Tribal use of protected areas

(a) Definition of protected area In this section, the term protected area means land designated under this Act as— (1) a wilderness area; (2) a recovery area; (3) a wild or scenic river; or (4) a biological corridor. (b) Access to protected areas (1) In general In recognition of the past use of portions of protected areas by Indians for traditional cultural and religious purposes, the Secretaries concerned shall ensure nonexclusive access by Indians to any applicable protected area for such a traditional cultural or religious purpose. (2) Consistency with applicable law The access under paragraph (1) shall be consistent with the purposes and intent of— (A) Public Law 95–341 (commonly known as the American Indian Religious Freedom Act) (42 U.S.C. 1996); and (B) in the case of any protected area designated as wilderness under this Act, the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.). (3) Closing to public The Secretaries concerned, in accordance with the provisions of law referred to in paragraph (2) and on receipt of a request from an Indian Tribe, from time to time may temporarily close to the general public 1 or more specific portions of a protected area to protect the privacy of a religious activity or cultural use by an Indian. (4) Recommendations from indian tribes In preparing a management plan for a protected area, the Secretaries concerned shall request that the head of each applicable Tribal government submit to the Secretaries concerned recommendations with respect to— (A) ensuring access by Indians to important sites; (B) enhancing the privacy of Indian traditional cultural and religious activities; and (C) protecting Indian cultural and religious sites.