Bill Overview
Title: Little Manatee Wild and Scenic River Act
Description: This bill designates a specified segment of the Little Manatee River in Florida for potential addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Department of the Interior must complete a study of the Little Manatee River and submit the results to Congress.
Sponsors: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Target Audience
Population: People living near or utilizing the Little Manatee River
Estimated Size: 50000
- The bill focuses on the Little Manatee River in Florida, implying that the primary impact will be on individuals living near and utilizing this river.
- The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System is designed to protect the natural, cultural, and recreational qualities of free-flowing rivers. Therefore, the populations impacted will likely include local residents, environmental groups, recreational users, and potentially businesses related to tourism.
- The bill requires a study, which typically involves community engagement and environmental assessments, indicating that scientists and policy makers will also be involved or impacted.
- Given this is a US federal bill, the primary impacts will occur within the United States.
Reasoning
- The policy focuses on the Little Manatee River in Florida, thus primarily impacting local residents and those utilizing the river for recreational or economic purposes.
- The budget mainly covers the initial study and community engagement activities, meaning that most individuals will only experience indirect effects early on.
- Long-term impacts are likely to be felt more by those with a vested interest in environmental protection or local businesses related to tourism.
- Only a small percentage of the U.S. population lives in the area directly affected by the river's designation, and even fewer would see direct changes in their daily wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Local Business Owner (Wimauma, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that the study will lead to better river protection.
- Designation could attract more tourists, boosting my business.
- I worry about possible restrictions on river activity.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Sarasota, FL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The study is essential to understand the ecological value of the river.
- I believe the designation will strengthen conservation efforts.
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 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (Tampa, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about losing access to fishing spots.
- If the river is healthier, it might be better for fishing in the long run.
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 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Recreational Kayaker (Brandon, FL)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about any measures that protect the river ecosystem.
- It might improve kayaking conditions if clean-up efforts are increased.
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 |
Local Activist (Sun City Center, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a step in the right direction for our community and wildlife.
- Hopes the study will lead to tangible protection measures.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Student (Gibsonton, FL)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could provide more learning and research opportunities.
- I hope the study helps my community better understand the river's importance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
School Teacher (Ruskin, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited to teach students more about scenic rivers.
- Concerned about potential restrictions on student river activities.
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 | 6 |
Real Estate Agent (Apollo Beach, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designation might boost property values as it becomes an attractive area.
- Restrictions could also limit development, affecting sales.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Tourism Manager (Riverview, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Designation could increase tourism in the area.
- It could also mean better maintenance and safety along the river.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Photographer (Parrish, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopes the designation preserves more natural landscapes to photograph.
- Worried that increased popularity might lead to overcrowding.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $300000 (Low: $250000, High: $400000)
Year 2: $250000 (Low: $200000, High: $350000)
Year 3: $200000 (Low: $150000, High: $300000)
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 is primarily tied to the necessary study and administrative oversight by the Department of the Interior.
- Potential economic and social impacts post-study could relate to the benefits of increased tourism or environmental protections.
- The policy does not entail immediate large-scale financial commitments beyond study costs.