Wyoming Public Lands: New Wilderness and Special Management Areas.
This act redefines the status of various lands in Wyoming, establishing new wilderness areas and special management zones. It impacts public access, land use regulations including grazing and vehicle use, and fire/disease protection. The goal is to balance natural resource management with recreational opportunities.
Key points
Designation of new wilderness areas (e.g., Encampment River Canyon, Prospect Mountain, Upper and Lower Sweetwater Canyon, Bobcat Draw) with strict environmental protection rules, but allowing existing livestock grazing.
Creation of special management areas (e.g., Bennett Mountains, Black Cat, Sweetwater Rocks, Fortification Creek, Fraker Mountain, North Fork, Cedar Mountain) allowing more flexible management, including limited vehicle access and directional drilling for oil/gas from outside the area.
Establishment of the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area for off-road vehicles and the Dubois Badlands National Conservation Area with vehicle restrictions, impacting recreational opportunities.
Withdrawal of many areas from mineral exploration and geothermal leasing, with exceptions for oil and gas extraction via directional drilling, protecting surface integrity.
Implementation of fire and disease management plans for wilderness and special management areas to protect adjacent lands and communities.
Expired
Citizen Poll