No official summary available for this bill.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4877 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4877
To designate certain Federal land in the State of California as
wilderness.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 5, 2025
Mr. Carbajal (for himself, Ms. Brownley, and Mr. Panetta) introduced
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To designate certain Federal land in the State of California as
wilderness.
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 ``Central Coast Heritage Protection
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Scenic area.--The term ``scenic area'' means a scenic
area designated by section 7(a).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
(A) with respect to land managed by the Bureau of
Land Management, the Secretary of the Interior; and
(B) with respect to land managed by the Forest
Service, the Secretary of Agriculture.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
California.
(4) Wilderness area.--The term ``wilderness area'' means a
wilderness area or wilderness addition designated by section
3(a).
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILDERNESS.
(a) In General.--In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1131 et seq.), the following areas in the State are designated as
wilderness areas and as components of the National Wilderness
Preservation System:
(1) Certain land in the Bakersfield Field Office of the
Bureau of Land Management comprising approximately 35,116
acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed
Caliente Mountain Wilderness'' and dated February 2, 2022,
which shall be known as the ``Caliente Mountain Wilderness''.
(2) Certain land in the Bakersfield Field Office of the
Bureau of Land Management comprising approximately 13,332
acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed
Soda Lake Wilderness'' and dated June 25, 2019, which shall be
known as the ``Soda Lake Wilderness''.
(3) Certain land in the Bakersfield Field Office of the
Bureau of Land Management comprising approximately 12,585
acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Proposed
Temblor Range Wilderness'' and dated June 25, 2019, which shall
be known as the ``Temblor Range Wilderness''.
(4) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 23,670 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Chumash Wilderness Area Additions--
Proposed'' and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be
incorporated into and managed as part of the Chumash Wilderness
as designated by the Los Padres Condor Range and River
Protection Act (Public Law 102-301; 106 Stat. 242).
(5) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 54,036 acres, as generally depicted on
the maps entitled ``Dick Smith Wilderness Area Additions--
Proposed Map 1 of 2 (Bear Canyon and Cuyama Peak Units)'' and
``Dick Smith Wilderness Area Additions--Proposed Map 2 of 2
(Buckhorn and Mono Units)'' and dated November 14, 2019, which
shall be incorporated into and managed as part of the Dick
Smith Wilderness as designated by the California Wilderness Act
of 1984 (Public Law 98-425; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note).
(6) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest and the
Bakersfield Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management
comprising approximately 7,289 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Garcia Wilderness Area Additions--Proposed''
and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be incorporated into and
managed as part of the Garcia Wilderness as designated by the
Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act (Public Law
102-301; 106 Stat. 242).
(7) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest and the
Bakersfield Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management
comprising approximately 10,817 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Machesna Mountain Wilderness--Proposed
Additions'' and dated October 30, 2019, which shall be
incorporated into and managed as part of the Machesna Mountain
Wilderness as designated by the California Wilderness Act of
1984 (Public Law 98-425; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note).
(8) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 30,184 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Matilija Wilderness Area Additions--
Proposed'' and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be
incorporated into and managed as part of the Matilija
Wilderness as designated by the Los Padres Condor Range and
River Protection Act (Public Law 102-301; 106 Stat. 242).
(9) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 23,969 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``San Rafael Wilderness Area Additions--
Proposed'' and dated November 14, 2023, which shall be
incorporated into and managed as part of the San Rafael
Wilderness as designated by Public Law 90-271 (82 Stat. 51),
the California Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-425; 16
U.S.C. 1132 note), and the Los Padres Condor Range and River
Protection Act (Public Law 102-301; 106 Stat. 242).
(10) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 2,921 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Santa Lucia Wilderness Area Additions--
Proposed'' and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be
incorporated into and managed as part of the Santa Lucia
Wilderness as designated by the Endangered American Wilderness
Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-237; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note).
(11) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 14,313 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Sespe Wilderness Area Additions--Proposed''
and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be incorporated into and
managed as part of the Sespe Wilderness as designated by the
Los Padres Condor Range and River Protection Act (Public Law
102-301; 106 Stat. 242).
(12) Certain land in the Los Padres National Forest
comprising approximately 17,870 acres, as generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Diablo Caliente Wilderness Area--Proposed''
and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be known as the ``Diablo
Caliente Wilderness''.
(b) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file maps and legal
descriptions of the wilderness areas 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 and legal descriptions filed
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct any
clerical and typographical errors in the maps and legal
descriptions.
(3) Public availability.--The maps and legal descriptions
filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest
Service and Bureau of Land Management.
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION OF WILDERNESS.
(a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness
areas shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with this
Act and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that--
(1) any reference in the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.) 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 the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et
seq.) to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be considered to be
a reference to the Secretary that has jurisdiction over the
wilderness area.
(b) Fire Management and Related Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may take any measures in a
wilderness area as are necessary for the control of fire,
insects, and diseases in accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)).
(2) Funding priorities.--Nothing in this Act limits funding
for fire and fuels management in the wilderness areas.
(3) Revision and development of local fire management
plans.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary shall amend the local information in
the Fire Management Reference System or individual operational
plans that apply to the land designated as a wilderness area.
(4) Administration.--In accordance with paragraph (1) and
any other applicable Federal law, to ensure a timely and
efficient response to a fire emergency in the wilderness areas,
the Secretary shall--
(A) not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, establish agency approval
procedures (including appropriate delegations of
authority to the Forest Supervisor, District Manager,
and other applicable agency field office officials) for
responding to fire emergencies; and
(B) enter into agreements with appropriate State or
local agencies.
(c) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in the wilderness areas, if
established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall be
permitted to continue, subject to any reasonable regulations as the
Secretary considers necessary in accordance with--
(1) section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C.
1133(d)(4));
(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;
(3) the guidelines set forth in House Report 96-617,
accompanying H.R. 5487 of the 96th Congress for land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture; and
(4) all other laws governing livestock grazing on Federal
public land.
(d) Fish and Wildlife.--
(1) In general.--In accordance with section 4(d)(7) of the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this Act
affects the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State with
respect to fish and wildlife on public land in the State.
(2) Management activities.--In furtherance of the purposes
and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.),
the Secretary may conduct any management activities that are
necessary to maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations
and habitats in the wilderness areas, if the management
activities are--
(A) consistent with relevant wilderness management
plans;
(B) conducted in accordance with appropriate
policies, such as the policies established in Appendix
B of House Report 101-405; and
(C) in accordance with memoranda of understanding
between the Federal agencies and the State Department
of Fish and Wildlife.
(e) Buffer Zones.--
(1) In general.--Congress does not intend for the
designation of wilderness areas by this Act to lead to the
creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around each
wilderness area.
(2) Activities or uses up to boundaries.--The fact that
nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from
within a wilderness area shall not, of itself, preclude the
activities or uses up to the boundary of the wilderness area.
(f) Military Activities.--Nothing in this Act precludes--
(1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the
wilderness areas;
(2) the designation of new units of special airspace over
the wilderness areas; or
(3) the use or establishment of military flight training
routes over wilderness areas.
(g) Horses.--Nothing in this Act precludes horseback riding in, or
the entry of recreational saddle or pack stock into, a wilderness
area--
(1) in accordance with section 4(d)(5) of the Wilderness
Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(5)); and
(2) subject to any terms and conditions determined to be
necessary by the Secretary.
(h) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness
areas are withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(i) Incorporation of Acquired Land and Interests.--Any land within
the boundary of a wilderness area that is acquired by the United States
shall--
(1) become part of the wilderness area in which the land is
located; and
(2) be managed in accordance with--
(A) this section;
(B) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.);
and
(C) any other applicable law.
(j) Climatological Data Collection.--In accordance with the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and subject to terms and
conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may authorize
the installation and maintenance of hydrologic, meteorologic, or
climatological collection devices in the wilderness areas if the
Secretary determines that the facilities and access to the facilities
are essential to flood warning, flood control, or water reservoir
operation activities.
SEC. 5. DESIGNATION OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS.
(a) Indian Creek, Mono Creek, and Matilija Creek, California.--
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:
``(233) Indian creek, california.--The following segments
of Indian Creek in the State of California, to be administered
by the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 9.5-mile segment of Indian Creek from its
source in sec. 19, T. 7 N., R. 26 W., to the Dick Smith
Wilderness boundary, as a wild river.
``(B) The 1-mile segment of Indian Creek from the
Dick Smith Wilderness boundary to 0.25 miles downstream
of Road 6N24, as a scenic river.
``(C) The 3.9-mile segment of Indian Creek from
0.25 miles downstream of Road 6N24 to the southern
boundary of sec. 32, T. 6 N., R. 26 W., as a wild
river.
``(234) Mono creek, california.--The following segments of
Mono Creek in the State of California, to be administered by
the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 4.2-mile segment of Mono Creek from its
source in sec. 1, T. 7 N., R. 26 W., to 0.25 miles
upstream of Don Victor Fire Road in sec. 28, T. 7 N.,
R. 25 W., as a wild river.
``(B) The 2.1-mile segment of Mono Creek from 0.25
miles upstream of the Don Victor Fire Road in sec. 28,
T. 7 N., R. 25 W., to 0.25 miles downstream of Don
Victor Fire Road in sec. 34, T. 7 N., R. 25 W., as a
recreational river.
``(C) The 14.7-mile segment of Mono Creek from 0.25
miles downstream of Don Victor Fire Road in sec. 34, T.
7 N., R. 25 W., to the Ogilvy Ranch private property
boundary in sec. 22, T. 6 N., R. 26 W., as a wild
river.
``(D) The 3.5-mile segment of Mono Creek from the
Ogilvy Ranch private property boundary to the southern
boundary of sec. 33, T. 6 N., R. 26 W., as a
recreational river.
``(235) Matilija creek, california.--The following segments
of Matilija Creek in the State of California, to be
administered by the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 7.2-mile segment of the Matilija Creek
from its source in sec. 25, T. 6 N., R. 25 W., to the
private property boundary in sec. 9, T. 5 N., R. 24 W.,
as a wild river.
``(B) The 7.25-mile segment of the Upper North Fork
Matilija Creek from its source in sec. 36, T. 6 N., R.
24 W., to the Matilija Wilderness boundary, as a wild
river.''.
(b) Sespe Creek, California.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (142)
and inserting the following:
``(142) Sespe creek, california.--The following segments of
Sespe Creek in the State of California, to be administered by
the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 2.7-mile segment of Sespe Creek from the
private property boundary in sec. 10, T. 6 N., R. 24
W., to the Hartman Ranch private property boundary in
sec. 14, T. 6 N., R. 24 W., as a wild river.
``(B) The 15-mile segment of Sespe Creek from the
Hartman Ranch private property boundary in sec. 14, T.
6 N., R. 24 W., to the western boundary of sec. 6, T. 5
N., R. 22 W., as a recreational river.
``(C) The 6.1-mile segment of Sespe Creek from the
western boundary of sec. 6, T. 5 N., R. 22 W., to the
confluence with Trout Creek, as a scenic river.
``(D) The 28.6-mile segment of Sespe Creek from the
confluence with Trout Creek to the southern boundary of
sec. 35, T. 5 N., R. 20 W., as a wild river.''.
(c) Sisquoc River, California.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (143)
and inserting the following:
``(143) Sisquoc river, california.--The following segments
of the Sisquoc River and its tributaries in the State of
California, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 33-mile segment of the main stem of the
Sisquoc River extending from its origin downstream to
the Los Padres Forest boundary, as a wild river.
``(B) The 4.2-mile segment of the South Fork
Sisquoc River from its source northeast of San Rafael
Mountain in sec. 2, T. 7 N., R. 28 W., to its
confluence with the Sisquoc River, as a wild river.
``(C) The 10.4-mile segment of Manzana Creek from
its source west of San Rafael Peak in sec. 4, T. 7 N.,
R. 28 W., to the San Rafael Wilderness boundary
upstream of Nira Campground, as a wild river.
``(D) The 0.6-mile segment of Manzana Creek from
the San Rafael Wilderness boundary upstream of the Nira
Campground to the San Rafael Wilderness boundary
downstream of the confluence of Davy Brown Creek, as a
recreational river.
``(E) The 5.8-mile segment of Manzana Creek from
the San Rafael Wilderness boundary downstream of the
confluence of Davy Brown Creek to the private property
boundary in sec. 1, T. 8 N., R. 30 W., as a wild river.
``(F) The 3.8-mile segment of Manzana Creek from
the private property boundary in sec. 1, T. 8 N., R. 30
W., to the confluence of the Sisquoc River, as a
recreational river.
``(G) The 3.4-mile segment of Davy Brown Creek from
its source west of Ranger Peak in sec. 32, T. 8 N., R.
29 W., to 300 feet upstream of its confluence with
Munch Canyon, as a wild river.
``(H) The 1.4-mile segment of Davy Brown Creek from
300 feet upstream of its confluence with Munch Canyon
to its confluence with Manzana Creek, as a recreational
river.
``(I) The 2-mile segment of Munch Canyon from its
source north of Ranger Peak in sec. 33, T. 8 N., R. 29
W., to 300 feet upstream of its confluence with Sunset
Valley Creek, as a wild river.
``(J) The 0.5-mile segment of Munch Canyon from 300
feet upstream of its confluence with Sunset Valley
Creek to its confluence with Davy Brown Creek, as a
recreational river.
``(K) The 2.6-mile segment of Fish Creek from 500
feet downstream of Sunset Valley Road to its confluence
with Manzana Creek, as a wild river.
``(L) The 1.5-mile segment of East Fork Fish Creek
from its source in sec. 26, T. 8 N., R. 29 W., to its
confluence with Fish Creek, as a wild river.''.
(d) Piru Creek, California.--Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (199)
and inserting the following:
``(199) Piru creek, california.--The following segments of
Piru Creek in the State of California, to be administered by
the Secretary of Agriculture:
``(A) The 9.1-mile segment of Piru Creek from its
source in sec. 3, T. 6 N., R. 22 W., to the private
property boundary in sec. 4, T. 6 N., R. 21 W., as a
wild river.
``(B) The 17.2-mile segment of Piru Creek from the
private property boundary in sec. 4, T. 6 N., R. 21 W.,
to 0.25 miles downstream of the Gold Hill Road, as a
scenic river.
``(C) The 4.1-mile segment of Piru Creek from 0.25
miles downstream of Gold Hill Road to the confluence
with Trail Canyon, as a wild river.
``(D) The 7.25-mile segment of Piru Creek from the
confluence with Trail Canyon to the confluence with
Buck Creek, as a scenic river.
``(E) The 3-mile segment of Piru Creek from 0.5
miles downstream of Pyramid Dam at the first bridge
crossing to the boundary of the Sespe Wilderness, as a
recreational river.
``(F) The 13-mile segment of Piru Creek from the
boundary of the Sespe Wilderness to the boundary of the
Sespe Wilderness, as a wild river.
``(G) The 2.2-mile segment of Piru Creek from the
boundary of the Sespe Wilderness to the upper limit of
Piru Reservoir, as a recreational river.''.
(e) Effect.--The designation of additional miles of Piru Creek
under subsection (d) shall not affect valid water rights in existence
on the date of enactment of this Act.
(f) Motorized Use of Trails.--Nothing in this section (including
the amendments made by this section) affects the motorized use of
trails designated by the Forest Service for motorized use that are
located adjacent to and crossing upper Piru Creek, if the use is
consistent with the protection and enhancement of river values under
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.).
SEC. 6. FOX MOUNTAIN SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA.
(a) Establishment of Special Management Area.--
(1) Fox mountain special management area.--
(A) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing
rights, there is established the Fox Mountain Special
Management Area, comprising approximately 41,082 acres
of Federal land in the Los Padres National Forest, as
generally depicted on the map entitled ``Fox Mountain
Special Management Area'' and dated November 14, 2023.
(B) Purposes.--The purposes of the Fox Mountain
Special Management Area are to conserve, protect, and
enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and
future generations--
(i) the ecological, scenic, wildlife,
recreational, roadless, cultural, historical,
natural, educational, and scientific resources
of the area; and
(ii) the cultural and historical resources
and values of the area.
(b) Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act and in accordance with paragraph (2), the
Secretary of Agriculture shall develop a comprehensive plan for
the long-term management of the special management area
established by subsection (a).
(2) Consultation.--In developing the management plan
required under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture
shall consult with--
(A) appropriate State, Tribal, and local
governmental entities; and
(B) members of the public.
(3) Additional requirement.--The management plan required
under paragraph (1) shall ensure that recreational use within
the special management area established by subsection (a)
(referred to in this section as a ``special management area'')
does not cause significant adverse impacts on the plants and
wildlife of the special management area.
(c) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall manage
the special management area--
(A) in furtherance of the purpose described in
subsection (a); and
(B) in accordance with--
(i) the laws (including regulations)
generally applicable to the National Forest
System;
(ii) this section; and
(iii) any other applicable law (including
regulations).
(2) Uses.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall only allow
uses of the special management area that the Secretary
determines would further the purposes of the special management
area described in subsection (a).
(3) Recreation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall
continue to authorize, maintain, and enhance the recreational
use of the special management area, including hunting, camping,
hiking, sightseeing, nature study, horseback riding, mountain
bicycling, and other recreational activities, if the
recreational use is consistent with--
(A) the purpose of the special management area;
(B) this section;
(C) other applicable law (including regulations);
and
(D) any applicable management plans.
(4) Motorized vehicles.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(C), the use of motorized vehicles in the special
management area shall be permitted only on existing
roads, trails, and areas designated for use by such
vehicles as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(B) New or temporary roads.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (C), no new or temporary roads shall be
constructed within the special management area.
(C) Exceptions.--Nothing in subparagraph (A) or (B)
prevents the Secretary of Agriculture from--
(i) rerouting or closing an existing road
or trail to protect natural resources from
degradation, or to protect public safety, as
determined to be appropriate by the Secretary;
(ii) designating routes of travel on land
acquired by the Secretary and incorporated into
the special management area if the designations
are--
(I) consistent with the purposes of
the special management area described
in subsection (a); and
(II) completed, to the maximum
extent practicable, not later than 3
years after the date of acquisition;
(iii) constructing a temporary road on
which motorized vehicles are permitted as part
of a vegetation management project carried out
in accordance with subparagraph (D);
(iv) authorizing the use of motorized
vehicles for administrative purposes; or
(v) responding to an emergency.
(D) Decommissioning of temporary roads.--
(i) Definition of decommission.--In this
subparagraph, the term ``decommission'' means,
with respect to a road--
(I) to reestablish vegetation on
the road; and
(II) to restore any natural
drainage, watershed function, or other
ecological processes that are disrupted
or adversely impacted by the road by
removing or hydrologically
disconnecting the road prism.
(ii) Requirement.--Not later than 3 years
after the date on which the applicable
vegetation management project is completed, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall decommission any
temporary road constructed under subparagraph
(C)(iii).
(d) Grazing.--The grazing of livestock in the special management
area, where established before the date of enactment of this Act, shall
be permitted to continue--
(1) subject to--
(A) such reasonable regulations, policies, and
practices as the Secretary of Agriculture considers
necessary; and
(B) applicable law (including regulations); and
(2) in a manner consistent with the purposes of the special
management area described in subsection (a).
(e) Wildfire, Insect, and Disease.--Consistent with this section,
the Secretary of Agriculture may carry out any activities within the
special management area that the Secretary determines to be necessary
to control fire, insects, or diseases, including the coordination of
those activities with a State or local agency.
(f) Acquisition and Incorporation of Land and Interests in Land.--
(1) Acquisition authority.--In accordance with applicable
laws (including regulations), the Secretary of Agriculture may
acquire any land or interest in land within or adjacent to the
boundaries of the special management area by purchase from a
willing seller, donation, or exchange.
(2) Incorporation.--Any land or interest in land acquired
by the Secretary of Agriculture under paragraph (1) shall be--
(A) incorporated into, and administered as part of,
the special management area; and
(B) withdrawn in accordance with subsection (i).
(g) Tribal Agreements and Partnerships.--To the maximum extent
practicable and in accordance with applicable laws, on request of an
affected federally recognized Indian Tribe, the Secretary of
Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall
enter into agreements, contracts, and other cooperative and
collaborative partnerships with the federally recognized Indian Tribe
regarding management of the special management area under relevant
Federal authority, including--
(1) the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.);
(2) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.);
(3) the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5361
et seq.);
(4) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C.
3115a et seq.);
(5) the good neighbor authority under section 8206 of the
Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a);
(6) Executive Order 13175 (25 U.S.C. 5301 note; relating to
consultation and coordination with Indian Tribal governments);
(7) Secretarial Order 3342, issued by the Secretary of the
Interior on October 21, 2016 (relating to identifying
opportunities for cooperative and collaborative partnerships
with federally recognized Indian Tribes in the management of
Federal lands and resources); and
(8) Joint Secretarial Order 3403, issued by the Secretary
of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture on November
15, 2021 (relating to fulfilling the trust responsibility to
Indian Tribes in the stewardship of Federal lands and waters).
(h) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land
located in the special management area is withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws;
and
(3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials,
and geothermal leasing laws.
SEC. 7. DESIGNATION OF SCENIC AREAS.
(a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, there are
established the following scenic areas:
(1) Condor ridge scenic area.--Certain land in the Los
Padres National Forest comprising approximately 18,666 acres,
as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Condor Ridge Scenic
Area--Proposed'' and dated March 29, 2019, which shall be known
as the ``Condor Ridge Scenic Area''.
(2) Black mountain scenic area.--Certain land in the Los
Padres National Forest and the Bakersfield Field Office of the
Bureau of Land Management comprising approximately 16,216
acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Black
Mountain Scenic Area--Proposed'' and dated March 29, 2019,
which shall be known as the ``Black Mountain Scenic Area''.
(b) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior shall file a map and legal
description of the Condor Ridge Scenic Area and Black Mountain
Scenic Area with--
(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives.
(2) Force of law.--The maps and legal descriptions filed
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary of Agriculture
may correct any clerical and typographical errors in the maps
and legal descriptions.
(3) Public availability.--The maps and legal descriptions
filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest
Service and Bureau of Land Management.
(c) Purpose.--The purpose of the scenic areas is to conserve,
protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoyment of present and
future generations the ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational,
cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources of
the scenic areas.
(d) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall administer the scenic
areas--
(A) in a manner that conserves, protects, and
enhances the resources of the scenic areas, and in
particular the scenic character attributes of the
scenic areas; and
(B) in accordance with--
(i) this section;
(ii) the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) for land under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior;
(iii) any laws (including regulations)
relating to the National Forest System, for
land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of
Agriculture; and
(iv) any other applicable law (including
regulations).
(2) Uses.--The Secretary shall only allow those uses of the
scenic areas that the Secretary determines would further the
purposes described in subsection (c).
(e) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land
in the scenic areas is withdrawn from all forms of--
(1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land
laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(f) Prohibited Uses.--The following shall be prohibited on the
Federal land within the scenic areas:
(1) Permanent roads.
(2) Permanent structures.
(3) Timber harvesting except when necessary for the
purposes described in subsection (g).
(4) Transmission lines.
(5) Except as necessary to meet the minimum requirements
for the administration of the scenic areas and to protect
public health and safety--
(A) the use of motorized vehicles; or
(B) the establishment of temporary roads.
(6) Commercial enterprises, except as necessary for
realizing the purposes of the scenic areas.
(g) Wildfire, Insect, and Disease Management.--Consistent with this
section, the Secretary may take any measures in the scenic areas that
the Secretary determines to be necessary to control fire, insects, and
diseases, including, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, the
coordination of those activities with the State or a local agency.
(h) Adjacent Management.--The fact that an otherwise authorized
activity or use can be seen or heard within a scenic area shall not
preclude the activity or use outside the boundary of the scenic area.
SEC. 8. CONDOR NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study
that addresses the feasibility of, and alternatives for, connecting the
northern and southern portions of the Los Padres National Forest by
establishing a trail across the applicable portions of the northern and
southern Santa Lucia Mountains of the southern California Coastal Range
by designating the Condor National Scenic Trail as a component of the
National Trails System.
(b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection
(a), the Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(1) comply with the requirements for studies for a national
scenic trail described in section 5(b) of the National Trails
System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(b));
(2) provide for a continual hiking route through and
connecting the southern and northern sections of the Los Padres
National Forest;
(3) promote recreational, scenic, wilderness, and cultural
values;
(4) enhance connectivity with the overall system of
National Forest System trails;
(5) consider new connectors and realignment of existing
trails;
(6) emphasize safe and continuous public access, dispersal
from high-use areas, and suitable water sources; and
(7) to the extent practicable, provide all-year use.
(c) Additional Requirement.--In completing the study required under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with--
(1) appropriate Federal, State, Tribal, regional, and local
agencies;
(2) private landowners;
(3) nongovernmental organizations; and
(4) members of the public.
(d) Submission.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall submit the
study required under subsection (a) to--
(1) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 9. FOREST SERVICE STUDY.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Forest
Service) shall study the feasibility of opening a new trail, for
vehicles measuring 50 inches or less, connecting Forest Service Highway
95 to the existing off-highway vehicle trail system in the Ballinger
Canyon off-highway vehicle area.
SEC. 10. NONMOTORIZED RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES.
Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with interested parties,
shall conduct a study to improve nonmotorized recreation trail
opportunities (including mountain bicycling) on land not designated as
wilderness within the Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Mt. Pinos ranger
districts.
SEC. 11. USE BY MEMBERS OF TRIBES.
(a) Access.--The Secretary shall ensure that Tribes have access, in
accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), to the
wilderness areas, scenic areas, and potential wilderness areas
designated by this Act for traditional cultural and religious purposes.
(b) Temporary Closures.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary, on request of a Tribe, may temporarily close to the
general public one or more specific portions of a wilderness
area, scenic area, or potential wilderness area designated by
this Act to protect the privacy of the members of the Tribe in
the conduct of traditional cultural and religious activities.
(2) Requirement.--Any closure under paragraph (1) shall
be--
(A) made in such a manner as to affect the smallest
practicable area for the minimum period of time
necessary for the activity to be carried out; and
(B) be consistent with the purpose and intent of
Public Law 95-341 (commonly known as the American
Indian Religious Freedom Act) (42 U.S.C. 1996) and the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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