Bill Overview
Title: Buckeye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2021
Description: This bill requires the study of the feasibility of designating the Buckeye Trail as a national scenic trail. The Buckeye Trail is a system of trails creating a loop extending approximately 1,454 miles from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, through the farmland of northwest Ohio, the hills of Appalachia, the Black Hand sandstone cliffs of the Hocking Hills region, and the Bluegrass region of southwest Ohio.
Sponsors: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Target Audience
Population: People who engage with or are stakeholders of the Buckeye Trail system
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The Buckeye Trail currently exists as a state trail, mainly accessed by residents of and visitors to Ohio.
- As a trail covering diverse geographical regions, it attracts hikers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor recreationists from a broader area.
- Designation as a national scenic trail could increase awareness and attract more visitors both nationally and internationally, impacting a larger group of nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
- The trail passes through several regions in Ohio, suggesting potential impact on local economies, tourism, environmental enthusiasts, and public land usage regulations.
Reasoning
- The population impacted will largely consist of individuals in Ohio as well as tourists visiting the state who value outdoor activities like hiking.
- Given the budget restrictions, the policy's immediate direct impact will likely be limited to raising awareness and potentially improving trail conditions slightly, which may lead to increased usage.
- The target population's size implies that most people will experience only minimal direct changes from the policy, as it concentrates on feasibility rather than definitive improvements.
- Local businesses might see an increase in visitors, though this effect is dependent on further events following the initial feasibility study, which may not happen within the first few years.
- The potential indirect benefits include increased national attention on Ohio's natural scenic offerings and subsequent ecological and recreational investments.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Cleveland, Ohio)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The Buckeye Trail is already a favorite of mine, and I hope this initiative gains more support for its preservation.
- Designation as a national trail could lead to better maintenance and facilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the trail gains national recognition, it could drive more business my way.
- However, I'm concerned about the environmental impact of increased traffic.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe a feasibility study is a great step towards conserving the trail.
- This could help us obtain more resources and recognition.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Elementary School Teacher (Dayton, Ohio)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- National designation could improve educational resources available along the trail.
- I'm hopeful this will lead to better learning experiences for my students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Freelance Photographer (Sandusky, Ohio)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential increased visibility and preservation efforts for the trail.
- More people knowing about these beautiful spots would be beneficial.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Retired (Marietta, Ohio)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am skeptical about changes and prefer the peacefulness of the current set-up.
- However, if it helps maintain the area, I might change my mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Factory Worker (Toledo, Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designation might bring more investment into our area, which is needed.
- I am not sure if I'll personally see much change, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Athens, Ohio)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased funding could improve my research options and facilities.
- My peers and I would welcome the scientific benefits from national recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
IT Consultant (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I don't hike the Buckeye Trail often, more national trails would be great for my hobby.
- Might consider adding this trail to my annual trips if national recognition attracts 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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Travel Blogger (Lexington, Kentucky)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A new national scenic trail piques my interest, especially in terms of content for my audience.
- It will be wonderful if it improves the hiking offerings in the Midwest region.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
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
- The study is the initial stage and does not guarantee the designation as a national scenic trail.
- Engagement with local communities and stakeholders will be crucial in conducting the feasibility study.
- The outcome of the study might influence policy decisions regarding federal and state land usage and conservation strategies.