Recreation areas

(a) Designation Subject to valid existing rights, there are designated as recreation areas in the State the following: (1) Bartlett creek recreation area Certain Federal land in the State, comprising approximately 6,619 acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known as the Bartlett Creek Recreation Area. (2) Sandbar creek recreation area Certain Federal land in the State, comprising approximately 4,012 acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known as the Sandbar Creek Recreation Area. (3) Lodgepole creek recreation area Certain Federal land in the State, comprising approximately 24,058 acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known as the Lodgepole Creek Recreation Area. (4) Rice ridge recreation area Certain Federal land in the State, comprising approximately 10,958 acres, as generally depicted on the Map, which shall be known as the Rice Ridge Recreation Area. (b) Purpose The purpose of the recreation areas is to preserve and enhance the recreational opportunities within the recreation areas (including opportunities for mountain bike and off-highway vehicle recreation, where appropriate), while conserving the wildlife, cultural, and other natural resource values of the recreation areas. (c) Management (1) In general The Secretary shall manage the recreation areas— (A) to conserve, protect, and enhance the scenic, fish and wildlife, recreational and cultural resources, and other natural resource values of the recreation areas; (B) in accordance with— (i) this section; and (ii) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System; and (C) in a manner consistent with— (i) any applicable recovery plan or conservation plan under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and (ii) the seasonal vehicle designations on motorized vehicles contained within the United States Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Lincoln Ranger District/ Upper Blackfoot Valley, dated 2019, and the United States Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map, Lolo National Forest Seeley Lake Ranger District, dated July 10, 2020, including any amendments to those seasonal vehicle designations. (2) Management plan (A) In general Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act and in accordance with subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Secretary shall develop a comprehensive plan for the long-term management of the recreation areas. (B) Consultation In developing the management plan required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult with— (i) appropriate State, Tribal, and local governmental entities; and (ii) members of the public. (C) Contents The management plan developed under subparagraph (A) shall— (i) identify opportunities to establish new motor vehicle trails in Bartlett and Sandbar Creek Recreation Areas that— (I) create challenging riding opportunities for riders of varying skill levels; and (II) create loop trails; (ii) identify opportunities to establish new mountain bike trails in Lodgepole Creek and Rice Ridge Recreation Areas; (iii) allow the use of over-snow vehicles in Lodgepole Creek Recreation Area— (I) during periods of adequate snow coverage; (II) in accordance with— (aa) this section; and (bb) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System; (III) according to the seasonal use restrictions on over-snow vehicles contained in the United States Forest Service Seeley Lake Ranger District Over-The-Snow Motor Vehicle Use Map, dated December 1, 2014 (as amended); and (IV) subject to any terms and conditions determined to be necessary by the Secretary. (iv) include measures necessary to protect natural and cultural resources, including wildlife and aquatic habitat; and (v) emphasize the education of users of recreation areas, through signage, visitor contacts, and enforcement, of the important values of, and regulations governing, the recreation areas. (3) Use of motorized vehicles (A) In general Beginning on the date on which the management plan developed under paragraph (2) takes effect, except as necessary for administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency, the use of motorized vehicles in the recreation areas shall be permitted only on roads and trails designated by the management plan for motorized use. (B) Lodgepole creek recreation area winter use Except as necessary for administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency, the use of over-snow vehicles shall be permitted within the Lodgepole Creek Recreation Area only in areas designated by the management plan developed in accordance with section 201(c)(2), and in accordance with section 202(b)(2). (4) Incorporation of acquired land and interests Any land or interest in land that is located in a recreation area that is acquired by the United States shall— (A) become part of the recreation area; and (B) be managed in accordance with— (i) the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 961, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 552 et seq.); (ii) the laws (including regulations) generally applicable to the National Forest System; (iii) this section; and (iv) other applicable laws (including regulations). (d) Withdrawal Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal land located in the recreation areas is withdrawn from— (1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patenting under the mining laws; and (3) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.