H.R. 1380 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1380 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 7, 2023Mr. Curtis (for himself and Mr. Neguse) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To require the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to issue guidance on climbing management in designated wilderness areas, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act. 2. Guidance on climbing management in designated wilderness areas (a) Climbing guidance required (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall issue guidance on climbing management in designated wilderness areas that recognizes the appropriateness of the allowable activities described in paragraph (2) in such areas, if the allowable activities are undertaken in accordance with— (A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); (B) other applicable laws (including regulations); and (C) any terms and conditions that are determined to be necessary by the Secretary concerned. (2) Allowable activities The allowable activities referred to in paragraph (1) are— (A) recreational climbing; (B) the placement, use, and maintenance of fixed anchors; and (C) the use of other equipment necessary for recreational climbing. (b) Public notice and comment (1) Requirement Except as provided in paragraph (2), prior to taking any significant management action affecting the allowable activities described in subsection (a)(2) on the land described in subsection (c)(1)(B), the Secretary concerned shall provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed action. (2) Exception with respect to emergency actions Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an emergency action that has a duration of less than 2 years. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Designated wilderness area The term designated wilderness area means an area— (A) designated as a wilderness area pursuant to the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and (B) located in— (i) National Forest System lands; or (ii) lands under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Emergency action The term emergency action means a time sensitive action necessary to protect natural resources or public health and safety. (3) Secretary concerned The term Secretary concerned means— (A) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to National Forest System lands; and (B) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to lands under the administrative jurisdiction of such Secretary.