Bill · H.R. 6777· House(119-HR-6777)
Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act
- Introduced
- 12/17/2025
- Last activity
- 12/17/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Cliff Bentz
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the Malheur County Grazing Management Program to provide authorized grazing permittees with operational flexibility on Federal land in Malheur County, Oregon. It creates the Malheur C.E.O. Group to propose and carry out various ecological and economic projects. The legislation designates specific Special Management Areas and numerous Wilderness Areas within the county. It also outlines land conveyances to the Burns Paiute Tribe, including the Jonesboro Ranch and Castle Rock areas. Finally, the act provides for the future protection of fire suppression, invasive species control, and livestock production values on Federal lands.
Yes· 3 of 10
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+7
The bill secures land conveyances and co-stewardship opportunities for the Burns Paiute Tribe.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill designates extensive wilderness areas and mandates ecological restoration and invasive species management.
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill provides grazing permittees with operational flexibility regarding season of use and water structure placement.
The opposite
Does this make housing cost less?-2
The withdrawal of lands from all forms of appropriation may limit future land availability for community development.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
The bill increases federal land designations and withdrawals, concentrating management under the Secretary of the Interior.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Operational Flexibility for Grazers: Authorized grazing permittees and lessees can request variances to adjust the season of use, pasture rotation dates, or the placement of water structures to account for changing conditions like weather, fire, or drought (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Community Project Development: The Malheur C.E.O. Group is authorized to propose and carry out projects related to ecological restoration, range improvements, invasive species management, and economic development (Section 4(d)(2)).
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Tribal Land Acquisition: The bill provides for the Secretary to accept title to specific lands, such as the Jonesboro Ranch, to be held in trust for the benefit of the Burns Paiute Tribe (Section 6(a)(1)).
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Protection of Livestock Production: The act specifically allows for the protection of livestock production within designated Special Management Areas (Section 5(b)(3)) and prohibits the Secretary from reducing or restricting grazing on certain Federal lands (Section 5(f)(3)).
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Wildfire and Invasive Species Management: The Secretary is authorized to take necessary actions, including the use of motorized vehicles and aircraft, to control wildfires and eradicate invasive species (Section 7(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on New Roads: The construction of new permanent roads is prohibited within the designated Special Management Areas (Section 5(b)(4)(i)).
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Land Use Restrictions: The Special Management Areas are withdrawn from all forms of appropriation or disposal under public land laws, as well as from mining and mineral/geothermal leasing (Section 5(b)(5)).
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Specific Financial Obligations for the Tribe: If the Burns Paiute Tribe decides to cancel grazing within the Trust Land, the Tribe is responsible for paying permittees the market value of cancelled animal unit months and must pay all costs to fence out the land (Section 6(b)(1)(ii)).
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Withdrawal of Lands: The designated wilderness and special management areas are withdrawn from many forms of land use, including mining and geothermal leasing (Section 5(b)(5) and Section 6(b)(3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+7Good For Business Owners+5Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+6Improves Public Land Management+5Improves Rural Development+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4Increases Job Creation+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Affordable Housing-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights-2
- 12/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House