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Wyoming Public Lands: New Wilderness Areas and Management Designations

This Act designates five areas in Wyoming as Wilderness Areas, imposing restrictions on road construction and motorized vehicle use. It simultaneously releases specific portions of Wilderness Study Areas from existing requirements, establishing new Special Management Areas where livestock grazing is permitted and oil and gas extraction is allowed only via directional drilling (prohibiting surface disturbance). The Act also establishes the Dubois Motorized Recreation Area and mandates studies on the potential for motorized recreation in three counties.
Key points
Five areas in Wyoming (totaling over 20,000 acres) are designated as Wilderness Areas, prohibiting new permanent roads and restricting motorized access.
Portions of former Wilderness Study Areas are released from that status; many are placed into Special Management Areas where oil and gas leasing is permitted only through directional drilling from outside the area.
The Dubois Motorized Recreation Area is established, and the Secretary is directed to study potential new off-road vehicle areas in Fremont, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties.
Existing livestock grazing rights are preserved within the newly designated Wilderness Areas and Special Management Areas.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_681
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Process start date: 2025-02-20
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 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_681.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-02-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Five areas in Wyoming (totaling over 20,000 acres) are designated as Wilderness Areas, prohibiting new permanent roads and restricting motorized access.
  • Portions of former Wilderness Study Areas are released from that status; many are placed into Special Management Areas where oil and gas leasing is permitted only through directional drilling from outside the area.
  • The Dubois Motorized Recreation Area is established, and the Secretary is directed to study potential new off-road vehicle areas in Fremont, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties.
  • Existing livestock grazing rights are preserved within the newly designated Wilderness Areas and Special Management Areas.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Environment Agriculture