This bill forbids approval or use of Federal funds for a year-round road or utility corridor to access a specific 680-acre inholding (called the Berlaimont Estates parcel) in the White River National Forest in Colorado. It defines the Federal land by township sections and the record of decision from March 2023. The bill requires that any access to inholdings on those sections be limited to routes that already existed on the date of the record of decision, are unpaved, seasonal, and limited to specific uses under a special use permit. The Secretary of Agriculture may not approve easements, special use authorizations, or other permits to plan, build, improve, or consider a year-round road or similar access on the listed Federal land. The bill also directs the Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, to try to acquire the parcel from willing sellers, coordinate with Colorado, Eagle County, and local land trusts, and report to two congressional committees within 180 days about those efforts. If acquired, the parcel would be added to the White River National Forest for conservation and public enjoyment.
The bill explicitly bars use of Federal funds to open, plan, build, or otherwise consider the specified year-round road or utility corridor on the named Federal land. No publicly available information on other costs, savings, or budgetary effects is included in the bill text.
The bill says its purpose is to protect critical winter wildlife habitat. It notes Forest Service staffing declined in 2025 and that that reduction led to fewer hazardous fuels reduction and trails maintenance projects and reduced science and research. Supporters would say the Forest Service must focus limited staff on wildfire risk reduction, forest health treatments, recreation maintenance, water resources, wildlife habitat, and science-based stewardship. The bill also promotes acquiring the parcel from willing sellers to conserve wildlife and provide public benefits.
No publicly available information.