S.282 - Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.282, the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, aims to enhance regional access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within a designated 'authorized acquisition area' through purchase, donation, or exchange, but explicitly prohibits the use of eminent domain. This acquired land would then be incorporated into the National Monument, adjusting its boundaries accordingly.
The Act also addresses the administration of the National Monument, ensuring that hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation activities existing before the land acquisition are maintained. It also allows for the gathering of fiddlehead ferns for personal use, subject to limitations if resources are adversely affected. Furthermore, the bill mandates public education initiatives in collaboration with local communities and Tribal governments regarding the Monument's natural environment and history.
Finally, the Act allows for the acquisition of land for administrative sites and visitor facilities and emphasizes public safety by requiring appropriate safety education and notification materials regarding logging activities in and around the monument.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased accessibility and improved management of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. This will likely lead to increased tourism and recreational opportunities in the region.
It will also provide clarity regarding permitted activities within the monument, such as hunting, fishing, and the gathering of fiddlehead ferns. The collaboration with local communities and Tribal governments for educational purposes could foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the area's natural and cultural heritage.
Finally, the safety measures outlined in the bill aim to mitigate potential risks associated with logging operations near the monument, ensuring a safer experience for visitors.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced recreational opportunities due to increased accessibility to the National Monument.
- Preservation of existing hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation activities.
- Promotion of public education regarding the natural environment and history of the region, including Native American and timber management practices.
- Potential economic benefits to local communities through increased tourism.
- Clarification of permitted activities, such as fiddlehead fern gathering, under specific conditions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased tourism to strain local infrastructure and resources.
- Possible conflicts between recreational users and ongoing timber harvesting operations, despite safety measures.
- Limited acquisition area may not fully address all access needs or conservation goals.
- Restrictions on fiddlehead fern gathering if deemed to adversely affect resources.
- Potential for increased administrative costs associated with managing the expanded National Monument.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate federal lands. The acquisition of land for a National Monument falls under this purview. The prohibition of eminent domain in Section 3(b)(2) reinforces the Fifth Amendment's protection of private property rights, ensuring that land acquisition occurs only with willing sellers.
Furthermore, the emphasis on collaboration with Tribal governments could be seen as aligning with the federal government's trust responsibility to Native American tribes. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the long-term effects on private property and local economies would need to be monitored to ensure continued alignment with constitutional principles.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).