119-hr1472

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1472 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
 H. R. 1472

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

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 February 21, 2025

 Ms. Hageman introduced the following bill; which was referred to the 
 Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

 A BILL

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

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

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

 This Act may be cited as the ``Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act 
of 2025''.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

 In this Act:

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

    (2) Range improvement.--The term ``range improvement'' has 
 the meaning given the term in 

section 3 of the Public 
 Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978 (43 U.S.C. 1902).

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

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

    (5) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means a 
 wilderness area designated by 

section 3.

SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.

 In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the 
following areas in the State are designated as wilderness and as 
components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:

    (1) Encampment river canyon wilderness.--
        (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered 
 by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 
 4,523.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
 entitled ``Proposed Encampment River Wilderness'' and 
 dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the 
 ``Encampment River Canyon Wilderness''.
        (B) Excluded land.--The following land is not 
 included in the Encampment River Canyon Wilderness:
            (i) Any land in the NW\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\ 
 

sec. 24, T. 14 N., R. 84 W.
            (ii) Any land within 100 feet of the 
 centerline of--
            (I) County Road 353; or
            (II) Water Valley Road.

    (2) Prospect mountain wilderness.--
        (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered 
 by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 
 1,099.76 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
 entitled ``Proposed Prospect Mountain Wilderness'' and 
 dated December 8, 2023, which shall be known as the 
 ``Prospect Mountain Wilderness''.
        (B) Excluded land.--Any land within 100 feet of the 
 centerline of Prospect Road is not included in the 
 Prospect Mountain Wilderness.

    (3) Upper sweetwater canyon wilderness.--
        (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered 
 by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 
 2,877.35 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
 entitled ``Proposed Upper Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness'' and dated December 6, 2023, which shall be 
 known as the ``Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.
        (B) Boundary.--
            (i) In general.--Except as provided in 
 clause
            (ii) , the boundary of the Upper 
 Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to 
 the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness Study Area.
            (ii) Eastern boundary.--The eastern 
 boundary of the Upper Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the western 
 edge of the north-south road bisecting the 
 Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the 
 Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as 
 ``Strawberry Creek Road''.
            (iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any 
 established legal route with authorized 
 motorized use in existence on the date of 
 enactment of this Act that enters the Upper 
 Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 28 N., R. 98 
 W., 

sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., 

sec. 33, is 
 not included in the Upper Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness.

    (4) Lower sweetwater canyon wilderness.--
        (A) In general.--Certain Federal land administered 
 by the Bureau in the State, comprising approximately 
 5,665.19 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
 entitled ``Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness'' and 
 dated December 5, 2023, which shall be known as the 
 ``Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness''.
        (B) Boundary.--
            (i) In general.--Except as provided in 
 clause
            (ii) , the boundary of the Lower 
 Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness shall conform to 
 the boundary of the Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness Study Area.
            (ii) Western boundary.--The western 
 boundary of the Lower Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness shall be 100 feet from the eastern 
 edge of the north-south road bisecting the 
 Upper Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness and the 
 Lower Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness, known as 
 ``Strawberry Creek Road''.
            (iii) Exclusion of existing roads.--Any 
 established legal route with authorized 
 motorized use in existence on the date of 
 enactment of this Act that enters the Upper 
 Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 98 
 W., 

sec. 4, or the Lower Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness in T. 29 N., R. 97 W., 

sec. 33, is 
 not included in the Lower Sweetwater Canyon 
 Wilderness.

    (5) Bobcat draw wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
 administered by the Bureau in the State, comprising 
 approximately 6,246.84 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
 entitled ``Proposed Bobcat Draw Wilderness'' and dated December 
 8, 2023, which shall be known as the ``Bobcat Draw 
 Wilderness''.

SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS AREAS.

    (a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary 
shall administer the wilderness areas in accordance with this section 
and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that--

    (1) any reference in that Act to the effective date of that 
 Act shall be considered to be a reference to the date of 
 enactment of this Act; and

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

    (b) Fire Management and Related Activities.--

    (1) In general.--The Secretary may carry out any activities 
 in a wilderness area as are necessary for the control of fire, 
 insects, or disease in accordance with 

section 4
            (d) (1) of the 
 Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133
            (d) (1) ).

    (2) Coordination.--In carrying out paragraph

    (1) , the 
 Secretary shall coordinate with--
        (A) the Wyoming Forestry Division; and
        (B) the applicable county in the State in which the 
 wilderness area is located.

    (3) Fire management plan.--Not later than 180 days after 
 the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
 establish a fire management plan for the wilderness areas--
        (A) to ensure the timely and efficient control of 
 fires, diseases, and insects in the wilderness areas, 
 in accordance with 

section 4
            (d) (1) of the Wilderness 
 Act (16 U.S.C. 1133
            (d) (1) ); and
        (B) to provide, to the maximum extent practicable, 
 adequate protection from forest fires, disease 
 outbreaks, and insect infestations to any Federal, 
 State, or private land adjacent to the wilderness 
 areas.
            (c) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in a wilderness area, if 
established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be 
administered in accordance with--

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

    (2) the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of House Report 
 101-405, accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress, for land 
 under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.
            (d) Buffer Zones.--

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

    (2) Outside activities or uses.--The fact that a 
 nonwilderness activity or use can be seen or heard from within 
 a wilderness area shall not preclude the activity or use 
 outside the boundary of the wilderness area.

SEC. 5. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.

    (a) 

=== Finding ===
-Congress finds that, for purposes of 

section 603
            (c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
1782
            (c) ), any portion of a wilderness study area described in 
subsection

    (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area by 

section 3 
has been adequately studied for wilderness designation.

    (b) Description of Land.--The wilderness study areas referred to in 
subsections

    (a) and
            (c) are the following:

    (1) The Encampment River Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

    (2) The Prospect Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

    (3) The Bennett Mountains Wilderness Study Area.

    (4) The Sweetwater Canyon Wilderness Study Area.

    (5) The Lankin Dome Wilderness Study Area.

    (6) The Split Rock Wilderness Study Area.

    (7) The Savage Peak Wilderness Study Area.

    (8) The Miller Springs Wilderness Study Area.

    (9) The Dubois Badlands Wilderness Study Area.

    (10) The Copper Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

    (11) The Whiskey Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

    (12) The Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area.

    (13) The Gardner Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

    (14) The North Fork Wilderness Study Area.

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

    (16) The Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area.

    (17) The Honeycombs Wilderness Study Area.
            (c) Release.--Any portion of a wilderness study area described in 
subsection

    (b) that is not designated as a wilderness area by 

section 3 
is no longer subject to 

section 603
            (c) of the Federal Land Policy and 
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782
            (c) ).
            (d) Management of Released Land.--

    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the portions of 
 the wilderness study areas released under subsection
            (c) in 
 accordance with--
        (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
        (B) applicable land management plans;
            (C) applicable management provisions under 
 paragraph

    (2) ; and
            (D) any other applicable law.

    (2) Specific management provisions.--
        (A) Bennett mountains wilderness study area.--The 
 Secretary shall manage the portion of the Bennett 
 Mountains Wilderness Study Area released under 
 subsection
            (c) in accordance with 

section 8

    (a) .
        (B) Dubois badlands wilderness study area.--
            (i) Division.--The Secretary shall divide 
 the land within the Dubois Badlands Wilderness 
 Study Area by authorizing the installation of a 
 fence or the repair or relocation of an 
 existing fence in T. 41 N., R. 106 W., 

sec. 5, 
 that--
            (I) follows existing infrastructure 
 and natural barriers;
            (II) begins at an intersection with 
 North Mountain View Road in the NE\1/
 4\NW\1/4\ 

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

sec. 5, T. 41 N., R. 106 W.; and
            (IV) from the point described in 
 subclause
            (III) , proceeds southwest to 
 a point in the SW\1/4\NE\1/4\ 

sec. 5, 
 T. 41 N., R. 106 W., that intersects 
 with the boundary of the Dubois 
 Badlands Wilderness Study Area.
            (ii) Management.--The Secretary shall 
 manage the portion of the Dubois Badlands 
 Wilderness Study Area released under subsection
            (c) in accordance with--
            (I) paragraph

    (1) ; and
            (II) sections 6 and 7.
            (C) Copper mountain wilderness study area.--
            (i) In general.--The Secretary shall manage 
 the portion of the Copper Mountain Wilderness 
 Study Area released under subsection
            (c) in 
 accordance with paragraph

    (1) .
            (ii) Mineral leasing.--
            (I) In general.--The Secretary may 
 lease oil and gas resources within the 
 land released from the Copper Mountain 
 Wilderness Study Area under subsection
            (c) if--

    (aa) the lease may only be 
 accessed by directional 
 drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the land released 
 from the Copper Mountain 
 Wilderness Study Area; and

    (bb) the lease prohibits, 
 without exception or waiver, 
 surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance on the land 
 released from the Copper 
 Mountain Wilderness Study Area 
 for any activities, including 
 activities relating to 
 exploration, development, or 
 production.
            (II) Underground rights-of-way.--
 The Secretary may grant underground 
 rights-of-way for any mineral lease 
 entered into under subclause
            (I) .
            (III) Prohibition of certain 
 leases.--Subject to valid rights in 
 existence on the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall not issue 
 a new lease for a wind or solar 
 project, an overhead transmission line, 
 or a communication tower on the land 
 released from the Copper Mountain 
 Wilderness Study Area under subsection
            (c) .
            (IV) Authority to exchange land.--
 In carrying out any land exchange 
 involving any of the land released from 
 the Copper Mountain Wilderness Study 
 Area under subsection
            (c) , the 
 Secretary shall ensure that the 
 exchange does not result in a net loss 
 of Federal land.
            (D) Whiskey mountain wilderness study area.--The 
 Secretary shall manage the portion of the Whiskey 
 Mountain Wilderness Study Area released under 
 subsection
            (c) in accordance with--
            (i) paragraph

    (1) ; and
            (ii) the Whiskey Mountain Cooperative 
 Agreement between the Wyoming Game and Fish 
 Commission, the Forest Service, and the Bureau, 
 including any amendment to that agreement 
 relating to the management of bighorn sheep.
        (E) Bobcat draw wilderness study area.--
            (i) Travel management plan.--
            (I) In general.--Not later than 2 
 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall develop a 
 travel management plan for the land 
 released from the Bobcat Draw 
 Wilderness Study Area under subsection
            (c) .
            (II) Requirements.--The travel 
 management plan under subclause
            (I) shall--

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

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

    (AA) motorized or 
 mechanized recreation; 
 or

    (BB) agriculture 
 practices;
            (cc) prohibit the 
 construction of any new road or 
 trail for motorized or 
 mechanized recreation use; and
            (dd) permit the continued 
 use of nonmotorized trails.
            (ii) Withdrawal.--
            (I) In general.--Except as provided 
 in subclause
            (II) , subject to valid 
 rights in existence on the date of 
 enactment of this Act, the land 
 released from the Bobcat Draw 
 Wilderness Study Area under subsection
            (c) is withdrawn from--

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

    (bb) location, entry, and 
 patent under the mining laws; 
 and
            (cc) disposition under laws 
 relating to mineral and 
 geothermal leasing.
            (II) Exception.--The Secretary may 
 lease oil and gas resources within the 
 land released from the Bobcat Draw 
 Wilderness Study Area under subsection
            (c) if--

    (aa) the lease may only be 
 accessed by directional 
 drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the land released 
 from the Bobcat Draw Wilderness 
 Study Area; and

    (bb) the lease prohibits, 
 without exception or waiver, 
 surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance on the land 
 released from the Bobcat Draw 
 Wilderness Study Area for any 
 activities, including 
 activities related to 
 exploration, development, or 
 production.

SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS BADLANDS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA.

    (a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is 
established the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area (referred to 
in this section as the ``Conservation Area''), comprising approximately 
4,446.46 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, 
as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Badlands National 
Conservation Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

    (b) 

=== Purpose ===
-The purpose of the Conservation Area is to conserve, 
protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and 
future generations the ecological, wildlife, recreational, scenic, 
cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Area.
            (c) Management.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall manage the Conservation 
Area--

    (1) in a manner that only allows uses of the Conservation 
 Area that the Secretary determines would further the purpose of 
 the Conservation Area described in subsection

    (b) ; and

    (2) in accordance with--
        (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
        (B) this section; and
            (C) any other applicable law.
            (d) Motorized Vehicles.--

    (1) In general.--The use of motorized vehicles in the 
 Conservation Area shall be permitted only on existing roads, 
 trails, and areas designated by the Secretary for use by such 
 vehicles as of the date of enactment of this Act.

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

    (e) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Conservation Area shall 
be administered in accordance with the laws generally applicable to 
land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau.

    (f) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid rights in existence on the date 
of enactment of this Act, the land within the boundaries of the 
Conservation Area is withdrawn from--

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

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

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

SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF DUBOIS MOTORIZED RECREATION AREA.

    (a) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is 
established the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area (referred to in this 
section as the ``Recreation Area''), comprising approximately 367.72 
acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau in the State, as 
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Dubois Motorized 
Recreation Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

    (b) Management.--

    (1) Boundary fence.--The Secretary shall authorize the 
 construction of a fence along the western boundary of the 
 Recreation Area on any Federal land that--
        (A) is managed by the Bureau; and
        (B) is west of North Mountain View Road.

    (2) Travel management plan.--As soon as practicable after 
 the date of completion of the fence described in paragraph

    (1) , 
 the Secretary shall establish a travel management plan for the 
 Recreation Area that efficiently coordinates the use of 
 motorized off-road vehicles in the Recreation Area.

SEC. 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.

    (a) Bennet Mountains Special Management Area.--

    (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there 
 is established the Bennett Mountains Special Management Area 
 (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management 
 Area''), comprising approximately 6,165.05 acres of Federal 
 land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally 
 depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Bennet Mountains 
 Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

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

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

    (4) Management.--
        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the 
 Special Management Area--
            (i) in furtherance of the purpose described 
 in paragraph

    (3) ; and
            (ii) in accordance with--
            (I) the laws (including 
 regulations) generally applicable to 
 the Bureau;
            (II) this subsection; and
            (III) any other applicable law 
 (including regulations).
        (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
            (i) Roads.--The construction of new 
 permanent roads in the Special Management Area 
 shall not be allowed.
            (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed 
 for administrative purposes, emergency 
 response, fire management, forest health and 
 restoration, weed and pest control, habitat 
 management, livestock management, and range 
 improvement, the use of motorized and 
 mechanized vehicles in the Special Management 
 Area shall be allowed only on existing roads 
 and trails designated for the use of motorized 
 or mechanized vehicles.
            (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later 
 than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
 travel management plan for the Special 
 Management Area.
            (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special 
 Management Area shall be administered in accordance 
 with the laws generally applicable to land under the 
 jurisdiction of the Bureau.
            (D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber 
 harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special 
 Management Area.

    (5) Withdrawal.--
        (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights 
 and subparagraph
        (B) , the Special Management Area is 
 withdrawn from--
            (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal 
 under the public land laws;
            (ii) location, entry, and patent under the 
 mining laws; and
            (iii) disposition under laws relating to 
 mineral and geothermal leasing.
        (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas 
 resources within the boundaries of the Special 
 Management Area if--
            (i) the lease may only be accessed by 
 directional drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the Special Management Area; and
            (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception 
 or waiver, surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance within the Special Management Area 
 for any activities, including activities 
 related to exploration, development, or 
 production.

    (b) Black Cat Special Management Area.--

    (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there 
 is established the Black Cat Special Management Area (referred 
 to in this subsection as the ``Special Management Area''), 
 comprising approximately 1,178 acres of Federal land in Carbon 
 County, Wyoming, as generally depicted on the map entitled 
 ``Black Cat Special Management Area'' and dated November 13, 
 2023.

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

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

    (4) Management.--
        (A) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall 
 manage the Special Management Area--
            (i) in furtherance of the purpose described 
 in paragraph

    (3) ; and
            (ii) in accordance with--
            (I) the laws (including 
 regulations) generally applicable to 
 National Forest System land;
            (II) this subsection; and
            (III) any other applicable law 
 (including regulations).
        (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
            (i) Roads.--The construction of new 
 permanent roads in the Special Management Area 
 shall not be allowed.
            (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed 
 for administrative purposes, emergency 
 response, fire management, forest health and 
 restoration, weed and pest control, habitat 
 management, livestock management, and range 
 improvement, the use of motorized and 
 mechanized vehicles in the Special Management 
 Area shall be allowed only on existing roads 
 and trails designated for the use of motorized 
 or mechanized vehicles.
            (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later 
 than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall 
 establish a travel management plan for the 
 Special Management Area.
            (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special 
 Management Area shall be administered in accordance 
 with the laws generally applicable to grazing on 
 National Forest System land.
            (D) Timber harvesting.--Commercial timber 
 harvesting shall not be allowed in the Special 
 Management Area.

    (5) Withdrawal.--
        (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights 
 and subparagraph
        (B) , the Special Management Area is 
 withdrawn from--
            (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal 
 under the public land laws;
            (ii) location, entry, and patent under the 
 mining laws; and
            (iii) disposition under laws relating to 
 mineral and geothermal leasing.
        (B) Exception.--The Secretary may, with the 
 approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, lease oil and 
 gas resources within the boundaries of the Special 
 Management Area if--
            (i) the lease may only be accessed by 
 directional drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the Special Management Area; and
            (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception 
 or waiver, surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance within the Special Management Area 
 for any activities, including activities 
 related to exploration, development, or 
 production.
            (c) Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area.--

    (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there 
 is established the Sweetwater Rocks Special Management Area 
 (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management 
 Area''), comprising approximately 34,347.79 acres of Federal 
 land in Fremont and Natrona Counties, Wyoming, as generally 
 depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Sweetwater Rocks 
 Special Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

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

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

    (4) Management.--
        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the 
 Special Management Area--
            (i) in furtherance of the purpose described 
 in paragraph

    (3) ; and
            (ii) in accordance with--
            (I) the laws (including 
 regulations) generally applicable to 
 the Bureau;
            (II) this subsection; and
            (III) any other applicable law 
 (including regulations).
        (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
            (i) Roads.--The construction of new 
 permanent roads in the Special Management Area 
 shall not be allowed.
            (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed 
 for administrative purposes, emergency 
 response, fire management, forest health and 
 restoration, weed and pest control, habitat 
 management, livestock management, and range 
 improvement, the use of motorized and 
 mechanized vehicles in the Special Management 
 Area shall be allowed only on existing roads 
 and trails designated for the use of motorized 
 or mechanized vehicles.
            (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later 
 than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
 travel management plan for the Special 
 Management Area.
            (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special 
 Management Area shall be administered in accordance 
 with the laws generally applicable to the Bureau.
            (D) Prohibition of certain overhead towers.--No new 
 overhead transmission or communications tower shall be 
 constructed in the Special Management Area.
        (E) Land exchanges.--The Secretary may propose to, 
 and carry out with, an individual or entity owning land 
 in the vicinity of the Special Management Area any land 
 exchange that--
            (i) increases access to the Special 
 Management Area; and
            (ii) does not result in a net loss of 
 Federal land.
        (F) Underground rights-of-way.--Notwithstanding 
 paragraph

    (5) , the Secretary may expand any underground 
 right-of-way in the Special Management Area that exists 
 as of the date of enactment of this Act.

    (5) Withdrawal.--
        (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights 
 and subparagraph
        (B) , the Special Management Area is 
 withdrawn from--
            (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal 
 under the public land laws;
            (ii) location, entry, and patent under the 
 mining laws; and
            (iii) disposition under laws relating to 
 mineral and geothermal leasing.
        (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas 
 resources within the boundaries of the Special 
 Management Area if--
            (i) the lease may only be accessed by 
 directional drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the Special Management Area; and
            (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception 
 or waiver, surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance within the Special Management Area 
 for any activities, including activities 
 related to exploration, development, or 
 production.
            (C) Wind and solar energy withdrawal.--Subject to 
 valid rights in existence on the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the land within the boundaries of the Special 
 Management Area is withdrawn from right-of-way leasing 
 and disposition under laws relating to wind or solar 
 energy.
            (d) Fortification Creek Special Management Area; Fraker Mountain 
Special Management Area; North Fork Special Management Area.--

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

    (2) .

    (2) Establishment of special management areas.--Subject to 
 valid existing rights there are established the following:
        (A) The Fortification Creek Special Management 
 Area, comprising approximately 12,520.69 acres of 
 Federal land administered in the State by the Bureau, 
 as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed 
 Fortification Creek Management Area'' and dated 
 November 15, 2023.
        (B) The Fraker Mountain Special Management Area, 
 comprising approximately 6,248.28 acres of Federal land 
 administered in the State by the Bureau, as generally 
 depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Fraker Mountain 
 Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.
            (C) The North Fork Special Management Area, 
 comprising approximately 10,026.15 acres of Federal 
 land administered in the State by the Bureau, as 
 generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed North 
 Fork Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

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

    (4) === Purpose ===
-The purpose of a Special Management Area is 
 to enhance the natural, historic, scenic, recreational, 
 wildlife habitat, forest health, watershed protection, and 
 ecological and cultural values of the area.

    (5) Management.--
        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage each 
 Special Management Area--
            (i) in furtherance of the purpose described 
 in paragraph

    (4) ; and
            (ii) in accordance with--
            (I) the laws (including 
 regulations) generally applicable to 
 the Bureau;
            (II) this subsection; and
            (III) any other applicable law 
 (including regulations).
        (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
            (i) Roads.--The construction of new 
 permanent roads in a Special Management Area 
 shall not be allowed.
            (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed 
 for administrative purposes, emergency 
 response, fire management, forest health and 
 restoration, weed and pest control, habitat 
 management, livestock management, and range 
 improvement, the use of motorized and 
 mechanized vehicles in a Special Management 
 Area shall be allowed only on existing roads 
 and trails designated for the use of motorized 
 or mechanized vehicles.
            (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later 
 than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
 travel management plan for each Special 
 Management Area.
            (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in a Special 
 Management Area shall be administered in accordance 
 with the laws generally applicable to land under the 
 jurisdiction of the Bureau.
            (D) Prohibition of certain infrastructure.--The 
 development, construction, or installation of 
 infrastructure for recreational use shall not be 
 allowed in--
            (i) the Fraker Mountain Special Management 
 Area; or
            (ii) the North Fork Special Management 
 Area.

    (6) Withdrawal.--
        (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights 
 and subparagraph
        (B) , the Special Management Areas are 
 withdrawn from--
            (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal 
 under the public land laws;
            (ii) location, entry, and patent under the 
 mining laws; and
            (iii) disposition under laws relating to 
 mineral and geothermal leasing.
        (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas 
 resources within the boundaries of a Special Management 
 Area if--
            (i) the lease may only be accessed by 
 directional drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the Special Management Area; and
            (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception 
 or waiver, surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance within the Special Management Area 
 for any activities, including activities 
 related to exploration, development, or 
 production.

    (e) Cedar Mountain Special Management Area.--

    (1) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there 
 is established the Cedar Mountain Special Management Area 
 (referred to in this subsection as the ``Special Management 
 Area''), comprising approximately 20,745.73 acres of Federal 
 land in the State administered by the Bureau, as generally 
 depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed Cedar Mountain Special 
 Management Area'' and dated November 15, 2023.

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

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

    (4) Management.--
        (A) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the 
 Special Management Area--
            (i) in furtherance of the purpose described 
 in paragraph

    (3) ; and
            (ii) in accordance with--
            (I) the laws (including 
 regulations) generally applicable to 
 the Bureau;
            (II) this subsection; and
            (III) any other applicable law 
 (including regulations).
        (B) Roads; motorized vehicles.--
            (i) Roads.--The construction of new 
 permanent roads in the Special Management Area 
 shall not be allowed.
            (ii) Motorized vehicles.--Except as needed 
 for administrative purposes, emergency 
 response, fire management, forest health and 
 restoration, weed and pest control, habitat 
 management, livestock management, and range 
 improvement, the use of motorized and 
 mechanized vehicles in the Special Management 
 Area shall be allowed only on existing roads 
 and trails designated for the use of motorized 
 or mechanized vehicles.
            (iii) Travel management plan.--Not later 
 than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
 this Act, the Secretary shall establish a 
 travel management plan for the Special 
 Management Area.
            (C) Grazing.--Grazing of livestock in the Special 
 Management Area shall be administered in accordance 
 with the laws generally applicable to land under the 
 jurisdiction of the Bureau.

    (5) Withdrawal.--
        (A) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, 
 the Special Management Area is withdrawn from--
            (i) all forms of appropriation or disposal 
 under the public land laws;
            (ii) location, entry, and patent under the 
 mining laws; and
            (iii) disposition under laws relating to 
 mineral and geothermal leasing.
        (B) Exception.--The Secretary may lease oil and gas 
 resources within the boundaries of the Special 
 Management Area if--
            (i) the lease may only be accessed by 
 directional drilling from a lease that is 
 outside of the Special Management Area; and
            (ii) the lease prohibits, without exception 
 or waiver, surface occupancy and surface 
 disturbance within the Special Management Area 
 for any activities, including activities 
 related to exploration, development, or 
 production.

SEC. 9. LANDER SLOPE AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN AND RED 
 CANYON AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN.

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

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

    (1) Transfers.--The Secretary shall pursue transfers in 
 which land managed by the Bureau in the County is exchanged for 
 land owned by the State that is within the boundaries of--
        (A) the Lander Slope Area of Critical Environmental 
 Concern; or
        (B) the Red Canyon Area of Critical Environmental 
 Concern.

    (2) Requirements.--A transfer under paragraph

    (1) shall--
        (A) comply with all requirements of law, including 
 any required analysis; and
        (B) be subject to appropriation.
            (c) Study.--

    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to 
 evaluate the potential for the development of special motorized 
 recreation areas in the County.

    (2) Requirements.--The study under paragraph

    (1) shall 
 evaluate--
        (A) the potential for the development of special 
 motorized recreation areas on all land managed by the 
 Bureau in the County except--
            (i) any land in T. 40 N., R. 94 W., secs. 
 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, and the 
 N\1/2\ 

sec. 34; and
            (ii) any land that is subject to a 
 restriction on the use of off-road vehicles 
 under any Federal law, including this Act;
        (B) the suitability of the land evaluated under 
 subparagraph
        (A) for off-road vehicles, including rock 
 crawlers; and
            (C) the parking, staging, and camping necessary to 
 accommodate special motorized recreation.

    (3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
 enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the 
 Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives 
 a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph

    (1) .
            (d) Fremont County Implementation Team.--

    (1) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
 of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a team, 
 to be known as the ``Fremont County Implementation Team'' 
 (referred to in this subsection as the ``Team'') to advise and 
 assist the Secretary with respect to the implementation of the 
 management requirements described in this section that are 
 applicable to land in the County.

    (2) Membership.--The Team shall consist of--
        (A) the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary); 
 and
        (B) 1 or more individuals appointed by the Board of 
 County Commissioners of the County.

    (3) Nonapplicability of the federal advisory committee 
 act.--The Team shall not be subject to the requirements of 
 chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to 
 as the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act'').

SEC. 10. STUDY OF LAND IN HOT SPRINGS AND WASHAKIE COUNTIES.

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

    (1) Hot Springs County.

    (2) Washakie County.

    (b) Study.--

    (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a study to 
 evaluate the potential for the development of new special 
 motorized recreation areas in the Counties.

    (2) Requirements.--
        (A) Land included.--The study under paragraph

    (1) shall evaluate the potential for the development of new 
 special motorized recreation areas on Federal land 
 managed by the Bureau in the Counties except any land 
 that is subject to a restriction on the use of 
 motorized or mechanized vehicles under any Federal law, 
 including this Act.
        (B) Public input; collaboration.--In carrying out 
 the study under paragraph

    (1) , the Secretary shall--
            (i) offer opportunities for public input; 
 and
            (ii) collaborate with--
            (I) State parks, historic sites, 
 and trails; and
            (II) the Counties.

    (3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
 enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the 
 Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives 
 a report describing the findings of the study under paragraph

    (1) .
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