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Dolores River Protection: New Conservation and Special Management Areas in Colorado

This Act establishes two new protected areas in Colorado: the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area. Its purpose is to conserve natural, cultural, and recreational resources while safeguarding existing water rights and private property. Citizens will benefit from better-managed recreational lands but may face restrictions on motorized vehicle use in designated areas.
Key points
Two new protected areas are established: the Dolores River National Conservation Area (approx. 53,187 acres) and the Dolores River Special Management Area (approx. 15,664 acres), aimed at protecting nature, recreation, and cultural heritage.
An Advisory Council is created, including representatives from local communities, farmers, conservationists, and Native American tribes, to ensure citizen participation in the management planning of these areas.
The Act protects existing water rights, including those related to the Dolores Project, and Native American tribal rights, ensuring that new regulations do not negatively impact their water use and traditional practices.
Restrictions on motorized vehicles and road construction are introduced in the protected areas, meaning access will primarily be via designated routes, except for administrative or emergency purposes.
Lands within the protected areas are withdrawn from new mining claims and leases, aiming to prevent further industrial development and protect the natural environment.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4542
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Process start date: 2022-07-14
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_4542.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-07-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Two new protected areas are established: the Dolores River National Conservation Area (approx. 53,187 acres) and the Dolores River Special Management Area (approx. 15,664 acres), aimed at protecting nature, recreation, and cultural heritage.
  • An Advisory Council is created, including representatives from local communities, farmers, conservationists, and Native American tribes, to ensure citizen participation in the management planning of these areas.
  • The Act protects existing water rights, including those related to the Dolores Project, and Native American tribal rights, ensuring that new regulations do not negatively impact their water use and traditional practices.
  • Restrictions on motorized vehicles and road construction are introduced in the protected areas, meaning access will primarily be via designated routes, except for administrative or emergency purposes.
  • Lands within the protected areas are withdrawn from new mining claims and leases, aiming to prevent further industrial development and protect the natural environment.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Environment Local Government Public Investments