Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

Summary · Congressional Research Service (nonpartisan)

This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado to protect certain natural, recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and other values of the areas. The conservation area must consist of approximately 52,872 acres of Bureau of Land Management land. The special management area must consist of approximately 15,452 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest. A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to allow for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. Additionally, Interior must manage the portions of the areas identified as Ponderosa Gorge in a manner that maintains its wilderness character, including by prohibiting (1) road construction; (2) the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport; and (3) projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber. Interior must also establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council. Finally, the bill releases segments of the Dolores River inside the areas from further study for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.