Bill Overview
Title: Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act
Description: This bill modifies the wilderness designations of certain lands in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah. The bill designates approximately 326.27 acres in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest as part of the Mount Olympus Wilderness. The bill also removes the following lands in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest from designation as wilderness: approximately 11.17 acres in the Mount Naomi Wilderness, approximately 197.4 acres in the Mount Olympus Wilderness, approximately 9.8 acres in the Twin Peaks Wilderness, and approximately 107.9 acres in the Lone Peak Wilderness Area. The lands removed from designation as wilderness shall be managed as part of the forest.
Sponsors: Rep. Curtis, John R. [R-UT-3]
Target Audience
Population: People using the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and surrounding wilderness areas
Estimated Size: 85000
- The bill affects land in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which is located in Utah.
- The primary impact will be on people who use the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and surrounding areas for recreation.
- Local residents who live near Mount Olympus, Mount Naomi, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak areas will be directly impacted by the changes in wilderness designation.
- There will also be an indirect impact on conservationists and environmental groups concerned with land management and preservation.
- Outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, especially those from the Utah region, will see changes in how these lands can be accessed and used.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly impacts the people who use the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and surrounding lands, which means hikers, mountain bikers, and local Utah residents will be most affected.
- The policy involves re-designating certain wilderness areas, which may allow for greater accessibility for trail users but potentially reduce the wilderness experience.
- Environmental groups might react negatively due to reduced protected habitats.
- Many residents might not notice immediate changes, leading to low overall impact in terms of wellbeing for some.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned that removing land from wilderness designation could harm local wildlife.
- The changes may promote more visitors, disrupting natural habitats.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Outdoor Equipment Store Owner (Ogden, Utah)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More access could mean more business, but preserving the wilderness is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Nurse (Logan, Utah)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Easier access to trails is great for family outings.
- I'm worried about the environmental cost though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Real Estate Agent (Provo, Utah)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Possible increase in property values due to improved access, but it might not be significant.
- Preserving natural beauty is important for attracting buyers.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Natural preservation should always be a priority.
- More access shouldn't mean less protection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Student (Park City, Utah)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This may increase my opportunities for projects on human impact in the environment.
- Mixed feelings about easier access versus conservation.
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 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Software Developer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More trails could mean better biking opportunities.
- Let's not compromise environmental integrity.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Tour Guide (Moab, Utah)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- May increase tourism, but maintaining the uniqueness of our landscapes is vital.
- Pros and cons have to be balanced carefully.
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 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While some lands are being removed from wilderness designation, we should focus on the overall management for sustainability.
- It's a complex issue balancing recreation and preservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Park Ranger (Sandy, Utah)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Removing areas from wilderness may increase my workload in maintaining the balance between visitors' needs and protecting nature.
- Public education on the importance of wilderness is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Year 2: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Year 3: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Year 5: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Year 10: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Year 100: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $300000)
Key Considerations
- The policy involves reclassification of wilderness areas, which has minimal economic costs but affects land management approaches.
- The changes may lead to increased recreational activity, impacting local communities and potentially requiring more active management.
- Environmental and conservation impacts need to be considered as some wilderness protections are reduced.