,,ii #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #cbff ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,november #ah1 #bjba,mr4 ,manchin 7for himself and ,mr4 ,barrasso7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to improve recreation opportunities on1 and facilitate greater access to1 ,federal public land1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,outdoor ,recreation ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,increasing recreation opportunities,sec4 #aja4 ,permit relief4,sec4 #ajb4 ,planning and managing for recreation4,sec4 #ajc4 ,forest ,service climbing guidance4,sec4 #ajd4 ,target shooting ranges4,,title ,,ii--,improving recreation opportunities,sec4 #bja4 ,broadband internet connectivity at recreation sites4,sec4 #bjb4 ,federal land and aquatic resource activities assistance4,sec4 #bjc4 ,improved recreation visitation data4,sec4 #bjd4 ,travel management4,,title ,,iii--,investing in recreation infrastructure and rural communities,sec4 #cja4 ,gateway communities4,sec4 #cjb4 ,forest ,service conservation finance partnerships4,sec4 #cjc4 ,availability of ,federal land infrastructure during shoulder seasons4,sec4 #cjd4 ,public-private partnerships to modernize campgrounds on ,federal land4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,federal land ,the term ,federal land means-- 7,a7 land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 ,national ,forest ,system land4 7#b7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#c7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means each of-- 7,a7 the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#e7 ,secretary concerned ,the term ,secretary concerned means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary1 with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary2 or 7,b7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 with respect to ,national ,forest ,system land4 ,i ,increasing recreation opportunities #aja4 ,permit relief 7a7 ,definition of youth group ,in this section1 the term youth group means any of the following that serves individuals not older than #be years of age3 7#a7 ,a nonprofit organization4 7#b7 ,a youth service organization4 7#c7 ,an educational institution4 7#d7 ,a faith-based organization4 7b7 ,removal of permit requirements for certain areas ,if the ,secretary concerned does not require the public to obtain a permit or reservation to access an existing picnic area1 the ,secretary concerned may not require an outfitter or guide serving fewer than #dj clients to obtain a permit to access that site4 7c7 ,study on access for youth groups to federal land and permits 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall-- 7,a7 conduct a study on impediments relating to permitting that are hindering the ability of youth groups to access and recreate on ,federal land2 and 7,b7 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 that describes the findings of the study under subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,temporary permits and de minimis use permits ,for purposes of the study conducted under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 for the #d-year period beginning on the date that is #a year before the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall-- 7,a7 assess the frequency and appropriateness of the issuance of temporary permits or other special recreation permits for youth groups on ,federal land2 7,b7 assess the quantity of requests made by youth groups to access a publicly accessible site on a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system1 ,federal land administered by the ,bureau of ,reclamation1 or ,federal land administered by the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 7,c7 provide any recommendations to facilitate and streamline access and recreation by youth groups2 and 7,d7 consider any implications regarding the health and safety of participants and liability exposure of the ,secretaries and the youth groups4 7d7 ,voluntary return of surplus service days 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned shall establish a program to allow a permittee issued a special recreation permit for a public land unit to voluntarily and temporarily return to the ,secretary concerned #a or more service days1 to be made available to any other existing or potential permittee4 7#b7 ,effect ,the return of surplus service days shall not affect future-year special recreation permits or the number of service days available to the permittee in future years4 #ajb4 ,planning and managing for recreation 7a7 ,policy 7#a7 ,in general ,it is the policy of the ,federal ,government to foster and encourage recreation on ,federal land1 consistent with-- 7,a7 the multiple-use mission of the applicable ,federal land management agency2 and 7,b7 the laws applicable to specific areas of ,federal land4 7#b7 ,administration ,the ,secretary concerned shall carry out the policy described in paragraph 7#a7 in administering programs and activities authorized by law4 7b7 ,definition of land management plan ,in this section1 the term land management plan means-- 7#a7 a land use plan prepared by the ,secretary pursuant to section #bjb of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agab72 and 7#b7 a land management plan prepared by the ,forest ,service for a unit of the ,national ,forest ,service pursuant to section #f of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd74 7c7 ,inventory and assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,in developing or revising a land management plan1 the ,secretary concerned shall conduct1 using public outreach1 an inventory and assessment of recreation resources for the ,federal land subject to the land management plan4 7#b7 ,unique recreation values ,an inventory and assessment conducted under paragraph 7#a7 shall recognize-- 7,a7 any unique recreation values and uses of each landscape that make a landscape1 or a portion of a landscape1 desirable for a particular type of recreation opportunity2 and 7,b7 points of concentrated use by recreationists4 7#c7 ,inventory ,the inventory under paragraph 7#a7 shall identify and list recreation resources by-- 7,a7 type of recreation and type of natural or manmade recreation infrastructure2 7,b7 to the extent available1 the level and demographics of use of the recreation resource as of the date of the inventory2 and 7,c7 any trend relating to recreation opportunities or use4 7#d7 ,assessment ,for any recreation resource inventoried under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall assess-- 7,a7 the level of demand for the recreation resource2 7,b7 the maintenance needs of1 and expenses necessary to administer1 the recreation resource2 7,c7 the benefits of current and projected future recreation use1 including to the local economy2 7,d7 the impacts of current and projected future recreation use on-- 7i7 natural1 cultural1 and other resources2 and 7ii7 other authorized uses and activities on the ,federal land subject to the land management plan2 and 7,e7 the suitability for developing1 expanding1 or enhancing the recreation resource4 7d7 ,future recreation needs and management 7#a7 ,future needs ,based on the inventory and assessment under subsection 7c77#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 consider future recreation needs2 7,b7 identify underutilized locations that are suitable for developing1 expanding1 or enhancing recreation use2 and 7,c7 select additional high-value recreation resources at which to encourage recreation use4 7#b7 ,savings clause ,the ,secretary concerned shall manage any high-value recreation resource identified under paragraph 7#a77;,c7 in a manner that-- 7,a7 is consistent with applicable law2 7,b7 recognizes other uses and activities in the area of the high-value recreation resource2 7,c7 seeks input from the public1 including adjacent landowners and individuals or entities with existing permits and leases2 and 7,d7 protects and enhances the recreation values of the high-value recreation resource4 7#c7 ,forecasts ,in developing or revising a land management plan1 the ,secretary concerned shall predict the manner in which the following would change under the desired future conditions identified in the applicable land management plan3 7,a7 ,the number of visitors to the respective unit of ,federal land4 7,b7 ,the maintenance needs of1 and the expenses necessary to administer1 the recreation resources on the respective unit of ,federal land4 7,c7 ,the benefits of recreation use1 including to the local economy4 7,d7 ,the impacts of recreation use on-- 7i7 natural1 cultural1 or other resources2 and 7ii7 other authorized uses and activities on the ,federal land subject to the land management plan4 #ajc4 ,forest ,service climbing guidance 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 recreational climbing in wilderness areas on ,national ,forest ,system land is being managed inconsistently2 and 7#b7 recreational climbing is a legitimate and appropriate use of wilderness areas on ,national ,forest ,system land if the recreational climbing is conducted and managed in accordance with-- 7,a7 the ,wilderness ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aaca et seq472 7,b7 other applicable laws 7including regulations72 and 7,c7 any reasonable terms and conditions that are determined to be necessary by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7b7 ,climbing guidance in wilderness ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall issue guidance on climbing management for ,national ,forest ,system land1 including the placement1 maintenance1 or removal of fixed anchors and the appropriate use of other equipment in designated wilderness areas on ,national ,forest ,system land under the ,wilderness ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aaca et seq474 7c7 ,public notice and comment ,prior to taking any significant management action affecting recreational climbing on ,national ,forest ,system land1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed action4 #ajd4 ,target shooting ranges 7a7 ,definition of designated shooting range ,in this section1 the term designated shooting range means a developed and managed area on ,federal land that is designed and operated specifically for the purposeful discharge of legal firearms1 firearms training1 archery1 or other associated activities4 7b7 ,identification of designated shooting range 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall identify a suitable location for1 and construct1 designated shooting ranges on ,national ,forest ,system land and public land administered by the ,bureau of ,land ,management for the public to use for recreational target shooting4 7#b7 ,minimum number of ranges ,to the maximum extent practicable-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall ensure that each ,national ,forest has not fewer than #a designated shooting range2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary shall ensure each ,bureau of ,land ,management district has not fewer than #a designated shooting range4 7#c7 ,requirements ,a designated shooting range under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 7i7 shall be able to accommodate rifles1 pistols1 and shotguns2 and 7ii7 may accommodate archery2 7,b7 shall include-- 7i7 significantly modified landscapes1 including berms1 buffer distances1 or other public safety designs or features2 7ii7 a designated firing line2 and 7iii7 benches2 and 7,c7 may include-- 7i7 shade structures2 7ii7 trash containers2 7iii7 restrooms2 and 7iv7 any other features that the ,secretary concerned determines to be necessary4 7c7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,existing use ,the ,secretaries1 in cooperation with the entities described in subsection 7d71 shall-- 7,a7 consider the proximity of areas frequently used by recreational shooters when identifying a suitable location for a designated shooting range2 and 7,b7 ensure a designated shooting range would not impact a non-,federal target shooting range1 including a target shooting range located on private land4 7#b7 ,closures ,except in emergency situations1 the ,secretary concerned shall seek to ensure that a designated shooting range1 or an equivalent shooting range adjacent to a ,national ,forest or ,bureau of ,land ,management district1 is available to the public prior to closing ,federal land to recreational shooting4 7d7 ,cooperation ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretaries shall cooperate1 as applicable1 with-- 7#a7 local and ,tribal governments2 7#b7 nonprofit organizations2 7#c7 ,state fish and wildlife agencies2 7#d7 shooting clubs2 7#e7 ,federal advisory councils relating to hunting and shooting sports2 7#f7 nongovernmental organizations that1 as of the date of enactment of this ,act1 are signatories to the memorandum of understanding entitled ,federal ,lands ,hunting1 ,fishing1 and ,shooting ,sports ,roundtable ,memorandum of ,understanding and signed by the ,forest ,service and the ,bureau of ,land ,management on ,august #ag1 #bjjf2 7#g7 individuals or entities with authorized leases or permits in an area under consideration for a designated shooting range2 and 7#h7 the public4 7e7 ,restrictions 7#a7 ,in general ,the management of a designated shooting range shall be subject to such conditions as the ,secretary concerned determines are necessary for the safe1 responsible use of-- 7,a7 the designated shooting range2 and 7,b7 the adjacent resources4 7#b7 ,fees ,the ,secretary concerned may not require a user to pay a fee to use a designated shooting range established under this section4 7f7 ,annual reports ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act and annually thereafter1 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 section4 ,,ii ,improving recreation opportunities #bja4 ,broadband internet connectivity at recreation sites 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and the ,chief of the ,forest ,service shall enter into an agreement with the ,administrator of the ,rural ,utilities ,service to install or construct broadband internet infrastructure at recreation sites on ,federal land to establish broadband internet connectivity-- 7#a7 subject to the availability of appropriations2 and 7#b7 consistent with applicable law4 7b7 ,identification ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary and the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 in coordination with ,states1 shall make publically available-- 7#a7 a list of the highest priority recreation sites on ,federal land that lack broadband internet2 and 7#b7 an estimate of the cost to equip each of those sites with broadband internet infrastructure4 7c7 ,priorities ,in selecting recreation sites for the list described in subsection 7b77#a71 the ,secretary and the ,chief of the ,forest ,service shall give priority to recreation sites-- 7#a7 at which broadband internet infrastructure has not been constructed by traditional utilities due to-- 7,a7 geographic challenges2 or 7,b7 the location having an insufficient number of permanent residents1 despite high seasonal or daily visitation levels2 or 7#b7 that are located in an economically distressed county that could benefit significantly from developing the outdoor recreation economy of the county4 #bjb4 ,federal land and aquatic resource activities assistance 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force ,the term ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force means the ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force established by section #abja7;a7 of the ,nonindigenous ,aquatic ,nuisance ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aiij 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgba7;a774 7#b7 ,federal land and water ,the term ,federal land and water means ,federal land and water operated and maintained by the ,bureau of ,land ,management or the ,national ,park ,service1 as applicable4 7#c7 ,inspection ,the term inspection means an inspection to prevent and respond to biological invasions of an aquatic ecosystem4 7#d7 ,partner ,the term partner means-- 7,a7 a ,reclamation ,state2 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe in a ,reclamation ,state2 7,c7 an applicable nonprofit organization in a ,reclamation ,state2 or 7,d7 a unit of local government in a ,reclamation ,state4 7#e7 ,reclamation ,state 7,a7 ,in general ,the term ,reclamation ,state means any ,state in which a ,bureau of ,reclamation reservoir is located4 7,b7 ,inclusions ,the term ,reclamation ,state includes any of the ,states of-- 7i7 ,alaska2 7ii7 ,arizona2 7iii7 ,california2 7iv7 ,colorado2 7v7 ,idaho2 7vi7 ,kansas2 7vii7 ,montana2 7viii7 ,nebraska2 7ix7 ,nevada2 7x7 ,new ,mexico2 7xi7 ,north ,dakota2 7xii7 ,oklahoma2 7xiii7 ,oregon2 7xiv7 ,south ,dakota2 7xv7 ,texas2 7xvi7 ,utah2 7xvii7 ,washington2 and 7xviii7 ,wyoming4 7b7 ,authority of ,bureau of ,land ,management and ,national ,park ,service with respect to certain aquatic resource activities on ,federal land and water 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may inspect and decontaminate watercraft entering and leaving ,federal land and water located within a river basin that contains a ,bureau of ,reclamation water project4 7#b7 ,requirements ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management and the ,director of the ,national ,park ,service1 shall-- 7,a7 in carrying out an inspection under paragraph 7#a71 coordinate with #a or more partners2 7,b7 consult with the ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force to identify potential improvements in the detection and management of invasive species on ,federal land and water2 and 7,c7 to the maximum extent practicable1 inspect watercraft in a manner that minimizes disruptions to public access for boating and recreation in noncontaminated watercraft4 7#c7 ,partnerships ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management and the ,director of the ,national ,park ,service1 may enter into a partnership to provide technical assistance to a partner-- 7,a7 to carry out an inspection or decontamination of watercraft2 or 7,b7 to establish an inspection and decontamination station for watercraft4 7c7 ,grant program for reclamation states for watercraft inspection and decontamination stations 7#a7 ,watercraft inspection in ,reclamation ,states ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,commissioner of ,reclamation1 shall establish a competitive grant program to provide grants to partners to conduct inspections and decontamination of watercraft in reservoirs operated and maintained by the ,secretary1 including to purchase1 establish1 operate1 or maintain a watercraft inspection and decontamination station4 7#b7 ,cost share ,the ,federal share of the cost of a grant under paragraph 7#a71 including personnel costs1 shall not exceed #ge percent4 7#c7 ,standards ,before awarding a grant under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall determine that the project is technically and financially feasible4 7#d7 ,coordination ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,secretary shall coordinate with-- 7,a7 each of the ,reclamation ,states2 7,b7 affected ,indian ,tribes2 and 7,c7 the ,aquatic ,nuisance ,species ,task ,force4 #bjc4 ,improved recreation visitation data 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall establish a single visitation data management and modeling system for public recreation to provide accurate1 real-time visitation data1 at a site-specific level and in a consistent manner1 with respect to ,federal land managed by each of-- 7#a7 the ,chief of the ,forest ,service2 7#b7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 7#c7 the ,director of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs1 in coordination with ,indian ,tribes2 7#d7 the ,director of the ,national ,park ,service2 7#e7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 and 7#f7 the ,commissioner of ,reclamation4 7b7 ,third-,party providers and partners ,for purposes of carrying out this section1 the ,secretary concerned shall coordinate or contract with private sector partners1 including-- 7#a7 technology companies2 7#b7 mapping companies2 7#c7 experts in data science1 analytics1 and operations research2 or 7#d7 data companies4 7c7 ,interface ,the ,secretaries shall coordinate with trade associations1 ,state outdoor recreation offices1 offices of tourism1 and local outdoor recreation marketing organizations to design and deploy1 for purposes of making data available under subsection 7a71 the optimum user interface that balances ease of use by the public with the available resources of the ,secretaries4 7d7 ,smart phone technology ,the ,secretaries and any partner described in subsection 7b7 may make use of smart phone technology for purposes of making data available under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,privacy clause ,nothing in this section provides authority to the ,secretaries-- 7#a7 to monitor or record the movements of a visitor to ,federal land2 7#b7 to restrict1 interfere with1 or monitor a private communication of a visitor to ,federal land2 7#c7 to take possession of any documents1 data1 or other personal effects of a visitor to ,federal land2 or 7#d7 to collect-- 7,a7 information from owners of land adjacent to ,federal land2 or 7,b7 information on non-,federal land4 7f7 ,categories of use ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretaries shall categorize the data collected under subsection 7a7 by recreational activity4 7g7 ,limitation ,information or data collected under this section shall be limited only to actual recreation visitation information for recreation sites managed by the ,secretary concerned4 7h7 ,report ,not later than ,january #a1 #bjbd1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretaries shall publish on a website of the ,secretaries a report that describes the annual visitation of each unit of ,federal land1 including1 to the maximum extent practicable1 visitation categorized by recreational activity4 #bjd4 ,travel management 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall-- 7#a7 prioritize finalizing travel management planning activities of the ,bureau of ,land ,management and the ,forest ,service1 as applicable1 including evaluating and designating as open1 limited1 or closed applicable ,federal land areas or routes1 roads1 trails1 or staging areas on applicable ,federal land for nonmotorized or motorized use1 including for over-snow vehicles2 and 7#b7 not later than #e years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 develop a ground transportation linear feature or motor vehicle use map and over-snow vehicle use map for each district administered by the ,bureau of ,land ,management and each unit of the ,national ,forest ,system1 in a printed and publically available format that is compliant with the format for geographic information systems4 7b7 ,procedures ,for purposes of meeting the requirements of subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned-- 7#a7 may use an existing evaluation or designation2 7#b7 may evaluate and alter an existing designation for applicable ,federal land areas or routes1 roads1 trails1 or staging areas on applicable ,federal land in accordance with applicable laws 7including regulations72 7#c7 shall consider-- 7,a7 the protection of the resources of the ,federal land2 7,b7 the promotion of the safety of the users of the ,federal land2 7,c7 the minimization of conflicts among various uses of the ,federal land2 and 7,d7 other designation criteria or route options developed by the ,secretaries at the local level1 such as seasonal restrictions1 temporary or seasonal access1 minimization of impacts to wildlife1 and other appropriate criteria or options2 7#d7 shall increase-- 7,a7 multiple-use recreation opportunities2 and 7,b7 opportunities for nonmotorized and motorized access and experiences on ,federal land2 7#e7 shall coordinate with ,states1 local governments1 ,indian ,tribes1 other stakeholders1 adjoining landowners1 businesses that use the features on ,federal land1 and the public2 and 7#f7 shall update any travel management plan that was finalized before the date that is #ae years before the date of enactment of this ,act4 7c7 ,rulemaking ,the ,secretaries may revise existing regulations to implement this section4 7d7 ,effect ,nothing in this section limits or restricts-- 7#a7 emergency access use or the administrative use of the ,federal land by the ,secretary concerned by motorized or nonmotorized means1 including any use or activity necessary to carry out terms and conditions associated with an authorized permit1 lease1 or contract with respect to the ,federal land2 or 7#b7 any other motorized or nonmotorized use or activity on the ,federal land that is authorized on the applicable ,federal land1 as determined by the ,secretary concerned4 7e7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 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 that describes the progress of the ,secretaries in carrying out this section4 ,,iii ,investing in recreation infrastructure and rural communities #cja4 ,gateway communities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7acting through the ,administrator of the ,rural ,business-,cooperative ,service71 in coordination with the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,commerce1 shall provide to businesses in rural communities that are adjacent to recreation destinations 7including recreation destinations on ,federal land7 the assistance described in subsection 7b7 to establish1 operate1 or expand infrastructure to accommodate and manage sustainable visitation1 including hotels1 campgrounds1 and restaurants4 7b7 ,assistance ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may provide assistance under subsection 7a7 through the use of existing1 or the establishment of new1 entrepreneur and vocational training programs1 technical assistance programs1 low-interest business loan programs1 and loan guarantee programs4 #cjb4 ,forest ,service conservation finance partnerships 7a7 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 innovative funding models are an appropriate way to develop and maintain recreation infrastructure on ,federal land2 and 7#b7 in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture should build on the successes of the ,baileys ,mountain ,bike ,trail ,system project on the ,wayne ,national ,forest1 which was designed specifically to make ,athens ,county1 ,ohio1 a more popular recreation destination4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,conservation partner ,the term conservation partner means-- 7,a7 a private nonprofit1 for-profit1 or charitable entity or other person2 or 7,b7 a unit of ,state1 local1 or ,tribal government4 7#b7 ,independent evaluator ,the term independent evaluator means an individual or entity1 including an institution of higher education1 that is selected by the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 in consultation with a conservation partner1 to make the determinations and prepare the reports required under subsection 7f74 7#c7 ,project ,the term project means #a or more activities conducted on ,national ,forest ,system land1 or on other land if the activities would benefit ,national ,forest ,system land1 to enhance a recreational opportunity for which the ,secretary of ,agriculture has approved a record of decision1 decision notice1 or decision memo4 7#d7 ,project agreement ,the term project agreement means a cooperative agreement1 a mutual benefit agreement1 or a contract1 as appropriate1 executed by the ,secretary of ,agriculture and a project broker or a conservation partner in accordance with applicable law4 7#e7 ,project broker ,the term project broker means a nonprofit or for-profit intermediary that assists in establishing or implementing a project agreement4 7c7 ,establishment of pilot program ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall establish a pilot program in accordance with this section to carry out #a or more projects that are financed by conservation partners4 7d7 ,project agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding the ,act of ,june #cj1 #aiad 7commonly known as the ,cooperative ,funds ,act7 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dih71 or subtitle ,c of title ,,xx of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acign et seq471 in carrying out the pilot program under this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture may enter into a project agreement with a conservation partner or a project broker under which the conservation partner or project broker agrees to pay for all or part of a project4 7#b7 ,term ,the term of a project agreement shall be not longer than #bj years4 7#c7 ,size limitation ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may not enter into a project agreement under the pilot program under this section for a project valued at more than #aj1jjj1jjj4 7#d7 ,structure of agreements ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 funds may be exchanged between non-,federal parties under a project agreement1 if-- 7,a7 the project agreement uses an innovative funding model1 such as pay-for-performance1 or pay-for-success1 under which payments are paid when specified recreation-related outcomes are met2 and 7,b7 an independent evaluator determines pursuant to subsection 7f7 that the outcome specified in the project agreement has been met4 7#e7 ,maintenance and decommissioning ,a project agreement shall-- 7,a7 include a plan for maintaining any capital improvement made as part of a project after the date on which the project is completed2 and 7,b7 specify the party that will be responsible for decommissioning the improvements associated with the project-- 7i7 at the end of the useful life of the improvements2 or 7ii7 if the project fails4 7#f7 ,eligible payments ,under a project agreement1 a conservation partner1 a project broker1 or the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall agree to pay to the other party to the project agreement any of the following3 7,a7 ,a percentage of the estimated value of the outcomes achieved by the applicable project4 7,b7 ,a percentage of the estimated cost savings to the conservation partner or the ,secretary of ,agriculture as a result of the project4 7,c7 ,a percentage of the enhanced revenue to the conservation partner or the ,secretary of ,agriculture as a result of the project4 7,d7 ,the cost of the project4 7#g7 ,cost-share ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture may only contribute funding for a project if-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture demonstrates the project will provide a cost savings to the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 the contribution of the ,secretary of ,agriculture is in an amount equal to less than #ej percent of the total cost of the project4 7#h7 ,consultants ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture may hire a contractor-- 7,a7 to conduct a feasibility analysis of a proposed project2 or 7,b7 to assist in the formation or evaluation of a proposed project4 7e7 ,projects 7#a7 ,in general ,all or any portion of a project may be implemented by-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 or 7,b7 a conservation partner or third party1 subject to the conditions that-- 7i7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall approve the implementation by the conservation partner or third party2 and 7ii7 the implementation shall be in accordance with applicable law4 7#b7 ,relation to land and resource management plans ,a project carried out under this section shall be consistent with any applicable land and resource management plan developed under section #f of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd74 7#c7 ,ownership 7,a7 ,in general ,each project shall be vested to the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,treatment ,the carrying out of any action for a project does not provide any right to any party to a project agreement4 7#d7 ,potential conflicts ,before approving a project under this section1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall consider and seek to avoid potential conflicts 7including economic competition7 with an existing authorization4 7f7 ,independent evaluations 7#a7 ,progress reports ,an independent evaluator shall submit to the ,secretary of ,agriculture and each party to the relevant project agreement a written report-- 7,a7 by not later than #b years after the date on which a project agreement is executed1 and not less frequently than once every #b years thereafter1 summarizing the progress that has been made in achieving each outcome specified in the project agreement2 and 7,b7 before the first scheduled outcome payment date1 and each subsequent payment date1 summarizing the results of the evaluation conducted to determine whether an outcome payment should be made1 together with information relating to the factors contributing to the conservation partner achieving1 or failing to achieve1 an outcome4 7#b7 ,final report ,not later than #ahj days after the date on which a project is completed1 the applicable independent evaluator shall submit to the ,secretary of ,agriculture and each party to the relevant project agreement a written report that includes-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the effects of the project with respect to each outcome specified in the project agreement2 and 7,b7 a determination of whether the conservation partner has met each outcome specified in the project agreement4 7g7 ,termination of project agreements ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture may unilaterally terminate a project agreement1 in whole or in part1 for any program year beginning after the program year during which the ,secretary of ,agriculture provides to each party to the project agreement a notice of the termination4 7h7 ,duration of pilot program 7#a7 ,sunset ,the authority to enter into project agreements under this section terminates on ,september #cj1 #bjcb4 7#b7 ,savings clause ,nothing in paragraph 7#a7 affects any project agreement entered into by the ,secretary of ,agriculture pursuant to this section before the date described in that paragraph4 #cjc4 ,availability of ,federal land infrastructure during shoulder seasons 7a7 ,coordination ,the ,secretaries shall consult and coordinate with outdoor recreation-related businesses operating on or adjacent to ,federal land1 ,state offices of outdoor recreation1 local destination marketing organizations1 ,indian ,tribes1 local governments1 and institutions of higher education-- 7#a7 to better understand trends with respect to visitors to the ,federal land2 7#b7 to coordinate with outdoor recreation marketing campaigns2 and 7#c7 to better understand-- 7,a7 the effect of seasonal closures of areas of1 or infrastructure on1 ,federal land on outdoor recreation opportunities1 adjacent businesses1 and local tax revenue2 and 7,b7 opportunities to extend the period of time during which areas of1 or infrastructure on1 ,federal land are open to the public to increase outdoor recreation opportunities and associated revenues for businesses and local governments4 7b7 ,availability of infrastructure ,the ,secretaries shall make efforts to make infrastructure available to accommodate increased visitation to the ,federal land during shoulder seasons-- 7#a7 to extend the outdoor recreation season and the duration of income to gateway communities2 and 7#b7 to provide more opportunities to visit resources on ,federal land to reduce crowding during peak seasons4 7c7 ,agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries may enter into agreements with businesses1 local governments1 or other entities to share the cost of additional expenses necessary to extend the period of time during which an area of1 or infrastructure on1 ,federal land is made open to the public4 7#b7 ,in-kind contributions ,the ,secretaries may accept in-kind contributions of goods and services provided by businesses1 local governments1 or other entities for purposes of paragraph 7#a74 #cjd4 ,public-private partnerships to modernize campgrounds on ,federal land 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall establish a pilot program under which the ,secretary concerned may enter into an agreement with a private entity providing for capital improvements 7including the construction of structures and improvements71 management1 and maintenance by the private entity of a campground1 in existence on the date of enactment of this ,act1 on ,federal land1 subject to the requirements of this section4 7b7 ,minimum number of agreements ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall enter into at least #a agreement under subsection 7a7 in-- 7#a7 a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system in each region of the ,national ,forest ,system2 and 7#b7 ,federal land administered by the ,bureau of ,land ,management in not fewer than #e ,states in which the ,bureau of ,land ,management administers ,federal land4 7c7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,plans ,before entering into an agreement under subsection 7a71 the private entity shall submit to the ,secretary concerned a development plan that-- 7,a7 describes investments in the campground to be made by the private entity during the first #c years of the agreement2 7,b7 describes annual maintenance spending for each year of the agreement2 and 7,c7 includes any other terms and conditions determined to be necessary by the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,agreements ,an agreement entered into under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7,a7 be for a term of not more than #cj years2 7,b7 require that1 not later than #c years after the date on which the ,secretary concerned enters into an agreement the private entity expend1 or place in an escrow account for expenditure1 for the construction or improvement of structures and infrastructure relating to the operation of1 or access to1 the applicable campground1 not less than #b1jjj1jjj1 or a specified percentage1 as determined by the ,secretary concerned1 of the anticipated receipts for the period of the agreement2 7,c7 require the private entity to maintain the campground facility and any associated infrastructure designated by the ,secretary concerned in a manner acceptable to the ,secretary concerned and the private entity2 7,d7 include any terms and conditions that the ,secretary concerned determines to be necessary for a recreational special use permit issued under section #g of the ,act of ,april #bd1 #aiej 7commonly known as the ,granger-,thye ,act7 7#fd ,stat4 #hd1 chapter #ig2 #af ,u4,s4,c4 #ehj;d71 including the payment described in subparagraph 7,e72 7,e7 provide for payment to the ,federal ,government of a fee consistent with a special use permit under section #g of the ,act of ,april #bd1 #aiej 7commonly known as the ,granger-,thye ,act7 7#fd ,stat4 #hd1 chapter #ig2 #af ,u4,s4,c4 #ehj;d71 including a fee offset agreement for work to be performed that is separate from maintaining the campground facility and any associated infrastructure designated by the ,secretary concerned1 if determined to be appropriate by the ,secretary concerned1 on consideration of the probable value to the private entity of the rights provided by the agreement1 taking into account the capital invested by1 and obligations of1 the private entity under the agreement2 7,f7 include provisions that state-- 7i7 the private entity shall obtain no property interest pursuant to the expenditures of the private entity1 as required by the agreement2 and 7ii7 all structures and improvements constructed by the private entity under the agreement shall be the property of the ,united ,states2 and 7,g7 be subject to any other terms and conditions determined to be necessary by the ,secretary concerned4 7d7 ,fee retention ,a fee or revenue shared with the ,secretary concerned under an agreement authorized by this section shall be available for expenditure by the ,secretary concerned for recreation-related purposes on the unit of ,federal land at which the fee or revenue is collected1 without further appropriation4