This bill creates two protected areas along the Dolores River in Colorado: a National Conservation Area of about 53,000 acres managed by the Interior Department, and a Special Management Area of about 15,500 acres in the San Juan National Forest managed by the Agriculture Department. The goal is to preserve the river's natural features—including native fish, whitewater boating opportunities, hunting, fishing, scenic views, and wildlife habitat—while respecting existing water rights and the Dolores Project, which supplies water to the region.

The bill protects these areas by limiting new development, restricting motorized vehicles to designated routes, and preventing new roads and mining. However, it carefully preserves existing rights: current water users keep their water rights, the Dolores Project dam and reservoir continue operating normally, existing grazing permits remain valid, and private property owners get reasonable access through the protected lands. An advisory council with 14 members—including farmers, conservationists, recreationalists, county representatives, Native American tribes, and local officials—will help guide management decisions.

The law also removes these river segments from consideration for federal Wild and Scenic Rivers designation, meaning they won't get that additional federal protection. Instead, management focuses on balancing conservation with practical uses like ranching, hunting, and fishing. The bill emphasizes that nothing changes for water rights holders, local governments, or private landowners, and it requires the government to consult with stakeholders, including Native American tribes and water management groups, when making decisions about how water flows from the dam to support fish and boating.

Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act

Boebert, Lauren

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.