Bill · S. 1791· Senate(119-S-1791)
Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/15/2025
- Last activity
- 7/15/2026 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act of 2025 designates various lands in Colorado as special management, wildlife conservation, protection, recreation, and wilderness areas. It establishes specific management rules for these lands, including restrictions on vehicle and bicycle use. The bill also designates a scientific research and education area to encourage natural science research. Additionally, it includes provisions for land to be held in trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and withdraws certain lands from mineral leasing. Finally, the act aims to protect and enhance natural, scenic, and cultural resources for future generations.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill designates numerous areas for conservation and protection of natural and wildlife resources.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
The bill provides land to be held in trust for the benefit of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+7
The bill establishes specific management rules for various special management and wilderness areas.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes restrictions on mineral leasing and commercial timber harvesting.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-3
The bill restricts off-highway vehicle and bicycle use in several designated areas.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Conservation of Natural Resources: The designation of Special Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Areas, and Protection Areas is intended to conserve, protect, and enhance natural, scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed, and recreation resources for present and future generations (Section 3(b), Section 4(b), and Section 5(b)).
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Support for Scientific Research: The designation of the Rocky Mountain Scientific Research and Education Area aims to encourage and preserve conditions necessary for various types of natural science research and education (Section 7(b)(1)).
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Tribal Land Benefits: The Secretary of the Interior is directed to take approximately 19,080 acres of land into trust for the benefit of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (Section 10(a)(1)).
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Protection of Traditional Uses: The bill allows for the continued use of covered or wilderness areas by members of Indian Tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and materials (Section 11(m)(2)).
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Restoration of Habitats: The Secretary is authorized to conduct wet meadow and riparian restoration projects to improve climate resiliency and wildlife habitat in several specific areas (Section 11(l)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on Vehicle and Bicycle Use: Many designated areas include restrictions where the use of off-highway vehicles and bicycles is limited to existing designated roads and trails or is prohibited entirely (Section 3(c)(2), Section 4(c)(2), Section 5(c)(2), and Section 6(c)(2)).
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Restrictions on Oil and Gas Development: Certain lands in Delta County are withdrawn from the operation of mineral leasing laws regarding oil and gas, and other lands are subject to no surface occupancy restrictions (Section 9(a)(1) and Section 9(b)).
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Prohibition of Commercial Timber Harvesting: No projects may be carried out in a covered area for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber (Section 11(g)(1)).
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Restrictions on Land Use for Tribal Lands: While land is taken into trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the act specifies that this land cannot be used for any gaming activities (Section 10(a)(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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Public Land Management+7Reduces Fossil Fuel Production+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+8Good For Business Owners-4Good For Rural Residents-3
- 7/15/2026
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- 5/15/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado