Bill Overview
Title: Montana Sportsmen Conservation Act
Description: This bill releases the Middle Fork Judith, Hoodoo Mountain, and Wales Creek wilderness study areas from further study for wilderness designation.
Sponsors: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Target Audience
Population: People interested or engaged in outdoor activities, conservation, and business in Montana wilderness areas
Estimated Size: 800000
- Individuals residing in Montana who engage in outdoor recreational activities in wilderness study areas.
- Environmental conservationists who are interested in the preservation of wilderness areas in Montana.
- Wildlife enthusiasts and ecologists studying local fauna and flora.
- Businesses involved in outdoor sports and recreation in Montana.
Reasoning
- The policy impacts primarily Montanans involved in outdoor activities, conservation, and businesses related to the wilderness areas in question.
- Cost constraints suggest targeting individuals and businesses directly tied to these regions, as opposed to indirect beneficiaries like tourists from out of state.
- Policy implications stretch over a long term, demanding consideration of both immediate and future conservation impacts.
- Mixed impacts expected: potential boost for business due to increased activity, but possible drop in wellbeing for conservationists concerned about reduced wilderness protections.
Simulated Interviews
Wildlife Biologist (Bozeman, Montana)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about the loss of protections for these wilderness areas.
- These regions are crucial for biodiversity and my research.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Small Business Owner - Outdoor Equipment (Missoula, Montana)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This can increase the number of visitors and boost my business.
- I'm concerned about the long-term environmental impact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Environmental Activist (Helena, Montana)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm very disappointed, this is a step back for conservation.
- The released areas might suffer from uncontrolled activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 6 |
Outdoor Guide (Kalispell, Montana)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Could attract more tourists, but worried about sustainable practices.
- Might need to change how I operate tours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
School Teacher (Butte, Montana)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Outdoor education is vital, worried areas will be less protected.
- I hope this doesn't limit our options for outdoor education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Construction Worker (Billings, Montana)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't usually visit these areas, so I don't feel much impact.
- I guess it's good if more people get to use the areas.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Great Falls, Montana)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Concerned about disturbance of natural habitats.
- Hope the areas remain as they were for wildlife.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 8 |
Graduate Student in Ecology (Whitefish, Montana)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy change could hamper my research plans.
- Need wilderness preservation for long-term studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Truck Driver (Glendive, Montana)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly affected, but hopes it brings economic benefits.
- Unsure of the environmental implications.
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 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Park Ranger (Browning, Montana)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Need more details on how it affects my role and duties.
- Concerned about management resources after the change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3060000, High: $7140000)
Year 3: $5202000 (Low: $3121200, High: $7282800)
Year 5: $5418164 (Low: $3250898, High: $7585428)
Year 10: $5735577 (Low: $3441346, High: $8029807)
Year 100: $9300000 (Low: $5580000, High: $13020000)
Key Considerations
- Impact on local ecosystems due to increased human activity
- Potential economic boost from increased tourism and business in outdoor recreation
- Balancing conservation efforts with recreational and economic interests