Bill Overview
Title: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act
Description: This bill modifies the boundaries of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The boundaries of the monument shall be the boundaries depicted on the map titled Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Proposed Boundary Revision and dated July 2022. The Department of the Interior may acquire, by purchase from a willing seller, donation, or exchange (1) land and interests in land within the boundary of the monument, and (2) land and interests in land for access into the monument from roads and communities adjacent to or in the vicinity of the monument. Nothing in this bill authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire land or an interest in land. Any land added to the monument shall be managed to preserve existing hunting, fishing, and snowmobile uses. The bill allows for the gathering by hand of fiddlehead ferns in the monument for personal use and consumption by the general public.
Sponsors: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals connected to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine
Estimated Size: 1300000
- The modification of the boundaries of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument could affect local communities, particularly those adjacent to or in the vicinity of the monument, as it involves land acquisition for access.
- The Department of the Interior is involved in land transactions like purchase, donation, or exchange, affecting landowners and those interested in selling land within the proposed boundaries.
- By allowing existing activities like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling, the bill impacts those who participate in these activities in the monument area.
- Access to gathering fiddlehead ferns impacts foragers and those interested in traditional or recreational foraging.
- Overall, this bill primarily impacts individuals in the state of Maine and those who utilize the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts local communities around the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine, so the simulated interviews will focus on individuals in this area.
- The policy allows for land acquisition without the use of eminent domain, which might worry or relieve landowners depending on their perspective on land transfer.
- Existing outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling are preserved, maintaining the status quo for users who depend on these activities for recreation or livelihood.
- Foraging is promoted through the allowance of gathering fiddlehead ferns, representing an engagement with traditional activities, which may be significant to local culture.
Simulated Interviews
small business owner (lodging) (Millinocket, Maine)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is generally a good idea as it should increase the number of tourists. More visitors could mean more business for us.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
retired (Patten, Maine)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As long as I can keep hunting and fishing as I've always done, I'm okay with it. I just hope it doesn't bring too many crowds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
environmental activist (Portland, Maine)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm supportive of expanding protections but concerned about how this impacts natural habitats. It's a balance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
landowner (Bangor, Maine)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I would consider selling if the price is right, but I'm worried about losing control over my property.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
snowmobile tour guide (Shirley Mills, Maine)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely on the trails staying open for business. It's good to know we can continue as usual.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
tourist (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about the expanded boundaries. It could offer new trails and experiences.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
fiddlehead fern forager (Houlton, Maine)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad we can still gather fiddlehead ferns. It's a tradition and part of our lifestyle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
state government employee (Augusta, Maine)
Age: 43 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any change needs careful management, and I'm hopeful this policy won't strain our resources too much.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
student (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine)
Age: 23 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm interested in how these changes might become case studies for conservation courses.
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 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
community leader (Caribou, Maine)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My priority is ensuring the voices of our community are heard in these changes. The policy seems quite balanced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $4000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- The availability of willing sellers is critical in determining the total cost of land acquisitions.
- Management of new lands must maintain existing recreational uses, which may incur additional costs for infrastructure or resources to facilitate these activities.
- Minimal environmental disruption must be ensured, which might require additional environmental assessments or mitigations.