Bill Overview
Title: Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act
Description: This bill establishes the Dolores River National Conservation Area and the Dolores River Special Management Area in Colorado. A management plan must be developed for each area. The bill allows for the continued use of the areas by members of Indian tribes for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and other materials. The Department of the Interior shall establish the Dolores River National Conservation Area Advisory Council. The bill releases the areas from further study for designation for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Sponsors: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Target Audience
Population: People who live near, use, or are invested in the Dolores River area in Colorado
Estimated Size: 500000
- The Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area are located in Colorado, indicating that the primary population impacted will be residents of this area.
- Individuals who partake in outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping in the Dolores River area will be affected by how the new designations may change access or regulations.
- Members of Indian tribes who use the area for traditional ceremonies and to gather traditional plants and materials will be impacted, as the legislation acknowledges and permits these activities.
- Since the bill includes the creation of an advisory council, local stakeholders who may be involved in this council could experience direct involvement in management decisions.
- The release of these areas from future study for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System may limit the future conservation opportunities viewed by conservationists or environmental groups.
Reasoning
- Colorado residents in or near the Dolores River area are most directly impacted by the bill, due to changes in land designation and management.
- Outdoor recreational users, a common demographic in Colorado, may experience changes in accessibility or land use policies due to the management plan.
- Traditional tribal activities are acknowledged in the legislation, thus tribal members may see a positive impact ensuring continued practices.
- Local economic stakeholders might be involved in the advisory council, impacting business strategies related to tourism or natural resources.
- Environmentalists or conservation groups might react negatively to the release from Wild and Scenic Rivers System study, impacting their future activities.
Simulated Interviews
Rancher (Dolores, CO)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about how these changes might affect grazing policies.
- If the advisory council involves local ranchers, it might help us address our needs too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Outdoor Recreational Guide (Cortex, CO)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful the management plan will enhance tourism opportunities and protect the river environment.
- Keeping the area open for recreation is crucial for my business.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tribal Elder (Colorado)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm relieved that we can continue our traditional ceremonies without disruption.
- The establishment of the advisory council may help in preserving our interests.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Cortez, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm disappointed the area won't be considered for the Wild and Scenic Rivers System anymore.
- Our group will closely watch how the conservation and special management designations are implemented.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 8 |
Hotel Owner (Silverton, CO)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm optimistic that the new designations will increase tourism, benefiting my business.
- We might need to navigate new policies and regulations for tourists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (Durango, CO)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about possible limitations on my favorite camping spots.
- Yet I understand the importance of conservation for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Policy Analyst (Denver, CO)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The advisory council might offer a new channel for stakeholder influence.
- Releasing the Wild and Scenic study feels like a missed opportunity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tribal Artist (Raymond, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My concerns are mostly about restricted access, though this bill seems to safeguard traditional practices.
- I'm glad our cultural activities are respected in the legislation.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Local Government Official (Dolores, CO)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This provides an opportunity to balance conservation with local needs.
- The economic impact on the community could be beneficial if managed effectively.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Park Ranger (Telluride, CO)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While protecting the area is important, I'm apprehensive about the release of the Wild and Scenic study.
- I trust in the management plan to provide appropriate protections.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 9 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 2: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 3: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 5: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 10: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Year 100: $2500000 (Low: $2000000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Establishing such conservation areas usually incurs ongoing management and operational costs rather than one-time expenses.
- The interaction with tribal lands and acknowledgment of cultural practices might necessitate specific measures or services, which could also contribute to annual operational costs.
- The economic activities primarily impacted by this bill (e.g., tourism, recreational use) are not heavily taxed or directly regulated through this particular legislative action, making revenue impacts minimal.