Bill Overview
Title: National Scenic Trails Parity Act
Description: This bill requires the North Country, Ice Age, and New England national scenic trails to be administered as units of the National Park System.
Sponsors: Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in or impacted by National Scenic Trails in the United States
Estimated Size: 5000000
- National Scenic Trails attract hikers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists.
- These trails pass through multiple states in the U.S., affecting local communities and economies.
- Changes in administration may lead to changes in funding, maintenance, and promotion, impacting visitors globally.
- Scenic Trails are often international tourist attractions for hiking and nature adventures.
- The impact will also be on the environment and biodiversity of regions these trails pass through, indirectly affecting global ecological interests.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts those who use or live near the National Scenic Trails.
- National Scenic Trails serve millions of visitors annually, but only a fraction will have their wellbeing significantly altered by administrative changes.
- The budget allows for potential infrastructure or service enhancements which could impact local jobs or trail conditions.
- Environmental groups and local governments might see shifts in funding priorities, which could indirectly affect community wellbeing.
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts may experience improved services and trail maintenance, enhancing their trail experience.
Simulated Interviews
Outdoor guide (Duluth, MN)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy can bring more attention to the trails.
- Better maintenance would attract more tourists, boosting local businesses.
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 |
Environmental activist (Portland, ME)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Administration by the National Park System could improve conservation efforts.
- Worried about potential for increased commercialization.
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 | 6 |
State park manager (Madison, WI)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Centralized management might streamline funding processes.
- We might see greater consistency in trail maintenance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
College student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't see how this changes my hiking experiences immediately.
- Maybe more funding means better trail maps and apps.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small business owner (Manchester, NH)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Higher visitation due to improved facilities could increase my guest bookings.
- Not sure if increased traffic would strain local resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired (Bozeman, MT)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If the policy enhances the trail and wildlife habitats, I'm all for it.
- Mostly enjoy the natural aspects and worry about overdevelopment.
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 |
Environmental consultant (Traverse City, MI)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase my consultancy opportunities.
- More stringent environmental assessments might be required.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Professor of Environmental Science (Ann Arbor, MI)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A move to National Park System administration may standardize trail research data.
- Potentially increases educational and research opportunities.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
App developer (Boston, MA)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The change might provide more accurate data for my apps.
- Business impacts are uncertain without further policy details.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tour guide (Boston, MA)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Parks-led administration could enhance visitor experiences, helping my tours.
- Slightly concerned about changes in use restrictions or permit requirements.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $35000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $40000000)
Year 2: $36500000 (Low: $31000000, High: $41500000)
Year 3: $38000000 (Low: $32500000, High: $43000000)
Year 5: $40000000 (Low: $34000000, High: $45000000)
Year 10: $45000000 (Low: $38000000, High: $50000000)
Year 100: $70000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $80000000)
Key Considerations
- Administrative overlap between local, state, and federal levels could lead to inefficiencies without clear coordination.
- Potential environmental protection and conservation efforts may require additional funding.
- Different states' willingness to comply with federal administrative changes will affect implementation.
- The impact on local economies through changes in tourism levels should be closely monitored.
- Scenic trails may require different levels of management focus based on ecological sensitivity and public usage.