Bill Overview
Title: Dearfield Study Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the site known as Dearfield, in Weld County, Colorado, which was a historically black agricultural settlement founded by Oliver Toussaint Jackson. In conducting the study, Interior shall evaluate the national significance of the study area, and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the study area as a unit of the National Park System.
Sponsors: Rep. Buck, Ken [R-CO-4]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in historical sites, particularly African-American history, and residents of Weld County, Colorado.
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The bill focuses on the Dearfield site, a location of historical significance.
- The study could impact those interested in US history, particularly African American history, as Dearfield was a historically black settlement.
- Local residents of Weld County, Colorado, may be directly impacted by any changes resulting from the study.
- Heritage tourism could increase if the site is designated as a national park, impacting tourists and tourism-related businesses.
Reasoning
- The Dearfield Study Act affects individuals interested in American history, especially African-American history, and local residents of the intended site in Weld County.
- Given the budget constraints, immediate outcomes will focus on the study rather than large-scale developments.
- Only people directly connected to or deeply interested in Dearfield's history would see a significant impact on their self-reported wellbeing.
- Those working in tourism or local history in Colorado may see positive long-term effects if the site gains national park status.
- The overall awareness and appreciation of African-American history in national narratives may grow, impacting indirect beneficiaries positively.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Greeley, Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important we remember places like Dearfield, they help us understand our history better. A national park could bring more educational resources.
- This could benefit our local education system by making history tangible for students.
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 | 5 |
Travel Journalist (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Dearfield becoming part of the National Park System could be a great story and draw more attention to Colorado's cultural sites.
- No immediate impact on my work, but could create new opportunities if it leads to increased tourism interest.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Historian (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition of Dearfield as a historical site is vital. It validates years of underrecognized African-American contributions.
- I look forward to the research from the study, which could inspire more academic work.
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 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (Bed and Breakfast) (Weld County, Colorado)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If Dearfield becomes a more popular destination, it could really help my business.
- I am cautiously optimistic, but it will depend on real outcomes post-study.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study aligns with our goals to preserve African-American history, could lead to bigger moves in national policy.
- I'm excited about the potential for Dearfield to become a national park.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might see opportunities in tech collaborations for AR/VR educational experiences if Dearfield becomes a national site.
- It's a niche interest for me, but one I would like to see grow.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Columbia, South Carolina)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A national park in Dearfield would be a great addition to my travel plans, great for recognizing cultural heritage.
- I believe it's crucial to acknowledge these sites for future generations.
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 |
Graduate Student (Houston, Texas)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hoping to see the study release important findings that could be used in educational setups like museums.
- Dearfield could set a precedent for more African-American sites being recognized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Professor of Sociology (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative could further public understanding and acknowledgment of African-American history.
- The policy could enrich the national conversation on race and history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
College Student (New York, New York)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would love to see more historic sites like Dearfield preserved and studied as it offers potential research opportunities for preservation architecture.
- It's an interesting prospect for long-term projects post-graduation.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1200000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1400000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
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's results could greatly influence additional policy decisions regarding the potential designation of Dearfield as a national park.
- Community involvement and stakeholder consultation are crucial to accurately represent historic significance.
- Future costs associated with potential site improvements, preservation, or infrastructural changes are not covered by this study's budget.