Gunnison Land Protection: New Wilderness, Conservation Areas, and Access Rules
This bill designates new special management, wildlife conservation, protection, and recreation management areas on federal land in Colorado. It imposes restrictions on off-highway vehicle and bicycle use, generally limiting them to designated roads and trails, and withdraws these areas from future mineral, oil, and gas leasing. Additionally, the act transfers approximately 19,080 acres of land into trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Key points
Covered areas in Gunnison County are withdrawn from future mineral, oil, and gas leasing and mining location (subject to valid existing rights).
In newly designated protected areas, the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and bicycles is permitted only on designated roads and trails (with certain administrative exceptions).
The Secretary is required to implement seasonal closures for vehicles and bicycles in specific areas (e.g., McIntosh Mountain SMA) to protect wildlife.
Approximately 19,080 acres of land in Gunnison County will be taken into trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe as part of their reservation (prohibiting gaming activities).
Introduced
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