Overview
Title
To designate as wilderness certain Federal portions of the red rock canyons of the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin Deserts in the State of Utah for the benefit of present and future generations of people in the United States.
ELI5 AI
The bill is like a big rule that says certain beautiful and important parts of nature in Utah should be kept safe forever, so no one can build roads or dig for things there. It wants to make sure these special places stay just the way they are for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.
Summary AI
H.R. 2467, known as the "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act," is a bill aimed at designating specific federal lands in the red rock canyons of the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin Deserts in Utah as wilderness areas. The designation is intended to protect the cultural, ecological, and scenic values of these lands for present and future generations. The bill emphasizes the importance of these areas to Indigenous cultures and aims to preserve the natural environment by limiting activities such as mining and road development. Additionally, it outlines how the management and administration of these areas should align with existing laws related to wilderness protection.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
General Summary
The bill titled "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act" aims to designate certain parts of the red rock canyons in Utah as wilderness areas. These zones include portions of the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin Deserts. The intention is to preserve these lands for future generations by protecting their cultural, ecological, and scenic values. Managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management, the act emphasizes the importance of safeguarding these areas from development and exploitation, such as mineral extraction, while allowing traditional use by Indigenous communities.
Significant Issues
A notable concern in the bill is the lack of detailed maps or clear boundaries for the designated wilderness areas. Without precise delineations, there could be confusion or disputes over exactly which lands are protected. This ambiguity affects many sections of the bill, including those that discuss specific regions to be designated as wilderness.
Another issue is the absence of a comprehensive plan on how these wilderness areas will be managed and funded. The broad designations leave open questions about the implementation and oversight of these new protections, which could lead to difficulties in maintaining the desired ecological and cultural benefits.
The bill also does not thoroughly address the potential economic impacts these designations might have on local communities and industries that rely on land use or resource access. The significant change in land management could affect local economies, especially if activities like mining or grazing are restricted.
Public Impact
The designation of these wilderness areas, if implemented effectively, could have a positive impact by preserving significant natural landscapes, contributing to biodiversity, and potentially aiding in climate change mitigation. By connecting various ecosystems, the wilderness areas could help maintain plant and animal populations and provide spaces for scientific study and public enjoyment.
For the public, such measures could enhance recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, and fishing in pristine natural settings. However, limited access for new economic development might restrict economic opportunities in these regions, which could affect jobs and revenues for local communities more reliant on resource extraction.
Stakeholder Impact
Indigenous communities might benefit positively from the bill, as it seeks to protect lands that have cultural and spiritual significance. The recognition and preservation of these areas can revive traditional practices, connecting current Indigenous individuals to their heritage.
Conversely, other stakeholders, particularly industries involved in extraction or land development, might face negative impacts due to restrictions on land use. Grazing, a significant economic activity in these regions, is addressed in the bill, but the lack of clarity could complicate management for those currently utilizing these lands.
In summary, while the "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act" aims to protect valuable wilderness areas in Utah, several issues require attention to ensure clear implementation and fair impact on all stakeholders involved. Addressing these concerns will be essential to balancing ecological preservation with economic and cultural interests.
Issues
The bill designates large areas of land as wilderness without providing detailed maps or clear boundaries, potentially leading to ambiguity and disputes over the exact locations of these areas. This affects sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, and 201.
The bill lacks specific details on the management and funding of the designated wilderness areas, leading to potential ambiguity in implementation, oversight, and financial implications. This affects sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109.
The bill does not address the potential economic impact on local communities or industries that could be affected by the wilderness designations, which could lead to concerns about local land use and resource access. This affects sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108.
The bill lacks a clear explanation of how stakeholder consultations or impact assessments, particularly involving Indigenous communities or other key parties, were or will be conducted regarding the land designations. This affects sections 3, 4, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108.
The designation of large tracts of land without detailed criteria or explanation for their ecological or cultural significance could raise questions about prioritization and transparency of selection. This affects sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109.
The provisions related to the exchange of state school trust land within wilderness areas are vague about how 'approximately equal value' is determined, leading to potential disputes or perceptions of unfairness. This affects section 203.
The bill's language on 'valid rights existing on the date of enactment' is unclear and could lead to confusion regarding the impact on existing or future rights and activities. This affects section 210.
The bill lacks detailed provisions or guidelines on how the newly designated wilderness areas will be managed, potentially leading to varied interpretations and applications. This affects sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text outlines the short title and table of contents for the "America's Red Rock Wilderness Act." It includes various sections and titles detailing the designation of wilderness areas and administrative provisions, such as the management of land, protection of tribal rights, and regulations on water, roads, livestock, and wildlife.
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section of the Act, "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Interior working through the Bureau of Land Management, and "State" refers to the State of Utah.
3. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has identified that the land designated as wilderness in the bill is a significant area of natural and cultural importance. This designation aims to preserve the land's wild nature, support ecological connectivity, help combat climate change, and protect Indigenous cultural sites and practices.
4. Purposes Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The purpose of this Act is to declare some areas of Utah as wilderness to benefit current and future generations by protecting the natural beauty and cultural importance of the land, and to ensure that people, including Indigenous communities, can continue traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking there.
101. Great Basin Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress acknowledges the unique natural beauty and ecosystems of the Great Basin region in western Utah and designates several areas within this region as wilderness areas to protect and preserve them. These designated areas, which include locations like the Deep Creek Mountains and Notch Peak, are added as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
102. Grand Staircase-Escalante Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines Congress's intent to protect and manage specific areas within the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as wilderness areas. It specifies the designation of numerous sites across the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits Plateau, and Escalante Canyons as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
103. Moab-La Sal Canyons Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has found that the Moab-La Sal Canyons area, known for its stunning landscapes and natural formations like the Fisher Towers and Westwater Canyon rapids, should be preserved as a wilderness area. The section designates various regions within this area, totaling several thousand acres, as protected wilderness areas under the National Wilderness Preservation System.
104. Henry Mountains Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress recognizes the Henry Mountain Range as a significant wilderness area with unique natural features and wildlife. Several specific areas within the range are officially designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, ensuring their protection and management to preserve their wild nature.
105. Glen Canyon Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has identified and designated several areas in Glen Canyon, Utah, as wilderness areas to be protected and managed, including regions like the Dirty Devil River and Dark Canyon, as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, covering a range of landscapes totaling thousands of acres.
106. San Juan Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress finds that the San Juan Wilderness Areas, including places like Cedar Mesa in Utah, are important for their cultural and ecological significance and need protection. The bill designates several areas, such as Allen Canyon and Valley of the Gods, as official wilderness areas to preserve their unique resources.
107. Canyonlands Basin Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress asserts that while Canyonlands National Park protects only a part of the remarkable canyonland region, designating more areas around it as wilderness will help preserve their natural beauty and wildlife. Several areas near the park, totaling hundreds of thousands of acres, are designated as wilderness areas and will become part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
108. San Rafael Swell Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress recognizes the unique natural features of the San Rafael Swell, such as its towering sandstone formations and important wildlife habitat. As a result, various areas in Utah are designated as official wilderness areas to protect and preserve them for future generations.
109. Book Cliffs–Greater Dinosaur Wilderness Areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress has identified the Book Cliffs–Greater Dinosaur Wilderness Areas as regions rich in wildlife and recreational opportunities that should be protected. Consequently, several areas are designated as wilderness, covering a wide span of territories within the state, ensuring their preservation as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
201. General provisions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines that every wilderness area named in the bill will be noted on a specific map and recognized by the name given in the bill. After the bill passes, a map and detailed description of each designated wilderness area will be filed with Congressional committees and made available to the public, with legal authority similar to being part of the bill. Any minor errors can be corrected by the Secretary.
202. Administration Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines that each wilderness area created under this Act will be managed by the Secretary following the guidelines of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Wilderness Act. Existing legal rights at the time the Act is enacted will be respected.
203. State school trust land within wilderness areas Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
If state-owned land is turned into a wilderness area by this Act, the Secretary will offer to swap it for U.S. land in the same state of similar value. However, mineral rights can only be exchanged if both sides are willing to trade them.
204. Water Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section establishes that for each wilderness area designated by the Act, a certain amount of water is reserved to ensure the area's needs are met. The Act ensures that this does not change any existing water rights and does not set a precedent for future water rights.
205. Roads Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In this section, the rules for measuring setbacks from roads are outlined. Generally, these setbacks vary depending on whether there is wilderness on one or both sides of the road, though exceptions can be made for topographical barriers, fences, and certain disturbances if they align with wilderness management goals.
206. Livestock Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Livestock grazing in the designated wilderness areas is allowed to continue if it was already permitted when this law was passed. However, it must follow rules set by the Secretary that align with both the Wilderness Act and a specific section of the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 1990.
207. Fish and wildlife Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the Act does not change the State's control over managing and regulating wildlife and fish on public lands within its borders.
208. Protection of Tribal rights Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section ensures that the Act does not change any rights or obligations concerning federally recognized Indian Tribes, protecting both their rights and the United States' responsibilities to them.
209. Management of newly acquired land Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Land acquired by the Federal Government within a designated wilderness area will automatically become part of that area and must be managed according to the laws that apply to wilderness areas.
210. Withdrawal Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the Federal land mentioned in title I is off-limits to specific activities. These activities include any new entry, appropriation, or disposal as per public law, mining activities such as location and patenting under mining law, and any kind of leasing or material disposition related to minerals and geothermal resources.