I 
113TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 2276 
To promote economic development and to preserve the Lake Mead Area 
in Clark County, Nevada, in order to conserve, protect, and enhance 
the cultural, archaeological, natural, wilderness, scientific, geological, his-
torical, biological, wildlife, educational, and scenic resources of the area, 
to designate wilderness areas, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 6, 2013 
Mr. HORSFORD (for himself and Ms. TITUS) introduced the following bill; 
which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources 
A BILL 
To promote economic development and to preserve the Lake 
Mead Area in Clark County, Nevada, in order to con-
serve, protect, and enhance the cultural, archaeological, 
natural, wilderness, scientific, geological, historical, bio-
logical, wildlife, educational, and scenic resources of the 
area, to designate wilderness areas, and for other pur-
poses. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Virgin Valley Tourism and Lake Mead Preservation 
Act’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 
Sec. 2. Findings. 
Sec. 3. Definitions. 
TITLE I—TOURISM PROMOTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
Sec. 101. Findings. 
Sec. 102. Visitor center, research, and interpretation. 
Sec. 103. Local consultation on energy development. 
Sec. 104. Local airport development extension and multi-species habitat con-
servation plan. 
Sec. 105. Lake Mead tourism access. 
Sec. 106. Clark County off-road vehicle trail designation. 
Sec. 107. Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council. 
TITLE II—GOLD BUTTE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA 
Sec. 201. Establishment of Gold Butte National Conservation Area. 
Sec. 202. Management of Conservation Area. 
Sec. 203. General provisions. 
Sec. 204. Virgin Valley water district. 
Sec. 205. Gold Butte National Conservation Area Advisory Council. 
TITLE III—DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS IN CLARK 
COUNTY, NEVADA 
Sec. 301. Additions to National Wilderness Preservation System. 
Sec. 302. Administration. 
Sec. 303. Adjacent management. 
Sec. 304. Military, law enforcement, and emergency overflights. 
Sec. 305. Release of wilderness study areas. 
Sec. 306. Native American cultural and religious uses. 
Sec. 307. Wildlife, wildfire, insect, and disease management; data collection. 
Sec. 308. National Park System land. 
TITLE IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Sec. 401. Termination of withdrawal of Bureau of Land Management land. 
Sec. 402. Relationship to Clark Count Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
Plan. 
Sec. 403. Motorized vehicles. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6211
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds that— 
(1) the public land north of Lake Mead, in 
southeastern Nevada generally known as ‘‘Gold 
Butte’’ is recognized for outstanding— 
(A) scenic values; 
(B) natural resources, including critical 
habitat, sensitive species, wildlife, desert tor-
toise habitat, and geology; 
(C) historic resources, including historic 
mining, ranching and other western cultures, 
and pioneer activities; and 
(D) cultural resources, including evidence 
of prehistoric habitation and rock art; 
(2) Lake Mead and Gold Butte have become a 
destination for diverse recreation opportunities, in-
cluding camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, motorized 
recreation, and sightseeing; 
(3) Lake Mead and Gold Butte draw visitors 
from throughout the United States; 
(4) Lake Mead and Gold Butte provide impor-
tant economic benefits to Mesquite and other nearby 
communities; 
(5) inclusion of the Gold Butte National Con-
servation Area in the National Landscape Conserva-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
tion System would provide increased opportunities 
for— 
(A) interpretation of the diverse values of 
the area for the visiting public; and 
(B) education and community outreach in 
the region; and 
(6) designation of Gold Butte as a National 
Conservation Area will permanently protect the sce-
nic, biological, natural, historical, scientific, paleon-
tological, recreational, ecological, wilderness, and 
cultural resources within the area. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) ADVISORY COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Advisory 
Council’’ means the Gold Butte National Conserva-
tion Area Advisory Council established under title II. 
(2) CONSERVATION
AREA.—The term ‘‘Con-
servation Area’’ means the Gold Butte National 
Conservation Area established by title II. 
(3) COUNTY.—The term ‘‘County’’ means Clark 
County, Nevada. 
(4) DESIGNATED
ROUTE.—The term ‘‘des-
ignated route’’ means a road that is designated as 
open by the Route Designations for Selected Areas 
of Critical Environmental Concern Located in the 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
Northeast Portion of the Las Vegas BLM District 
Environmental Assessment, NV–052–2006–0433. 
(5) VIRGIN VALLEY TOURISM AND ECONOMIC 
ADVISORY
COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Virgin Valley 
Tourism and Economic Advisory Council’’ has the 
meaning designated by section 107. 
(6) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘manage-
ment plan’’ means the management plan for the 
Conservation Area developed under title II. 
(7) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map en-
titled ‘‘Gold Butte National Conservation Area’’ and 
dated May 23, 2013. 
(8) PUBLIC
LAND.—The term ‘‘public land’’ 
has the meaning given the term ‘‘public lands’’ in 
section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Manage-
ment Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702). 
(9) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means 
the Secretary of the Interior. 
(10) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the 
State of Nevada. 
(11) WILDERNESS
AREA.—The term ‘‘wilder-
ness area’’ means a wilderness areas designated by 
title III. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
TITLE I—TOURISM PROMOTION 
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
SEC. 101. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds that— 
(1) the management of Federal lands has been 
shown to be more effective when local stakeholders 
are regularly consulted to enhance the under-
standing of unique concerns and opportunities; 
(2) the Lake Mead and Gold Butte areas are 
rich in cultural, archaeological, natural, historical, 
and scenic resources; 
(3) the communities adjacent to the Gold Butte 
National Conservation Area should be able to enjoy 
recreational access to the region, while preserving 
the natural beauty and resources of the region; 
(4) the Lake Mead and Gold Butte regions pos-
sess significant economic potential; 
(5) the outdoor recreation industry directly im-
pacts Nevada’s economy, bolstering it annually by 
$14.9 billion in consumer spending and 148,000 
jobs; and 
(6) the economic benefits of protected lands in-
clude higher growth in investment income and entre-
preneurial activity, and an increase in local tourism 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
and new residents seeking the quality of life pro-
vided by Federal lands protections. 
SEC. 102. VISITOR CENTER, RESEARCH, AND INTERPRETA-
TION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, acting through the 
Director of the Bureau of Land Management, may estab-
lish, in cooperation with any other public or private enti-
ties that the Secretary may determine to be appropriate, 
a visitor center and field office in Mesquite, Nevada— 
(1) to serve visitors; and 
(2) to assist in fulfilling the purposes of— 
(A) the Lake Mead National Recreation 
Area; 
(B) the Grand Canyon-Parashant National 
Monument; and 
(C) the Conservation Area. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the visitor center authorized under subsection (a) is 
designed— 
(1) to interpret the scenic, biological, natural, 
historical, scientific, paleontological, recreational, ec-
ological, wilderness, and cultural resource of each of 
the areas described in that subsection; and 
(2) to serve as an interagency field office for 
each of the areas described in that subsection. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(c) COOPERATIVE
AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary 
may, in a manner consistent with this Act, enter into coop-
erative agreements with the State, the State of Arizona, 
and any other appropriate institutions and organizations 
to carry out the purposes of this section. 
SEC. 103. LOCAL CONSULTATION ON ENERGY DEVELOP-
MENT. 
As soon as practicable, but not later than 2 years, 
after the date of the enactment of this title, the Secretary, 
in cooperation with the Virgin Valley Tourism and Eco-
nomic Advisory Council and any other public or private 
entities that the Secretary may determine to be appro-
priate, shall complete a study regarding local renewable 
energy development in accordance with the National Envi-
ronmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Clark Coun-
ty Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 
SEC. 104. LOCAL AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT EXTENSION AND 
MULTI-SPECIES 
HABITAT 
CONSERVATION 
PLAN. 
(a) EXTENSION
OF PURCHASE AUTHORITY
AND 
WITHDRAWALS.—Section 3 of Public Law 99–548 (100 
Stat. 3061, 113 Stat. 1501A–166) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (e)— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘For 
a period of 12 years after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘Until Novem-
ber 29, 2021’’; 
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Not 
later than 10 years after the date of the enact-
ment of this subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘Not 
later than November 29, 2021’’; and 
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘the date 
that is 12 years after the date of the enactment 
of this subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘November 
29, 2021’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f)(3), by striking ‘‘the date 
that is 12 years after the date of the enactment of 
this subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘November 29, 
2021’’. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTI-SPECIES HABITAT 
CONSERVATION PLANS.—Section 3(d)(3)(B) of Public 
Law 99–548 (100 Stat. 3061, 116 Stat. 2018) is amended 
by inserting ‘‘and implementation’’ after ‘‘development’’. 
SEC. 105. LAKE MEAD TOURISM ACCESS. 
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council, as 
defined in section 107 of this Act, shall implement a plan 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
to provide local boat access to Lake Mead, in accordance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
and the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
Plan. 
SEC. 106. CLARK COUNTY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAIL DES-
IGNATION. 
(a) STUDY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after 
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall com-
plete a study with a focus on existing, designated 
routes outside the National Conservation Area estab-
lished by this Act in accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and 
the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conserva-
tion Plan for an Off-Highway Vehicle Trail (referred 
to in this section as the ‘‘Trail’’). 
(2) PREFERRED ROUTE.—Based on the study 
conducted under paragraph (1), the Secretary, in 
consultation with the Virgin Valley Tourism and 
Economic Advisory Council, as defined in section 3 
of this Act, and any interested persons, shall identify 
the preferred route for the Trail. 
(b) DESIGNATION OF TRAIL.— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), 
not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
study is completed under subsection (a), the Sec-
retary may designate a Trail. 
(2) LIMITATIONS.—The Secretary may des-
ignate a Trail after determining a route for the 
Trail that would not have significant negative im-
pacts on wildlife, natural or cultural resources, or 
traditional uses. 
SEC. 107. VIRGIN VALLEY TOURISM AND ECONOMIC ADVI-
SORY COUNCIL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
establish an advisory council, to be known as the ‘‘Virgin 
Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council’’. 
(b) APPLICABLE LAW.—The Virgin Valley Tourism 
and Economic Advisory Council shall be subject to the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.). 
(c) MEMBERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Virgin Valley Tourism 
and Economic Advisory Council shall include 13 
members to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom, 
to the extent practicable— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(A) 4 members shall be appointed after 
considering the recommendations of the Mes-
quite, Nevada, City Council; 
(B) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Bunker-
ville, Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(C) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Moapa 
Valley, Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(D) 1 member shall be appointed after 
considering the recommendations of the Moapa, 
Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(E) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Moapa 
Band of Paiutes Tribal Council; and 
(F) 5 at-large members from the County 
shall be appointed after considering the rec-
ommendations of the County Commission. 
(2) REPRESENTATION.—The Secretary shall en-
sure that the membership of the Virgin Valley Tour-
ism and Economic Advisory Council is fairly bal-
anced in terms of the points of view represented and 
the functions to be performed by the Virgin Valley 
Tourism and Economic Advisory Council. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(3) INITIAL
APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall appoint the initial members of 
the Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory 
Council in accordance with paragraph (1). 
(d) DUTIES OF THE VIRGIN VALLEY TOURISM AND 
ECONOMIC ADVISORY COUNCIL.—The Virgin Valley Tour-
ism and Economic Advisory Council shall advise the Sec-
retary with respect to the preparation and implementation 
of economic development initiatives. 
(e) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Virgin Valley 
Tourism and Economic Advisory Council shall receive no 
compensation for serving on the Council. 
(f) CHAIRPERSON.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Virgin Valley Tourism 
and Economic Advisory Council shall elect a Chair-
person from among its members. 
(2) TERM.—The term of the Chairperson shall 
be 3 years. 
(g) TERM OF MEMBERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The term of a member of 
the Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory 
Council shall be 3 years. 
(2) SUCCESSORS.—Notwithstanding the expira-
tion of a 3-year term of a member of the Virgin Val-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
ley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council, a 
member may continue to serve on the Virgin Valley 
Tourism and Economic Advisory Council until a suc-
cessor is appointed. 
(h) VACANCIES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—A vacancy on the Virgin 
Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory Council shall 
be filled in the same manner in which the original 
appointment was made. 
(2) 
APPOINTMENT
FOR
REMAINDER
OF 
TERM.—A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the 
Virgin Valley Tourism and Economic Advisory 
Council shall serve for the remainder of the term for 
which the predecessor was appointed. 
TITLE 
II—GOLD 
BUTTE 
NA-
TIONAL CONSERVATION AREA 
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF GOLD BUTTE NATIONAL 
CONSERVATION AREA. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the Gold 
Butte National Conservation Area in the State. 
(b) AREA INCLUDED.—The Conservation Area shall 
consist of approximately 348,515 acres of public land ad-
ministered by the Bureau of Land Management in the 
County, as generally depicted on the Map. 
(c) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall file a map and legal description of the Con-
servation Area with the Committee on Natural Re-
sources of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the 
Senate. 
(2) EFFECT.—The map and legal description 
prepared under paragraph (1) shall have the same 
force and effect as if included in this title, except 
that the Secretary may correct minor errors in the 
map or legal description. 
(3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—A copy of the map 
and legal description shall be on file and available 
for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the 
Bureau of Land Management and the National Park 
Service. 
SEC. 202. MANAGEMENT OF CONSERVATION AREA. 
(a) PURPOSES.—In accordance with this title, the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), and other applicable laws, the Sec-
retary shall manage the Conservation Area in a manner 
that conserves, protects, and enhances the scenic, biologi-
cal, natural, historical, scientific, paleontological, rec-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
reational, ecological, wilderness, and cultural resources of 
the Conservation Area. 
(b) MANAGEMENT PLAN.— 
(1) PLAN REQUIRED.—Not later than 3 years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall develop a management plan for the long- 
term protection and management of the Conserva-
tion Area. 
(2) CONSULTATION.—The Secretary shall pre-
pare the management plan in consultation with the 
State, local and tribal government entities, the Advi-
sory Council, and the public. 
(3) REQUIREMENTS.—The management plan 
shall— 
(A) describe the appropriate uses and 
management of the Conservation Area; and 
(B) include a recommendation on interpre-
tive and educational materials regarding the 
cultural and biological resources of the region 
within which the Conservation Area is located. 
(4) INCORPORATION
OF
ROUTE
DESIGNA-
TIONS.—The management plan shall incorporate the 
decisions in the Route Designations for Selected 
Areas of Critical Environmental Concern Located in 
the Northeast Portion of the Las Vegas BLM Dis-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
trict Environmental Assessment, NV–052–2006– 
0433. 
(c) USES.—The Secretary shall allow only such uses 
of the Conservation Area that the Secretary determines 
would further the purpose of the Conservation Area de-
scribed in subsection (a). 
(d) INCORPORATION OF ACQUIRED LAND AND IN-
TERESTS.—Any land or interests in land located within 
the boundary of the Conservation Area that is acquired 
by the United States after the date of the enactment of 
this Act shall become part of the Conservation Area and 
be managed as provided in subsection (a). 
(e) NATIONAL
LANDSCAPE
CONSERVATION
SYS-
TEM.—The Conservation Area shall be administered as a 
component of the National Landscape Conservation Sys-
tem. 
(f) HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAPPING.—Nothing in 
this title affects the jurisdiction of the State with respect 
to fish and wildlife, including hunting, fishing, and trap-
ping in the Conservation Area. 
SEC. 203. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 
(a) NO BUFFER ZONES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The establishment of the 
Conservation Area shall not create an express or im-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
plied protective perimeter or buffer zone around the 
Conservation Area. 
(2) PRIVATE LAND.—If the use of, or conduct 
of an activity on, private land that shares a bound-
ary with the Conservation Area is consistent with 
applicable law, nothing in this title concerning the 
establishment of the Conservation Area prohibits or 
limits the use or conduct of the activity. 
(b) WITHDRAWALS.—Subject to valid existing rights, 
all public land within the Conservation Area, including any 
land or interest in land that is acquired by the United 
States within the Conservation Area after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, is withdrawn from— 
(1) entry, appropriation or disposal under the 
public land laws; 
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining 
laws; and 
(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral 
materials, and geothermal leasing laws. 
(c) SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The establishment of the 
Conservation Area shall not affect the management 
status of any area within the boundary of the Con-
servation Area that is protected under the Clark 
County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(2) CONFLICT OF LAWS.—If there is a conflict 
between the laws applicable to an area described in 
paragraph (1) and this title, the more restrictive 
provision shall control. 
SEC. 204. VIRGIN VALLEY WATER DISTRICT. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the Sec-
retary shall manage the area to allow continued and rea-
sonable use and access by the Virgin Valley Water Dis-
trict, including use of motorized vehicles and equipment, 
within its rights-of-way, to access, monitor, maintain, and 
operate water diversions, facilities, and improvements fa-
cilitating lawful beneficial use of its existing and future 
water rights appropriated under applicable State law. 
SEC. 205. GOLD BUTTE NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA 
ADVISORY COUNCIL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
establish an advisory council, to be known as the ‘‘Gold 
Butte National Conservation Area Advisory Council’’. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Advisory Council shall advise the 
Secretary with respect to the preparation and implementa-
tion of the management plan. 
(c) APPLICABLE LAW.—The Advisory Council shall 
be subject to— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App.); and 
(2) the Federal Land Policy and Management 
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). 
(d) MEMBERS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Council shall 
include 13 members to be appointed by the Sec-
retary, of whom, to the extent practicable— 
(A) 4 members shall be appointed after 
considering the recommendations of the Mes-
quite, Nevada, City Council; 
(B) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Bunker-
ville, Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(C) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Moapa 
Valley, Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(D) 1 member shall be appointed after 
considering the recommendations of the Moapa, 
Nevada, Town Advisory Board; 
(E) 1 member shall be appointed after con-
sidering the recommendations of the Moapa 
Band of Paiutes Tribal Council; and 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(F) 5 at-large members from the County 
shall be appointed after considering the rec-
ommendations of the County Commission. 
(2) 
SPECIAL
APPOINTMENT
CONSIDER-
ATIONS.—The at-large members appointed under 
paragraph (1)(F) shall have backgrounds that re-
flect— 
(A) the purposes for which the Conserva-
tion Area was established; and 
(B) the interests of persons affected by the 
planning and management of the Conservation 
Area. 
(3) REPRESENTATION.—The Secretary shall en-
sure that the membership of the Advisory Council is 
fairly balanced in terms of the points of view rep-
resented and the functions to be performed by the 
Advisory Council. 
(4) INITIAL
APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall appoint the initial members of 
the Advisory Council in accordance with paragraph 
(1). 
(e) DUTIES OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.—The Advi-
sory Council shall advise the Secretary with respect to the 
preparation and implementation of the management plan, 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
Advisory Council shall serve for the remainder of the 
term for which the predecessor was appointed. 
(j) TERMINATION.—The Advisory Council shall ter-
minate not later than 3 years after the date on which the 
final version of the management plan is published. 
TITLE 
III—DESIGNATION 
OF 
WILDERNESS 
AREAS 
IN 
CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA 
SEC. 301. ADDITIONS TO NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESER-
VATION SYSTEM. 
(a) ADDITIONS.—In furtherance of the Wilderness 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following public land 
administered by the National Park Service or the Bureau 
of Land Management in the County is designated as wil-
derness and as components of the National Wilderness 
Preservation System: 
(1) VIRGIN PEAK WILDERNESS.—Certain public 
land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 
comprising approximately 18,296 acres, as generally 
depicted on the Map, which shall be known as the 
‘‘Virgin Peak Wilderness’’. 
(2) BLACK RIDGE WILDERNESS.—Certain pub-
lic land managed by the Bureau of Land Manage-
ment, comprising approximately 18,192 acres, as 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known 
as the ‘‘Black Ridge Wilderness’’. 
(3) BITTER RIDGE NORTH WILDERNESS.—Cer-
tain public land managed by the Bureau of Land 
Management 
comprising 
approximately 
15,114 
acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall 
be known as the ‘‘Bitter Ridge North Wilderness’’. 
(4) BITTER RIDGE SOUTH WILDERNESS.—Cer-
tain public land managed by the Bureau of Land 
Management, 
comprising 
approximately 
12,646 
acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall 
be known as the ‘‘Bitter Ridge Wilderness’’. 
(5) BILLY GOAT PEAK WILDERNESS.—Certain 
public land managed by the Bureau of Land Man-
agement, comprising approximately 30,460 acres, as 
generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known 
as the ‘‘Billy Goat Peak Wilderness’’. 
(6) MILLION
HILLS
WILDERNESS.—Certain 
public land managed by the Bureau of Land Man-
agement, comprising approximately 24,818 acres, as 
generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known 
as the ‘‘Million Hills Wilderness’’. 
(7) LAKE MEAD WILDERNESS.—Certain public 
land within the Lake Mead National Recreation 
Area, comprising approximately 102,032 acres, as 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known 
as the ‘‘Lake Mead Wilderness’’. 
(b) NATIONAL
LANDSCAPE
CONSERVATION
SYS-
TEM.—The wilderness areas administered by the Bureau 
of Land Management shall be administered as components 
of the National Landscape Conservation System. 
(c) ROAD OFFSET.—The boundary of any portion of 
a wilderness area that is bordered by a road shall be at 
least 100 feet away from the centerline of the road so as 
not to interfere with public access. 
(d) LAKE OFFSET.—The boundary of any portion of 
a wilderness area that is bordered by Lake Mead or the 
Colorado River shall be 300 feet inland from the high 
water line. 
(e) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall file a map and legal description of each wilder-
ness area with the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate. 
(2) EFFECT.—Each map and legal description 
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and 
effect as if included in this title, except that the Sec-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
retary may correct clerical and typographical errors 
in the map or legal description. 
(3) AVAILABILITY.—Each map and legal de-
scription under paragraph (1) shall be on file and 
available for public inspection in the appropriate of-
fices of the Bureau of Land Management and the 
National Park Service. 
SEC. 302. ADMINISTRATION. 
(a) MANAGEMENT.—Subject to valid existing rights, 
the wilderness areas shall be administered by the Sec-
retary in accordance with 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 the 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) INCORPORATION OF ACQUIRED LAND AND IN-
TERESTS.—Any land or interest in land within the bound-
aries of a wilderness area that is acquired by the United 
States after the date of the enactment of this Act shall 
be added to, and administered as part of, the wilderness 
area within which the acquired land or interest is located. 
(c) WATER RIGHTS.— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
(A) the land designated as a wilderness 
area— 
(i) is within the Mojave Desert; 
(ii) is arid in nature; and 
(iii) includes ephemeral streams; 
(B) the hydrology of the land designated 
as a wilderness area is locally characterized by 
complex flow patterns and alluvial fans with im-
permanent channels; 
(C) the subsurface hydrogeology of the re-
gion within which the land designated as a wil-
derness area is located is characterized by 
ground water subject to local and regional flow 
gradients and artesian aquifers; 
(D) the land designated as a wilderness 
area is generally not suitable for use or develop-
ment of new water resource facilities; 
(E) there are no actual or proposed water 
resource facilities and no opportunities for di-
version, storage, or other uses of water occur-
ring outside the land designated as a wilderness 
area that would adversely affect the wilderness 
or other values of the land; and 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(F) because of the unique nature and hy-
drology of the desert land designated as a wil-
derness area and the existence of the Clark 
County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
Plan, it is possible to provide for proper man-
agement and protection of the wilderness, pe-
rennial springs, and other values of the land in 
ways different than the methods used in other 
laws. 
(2) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.— 
(A) NO
RESERVATION.—Nothing in this 
title constitutes an express or implied reserva-
tion by the United States of any water or water 
rights with respect to the land designated as a 
wilderness area. 
(B) STATE RIGHTS.—Nothing in this title 
affects any water rights in the State existing on 
the date of the enactment of this Act, including 
any water rights held by the United States. 
(C) NO PRECEDENT.—Nothing in this sub-
section establishes a precedent with regard to 
any future wilderness designations. 
(D) NO EFFECT ON COMPACTS.—Nothing 
in this title limits, alters, modifies, or amends 
any of the interstate compacts or equitable ap-
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
portionment decrees that apportion water 
among and between the State and other States. 
(3) NEVADA WATER LAW.—The Secretary shall 
follow the procedural and substantive requirements 
of State law in order to obtain and hold any water 
rights not in existence on the date of the enactment 
of this Act with respect to the land designated as a 
wilderness area. 
(4) NEW PROJECTS.— 
(A) DEFINITION.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—In this paragraph, 
the term ‘‘water resource facility’’ means 
irrigation and pumping facilities, res-
ervoirs, water conservation works, aque-
ducts, canals, ditches, pipelines, wells, hy-
dropower projects, and transmission and 
other ancillary facilities, and other water 
diversion, storage, and carriage structures. 
(ii) EXCLUSION.—In this paragraph, 
the term ‘‘water resource facility’’ does not 
include wildlife guzzlers. 
(B) NO
LICENSES
OR
PERMITS.—Except 
as otherwise provided in this title, on and after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, neither 
the President nor any other officer, employee, 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
or agent of the United States shall fund, assist, 
authorize, or issue a license or permit for the 
development of any new water resource facility 
within the land designated as a wilderness area. 
(d) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing rights, 
any Federal land within the wilderness areas, including 
any land or interest in land that is acquired by the United 
States within the Conservation Area after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, is withdrawn from— 
(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the 
public land laws; 
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining 
laws; and 
(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral 
materials, and geothermal leasing laws. 
SEC. 303. ADJACENT MANAGEMENT. 
(a) NO BUFFER ZONES.—Congress does not intend 
for the designation of land as wilderness areas to lead to 
the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones 
around the wilderness areas. 
(b) NONWILDERNESS ACTIVITIES.—The fact that 
nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from 
areas within a wilderness area shall not preclude the con-
duct of those activities or uses outside the boundary of 
the wilderness area. 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
SEC. 304. MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND EMERGENCY 
OVERFLIGHTS. 
Nothing in this Act restricts or precludes— 
(1) low-level overflights of military, law enforce-
ment, or emergency medical services aircraft over 
the area designated as wilderness by this Act, in-
cluding military, law enforcement, or emergency 
medical services overflights that can be seen or 
heard within the wilderness area; 
(2) flight testing and evaluation; or 
(3) the designation or creation of new units of 
special use airspace, or the establishment of military, 
law enforcement, or emergency medical services 
flight training routes, over the wilderness area. 
SEC. 305. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS. 
(a) FINDING.—Congress finds that, for the purposes 
of section 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Manage-
ment Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782), the Bureau of Land 
Management land in any portion of the wilderness study 
areas located within the Conservation Area not designated 
as a wilderness area has been adequately studied for wil-
derness designation. 
(b) RELEASE.—Any Bureau of Land Management 
land described in subsection (a) that is not designated as 
a wilderness area— 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
(1) is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 
(43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); 
(2) shall be managed in accordance with— 
(A) the land management plans adopted 
under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 
1712); and 
(B) cooperative conservation agreements in 
existence on the date of the enactment of this 
Act; and 
(3) shall be subject to the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). 
SEC. 306. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS 
USES. 
Nothing in this title diminishes— 
(1) the rights of any Indian tribe; or 
(2) tribal rights regarding access to Federal 
land for tribal activities, including spiritual, cultural, 
and traditional food-gathering activities. 
SEC. 307. WILDLIFE, WILDFIRE, INSECT, AND DISEASE MAN-
AGEMENT; DATA COLLECTION. 
(a) IN
GENERAL.—In accordance with section 
4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), 
nothing in this title affects or diminishes the jurisdiction 
of the State with respect to fish and wildlife management, 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS
including the regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, 
in the wilderness areas. 
(b) MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In furtherance of the pur-
poses and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 
U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), management activities to 
maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations and 
the habitats to support the populations may be car-
ried out within the wilderness areas, if the activi-
ties— 
(A) are consistent with relevant wilderness 
management plans; and 
(B) are carried out in accordance with ap-
propriate policies, such as those set forth in Ap-
pendix B of House Report 101–405. 
(2) USE OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES.—The man-
agement activities under paragraph (1) may include 
the occasional and temporary use of motorized vehi-
cles, if the use, as determined by the Secretary, 
would— 
(A) promote healthy, viable, and more nat-
urally distributed wildlife populations that 
would enhance wilderness values; and 
VerDate Mar 15 2010 
20:59 Jun 12, 2013
Jkt 029200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H2276.IH
H2276
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with BILLS