California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2019

California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2019

This bill provides for conservation, additional recreational opportunities, and renewable energy development in the California Desert Conservation Area.

Specifically, the bill, among other things

• establishes or designates wilderness areas, a special management area, off-highway vehicle recreation areas, and a national scenic area;
• releases specified wilderness study areas;
• adjusts national park and preserve boundaries; and
• specifies land withdrawals, transfers, and conveyances.

Specified federal land shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe.

Lands and interests in land, including improvements, outside the boundary of Joshua Tree National Park in California may be acquired for the purpose of operating a visitor center.

The bill makes amendments to the California Desert Protection Act of 1994 regarding the California State School lands and designates specified segments of rivers and creeks as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.