Use by members of Indian Tribes

(a) Access The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that Indian Tribes have access, in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), to the wilderness areas, wild and scenic river, and the wild scenic river study streams designated by this Act for traditional cultural and religious purposes. (b) Temporary closures (1) In general In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Agriculture, on request of an Indian Tribe, may temporarily close to the general public 1 or more specific portions of the wilderness areas, wild and scenic river, and the wild scenic river study streams designated by this Act to protect the privacy of the members of the Indian 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— (i) Public Law 95−341 (commonly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act) (42 U.S.C. 1996 et seq.); (ii) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and (iii) the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276 et seq.).