REC Act of 2022

Bill: 117-hr-7665
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Introduced: 2022-05-06
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Community life and organization

Emergency planning and evacuation

Federal-Indian relations

Fires

Forests, forestry, trees

Geography and mapping

Government studies and investigations

Indian lands and resources rights

Land use and conservation

Law enforcement administration and funding

Oregon

Parks, recreation areas, trails

Roads and highways

Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats
Latest action: action_date: 2022-05-11
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Summaries:
action_date: 2022-05-06
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><strong>Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Recreation Enhancement and Conservation Act of 2022 or the REC Act of 2022</strong></p> <p>This bill establishes programs and requirements to support the conservation of and recreational access to the Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill establishes within Mount Hood National Forest one or more Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones to protect and enhance treaty resources, protect reservations from wildfires, and enable a co-management strategy between the Forest Service and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.</p> <p>The bill expands the Mount Hood National Recreation Area. The bill also requires the publication of a comprehensive sustainable recreation management plan for the recreation area and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It also establishes Centers for Recreation Excellence to support the management and enhancement of outdoor recreation in these areas.</p> <p>Additionally, the bill </p> <ul> <li>provides for a wildfire assessment that covers Mount Hood National Forest, federal land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and any adjacent private, state, or tribal land; </li> <li>designates specified river segments in Oregon as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and specified areas in Oregon as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System;</li> <li> establishes committees to develop strategies for sustainable access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount Hood National Forest; and </li> <li>requires the Department of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to provide search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services.</li> </ul>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7665 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 6, 2022 Mr. Blumenauer introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources , and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To provide for conservation and recreation enhancement for Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and for other purposes.

1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge Recreation Enhancement and Conservation Act of 2022 or the REC Act of 2022 . (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Honoring Tribal Treaty Rights Sec. 101. Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones, Mount Hood National Forest. Title II—Enhancing Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Sec. 201. Enhancing recreation management on the Mount Hood National Forest. Sec. 202. Enhancing recreation management in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Sec. 203. Establishing recreation centers for excellence. Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations. Title III—Wildfire Planning, Mitigation, and Rehabilitation Sec. 301. Wildfire assessment and mitigation planning. Sec. 302. Rehabilitating recreational infrastructure post wildfire. Sec. 303. Authorization of appropriations. Title IV—Protection of Special Places Sec. 401. Preservation of wilderness. Sec. 402. Preservation of wild and scenic rivers. Sec. 403. Enhancement of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Sec. 404. Honoring Nancy Russell. Sec. 405. Authorization of appropriations. Title V—Modernizing Transit and Transportation Sec. 501. Establishing a Columbia River Gorge Access Committee. Sec. 502. Establishing a Mount Hood Access Committee. Sec. 503. Authorization of appropriations. Title VI—Miscellaneous Sec. 601. Improving public safety. Sec. 602. Rules of construction. I Honoring Tribal Treaty Rights 101. Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones, Mount Hood National Forest (a) In general Subtitle C of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 1007) is amended by adding at the end the following: 1208. Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones (a) Definitions In this section: (1) National forest The term National Forest means the Mount Hood National Forest in the State. (2) Reservation The term Reservation means the reservation of the Tribe. (3) Treaty The term Treaty means the Treaty between the United States and the confederated tribes and bands of Indians in Middle Oregon, concluded at Wasco June 25, 1855 (12 Stat. 963). (4) Tribe The term Tribe means the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. (5) Zone The term Zone means an Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zone established under subsection (b)(1). (6) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Establishment (1) In general There is established within the area of the National Forest described in paragraph (3) one or more zones, each of which shall be known as an Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zone , consisting of any area within the National Forest with respect to which the Tribe and the Secretary enter into a memorandum of understanding under subsection (c)(1) to protect and enhance Treaty resources or to protect the Reservation from wildfire. (2) Purposes The purposes of the Zones are— (A) to meet the trust responsibility of the United States in protecting the exercise of off-Reservation Treaty rights reserved by the Treaty in the National Forest; (B) to ensure that land and resource management priorities in the Zones maintain and enhance resources, activities, and access reserved by the Treaty; (C) to protect Treaty rights and resources and the Reservation from wildfire, drought, and insect and disease outbreaks in the National Forest; (D) to recognize and integrate indigenous knowledge (including traditional ecological knowledge) as an important part of the best available scientific information that is used in forest and resource management areas within the Zones; (E) to improve the technical understanding of Forest Service employees in the National Forest with respect to the trust responsibilities of the Federal Government (including the application of those responsibilities to ongoing forest management processes and practices); and (F) to enable a co-management strategy between the Forest Service and the Tribe. (3) Scope The authority of this section applies to any area within the boundaries of the National Forest in which the Tribe retains Treaty rights. (c) Management strategy (1) Memorandum of understanding Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Tribe— (A) to better fulfill the trust relationship between the United States and the Tribe by ensuring that the Forest Service includes the Tribe in the land and resource management decision-making process in the Zones to avoid adverse effects on Treaty rights and management of the resources on which the Treaty rights depend; and (B) to cooperatively develop a management strategy for the Zones, including guiding documents for the management of the National Forest and ecosystems for Treaty rights and resources within the Zones. (2) Requirements A memorandum of understanding entered into under paragraph (1) shall— (A) include an assessment of wildfire risk to— (i) the Reservation from the National Forest; and (ii) Treaty and cultural resources within the National Forest; (B) provide that forest restoration and management planning within the Zones includes, and is guided by reserved Treaty rights, and the resources on which the Treaty rights depend, including by establishing— (i) vegetation treatment objectives; (ii) botanical treatment objectives; (iii) wildlife habitat restoration treatment objectives; and (iv) objectives for reducing wildfire risks to Treaty resources and the Reservation; (C) provide project planning maps, timelines, and goals for Zones to further the purposes of the Zones described in subsection (b)(2), including— (i) targets for acres treated to effectively reduce fire risks in the Zones; and (ii) targets for acres restored for deer and elk habitat (including cover and forage), habitat for cultural plant communities, and other Treaty resources in the Zones; (D) (i) address the planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management of forest projects and management activities in the Zones; and (ii) provide for reporting on the activities described in clause (i); and (E) include requirements that no roads, temporary or permanent, shall be constructed within a Zone except as necessary— (i) to meet the requirements for the administration of a Zone; (ii) to protect public health and safety; (iii) to respond to an emergency; and (iv) for the control of fire, insects, or diseases, subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (3) Road maintenance Subject to appropriations, the Secretary shall maintain existing roads determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Tribe, to be necessary for authorized existing uses and the administration of a Zone. The requirement under this paragraph shall continue and be included in any memorandum of understanding entered into under paragraph (1). (4) Valid existing rights The designation of a Zone shall be subject to valid existing rights. (5) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, all public land within a Zone, and all land and interests in land acquired by the United States within a Zone, shall be 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) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. (6) Deadlines To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall— (A) not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, ratify a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1); and (B) not later than the date that is 2 years and 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, complete a management strategy for the Zones. (d) Requirements for implementation In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable— (1) use all existing authorities available to the Secretary, including, as applicable— (A) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 ( 25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq. ); (B) the good neighbor authority under section 8206 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 ( 16 U.S.C. 2113a ); (C) title XXVI of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 ( 25 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ); (D) stewardship end result contracting authority under section 604 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591c ); (E) section 102 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5321 ); and (F) the authority to enter into contracts with the Tribe to expedite projects, on request by the Tribe, under section 8703 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 ( 25 U.S.C. 3115b ); (2) develop a programmatic analysis for integrating the management strategy for the Zones under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); and (3) pursue a programmatic biological assessment to implement the actions analyzed under paragraph (2) under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1536 ). (e) Review of MOU No later than every 5 years following the completion of a memorandum of understanding entered into under subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall, in coordination with the Tribe, review the accomplishments of the memorandum of understanding to determine if the memorandum of understanding shall be extended or modified. (f) Funding agreement The Secretary shall develop a funding agreement with the Tribe, including the use of appropriated funding, to ensure that the Tribe, in partnership with the Forest Service, has the capacity to participate in designing, implementing, and monitoring projects within the Zones. (g) Monitoring (1) In general The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the Tribe under which the Tribe may, at the discretion of the Tribe— (A) review and provide comments on any land management prescriptions developed by the Secretary for the Zones; (B) monitor— (i) the long-term effectiveness of restoration and management treatments of actions carried out in the Zones; and (ii) any other action or lack of action that is detrimental to the purposes of the Zones; and (C) share any other information with the Forest Service that the Tribe determines to be necessary to further the purposes of the Zones. (h) Management of cultural foods obligations (1) In general If section 1207(c) of Public Law 111–11 has not been completed as of the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall complete a management plan in accordance with that paragraph within 180 days of enactment of this section. (2) Definition of cultural foods For purposes of a management plan for cultural foods obligations for the National Forest completed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that the definition of the term cultural foods shall be defined by the Tribe. (3) Inclusion On completion, the management plan for cultural food obligations for the National Forest may be included in the management strategy for the Zones developed under subsection (c). (i) Forest management plans To the maximum extent practicable, any revisions to the National Forest management plan applicable to the National Forest under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq. ) shall— (1) be made in consultation with the Tribe; (2) be consistent with the management strategy for the Zones; and (3) protect Treaty rights, and allow management of the resources on which the Treaty rights depend, for purposes of considering any changes to the applicable management plan or land allocation under the applicable management plan. (j) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. (2) Authority to use other funds The Secretary may use existing funds of the Forest Service and Forest Service program revenue generated from forest restoration activities to carry out the management plan for the Zone. (k) Effect Nothing in this section enlarges, establishes, or diminishes the rights of any Indian Tribe, including— (1) the exercise of hunting, fishing, gathering, and pasturing of livestock rights in usual and accustomed areas; or (2) Indian hunting, fishing, or gathering activities conducted under an agreement with the State. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 991) is amended by inserting after the matter relating to section 1207 the following: 1208. Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones. . II Enhancing Sustainable Outdoor Recreation 201. Enhancing recreation management on the Mount Hood National Forest (a) In general Section 1204 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 460uuu ) is amended— (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) Designation (1) In general There is established the Mount Hood National Recreation Area within the Mount Hood National Forest (in this section referred to as the Area ). (2) Purposes The purposes of establishing the Mount Hood National Recreation Area under paragraph (1) include providing for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of— (A) outdoor recreational values, including— (i) equitable access to a diversity of high-quality, environmentally sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in such Area; and (ii) the natural resources that support recreation in such Area; and (B) other values with respect to such Area, including Tribal treaty rights, cultural, spiritual, ecological, scenic, historical, geological, climate, carbon storage and sequestration, scientific, and native fish and wildlife values. ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking 34,550 acres and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 349,877 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed and Existing National Recreation Areas . ; (3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) Map and legal description (1) Submission of map As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of the REC Act of 2022 , the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, shall— (A) make the map entitled Proposed and Existing National Recreation Areas , available for public inspection and download on the publicly available website of each of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior; and (B) file such map with— (i) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and (ii) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (2) Force of law The map filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in the REC Act of 2022 , except that the Secretary may correct typographical errors in the map. (3) Public availability The map filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior. ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting , in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior as appropriate, after the word Secretary ; and (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) Applicable law (A) Wilderness Any portion of a wilderness area that is located within the Area shall be administered in accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. ). (B) Wild and scenic rivers Any portion of a wild and scenic river that is located within the Area shall be administered in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq. ), except to the extent that such Act requires a legal description to be filed with respect to such portion. (C) National scenic & historic trails Any portion of a national scenic trail or historic trail that is located within the Area shall be administer in accordance with the National Trails System Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq. ). ; (5) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows: (e) Timber The cutting, sale, or removal of timber within the Area may be permitted— (1) to the extent necessary to improve forest health in a manner that— (A) maximizes the retention of large trees— (i) as appropriate to the forest type; and (ii) to the extent that the trees promote stands that are fire-resilient and healthy; (B) improves the habitats of threatened, endangered, or sensitive species, such as by restoring wildlife connectivity; (C) maintains or restores the composition and structure of the ecosystem by reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire; (D) improves watershed conditions; (E) improves scenic character; or (F) increases carbon storage and sequestration wherever possible; (2) to accomplish an approved management activity in furtherance of the purposes described in subsection (a) if the cutting, sale, or removal of timber is incidental to the management activity; (3) for de minimus personal or administrative use within the Area, so long as such use does not impair a purpose described in subsection (a); (4) for purposes of maintaining reliability or wildfire resiliency of utility infrastructure (as defined in section 201(f) of the REC Act of 2022) and reducing fire risk to such infrastructure; or (5) to implement activities under the wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan described in section 301 of the REC Act of 2022. ; and (6) in subsection (f)— (A) in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting system after new ; (B) in paragraph (4), by striking or ; (C) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (6) to address wildfires, consistent with the purposes in subsection (a), except a temporary road— (A) may not be located in an area designated as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System; and (B) shall be administered in accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. ). . (b) Comprehensive Sustainable Recreation Management Plan (1) In general The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior where appropriate, shall complete and publish a comprehensive sustainable recreation management plan for the Mount Hood National Recreation Area (in this section referred to as the Area ) designated under subsection (a) of section 1204 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 460uuu ). (2) Purpose The purpose of the management plan required under this section is to ensure sustainable management of the Area with considerations for existing uses and resources, future uses and limitations, and opportunities to increase the social, ecological, and economic sustainability in recreation management and infrastructure. (3) Timeline The plan required under paragraph (1) shall be completed and published not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and updated every 10 years thereafter. (4) Public review and community involvement The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (A) make a draft of the plan required under paragraph (1) available for public comment for a period of not less than 90 days; and (B) provide other opportunities for public engagement, including, with respect to such plan, consideration of the analysis and comments of relevant experts, State and local agencies, community partners, and other relevant interested parties, and consultation with affected Indian Tribes. (5) Content The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the plan required under paragraph (1)— (A) is consistent with the purposes described in subsection (a) of section 1204 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 460uuu ); (B) identifies and addresses issues related to equity (as such term is defined in section 2 of Executive Order 13985 (86 Fed. Reg. 7009)) and inclusion; and (C) uses the best available science. (6) Consultation In developing and carrying out the plan required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon to ensure that the plan does not conflict with section 1208 of subtitle C of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 1007), as added by this Act. (7) Other requirements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall— (A) be developed in accordance with applicable law and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); and (B) include the following elements: (i) Recreation A comprehensive assessment of the recreation program within the Area, including— (I) existing recreation infrastructure and recreation use, including recreation user experience; (II) the efficacy of existing management strategies to enhance recreation user experiences, reduce recreation-related conflicts, ensure equitable access to high-quality recreation opportunities, and improve recreation infrastructure; and (III) a plan for more effective management and recreation enhancement to meet existing and future recreation needs. (ii) Transportation A comprehensive assessment of recreation access issues related to National Forest System roads and road-related infrastructure in the Area, including— (I) existing infrastructure and recreation user experience on National Forest System roads; (II) an analysis of issues related to access, traffic, and parking; and (III) a plan for more effective management and recreation enhancement on National Forest System roads to meet existing and future transportation needs. (iii) Public safety A comprehensive assessment of public safety management with respect to recreation in the Area, including— (I) existing public safety resources and recreation user experience with respect to public safety; (II) an analysis of deficiencies and risk; and (III) a plan to enhance public safety and meet existing and future public safety needs. (iv) Natural resource protection and enhancement A comprehensive assessment of ecological carrying capacity for recreation within the Area, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, including— (I) existing resources for natural resource protection and enhancement; (II) an analysis of ecological impacts and risks, including risks from climate change and wildfire; and (III) a plan to ensure that natural resources are enhanced and protected in managing the Area. (v) Permits and leases A comprehensive assessment of permits and leases in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act within the Area and how such permits and leases shall be permitted to continue— (I) subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary of Agriculture consider necessary; (II) subject to applicable law; and (III) in a manner compatible with the purposes and values described in subsection (a) of section 1204 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 460uuu ), as amended by this Act. (c) Conversion of a portion of abbot road (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of Agriculture shall— (A) convert a portion of Abbot Road, part of Forest Service Road 4610 to a non-motorized trail; (B) close Abbot Road to motorized use by gate, barrier, or other effective means, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture; and (C) locate the— (i) west end of the closure required under subparagraph (B) in the NE1/4 of section 13, T4S, R6E, WM; and (ii) east end of the closure required under subparagraph (B) at the intersection of Forest Service Road 4610 and Forest Service Road 4610–220. (2) Monitoring and maintenance The Secretary of Agriculture shall assess and manage existing use of the non-motorized trail converted under paragraph (1), including unauthorized use, to limit disturbance to native wildlife and protect wilderness character, in accordance with the best available science. (d) Compliance with Indian treaty resource emphasis zones The plan required under subsection (b)(1), and activities carried out under the plan, may not conflict section 1208 of subtitle C of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 1007), as added by this Act. (e) Rules of construction (1) Leases applicable to the area Nothing in this section affects the lease or management of recreation residences within the Area. (2) Crystal springs watershed special resources management unit Nothing in this section affects the Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resources Management Unit established under section 1205(a) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 539n ). (3) Management guidelines Nothing in this section affects the management guidelines within the Special Use Permit area boundaries for ski areas, campgrounds, resorts, or related recreation permit holders in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act in the Area. (f) Definition of utility infrastructure In this section, the term utility infrastructure means infrastructure related to power lines, poles, structures, communications, or equipment, both overhead and underground, including appurtenances, used to support energy generation, transmission, or distribution. 202. Enhancing recreation management in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture shall complete and publish a comprehensive plan for sustainable recreation management within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (in this section referred to as the Scenic Area ). (b) Purpose The purpose of the plan required under subsection (a) is to increase the social, ecological, and economic sustainability of recreation management and infrastructure in the Scenic Area. (c) Timeline The plan required under subsection (a) shall be published not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and updated every 10 years thereafter. (d) Public review and community involvement The Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) make a draft of the plan required under subsection (a) available for public comment for a period of not less than 90 days; and (2) provide opportunities in addition to paragraph (1) for public engagement, including, with respect to such plan, consideration of the analysis and comments of relevant experts, State and local agencies, community partners, and other relevant interested parties, as determined by the Secretary, and consultation with affected Indian Tribes. (e) Content The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the plan required under subsection (a)— (1) considers outdoor recreational values, including— (A) equitable access to a diversity of high-quality, environmentally sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities in the Scenic Area; (B) the natural features that support recreation in the Scenic Area; and (C) other values with respect to the Scenic Area, including Tribal treaty rights, cultural, spiritual, ecological, scenic, historical, geological, climate, carbon storage and sequestration, scientific, and native fish and wildlife values; (2) identifies and addresses issues related to equity (as such term is defined in section 2 of Executive Order 13985 (86 Fed. Reg. 7009)) and inclusion; and (3) uses the best available science. (f) Other requirements The plan required under subsection (a) shall— (1) be developed in accordance with applicable law and regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); and (2) include the following elements— (A) a description of recreation infrastructure and resources across jurisdictional boundaries in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that exist on the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) a description of management strategies and resources for sustainable recreation in the Scenic Area that exist on the date of the enactment of this Act; (C) an analysis of ecological impacts and risks of current and future recreation use, including wildfire risk; (D) a plan for more effective management, including recreation and natural resource enhancement; and (E) a comprehensive assessment of— (i) permits and leases in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act within the Area; and (ii) how such permits and leases shall be permitted to continue, subject to applicable law. (g) Special studies The plan required under subsection (a), shall conduct certain studies to assess recreation trail initiatives, including the development of— (1) a set of interconnected trails that connect municipalities to trails around the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area; and (2) a trail connection between the Oregon communities of Mosier and The Dalles. 203. Establishing recreation centers for excellence (a) In general Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall establish a Center for Recreation Excellence (in this section referred to as the Centers ) in each of the Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. (b) Name The Centers shall be named after Mary Gautreaux. (c) Purpose The purpose of the Centers is to facilitate the management and enhancement of outdoor recreation on the Mount Hood National Forest and in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in accordance with this title and the amendment made by this title. (d) Areas of focus Each Center shall, with respect to the area such Center serves— (1) in coordination with other relevant units of the Forest Service, facilitate the management and enhancement of outdoor recreation on the Mount Hood National Forest and in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and ensure that the initiatives undertaken by the Centers will not detract from efforts in neighboring units, in accordance with this title and the amendment made by this title; (2) subject to availability of funds, hire additional staff to enhance management of recreation, including staff focused on trail and related recreation infrastructure and engagement of underserved communities (as such term is defined in section 2 of Executive Order 13985 (86 Fed. Reg. 7009)); (3) meaningfully engage the public, including Tribes, in— (A) addressing trail stewardship priorities and other recreation infrastructure maintenance needs, and implementing activities to address those needs; (B) creating strategies to improve communication between the agency and partners regarding trail and other recreational infrastructure stewardship activities and priorities; (C) assessing and addressing short- and long-term needs related to recreation access and infrastructure for underserved communities; (D) addressing accessibility of recreation infrastructure, including trails, trailheads, parking, campgrounds, day-use areas, boat launches, and other recreation infrastructure for people with disabilities, including working with the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure this information is made publicly accessible; and (E) updated partnership guides that provide greater clarity and accessibility to individuals, groups, and organizations that wish to partner with a Center; (4) as needed, modernize federally owned equipment necessary to safely and effectively manage recreation infrastructure maintenance and enhancement; and (5) carry out other activities as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to enhance recreation and recreation infrastructure management. (e) Consistency In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that the Centers carry out activities that are consistent with this section, this title, and the amendment made by this title. (f) Agreements for stewardship of Federal land (1) Authority to enter into agreements The Secretary of Agriculture may enter into agreements with States, private agencies, organizations, institutions, corporations, individuals, or other entities to carry out one or more projects or programs with the Forest Service on Federal land within the Mount Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area lands in accordance with this subsection. (2) Project and program instructions The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in any agreement under paragraph (1) the desired outcomes of the project or program and the guidelines for the cooperators to follow, including— (A) the physical boundaries of the project or program; (B) the equipment the volunteers are authorized to use to complete the project or program; (C) the training the volunteers are required to complete, including agency consideration and incorporation of training offered by qualified nongovernmental organizations and volunteer partner organizations; (D) the actions the volunteers are authorized to take to complete the project or program; and (E) any other information that the Secretary determines necessary for the volunteer group to complete the project or program. (3) Authorized projects and programs Subject to paragraph (4), the Secretary of Agriculture may use agreements to carry out projects and programs for Federal land located in the Mount Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area that— (A) promote the stewardship of resources of Federal land by volunteers; (B) support maintaining the resources, trails, and facilities on Federal land in a sustainable manner; (C) increase awareness, understanding, and stewardship of Federal land through the development, publication, or distribution of educational materials and products; and (D) promote the use of Federal land as outdoor classrooms. (4) Conditions on use of authority The Secretary of Agriculture may use agreements under paragraph (3) to carry out a project or program for the Federal land only if the project or program— (A) complies with all Federal laws (including regulations) and policies; (B) with respect to any Federal recreational lands and waters involved, is consistent with an applicable management plan, including the plans required under— (i) section 1208 of subtitle C of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 1007), as added by this Act; and (ii) sections 201, 202, and 301; (C) is monitored by the relevant Federal land management agency during the project and after project completion to determine compliance with the instructions under paragraph (2); and (D) satisfies such other terms and conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture concerned determines to be appropriate. 204. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. III Wildfire Planning, Mitigation, and Rehabilitation 301. Wildfire assessment and mitigation planning (a) Purpose The purpose of the wildfire assessment and wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan required under subsection (a) is to identify, evaluate, and prioritize management activities to be implemented in the land described in subsection (b)(1) to mitigate and adapt to wildfire risk for communities, ecosystems, and responders. (b) Wildfire assessment (1) In general Not later than 280 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure a wildfire assessment is conducted that covers— (A) the Mount Hood National Forest; (B) Federal land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area; and (C) any private, State, or Tribal land adjacent to such areas, including the Warm Springs Reservation. (2) Assessment components The wildfire assessment required under paragraph (1) shall include an analysis of— (A) possible sources of ignition, both natural and human-caused; (B) wildfire likelihood and intensity, including estimated impacts to communities, ecosystems, Tribal treaty resources, and infrastructure and structures; and (C) underlying or overarching factors such as climate change and fire suppression that have, are, or will contribute to wildfire risk. (c) Wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date on which the wildfire assessment is conducted under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall develop a wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan, consistent with— (A) such wildfire assessment; (B) existing wildfire planning, preparedness, and implementation frameworks including Potential Operational Delineations; and (C) the best available science. (2) Plan components The wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan developed under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) noncommercial, science-based, ecological forest health and restoration treatments, including those informed by traditional cultural ecological knowledge, designed to promote the greatest amount of wildfire resiliency for the least amount of cost; (B) methods to reduce the threat posed by wildfires to communities within or near the land described in subsection (b)(1), including permit holders for structures on Federal lands, leased recreation residences, and owners of structures on inholdings on non-Federal lands; (C) methods to establish, restore, protect, and maintain fire-resilient forest structures containing late successional forest structure characterized by large trees and multistoried canopies, as ecologically appropriate; (D) evacuation routes for communities located within or near the land described in subsection (b)(1), which shall be developed in consultation with State and local fire agencies; (E) strategies for clear, accurate, and timely public dissemination of emergency evacuation plans and routes, including for permit holders, on the Federal lands covered by the wildfire assessment within or near the land described in subsection (b)(1); (F) opportunities for increased prescribed fire that reduces wildfire risk while also improving natural ecological function; (G) opportunities for use of managed wildland fire in appropriate forest types to restore more naturally resilient forest conditions and maintain or restore natural meadows; (H) identification, through spatial mapping or other means, of areas and conditions under which wildfires could be managed to reduce wildfire risk and improve natural ecological function; (I) opportunities to reduce the number of human-caused ignitions; (J) opportunities to address underlying and overarching factors such as climate change and fire suppression that have, are, or will contribute to wildfire risk; and (K) other items as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. (3) Coordination with local community To the extent practicable, the wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan developed under subsection (b)(1) shall give consideration to community wildfire protection plans developed by communities adjacent to the area described in such subsection. (4) Implementation The Secretary of Agriculture shall implement the wildfire mitigation and adaptation plan developed under subsection (b)(1) as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act. (5) Temporary road construction The Secretary of Agriculture— (A) may construct temporary roads within or near the land described in subsection (b)(1) to address wildfires, in accordance with applicable law; and (B) shall remediate such temporary roads as soon as practicable to meet the needs of ecosystem function in the area, based on the best available science. (d) Conflict of laws If there is a conflict between the laws applicable to this section, the more restrictive provision shall control. (e) Rule of construction Nothing in this section affects the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture (in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies, as appropriate) to conduct wildland fire operations within the land described in subsection (b)(1). 302. Rehabilitating recreational infrastructure post wildfire (a) In general With respect to the Mount Hood National Recreation Area and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Secretary of Agriculture— (1) shall— (A) in order to facilitate sustainable public access and enjoyment of such Areas, prioritize the rebuilding and rehabilitation of recreational infrastructure damaged due to wildfire; and (B) consider the construction of one or more wildfire interpretive kiosks to offer educational information on the role of wildfire in the forests of such Areas; and (2) may consider relocating recreation sites to nearby areas if ecological impacts of such sites could be reduced by such relocation. (b) Clarification on certain terms In this section, the terms infrastructure and structures do not include utility infrastructure (as defined in section 201(f)) or utility structures. 303. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $400,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. IV Protection of Special Places 401. Preservation of wilderness (a) Designation of wilderness areas In accordance with the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq. ), the following areas in the State of Oregon are designated as wilderness areas and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System: (1) Mount Hood wilderness additions Certain Federal land managed by the Forest Service, comprising approximately 5,427 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled Upper Sandy River Proposed Wilderness , Lower Vista Ridge Proposed Wilderness , and Coe Branch Proposed Wilderness , dated April 14, 2022, which is incorporated in, and considered to be a part of, the Mount Hood Wilderness, as designated under section 3(a) of the Wilderness Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1132(a) ) and enlarged by section 3(d) of the Endangered American Wilderness Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 1132 note). (2) Salmon-Huckleberry wilderness additions Certain Federal land managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 2,156 acres, as generally depicted on the maps entitled Alder Creek Proposed Wilderness , and Salmon River Proposed Wilderness , dated April 14, 2022, which is incorporated in, and considered to be a part of, the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, as designated by section 3(2) of the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 ( 16 U.S.C. 1132 note). (b) Maps (1) In general As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall file a map of each wilderness area designated under this section, 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 maps filed under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this section, except that the Secretary of Agriculture may correct typographical errors in the maps. (3) Public availability Each map filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. (4) Salmon-huckleberry wilderness boundary adjustment The boundary of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness-Mirror Lake addition to the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, as added by section 1202(a)(7) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 1132 note)— (A) is modified to exclude the approximately 6 acres of land generally depicted on the map entitled Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness-Technical Amendment dated April 14, 2022; and (B) such excluded land shall not be designated as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System. (c) Legal description not required Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a legal description shall not be required with respect to any wilderness area designated under this section. (d) Boundaries of certain wilderness areas The boundaries of each wilderness area designated under this section or title I, subtitle C of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( 16 U.S.C. 1132 note) that are immediately adjacent to a utility line, utility access road right-of-way, or a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission project boundary shall be 100 feet from the boundary of the right-of-way or the project boundary. 402. Preservation of wild and scenic rivers (a) Wild and scenic river additions Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1274(a) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (100)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii) respectively, and indenting appropriately; (B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated), by striking Those portions as follows: and inserting the following: (A) In general The following segments, to be administered in the following classes: ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (B) Additional segments (i) Mainstem The following segments, to be administered in the following classes: (I) The approximately 2.3-mile segment from the north boundary of the southwest 1/4 of the southeast 1/4 of section 21, township 2 south, range 6 east, as a recreational river; to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. (II) The approximately 6.8-mile segment from the south boundary of section 13, township 2 south, range 5 east, to the west boundaries of sections 8 and 17, township 2 south, range 5 east, as a recreational river; to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. (ii) Tributaries The following segments, to be administered in the following classes: (I) The approximately 9.4-mile segment of Lost Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with the Sandy River as a scenic river; to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. (II) The approximately 5.6-mile segment of the Clear Fork from its headwaters to its confluence with the Sandy River as a scenic river; to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. (III) The approximately 3.5-mile segment of North Boulder Creek from its headwaters to the western boundary of section 18, township 2 south, range 7 east, as a scenic river; to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Interior. (IV) The approximately 1.9-mile segment of the Little Sandy River in section 12, township 2 south, range 5 east, from the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit boundary to section 10, township 2 south, range 5 east, at the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit boundary as a scenic river; to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. ; (2) in paragraph (107)— (A) by striking subparagraphs (E) and (F); (B) by striking The 46.5-mile segment from its headwaters to its confluence with the Deschutes River in the following classes: and inserting Segments of the mainstem and certain tributaries, to be administered in the following classes: ; (C) by striking (A) The 2-mile segment and inserting the following: (A) Mainstem The approximately 47.1-mile segment from its headwaters to its confluence with the Deschutes River in the following classes: (i) The 2-mile segment ; (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (D) as clauses (ii) through (iv) respectively, and indenting appropriately; (E) in clause (ii) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking the 13.6-mile and inserting The 13.6-mile ; and (ii) by striking Agriculture; and inserting Agriculture. ; (F) in clause (iii) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking the 6.5-mile and inserting The 6.5-mile ; and (ii) by striking Agriculture; and inserting Agriculture. ; (G) in clause (iv) (as so redesignated)— (i) by striking the 17.5-mile and inserting The 17.5-mile ; and (ii) by striking Interior; and inserting Interior. ; (H) by inserting after clause (iv) (as so redesignated) the following: (v) The 7.5-mile segment from Three Mile Creek to its confluence with the Deschutes River as a recreational river; to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior. ; and (I) by adding at the end the following: (B) Tributaries The following segments: (i) The 8.2-mile segment of Boulder Creek from its headwaters to the pool of the diversion dam in section 27, township 4 south, range 10 east, as a wild river; to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. (ii) The 3.2-mile segment of Boulder Creek from 100 feet below the diversion dam in section 27, township 4 south, range 10 east, to its confluence with the White River as a scenic river; to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. ; (3) by amending paragraph (175) to read as follows: (175) Zigzag River, Oregon Segments of the mainstem and certain tributaries, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in the following classes: (A) Mainstem The following segments: (i) The 4.3-mile segment of the Zigzag River from its headwaters to the Mount Hood Wilderness boundary, as a wild river. (ii) The approximately 2.2-mile segment of the Zigzag River from the east boundary of section 15, township 3 south, range 8 east, to the confluence with Lady Creek, as a recreational river. (B) Tributaries The approximately 12.2-mile segment of Still Creek from the west boundary of the east 1/2 of the northwest 1/4 of section 25, township 3 south, range 8.5 east, to its confluence with the Zigzag River, as a recreational river. ; and (4) in paragraph (177)— (A) by striking The 13.5-mile and inserting the following: (A) Mainstem The 13.5-mile ; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Tributaries The following segments: (i) The 4.6-mile segment of Dog River from 0.1 miles below the diversion in section 11, township 2 south, range 10 east, to the Forest Service boundary, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a scenic river. (ii) The 6.1-mile segment of Cold Springs Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with the East Fork Hood River, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a wild river. . (b) New designations Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1274(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (231) West Fork Hood River, Oregon (A) Mainstem The approximately 5.6-mile segment of the West Fork Hood River from the confluence of McGee Creek and Elk Creek to the Mount Hood National Forest boundary in section 1, township 1 south, range 8.5 east, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a recreational river. (B) Tributaries (i) Lake branch The approximately 7.4-mile segment of the Lake Branch from the east boundary of the northwest 1/4 of section 9, township 1 south, range 8 east to the Mount Hood National Forest boundary, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a recreational river. (ii) McGee creek The approximately 5.6-mile segment of McGee Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with Elk Creek, to be administered by the Secretary Agriculture as a scenic river. (232) Middle Fork Fivemile Creek, Oregon The approximately 7.7-mile segment of Middle Fork Fivemile Creek from its headwaters to its confluence with South Fork Fivemile Creek, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a scenic river. . (c) Tribal land and treaty rights (1) In general Any land owned by an Indian Tribe or held in trust by the United States for the benefit of an Indian Tribe or member of an Indian Tribe shall not be included within the boundaries of a covered segment without the express consent of the governing body of such Indian Tribe or such member. (2) Consultation With respect to a covered segment that includes land described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as appropriate, consult, and enter into written cooperative management agreements, with the applicable Indian Tribe or member of an Indian Tribe for the planning, administration, and management of the covered segment, in accordance with section 10(e) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1281(e) ). (3) Effect of Act Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act affects, within a covered segment— (A) the jurisdiction or responsibilities of an Indian Tribe with respect to the management of fish, wildlife, land, or water; (B) the treaty or other rights of an Indian Tribe; (C) the claims of an Indian Tribe to water or land; (D) the rights or jurisdiction of Indian Tribes over water or any groundwater resource; or (E) a beneficial interest in land held in trust for by the United States for an Indian Tribe or a member of an Indian Tribe. (d) Covered segment defined In this section, the term covered segment means a segment of river designated by the amendments made by subsection (b). 403. Enhancement of Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall— (1) assess existing use of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in accordance with the National Trails System Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq. ) and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Management Plan of the Forest Service; and (2) in accordance with the National Forest Management Act of 1976 ( 16 U.S.C. 472a et seq. ) and part 219 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations) establish, though a land and resource management plan revision or amendment, management direction for the portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail within the Mount Hood National Forest, including desired conditions, standards, and guidelines to ensure adequate management and protection of the nature, purposes, significance, and fundamental resources and values of such Trail, and to enhance high quality recreation opportunities for travel on foot or horseback. 404. Honoring Nancy Russell (a) Renaming In honor of Nancy Russell’s inspiring tenacity and commitment to protecting the natural treasures of the Columbia River Gorge, the sections of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness on the maps entitled Proposed Rename, Nancy Russell Wilderness , dated December 17, 2020, shall hereafter be known and designated as the Nancy Russell Columbia River Gorge Wilderness . (b) References Any reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the sections referred to in subsection (a) shall be considered to be a reference to the Nancy Russell Columbia River Gorge Wilderness . (c) Signing The Secretary of Agriculture is not required to post signage where the Wilderness area renamed by subsection (a) shares a boundary with other existing wilderness areas. 405. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $300,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024. V Modernizing Transit and Transportation 501. Establishing a Columbia River Gorge Access Committee (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Columbia River Gorge Commission, shall establish a Columbia River Gorge Access Committee to develop a Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area access strategy described in subsection (g). (b) Purpose The purpose of the Committee established under subsection (a) is to establish a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-jurisdictional strategy to achieve safe, equitable, and ecologically sustainable access to recreation, tourism, and residential, cultural, and economic opportunities in the Area. (c) Members The Committee shall consist of not more than 25 members appointed jointly by the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation and include the following: (1) Not more than 8 representatives from Federal, State, and local government agencies with authority to manage public land or ports in the Area. (2) One representative from a Federal transportation agency, one representative from each of the Washington and Oregon transportation agencies, and one representative from government transportation agencies located within or adjacent to the Area. (3) One representative from public transit agencies located within or adjacent to the Area. (4) One representative from each of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and from any other affected Tribes, as determined by the Secretary. (5) Five representatives from tourism, recreation, bicycle or pedestrian groups, conservation, and urban and rural communities within the Area, including tourism alliances, economic development districts, and non-profit organizations (including organizations focused on environmental and transportation justice). (6) At least two representatives from underserved communities who reside in or visit the Area. (d) Meetings The Committee shall— (1) hold at least six meetings annually to develop the strategy described in subsection (g); and (2) provide opportunities for public engagement during strategy development. (e) Governance The Committee shall establish a system of internal governance, which may include the formation of subcommittees. (f) Coordination The Committee shall coordinate efforts with the Mount Hood Access Committee established under section 502. (g) Strategy The strategy required under subsection (a) shall— (1) provide coordinated, reliable, and user-friendly transportation and transit options for Area residents, employees, and visitors, including assessing a singular Gorge access pass; (2) through demand management strategies, reduce congestion on roadways serving the most-trafficked recreation areas of the Area, including the Historic Columbia River Highway; (3) improve recreational access, public safety, and emergency personnel access in such recreation areas; (4) provide sustainable funding or financing sources for implementing the strategy; (5) consider existing studies, reports, and other work products that are the result of collaborative discussions about the issues addressed by the strategy; (6) ensure that the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (5) can be addressed by the strategy for a period of at least 20 years; and (7) include a framework for implementation which may include jurisdictional transfer of recreation or transportation facilities, creating a transportation planning organization or a transportation management association, or suggested legislative or regulatory changes at the Federal, State, or local government levels. (h) Deadlines Not later than 1 year after the date the Committee is established under subsection (a), and once every two years thereafter, the Committee shall submit the strategy described in subsection (g) and a report on the implementation of such strategy to the Commission, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the Oregon State Legislature, and the Washington State Legislature. (i) Termination The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date the Committee is established under subsection (a). (j) Definitions In this section: (1) Area The term Area means the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. (2) Commission The term Commission means the Columbia River Gorge Commission established under section 5 of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act ( 16 U.S.C. 544c ). (3) Committee The term Committee means the Columbia River Gorge Access Committee established under subsection (a). (4) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. (5) Transportation demand management The term transportation demand management means the use of planning, programs, policy, marketing, communications, incentives, pricing, and technology to manage high demand for transportation facilities by shifting to alternative travel modes, routes, departure times, number of trips, and locations. 502. Establishing a Mount Hood Access Committee (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a Mt. Hood Access Committee to develop a Mount Hood Access Strategy described in subsection (g). (b) Purpose The purpose of the Committee established under subsection (a) is to establish a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-jurisdictional strategy to achieve safe, equitable, and ecologically sustainable access to recreation, tourism, and residential, cultural, and economic opportunities along U.S. Highways 26 and 35 within the Mount Hood National Forest. (c) Members The Committee shall consist of not more than 22 members appointed jointly by the Secretary and the Secretary of Transportation and include the following: (1) Not more than 6 representatives from Federal, State, and local government agencies with authority to manage public land in or adjacent to the Mount Hood National Forest. (2) One representative from a Federal transportation agency, one representative from the Oregon transportation agency, and one representative from county or regional government transportation entities. (3) One representative from local public transit agencies based in counties immediately adjacent to the Mount Hood National Forest. (4) One representative from each of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and from any other affected Tribes, as determined by the Secretary. (5) Six representatives from tourism, recreation, bicycle or pedestrian groups, conservation, and urban and rural communities, who live, work, operate, or recreate within the Mount Hood National Forest including organizations or agencies focused on tourism, economic development, and community resiliency (including organizations focused on environmental and transportation justice). (6) At least two representatives from underserved communities who reside in or near or visit the Mount Hood National Forest. (d) Meetings The Committee shall— (1) hold at least six meetings annually to develop the strategy described in subsection (g); and (2) provide opportunities for public engagement during strategy development. (e) Governance The Committee shall establish a system of internal governance, which may include the formation of subcommittees. (f) Coordination The Committee shall coordinate efforts with the Columbia River Gorge Access Committee established under section 501. (g) Strategy The strategy developed under this section shall— (1) provide coordinated, reliable, and user-friendly transportation and transit options for residents, employees, and visitors to the Mount Hood National Forest, particularly in the vicinity of Oregon State Highway 26 and Oregon State Highway 35; (2) improve multimodal transportation alternatives options between and among recreation areas and nearby communities, including Tribal communities, that are located within the Mount Hood region, with a focus on— (A) reducing congestion; (B) reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources; (C) providing reliable transit options, such as shuttle services, for residents, employees, and visitors; (D) improving access to transportation and transit infrastructure, such as park-and-ride facilities located at nearby communities, intermodal transportation centers to link public transportation, parking, and recreation destinations, including within or in close proximity to Government Camp; and (E) ensuring equitable access to transit opportunities to underserved communities who reside near or visit the Mount Hood region; (3) improving recreational access, public safety, and emergency personnel access within the Mount Hood National Forest, particularly along Oregon State Highways 26 and 35; (4) provide sustainable funding or financing sources for implementing the strategy; (5) consider existing studies, reports, and other work products that are the result of collaborative discussions about the issues addressed by the strategy; (6) ensure that the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (5) can be addressed by the strategy for a period of at least 20 years; and (7) include a framework for implementation which may include jurisdictional transfer of recreation or transportation facilities, creating a transportation planning organization or a transportation management association, or suggested legislative or regulatory changes at the Federal, State, or local government levels. (h) Deadlines Not later than 1 year after the date the Committee is established under subsection (a), and once every two years thereafter, the Committee shall submit the strategy described in subsection (g) and a report on the implementation of such strategy to the Commission, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the Oregon State Legislature, and the Washington State Legislature. (i) Termination The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date the Committee is established under subsection (a). (j) Definitions In this subsection: (1) Committee The term Committee means the Mount Hood Access Committee established under subsection (a). (2) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture. 503. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. VI Miscellaneous 601. Improving public safety (a) Supporting public safety partners In administering lands designated under this Act or the amendments made under this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Oregon or any political subdivision of the State of Oregon, Tribal governments, for the rendering, on a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis, of— (1) search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services; and (2) cooperative assistance by nearby law enforcement and fire management agencies, including Indian tribes. (b) Enhancing Federal public safety efforts The Secretary of Agriculture shall, for each of the Mount Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, hire 5 additional law enforcement officers (staff positions) who have undergone extensive and rigorous diversity, equity, and inclusion training, to help welcome historically marginalized communities onto National Forest System lands and to ensure public safety. (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated $3,500,000 for fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to carry out this section. 602. Rules of construction (a) Utilities (1) In general Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act— (A) affect any valid existing rights, including the right to maintain and repair facilities used to exercise valid existing rights; or (B) abrogate any existing right, privilege, or contract with respect to— (i) the operation, utility maintenance, modification, or replacement of existing utility lines, including power lines and power line systems, utility infrastructure, and associated utility access infrastructure, including existing roads; (ii) the carrying out of permitted and licensed utility activities, or the renewal of permits and licenses; or (iii) the ability of any utility to meet the operating requirement of a license in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act or a renewal of such a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or to access its facilities. (2) Definitions In this subsection: (A) Utility access infrastructure The term utility access infrastructure means access roads, trails, rights of way, or other access methods used to locate, construct, operate, maintain, repair, rebuild, upgrade, remove, or patrol utility infrastructure (as defined in section 201(f)). (B) Utility infrastructure The term utility infrastructure has the meaning given the term in section 201(f). (C) Utility maintenance The term utility maintenance — (i) means— (I) routine, non-routine, and emergency inspection, operations and maintenance activities conducted on utility infrastructure and utility access infrastructure; and (II) the routine and emergency management of incompatible vegetation and trees inside and outside the right of way on abutting land that could interfere with the reliability of the powerline according to the utility’s vegetation management program; and (ii) includes the use of motorized vehicles, motorized transport, or motorized or mechanized equipment. (b) Other rules (1) Bull run watershed Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, affects the Bull Run Watershed, or negates any laws, regulations, or provisions pertaining to the Bull Run Watershed, including Public Law 95–200 , as amended, and any closure orders applicable to the Bull Run Watershed Management Unit. (2) Treaties Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act, affects the exercise of reserved or outstanding rights provided for by a statute or treaty. (3) Rights of way Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, affects any existing rights of way in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (4) Water rights Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act— (A) affects any valid or vested water right in existence on the date of enactment of this Act; or (B) preempts the ability of the State of Oregon to administer water rights pursuant to State law and regulations. (5) Stream gauge administration Nothing in this Act, or the amendment made by this Act, affects the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of federally administered or State-administered stream gauges or any other similar science-based water quality or quantity measurement apparatus. (6) Fish and wildlife Nothing in this Act, or the amendment made by this Act affects the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State of Oregon with respect to fish and wildlife in the State of Oregon. (7) The Dalles Watershed Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, affects the special order closure of The Dalles Watershed, signed by the Supervisor of the Mount Hood National Forest and dated May 20, 1985. (8) Mount Hood Corridor Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, affects section 401 of the Oregon Resource Conservation Act of 1996 ( Public Law 104–208 ; 110 Stat. 3009–536). (9) Other laws Nothing in this Act modifies any obligation under— (A) the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ); (B) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. ); (C) the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); (D) the Record of Decision for Amendments to Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Planning Documents Within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl, dated April, 1994, and published by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture; or (E) any other law (including regulations), except as expressly provided in this Act.