§460bbbb Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area

Summary

Creates the Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area in Utah and protects about 173,475 acres of the Ashley National Forest as shown on the map dated February 4, 2019. Defined terms: Management Plan — the plan the Secretary must write for the area; Map — the February 4, 2019 “Northern Utah Lands Management Act-Overview” map; Recreation Area — the new Ashley Karst area; Secretary — the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; State — Utah. The Secretary must, as soon as possible after March 12, 2019, send a map and legal description to the House Natural Resources Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; that map has the same effect as if written in the law and must be kept on file with the Forest Service. The Secretary will run the area under National Forest laws, this law, and other applicable rules, and must make a Management Plan within 2 years after March 12, 2019, working with Uintah County, affected tribes, and the public. Uses allowed must protect the watershed and the underground karst system and further the area’s conservation, recreation, wildlife, scenic, natural, cultural, and historic purposes. Motor vehicles are allowed only on roads and routes shown in the Management Plan except for emergencies or official use; no new permanent or temporary roads may be built after March 12, 2019, though maintenance, rerouting, and snowmobile use are allowed and a winter recreation plan must be done within 2 years. Grazing already established before March 12, 2019, may continue under reasonable rules. The law does not create or change any water rights, affect state water rights, existing water uses, vested water rights, interstate compacts, or U.S. water rights in existence on March 12, 2019. Federal land in the area is withdrawn from public land entry, mining claims, and mineral or geothermal leasing, subject to valid existing rights. The Secretary may do vegetation, fire treatment, and restoration work, allow wildlife water projects, maintain communications infrastructure, provide access to nonfederal lands, offer cooperative access for water infrastructure (including Whiterocks Reservoir), prohibit recreation fees except for improved campgrounds, and allow permitted outfitting and guide services.