San Gabriel National Recreation Area Act - Designates approximately 615,245 acres of federal lands and interests in California as the San Gabriel National Recreation Area.
Requires National Forest System lands within the Recreation Area to be administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and park lands to be administered by the Department of the Interior as a unit of the National Park System.
Transfers approximately 2,987 acres of land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the National Park Service.
Requires Interior and USDA to manage the land in a manner that protects and enhances the land's natural resources and values.
Directs Interior and USDA to consult with the Secretary of Defense (DOD) regarding opportunities to manage the Army Corps of Engineers lands within the Recreation Area.
Establishes the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council and the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership.
Requires Interior, USDA, and the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council to create a comprehensive management plan for the Recreation Area.
Withdraws the land from: (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials. Permits grazing on Forest System lands where it is already established.
Requires Interior to develop an integrated visitor services plan for the Recreation Area. Authorizes USDA and Interior to construct visitor use facilities. Requires Interior to conduct a study on the Area's accessibility.
[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4858 Introduced in House (IH)]
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 4858
To establish the San Gabriel National Recreation Area as a unit of the
National Park System in the State of California, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
June 12, 2014
Ms. Chu (for herself, Mr. Schiff, and Mr. Cardenas) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural
Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish the San Gabriel National Recreation Area as a unit of the
National Park System in the State of 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 ``San Gabriel
National Recreation Area 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.
Sec. 3. Establishment of San Gabriel National Recreation Area.
Sec. 4. Management.
Sec. 5. Non-Federal lands.
Sec. 6. Water rights; water resource facilities; public roads; utility
facilities.
Sec. 7. San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory Council.
Sec. 8. San Gabriel National Recreation Area Partnership.
Sec. 9. Access and visitor services.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Adjudication.--The term ``adjudication'' means any
final judgment, order, ruling, or decree entered in any
judicial proceeding adjudicating or affecting water rights,
surface water management, or groundwater management.
(2) Advisory council.--The term ``advisory council'' means
the San Gabriel National Recreation Area Public Advisory
Council established by section 7(a).
(3) Federal lands.--The term ``Federal lands'' includes
lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture or
the Secretary of the Interior.
(4) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan for the San Gabriel National Recreation
Area required by section 4(e).
(5) Park lands.--The term ``park lands'' means Federal
lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary and administered
as part of the National Park System.
(6) Partnership.--The term ``partnership'' means the San
Gabriel National Recreation Partnership established by section
8(a).
(7) Recreation area.--The term ``recreation area'' means
the San Gabriel National Recreation Area established by section
3(b).
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(9) Secretaries.--The term ``Secretaries'' means the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture
acting jointly.
(10) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
California.
(11) Utility facility.--The term ``utility facility'' means
electric substations, communication facilities, towers, poles,
and lines, ground wires, communication circuits, and other
structures, and related infrastructure.
(12) Water resource facility.--The term ``water resource
facility'' means irrigation and pumping facilities, dams and
reservoirs, flood control facilities, water conservation works,
including debris protection facilities, sediment placement
sites, rain gauges, and stream gauges, water quality
facilities, recycled water facilities and water pumping,
conveyance distribution systems, and water treatment
facilities, aqueducts, canals, ditches, pipelines, wells,
hydropower projects, and transmission and other ancillary
facilities, groundwater recharge facilities, water
conservation, water filtration plants, and other water
diversion, conservation, groundwater recharge, storage, and
carriage structures.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF SAN GABRIEL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA.
(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and
enjoyment of present and future generations the ecological,
scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural,
educational, and scientific resources of the recreation area;
(2) to provide environmentally responsible, well-managed
recreational opportunities within the recreation area, and
improve access to and from the recreation area;
(3) to provide expanded educational and interpretive
services that will increase public understanding of and
appreciation for the natural and cultural resources of the
recreation area;
(4) to facilitate the cooperative management of the lands
and resources within the recreation area, in collaboration with
the State and political subdivisions of the State, historical,
business, cultural, civic, recreational, tourism and other
nongovernmental organizations, and the public; and
(5) to allow the continued use of the recreation area by
all persons, entities, and local government agencies in
activities relating to integrated water management, flood
protection, water conservation, water quality, water rights,
water supply, groundwater recharge and monitoring, wastewater
treatment, public roads and bridges, and utilities within or
adjacent to the recreation area.
(b) Establishment and Boundaries.--Subject to valid existing
rights, there is hereby designated the San Gabriel National Recreation
Area in the State, which shall consist of approximately 615,245 acres
of Federal lands and interests in land in the State as depicted on the
map titled ``San Gabriel National Recreation Area'' and dated June 12,
2014.
(c) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and a
legal description of the recreation area with--
(A) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate.
(2) Force of law.--The map and legal description filed
under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct any
clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal
description.
(3) Public availability.--The map and legal description
filed under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for
public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest
Service and agencies of the Department of the Interior.
(d) Administration and Jurisdiction.--
(1) National forest system lands.--The National Forest
System lands within the recreation area shall be administered
by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) National park system lands.--The park lands shall be
administered by the Secretary as a unit of the National Park
System.
(3) No change in jurisdiction.--Nothing in this Act
transfers administrative jurisdiction of Federal lands from the
Secretary of Defense or Secretary of Agriculture to the
Secretary.
(4) State and local jurisdiction.--Nothing in this Act
alters, modifies, or diminishes any right, responsibility,
power, authority, jurisdiction, or entitlement of the State,
any political subdivision thereof, or any State, or local
agency under existing Federal, State, and local law (including
regulations).
(5) Military jurisdiction.--Nothing in this Act affects
lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense.
(6) Applicable law.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to apply the laws (including regulations) generally applicable
to units of the National Park System to the National Forest
System lands in the recreation area.
(7) Administrative transfer.--Administrative jurisdiction
over the approximately 2,987 acres of land administered by the
Bureau of Land Management that is identified as ``BLM lands for
transfer'' on the map entitled ``San Gabriel National
Recreation Area,'' and dated June 12, 2014, is transferred from
the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service.
SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT.
(a) National Forest System.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall manage the National Forest System lands
within the recreation area in a manner that protects, and enhances
their natural resources and values, in accordance with--
(1) this Act;
(2) the laws, regulations, and rules applicable to the
National Forest System;
(3) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(4) other applicable law (including Federal, State, or
local law, and regulations).
(b) National Park System.--Subject to valid existing rights, the
Secretary shall manage the park lands in a manner that protects, and
enhances their natural resources and values, in accordance with--
(1) this Act;
(2) the laws generally applicable to units of the National
Park System, including the National Park Service Organic Act
(16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
(3) other applicable law (including Federal, State, or
local law, and regulations).
(c) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary
shall consult with the Secretary of Defense regarding opportunities to
manage, to the maximum extent practicable, the Army Corps of Engineers
lands within the recreation area in accordance with the purposes
described in section 3(a).
(d) Uses.--
(1) National forest system.--Subject to valid existing
rights, the Secretary of Agriculture shall--
(A) allow such uses of the National Forest System
lands as the Secretary of Agriculture determines would
further the purposes described in section 3(a).
(B) continue to authorize, maintain, and enhance
the recreational use of National Forest System lands
within the recreation area, including hunting, fishing,
swimming, bicycling, camping, hiking, hang gliding,
sightseeing, nature study, horseback riding, rafting,
motorized recreation on authorized routes and in
authorized areas, and other recreational activities
that are feasible and consistent with--
(i) the purposes described in section 3(a);
(ii) this section; and
(iii) any other applicable Federal, State,
and local laws, ordinances, and plans.
(2) Non-federal lands.--Nothing in this Act shall--
(A) authorize the Secretary or the Secretary of
Agriculture to take any action that would affect the
use of any land not owned by the United States;
(B) affect the use of, or access to, any non-
Federal land within the recreation area;
(C) modify any provision of Federal, State, or
local law with respect to public access to or use of
non-Federal land;
(D) require any owner of non-Federal land to allow
public access (including Federal, State, or local
government access) to private property or any other
non-Federal land;
(E) alter any duly adopted land use regulation,
approved land use plan, or any other regulatory
authority of any State, or local agency, or tribal
government;
(F) create any liability, or affects any liability
under any other law, of any private property owner or
other owner of non-Federal land with respect to any
person injured on private property or other non-Federal
land;
(G) convey any land use or other regulatory
authority to the partnership;
(H) be construed to cause any Federal, State, or
local regulations or permit requirements intended to
apply to units of the National Park System, to affect
the Federal lands outside of park lands or non-Federal
lands of the recreation area; or
(I) require any city to participate in any program
administered by the Secretary or Secretary of
Agriculture.
(3) Cooperation.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
Agriculture are encouraged to work with owners of non-Federal
land who have agreed to cooperate with the Secretary and the
Secretary of Agriculture to further the purposes of this Act.
(4) Buffer zones.--
(A) In general.--Congress does not intend for
designation of the recreation area to lead to the
creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones
around the recreation area.
(B) Activities or uses up to boundaries.--The fact
that certain activities or land can be seen or heard
from within the recreation area shall not, of itself,
preclude the activities or land uses up to the boundary
of the recreation area.
(5) Facilities.--Nothing in this Act shall affect the
operation, maintenance, modification, construction, or
expansion of any water resource facility or any solid waste,
sanitary sewer, water or wastewater treatment, groundwater
recharge or conservation, hydroelectric, conveyance
distribution system, recycled water facility, or utility
facility located within or adjacent to the recreation area.
(6) Exemption.--Section 5(c) of Public Law 90-401 (16
U.S.C. 460l-22(c)) shall not apply to the Puente Hills
landfill, materials recovery facility, or intermodal facility.
(e) Management Plan.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the advisory council shall
create a comprehensive management plan for the recreation area that
fulfills the purposes described in section 3(a).
(1) In general.--In developing the management plan required
by this section, and to the extent consistent with this
section, the Secretaries may incorporate any provision from a
land and resource management plan, or any other plan applicable
to the recreation area.
(2) Access and visitor services.--The Secretaries shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, incorporate the visitor
services plan and access study required by section 9 into the
management plan required by this subsection.
(3) Partnership.--In developing the management plan, the
Secretaries shall consider recommendations of the partnership.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall
incorporate recommendations of the partnership into the
management plan, where such recommendations are feasible and
consistent with the purposes in section 3(a), this Act, and
applicable laws (including regulations).
(f) Fish and Wildlife.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this Act affects the
jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and wildlife
located on public land in the State.
(2) Hunting.--The Secretary of Agriculture may permit
hunting on National Forest System lands within the recreation
area, consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local
laws.
(g) Motorized Vehicles.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
motorized vehicle use on National Forest System lands within
the recreation area shall be permitted only on roads and trails
designated by the management plan for use by motorized
vehicles.
(2) Exception.--The Secretary of Agriculture may permit the
use of motorized vehicles off roads and trails designated for
use by motorized vehicles--
(A) to respond to an emergency;
(B) for administrative purposes;
(C) within the--
(i) Little Rock Off-Highway Vehicle Area;
and
(ii) San Gabriel Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle
Area; or
(D) as necessary to permit local government
agencies and electrical or communication utilities to
perform activities relating to fire management, law
enforcement, integrated water management, flood
protection and water conservation (including debris
control and sediment management), water replenishment,
water rights, water supply, public roads and bridges,
utility facility, including the operation, maintenance,
and construction of any utility facility or right-of-
way.
(h) Withdrawal.--
(1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, all
Federal land within the recreation area is withdrawn from--
(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the
public land laws;
(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining
laws; and
(C) leasing or disposition under all laws relating
to--
(i) minerals; and
(ii) operation of the mineral leasing,
mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
(2) Additional land.--If the Secretary of Agriculture or
the Secretary acquires additional land, in accordance with
section 5(a), that is located within or adjacent to the
recreation area after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the land is withdrawn from operation of the laws referred to in
paragraph (1) on the date of acquisition of the land.
(i) Grazing.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall permit grazing on
the National Forest System lands within the recreation area, where
established before the date of the enactment of this Act--
(1) subject to all applicable laws (including regulations);
(2) consistent with the purposes described in subsection
3(a); and
(3) subject to such reasonable regulations as the Secretary
of Agriculture deems necessary.
(j) Wildland Fire Operations.--
(1) In general.--Nothing in this section prohibits the
Secretary of Agriculture in cooperation with other Federal,
State, and local agencies, as appropriate, from conducting
wildland fire operations, consistent with the purposes
described in section 3(a).
(2) Consultation and revision of plans.--As soon as
practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall, in consultation with appropriate State or
local firefighting agencies, amend the local fire management
plans that apply to the recreation area.
(k) Native American Cultural and Religious Uses.--Nothing in this
Act diminishes--
(1) the rights of any Indian tribe; or
(2) any tribal rights regarding access to Federal land for
tribal activities, including spiritual, cultural, and
traditional food-gathering activities.
SEC. 5. NON-FEDERAL LANDS.
(a) Incorporation and Limitation on Acquired Lands and Interests.--
(1) Authority.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
Agriculture may acquire non-Federal land within the boundaries
of the recreation area only through exchange, donation, or
purchase from a willing seller.
(2) Eminent domain.--Nothing in this Act authorizes the use
of eminent domain to acquire land or interests in land.
(3) Management.--
(A) In general.--Any land or interest in land
acquired by the United States and located within the
recreation area shall--
(i) be part of the recreation area; and
(ii) be administered in accordance with--
(I) this section; and
(II) any other applicable law
(including regulations).
(B) Administration.--
(i) Any land or interest in land that is
located within the recreation area that is
acquired by the Forest Service shall be
administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.
(ii) Any land or interest in land that is
located within the recreation area that is
acquired by the National Park Service shall be
incorporated into the park lands and
administered by the Secretary.
(b) Additional Requirement.--Any land acquired by the Secretary or
Secretary of Agriculture shall, in the opinion of the appropriate
Secretary, contain important biological, cultural, historic, or
recreational values.
SEC. 6. WATER RIGHTS; WATER RESOURCE FACILITIES; PUBLIC ROADS; UTILITY
FACILITIES.
(a) No Effect on Water Rights.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) shall affect the use or allocation, in existence on the
date of the enactment of this Act, of any water, water right,
or interest in water (including potable, recycled, reclaimed,
waste, imported, exported, banked, stored water, surface water,
groundwater, and public trust interests);
(2) shall affect any public or private contract in
existence on the date of the enactment of this Act for the
sale, lease, or loan of any water (including potable, recycled,
reclaimed, waste, imported, exported, banked, stored water,
surface water, and groundwater);
(3) shall be considered to be a relinquishment or reduction
of any water rights reserved or appropriated by the United
States in the State on or before the date of the enactment of
this Act;
(4) authorizes or imposes any new reserved Federal water
rights or expands water usage pursuant to any existing Federal
reserved riparian or appropriative rights;
(5) shall be considered to be a relinquishment or reduction
of any water rights (including potable, recycled, reclaimed,
waste, imported, exported, banked, stored water, surface water
and groundwater) held, reserved or appropriated by any public
entity, or other person or entities, on or before the date of
the enactment of this Act;
(6) shall be construed to, or shall interfere or conflict
with the exercise of the powers or duties of any watermaster,
public agency, or other body or entity responsible for
groundwater or surface water management or groundwater
replenishment as designated or established pursuant to any
adjudication, or Federal or State statute including, without
limitation, the management of the San Gabriel River watershed
and basin, to provide water supply and other environmental
benefits as described in--
(A) the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Management
Plan San Gabriel River--Morris Reservoir to Santa Fe
Dam dated September 2012; or
(B) the Long-Term Management Plan: West Fork San
Gabriel River dated May 8, 1989;
(7) shall be construed to, or shall interfere or conflict
with any provision of any judgment or court order issued, or
rule or regulation adopted, pursuant to any adjudication
affecting water, water rights or water management in the San
Gabriel River or Lytle Creek watersheds and basins;
(8) shall be construed to impede or adversely impact any
previously adopted Los Angeles County Drainage Area project, as
described in the report of the Chief of Engineers dated June
30, 1992, including any supplement or addendum to that report,
or any maintenance agreement to operate the project;
(9) shall interfere or conflict with any action by a
watermaster or public agency that is authorized pursuant to
Federal or State statute, water right or adjudication,
including, but not limited to, actions relating to water
conservation, water quality, surface water diversion or
impoundment, groundwater recharge, water treatment,
conservation or storage of water, pollution, waste discharge,
the pumping of groundwater; the spreading, injection, pumping,
storage, or the use of water from local sources, storm water
flows, and runoff, or from imported or recycled water, that is
undertaken in connection with the management or regulation of
the San Gabriel River or Lytle Creek watersheds and groundwater
basins;
(10) shall interfere with, obstruct, hinder, or delay the
exercise of, or access to, any water right by the owner of a
public water system, or other person or entity, including, but
not limited to, the construction, operation, maintenance,
replacement, repair, location, or relocation of any well;
pipeline; or water pumping, treatment, diversion, impoundment,
or storage facility; or other facility or property necessary or
useful to access any water right or operate any public water
system;
(11) shall require initiation or reinitiation of
consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
under, or the application of provisions of, the Endangered
Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) concerning--
(A) the plans described in paragraph 6(A) or 6(B);
or
(B) any action or activity affecting water, water
rights or water management or water resource facilities
in the San Gabriel River or Lytle Creek watersheds and
basins; or
(12) authorizes any agency or employee of the United
States, or any other person, to take any action inconsistent
with paragraphs (1) through (11).
(b) Definition.--As used in this section, ``adjudication'' means
any final judgment, order, ruling, or decree entered in any judicial
proceeding adjudicating or affecting water rights, surface water
management, or groundwater management.
(c) Water Resource Facilities.--
(1) No effect on existing water resource facilities.--
Nothing in this Act shall affect--
(A) the use, operation, maintenance, repair,
construction, reconfiguration, expansion, or
replacement of a water resource facility within or
adjacent to the recreation area; or
(B) access to a water resource facility within or
adjacent to the recreation area.
(2) No effect on new water resource facilities.--Nothing in
this Act shall preclude the establishment of new water resource
facilities (including instream sites, routes, and areas) within
the recreation area if such facilities are necessary to
preserve or enhance the health, safety, water supply, or
utility services to residents of Los Angeles or San Bernardino
Counties.
(3) Flood control.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to--
(A) impose new restrictions or requirements on
flood protection, water conservation, water supply,
groundwater recharge, water transfers, or water quality
operations; or
(B) increase the liability of agencies carrying out
flood protection, water conservation, water supply,
groundwater recharge, water transfers, or water quality
operations.
(4) Diversion or use of water.--Nothing in this Act shall
authorize or require the use of water in or the diversion of
water to the recreation area or the park lands.
(d) Utility Facilities and Rights of Way.--Nothing in this Act
shall--
(1) affect the use, operation, maintenance, repair,
construction, reconfiguration, expansion, inspection, renewal,
reconstruction, alteration, addition, relocation, improvement,
removal, or replacement of utility facilities or appurtenant
rights of way within or adjacent to the recreation area;
(2) affect access to utility facilities or rights of way
within or adjacent to the recreation area; or
(3) preclude the establishment of new utility facilities or
rights of way (including instream sites, routes, and areas)
within the recreation area if such facilities are necessary for
public health and safety, electricity supply, or other utility
services.
(e) Roads; Public Transit.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Public roads.--the term ``public roads'' means
any paved road or bridge (including any appurtenant
structures and rights of way) that is operated or
maintained by a non-Federal entity and is--
(i) open to vehicular use by the public; or
(ii) used by public agencies or utilities
for the operation, maintenance, repair,
construction, and rehabilitation of
infrastructure, utility facility, or right-of-
way.
(B) Public transit.--The term ``public transit''
means transit services (including operations and rights
of way) that are operated or maintained by a non-
Federal entity and are--
(i) open to the public; or
(ii) used by public agencies or contractors
for the operation, maintenance, repair,
construction, and rehabilitation of
infrastructure, utility facility, or right-of-
way.
(2) No effect on public roads or public transit.--Nothing
in this Act--
(A) authorizes the Secretary or Secretary of
Agriculture to take any action that would affect the
operation, maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of
public roads or public transit (including activities
necessary to comply with Federal and State safety
standards or public transit); or
(B) creates any new liability, or increases any
existing liability, of any owner of operator of public
roads.
SEC. 7. SAN GABRIEL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA PUBLIC ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--Not more than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall establish a public
advisory council, to be known as the ``San Gabriel National Recreation
Area Public Advisory Council''.
(b) Duties.--The public advisory council shall--
(1) advise the Secretaries on the development and
implementation of the management plan; and
(2) advise the Secretary on the development and
implementation of the visitor services plan and access study
required by section 3.
(c) Applicable Law.--The public advisory council shall be subject
to--
(1) the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.);
(2) all other applicable law (including regulations).
(d) Members.--
(1) Size of public advisory council.--The public advisory
council shall include 21 members.
(2) Makeup of public advisory council.--After considering
the recommendations of the partnership, the Secretaries shall
appoint members of the public advisory council to represent the
following interests--
(A) two members to represent local, regional, or
national environmental organizations;
(B) two members to represent the interests of
outdoor recreation, including off-highway vehicle
recreation, within the recreation area;
(C) two members to represent the interests of
community-based organizations whose mission includes
expanding access to the outdoors;
(D) two members to represent business interests;
(E) one member to represent Native American tribes
within or adjacent to the recreation area;
(F) one member to represent the interests of
homeowners' associations within the recreation area;
(G) three members to represent the interests of
holders of adjudicated water rights, water agencies,
wastewater and sewer agencies, recycled water
facilities, and water replenishment entities;
(H) one member to represent energy and mineral
development interests;
(I) one member to represent owners of Federal
grazing permits, or other land use permits within the
recreation area;
(J) one member to represent archaeological and
historical interests;
(K) one member to represent the interests of
environmental educators;
(L) one member to represent cultural history
interests;
(M) one member to represent environmental justice
interests;
(N) one member to represent electrical utility
interests; and
(O) two members to represent the affected public at
large.
(e) Terms.--
(1) Staggered terms.--Members of the public advisory
council shall be appointed for terms of 3 years, except that,
of the members first appointed, 6 of the members shall be
appointed for a term of 1 year and 6 of the members shall be
appointed for a term of 2 years.
(2) Reappointment.--A member may be reappointed to serve on
the public advisory council upon the expiration of the member's
current term.
(3) Vacancy.--A vacancy on the public advisory council
shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(f) Quorum.--A quorum shall be ten members of the public advisory
council. The operations of the advisory council shall not be impaired
by the fact that a member has not yet been appointed as long as a
quorum has been attained.
(g) Chairperson and Procedures.--The public advisory council shall
elect a chairperson and establish such rules and procedures as it deems
necessary or desirable.
(h) Service Without Compensation.--Members of the public advisory
council shall serve without pay.
(i) Termination.--The public advisory council shall cease to
exist--
(1) on the date that is five years after the date on which
the management plans are officially adopted by the Secretaries;
or
(2) on such later date as the Secretaries consider
appropriate.
SEC. 8. SAN GABRIEL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA PARTNERSHIP.
(a) In General.--There is hereby established the San Gabriel
National Recreation Area Partnership.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the partnership are to--
(1) coordinate the activities of Federal, State, tribal,
and local authorities, and the private sector, in fulfilling
the purposes of this Act; and
(2) use the resources and expertise of each agency in
improving the management and recreational opportunities within
the recreation area.
(c) Membership.--The members of the partnership shall include the
following:
(1) The Secretary of Agriculture, or a designee of the
Secretary, to represent the Forest Service.
(2) The Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, to
represent the National Park Service and Bureau of Land
Management.
(3) The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the
Secretary, to represent the Army Corps of Engineers.
(4) The Secretary of the State Natural Resources Agency, or
a designee of the Secretary, to represent the California
Department of Parks and Recreation and the Rivers and Mountains
Conservancy.
(5) A designee of the Los Angeles County Board of
Supervisors.
(6) A designee of the San Bernardino County Board of
Supervisors.
(7) A designee of the Puente Hills Habitat Preservation
Authority.
(8) Four designees of the San Gabriel Council of
Governments, one of whom is to be elected from a local land
conservancy.
(9) Two designees of the San Bernardino Associated
Governments.
(10) A designee of the San Gabriel Valley Economic
Partnership.
(11) A designee of the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District.
(12) A designee of the San Gabriel Valley Water
Association.
(13) A designee of the Central Basin Water Association.
(14) A designee of the Six Basins Watermaster.
(15) A designee of a public utility company, to be
appointed by the Secretary.
(16) A designee of the Watershed Conservation Authority.
(17) A designee of the public advisory council so long as
the public advisory council remains in effect.
(d) Duties.--To further the purposes of this Act, and in a manner
consistent with the purposes described in section 3(a), the partnership
shall--
(1) make recommendations to the Secretaries on the
development and implementation of the management plan;
(2) advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the provision
and management of recreational opportunities, and improvement
of visitor services and education on the National Forest System
lands within the recreation area;
(3) review and comment on the visitor services plan and
access study required by section 103;
(4) seek opportunities to facilitate the implementation of
the visitor services plan and access study required by section
9;
(5) assist units of local government, regional planning
organizations, and nonprofit organizations in fulfilling the
purposes of the recreation area by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that
recognize, protect, and enhance important resource
values within the recreation area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive
exhibits and programs within the recreation area;
(C) developing recreational and educational
opportunities in the recreation area, consistent with
the purposes of this Act;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and
appreciation for, natural, historic, scenic, and
cultural resources of the recreation area;
(E) ensuring that signs identifying points of
public access and sites of interest are posted
throughout the recreation area;
(F) promoting a wide range of partnerships among
governments, organizations, and individuals to further
the purposes of the recreation area; and
(G) ensuring that management of the recreation area
takes into account local ordinances and land-use plans,
as well as adjacent residents and property owners;
(6) make recommendations to the Secretaries on members to
be appointed to the advisory council; and
(7) undertake any other action necessary to fulfill the
purposes of this Act.
(e) Authorities.--The partnership may, subject to the prior
approval of the Secretary, for the purposes of preparing and
implementing the management plans, use Federal funds made available
under this section to--
(1) make grants to the State, political subdivisions of the
State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide
grants or technical assistance to, the State, political
subdivisions of the State, nonprofit organizations, Federal
agencies, and other interested parties;
(3) hire and compensate staff;
(4) obtain funds or services from any source, including
funds and services provided under any other Federal law or
program;
(5) contract for goods or services; and
(6) support activities of partners and any other activities
that further the purposes of the recreation area and are
consistent with the approved management plans.
(f) Terms of Office; Reappointment; Vacancies.--
(1) Terms.--Members of the partnership shall be appointed
for terms of 3 years.
(2) Reappointment.--A member may be reappointed to serve on
the partnership upon the expiration of the member's current
term.
(3) Vacancy.--A vacancy on the partnership shall be filled
in the same manner as the original appointment.
(g) Quorum.--A quorum shall be eleven members of the partnership.
The operations of the partnership shall not be impaired by the fact
that a member has not yet been appointed as long as a quorum has been
attained.
(h) Chairperson and Procedures.--The partnership shall elect a
chairperson and establish such rules and procedures as it deems
necessary or desirable.
(i) Service Without Compensation.--Members of the partnership shall
serve without pay.
(j) Duties and Authorities of the Secretary.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall convene the
partnership on a regular basis to carry out this Act.
(2) Visitor services and access.--The Secretary is
authorized to carry out the visitor services plan required by
section 9(a)(2) and access study required by section 9(c)(2).
(3) Technical and financial assistance.--The Secretary may
provide technical and financial assistance, on a reimbursable
or non-reimbursable basis, as determined by the Secretary, to
the partnership or any members of the partnership to carry out
this Act.
(4) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with the partnership, any members of the
partnership, or other public or private entities to provide
technical, financial or other assistance to carry out this Act.
(5) Construction of facilities on non-federal lands.--
(A) In general.--In order to facilitate the
administration of the recreation area, the Secretary is
authorized, subject to valid existing rights, to
construct administrative or visitor use facilities on
non-Federal public lands within the recreation area.
(B) Additional requirement.--Such facilities may
only be developed--
(i) with the consent of the owner of the
non-Federal public land; and
(ii) in accordance with applicable Federal,
State, and local laws, regulations, and plans.
(6) Priority.--The Secretary shall give priority to actions
that--
(A) conserve the significant natural, historic,
cultural, and scenic resources of the recreation area;
and
(B) provide educational, interpretive, and
recreational opportunities consistent with the purposes
of the recreation area.
(k) Committees.--The partnership shall establish--
(1) a Water Technical Advisory Committee to advise the
Secretaries on water-related issues relating to the recreation
area; and
(2) a Public Safety Advisory Committee to advise the
Secretaries on public safety issues relating to the recreation
area.
SEC. 9. ACCESS AND VISITOR SERVICES.
(a) Visitor Services.--
(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to
facilitate the development of an integrated visitor services
plan that will improve visitor experiences within the
recreation area through expanded recreational opportunities,
and increased interpretation, education, resource protection,
and enforcement.
(2) Plan required.--Not later than three years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and in accordance with this
subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary
of Agriculture and the Partnership, shall develop an integrated
visitor services plan for the recreation area.
(3) Contents.--The visitor services plan required by this
subsection shall--
(A) assess current and anticipated future
visitation to the recreation area, including recreation
destinations;
(B) consider the demand for various types of
recreation (including hiking, picnicking, horseback
riding, and the use of motorized and mechanized
vehicles) where permissible and appropriate;
(C) evaluate the impacts of recreation on natural
and cultural resources, water resource facilities,
public roads, adjacent residents and property owners,
and utilities within the recreation area, as well as
the effectiveness of current enforcement efforts;
(D) assess the current level of interpretive and
educational services and facilities;
(E) include recommendations to--
(i) expand opportunities for high-demand
recreational activities, consistent with the
purposes described in section 3(a);
(ii) better manage recreation area
resources and improve the experience of
recreation area visitors through expanded
interpretive and educational services and
facilities, and improved enforcement; and
(iii) better manage recreation area
resources to reduce negative impacts on the
environment, ecology, and integrated water
management activities in the area;
(F) in coordination and consultation with owners of
non-Federal land, assess options to incorporate
recreational opportunities on non-Federal land into the
recreation area--
(i) in a manner consistent with the
purposes and uses of the non-Federal land; and
(ii) with the consent of the non-Federal
land owner;
(G) assess opportunities to provide recreational
opportunities that connect the San Gabriel River to the
National Forest System lands; and
(H) be developed and carried out in accordance with
applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
ordinances.
(4) Consultation.--In developing the plan required by this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) consult with--
(i) the Secretary of Agriculture and other
appropriate Federal agencies;
(ii) the partnership;
(iii) the public advisory council;
(iv) appropriate State and local agencies;
and
(v) interested nongovernmental
organizations; and
(B) involve members of the public.
(b) Visitor Facilities.--The Secretary and Secretary of Agriculture
are authorized to construct visitor use facilities, within the
recreation area. Such facilities shall be developed in conformance with
all existing Federal, State, and local laws (including regulations) and
applicable Federal, State, and local plans.
(c) Access Study.--
(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to assess
the feasibility of improving the accessibility of the
recreation area.
(2) Study required.--Not later than three years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and in accordance with this
subsection, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the
accessibility of the recreation area.
(3) Contents.--The access study required by this subsection
shall--
(A) evaluate the means by which members of the
public access various locations within the recreation
area;
(B) consider alternatives to sustainably improve
the recreational access of the National Forest System
from the San Gabriel River;
(C) provide options and recommendations for
improving the accessibility of the recreation area,
consistent with the purposes described in section 3(a);
and
(D) be developed and carried out in accordance with
applicable Federal, State, and local laws and
ordinances.
(4) Consultation.--In developing the study required by this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) consult with--
(i) the Secretary of Agriculture and other
appropriate Federal agencies;
(ii) the partnership;
(iii) the public advisory council;
(iv) appropriate State and local agencies;
and
(v) interested nongovernmental
organizations; and
(B) involve members of the public.
(d) Donations.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary and the Secretary of
Agriculture may accept and use donated funds, property, in-kind
contributions, and services to carry out this Act.
(2) Prohibition.--The Secretary or Secretary of Agriculture
may not accept non-Federal land that has been acquired through
use of eminent domain after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(e) Coordination.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary shall coordinate in carrying out this Act.
(2) Cooperative agreements.--In carrying out this Act, the
Secretary and Secretary of Agriculture may make grants to, or
enter into cooperative agreements with, State, tribal, and
local governmental entities and private entities to conduct
research, develop scientific analyses, and carry out any other
initiative relating to the management of and visitation to the
recreation area.
(3) Coordination between federal agencies.--
(A) Agreement required.--Not later than 18 months
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into an agreement
with the Secretary to carry out this Act on National
Forest System lands within the recreation area.
(B) Required components.--The agreement required by
subparagraph (A) shall address, at a minimum, in a
manner consistent with the purposes for which the
recreation area has been established--
(i) sharing of resources between the
Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary;
(ii) improved visitor services, education,
and enforcement;
(iii) enhanced resource protection within
the recreation area; and
(iv) better connecting the National Forest
System lands and park lands.
(C) National park service.--The Secretary may share
resources such as management, research, planning,
interpretation, visitor services, and enforcement with
any unit of the National Park System.
(D) Angeles national forest.--The Secretary may
share resources such as management, research, planning,
interpretation, visitor services, and enforcement with
the Angeles National Forest in order to fulfill the
purposes of the recreation area.
(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary may provide
technical assistance to interested public agencies, private
landowners, and organizations, to carry out the purposes of
this Act.
(f) Diversion or Use of Water.--Nothing in this Act shall authorize
or require the use of water in or the diversion of water to the
recreation area or the park lands.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation.
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