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Wyoming Public Lands Act: New Wilderness, Conservation, and Recreation Areas

This Act redesignates federal lands in Wyoming, establishing five new Wilderness Areas for strict conservation, prohibiting motorized use and surface development. It simultaneously releases numerous other Wilderness Study Areas from strict protection, allowing for broader land management and resource use. The legislation also creates Special Management Areas and a dedicated Motorized Recreation Area, directly impacting public access, grazing rights, and resource extraction rules across significant portions of the state.
Key points
Designates five new Wilderness Areas (totaling over 20,000 acres) in Wyoming, ensuring strict protection and prohibiting motorized vehicle use and surface development.
Releases numerous Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) from strict protection, allowing these lands to be managed under general federal land policy, potentially opening them up for resource development.
Establishes the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area and several Special Management Areas (SMAs) with specific rules for grazing, timber, and mineral leasing (oil/gas allowed only via directional drilling with no surface disturbance).
Requires the Secretary to conduct studies for the development of new special motorized recreation areas in Fremont, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_1348
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Process start date: 2023-04-27
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-3-pro-preview
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_1348.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-04-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Designates five new Wilderness Areas (totaling over 20,000 acres) in Wyoming, ensuring strict protection and prohibiting motorized vehicle use and surface development.
  • Releases numerous Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) from strict protection, allowing these lands to be managed under general federal land policy, potentially opening them up for resource development.
  • Establishes the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area and several Special Management Areas (SMAs) with specific rules for grazing, timber, and mineral leasing (oil/gas allowed only via directional drilling with no surface disturbance).
  • Requires the Secretary to conduct studies for the development of new special motorized recreation areas in Fremont, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties.
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. Barrasso, John [R-WY].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S7288-7297; text: CR S7288-7292)

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-30.

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Environment Agriculture Economy