Bill Overview
Title: REC Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes programs and requirements to support the conservation of and recreational access to the Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. Specifically, the bill establishes within Mount Hood National Forest one or more Indian Treaty Resources Emphasis Zones to protect and enhance treaty resources, protect reservations from wildfires, and enable a co-management strategy between the Forest Service and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The bill expands the Mount Hood National Recreation Area. The bill also requires the publication of a comprehensive sustainable recreation management plan for the recreation area and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It also establishes Centers for Recreation Excellence to support the management and enhancement of outdoor recreation in these areas. Additionally, the bill provides for a wildfire assessment that covers Mount Hood National Forest, federal land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and any adjacent private, state, or tribal land; designates specified river segments in Oregon as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and specified areas in Oregon as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System; establishes committees to develop strategies for sustainable access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Mount Hood National Forest; and requires the Department of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to provide search and rescue, firefighting, and law enforcement services.
Sponsors: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the REC Act of 2022
Estimated Size: 800000
- The bill focuses on enhancing recreational access and conservation efforts in Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge which are popular tourist attractions, thus potentially impacting tourists.
- Local residents in and around Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area directly depend on these resources for their economic and recreational activities.
- The bill seeks to protect treaty resources for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which indicates direct impact on Native American communities relying on these resources.
- Wildfire management and prevention efforts will affect those living near these areas due to potential changes in safety and environmental management.
- The establishment of new centers and committees will potentially create jobs and demand for professionals in recreation management and environmental sciences.
Reasoning
- The REC Act of 2022 primarily impacts local residents, tourists, and Native American communities who utilize or are economically tied to Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge.
- Given the tourism focus of this policy, there will be an economic impact where increased recreational use aligns with more job opportunities in tourism and allied services.
- While the environment might benefit due to increased conservation efforts, some local businesses may face restrictions or increased regulations.
- The impact will vary with local residents directly affected through environmental changes and potential increased safety from wildfire management.
- Native American communities might experience positive cultural and economic impacts through enhanced treaty resources and co-management strategies, although these impacts might take some time to manifest fully.
Simulated Interviews
Tourism Operator (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the potential increase in tourism and conservation efforts, but concerned about possible over-regulation affecting my business.
- Sustainable recreation management is crucial, and if done right, it could boost customer satisfaction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Recreational Hiker (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The enhancement of hiking trails and conservation efforts are positive steps for nature enthusiasts like myself.
- The increased focus on wildfire prevention will hopefully keep these areas safe for future visits.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cultural Coordinator for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Warm Springs, Oregon)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The acknowledgment and integration of treaty resources is a meaningful change for our community.
- We hope the co-management strategy will foster better relations and resource management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Wildlife Conservationist (Hood River, Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preservation of the natural habitat is my priority, and this bill provides essential tools and funds.
- I am concerned about the balance between increased recreation access and conservation needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
College Student (Boise, Idaho)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide more learning opportunities and internships in outdoor recreation.
- I hope there will be better opportunities for younger generations to connect with nature.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired Firefighter (The Dalles, Oregon)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The enhanced wildfire assessment and prevention measures are overdue and crucial for community safety.
- It will be interesting to see how cooperative agreements improve on-the-ground firefighting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Hotel Manager (Salem, Oregon)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could lead to more consistent tourist arrivals year-round, positively impacting my business.
- Hosting nature-focused events could become a new attraction point.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Nature Photographer (Bend, Oregon)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation of wild and scenic rivers is beneficial for capturing pristine landscapes.
- I fear tourism spikes might limit my access to untouched areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (San Francisco, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see strong co-management initiatives with Native American tribes like the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.
- Implementation will determine its real environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Marketing Specialist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might increase interest in outdoor activities, creating marketing opportunities.
- Enhancing sustainable practices aligns with our brand values.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $25500000 (Low: $20500000, High: $31000000)
Year 3: $26000000 (Low: $21000000, High: $32000000)
Year 5: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $34000000)
Year 10: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $38000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Potential environmental impact on sensitive habitats must be carefully managed to avoid adverse effects.
- Long-term sustainability of newly designated areas requires continued funding beyond initial estimates.
- Coordination with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is critical to ensure respect and implementation of treaty rights.