S. 1776Heading to a voteEnvironment & energy
Senate bill adds wilderness protections to California federal lands
Data as of July 11, 2026
S 1776 protects federal land in California as wilderness and directs agencies to restore forests and create new trails.45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill officially designates new wilderness areas and expands existing ones on federal land in northwestern California, the central coast, and the San Gabriel Mountains. It also protects certain rivers and directs land managers to do forest restoration work, including reducing wildfire risk, cleaning up illegal marijuana grow sites, and replanting damaged land. The bill also creates or studies new trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and off-highway vehicle users.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects local communities, outdoor recreationists, ranchers with existing grazing rights, and tribal nations connected to these lands. The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are the main agencies responsible for carrying out the work.
Why does it matter?
Wilderness designation means the newly protected areas would be closed to mining, new road construction, and most motorized uses. Restoration and recreation provisions would open up new opportunities for public use and ecological recovery in affected areas.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee
- Senate vote — You are here
- House
- President's desk
Right now: it's headed for a Senate floor vote. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
PUBLIC Lands Act
- Introduced:
- May 31, 2023
- Latest action:
- September 24, 2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 525.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.