Bill Overview
Title: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Boundary Adjustment Act
Description: This bill modifies the boundary of the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Arizona to include approximately 97.71 acres of identified Forest Service land. The bill transfers administrative jurisdiction over the Forest Service land from the Forest Service to the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS shall administer the added land as part of the monument.
Sponsors: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by changes to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill involves a boundary adjustment to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which affects land management.
- The National Park Service's administrative jurisdiction increase will impact the operations of both the NPS and the Forest Service employees in the region.
- The local community near the monument may experience changes due to different administrative and conservation practices.
- Tourists visiting the monument might notice changes following the integration of new land into the monument.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly impacts individuals connected to the monument, including local residents, tourists, and employees of the National Park Service and the Forest Service.
- Wellbeing impacts may vary significantly among different groups. Local residents and businesses might experience economic and social changes, while visitors could see changes in the environment and experiences offered.
- Some individuals, such as those living far from the monument or with no connection to tourism, may experience neutral effects.
- The budget constraint suggests that immediate effects are likely modest, but could grow over time as more resources are allocated over the decade.
Simulated Interviews
Tour Guide (Flagstaff, AZ)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the boundary adjustment. The inclusion of new land offers potential to introduce more tours and activities.
- There's a possibility for new employment and community partnerships with the National Park Service's involvement.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired National Park Service Ranger (Sedona, AZ)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The transfer is a positive step for ecological management; NPS generally has more resources to properly manage such lands.
- I hope the transition does not disrupt current community engagements.
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 |
Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's potential for increased traffic to the monument with expanded areas to explore, which could boost my business.
- My concern is whether the NPS policies will restrict access or increase fees that might deter visitors.
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 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change could lead to better conservation efforts due to increased NPS involvement and focus.
- Skeptical about initial infrastructure funding being adequate for effective changes.
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 |
Local Activist (Arizona, AZ)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These changes may open dialogues about indigenous land rights and involvement in management.
- Concerned about potential cultural disruptions from increased tourism.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Forest Service Employee (Montana, MT)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- For us in the Forest Service, this transfer feels like a loss, but could ultimately benefit land preservation strategies.
- The collaboration with NPS is crucial and I hope that our contributions are recognized.
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 |
Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Heard about the boundary adjustments; I think it could enhance my future visits to the monument.
- It's interesting to see how land management policies translate into tangible visitor experiences.
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 |
Hotel Manager (Flagstaff, AZ)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Incorporating more land could mean greater tourist attractions, boosting business.
- Concerns remain if conservation could limit visitor activities or increase maintenance costs.
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 |
Travel Blogger (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change could add fresh content to my travel blog, offering new perspectives on managing and visiting these lands.
- Hope that ecological integrity remains a priority with the transfer.
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 |
Freelance Photographer (Nevada, NV)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Boundary expansion is promising, offering new visuals to capture.
- My main concern is the access and permissions under new 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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 2: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 3: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 5: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 10: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Year 100: $150000 (Low: $100000, High: $200000)
Key Considerations
- The transfer of land to the National Park Service adds a small area to their jurisdiction, which might require slight increase in their operational budget.
- Local community may notice administrative changes which might influence local tourism and related businesses minimally.
- The Forest Service will no longer be responsible for land management in the transferred area, potentially altering resource allocation.