Bill Overview
Title: Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act
Description: This bill provides for a land conveyance to South Dakota. Specifically, if South Dakota submits an offer to the Forest Service to acquire approximately 266 acres of National Forest System land within the Gilt Edge Mine Superfund Boundary for its market value, the Forest Service shall convey such land to South Dakota. Any proceeds received by the Forest Service from the conveyance shall be (1) deposited in a specified fund for the exchange of lands, and (2) available to the Forest Service for the maintenance and improvement of land or administration facilities in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota.
Sponsors: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Target Audience
Population: People living in and around the Black Hills region in South Dakota
Estimated Size: 2000
- The Gilt Edge Mine is located within the Black Hills, an area known for its environmental sensitivity and importance to local communities.
- Local residents and communities near the Gilt Edge Mine will be directly affected by any changes in land management or ownership, as it impacts local land use, recreation, and possibly economic opportunities.
- The Black Hills region is an important area both ecologically and culturally, not just for local residents but also for tourists and conservationists.
- The bill stipulates that proceeds from the land conveyance will be used for maintenance and improvement of the Black Hills National Forest, impacting local environmental management projects.
- The act may impact employees or contractors working on maintenance and administrative projects within the Black Hills area of the National Forest.
- Since the bill involves a land conveyance to South Dakota, state government and local authorities in South Dakota will be involved in the process, impacting policy decisions at a local level.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily impacts the Black Hills region in South Dakota, specifically local communities, state authorities, and environmental stakeholders.
- Budget constraints mean only essential improvements and maintenance projects can be initiated within the first year.
- Long-term impacts are primarily environmental and recreational, affecting local quality of life and potential economic development related to tourism and conservation.
- Non-local U.S. citizens are unlikely to be directly impacted, thus their inclusion mainly serves to understand indirect perceptions.
Simulated Interviews
Park Ranger (Deadwood, SD)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful that this policy will provide much-needed funds for improving park facilities.
- If done right, land management improvements can enhance local biodiversity and attract more visitors.
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 | 8 | 6 |
Local Business Owner (Rapid City, SD)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that brings more visitors to the area is good for business.
- I'm concerned about the environmental impact but optimistic overall.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Spearfish, SD)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The conveyance could either help or hinder local conservation efforts depending on implementation.
- Hopeful that funds generated will facilitate needed research and maintenance projects.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Teacher (Black Hawk, SD)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that helps educate and improve our environment for future generations is valuable.
- I want to see clearer commitments to environmental education in conjunction with this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
State Government Official (Sioux Falls, SD)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could streamline some bureaucratic processes and fund critical projects.
- Maintaining transparency and accountability will be crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired (Lead, SD)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen many policies come and go, but few seem to address the root issues.
- Skeptical but hopeful that this could be a step in the right direction.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting policy with potential lessons for future federal land management strategies.
- May provide new insights for balancing state and federal interests in public lands.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Tourist Guide (Custer, SD)
Age: 42 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy can improve trails and facilities, which is key for attracting tourists.
- I hope the developments do not come at the cost of natural beauty.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
University Student (Pierre, SD)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might offer internship or research opportunities in the future.
- I'm hopeful but unsure about the long-term environmental impacts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Construction Worker (Sturgis, SD)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m glad there might be more work opportunities, but construction isn't always consistent.
- If there are more projects, it could mean job stability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 2: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $800000, High: $1200000)
Key Considerations
- Environmental and cultural significance of the Gilt Edge Mine area.
- Possible changes in land use practices following conveyance to South Dakota.
- Effectiveness and efficiency of the use of funds generated from the conveyance in enhancing the Black Hills National Forest.
- Potential for partnership opportunities between federal and state governments in managing the conveyed land.