Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado.

A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill allows 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.

The Department of the Interior shall establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council.

Interior must manage the areas identified as Ponderosa Gorge in a manner that maintains its wilderness character, including certain restrictions on (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.

The bill releases segments of the Dolores River inside the areas from further study for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Bill 118 hr 1534, also known as the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act, was introduced in the US Congress with the aim of designating certain lands along the Dolores River in Colorado as a National Conservation Area (NCA) and a Special Management Area (SMA). The bill seeks to protect and preserve the unique natural, cultural, and recreational resources found in this area.

The NCA designation would provide additional protections for the Dolores River and its surrounding lands, ensuring that they are managed in a way that maintains their ecological integrity and allows for sustainable use. The SMA designation would further enhance the management of the area by providing specific guidelines for activities such as recreation, grazing, and mineral development.

The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of a management plan for the NCA and SMA, which would involve input from local stakeholders, including tribes, local governments, and recreational users. This plan would outline how the area will be managed to balance conservation with the needs of the local community. Overall, the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act aims to protect the natural beauty and resources of the Dolores River while also allowing for responsible use and enjoyment of the area by the public. It represents a collaborative effort to balance conservation and recreation in a way that benefits both the environment and the local community.