Bill Overview
Title: The Range of Light National Monument Act
Description: This bill establishes the Range of Light National Monument as a unit of the National Park System in California, between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. The monument consists of approximately 1,427,750 acres of federal land and includes the entirety of Sierra National Forest. The Department of the Interior shall manage the public lands included in the monument area in a manner that protects and enhances the natural resources and values of the lands; and prohibit the cutting, sale, harvest, or removal of timber and other vegetative material within the monument for commercial purposes or for biomass energy production. Interior shall develop and apply an integrated visitor services plan for the monument.
Sponsors: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]
Target Audience
Population: People impacted by the designation of Range of Light National Monument
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The establishment of national monuments usually affects local communities that rely on the land, recreation, and those who live near the park due to potential economic impacts.
- Visitors and tourists to the area will be significantly impacted by the new protections and management strategies, potentially seeing changes in accessibility and amenities.
- Businesses related to forestry and timber may be impacted negatively due to prohibitions on commercial timber activities inside the new monument area.
- Environmental organizations and conservationists will be interested and affected as the law will further conservation and protection endeavors.
- The population of outdoor recreation enthusiasts, including hikers and campers, who will have access to more carefully managed natural areas will be impacted.
Reasoning
- The budget constraints suggest limited immediate impact in year 1, as much of the funds will likely be allocated to initial setup and conservation efforts.
- As the monument boundaries encompass rural areas, the policy may significantly affect those working in forestry and related industries due to restrictions on timber activities.
- Over time, the development of visitor services and conservation efforts is likely to enhance tourist activities, benefiting local economies associated with tourism, such as hospitality businesses.
- Environmental groups and conservationists are expected to view the establishment positively, as the policy aligns with conservation goals.
- The impact on recreation enthusiasts, such as hikers and campers, should be favorable due to improved access and preserved natural environments.
- Because Sierra National Forest is involved, local communities that depend on forest-related jobs might experience adverse economic effects.
- While the global number of affected people is substantial, the direct impact on the local population will be more pronounced due to the proximity to the new monument.
- Those far from the state of California or not involved in the affected industries might not notice any changes.
Simulated Interviews
Tourism Manager (Fresno, California)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am optimistic that the monument status will bring more tourists over time.
- Initially, there might be disruptions, but long term, it should increase interest in our business.
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 | 9 | 6 |
Timber Worker (Oakhurst, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a big hit to the local timber industry.
- It's going to be hard to find similar work and keep up the family business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 2 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 2 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 1 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (San Jose, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see more land protected from commercial exploitation.
- The policy supports our long-term conservation goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Travel Blogger (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about more places to explore and share with my audience.
- It'll provide fresh content for those interested in California's natural beauty.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired Park Ranger (Merced, California)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Protection of this area is vital; I've been concerned about its preservation for years.
- I'm pleased it's receiving more official protection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 9 |
Camping Enthusiast (Sacramento, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's great to have the area managed better for camping and hiking.
- I hope it means cleaner trails and more accessible routes.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Bishop, California)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I expect a slow rise in business as more people visit.
- It's a long-term investment in the region's economy.
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 | 9 | 6 |
Outdoor Educator (South Lake Tahoe, California)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will become an example of conservation in action for our lessons.
- I'm excited to incorporate it into our curriculum.
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 | 9 | 6 |
National Park Enthusiast (San Francisco, California)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- New national monuments are always exciting to explore.
- This designation is a step in the right direction for conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Forestry Consultant (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The restrictions on timber are challenging for clients relying on these resources.
- However, it's important to consider environmental factors in forestry.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $28000000 (Low: $23000000, High: $33000000)
Year 3: $27000000 (Low: $22000000, High: $32000000)
Year 5: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 10: $23000000 (Low: $18000000, High: $28000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The designation of a national monument involves ongoing costs that can be partially offset by tourism revenues and government savings from reduced commercial activities.
- Local economies could benefit from increased tourism, but may face transitional economic impacts.
- Environmental and preservation objectives are a critical component, driving long-term ecological and societal benefits.