Bill Overview
Title: Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act
Description: This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado. A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill allows for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. The Department of the Interior shall establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council. The bill releases the areas from further study for designation for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Sponsors: Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-3]
Target Audience
Population: people living in or utilizing the Dolores River area
Estimated Size: 45000
- National Conservation Area and Special Management Area establishment generally impacts individuals living near or utilizing those areas.
- Indigenous tribes might be affected due to the inclusion of their traditional practices in the management plan.
- People involved in agriculture, fishing, or tourism around Dolores River would be impacted.
- Conservationists and environmental scientists focusing on the Dolores River ecosystem will have their work influenced.
Reasoning
- The policy would mainly impact the population around the Dolores River area, particularly those involved in agriculture, tourism, environmental conservation, and indigenous communities practicing traditional ceremonies.
- The policy is likely to enhance the environmental quality and cultural significance of the area which should positively affect corresponding stakeholders.
- There could be financial or opportunity costs for some stakeholders as a result of diverted land use or restrictions due to conservation efforts.
- The budget suggests a significant initial outlay that should support the establishment of the conservation areas and their management, over the long term leading to increased wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Dolores, Colorado)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of conservation for the long term, but I'm concerned about how water access might be affected.
- It would be great if farming activities can be integrated into the management plan.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Tour guide (Cortez, Colorado)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The designation might increase tourism to the area, which is good for business.
- I hope the advisory council includes local input.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Conservation scientist (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy supports important conservation goals.
- It'll provide a great opportunity for ongoing research and preservation efforts.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Outdoor recreation enthusiast (Telluride, Colorado)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Excited about the potential for improved trail maintenance and access due to the policy.
- Hopeful that recreational activities remain supported.
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 |
Tribal cultural advisor (Towaoc, Colorado)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's important that tribal voices are included in the management plan.
- Protection of sacred lands could be strengthened by this policy.
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 | 10 | 5 |
Real estate developer (Grand Junction, Colorado)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerns about land restrictions affecting future projects.
- Looking at how to adapt business plans with new conservation goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
School teacher (Rico, Colorado)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This represents a great educational opportunity for students.
- Students can see real-world applications of conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Fisherman (Mancos, Colorado)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If water quality gets better, fish populations would benefit.
- Restrictions could mean less access to familiar fishing spots.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Park ranger (Dolores, Colorado)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This would mean more resources for patrolling and managing the area.
- Could improve job satisfaction with clearer conservation goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Environmental activist (Durango, Colorado)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our conservation goals.
- It strengthens our case for more protective measures.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 10: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2500000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- The immediate cost of establishing and managing the areas is counterbalanced against potential long-term economic benefits via tourism.
- Stakeholders in the local community, including indigenous tribes, would need strategic engagement.
- Balancing conservation efforts with traditional and commercial uses of the area is vital.
- The indefinite release from the Wild and Scenic Rivers System study could impact long-term conservation strategies.