H.R. 3616 – Bear River National Heritage Area Study Act

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Updated February 8, 2026 at 3:48 AM UTC

The Bear River National Heritage Area Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study on designating land in Utah and Idaho as the Bear River National Heritage Area. The study must involve state, local, tribal, and nonprofit partners and evaluate natural, historic, and cultural resources, community support, financial plans, management options, and any impact on private property. Findings and recommendations are to be reported to Congress within three years of funding. The bill primarily affects residents, businesses, governments, and tribal entities in the specified Bear River region.

Key Provisions

Defines the "study area" covering specific counties and communities in Utah and Idaho within the Bear River drainage.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study, consulting with state, local, tribal, nonprofit, and other relevant groups, to assess suitability for a National Heritage Area designation.
Specifies that the study must analyze resource significance, community involvement, financial planning, potential management entities, private property impacts, and produce a public-supported boundary map.
Mandates that the Secretary submit a report of the study’s findings and recommendations to the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee within three years after funds are made available.

Legislative Activity

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17 earlier actions

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

November 3, 2021

View full timeline

HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 28, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Natural Resources Committee

May 28, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

June 14, 2021

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Federal Lands Subcommittee

June 15, 2021

HouseCommittee

Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Discharged.

Natural Resources Committee

July 14, 2021

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Natural Resources Committee

July 14, 2021

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

Natural Resources Committee

July 14, 2021

HouseCommittee

Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 117-165.

Natural Resources Committee

November 1, 2021

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 120.

November 1, 2021

HouseFloor

Ms. Leger Fernandez moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

November 1, 2021 • 4:52 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6046-6048)

November 1, 2021 • 4:53 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3616.

November 1, 2021 • 4:53 PM

HouseFloor

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

November 1, 2021 • 4:59 PM

HouseFloor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H6096-6097)

November 2, 2021 • 2:38 PM

HouseFloor

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 23 (Roll no. 344).(text: 11/1/2021 CR H6046-6047)

View vote Passed

November 2, 2021 • 2:58 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399 - 23 (Roll no. 344). (text: 11/1/2021 CR H6046-6047)

View vote Passed

November 2, 2021 • 2:58 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

November 2, 2021 • 2:58 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

November 3, 2021

Voting History

1 vote recorded • Roll call available

HOUSE

Roll Call Available

November 2, 2021 at 2:55 PM

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass

Majority required: 2/3 (66.7%)

Passed

399 - 23

Floor Debate

5 members

What members said about H.R. 3616 on the floor

4 Republicans1 Democrat

Rep. Blake D. MooreR-UT-1 · Nov 1, 2021

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee for his support of this legislation and also to my colleague from New Mexico, Representative Leger Fernandez, for…

Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee for his support of this legislation and also to my colleague from New Mexico, Representative Leger Fernandez, for her kind words of support and her support of the bill overall, as well as, most importantly, our committee staff. I thank them all very much.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3616, the Bear River National Heritage Area Study Act, which would conduct a study to determine the area's suitability for a national heritage area designation. This would help local communities in the area protect important elements of their heritage and promote the area's tourism industry.

This important bill enjoys significant local support and, if enacted, would help the region better share its incredible history with the world.

The Bear River basin, which stretches through northern Utah and southeastern Idaho, played a key role in the settling, expansion, and development of the American West.

Native American Tribes, such as the Shoshone, called this area home because of its lush environment and favorable weather. Today, with the construction of the Boa Ogoi Cultural Interpretive Center in southeastern Idaho, these stories will soon be told like never before.

Eventually, explorers and adventures, fur trappers, and religious pioneers also settled in the area and began to build homes. The region's natural water supply makes it ideal for farming, and it quickly became home to thriving frontier towns. Generations of family farms in northern Utah and southeast Idaho can trace their origins to these early days.

Later, the driving of the golden spike at Promontory Summit marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad, an element of pride for the entire area. This pivotal moment launched our great Nation onto the global stage and into the modern world.

Today, this special place is home to thriving communities that support jobs in the tech, agriculture, education, manufacturing, service, and tourism industries.

As we look backwards to retell the history of this region, these industries are looking forward to writing the next chapter of the Bear River basin's story.

I am grateful for Chairman Grijalva, Ranking Member Westerman, Representative Leger Fernandez, and their fantastic staff for all their help on this effort.

Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting the Bear River National Heritage Area Study Act.

Rep. Teresa Leger FernandezD-NM-3 · Nov 1, 2021

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3616) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain…

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3616) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the Bear River National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3616, the Bear River National Heritage Study Act, introduced by my Natural Resources Committee colleague, Representative Blake Moore.

H.R. 3616 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and feasibility of establishing the Bear River National Heritage Area.

The study area would include seven counties in northern Utah and southeastern Idaho, focusing on areas that are within the main drainage area of the Bear River.

Heritage area designations are locally driven initiatives that leverage Federal resources to support the preservation of shared heritage in a manner that boosts conservation, recreation, and economic development. These shared stories are vital, as we consider what is the American story. These heritage centers have proven successful all over the country, and I am pleased to support this bill that will examine the potential of the Bear River region.

I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure a successful and sustainable future for the entire Heritage Area program and would, again, like to congratulate Representative Moore for championing this bill on behalf of his constituents.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I look forward to listening to the many interconnected and complex stories that will come out of this study and to perhaps visiting the heritage area in the near future. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Bruce WestermanR-AR-4 · Nov 1, 2021

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I first want to thank Chairman Grijalva and Chairwoman Leger Fernandez for their cooperation in moving this bill forward. H.R.…

Rep. Tom EmmerR-MN-6 · Nov 2, 2021

Madam Speaker, I was regrettably unable to vote on November 2, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on all the day's legislation: rollcall No. 342 (H.R. 1975), rollcall No. 343 (H.R.…

Rep. Chip RoyR-TX-21 · Nov 1, 2021

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Bill Text

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Referred in SenateIssued November 3, 2021

IIB

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 3616

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

November 3, 2021

Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

AN ACT

To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain land as the Bear River National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Bear River National Heritage Area Study Act.

2.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Heritage area

The term Heritage Area means the Bear River National Heritage Area.

(2)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(3)

States

The term States means the States of Utah and Idaho.

(4)

Study area

The term study area means—

(A)

areas in the States that are within the main drainage area of the Bear River;

(B)

all of Cache, Box Elder, and Rich Counties in the State of Utah, and Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, and Oneida Counties in the State of Idaho;

(C)

the following communities in Utah: Bear River, Brigham City, Corinne, Deweyville, Elwood, Fielding, Garland, Honeyville, Howell, Mantua, Perry, Plymouth, Portage, Snowville, Tremonton, Willard, Amalga, Clarkston, Cornish, Hyde Park, Hyrum, Lewiston, Logan, Mendon, Millville, Newton, Nibley, North Logan, Paradise, Providence, Richmond, River Heights, Smithfield, Trenton, Wellsville, Garden City, Laketown, Randolph, and Woodruff;

(D)

the following communities in Idaho: Malad, Clifton, Dayton, Franklin, Preston, Oxford, Weston, Bancroft, Soda Springs, Grace, Bloomington, Paris, Georgetown, Montpelier, and St. Charles; and

(E)

any other areas in the States that—

(i)

have heritage aspects that are similar to the areas described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), or (D); and

(ii)

are adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, those areas.

3.

Study

(a)

In general

The Secretary, in consultation with State and local organizations and governmental agencies, Tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and other appropriate entities, shall conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a National Heritage Area, to be known as the Bear River National Heritage Area.

(b)

Requirements

The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study area—

(1)

has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that—

(A)

represent distinctive aspects of the people and cultures of the United States;

(B)

are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and

(C)

would be best managed—

(i)

through partnerships among public and private entities; and

(ii)

by linking diverse and sometimes noncontiguous resources and active communities;

(2)

reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States;

(3)

provides outstanding opportunities—

(A)

to conserve natural, historic, cultural, or scenic features; and

(B)

for recreation and education;

(4)

contains resources that—

(A)

are important to any identified themes of the study area; and

(B)

retain a degree of integrity capable of supporting interpretation;

(5)

includes residents, business interests, non-profit organizations, and State, local, and Tribal governments, and other appropriate entities that—

(A)

are involved in the planning of the Heritage Area;

(B)

have developed a conceptual financial plan that outlines the roles of all participants in the Heritage Area, including the Federal Government; and

(C)

have demonstrated support for the designation of the Heritage Area;

(6)

has a potential management entity to work in partnership with the individuals and entities described in paragraph (5) to develop the Heritage Area while encouraging State and local economic activity;

(7)

could impact the rights of private property owners with respect to their private property; and

(8)

has a conceptual boundary map that is supported by the public.

4.

Report

Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes—

(1)

the findings of the study under section 3; and

(2)

any conclusions and recommendations of the Secretary.

Passed the House of Representatives November 2, 2021.

Cheryl L. Johnson,

Clerk