Bill Overview
Title: Chisholm National Historic Trail and Western National Historic Trail Designation Act
Description: This bill designates (1) the Chisholm National Historic Trail, and (2) the Western National Historic Trail. The Department of the Interior shall administer any portion of these trails that is located on nonfederal land only (1) with the voluntary consent of the owner of the nonfederal land, and (2) if the portion qualifies for certification as a component of the applicable trail. The approval by an owner of applicable nonfederal land of a certification agreement shall satisfy the voluntary consent requirement. A certification agreement may be terminated at any time. The establishment of these trails does not authorize any person to enter private property without the consent of the private property's owner. Interior may accept a donation of land or an interest in land for these trails, with specified exceptions. Land or an interest in land may not be acquired for these trails by eminent domain or condemnation.
Sponsors: Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]
Target Audience
Population: People living near the Chisholm and Western National Historic Trails
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The main impact of this bill is on the individuals and communities living on or around the Chisholm and Western Trail routes, as these designations could influence land use, tourism, and local development policies.
- Property owners on the designated trail paths may need to decide if they want to participate in the trail system through voluntary agreements with the Department of the Interior.
- Local businesses, specifically in tourism and hospitality, might experience an increase in demand due to heightened interest in the historic trails.
- Local governments and urban planners might need to consider the historic nature and potential tourism draw of these trails when planning infrastructure and community services.
Reasoning
- The policy is likely to primarily affect individuals living along the Chisholm and Western National Historic Trails. These trails pass through rural and small-town areas where the introduction of designated national trails could impact local economies and land utilization.
- Landowners on or near the trail routes will make up a significant proportion of those directly impacted. Owners may engage with the policy if they opt-in to voluntary agreements for trail certification and land preservation. Some might benefit financially through increased land value or tourism opportunities.
- Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and tourism sectors, may see economic benefits from increased tourism. Conversely, the policy could also create tensions around land use or concerns over privacy and increased traffic on private lands.
- In terms of community impact, the policy might drive investment in infrastructure development, but it could also necessitate balancing between preservation efforts and new developments.
- The estimated cost is low compared to the potential community benefits via tourism. Given the budget constraints, the direct financial impacts on locals, especially landowners, will be limited until more funding is secured in the long term.
Simulated Interviews
Rancher (Dodge City, Kansas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that the trail designation might increase the value of my land.
- I'm a bit concerned about outsiders wanting access to my property.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Tourism Specialist (Wichita, Kansas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could be beneficial for my work, attracting more tourists.
- I'm eager to see how this might support local businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
City Planner (Fort Worth, Texas)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This trail designation adds a new dimension to our planning.
- We will need to balance historic preservation with new developments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Small Business Owner (Norman, Oklahoma)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could bring more customers to my store.
- I worry about increased rents if the area becomes more popular.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired (Enid, Oklahoma)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled about more trail development for hiking.
- Hope they preserve the natural beauty of the area.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Farmer (Abilene, Texas)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased tourism could help our town feel more lively.
- There's a concern about trespassing and ensuring privacy.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Environmental Policy Consultant (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation aligns with conservation efforts.
- I'm interested in seeing sustainable development practices in use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Graduate Student (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy provides more material for my studies.
- It's exciting to see historical trails getting recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
History Teacher (Austin, Texas)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The trail designation could encourage more interest in history among students.
- I hope to use this as an educational tool.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Real Estate Agent (Waco, Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might see an upswing in property interest and sales in these areas.
- Market fluctuations are hard to predict; cautious optimism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Key Considerations
- The refusal to utilize eminent domain reduces conflict potential with landowners.
- Success hinges on cooperation with private and nonfederal landowners to ensure trail continuity and quality.
- Local economic impacts will vary depending on region and existing tourism infrastructure.