities (A) In general The Secretary shall continue to authorize, maintain, and enhance the recreational uses of the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a), including off-highway recreation, hiking, camping, hunting, mountain biking, sightseeing, rockhounding, and horseback riding, as long as the recreational use is consistent with this section and any other applicable law. (B) Off-highway vehicle and off-highway recreation To the extent consistent with applicable Federal law (including regulations) and this section, any authorized recreation activities and use designations in effect on the date of enactment of this title and applicable to the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a) shall continue, including casual off-highway vehicular use, racing, competitive events, rock crawling, training, and other forms of off-highway recreation. (2) Wildlife guzzlers Wildlife guzzlers shall be allowed in the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a) in accordance with— (A) applicable Bureau of Land Management guidelines; and (B) State law. (3) Prohibited uses Commercial development (including development of mining and energy facilities, but excluding energy transport facilities, rights-of-way, and related telecommunication facilities) shall be prohibited in the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that the development is incompatible with the purpose described in subsection (b). (e) Administration (1) In general The Secretary shall administer the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a) in accordance with— (A) this title; (B) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. (C) any other applicable laws (including regulations). (2) Management plan (A) In general As soon as practicable, but not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall— (i) amend existing resource management plans applicable to the off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a); or (ii) develop new management plans for each off-highway vehicle recreation area designated or expanded under that subsection. (B) Requirements All new or amended plans under subparagraph (A) shall be designed to preserve and enhance safe off-highway vehicle and other recreational opportunities within the applicable recreation area consistent with— (i) the purpose described in subsection (b); and (ii) any applicable laws (including regulations). (C) Interim plans Pending completion of a new management plan under subparagraph (A), the existing resource management plans shall govern the use of the applicable off-highway vehicle recreation area. (f) Study (1) In general As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years, after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall complete a study to identify Bureau of Land Management land within the Conservation Area that is suitable for addition to the national off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a). (2) Study areas The study required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 41,000 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Spangler Hills Proposed Expansion Study Area (B) certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 680 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled El Mirage Proposed Expansion Study Area (C) certain Bureau of Land Management land in the Conservation Area, comprising approximately 51,600 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Johnson Valley Proposed Expansion Study Area (3) Requirements In preparing the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) seek input from stakeholders, including— (i) the State, including— (I) the California Public Utilities Commission; and (II) the California Energy Commission; (ii) San Bernardino County, California; (iii) the public; (iv) recreational user groups; (v) conservation organizations; (vi) the Southern California Edison Company; (vii) the Pacific Gas and Electric Company; and (viii) other Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense; (B) explore the feasibility of— (i) expanding the southern boundary of the off-highway vehicle recreation area described in subsection (a)(1)(C) to include previously disturbed land; and (ii) establishing a right-of-way for off-highway vehicle use in the areas identified in paragraph (2) to the extent necessary to connect the noncontiguous areas of the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; (C) identify and exclude from consideration any land that— (i) is managed for conservation purposes; (ii) may be suitable for renewable energy development; or (iii) may be necessary for energy transmission; and (D) not recommend or approve expansion of national off-highway recreation areas within the Conservation Area that collectively would exceed the total acres administratively designated for off-highway recreation within the Conservation Area as of the day before the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 (4) Applicable law The Secretary shall consider the information and recommendations of the study completed under paragraph (1) to determine the impacts of expanding off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated or expanded by subsection (a) on the Conservation Area, in accordance with— (A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (B) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. (C) any other applicable law (including regulations), plan, and the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. (5) Submission to Congress On completion of the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit the study to— (A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. (6) Authorization for expansion (A) In general On completion of the study under paragraph (1) and in accordance with all applicable laws (including regulations), the Secretary shall authorize the expansion of the off-highway vehicle recreation areas recommended under the study. (B) Management Any land within the expanded areas under subparagraph (A) shall be managed in accordance with this section. (g) Southern California Edison Company utility facilities and rights-of-Way (1) Effect of title Nothing in this title— (A) terminates any validly issued right-of-way for the customary operation, maintenance, upgrade, repair, relocation within an existing right-of-way, replacement, or other authorized energy transport facility activities (including the use of any mechanized vehicle, helicopter, and other aerial device) in a right-of-way issued, granted, or permitted to Southern California Edison Company (including any predecessor or successor in interest or assign) that is located on land included in— (i) the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; (ii) the Spangler Hills National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; or (iii) the Stoddard Valley National Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; (B) affects the application, siting, route selection, right-of-way acquisition, or construction of the Coolwater-Lugo transmission project, as may be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission and the Bureau of Land Management; or (C) prohibits the upgrading or replacement of any Southern California Edison Company— (i) utility facility, including such a utility facility known on the date of enactment of this title as— (I) Gale-PS 512 transmission lines or rights-of-way (II) Patio, Jack Ranch, and Kenworth distribution circuits or rights-of-way (ii) energy transport facility in a right-of-way issued, granted, or permitted by the Secretary adjacent to a utility facility referred to in clause (i). (2) Plans for access The Secretary, in consultation with the Southern California Edison Company, shall publish plans for regular and emergency access by the Southern California Edison Company to the rights-of-way of the Company by the date that is 1 year after the later of— (A) the date of enactment of this title; and (B) the date of issuance of a new energy transport facility right-of-way within— (i) the El Mirage Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; (ii) the Spangler Hills National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; or (iii) the Stoddard Valley National Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. (h) Pacific Gas and Electric Company utility facilities and rights-of-Way (1) Effect of title Nothing in this title— (A) terminates any validly issued right-of-way for the customary operation, maintenance, upgrade, repair, relocation within an existing right-of-way, replacement, or other authorized activity (including the use of any mechanized vehicle, helicopter, and other aerial device) in a right-of-way issued, granted, or permitted to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (including any predecessor or successor in interest or assign) that is located on land included in the Spangler Hills National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area; or (B) prohibits the upgrading or replacement of any— (i) utility facilities of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, including those utility facilities known on the date of enactment of this title as— (I) Gas Transmission Line 311 or rights-of-way (II) Gas Transmission Line 372 or rights-of-way (ii) utility facilities of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in rights-of-way issued, granted, or permitted by the Secretary adjacent to a utility facility referred to in clause (i). (2) Plans for access Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title or the issuance of a new utility facility right-of-way within the Spangler Hills National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, whichever is later, the Secretary, in consultation with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, shall publish plans for regular and emergency access by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company to the rights-of-way of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. XVII Alabama Hills National Scenic Area 1701. Definitions In this title: (1) Management plan The term management plan (2) Map The term Map Proposed Alabama Hills National Scenic Area (3) Motorized vehicle The term motorized vehicle (4) National Scenic Area The term National Scenic Area (5) Secretary The term Secretary (6) State The term State (7) Tribe The term Tribe (8) Utility facility The term utility facility (A) water system facility, including aqueducts, streams, ditches, and canals; (B) water facility, including flow measuring stations, gauges, gates, valves, piping, conduits, fencing, and electrical power and communications devices and systems; (C) electric generation facility, electric storage facility, or overhead or underground electrical supply system or communication system, consisting of electric substations, electric lines, poles and towers made of various materials, H (D) other fixture, appliance, or appurtenance that is— (i) connected with a facility or system described in subparagraph (C); (ii) necessary or convenient for the construction, operation, regulation, control, grounding, and maintenance of electric generation, storage, lines, and communication circuits; or (iii) used for the purpose of— (I) transmitting information relating to this title; or (II) generating, storing, distributing, regulating, or controlling electric energy to be used for light, heat, power, communication, or other purposes. 1702. Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, California (a) Establishment Subject to valid existing rights, there is established in Inyo County, California, the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, to be comprised of the approximately 18,610 acres generally depicted on the Map as National Scenic Area (b) Purpose The purpose of the National Scenic Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit, use, and enjoyment of present and future generations the nationally significant scenic, cultural, geological, educational, biological, historical, recreational, cinematographic, and scientific resources of the National Scenic Area managed consistent with section 302(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1732(a) (c) Map; legal descriptions (1) In general As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall file a map and a legal description of the National Scenic Area with— (A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (2) Force of law The map and legal descriptions filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this title, except that the Secretary may correct any clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal descriptions. (3) Public availability Each map and legal description filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. (d) Administration The Secretary shall manage the National Scenic Area— (1) as a component of the National Landscape Conservation System; (2) so as not to impact the future continuing operation and maintenance of any activities associated with valid, existing rights, including water rights; (3) in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the resources and values of the National Scenic Area described in subsection (b); and (4) in accordance with— (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. (B) this title; and (C) any other applicable laws. (e) Management (1) In general The Secretary shall allow only such uses of the National Scenic Area as the Secretary determines would support the purposes of the National Scenic Area as described in subsection (b). (2) Recreational activities Except as otherwise provided in this title or other applicable law, or as the Secretary determines to be necessary for public health and safety, the Secretary shall allow existing recreational uses of the National Scenic Area to continue, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and appropriate authorized motorized vehicle use. (3) Motorized vehicles Except as otherwise specified in this title, or as necessary for administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency, the use of motorized vehicles in the National Scenic Area shall be permitted only on— (A) roads and trails designated by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management for use of motorized vehicles as part of a management plan sustaining a semiprimitive motorized experience; or (B) county-maintained roads in accordance with applicable State and county laws. (f) No buffer zones (1) In general Nothing in this title creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the National Scenic Area. (2) Activities outside National Scenic Area The fact that an activity or use on land outside the National Scenic Area can be seen or heard within the National Scenic Area shall not preclude the activity or use outside the boundaries of the National Scenic Area. (g) Access The Secretary shall continue to provide private landowners adequate access to inholdings in the National Scenic Area. (h) Filming Nothing in this title prohibits filming (including commercial film production, student filming, and still photography) within the National Scenic Area— (1) subject to— (A) such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary considers to be necessary; and (B) applicable law; and (2) in a manner consistent with the purposes described in subsection (b). (i) Fish and wildlife Nothing in this title affects the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State with respect to fish and wildlife. (j) Livestock The grazing of livestock in the National Scenic Area, including grazing under the Alabama Hills allotment and the George Creek allotment, as established before the date of enactment of this title, shall be permitted to continue— (1) subject to— (A) such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary considers to be necessary; and (B) applicable law; and (2) in a manner consistent with the purposes described in subsection (b). (k) Overflights Nothing in this title restricts or precludes flights over the National Scenic Area or overflights that can be seen or heard within the National Scenic Area, including— (1) transportation, sightseeing and filming flights, general aviation planes, helicopters, hang gliders, and balloonists, for commercial or recreational purposes; (2) low-level overflights of military aircraft; (3) flight testing and evaluation; (4) the designation or creation of new units of special use airspace, or the establishment of military flight training routes, over the National Scenic Area; and (5) the use, including take-off and landing, of helicopters and other aerial devices within valid rights-of-way to construct or maintain energy transport facilities. (l) Withdrawal Subject to the provisions of this title and valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of this title, including rights established by prior withdrawals, the Federal land within the National Scenic Area is withdrawn from all forms of— (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. (m) Wildland fire operations Nothing in this title prohibits the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies, as appropriate, from conducting wildland fire operations in the National Scenic Area, consistent with the purposes described in subsection (b). (n) Grants; cooperative agreements The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, State, tribal, and local governmental entities and private entities to conduct research, interpretation, or public education or to carry out any other initiative relating to the restoration, conservation, or management of the National Scenic Area. (o) Air and water quality Nothing in this title modifies any standard governing air or water quality outside of the boundaries of the National Scenic Area. (p) Utility Facilities and Rights-of-Way (1) Effect of title Nothing in this title— (A) affects the existence, use, operation, maintenance (including vegetation control), repair, construction, reconfiguration, expansion, inspection, renewal, reconstruction, alteration, addition, relocation, improvement, funding, removal, or replacement of any utility facility or appurtenant right-of-way within or adjacent to the National Scenic Area; (B) subject to subsection (e), affects necessary or efficient access to utility facilities or rights-of-way within or adjacent to the National Scenic Area; and (C) precludes the Secretary from authorizing the establishment of new utility facility rights-of-way (including instream sites, routes, and areas) within the National Scenic Area in a manner that minimizes harm to the purpose of the National Scenic Area as described in subsection (b)— (i) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (ii) subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and (iii) that are determined by the Secretary to be the only technical or feasible location, following consideration of alternatives within existing rights-of-way or outside of the National Scenic Area. (2) Management plan Consistent with this title, the Management Plan shall establish plans for maintenance of public utility and other rights-of-way within the National Scenic Area. 1703. Management plan (a) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this title, in accordance with subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of the National Scenic Area. (b) Consultation In developing the management plan, the Secretary shall consult with— (1) appropriate State, tribal, and local governmental entities, including Inyo County, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and the Tribe; (2) investor-owned utilities, including Southern California Edison Company; (3) the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group; and (4) members of the public. (c) Requirement In accordance with this title, the management plan shall establish plans for maintenance of public utility and other rights-of-way within the National Scenic Area. (d) Incorporation In developing the management plan, in accordance with this section, the Secretary shall allow, in perpetuity, casual use mining limited to the use of hand tools, metal detectors, hand-fed dry washers, vacuum cleaners, gold pans, small sluices, and similar items. (e) Interim management Pending completion of the management plan, the Secretary shall manage the National Scenic Area in accordance with section 1702(b). 1704. Land taken into trust for Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation (a) Trust land As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall take the approximately 132 acres of Federal land depicted on the Map as Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation Addition (1) the land shall be subject to all easements, covenants, conditions, restrictions, withdrawals, and other matters of record in existence on the date of enactment of this title; and (2) the Federal land over which the right-of-way for the Los Angeles Aqueduct is located, generally described as the 250-foot-wide right-of-way granted to the City of Los Angeles pursuant to the Act of June 30, 1906 (34 Stat. 801, chapter 3926), shall not be taken into trust for the Tribe. (b) Reservation land The land taken into trust pursuant to subsection (a) shall be considered to be a part of the reservation of the Tribe. (c) Gaming prohibition Land taken into trust under subsection (a) shall not be eligible, or considered to have been taken into trust, for gaming (within the meaning of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. 1705. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction Administrative jurisdiction over the approximately 40 acres of Federal land depicted on the Map as USFS Transfer to BLM 1706. Protection of services and recreational opportunities (a) Effect of title Nothing in this title limits the provision of any commercial service for existing or historic recreation use, as authorized by the permit process of the Bureau of Land Management. (b) Guided recreational opportunities Any valid existing commercial permit to exercise guided recreational opportunities for the public may continue as authorized on the day before the date of enactment of this title. 1707. Land conveyance to eliminate encroachment on public land (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Authorized offer period The term authorized offer period (2) Federal land The term Federal land (A) the Secretary determines can be reasonably described in legal language and administered; and (B) encompasses construction completed by Reginald Cook as of January 15, 2015, within the approximately 4 acres of Bureau of Land Management land identified on the map as the Conveyance Area (3) Map The term map Proposed Conveyance Property (4) Reginald Cook The term Reginald Cook Conveyance Area (b) Conveyance If, before the end of the authorized offer period, Reginald Cook submits to the Secretary an offer to acquire the Federal land consistent with subsections (d) and (e), the Secretary shall convey to Reginald Cook, subject to valid existing rights and on payment of the required consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate of the Federal land. (c) Appraisal Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall complete an appraisal of the Federal land in accordance with— (1) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and (2) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (d) Consideration As consideration for the conveyance of the Federal land, Reginald Cook shall pay to the United States, for deposit in the general fund of the Treasury, an amount equal to the appraised value of the Federal land determined under subsection (c). (e) Conditions (1) Payment of costs of conveyance Reginald Cook shall cover any administrative costs incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance of the Federal land, including the costs of any required environmental, wildlife, cultural, or historical resources study. (2) Release As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land, Reginald Cook shall agree in writing to release and indemnify the United States from any claims or liabilities that may arise from use of the Federal land by the United States or Reginald Cook before the date of the conveyance. (f) Access The Secretary shall continue to provide to Reginald Cook access to the property of Reginald Cook, subject to part 2800 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations). XVIII Miscellaneous 1801. Transfer of land to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (a) In general On termination of all mining claims to the land described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall transfer the land described in that subsection to the State. (b) Description of land The land referred to in subsection (a) is certain Bureau of Land Management land in San Diego County, California, comprising approximately 934 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Table Mountain Wilderness Study Area Proposed Transfer to the State (c) Management (1) In general The land transferred under subsection (a) shall be managed in accordance with the provisions of the California Wilderness Act (California Public Resources Code sections 5093.30–5093.40). (2) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, the land transferred under subsection (a) is withdrawn from— (A) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (C) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing. (3) Reversion If the State ceases to manage the land transferred under subsection (a) as part of the State Park System or in a manner inconsistent with the California Wilderness Act (California Public Resources Code sections 5093.30–5093.40), the land shall revert to the Secretary at the discretion of the Secretary, to be managed as a Wilderness Study Area. 1802. Military activities Nothing in this title— (1) restricts or precludes Department of Defense motorized access by land or air— (A) to respond to an emergency within a wilderness area designated by this Act; or (B) to control access to the emergency site; (2) prevents nonmechanized military training activities previously conducted on wilderness areas designated by this title that are consistent with— (A) the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. (B) all applicable laws (including regulations); (3) restricts or precludes low-level overflights of military aircraft over the areas designated as wilderness, national monuments, special management areas, or recreation areas by this Act, including military overflights that can be seen or heard within the designated areas; (4) restricts or precludes flight testing and evaluation in the areas described in paragraph (3); or (5) restricts or precludes the designation or creation of new units of special use airspace, or the establishment of military flight training routes, over the areas described in paragraph (3). 1803. Climate change and wildlife corridors (a) In general The Secretary shall— (1) assess the impacts of climate change on the Conservation Area; and (2) establish policies and procedures to ensure the preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration likely to occur due to climate change. (b) Study (1) In general As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years, after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall complete a study regarding the impact of global climate change on the Conservation Area. (2) Components The study under paragraph (1) shall— (A) identify the species migrating, or likely to migrate, due to climate change; (B) examine the impacts and potential impacts of climate change on— (i) plants, insects, and animals; (ii) soil; (iii) air quality; (iv) water quality and quantity; and (v) species migration and survival; (C) identify critical wildlife and species migration corridors recommended for preservation; and (D) include recommendations for ensuring the biological connectivity of public land managed by the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense throughout the Conservation Area. (3) Rights-of-way The Secretary shall consider the information and recommendations of the study under paragraph (1) to determine the individual and cumulative impacts of rights-of-way for projects in the Conservation Area, in accordance with— (A) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (B) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. (C) any other applicable law. (c) Land management plans The Secretary shall incorporate into all land management plans applicable to the Conservation Area the findings and recommendations of the study completed under subsection (b). 1804. Prohibited uses of acquired, donated, and conservation land (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Acquired land The term acquired land (2) Conservation land The term conservation land (A) national conservation land established pursuant to section 2002(b)(2)(D) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 7202(b)(2)(D) (B) areas of critical environmental concern established pursuant to section 202(c)(3) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ( 43 U.S.C. 1712(c)(3) (3) Donated land The term donated land (4) Donor The term donor (5) Secretary The term Secretary (b) Prohibitions Except as provided in subsection (c), the Secretary shall not authorize the use of acquired land, conservation land, or donated land within the Conservation Area for any activities contrary to the conservation purposes for which the land was acquired, designated, or donated, including— (1) disposal; (2) rights-of-way; (3) leases; (4) livestock grazing; (5) infrastructure development, except as provided in subsection (c); (6) mineral entry; and (7) off-highway vehicle use, except on— (A) designated routes; (B) off-highway vehicle areas designated by law; and (C) administratively designated open areas. (c) Exceptions (1) Authorization by Secretary Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may authorize limited exceptions to prohibited uses of acquired land or donated land in the Conservation Area if— (A) a right-of-way application for a renewable energy development project or associated energy transport facility on acquired land or donated land was submitted to the Bureau of Land Management on or before December 1, 2009; or (B) after the completion and consideration of an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (2) Conditions (A) In general If the Secretary grants an exception to the prohibition under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require the permittee to donate private land of comparable value located within the Conservation Area to the United States to mitigate the use. (B) Approval The private land to be donated under subparagraph (A) shall be approved by the Secretary after— (i) consultation, to the maximum extent practicable, with the donor of the private land proposed for nonconservation uses; and (ii) an opportunity for public comment regarding the donation. (d) Existing agreements Nothing in this section affects permitted or prohibited uses of donated land or acquired land in the Conservation Area established in any easements, deed restrictions, memoranda of understanding, or other agreements in existence on the date of enactment of this title. (e) Deed restrictions Effective beginning on the date of enactment of this title, within the Conservation Area, the Secretary may— (1) accept deed restrictions requested by landowners for land donated to, or otherwise acquired by, the United States; and (2) consistent with existing rights, create deed restrictions, easements, or other third-party rights relating to any public land determined by the Secretary to be necessary— (A) to fulfill the mitigation requirements resulting from the development of renewable resources; or (B) to satisfy the conditions of— (i) a habitat conservation plan or general conservation plan established pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1539 (ii) a natural communities conservation plan approved by the State. 1805. Tribal uses and interests (a) Access The Secretary shall ensure access to areas designated under this Act by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and religious purposes, consistent with applicable law, including Public Law 95–341 American Indian Religious Freedom Act 42 U.S.C. 1996 (b) Temporary closure (1) In general In accordance with applicable law, including Public Law 95–341 American Indian Religious Freedom Act 42 U.S.C. 1996 designated area (2) Limitation In closing a portion of a designated area under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall limit the closure to the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for the traditional cultural and religious activities. (c) Tribal cultural resources management plan (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary of the Interior shall develop and implement a tribal cultural resources management plan to identify, protect, and conserve cultural resources of Indian tribes associated with the Xam Kwatchan Trail network extending from Avikwaame (Spirit Mountain, Nevada) to Avikwlal (Pilot Knob, California). (2) Consultation The Secretary shall consult on the development and implementation of the tribal cultural resources management plan under paragraph (1) with— (A) each of— (i) the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe; (ii) the Hualapai Tribal Nation; (iii) the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe; (iv) the Colorado River Indian Tribes; (v) the Quechan Indian Tribe; and (vi) the Cocopah Indian Tribe; and (B) the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. (3) Resource protection The tribal cultural resources management plan developed under paragraph (1) shall— (A) be based on a completed tribal cultural resources survey; and (B) include procedures for identifying, protecting, and preserving petroglyphs, ancient trails, intaglios, sleeping circles, artifacts, and other resources of cultural, archaeological, or historical significance in accordance with all applicable laws and policies, including— (i) chapter 2003 (ii) Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act 42 U.S.C. 1996 (iii) the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 ( 16 U.S.C. 470aa et seq. (iv) the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( 25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq. (v) Public Law 103–141 (commonly known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. (d) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land within the area administratively withdrawn and known as the Indian Pass Withdrawal Area (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) right-of-way leasing and disposition under all laws relating to minerals or solar, wind, or geothermal energy. 1806. Release of Federal reversionary land interests (a) Definitions In this section: (1) 1932 Act The term 1932 Act (2) District The term District (b) Release Subject to valid existing claims perfected prior to the effective date of the 1932 Act and the reservation of minerals set forth in the 1932 Act, the Secretary shall release, convey, or otherwise quitclaim to the District, in a form recordable in local county records, and subject to the approval of the District, after consultation and without monetary consideration, all right, title, and remaining interest of the United States in and to the land that was conveyed to the District pursuant to the 1932 Act or any other law authorizing conveyance subject to restrictions or reversionary interests retained by the United States, on request by the District. (c) Terms and conditions A conveyance authorized by subsection (b) shall be subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) The District shall cover, or reimburse the Secretary for, the costs incurred by the Secretary to make the conveyance, including title searches, surveys, deed preparation, attorneys’ fees, and similar expenses. (2) By accepting the conveyances, the District agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the United States with regard to any boundary dispute relating to any parcel conveyed under this section. . (b) Conforming amendments (1) Designation Section 2945 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (division B of Public Law 113–66 (A) in the section heading, by inserting National Valley (B) in subsection (a), by inserting National Valley (C) in subsections (b), (c), and (d), by inserting National Valley (2) Cross-reference Section 2942(c)(3) of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (division B of Public Law 113–66 National Valley 102. Visitor center Title IV of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–21 et seq. 408. Visitor center (a) In general The Secretary may acquire not more than 5 acres of land and interests in land, and improvements on the land and interests, outside the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park, in the unincorporated village of Joshua Tree, for the purpose of operating a visitor center. (b) Boundary The Secretary shall modify the boundary of the park to include the land acquired under this section as a noncontiguous parcel. (c) Administration Land and facilities acquired under this section— (1) may include the property owned (as of the date of enactment of this section) by the Joshua Tree National Park Association and commonly referred to as the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center (2) shall be administered by the Secretary as part of the park; and (3) may be acquired only with the consent of the owner, by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. . 103. California State school land Section 707 of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–77 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in the first sentence— (i) by striking Upon request of the California State Lands Commission (hereinafter in this section referred to as the Commission (1) In general The Secretary shall negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement with the California State Lands Commission (referred to in this section as the Commission ; and (ii) by inserting , national monuments, more of the wilderness areas (B) in the second sentence, by striking The Secretary shall negotiate in good faith to (2) Agreement To the maximum extent practicable, not later than 10 years after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall ; (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting , national monuments, wilderness areas (3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (5) Special Deposit Fund Account (A) In general Assembled land exchanges may be used to carry out this section through the sale of surplus Federal property and subsequent acquisitions of State school land. (B) Receipts Past and future receipts from the sale of property described in subsection (a), less any costs incurred related to the sale, shall be deposited in a Special Deposit Fund Account established in the Treasury. (C) Use Funds accumulated in the Special Deposit Fund Account may be used by the Secretary, without an appropriation, to acquire State school lands or interest in the land consistent with this section. . 104. Designation of wild and scenic rivers Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1274(a) (1) in paragraph (196), by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: (A) (i) The approximately 1.4-mile segment of the Amargosa River in the State of California, from the private property boundary in sec. 19, T. 22 N., R. 7 E., to 100 feet downstream of Highway 178, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as a scenic river as an addition to the wild and scenic river segments of the Amargosa River on publication by the Secretary of a notice in the Federal Register that sufficient inholdings within the boundaries of the segments have been acquired as scenic easements or in fee title to establish a manageable addition to those segments. (ii) The approximately 6.1-mile segment of the Amargosa River in the State of California, from 100 feet downstream of the State Highway 178 crossing to 100 feet upstream of the Tecopa Hot Springs Road crossing, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as a scenic river. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (213) Surprise Canyon Creek, California (A) In general The following segments of Surprise Canyon Creek in the State of California, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior: (i) The approximately 5.3 miles of Surprise Canyon Creek from the confluence of Frenchman’s Canyon and Water Canyon to 100 feet upstream of Chris Wicht Camp, as a wild river. (ii) The approximately 1.8 miles of Surprise Canyon Creek from 100 feet upstream of Chris Wicht Camp to the southern boundary of sec. 14, T. 21 N., R. 44 E., as a recreational river. (B) Effect on historic mining structures Nothing in this paragraph affects the historic mining structures associated with the former Panamint Mining District. (214) Deep Creek, California (A) In general The following segments of Deep Creek in the State of California, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture: (i) The approximately 6.5-mile segment from 0.125 mile downstream of the Rainbow Dam site in sec. 33, T. 2 N., R. 2 W., to 0.25 miles upstream of the Road 3N34 crossing, as a wild river. (ii) The 0.5-mile segment from 0.25 mile upstream of the Road 3N34 crossing to 0.25 mile downstream of the Road 3N34 crossing, as a scenic river. (iii) The 2.5-mile segment from 0.25 miles downstream of the Road 3 N. 34 crossing to 0.25 miles upstream of the Trail 2W01 crossing, as a wild river. (iv) The 0.5-mile segment from 0.25 miles upstream of the Trail 2W01 crossing to 0.25 mile downstream of the Trail 2W01 crossing, as a scenic river. (v) The 10-mile segment from 0.25 miles downstream of the Trail 2W01 crossing to the upper limit of the Mojave dam flood zone in sec. 17, T. 3 N., R. 3 W., as a wild river. (vi) The 11-mile segment of Holcomb Creek from 100 yards downstream of the Road 3N12 crossing to .25 miles downstream of Holcomb Crossing, as a recreational river. (vii) The 3.5-mile segment of the Holcomb Creek from 0.25 miles downstream of Holcomb Crossing to the Deep Creek confluence, as a wild river. (B) Effect on ski operations Nothing in this paragraph affects— (i) the operations of the Snow Valley Ski Resort; or (ii) the State regulation of water rights and water quality associated with the operation of the Snow Valley Ski Resort. (215) Whitewater River, California The following segments of the Whitewater River in the State of California, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, acting jointly: (A) The 5.8-mile segment of the North Fork Whitewater River from the source of the River near Mt. San Gorgonio to the confluence with the Middle Fork, as a wild river. (B) The 6.4-mile segment of the Middle Fork Whitewater River from the source of the River to the confluence with the South Fork, as a wild river. (C) The 1-mile segment of the South Fork Whitewater River from the confluence of the River with the East Fork to the section line between sections 32 and 33, T. 1 S., R. 2 E., as a wild river. (D) The 1-mile segment of the South Fork Whitewater River from the section line between sections 32 and 33, T. 1 S., R. 2 E., to the section line between sections 33 and 34, T. 1 S., R. 2 E., as a recreational river. (E) The 4.9-mile segment of the South Fork Whitewater River from the section line between sections 33 and 34, T. 1 S., R. 2 E., to the confluence with the Middle Fork, as a wild river. (F) The 5.4-mile segment of the main stem of the Whitewater River from the confluence of the South and Middle Forks to the San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary, as a wild river. (G) The 3.6-mile segment of the main stem of the Whitewater River from the San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary to .25 miles upstream of the southern boundary of section 35, T. 2 S., R. 3 E., as a recreational river. . 105. Conforming amendments (a) Short title Section 1 of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa Public Law 103–433 1 and 2, and titles I through IX 1, 2, and 3, titles I through IX, and titles XIII through XVIII (b) Definitions The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( Public Law 103–433 3. Definitions (a) Titles I through IX In titles I through IX, the term this Act (1) sections 1 and 2; and (2) titles I through IX. (b) Titles XIII through XVIII In titles XIII through XVIII: (1) Conservation Area The term Conservation Area (2) Secretary The term Secretary (A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) State The term State . (c) Administration of wilderness areas Section 103 of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( Public Law 103–433 (1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: (d) No buffer zones (1) In general Congress does not intend for the designation of wilderness areas by this Act— (A) to require the additional regulation of land adjacent to the wilderness areas; or (B) to lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around the wilderness areas. (2) Nonwilderness activities Any nonwilderness activities (including renewable energy projects, energy transmission or telecommunications projects, mining, camping, hunting, and military activities) in areas immediately adjacent to the boundary of a wilderness area designated by this Act shall not be restricted or precluded by this Act, regardless of any actual or perceived negative impacts of the nonwilderness activities on the wilderness area, including any potential indirect impacts of nonwilderness activities conducted outside the designated wilderness area on the viewshed, ambient noise level, or air quality of wilderness area. ; (2) in subsection (f), by striking designated by this title and , potential wilderness areas, special management areas, and national monuments designated by this title or titles XIII through XVIII (3) in subsection (g), by inserting , a potential wilderness area, a special management area, or national monument by this Act (d) Mojave National Preserve Title V of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–41 et seq. 520. Native groundwater supplies The Secretary shall take no action within the Conservation Area to authorize, permit, or allow the use of any right-of-way or lease to extract, consume, export, transfer, or distribute groundwater for municipal, commercial, or industrial use from aquifers supplying wild and scenic rivers, or supplying water to Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, or underlying land managed by the Barstow or Needles Field Offices of the Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service in quantities that collectively exceed the estimated perennial safe yield or annual recharge rate, as determined by the United States Geological Survey. . (e) Juniper flats Section 711 of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–81 711. Juniper flats Development of renewable energy generation facilities (excluding rights-of-way or facilities for the transmission of energy and telecommunication facilities and infrastructure) is prohibited on the approximately 28,000 acres of Federal land generally depicted as BLM Land Withdrawn from Energy Development and Power Generation Juniper Flats . (f) California Military Lands Withdrawal and Overflights Act of 1994 (1) Findings Section 801(b)(2) of the California Military Lands Withdrawal and Overflights Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–82 Public Law 103–433 , special management areas, potential wilderness areas, and wilderness areas (2) Overflights; special airspace Section 802 of the California Military Lands Withdrawal and Overflights Act of 1994 ( 16 U.S.C. 410aaa–82 (A) in subsection (a), by inserting or special management areas designated by this Act (B) in subsection (b), by inserting or special management areas designated by this Act (C) by adding at the end the following: (d) Department of Defense facilities Nothing in this Act alters any authority of the Secretary of Defense to conduct military operations at installations and ranges within the California Desert Conservation Area that are authorized under any other provision of law. . (g) Clarification regarding funding No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this title and the amendments made by this title. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized. II Development of renewable energy on public land 201. Definitions In this title: (1) Fund The term Fund (2) Public land The term public land public lands 43 U.S.C. 1702 (3) Secretary The term Secretary 202. Disposition of revenues (a) Disposition of revenues Of the amounts collected as bonus bids, royalties, rentals, fees, or other payments under a right-of-way, permit, lease, or other authorization for the development of wind or solar energy on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management— (1) 25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the State within the boundaries of which the income is derived; (2) 25 percent shall be paid by the Secretary of the Treasury to the one or more counties within the boundaries of which the income is derived, to be allocated among the counties based on the percentage of public land from which the royalties or bonuses are derived in each county; (3) 15 percent shall— (A) for the 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, be deposited in the Treasury of the United States to help facilitate the processing of renewable energy permits by the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, including the transfer of the funds to other Federal agencies and State agencies to facilitate the processing of renewable energy permits; and (B) beginning on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, be deposited in the Fund; and (4) 35 percent shall be deposited in the Fund. (b) Payments to States and counties (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), amounts paid to States and counties under subsection (a) shall be used consistent with section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act ( 30 U.S.C. 191 (2) Impacts on Federal land Not less than 33 percent of the amount paid to a State shall be used on an annual basis for the purposes described in subsection (c)(2)(A). (3) No impact on payments in lieu of taxes Nothing in this section impacts or reduces any payment authorized under section 6903 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund (1) In general There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund (2) Use (A) In general Amounts in the Fund shall be available to the Secretary, who may make amounts available to the Secretary of Agriculture and to other Federal or State agencies, as appropriate, for the purposes of— (i) addressing the impacts of wind or solar development on Federal land, including restoring and protecting— (I) wildlife habitat for affected species; (II) wildlife corridors for affected species; and (III) water resources in areas impacted by wind or solar energy development; (ii) conducting research with regional institutions of higher education necessary to implement restoration and protection activities described in clause (i); (iii) securing recreational access to Federal land through an easement, right-of-way, or fee title acquisition from willing sellers for the purpose of providing enhanced public access to existing Federal land that is inaccessible or significantly restricted if the enhanced public access does not impact the natural and cultural resource values of the Federal land; (iv) carrying out activities authorized under chapter 2003 (v) establishing, operating, and maintaining a trans-State desert tortoise conservation center on public land along the California-Nevada border— (I) to support desert tortoise research, disease monitoring, handling training, rehabilitation, and reintroduction; (II) to provide temporary quarters for animals collected from authorized salvage from renewable energy sites; and (III) to ensure the full recovery and ongoing survival of the species. (B) Desert tortoise conservation In carrying out subparagraph (A)(v), the Secretary shall— (i) seek the participation of or contract with qualified nongovernmental organizations with expertise in desert tortoise disease research and experience with desert tortoise translocation techniques, and scientific training of professional biologists for handling tortoises, to staff and manage the desert tortoise conservation center; (ii) ensure that the center engages in public outreach and education on tortoise handling; and (iii) consult with the State of California and the State of Nevada to ensure the center is operated consistent with State law. (C) Advisory board (i) In general The Secretary shall establish an independent advisory board composed of key stakeholders and technical experts to provide recommendations and guidance on the disposition of any amounts expended from the Fund. (ii) Administrative costs Amounts in the Fund shall not be used to fund any of the administrative costs of the advisory board established under clause (i). (3) Mitigation requirements The expenditure of funds under this subsection shall be in addition to any mitigation requirements imposed pursuant to any law, regulation, or term or condition of any lease, right-of-way, or other authorization. (4) Investment of Fund (A) In general Any amounts deposited in the Fund shall earn interest in an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities. (B) Use Any interest earned under subparagraph (A) shall be expended in accordance with this subsection.

Summary: California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2017This bill amends the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 to, among other things: establish or designate wilderness areas, a special management area, off-highway vehicle recreation areas, and a national scenic area; release specified wilderness study areas; adjust national park and preserve boundaries; and specify land withdrawals and conveyances.Specified federal land shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe. Lands and interests in land, including improvements, outside the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park in California may be acquired for the purpose of operating a visitor center.The bill makes amendments to the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 regarding the California State School lands.The bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of rivers and creeks as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund for use in regions impacted by the development of wind or solar energy.