Bill Overview
Title: National Discovery Trails Act
Description: This bill amends the National Trails System Act to include national discovery trails as part of the national trails system. Such trails (1) shall be extended, continuous, interstate trails located to provide for outstanding outdoor recreation and travel and to connect representative examples of America's trails and communities; (2) shall provide for the conservation and enjoyment of significant natural, cultural, and historic resources and be so located as to represent metropolitan, urban, rural, and back country regions of the Nation; and (3) may be designated on federal lands and, with the owner's consent, on nonfederal lands. The 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail extending from Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware, to Point Reyes National Seashore in California, splitting into northern and southern routes near Cincinnati, Ohio, and rejoining at Denver, Colorado, is designated as a national discovery trail. The bill sets forth requirements for designation of a trail as a national discovery trail. The appropriate federal department for each national discovery trail shall (1) administer the trail in cooperation with at least one competent trailwide volunteer-based organization; and (2) submit a comprehensive plan for the trail's protection, management, development, and use.
Sponsors: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Target Audience
Population: People who engage in outdoor recreational activities or live near national discovery trails
Estimated Size: 5000000
- National discovery trails will be used by outdoor recreational enthusiasts, including hikers, bikers, and tourists, likely drawing people both domestically and internationally to the trails.
- Such trails explore diverse areas, including metropolitan, urban, rural, and backcountry regions, potentially impacting the lives of people residing near these trails.
- The specific designation of the 6,000-mile American Discovery Trail implies significant usage across multiple states, thereby affecting a large number of residents and local businesses economically and culturally.
- Trails connecting multiple states could influence tourism, impacting local economies by increasing visitation to nearby parks, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.
- Federal lands impacted by these trails could see changes in land management priorities and conservation efforts, affecting wildlife and environmental policies.
- Recreational and tourism infrastructures, such as lodging, restaurants, and stores, will likely undergo changes to accommodate increased visitation.
Reasoning
- The population most impacted by this policy will include those who actively engage in outdoor recreation, such as hiking or biking, and who live near the designated trails. This includes a diverse geographic spread across multiple states, giving a richness to the cultural and economic impacts, especially in rural or less urbanized areas.
- There is a potential boost to local economies due to increased tourism, which can enhance the quality of life for local residents through job creation and improved amenities.
- Environmental conservation efforts could see positive impacts, enhancing the overall experience of trail users and potentially improving wellbeing through increased access to natural areas.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy may initially focus on key priority areas or segments of the trails, creating a staggered impact rollout.
- Various demographic groups including city dwellers, rural residents, and others who currently do not engage with trails may see differing levels of direct impact.
Simulated Interviews
Outdoor Guide (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the National Discovery Trails will provide great benefits to local businesses as more tourists visit.
- As a guide, I am excited by the prospect of having more trails to explore and lead tours on.
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 (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopefully, this will bring more foot traffic to my business and the area.
- I worry a bit about the costs associated with renovating to cater to new customers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (San Francisco, California)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled that the trails will protect our natural heritage and promote healthy outdoor activity.
- It's vital that we balance increased usage with preserving the environment.
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 |
College Student (Delaware)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be a cool way to encourage more people my age to explore the outdoors.
- The educational opportunities for learning about natural conservation right at our doorstep is exciting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Park Ranger (Point Reyes, California)
Age: 50 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This new designation will undoubtedly increase visitor numbers, which is a double-edged sword for conservation and park management.
- Overall, I believe it will help raise awareness about the importance of natural conservation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Farmer (Rural Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about privacy and land rights with trails running so close to my property.
- However, it might also bring more people to value rural lands and lifestyles.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Historian (Kansas City, Missouri)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see great potential in educating the public on the historical significance of sites along these trails.
- The challenge lies in creating engaging and informative experiences for both locals and tourists.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Wildlife Conservationist (Backcountry Colorado)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I support initiatives that connect people with nature, I'm wary of the impacts increased human activity could have on local wildlife.
- Careful management will be necessary to balance usage and preservation.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Urban Planner (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrating national trails into urban planning is a crucial step for sustainable development.
- It's a great opportunity for cities like ours to enhance cultural and recreational offerings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds like a fantastic way to get more people interested in the outdoors.
- I'm eager to see how technology can be used to enhance these experiences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 2: $18000000 (Low: $14000000, High: $22000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $12000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $14000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- Volunteers and nonprofits will play a role, potentially influencing cost estimates based on their engagement.
- Varied environmental and jurisdictional impacts could lead to complications in trail designation and maintenance efforts.
- The long-term economic benefits stemming from increased recreational use and tourism.
- Determining the share of costs covered by federal versus state and local governments could affect funding levels.
- Environmental conservation priorities and how they align with trail development strategies.
- Possible legal and regulatory hurdles in designating trails on federal and nonfederal lands.