San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025 designates specific areas within the Angeles National Forest as wilderness and adds to existing wilderness areas. It also designates segments of Little Rock Creek as wild, scenic, or recreational rivers and mandates studies for potential wild and scenic river designations for segments of the East Fork, North Fork, and West Fork of the San Gabriel River. The Act includes provisions for fire management, fish and wildlife management, tribal access, and reauthorization of existing water facilities.
Expected Effects
This Act will lead to increased conservation and protection of federal lands and rivers in Southern California. It will restrict certain activities within designated wilderness areas, while also providing for continued access for specific purposes like tribal cultural practices and water facility maintenance. The Act also sets the stage for potential future river protections based on the mandated studies.
Potential Benefits
- Increased protection of natural habitats and biodiversity in the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Enhanced recreational opportunities through the preservation of wild and scenic rivers.
- Recognition and accommodation of tribal cultural and religious practices.
- Continued operation of essential water facilities within wilderness areas.
- Potential for improved water quality and ecosystem health through river protections.
Potential Disadvantages
- Restrictions on land use and development within designated wilderness areas.
- Potential limitations on motorized vehicle access and other recreational activities in certain areas.
- Possible delays or increased costs for infrastructure projects due to environmental regulations.
- Potential conflicts between conservation goals and other land uses, such as grazing or timber harvesting.
- The economic impact on local communities that rely on resource extraction may be negative.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the federal government's power to manage and protect federal lands under Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to dispose of and regulate territory or other property belonging to the United States. The Act's provisions for tribal access also acknowledge the government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).