H.R.2944 - Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2944, the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness Establishment Act, aims to amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The primary goal is to establish the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico. It also seeks to modify the boundary of the existing National Monument.
The bill designates approximately 12,295 acres of federal land in Taos County, New Mexico, as the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness. It allows for the maintenance of existing wildlife water development projects within the wilderness area, subject to certain conditions and a cooperative agreement with the State of New Mexico.
This act reflects an effort to balance conservation with responsible land management, specifically addressing wildlife needs within the newly designated wilderness area.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased protection for the designated wilderness area. It will lead to specific management guidelines for the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness.
The modification of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument boundary will change the area under federal protection. The cooperative agreement with New Mexico will shape wildlife management activities.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Enhanced protection of biodiversity and natural habitats within the Cerro de la Olla Wilderness.
- Promotion of healthy and naturally distributed wildlife populations through water development projects.
- Preservation of the scenic and recreational values of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.
- Increased opportunities for wilderness recreation and education.
- Formal recognition and protection of a unique landscape feature.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential restrictions on certain land uses, such as grazing or resource extraction, within the wilderness area.
- Possible conflicts between different user groups (e.g., recreationists, ranchers, conservationists).
- Administrative costs associated with managing the new wilderness area and implementing the cooperative agreement.
- Potential delays or complications in implementing wildlife management projects due to regulatory requirements.
- Boundary modifications could negatively impact existing land rights or access.
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The bill aligns with the US Constitution through Congress's power to manage federal lands, as outlined in Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Property Clause). This clause grants Congress the authority to regulate and protect federal territories and property.
The establishment of a wilderness area and modification of national monument boundaries fall within the scope of this constitutional authority. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
However, potential takings issues could arise if the boundary modifications significantly impact private property rights, requiring just compensation under the Fifth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).