Bill Overview
Title: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Boundary Revision Act of 2021
Description: This bill extends the boundary of the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Missouri to include approximately 25 acres of land related to the Newtonia Battlefield identified on the map titled Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Proposed Boundary Modification and dated July 2022. The Department of the Interior may acquire such land by donation, purchase from willing sellers with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
Sponsors: Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Boundary Revision
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill pertains to a battlefield located in Missouri, specifically Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and Newtonia Battlefield.
- This legislation primarily impacts local stakeholders, including nearby communities, local government bodies, and individuals interested in the preservation and expansion of historical sites.
- Historians and enthusiasts of Civil War history, as the battlefield is a historical site related to the American Civil War.
- Native Americans and local tribes with historical connections to the area, if any, might also be stakeholders in conservation efforts.
- Local businesses, particularly those related to tourism, may experience changes due to alterations in park boundaries and visitation patterns.
- Environmental groups concerned with land management and conservation efforts.
- Visitors to the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield who could benefit from expanded park areas and additional historical context.
Reasoning
- The policy affects local populations around the Wilson's Creek and Newtonia Battlefields primarily. People living in Missouri or those who frequent the battlefields are likely direct stakeholders.
- Given the focus on historical preservation, historians, Civil War enthusiasts, local historical societies, and educational institutions in Missouri may take keen interest.
- Local businesses, especially those dependent on tourism, may benefit from increased visitor numbers if the park's appeal grows.
- Environmentalists and conservationists interested in protecting Mississippi's landscapes may express preferences towards such an initiative.
- Native American groups, if having historical ties to the land, may have cultural interest and concerns in how the policy might affect traditional lands.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Historian (Springfield, Missouri)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a historian, I believe preserving the Newtonia Battlefield under the policy is wonderful news.
- It ensures future generations understand the scope of Civil War events.
- I hope the policy does receive adequate funding to ensure proper upkeep.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Local Business Owner (Joplin, Missouri)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Expanding the battlefield could potentially drive more tourists to Joplin, which is great for local businesses.
- The policy should also consider infrastructure improvements to support potentially increased traffic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Jefferson City, Missouri)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any land acquisition must ensure minimal environmental disruption.
- I'm concerned about the balance between the historical value and ecological impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Civil War Reenactor (Kansas City, Missouri)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This expansion will provide more authentic sites for reenactments.
- It’s important to preserve historical areas for educational activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (St. Louis, Missouri)
Age: 74 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving historical sites enhances educational opportunities.
- I would have loved to take my students to an expanded battlefield with more features.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Local Farmer (Newton County, Missouri)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m concerned about how the expansion might affect my farming operations.
- Proper communication and agreements need to be in place to address local landowners' concerns.
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 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Tour Guide (Branson, Missouri)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can potentially enhance visitors’ experiences by offering more to see and learn.
- Increased attraction could mean more business and work opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Civil Engineer (Rolla, Missouri)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Infrastructure and road access will become more critical if the park attracts more visitors.
- I am supportive of such developments when they consider infrastructure improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Local Activist (Aurora, Missouri)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy implementation needs to respect local land uses, primarily agricultural ones.
- Balancing historical preservation with current land uses is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step forward in preserving a significant part of American history.
- It could provide research opportunities and enhance understanding of Civil War history.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $100000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $200000 (Low: $100000, High: $500000)
Year 3: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $250000)
Year 5: $70000 (Low: $30000, High: $200000)
Year 10: $50000 (Low: $20000, High: $100000)
Year 100: $10000 (Low: $5000, High: $20000)
Key Considerations
- Willingness of sellers and the availability of funds for land acquisition could affect costs.
- Visitor management and enhancements after acquisition may incur additional costs.
- Historical and environmental preservation considerations may affect land usage and management costs.