Overview
Title
To adjust the boundary of Big Bend National Park in the State of Texas, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
Big Bend National Park in Texas wants to get some extra land, like adding more pieces to a puzzle. They won't force anyone to sell their land, but will accept it as a gift or trade, and once they have it, they'll take care of it just like the rest of the park.
Summary AI
S. 1112 proposes to adjust the boundaries of the Big Bend National Park in Texas. The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land depicted on a specified map through donation or exchange, but not through eminent domain. Once acquired, the land will become part of the park and be managed under existing laws and regulations related to national parks. The map detailing these adjustments will be available for public viewing at National Park Service offices.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The proposed legislation, titled the "Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act," aims to modify the boundaries of Big Bend National Park in Texas. This modification involves acquiring approximately 6,100 acres of land through donation or exchange. Once acquired, this land will be officially included in the park and administered under existing laws pertaining to national parks. Notably, the bill prohibits the use of eminent domain or condemnation to acquire land, thus requiring voluntary participation from landowners.
Significant Issues with the Bill
Several issues arise from the current text of the bill. First, the process for determining fair valuation of the land when acquired via donation or exchange lacks detail, which could lead to concerns about transparency and financial integrity. Furthermore, the map that defines the proposed boundary adjustments is referenced, but no information is given about how or where the map can be accessed by the public, either physically or online. This lack of accessibility might obscure the bill's full implications.
Additionally, the bill does not specify a timeline or deadline for the acquisition and boundary adjustment process. The absence of a concrete timetable could result in delays or indefinite postponements, hindering project progress. The bill also lacks sufficient details on regulatory guidance for managing the newly acquired lands, potentially resulting in inconsistent conservation practices or administrative standards.
Public Impact
Broadly, adjusting the boundaries of Big Bend National Park could contribute positively to environmental conservation efforts by expanding the protected area. This expansion could enhance preservation of local wildlife and natural resources, benefitting ecosystems and potentially improving tourism and local economies dependent on park visitors.
However, without clear information on fair valuation and land acquisition methods, there might be public concern over how funds are managed and the transparency of the process. The vague timeline might lead to frustration with an open-ended process that could stall at any stage, reducing potential benefits or causing uncertainty for individuals and communities neighboring the park.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For local landowners, the prohibition of eminent domain is reassuring, as they are assured that their land will not be forcibly acquired. On the other hand, the bill does not address how disputes over voluntary acquisition may be resolved, potentially leaving some landowners in uncertain positions.
For conservationists and environmental advocates, the bill presents an opportunity to protect more land within a national park framework. Yet, inadequate information on how new land will be managed poses questions about the effectiveness of these protections.
Local communities could benefit from increased tourism and economic opportunities if the expanded park attracts more visitors. Nevertheless, these potential economic benefits hinge on clear execution and timeline adherence, which the bill currently lacks.
In conclusion, while the intent of the bill is to enhance Big Bend National Park and thereby support environmental and economic goals, several issues related to transparency, governance, and administration require careful consideration to ensure broad-based support and effective implementation.
Issues
The lack of specificity regarding the method of acquisition (donation or exchange) in Section 3 creates uncertainty about how fair valuation will be determined, which is important for ensuring financial responsibility and transparency, especially concerning public trust and taxpayer interests.
Section 2 defines 'map' but does not provide an accessible location or means to view it online. This lack of accessibility could hinder transparency and public understanding of the boundary adjustment's scope, potentially drawing criticism from those with limited physical access to the National Park Service offices.
Section 3 does not include a specific timeline or deadline for the land acquisition and boundary revision process. This omission could lead to delays, indefinite postponements, or even halt progress entirely, affecting stakeholders reliant on clear, actionable timelines.
Section 2 lacks clarity on the potential financial implications and jurisdictional changes that could arise from the boundary adjustment, leaving questions about the economic and legal impacts of the adjustment on local communities and stakeholders.
The lack of specific regulatory guidance on how the newly acquired land in Section 3 will be administered may lead to inconsistent management practices, potentially affecting environmental standards and conservation efforts within the newly adjusted park boundaries.
The prohibition of eminent domain or condemnation in Section 3 without addressing potential disputes with landowners over voluntary acquisition could lead to legal challenges or resistance from landowners uncomfortable with the process.
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 first section of the act specifies its short title, stating that it may be referred to as the "Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act."
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The definitions section of this act clarifies that "map" refers to a specific map of Big Bend National Park for proposed boundary adjustments, "Park" refers to the Big Bend National Park itself as established in 1935, and "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Interior.
3. Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is allowed to acquire around 6,100 acres of land to adjust the boundary of Big Bend National Park either by donation or exchange. Once any land is acquired, it will be added to the park, but eminent domain cannot be used to obtain this land.