Bill Overview
Title: Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Forest Restoration Program Relief Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to waive the cost share requirement with respect to a payment provided for restoration of land damaged by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. That fire started as the result of a prescribed burn initiated by the Forest Service in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico, on April 6, 2022.
Sponsors: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico
Estimated Size: 10000
- The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire occurred in New Mexico, specifically in the Santa Fe National Forest, affecting local residents, landowners, and businesses.
- The fire had significant impacts on land, requiring restoration and financial aid for affected parties.
- The population most affected is likely local to New Mexico, particularly those who own land in or near the National Forest where the fire took place.
- Typically, such legislation impacts regional populations, specifically those who directly experienced damages or loss due to the fire.
Reasoning
- The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire affected residents and landowners in New Mexico, specifically those near the Santa Fe National Forest.
- The policy's budget constraints mean it can only provide significant impact relief to a fraction of the 10,000 estimated affected individuals.
- People not directly owning land or living adjacent to affected areas may see little to no direct impact from the policy.
- Wellbeing effects will vary depending on the level of land damage and personal loss, as well as the individual's financial situation.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a lifeline for people like me who have lands severely damaged.
- Without financial support, it's challenging to restore the farm to its prior state.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Environmental Scientist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is a crucial step toward long-term sustainability.
- It's essential not only for landowners but for environmental recovery efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Software Developer (Los Alamos, New Mexico)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My family had to evacuate during the fire, but thankfully their property was unharmed.
- This policy doesn't affect me directly, but I see its importance.
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 |
Retiree (Las Vegas, New Mexico)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The recovery costs are overwhelming for retirees like me.
- I hope the policy provides enough personal financial relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Student (Then Raton, New Mexico)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy represents necessary governmental support for our community.
- While my direct impact is limited, I see this helping many families around me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Rancher (Pecos, New Mexico)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy is necessary to offset unexpected costs from the fire damage.
- Restoration will take years, and continuous support is vital.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tourism Operator (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fire affected tourism, which my business relies on.
- Policy relief in land restoration indirectly helps my business recover.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Environmental Activist (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Political action like this raises awareness and provides hope for future prevention.
- It's encouragement for local communities to support environmental actions.
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 |
Photojournalist (Taos, New Mexico)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Important policy but needs more coverage of long-term effects.
- Policy effects are critical for those recovering but less immediate for others.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Wildland Firefighter (Edgewood, New Mexico)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy ensures that the affected community gets the help they need for recovery.
- A good starting step, but more preventive action is needed.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The total area and severity of damage from the fire, which affects the complexity and cost of restoration efforts.
- The need for ongoing maintenance and ecological monitoring post-restoration to ensure the lasting recovery of the land.
- Local community involvement and adaptation to changing environmental conditions post-fire, which could affect the program's effectiveness.