[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6913 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6913
To provide for restoration, economic development, recreation, and
conservation on Federal lands in Northern California, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 19, 2025
Mr. Huffman (for himself, Mr. Carbajal, Ms. Chu, and Ms. Lofgren)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for restoration, economic development, recreation, and
conservation on Federal lands in Northern California, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Northwest
California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--FOREST RESTORATION
Sec. 111. South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area.
Sec. 112. California Public Land Remediation Partnership.
Sec. 113. Land and resource management plans.
Sec. 114. Annual fire management plans.
TITLE II--RECREATION
Sec. 121. Bigfoot National Recreation Trail.
Sec. 122. Elk Camp Ridge Recreation Trail.
Sec. 123. Trinity Lake Trail.
Sec. 124. Trails study.
Sec. 125. Construction of mountain bicycling routes.
Sec. 126. Partnerships.
Sec. 127. Trinity Lake visitor center.
Sec. 128. Del Norte County visitor center.
Sec. 129. Study; partnerships related to overnight accommodations.
TITLE III--CONSERVATION
Sec. 131. Designation of wilderness.
Sec. 132. Administration of wilderness.
Sec. 133. Designation of potential wilderness.
Sec. 134. Designation of wild and scenic rivers.
Sec. 135. Special management areas.
TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS
Sec. 141. Maps and legal descriptions.
Sec. 142. Updates to land and resource management plans.
Sec. 143. Pacific Gas and Electric Company utility facilities and
rights-of-way.
Sec. 144. Release of wilderness study area.
Sec. 145. Use by members of Indian Tribes.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Secretary.--Unless otherwise defined in a section, the
term ``Secretary'' means--
(A) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of
Agriculture; and
(B) with respect to land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of the
Interior.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
California.
TITLE I--FOREST RESTORATION
SEC. 111. SOUTH FORK TRINITY-MAD RIVER RESTORATION AREA.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Ecological integrity.--The term ``ecological
integrity'' has the meaning given the term in section 219.19 of
title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date
of enactment of this Act).
(2) Restoration.--The term ``restoration'' has the meaning
given the term in section 219.19 of title 36, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this
Act).
(3) Restoration area.--The term ``restoration area'' means
the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area established
by subsection (b).
(4) Shaded fuel break.--The term ``shaded fuel break''
means a vegetation treatment that--
(A) reduces fuel characteristics in order to affect
fire behavior such that a fire can be more readily
controlled; and
(B) retains, to the maximum extent practicable--
(i) adequate canopy cover to suppress plant
regrowth in the forest understory following
treatment; and
(ii) the largest and most vigorous trees in
order to provide the most shade per tree over
the longest period of time.
(b) Establishment.--Subject to valid existing rights, there is
established the South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area,
comprising approximately 871,414 acres of Federal land administered by
the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, as generally
depicted on the map titled ``South Fork Trinity-Mad River Restoration
Area'' and dated May 15, 2020.
(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the restoration area are--
(1) to establish, restore, and maintain fire-resilient
mature and late successional forests, as ecologically
appropriate;
(2) to protect and restore aquatic habitat and anadromous
fisheries;
(3) to protect the quality of water;
(4) to reduce the threat posed by wildfires to neighboring
communities; and
(5) to allow visitors to enjoy the scenic, recreational,
natural, cultural, and wildlife values of the restoration area.
(d) Collaborative Restoration and Fire Management Plans.--Not later
than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly submit to
Congress--
(1) a plan to conduct restoration activities and improve
the ecological integrity of the restoration area; and
(2) an updated fire management plan for the land that
includes the restoration area.
(e) Collaboration Requirement.--In developing the plans required
under subsection (d), the Secretary shall solicit input from a
collaborative group that--
(1) includes--
(A) appropriate representatives of State and local
governments; and
(B) multiple interested persons representing
diverse interests; and
(2) is transparent and inclusive.
(f) Fire Management Plan Components.--The updated fire management
plan required under subsection (d)(2) shall, to the maximum extent
practicable, include--
(1) the use of prescribed fire; and
(2) the use of shaded fuel breaks.
(g) Management.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct restoration
activities in a manner consistent with the plans required under
subsection (d).
(2) Conflict of laws.--
(A) In general.--The establishment of the
restoration area shall not modify the management status
of any land or water that is designated as a component
of the National Wilderness Preservation System or the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, including land
or water designated as a component of the National
Wilderness Preservation System or the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System by this Act (including any
amendments made by this Act).
(B) Resolution of conflict.--If there is a conflict
between a law applicable to a component described in
subparagraph (A) and this section, the more restrictive
provision shall control.
(h) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the restoration
area is withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3) disposition under laws relating to mineral and
geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
SEC. 112. CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LAND REMEDIATION PARTNERSHIP.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means the
California Public Land Remediation Partnership established by
subsection (b).
(2) Priority land.--The term ``priority land'' means
Federal land in the State that is determined by the partnership
to be a high priority for remediation.
(3) Remediation.--
(A) In general.--The term ``remediation'' means the
facilitation of the recovery of land or water that has
been degraded, damaged, or destroyed by illegal
marijuana cultivation or another illegal activity.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``remediation''
includes--
(i) the removal of trash, debris, or other
material; and
(ii) establishing the composition,
structure, pattern, and ecological processes
necessary to facilitate terrestrial or aquatic
ecosystem sustainability, resilience, or health
under current and future conditions.
(b) Establishment.--There is established the California Public Land
Remediation Partnership.
(c) Purposes.--The purposes of the partnership are to support
coordination of activities among Federal, State, Tribal, and local
authorities and the private sector in the remediation of priority land.
(d) Membership.--The members of the partnership shall include the
following:
(1) The Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee) to
represent the Forest Service.
(2) The Secretary of the Interior (or a designee) to
represent--
(A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service;
(B) the Bureau of Land Management; and
(C) the National Park Service.
(3) The Director of the Office of National Drug Control
Policy (or a designee).
(4) The Secretary of the State Natural Resources Agency (or
a designee) to represent the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife.
(5) A designee of the California State Water Resources
Control Board.
(6) A designee of the California State Sheriffs'
Association.
(7) 1 member to represent federally recognized Indian
Tribes, to be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(8) 1 member to represent nongovernmental organizations
with an interest in Federal land remediation, to be appointed
by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(9) 1 member to represent local governmental interests, to
be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(10) A law enforcement official from each of--
(A) the Department of the Interior; and
(B) the Department of Agriculture.
(11) A subject matter expert to provide expertise and
advice on methods needed for remediation, to be appointed by
the Secretary of Agriculture.
(12) A designee of the National Guard Counterdrug Program.
(13) Any other members that are determined to be
appropriate by the partnership.
(e) Duties.--To further the purposes described in this section and
subject to subsection (f), the partnership shall--
(1) identify priority land for remediation in the State;
(2) secure voluntary contributions of resources from
Federal sources and non-Federal sources for the remediation of
priority land;
(3) support efforts by Federal, State, Tribal, and local
agencies and nongovernmental organizations in carrying out
remediation of priority land;
(4) support research and education on the impacts of, and
solutions to, illegal marijuana cultivation and other illegal
activities on priority land;
(5) involve other Federal, State, Tribal, and local
agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public in
remediation of priority land, to the maximum extent
practicable; and
(6) carry out any other administrative or advisory
activities necessary to address remediation of priority land.
(f) Limitation.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
limiting the authorities of the Federal, State, Tribal, and local
entities that comprise the partnership.
(g) Authorities.--Subject to the prior approval of the Secretary of
Agriculture, consistent with applicable law (including regulations),
the partnership may--
(1) provide grants to the State, political subdivisions of
the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide
technical assistance to, Federal agencies, the State, political
subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other
interested persons;
(3) identify opportunities for collaborative efforts among
members of the partnership;
(4) hire and compensate staff;
(5) obtain funds or services from any source, including--
(A) Federal funds (including funds and services
provided under any other Federal law or program); and
(B) non-Federal funds;
(6) coordinate to identify sources of funding or services
that may be available for remediation;
(7) seek funds or services from any source, including--
(A) Federal funds (including funds and services
provided under any other Federal law or program); and
(B) non-Federal funds; and
(8) support--
(A) activities of partners; and
(B) any other activities that further the purposes
of this section.
(h) Procedures.--The partnership shall establish such internal
procedures for the partnership as the partnership determines to be
necessary or appropriate for the administration of the partnership.
(i) Local Hiring.--The partnership shall, to the maximum extent
practicable and in accordance with existing law, give preference to
local entities and individuals in carrying out this section.
(j) Service Without Compensation.--A member of the partnership
shall serve without pay.
(k) Duties and Authorities of the Secretaries.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall convene
the partnership on a regular basis to carry out this section.
(2) Technical and financial assistance.--The Secretary of
Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior may each provide
technical and financial assistance, on a reimbursable or
nonreimbursable basis, as determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary of Agriculture or the Secretary of the Interior, as
applicable, to the partnership or any members of the
partnership to carry out this section.
(3) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary of Agriculture
and the Secretary of the Interior may each enter into
cooperative agreements with the partnership, any member of the
partnership, or other public or private entities to provide
technical, financial, or other assistance to carry out this
section.
SEC. 113. LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANS.
In revising a land and resource management plan applicable to the
Shasta-Trinity National Forest or the Six Rivers National Forest, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall consider the purposes of the South Fork
Trinity-Mad River Restoration Area established by section 111(b).
SEC. 114. ANNUAL FIRE MANAGEMENT PLANS.
In revising a fire management plan for a wilderness area or
wilderness addition designated by section 131(a), the Secretary shall--
(1) develop spatial fire management plans in accordance
with--
(A) the Guidance for Implementation of Federal
Wildland Fire Management Policy, dated February 13,
2009 (or any amended, updated, or successor guidance);
and
(B) other appropriate policies;
(2) consider how prescribed or managed fire can be used to
achieve ecological management objectives of wilderness and
other natural or primitive areas;
(3) ensure that each such fire management plan applicable
to a wilderness area to which land is added under section 131
provides consistent direction regarding fire management to the
entire wilderness area, including the wilderness addition;
(4) consult with--
(A) appropriate State, Tribal, and local
governmental entities; and
(B) members of the public; and
(5) comply with applicable law (including regulations).
TITLE II--RECREATION
SEC. 121. BIGFOOT NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL.
(a) Feasibility Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on
which funds are made available to carry out this section, the
Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this section as the
``Secretary''), in cooperation with the Secretary of the
Interior, shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a study that
describes the feasibility of establishing a national
recreational trail for nonmotorized uses, to be known as
``Bigfoot National Recreation Trail'', that follows the route
described in paragraph (2).
(2) Route.--The route referred to in paragraph (1) shall
extend from the Ides Cove Trailhead in the Mendocino National
Forest to Crescent City, California, following the route as
generally depicted on the map titled ``Bigfoot National
Recreation Trail--Proposed'' and dated July 25, 2018.
(3) Additional requirement.--In completing the study
required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult
with--
(A) appropriate Federal, State, Tribal, regional,
and local agencies;
(B) private landowners of land adjacent to, or in
the vicinity of, the route described in paragraph (2);
(C) nongovernmental organizations; and
(D) interested members of the public.
(b) Designation.--
(1) In general.--On completion of the study under
subsection (a), if the Secretary determines that the Bigfoot
National Recreation Trail is feasible and meets the
requirements for a National Recreation Trail under section 4 of
the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1243), the Secretary
shall designate the Bigfoot National Recreation Trail (referred
to in this section as the ``Trail'') in accordance with--
(A) the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 124