Part B—Public Recreation on Federal Recreational Lands and Waters
§8421. Biking on long-distance trails
(a) Identification of long-distance trails
Not later than 18 months after January 4, 2025, the Secretaries shall identify—
(1) not fewer than 10 long-distance bike trails that make use of trails and roads in existence on January 4, 2025; and
(2) not fewer than 10 areas in which there is an opportunity to develop or complete a trail that would qualify as a long-distance bike trail.
(b) Public comment
The Secretaries shall—
(1) develop a process to allow members of the public to comment regarding the identification of trails and areas under subsection (a); and
(2) consider the identification, development, and completion of long-distance bike trails in a geographically equitable manner.
(c) Maps, signage, and promotional materials
For any long-distance bike trail identified under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may—
(1) publish and distribute maps, install signage, and issue promotional materials; and
(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the stewardship, development, or completion of trails.
(d) Report
Not later than 2 years after January 4, 2025, the Secretaries, in partnership with interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a report that lists the trails identified under subsection (a), including a summary of public comments received in accordance with the process developed under subsection (b).
(e) Conflict avoidance with other uses
Before identifying a long-distance bike trail under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure the long-distance bike trail—
(1) minimizes conflict with—
(A) the uses, before January 4, 2025, of any trail or road that is part of that long-distance bike trail;
(B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on January 4, 2025;
(C) the purposes for which any trail was or is established under the National Trails System Act (
(D) any area managed under the Wilderness Act (
(2) complies with land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters that are part of that long-distance bike trail.
(f) Eminent domain or condemnation
In carrying out this section, the Secretaries may not use eminent domain or condemnation.
(g) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Long-distance bike trail
The term "long-distance bike trail" means a continuous route, consisting of 1 or more trails or rights-of-way, that—
(A) is not less than 80 miles in length;
(B) primarily makes use of dirt or natural surface trails;
(C) may require connections along paved or other improved roads;
(D) does not include Federal recreational lands where mountain biking or related activities are not consistent with management requirements for those Federal recreational lands; and
(E) to the maximum extent practicable, makes use of trails and roads that were on Federal recreational lands on or before January 4, 2025.
(2) Secretaries
The term "Secretaries" means the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly.
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Editorial Notes
References in Text
The National Trails System Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(C), is
The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(D), is
§8422. Protecting America's rock climbing
(a) In general
Not later than 18 months after January 4, 2025, each Secretary concerned shall issue guidance for recreational climbing activities on covered Federal land.
(b) Applicable law
The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall ensure that recreational climbing activities comply with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the covered Federal land.
(c) Wilderness areas
The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall recognize that recreational climbing (including the use, placement, and maintenance of fixed anchors) is an appropriate use within a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, if undertaken—
(1) in accordance with the Wilderness Act (
(2) subject to any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate.
(d) Authorization
The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall describe the requirements, if any, for the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors for recreational climbing in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, including any terms and conditions determined by the Secretary concerned to be appropriate, which may be issued programmatically or on a case-by-case basis.
(e) Existing routes
The guidance issued under subsection (a) shall include direction providing for the continued use and maintenance of recreational climbing routes (including fixed anchors along the routes) in existence as of January 4, 2025, in accordance with this chapter.
(f) Public comment
Before finalizing the guidance issued under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall provide opportunities for public comment with respect to the guidance.
(g) Covered Federal land defined
In this section, the term "covered Federal land"—
(1) means the lands described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2); and
(2) includes components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
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Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Wilderness Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (e), was in the original "this Act", meaning
§8423. Range access
(a) Definition of target shooting range
In this section, the term "target shooting range" means a developed and managed area that is authorized or operated by the Forest Service, a concessioner of the Forest Service, or the Bureau of Land Management (or their lessee) specifically for the purposeful discharge by the public of legal firearms, firearms training, archery, or other associated activities.
(b) Assessment; identification of target shooting range locations
(1) Assessment
Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, the Secretary concerned shall make available to the public a list that—
(A) identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district that has a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B);
(B) identifies each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district that does not have a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B); and
(C) for each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district identified under subparagraph (B), provides a determination of whether applicable law or the applicable land use plan prevents the establishment of a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B).
(2) Identification of target shooting range locations
(A) In general
The Secretary concerned shall identify at least 1 suitable location for a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in paragraph (3)(B) within each National Forest and each Bureau of Land Management district with respect to which the Secretary concerned has determined under paragraph (1)(C) that the establishment of a target shooting range is not prevented by applicable law or the applicable land use plan.
(B) Requirements
The Secretaries, in consultation with the entities described in subsection (d), shall, for purposes of identifying a suitable location for a target shooting range under subparagraph (A)—
(i) consider the proximity of areas frequently used by recreational shooters;
(ii) ensure that the target shooting range would not adversely impact a shooting range operated on non-Federal land; and
(iii) consider other nearby recreational uses, including proximity to units of the National Park System, to minimize potential conflict and prioritize visitor safety.
(3) Establishment of new target shooting ranges
(A) In general
Not later than 5 years after January 4, 2025, at 1 or more suitable locations identified on each eligible National Forest and Bureau of Land Management district under paragraph (2)(A), the Secretary concerned shall—
(i) subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, construct a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (B) or modify an existing target shooting range to meet the requirements described in subparagraph (B); or
(ii) enter into an agreement with an entity described in subsection (d)(1), under which the entity shall establish or maintain a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in subparagraph (B).
(B) Requirements
A target shooting range established under this paragraph—
(i)(I) shall be able to accommodate rifles and pistols;
(II) may include skeet, trap, or sporting clay infrastructure; and
(III) may accommodate archery;
(ii) shall include appropriate public safety designs and features, including—
(I) significantly modified landscapes, including berms, buffer distances, or other public safety designs or features; and
(II) a designated firing line; and
(iii) may include—
(I) shade structures;
(II) trash containers;
(III) restrooms;
(IV) benches; and
(V) any other features that the Secretary concerned determines to be necessary.
(C) Recreation and Public Purposes Act
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned may consider a target shooting range that is located on land transferred or leased pursuant to the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the "Recreation and Public Purposes Act") (
(c) Restrictions
(1) Management
The management of a target shooting range shall be subject to such conditions as the Secretary concerned determines are necessary for the safe, responsible use of—
(A) the target shooting range; and
(B) the adjacent land and resources.
(2) Closures
Except in emergency situations, the Secretary concerned shall seek to ensure that a target shooting range that meets the requirements described in subsection (b)(3)(B), or an equivalent shooting range adjacent to a National Forest or Bureau of Land Management district, is available to the public prior to closing Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to recreational shooting, in accordance with
(d) Coordination
(1) In general
In carrying out this section, the Secretaries shall coordinate with—
(A) State, Tribal, and local governments;
(B) nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations, including organizations that are signatories to the memorandum of understanding entitled "Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports Roundtable Memorandum of Understanding" and signed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management on August 17, 2006;
(C) shooting clubs;
(D) Federal advisory councils relating to hunting and shooting sports; and
(E) individuals or entities with authorized leases or permits in an area under consideration for a target shooting range.
(2) Partnerships
The Secretaries may—
(A) coordinate with an entity described in paragraph (1) to assist with the construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of a target shooting range; and
(B) explore opportunities to leverage funding to maximize non-Federal investment in the construction, modification, operation, or maintenance of a target shooting range.
(e) Annual reports
Not later than 2 years after January 4, 2025, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2033, the Secretaries shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing the progress made with respect to the implementation of this section.
(f) Savings clause
Nothing in this section affects the authority of the Secretary concerned to administer a target shooting range that is in addition to the target shooting ranges that meet the requirements described in subsection (b)(3)(B) on Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Secretary concerned.
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§8424. Restoration of overnight campsites
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Recreation Area
The term "Recreation Area" means the recreation area and grounds associated with the recreation area on the map entitled "Ouachita National Forest Camping Restoration" and dated November 30, 2023, on file with the Forest Service.
(2) Secretary
The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(b) In general
The Secretary shall—
(1) not later than 6 months after January 4, 2025, identify 54 areas within the Recreation Area that may be suitable for overnight camping; and
(2) not later than 2 years after January 4, 2025—
(A) review each area identified under paragraph (1); and
(B) from the areas so identified, select and establish at least 27 campsites and related facilities within the Recreation Area for public use.
(c) Requirements related to campsites and related facilities
The Secretary shall—
(1) ensure that at least 27 campsites are available under subsection (b), of which not less than 8 shall have electric and water hookups; and
(2) ensure that each campsite and related facility identified or established under subsection (b) is located outside of the 1 percent annual exceedance probability flood elevation.
(d) Reopening of certain sites
Not later than 30 days after January 4, 2025, the Secretary shall open each campsite within the Recreation Area that—
(1) exists on January 4, 2025;
(2) is located outside of the 1 percent annual exceedance probability flood elevation;
(3) was in operation on June 1, 2010; and
(4) would not interfere with any current (as of January 4, 2025) day use areas.
(e) Day use areas
Not later than 1 year after January 4, 2025, the Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to rehabilitate and make publicly accessible the areas in the Recreation Area identified for year-round day use, including the following:
(1) Loop A.
(2) Loop B.
(3) The covered, large-group picnic pavilion in Loop D.
(4) The parking lot in Loop D.
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§8425. Motorized and nonmotorized access
(a) In general
The Secretary concerned shall seek to have, not later than 5 years after January 4, 2025, in a printed and publicly available format that is compliant with the format for geographic information systems—
(1) for each district administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, a ground transportation linear feature map authorized for public use or administrative use; and
(2) for each unit of the National Forest System, a motor vehicle use map, in accordance with existing law.
(b) Over-snow vehicle-use maps
The Secretary concerned shall seek to have, not later than 10 years after January 4, 2025, in a printed and publicly available format that is compliant with the format for geographic information systems, an over-snow vehicle-use map for each unit of Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or Director of the Bureau of Land Management on which over-snow vehicle-use occurs, in accordance with existing law.
(c) Out-of-date maps
Not later than 20 years after the date on which the Secretary concerned adopted or reviewed, through public notice and comment, a map described in subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary concerned shall seek to review, through public notice and comment, and update, as necessary, the applicable map.
(d) Motorized and nonmotorized access
The Secretaries shall seek to create additional opportunities, as appropriate, and in accordance with existing law, for motorized and nonmotorized access and opportunities on Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
(e) Savings clause
Nothing in this section prohibits a lawful use, including authorized motorized or nonmotorized uses, on Federal recreational lands and waters administered by the Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, if the Secretary concerned fails to meet a timeline established under this section.
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§8426. Aquatic resource activities assistance
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
The term "Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force" means the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force established by
(2) Decontamination
The term "decontamination" means actions to remove aquatic nuisance species to prevent introduction or spread into new aquatic ecosystems.
(3) Federal land and water
The term "Federal land and water" means Federal land and water operated and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Forest Service, or the National Park Service, as applicable.
(4) Indian Tribe
The term "Indian Tribe" has the meaning given such term in
(5) Inspection
The term "inspection" means actions to find aquatic nuisance species to prevent introduction or spread into new aquatic ecosystems.
(6) Partner
The term "partner" means—
(A) a Reclamation State;
(B) an Indian Tribe in a Reclamation State;
(C) an applicable nonprofit organization in a Reclamation State;
(D) a unit of local government in a Reclamation State; or
(E) a private entity.
(7) Reclamation State
The term "Reclamation State" includes any of the following States:
(A) Alaska.
(B) Arizona.
(C) California.
(D) Colorado.
(E) Idaho.
(F) Kansas.
(G) Montana.
(H) Nebraska.
(I) Nevada.
(J) New Mexico.
(K) North Dakota.
(L) Oklahoma.
(M) Oregon.
(N) South Dakota.
(O) Texas.
(P) Utah.
(Q) Washington.
(R) Wyoming.
(8) Reclamation project
The term "reclamation 1 project" has the meaning given such term in
(9) Secretaries
The term "Secretaries" means each of the following:
(A) The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Commissioner of Reclamation, and the Director of the National Park Service.
(B) The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service.
(10) Vessel
The term "vessel" means any watercraft or other contrivance used or designed for transportation or navigation on, under, or immediately above, water.
(b) Authority of Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Forest Service with respect to certain aquatic resource activities on Federal land and waters
(1) In general
The head of each Federal land management agency is authorized to carry out inspections and decontamination of vessels entering or leaving Federal land and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Federal land management agency.
(2) Requirements
The Secretaries shall—
(A) in carrying out an inspection and decontamination under paragraph (1), coordinate with 1 or more partners;
(B) consult with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force to identify potential improvements and efficiencies in the detection and management of aquatic nuisance species on Federal land and water; and
(C) to the maximum extent practicable, inspect and decontaminate vessels in a manner that minimizes disruptions to public access for boating and recreation in noncontaminated vessels.
(3) Partnerships
The Secretaries may enter into a partnership to lead, collaborate with, or provide technical assistance to a partner—
(A) to carry out an inspection or decontamination of vessels; or
(B) to establish an inspection and decontamination station for vessels.
(4) Limitation
The Secretaries shall not prohibit access to vessels due solely to the absence of a Federal, State, or partner's inspection program or station.
(5) Exceptions
(A) Authority to regulate vessels
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commandant of the Coast Guard to regulate vessels provided under any other provision of law.
(B) Applicability
Authorities granted in this subsection shall not apply at locations where inspection or decontamination activities would duplicate efforts by the Coast Guard.
(6) Data sharing
The Secretaries shall make available to a Reclamation State any relevant data gathered related to inspections or decontaminations carried out under this subsection in such State.
(c) Grant program for Reclamation States for vessel inspection and decontamination stations
(1) Vessels inspections in reclamation states
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Reclamation, shall establish a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance to partners to conduct inspections and decontamination of vessels operating in Reclamation projects, including to purchase, establish, operate, or maintain a vessel inspection and decontamination station.
(2) Cost share
The Federal share of the cost of a grant under paragraph (1), including personnel costs, shall not exceed 75 percent.
(3) Standards
Before awarding a grant under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine that the project is technically and financially feasible.
(4) Coordination
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall coordinate with—
(A) each of the Reclamation States;
(B) affected Indian Tribes; and
(C) the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.
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