Bill Overview
Title: M.H. Dutch Salmon Greater Gila Wild and Scenic River Act
Description: This bill designates specified segments of rivers and creeks of the Gila River system in New Mexico as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and transfers 440 acres of land from the Gila National Forest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument. The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must consult with tribal governments, applicable political subdivisions of states, and interested members of the public when preparing the comprehensive management plan for such segments pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Any nonfederal land within or adjacent to such a segment that is acquired by the United States shall be incorporated in, and be administered as part of, the applicable segment. No land or interest in land shall be acquired without the owner's consent. Interior or USDA may authorize the construction of a native fish habitat restoration project within such a segment if the project would enhance the recovery of a threatened or endangered species, a sensitive species, or a species of greatest conservation need, including the Gila Trout; and would not unreasonably diminish the free-flowing nature or outstandingly remarkable values of the segment.
Sponsors: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by changes to the Gila River system and surrounding areas
Estimated Size: 50000
- The designated segments of the Gila River system in New Mexico affect local ecosystems and habitats.
- Gila National Forest and Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument see an alteration in land management, affecting conservation activities and tourism.
- Local communities, including indigenous tribes, rely on the river for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence reasons.
- The bill includes provisions for consultation with tribal governments and public stakeholders, increasing their involvement and influence.
- Environmental impact largely pertains to species like the Gila Trout that are endangered or of conservation concern.
- Recreational users of these waterways are impacted via changes in river designation and management.
Reasoning
- The Gila River system is a crucial environmental and cultural resource for many people in New Mexico, especially for local residents and indigenous communities.
- The policy targets a relatively small geographic area, potentially limiting the number of people directly impacted.
- Given the focused nature of the policy, most people affected will be in nearby communities and those engaged in activities related to conservation, recreation, and cultural practices.
- The policy’s provisions for tribal consultation emphasize its impact on indigenous communities, who have rights and cultural practices linked to the river system.
- Beneficiaries may include environmental advocates, conservationists, and local businesses reliant on tourism.
Simulated Interviews
Recreational Guide (Silver City, New Mexico)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe that designating parts of the Gila River as 'Wild and Scenic' is a step in the right direction for both conservation and tourism.
- This policy will likely bring more attention to the Gila River, potentially increasing my customer base.
- I'm worried about any restrictions it might introduce for recreational activities, but overall, it seems beneficial.
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 | 8 | 5 |
Conservation Biologist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is crucial for preserving the habitat of several endangered species like the Gila Trout.
- The consultation with tribes is an important aspect, allowing for a more inclusive approach to conservation.
- I hope the funding will be efficiently allocated for ecological research and habitat restoration projects.
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 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tribal Council Member (Grant County, New Mexico)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The consultation process included in the policy is significant, allowing tribes to have a voice in decisions affecting their ancestral lands.
- While this sounds positive, past experiences make me cautious about actual implementation and respect of tribal input.
- The preservation aspect aligns with our community's values and needs for cultural preservation.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Ranger (Glenwood, New Mexico)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm pleased to see parts of the Gila River getting additional protections, which I spent years advocating for.
- It's crucial that the land transfer to Gila Cliff Dwellings Monument doesn't disrupt the natural landscape too much.
- Hopeful this initiative will inspire more volunteering and public interest in preserving these areas.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
State Policy Advisor (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This federal action aligns well with New Mexico's objectives to protect our natural resources.
- Collaboration with tribes and public stakeholders is pivotal and sets a precedent for future projects.
- Resource management must remain balanced to support both conservation and local use.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Farmer (Deming, New Mexico)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm skeptical of how this will change the water rights or affect agricultural activities in this region.
- My main concern is how conservation goals will interact with farming needs, potentially impacting water access.
- I hope the policy specifies rights and provides for irrigation needs in its comprehensive management plan.
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 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cultural Preservationist (Native American Reservation, New Mexico)
Age: 57 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Involving tribal voices in land and water management decisions is a positive shift that I find encouraging.
- The potential for enhancing habitat while respecting cultural sites is promising.
- I remain cautiously optimistic, as past policies haven't always translated to meaningful changes.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
University Student (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The initiative to preserve parts of the Gila River excites me as an emerging environmental scientist.
- I'm interested in seeing how my studies can contribute to real-world conservation efforts in areas like this.
- Providing a platform for tribal involvement is crucial for sustainable and ethical environmental efforts.
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 |
Tourism Business Owner (Lordsburg, New Mexico)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this initiative increases tourism but without restrictive rules that could harm my business.
- The scenic designation can be a major draw for tourists, benefiting small business owners like myself.
- Any infrastructure improvements should aim to support tourism while keeping the environment intact.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Local Historian (Socorro, New Mexico)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The historical significance of the Gila River is immense, and protecting its legacy is crucial.
- Projects like this help preserve not just the environment but our local cultural history as well.
- I'm eager to see educational programs grow alongside these conservation efforts.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 2: $1200000 (Low: $800000, High: $1700000)
Year 3: $1200000 (Low: $800000, High: $1700000)
Year 5: $1100000 (Low: $700000, High: $1600000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $600000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- Balancing conservation efforts with the interests of local communities and stakeholders.
- Ensuring that the changes respect the cultural significance of the land for indigenous communities.
- Managing federal and tribal relationships effectively to maximize the benefits of the consultation processes.
- Considering the long-term sustainability and maintenance needs of the designated river segments.