Central Coast Heritage Protection Act

The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act (HR 2545) designates 12 new wilderness areas and 2 scenic areas in California's Central Coast region, protecting approximately 230,000 acres of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. The bill incorporates existing wilderness areas into the National Wilderness Preservation System while establishing "potential wilderness" areas (Machesna Mountain and Fox Mountain) that will become official wilderness after trail modifications or 20 years. It also designates specific river segments as Wild and Scenic Rivers, creates the 400-mile Condor National Scenic Trail, and includes provisions for limited motorized use on existing trails and Tribal access for cultural purposes. The bill affects land management practices on federal public lands in California, prioritizing conservation while accommodating certain existing uses like water diversions and electricity lines.