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Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Mar 2, 2023
Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act
This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado.
A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill allows for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials.
The Department of the Interior shall establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council.
Interior must manage the areas identified as Ponderosa Gorge in a manner that maintains its wilderness character, including certain restrictions on (1) road construction; (2) the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport; and (3) projects undertaken for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber.
The bill releases segments of the Dolores River inside the areas from further study for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
People & committees
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO] · D–CO
Legislative record
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Star Print ordered on the measure.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 392.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with amendments. With written report No. 118-176.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with amendments. With written report No. 118-176.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 118-285.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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