Bill Overview
Title: Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates for study specified segments of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream in Vermont for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Sponsors: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Residents and stakeholders in northeastern Vermont impacted by the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream study
Estimated Size: 9500
- The bill focuses on segments of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream in Vermont, suggesting a geographic target limited to that region.
- Wild and Scenic River designations typically involve considerations related to environmental protection, public land use, and potentially increased tourism.
- Residents of the local Vermont communities near the rivers may be directly impacted by changes in land management or tourism.
- Environmental groups and recreational enthusiasts who use or advocate for the preservation of these areas could be affected.
- Potential economic impacts might include changes in tourism-related employment in local communities.
- The study implications can involve stakeholders like local businesses, government agencies responsible for managing these areas, and indigenous groups or communities that have ancestral ties to the land.
Reasoning
- The policy's direct impact is heavily localized to northeastern Vermont, suggesting individuals outside of this area would have minimal to no experiential change.
- Budget constraints suggest the policy's implementation requires focused, cost-effective measures, likely limiting expansive or rapid changes to conservation and tourism infrastructure.
- Cantril wellbeing scores near the policy's focal areas may improve due to enhanced environmental conditions, increased tourism, and economic opportunities.
- Over the long term, local conservation efforts generally contribute positively to community wellbeing by preserving environmental resources and fostering sustainable tourism.
- Stakeholders like local residents, business owners, Indigenous groups, and recreational users near the rivers are most likely affected economically, environmentally, and socially.
- The economic benefit might not be immediate but could be noticeable over several years as studies conclude and potential policies are executed.
Simulated Interviews
Small Business Owner (Nulhegan, Vermont)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the study could ultimately bring more visitors to our town, which would be great for my business.
- I’m hopeful it’ll lead to better environmental protection. That’s important for preserving the area we love.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (East Haven, Vermont)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I love these rivers and hope they remain well-protected.
- If more tourists come, I'm worried about disturbance to the wildlife.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Environmental Scientist (Portland, Maine)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study is a crucial step for ensuring the rivers' protection and could set a precedent for other states.
- I’m excited as it aligns with my professional and personal values.
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 | 10 | 8 |
Local Government Official (Newark, Vermont)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Studying these rivers could bring essential information to improve regional planning.
- I do worry about the budget’s ability to support real change.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
School Teacher (Concord, Vermont)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A study like this could provide excellent educational opportunities for my students.
- It makes me hopeful that there will be more active conservation efforts.
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 |
Tour Guide (St. Johnsbury, Vermont)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There could be more demand for my tours if the study marks these areas as scenic rivers.
- I'm concerned about the environmental regulations potentially limiting access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Farmer (Brunswick, Vermont)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m worried that the new designations could change how my land can be used.
- I would prefer things to stay the way they are.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Manchester, New Hampshire)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study aligns with my thesis—it’s exciting to see real-world applications of my research.
- It adds a layer of importance and relevance to my academic work.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
NGO Director (Burlington, Vermont)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive step towards ensuring the protection of vital waterways.
- I hope this translates into long-term conservation efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Artist (Lyndonville, Vermont)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the study could promote the beauty of our region, hopefully attracting more visitors and art buyers.
- Protecting the rivers is vital for the scenic inspiration they provide.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $400000, High: $600000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $100000)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The impact depends significantly on post-study policy decisions.
- Stakeholder engagement is crucial for accurate assessment and successful implementation.
- Potential increases in tourism can affect local economies positively or negatively, depending on infrastructure readiness.