May 21, 2026
Mr. Bentz introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
To grant to Crook County, Oregon, a right-of-way for the construction of a new road in Juniper Canyon, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Grant of right-of-way to Crook County, Oregon
(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, subject to valid existing rights, at the request of the County, the Secretary shall grant to the County a permanent 80-foot wide right-of-way from Oregon Route 380 to Juniper Canyon Road, as generally depicted as Proposed 80 Foot Right-of-Way
on the Map, for the construction of a new road in Juniper Canyon and permanent public access and use thereafter.
Sec. 2. Conveyance of land to Crook County, Oregon
(a) In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, at the request of the County, the Secretary shall convey to the County, without consideration and without reservation, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 4 parcels of land, each approximately 40 acres in area, generally depicted as BLM 40–Acre Parcel Proposed for Conveyance
on the Map.
(b) Requirements
The conveyance under subsection (a) shall be—
(1)
subject to—
(A)
valid existing rights; and
(B)
subsection (d); and
(2)
for the primary purpose of establishing fire safe zones to be maintained by the County.
(c) Cost of conveyance
As a condition of the conveyance under subsection (a), the County shall pay all costs associated with the conveyance.
(d) Reversionary clause
If the Secretary determines that the property conveyed under subsection (a) is no longer maintained by the County as fire safe zones under subsection (b)(2), the property shall revert to the ownership of the United States.
Sec. 3. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) County
The term County means Crook County, Oregon.
(2) Fire safe zone
The term fire safe zone
means a parcel of land maintained for the primary purpose of facilitating emergency response, operational firefighter safety, fuel break integration, and other necessary uses during wildfires and other emergencies that pose a threat to public safety.
(3) Map
The term Map means the map titled Juniper Canyon Land Conveyance
prepared by the Bureau of Land Management and dated April 8, 2026.
(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.