Bill Overview
Title: Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2022
Description: This bill designates for study specified segments of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream in Vermont for potential addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Sponsors: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals impacted by potential designation of Nulhegan River and Paul Stream as Wild and Scenic Rivers
Estimated Size: 100000
- The bill involves a study to determine potential addition of specified river segments to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
- If the segments are added, the designation could influence local land management, conservation efforts, and recreational activities.
- This designation typically affects local communities, indigenous populations, recreational users, conservationists, and possibly tourists.
- The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream are located in Vermont, thus primarily affecting people in or near Vermont.
Reasoning
- The population directly impacted by the policy is relatively small, mainly consisting of residents in Vermont and adjacent areas and visitors who frequent the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream.
- The policy's financial constraints suggest a focus on gathering data and analyzing potential environmental and recreational changes rather than immediate, large-scale infrastructural changes.
- Given that the policy is a study act, its direct impact would primarily be felt after the study concludes, impacting opinions and long-term planning of local stakeholders.
- Residents currently utilizing or living near the river may experience changes in land use plans, which can affect their sense of place, property values, or recreational use.
- Conservationists and recreation enthusiasts might see potential future benefits like habitat preservation, increased tourism, and environmental sustainability.
Simulated Interviews
Park Ranger (Vermont)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited at the prospect of better preservation and potentially more resources for local conservation efforts.
- The study could highlight important ecological features not well understood currently.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Outdoor Enthusiast (New Hampshire)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A wild and scenic designation could ensure that the river remains pristine.
- I'm hopeful that the study leads to sustainable land use outcomes that benefit both nature and outdoor activities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Local Business Owner (Vermont)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study could increase awareness and possibly tourism in the area, which would be good for business.
- I am concerned about any restrictions that might arise if the designation is made.
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 |
Conservationist (Vermont)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be an opportunity to enhance protection for the local environment.
- My work might become more aligned with larger conservation goals if the study succeeds.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
Retired (Maine)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy the peace of the rivers as they are, but I understand the need for conservation.
- My concern is that changes might restrict access for small-scale recreational activities.
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 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Teacher (Vermont)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see educational opportunities if the rivers are studied more closely with the potential designation.
- Learning about these ecosystems would be beneficial for inspiring students.
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 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Recreational Fisherman (Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the potential designation would preserve the fish habitats longer term.
- However, I worry about restrictions on fishing that might come with it.
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 |
Travel Blogger (New York)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This study could put the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream on the map for travelers looking for hidden gems.
- I see lots of content opportunities if these rivers are highlighted as scenic.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Farmer (Vermont)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about possible land use regulations.
- A scenic designation could regulate river access which may not help my farming needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Student (Vermont)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study's findings could be fantastic for my research interests.
- Having more data on local waterways will be invaluable for academic purposes and planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $300000, High: $700000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost primarily covers research and logistical expenses related to the river study.
- Potential economic benefits are indirect, related to conserving river ecosystems which could enhance tourism and conservation efforts.
- The localized impact means most immediate effects are felt in Vermont, particularly in communities near the rivers in question.