Bill Overview
Title: LBL Recreation and Heritage Act
Description: This bill addresses the administration of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky and Tennessee. The bill decreases from 17 to 13 the number of members who compose the Land Between the Lakes Advisory Board. The bill permits members of the advisory board to serve multiple terms, but not serve consecutive terms. In addition to carrying out its current activities, the advisory board shall develop an annual work plan for recreation and environment education areas in the Recreation Area, including the heritage program, with the nonappropriated amounts in the Land Between the Lakes Management Fund; develop an annual forest management and harvest plan for the Recreation Area; and maintain the balance and status of the fund. The bill requires the advisory board to meet at least twice each year. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall charge (currently may charge) reasonable fees, as determined by the advisory board, for admission to and the use of the designated sites, or for activities, within the recreation area. The bill states that amounts in the fund shall be available to USDA to perform new work or deferred maintenance in the recreation area and shall not be available for the payment of salaries or other expenses. USDA, on request from a qualified resident or relative or a cemetery association, shall grant additional land for the expansion of existing cemeteries within the recreation area to allow for the burial of qualified residents or relatives.
Sponsors: Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]
Target Audience
Population: Recreation area visitors, local residents, local government contributors
Estimated Size: 3000000
- The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is located in Kentucky and Tennessee, so residents of these states will be directly impacted.
- Tourists who visit the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area from elsewhere will also be affected by changes in fees and available activities.
- The advisory board's reduced composition affects local stakeholders involved in governance and planning.
- Expansion of cemeteries within the recreation area will impact local families and relatives desiring burial rights.
- Environmental and recreational educators, along with forestry professionals, will be impacted by changes in management plans and forest harvest plans.
- Changes in fee structures and resource allocation may impact park visitors' satisfaction and access.
Reasoning
- The policy is directly affecting residents near the Land Between the Lakes area in Kentucky and Tennessee, targeting a large population who either use the recreation area or have family ties to the land (cemeteries).
- The introduction of fees and enhanced management plans might impact the well-being of frequent visitors to the recreation area, especially those economically sensitive to fee changes.
- Education and forestry management plans could boost perceived wellbeing among environmental educators and park staff due to better resources and structured management.
- Some local government contributors and stakeholders may experience increased influence over the area's planning and management, enhancing their engagement and perceived control over local environmental policies.
- A notable impact comes from the potential expansion of cemeteries, which caters to local cultural and family needs, possibly improving satisfaction and personal wellbeing for those concerned about burial rights for relatives.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Paducah, Kentucky)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy could improve access to educational resources in the area if managed properly.
- Concerned about the increase in fees, it might deter families from visiting as often.
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 |
Environmental Scientist (Nashville, Tennessee)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive change, as it allows us to sustainably manage the forest areas.
- The focus on educational resources is critical for future conservation efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired (Murray, Kentucky)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved to know that future cemetery expansions are part of the policy.
- The thought of having to relocate family graves was distressing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Park Ranger (Memphis, Tennessee)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new policy gives us a clearer framework for managing resources efficiently.
- I hope additional fees are implemented fairly, so they don't discourage tourism.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Local Business Owner (Hopkinsville, Kentucky)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increase in fees might reduce the number of tourists which is a concern for my business.
- Better management could, however, mean more visitors in the long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Government Employee (Clarksville, Tennessee)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The structured fund management looks to improve our efficiency and impact.
- I am concerned about whether the budget is sufficient to meet all needs.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Tourist (Bowling Green, Kentucky)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the new charges don't make our trips too expensive.
- I value improved facilities and conservation efforts, so it might be worth it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Graduate Student (Knoxville, Tennessee)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide invaluable data for my studies.
- I'm interested in seeing how it truly affects local governance and management efficiency.
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 |
Local Politician (Louisville, Kentucky)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The ability to guide the advisory board actions aligns well with our regional strategy.
- I worry about the balance between development and preservation.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Engineer (Evansville, Indiana)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the continuity and historical oversight being retained in our management practices.
- Concern about the board's abilities and potential narrowing scope with reduced members.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 10: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 100: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Key Considerations
- Reduction of advisory board members could lead to both cost savings and reduced diversity of input.
- New management and work plans will demand both planning capabilities and additional resources.
- Long-term maintenance and operations may necessitate further financial commitment beyond current allocations.
- Potential revenue increases from recreational fees must be balanced against potential decreased public access and satisfaction.