The AMA-supported California Off-Road Recreation and Conservation Act (H.R. 857) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

This bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), would establish or expand six Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Areas in the California desert.

Other areas would be designated as wilderness, primarily within identified wilderness study areas and Death Valley National Park.

H.R. 857 also would protect OHV users by ensuring that OHV areas cannot be closed by administrative action.

The bill would add about 39,000 acres to the National Park System at Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park.

The bill also would designate about 18,000 acres of federal land as the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, restricting large-scale projects, while preserving existing recreational and commercial uses. Current motorized vehicle use would be unaffected.