In recognition of the historic use of portions of the recreation area by Indian peoples for traditional cultural and customary uses, the Secretary shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (n) in consultation with local tribal leaders, ensure the protection of religious and cultural sites and provide access from time to time to those sites by Indian peoples for traditional cultural and customary uses. Such access shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the Act of August 11, 1978 [42 U.S.C. 1996, 1996a] (commonly referred to as the “American Indian Religious Freedom Act”). The Secretary, in accordance with such Act, upon request of an Indian tribe or pueblo, may from time to time temporarily close to general public use one or more specific portions of the recreational area in order to protect traditional and customary uses in such portions by Indian peoples.

Within 1 year after October 12, 1993, the Secretary shall prepare a transportation plan that provides for the most efficient use of roads and trails to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter. The plan shall provide for a comprehensive trails system that provides for dispersed recreation while minimizing impact on significant archaeological and religious sites.

The Secretary shall construct, maintain, and close roads within the recreation area after consultation with local tribal leaders and only in accordance with such plan.

there is not a feasible alternative for the location of such corridor;

damage to the recreational and scenic quality and to the archaeological and religious sites of the recreation area will not be significant;

it is in the public interest that such corridor be located in the recreation area; and

a plan to minimize harm to the resources of the recreation area has been developed.