Does the OI create new exemptions to the Wilderness Act?
No, the wilderness title of the OI includes provisions language that have been approved by Republican and Democratic majority Congress’ many times before on issues relating to grazing and wildlife management. The legislation will state that subject to any regulations the BLM determines to be necessary, the BLM shall permit the continuation of outfitting and guiding in wilderness, and that designation alone shall not require the BLM to limit the conduct of outfitting activities or the use of the existing system of designated camps and allocated river launches. It also states that nothing in the Act precludes horseback riding or recreational saddle stock use in the wilderness areas.
