Bill Overview
Title: Native Plant Species Pilot Program Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a pilot program for native plant species. The National Park Service (NPS) shall establish a pilot program to prioritize the use of native plant species within geographically diverse units of the National Park System and public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Department of the Interior shall, in carrying out the pilot program, coordinate activities with the National Seed Strategy of the BLM, the Plant Conservation Alliance, and the Plant Materials Centers of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Sponsors: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Target Audience
Population: people globally who benefit from biodiversity and ecosystem services of U.S. national parks and public lands
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The National Park Service and BLM are federal agencies responsible for managing national parks and public lands, which are widely distributed across the United States.
- Native plant species are integral to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health, affecting the wellbeing of anyone who benefits from these ecological services.
- The coordination with various plant conservation strategies implies a broad ecological impact likely to affect wide-ranging environmental benefits.
Reasoning
- The target population is the entire U.S. population, but impacts will vary. Urban residents might experience less direct impact compared to rural residents living near national parks.
- Wellbeing changes might be subtle but positive, particularly for those who value ecological projects or work in related sectors.
- Given budgetary constraints, the policy might prioritize regions with higher visitation or biodiversity significance, so certain U.S. regions could report more significant benefits.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Austin, TX)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's encouraging to see more efforts focused on native plants. They are crucial for local wildlife.
- If this program succeeds, it can motivate similar initiatives across more states or park systems.
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 | 8 | 6 |
National Park Ranger (Portland, OR)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Integrating native species is essential for the future of our parks and biodiversity.
- It will be exciting to educate visitors on these efforts.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Urban Planner (Chicago, IL)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While important, this feels a bit removed from immediate urban concerns.
- I hope such initiatives can expand to include city ecosystems.
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 | 7 | 6 |
Botanist (Denver, CO)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with ecological restoration goals.
- Recognizing the importance of native plants in policy can enhance ecological balance.
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 |
Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this creates educational opportunities for students.
- It's vital to see ecological initiatives in action.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 66 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that helps preserve natural habitats is welcome.
- I look forward to seeing more birds thanks to native plants.
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 |
Freelance Writer (Brooklyn, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might not directly affect my life in the city, but it is a step in the right direction.
- I hope similar initiatives can be applied to urban environments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Conservation Biologist (Salt Lake City, UT)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increasing native plant species can vitalize our ecosystems.
- I'm thrilled to see government support in this area.
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 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tour Guide (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The impact of native plants will benefit wildlife, which is vital for the tours I conduct.
- Conservation efforts like this are critical.
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 |
Software Developer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm glad these programs exist, although I personally may not feel the effects.
- It's good to know that park ecosystems are being prioritized.
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 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $48000000 (Low: $38000000, High: $58000000)
Year 3: $47000000 (Low: $37000000, High: $57000000)
Year 5: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of native plant integration into local ecosystems and national park environments.
- The ability to maintain and monitor these programs with existing agency frameworks.
- Coordination among federal agencies, seed networks, and conservation partners.