Bill Overview
Title: Modernizing Access to Our Public Land Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to jointly develop and adopt interagency standards to ensure compatibility and interoperability among federal databases for the collection and dissemination of certain data. Specifically, these requirements shall apply to outdoor recreation data related to federal lands and used to depict locations at which recreation uses are available to the public. Each such department shall digitize and make publicly available on their websites, as applicable, geographic information system mapping data that specifies, with respect to the relevant department, all federal interests in private land, including easements, reservations, and rights-of-way to which the federal government does not have a fee title interest, and that may be used to provide recreational access to the federal land. Interior, the Forest Service, and the Corps of Engineers must digitize and publish geographic information system mapping data that includes status information as to whether roads and trails are open or closed, the dates on which roads and trails are seasonally opened and closed, the types of vehicles that are allowed on each segment of roads and trails, and the boundaries of areas where hunting or recreational shooting is regulated or closed.
Sponsors: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who participate in outdoor recreational activities worldwide
Estimated Size: 150000000
- The bill aims to improve the accessibility and quality of data related to outdoor recreation on federal lands.
- This data could significantly impact outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, hunters, and campers, by providing more precise information about areas they can access for their activities.
- Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts may also benefit from better information about where they can engage in bird watching or nature photography without infringing on restricted areas.
- Communities that rely on tourism for their economy may see an impact if increased accessibility information leads to higher numbers of visitors.
- Researchers and planners could use the improved data for environmental studies and infrastructure planning related to public land use.
Reasoning
- While simulating these interviews, it's essential to consider the diverse demographics and uses of federal lands in the US.
- The $50M initial budget suggests the policy won't cover all areas immediately, with a focus on high-use areas first, affecting specific groups more prominently.
- Given the 150 million American estimate involved in outdoor activities, our interviews should cover a range of common outdoor enthusiasts and a few individuals indirectly affected due to the budget and targeted implementation.
- Expect improvements primarily for those who rely on precise data for planning or those unaware of the accessible areas, limiting high impact to those areas where such data provides substantial improvements.
Simulated Interviews
Environmental Scientist (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having accurate data about trails and seasonal closures will be incredibly helpful for planning my hikes.
- It's reassuring to know where hunting is restricted; it makes me feel safer when I'm out bird watching.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Wildlife Photographer (Boise, Idaho)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The new policy will help me avoid regions where I'm not allowed, saving me time.
- It will likely increase the safety and ethical aspect of my work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tech Consultant (San Francisco, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Making data accessible will greatly enhance my weekend trips, especially when planning around seasonal trails.
- More information might also open up new areas I wasn't aware of before.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Park Ranger (Austin, Texas)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more precise and updated data will help us manage visitors better.
- It will reduce the time we spend addressing access queries and focus more on safety and conservation.
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 |
Outdoor Retail Manager (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 48 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better data can change how people plan their outdoor trips, potentially increasing interest in new areas.
- This might boost sales in specific equipment tailored to these newly accessible areas.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Teacher (Flagstaff, Arizona)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to better information will help me and others ensure we're compliant with fishing and camping restrictions.
- It'll also enhance our camping experiences by planning better-suited trips for the kids.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Conservationist (Miami, Florida)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a big win for conservation efforts, allowing precise planning to protect fragile environments.
- Knowing regulations are respected due to better information is reassuring.
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 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Tour Guide (Missoula, Montana)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Accurate maps help guide safer and more informative tours, improving client experiences.
- I expect the policy to open new tour routes previously overlooked.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Entrepreneur (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could provide a significant data boost for my app, enhancing user experiences.
- It's an exciting development that could push innovation in recreational technology.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Subsistence Hunter (Bethel, Alaska)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having accurate trail and access information helps plan hunts, ensuring adherence to regulations.
- The policy might educate more people about respecting and using the land wisely.
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 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 2: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 10: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Year 100: $50000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $65000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring interagency coordination effectively addresses challenges in data standardization and sharing.
- Keeping geographic information system data current requires ongoing resources and technical capabilities.
- The policy's success will be influenced by public perception and utilization of the digital resources provided.