Use by members of Tribes

(a) Access The Secretary shall ensure that Tribes have access, in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), to the wilderness areas, scenic areas, and potential wilderness areas designated by this Act for traditional cultural and religious purposes. (b) Temporary closures (1) In general In carrying out this section, the Secretary, on request of a Tribe, may temporarily close to the general public one or more specific portions of a wilderness area, scenic area, or potential wilderness area designated by this Act to protect the privacy of the members of the Tribe in the conduct of traditional cultural and religious activities. (2) Requirement Any closure under paragraph (1) shall be— (A) made in such a manner as to affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period of time necessary for the activity to be carried out; and (B) be consistent with the purpose and intent of Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act) (42 U.S.C. 1996) and the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).