STATUS:

• May 22, 2014.--Introduced.
• June 18, 2014.--Mr. Tester added as cosponsor.
• July 23, 2014.--Hearing by subcommittee.  (56)

East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Introduced in Senate - IS)

S 2392 IS

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Mr. WALSH introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act'.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

(a) Findings- Congress finds that--

(1) East Rosebud Creek is cherished by the people of Montana and visitors from across the United States for the clean water, spectacular natural setting, and outstanding recreational opportunities of the Creek;

(2) recreational activities (including fishing, hunting, camping, paddling, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife watching) on East Rosebud Creek and the surrounding land generate millions of dollars annually for the local economy;

(3) East Rosebud Creek--

(A) is a national treasure;

(B) possesses outstandingly remarkable values; and

(C) merits the high level of protection afforded by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) in order to maintain the benefits provided by the Creek, as described in paragraphs (1) and (2), for future generations to enjoy; and

(4) designation of select public land segments of East Rosebud Creek under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) would recognize the importance of maintaining the values of the Creek while preserving public access, respecting private property rights, allowing appropriate maintenance of existing infrastructure, and allowing historical uses of the Creek to continue.

(b) Purpose- The purpose of this Act is to designate East Rosebud Creek in the State of Montana as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System to preserve and protect for present and future generations the outstandingly remarkable scenic, wildlife, fishery recreational, geologic, and historical values of the Creek.

SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WILD AND SCENIC RIVER SEGMENTS.

(a) In General- Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(208) EAST ROSEBUD CREEK, MONTANA- The portions of East Rosebud Creek in the State of Montana, consisting of--

`(A) the 13-mile segment from the source in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness downstream to the point at which the Creek enters East Rosebud Lake, including the stream reach between Twin Outlets Lake and Fossil Lake, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a wild river; and

`(B) the 7-mile segment on the Custer National Forest from immediately below, but not including, the outlet of East Rosebud Lake downstream to the point at which the Creek enters private property for the first time, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture as a recreational river.'.

(b) Exclusion of Private Property- No private property shall be included within the boundaries of the river segments designated by paragraph (208) of section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)).

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act (including the amendments made by this Act).