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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

House Panel Reviews Bill to Protect 924,000 Oregon Acres, Expand Burns Paiute Tribal Lands

Also known as: Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Small Business Owner
Neutral

Local businesses may benefit from restoration projects and economic development, but new wilderness restrictions could limit some land uses.

Positive Impacts(2)
Farmer Rancher
Helps

Ranchers in Malheur County gain flexibility to adjust grazing dates, pasture rotations, and water placements without new environmental permits.

Tribal Member
Helps

Burns Paiute Tribe receives ~28,000 acres held in trust, co-stewardship of Castle Rock area, and protected cultural site access.

State Impacts

OregonOR
Positive

Designates ~924,000 acres of wilderness in Malheur County, protects tribal lands, and gives local ranchers more grazing flexibility.

Key Points

  • This bill designates approximately 924,000 acres of federal land in Malheur County, Oregon, as protected wilderness, while creating two new 'Special Management Areas' totaling about 40,000 acres for fire and weed control.
  • It creates a new grazing program that gives local ranchers more flexibility to move cattle or change water locations by up to 14 days to respond to weather or drought without needing new environmental permits.
  • The federal government would take over 28,000 acres of land to hold in trust for the Burns Paiute Tribe, including the Jonesboro Ranch and parts of the Castle Rock area, to protect tribal interests and cultural sites.
  • A local group of eight people—including ranchers, tribal members, and conservationists—will be formed to propose and fund restoration projects like fixing springs, managing invasive weeds, and boosting the local economy.
  • The policy ensures that even in protected areas, the government can still use trucks, helicopters, and planes to fight wildfires and stop invasive species from spreading.
  • Lands not specifically named as wilderness will be released from strict 'study' rules, making it easier for the Bureau of Land Management to authorize grazing, recreation, and other traditional uses.
EnvironmentAgricultureCivil Rights

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 17, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Dec 17, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Malheur C.E.O. Group members appointed

A local advisory group of ranchers, tribal representatives, and conservationists begins proposing restoration and land management projects in Malheur County.

Bureau of Land Management amends Southeastern Oregon Resource Management Plan

Updated land use rules take effect, including a wilderness plan and travel management plan covering the newly designated areas.

Land taken into trust for Burns Paiute Tribe

The tribe gains formal control of Jonesboro Ranch and Castle Rock lands for cultural use and stewardship.

Related News

5 articles
Targeted News Service·18 days ago

Rep. Bentz Introduces Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act

Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) introduced H.R. 6777 to establish a grazing management program in Malheur County, providing permit holders with operational flexibility to adapt to environmental changes. The bill aims to balance agricultural needs with conservation through ecological assessments.

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POLITICO·over 1 year ago

Republican wilderness plan the focus of feisty hearing

A House subcommittee held a contentious hearing on Rep. Cliff Bentz’s proposal to designate 926,588 acres of wilderness in the Owyhee Canyonlands. While Bentz lobbied for the bill as a compromise, some conservationists argued it prioritizes grazing and allows motorized access in protected areas.

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Willamette Week·over 1 year ago

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz Will Introduce His Own Bill on Owyhee Protections

Rep. Cliff Bentz announced the 'Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act' as a Republican alternative to Senator Wyden's proposal. The move followed pressure from conservation groups for a national monument designation, which both Bentz and Wyden oppose in favor of legislation.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Oregon Owyhee Wilderness and Community Protection Act

Bill NumberHR 6777
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.