Bill Overview
Title: Mammoth Cave National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2022
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to acquire specified acres of land for inclusion in the Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.
Sponsors: Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY]
Target Audience
Population: People interested in Mammoth Cave National Park and adjacent communities
Estimated Size: 1500000
- Mammoth Cave National Park is located in the United States, specifically in Kentucky.
- Visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park will be impacted by boundary adjustments as the park may offer more attractions or activities.
- Local property owners or residents near the park may be affected by changes in land use or property values.
- Environmental and park conservationists may have a stake in how lands are managed as part of the park.
- Tourism-related businesses in the region could be impacted due to changes in the park's attractions or size.
Reasoning
- The target population includes visitors and enthusiasts of Mammoth Cave National Park, residents in nearby communities, conservationists, and businesses related to park tourism and services.
- Many people outside Kentucky may not feel a direct impact from this park boundary adjustment, so interviews from a national distribution are included.
- A mix of demographic factors like age, employment, and location attributes is considered for diversity.
- Because of the limited budget, the policy's tangible effects on personal wellbeing might be minimal for those indirectly connected.
- The policy might generate an immediate impact on landowners near the expanded boundaries and local businesses due to increased tourism potential.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Manager (Bowling Green, KY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The park expansion could lead to more visitors, boosting my business.
- I'm concerned about construction disturbances, but hopeful overall.
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 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (Park City, KY)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy the park's natural beauty and any expansion should be good for preserving more land.
- Worried about more tourists disturbing the peace.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Conservation Scientist (Louisville, KY)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Exciting to see more land set aside for natural preservation.
- I'm supportive, but caution about maintaining eco-balance.
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 | 10 | 8 |
Student (Lexington, KY)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could create great practical opportunities for learning and research.
- Hope it means more internship possibilities.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Mammoth Cave, KY)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More area to manage might mean more work, but also more habitat protected.
- Could signify job security and growth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Outdoor Enthusiast (Nashville, TN)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- May mean new trails and areas to explore!
- Could come with some higher costs or park fees.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Tourist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Another reason to visit Kentucky again.
- A bit concerned about increased travel costs.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Real Estate Agent (Glasgow, KY)
Age: 44 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Property demand could rise due to increased tourism and interest.
- I worry it might make local housing less affordable.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Gift Shop Owner (Cave City, KY)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional park features might bring more customers, benefiting my shop.
- Need to plan inventory better to meet potential surge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired (Scottsville, KY)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Park being closer might offer new walking paths and natural enjoyment.
- High traffic concern during peak seasons.
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 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 3: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 10: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Year 100: $1500000 (Low: $1000000, High: $2000000)
Key Considerations
- Environmental conservation benefits may outweigh initial costs long-term.
- Short-term costs may be higher due to the need for infrastructure development and land acquisition.
- Potential legal and administrative costs involved in acquiring private lands for public use.