Bill Overview
Title: Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act
Description: This bill provides for a land conveyance to South Dakota. Specifically, if South Dakota submits an offer to the Forest Service to acquire approximately 266 acres of National Forest System land within the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Boundary for its market value, the Forest Service shall convey such land to South Dakota. Any proceeds received by the Forest Service from the conveyance shall be (1) deposited in a specified fund for the exchange of lands, and (2) available to the Forest Service (to the extent and in the amount provided in advance in appropriations Acts) for the maintenance and improvement of land or administration facilities in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.
Sponsors: Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals directly or indirectly impacted by the land conveyance and operations related to Gilt Edge Mine and Black Hills National Forest
Estimated Size: 25000
- The bill directly involves the Gilt Edge Mine area, which is related to land use and environmental quality.
- Citizens of South Dakota who are concerned with land ownership and environmental quality would be impacted.
- Local residents near the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Site would be more directly impacted by any changes to land ownership or environmental regulations.
- People connected to industries or activities that would utilize the land in question, or benefit from the improvements to Black Hills National Forest, could be impacted.
- Indirectly, public resources could shift as a result of the land being conveyed and proceeds being used for other forest maintenance.
- Individuals involved in the conveyance process or the budgeting/financial management of the Forest Service may see changes to their work.
- Environmental advocacy groups may have an interest in land ownership transitions pertaining to Superfund sites.
Reasoning
- The policy is localized to South Dakota, specifically around the Gilt Edge Mine and the surrounding communities. Therefore, direct impacts are primarily on residents of these areas, while more indirect effects might extend to individuals involved in environmental advocacy or land management across the state.
- The target population is relatively small given the localized and specific nature of land conveyance. However, environmental changes or improvements can have a broader impact on regional economic activities, like tourism and local industries.
- Budget constraints restrict large-scale infrastructure projects, but any improvement in the Black Hills National Forest could support local tourism and community initiatives, enhancing well-being over time.
- Concerns from observed opinion trends might include environmental sustainability, economic implications for local communities, and trust in government land management practices.
Simulated Interviews
Miner (Lead, South Dakota)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried that conveying this land might prioritize commercial interests over ecological restoration.
- I hope the funds will indeed benefit the Black Hills National Forest—it's a vital resource for us and future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Advocate (Rapid City, South Dakota)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could finally help allocate necessary funds for rehabilitation of this area.
- My major concern remains if the market value sale aligns with actual ecological needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Park Ranger (Spearfish, South Dakota)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If handled well, this could provide much-needed funds for forest maintenance.
- I would like to see transparent communication on how funds are used.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Tour Guide (Custer, South Dakota)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving trail maintenance would enhance tourist satisfaction and my business.
- I support actions that sustain our natural heritage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Federal Forest Service Administrator (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems straightforward but executing it correctly ensures long-term benefits.
- The proceeds should be managed effectively for visible improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Local Government Official (Deadwood, South Dakota)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ensuring community involvement in decision-making is crucial.
- This holds potential if executed with local sustainability in mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student (Hill City, South Dakota)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy includes educational components for locals and visitors.
- Long-term benefits should prioritize ecological restoration.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Rapid City, South Dakota)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might open new avenues for innovative ecological solutions.
- Hopeful for tech integration in natural resource management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Sturgis, South Dakota)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the policy enhances local visitor numbers, it could positively impact my business.
- Sustainability should be a policy cornerstone.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Environmental Lawyer (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This sets a critical precedent for land conveyance involving Superfund sites.
- Needs rigorous legal oversight to ensure compliance and true community benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000 (Low: $30000, High: $100000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Understanding the market value assessment of the land in order to gauge the financial implications properly.
- Potential legal or administrative hurdles in the conveyance process that could affect timing and costs.
- The effectiveness of the Forest Service in utilizing proceeds for intended improvements could influence longitudinal fiscal dynamics.
- Environmental impacts related to land ownership and use changes within a Superfund site boundary.