Bill Overview
Title: Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act
Description: This bill addresses various public land concerns in Malheur County in Oregon, including grazing. The bill also designates wilderness areas and conveys land to the Burns Paiute Tribe in Oregon.
Sponsors: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Target Audience
Population: Residents and stakeholders of Malheur County, Oregon
Estimated Size: 14000
- Malheur County is primarily populated by ranching communities who would be most directly affected by public land concerns and grazing regulations.
- Wilderness area designations can impact recreational users, hunters, and residents in terms of area access.
- The Burns Paiute Tribe will be specifically impacted by land conveyances as it involves their heritage and future land use.
- Those involved in legislative advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental protection in the US may also be indirectly impacted.
Reasoning
- Malheur County's population is mostly rural and involved in agriculture or land-based activities, therefore any changes in land legislation could significantly impact their lifestyle and economic activities.
- About 2,000 members of the Burns Paiute Tribe exist, and land changes could affect their community development and cultural activities significantly, resulting in higher impact in terms of percentage of population.
- People involved in advocacy will have more indirect effects, mostly ideological or job-related if their work or beliefs are tied to indigenous land rights or wilderness preservation.
- The common resident of Malheur County might not see drastic changes unless they are directly tied to grazing or land-based industries.
Simulated Interviews
Rancher (Malheur County, Oregon)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might reduce the available grazing lands, making it harder for us to sustain our cattle numbers.
- The transfer of lands may affect grazing rights in current use but could be manageable if grazing alternatives are identified.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Conservation Biologist (Malheur County, Oregon)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The wilderness designation is a positive step for preserving the natural environment.
- Protecting these lands aligns with long-term ecological goals, though some pushback from local ranchers is expected.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
Tribal Member and Cultural Educator (Burns, Oregon)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The land conveyance is crucial for us; it will help preserve and educate others about our cultural heritage.
- This policy will help strengthen our community's foundation for future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Legislative Advocate (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy represents a successful instance of indigenous advocacy paying off.
- The land reallocation aspect of the bill aligns with the broader objective of returning lands to rightful tribal ownership.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Forestry Worker (Malheur County, Oregon)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen land management practices evolve, this policy seems controversial but necessary for future generations.
- With changes to forest management, access for hunting and recreation won't be entirely lost but may be restricted.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Environmental Consultant (Salem, Oregon)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The preservation of wilderness areas has been a key lookout for local ecosystems.
- The bill may pose challenges to land use for traditional economic purposes but strengthens ecological balance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Outdoor Recreation Business Owner (Boise, Idaho)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The wilderness designation may limit some recreational activities like off-roading, affecting parts of our business.
- However, opportunities will arise through eco-tourism.
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 | 6 |
Teacher (Malheur County, Oregon)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill supports educational opportunities about the importance of wilderness and land stewardship.
- Could leverage these changes to teach about responsible resource management.
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 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
College Student (Ontario, Oregon)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a testament to prioritizing environmental and indigenous cultural considerations.
- A great case study for balancing economic activities and ecological preservation.
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 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Park Ranger (Bend, Oregon)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Preserving these lands through policy is vital to ensuring their continued survival for future generations.
- Local communities may initially resist, but long-term ecological benefits are undeniable.
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 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $13000000 (Low: $11000000, High: $17000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $3000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- Balancing economic activities with environmental conservation goals is critical.
- The socio-economic impact on the Burns Paiute Tribe is directly tied to the success of land conveyance.
- Local employment in sectors like agriculture could face challenges during transition periods.
- Tourism strategies in wilderness areas would positively influence economic outcomes.