Overview
Title
To amend the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act to expand the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in the State of Vermont, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to make a park in Vermont bigger by adding more land so that people can use it for farming, learning, and taking care of nature. It also plans to start a special place there where people can learn how to care for the land and its resources.
Summary AI
H.R. 9683 seeks to expand the boundaries of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont. The bill updates the park's boundary map to include new areas such as the King Farm, and outlines how land within the park can be acquired. Additionally, the bill allows for the King Farm to be used for agricultural, conservation, and educational purposes. It also establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute within the park to promote stewardship practices and enhance leadership in conservation and resource management.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
This proposed legislation, titled the "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2024," aims to amend an existing act related to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont. The bill seeks to expand the park's boundary, update its map references, enable land acquisitions under certain conditions, and introduce the establishment of a National Park Service Stewardship Institute at the park. The goal of these amendments is to facilitate better park management, encourage stewardship practices, and foster educational opportunities within the park.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues have been identified within the proposed bill. First, the criteria for land acquisition mentioned in Section 3 are not explicitly defined, opening the door to potential favoritism. Second, the establishment of the National Park Service Stewardship Institute as outlined in sections 5 and 6 lacks clear accountability measures and a designated budget, which could lead to resource misallocation. Moreover, the potential environmental impacts of permitting agricultural and forestry practices on newly acquired land are not fully addressed. Lastly, the update in the boundary map (in Section 4) lacks sufficient detail, thereby clouding public understanding of the proposed changes.
Impact on the Public
The bill could have various effects on the general public. Expanding the park boundary and establishing a stewardship institute could enhance educational and recreational opportunities for park visitors, foster a greater appreciation for conservation, and potentially increase tourism, benefiting the local economy. However, the lack of clarity and accountability in implementing these changes could result in fiscal inefficiencies that might not optimize public funds. Moreover, if land management changes lead to adverse environmental impacts, the surrounding communities may face unintended consequences.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For stakeholders such as local residents, conservationists, and educational institutions, the bill presents mixed implications. The residents might benefit from increased tourism and educational initiatives, which could lead to job creation and economic growth. However, they could also be adversely affected by insufficient stakeholder engagement in park changes, such as boundary modifications or land use decisions. Conservationists might appreciate efforts to increase stewardship capacities through the proposed institute but might have concerns over non-specific guidelines related to land use and environmental sustainability. Educational institutions could find opportunities to partner with the park, enhancing curricula related to conservation and natural sciences, though uncertainties related to the institute’s operation might limit these prospects.
In summary, while the bill aims to enhance the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and its offerings, the lack of clarity and detailed planning in several areas could result in both positive and negative consequences for the park's stakeholders and the broader public.
Issues
The amendment allows for the acquisition of land by donation, purchase, transfer, or exchange without specifying criteria or limitations, leading to potential favoritism or abuse in selecting donors or sellers. This issue is found in Section 3.
The purpose and scope of the National Park Service Stewardship Institute are broad, which might lead to inefficient allocation of resources or lack of clarity. There are no specific accountability measures or metrics for evaluating the success of the Institute's programs, creating concerns about transparency and responsible use of funding. This issue is found in Sections 5 and 6.
The section detailing land use for agricultural, forestry, and educational purposes lacks specific guidelines or objectives, which raises concerns about the potential environmental impact and oversight of these activities. This issue is found in Section 3.
The bill does not specify a budget or funding source for the National Park Service Stewardship Institute, making it unclear how the program will be financially supported and sustainable. This issue is found in Sections 5 and 6.
The lack of consultation or coordination with local communities, stakeholders, or experts in agriculture or conservation could lead to decisions not in the best interest of the local ecosystem or community. This issue is found in Section 3.
The map providing the revised boundaries (numbered 456/190,048) is not described in detail, making it difficult to assess the impact of revisions or the reasons for the proposed boundary changes. This issue is found in Section 4.
The short title section does not provide details about amendments, changes, or impacts of the Act, potentially obscuring the implications and objectives. This issue is found in Section 1.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the Act can be officially called the “Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2024.”
2. Boundary expansion Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section revises the boundaries of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, as depicted on a specific map from August 2023. It includes a historic zone with the mansion and surrounding buildings, a protection zone with the Billings Farm and Museum, and the King Farm divided between these zones, with the map available for public viewing.
3. Acquisition of land Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The proposed changes to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act allow the Secretary to acquire land for the park through various means, such as donation, purchase, or exchange, and specify that the King Farm land can be used for farming, conservation, and educational purposes while preserving its historic character.
4. Scenic zone Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Section 4 of the bill updates the description of a specific map related to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, changing the map's reference and date to a new version from August 2023.
5. National Park Service Stewardship Institute Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The amendment to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute at the park, aimed at promoting stewardship practices, fostering innovation, and enhancing leadership in conservation and resource management. The Institute will conduct workshops, encourage research and dialogue, and facilitate partnership development and community engagement.
6. National Park Service Stewardship Institute Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text establishes the National Park Service Stewardship Institute at the park, which aims to promote stewardship through educational programs, innovation sharing, and enhancing leadership and community involvement in conservation. The Institute will be managed as part of the park's program.