Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.1341 - Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act (119th Congress)

Summary

S.1341, the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act, aims to amend the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993 by adding approximately 6,817 acres of land within the Routt National Forest to the Sarvis Creek Wilderness. The bill designates this addition as the 'Sarvis Creek Wilderness Addition'. It also includes provisions to protect tribal rights and allow for traditional tribal uses, as well as measures for managing fire, insects, and diseases within the designated area.

Expected Effects

The bill's enactment would expand the Sarvis Creek Wilderness, providing increased protection for the area's natural resources and biodiversity. It would also formalize the management of the added land under the Wilderness Act, with specific considerations for tribal rights and ecological management. This expansion could potentially impact recreational activities and resource management practices in the Routt National Forest.

Potential Benefits

  • Enhanced protection of natural habitats and biodiversity within the Sarvis Creek Wilderness Addition.
  • Preservation of the area's wilderness character for future generations.
  • Recognition and protection of tribal rights and traditional uses of the land.
  • Potential for increased recreational opportunities, such as hiking and camping, in a preserved wilderness area.
  • Improved management of fire, insects, and diseases to maintain the health of the ecosystem.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential restrictions on resource extraction and development within the expanded wilderness area.
  • Possible limitations on motorized access and certain recreational activities.
  • Increased management costs associated with administering the larger wilderness area.
  • Potential conflicts between different user groups, such as hikers, hunters, and tribal members.
  • Economic impact on local communities that rely on resource extraction or development in the area.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly regarding the management of federal lands. Congress has the authority to manage and regulate federal property under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, also known as the Property Clause. The bill also includes provisions to protect tribal treaty rights, which aligns with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).