San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6783
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6783Public Lands and Natural Resources
San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025
INTRO DEC 17· LAST ACTION DEC 17
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
22
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it would permanently protect significant natural landscapes and waterways in a densely populated region of California, safeguarding them from development and preserving their ecological health. If this bill becomes law, these areas would maintain their natural character, offering important habitats for wildlife, clean water sources, and essential spaces for outdoor recreation and mental well-being for generations to come. This is particularly relevant given concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of natural open spaces.
Without this bill, these specific federal lands and rivers would not receive the heightened protections of wilderness or wild and scenic designations, leaving them more vulnerable to potential development, resource extraction, or other activities that could alter their natural state. Voters should care because it impacts their access to nature, the health of regional ecosystems, and the availability of clean water, directly affecting their quality of life and the environment for future Californians.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Designates approximately 28,871 acres of federal land within the Angeles National Forest as new wilderness areas or additions to existing ones, including Condor Peak and Yerba Buena Wilderness.
This permanently protects these specific areas from development, ensuring they remain in their natural state for wildlife and recreation.
PROVISION 02
Designates specific rivers or segments of rivers as Wild and Scenic Rivers and requires studies for potential future designations.
This preserves the free-flowing character, water quality, and natural beauty of these vital waterways.
PROVISION 03
Establishes administrative guidelines for the newly designated wilderness areas, covering aspects like fire management, fish and wildlife protection, and recreational access.
These guidelines ensure proper stewardship and management of the protected lands, balancing conservation with necessary activities.
PROVISION 04
Affirms the right of members of Indian Tribes to continue their traditional uses within the newly designated wilderness areas.
This provision respects and protects the cultural heritage and traditional practices of indigenous communities.
PROVISION 05
Withdraws newly designated wilderness from all forms of public land entry, mineral exploration, and geothermal leasing.
This prevents commercial exploitation of resources within these areas, reinforcing their protected status.
This bill matters because it would permanently protect significant natural landscapes and waterways in a densely populated region of California, safeguarding them from development and preserving their ecological health. If this bill becomes law, these areas would maintain their natural character, offering important habitats for wildlife, clean water sources, and essential spaces for outdoor recreation and mental well-being for generations to come. This is particularly relevant given concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of natural open spaces.
Without this bill, these specific federal lands and rivers would not receive the heightened protections of wilderness or wild and scenic designations, leaving them more vulnerable to potential development, resource extraction, or other activities that could alter their natural state. Voters should care because it impacts their access to nature, the health of regional ecosystems, and the availability of clean water, directly affecting their quality of life and the environment for future Californians.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Designates approximately 28,871 acres of federal land within the Angeles National Forest as new wilderness areas or additions to existing ones, including Condor Peak and Yerba Buena Wilderness.
This permanently protects these specific areas from development, ensuring they remain in their natural state for wildlife and recreation.
high
Designates specific rivers or segments of rivers as Wild and Scenic Rivers and requires studies for potential future designations.
This preserves the free-flowing character, water quality, and natural beauty of these vital waterways.
med
Establishes administrative guidelines for the newly designated wilderness areas, covering aspects like fire management, fish and wildlife protection, and recreational access.
These guidelines ensure proper stewardship and management of the protected lands, balancing conservation with necessary activities.
med
Affirms the right of members of Indian Tribes to continue their traditional uses within the newly designated wilderness areas.
This provision respects and protects the cultural heritage and traditional practices of indigenous communities.
high
Withdraws newly designated wilderness from all forms of public land entry, mineral exploration, and geothermal leasing.
This prevents commercial exploitation of resources within these areas, reinforcing their protected status.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall amend local fire management plans.
Not later than 1 year after enactment
The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish agency approval procedures for responding to fire emergencies.
GLOSSARY
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Wilderness Act
A federal law passed in 1964 that created the National Wilderness Preservation System and provides a legal definition and process for designating and managing wilderness areas.
Wilderness Area
A federally designated area of undeveloped federal land protected for its natural character, generally managed to remain free from human disturbance, roads, and most forms of commercial use.
Wild and Scenic River
A river or section of a river designated by Congress or the Secretary of the Interior for special protection due to its outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational values, keeping it free-flowing and undeveloped.
National Wilderness Preservation System
The system of all federally designated wilderness areas in the United States, managed by various federal agencies to preserve their wilderness character.
Secretary of Agriculture
The head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the U.S. Forest Service and manages national forests where these wilderness areas are located.
Angeles National Forest
A large national forest located in the San Gabriel Mountains and other mountain ranges of Southern California, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
DEC 17, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 17, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Legal rights or claims to land or resources that existed before a new law or designation took effect, which are typically respected and not extinguished by the new law.
Public land laws
A broad category of federal laws governing the management, use, and disposal of lands owned by the U.S. government.
