S. 1787 · On the floor · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

Sponsor: Michael F. Bennet (D-CO)

What it does

• Establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area consisting of approximately 52,872 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Colorado.
• Establish the Dolores River Special Management Area consisting of approximately 15,452 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest.
• Prohibit road construction, motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and commercial timber harvesting in the Ponderosa Gorge portion of the areas.
• Allow Indian tribes to use the areas for traditional ceremonies and to harvest traditional plants and other materials.

Official summary

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado to protect certain natural, recreational, scenic, cultural, historical, and other values of the areas. The conservation area must consist of approximately 52,872 acres of Bureau of Land Management land. The special management area must consist of approximately 15,452 acres of federal land in the San Juan National Forest. A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill directs the Department of the Interior to allow for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. Additionally, Interior must manage the portions of the areas identified as Ponderosa Gorge in a manner that maintains its wilderness character, including by prohibiting (1) road construction; (2) the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport; and (3) projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber. Interior must also establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area…

Latest action

Jul 23, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 480.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources