Overview
Title
To provide greater regional access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in the State of Maine, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
This bill is like a plan to make it easier for people to visit a special park in Maine. It lets people buy or swap land to make the park bigger, and it says people can still do fun things there like fishing and picking plants.
Summary AI
The bill, titled the “Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act,” aims to enhance access to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire additional land through purchase, donation, or exchange without using eminent domain, and expand the boundaries of the monument accordingly. Furthermore, it guarantees that existing activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering fiddlehead ferns can continue under certain conditions and emphasizes collaboration with local communities and Tribal governments for public education. The bill also includes provisions for ensuring public safety and acquiring administrative sites to support management and visitor services for the monument.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act, introduced in the Senate, aims to expand access and improve the management of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument located in Maine. This bill primarily focuses on acquiring additional lands to extend the boundaries of the National Monument, managing these lands effectively, and engaging in public education and safety initiatives. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to purchase, exchange, or accept donations of land, provided they come from willing sellers. Importantly, the bill prohibits the use of eminent domain for such acquisitions. The Secretary is responsible for administering these lands while considering existing outdoor recreational activities and collaborating with local communities.
Summary of Significant Issues
One critical issue is the lack of transparency regarding the "Authorized Acquisition Area," which is outlined on a specific map that may not be easily accessible to stakeholders. Without visibility into what this map entails, it could be challenging for the public and interested parties to understand the potential impacts on regional land use.
Another area of concern is the ambiguity surrounding the definition of a "willing seller," which is crucial for the acquisition process. Without clear criteria or a transparent process, disputes could arise over land purchases, potentially stalling the expansion efforts.
Furthermore, the absence of detailed financial planning and budgeting allocations for implementing the bill could lead to challenges in resource management and enforcement. This is compounded by the bill's lack of specific guidelines on setting land values, risk management of overharvesting natural resources, and expenditure caps.
Potential Public Impact
The bill could broadly impact the public by increasing access to recreational activities within the National Monument, fostering economic benefits through tourism, and preserving the area's natural and historical heritage. The inclusion of public education programs and collaboration with local communities could enhance public knowledge and appreciation of the site's cultural and environmental significance.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Environmentalists and conservationists might view the bill positively because it expands protected areas, thus helping preserve more natural habitats. However, they might be concerned about the lack of specifics regarding sustainable resource management, particularly the unrestricted gathering of natural materials like fiddlehead ferns.
Local and tribal communities could benefit from increased engagement and collaboration, potentially leading to more inclusive management practices. However, the lack of specific details on stakeholder involvement might lead to varied experiences and outcomes in collaboration efforts.
Private entities and landowners could be impacted both positively and negatively. While some might benefit from opportunities to sell land, others may feel pressure due to vagueness in defining a "willing seller," which might create apprehension and perceived intrusion.
In conclusion, while the bill undoubtedly aims to enhance and protect the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, careful attention to transparency, procedural clarity, and resource allocation will be crucial for fully realizing these objectives and addressing stakeholder concerns effectively.
Issues
The definition of 'AUTHORIZED ACQUISITION AREA' in Section 2 specifies a map numbered 686/193,181 and dated March 2024, which may not be publicly available or easily accessible. This lack of accessibility can create difficulties for stakeholders who need to verify the designated area, potentially leading to transparency and accountability issues.
Section 3 does not provide clear criteria or a process for identifying a 'willing seller,' potentially leading to ambiguity or disputes during the land acquisition process. Additionally, there's no specific guidance on land valuation, which could result in inconsistent or inflated purchase prices.
Section 4 does not specify any budget or financial allocation for the administration or activities related to the National Monument. This absence of financial planning could result in future funding issues or inadequate implementation of the management and administration of the area.
The provision in Section 5 allowing for land acquisition of up to 10 acres does not specify a budget cap on expenditure, raising concerns about potential overspending. Additionally, the phrase 'in the vicinity' is vague, leading to ambiguity in the interpretation of how far away from the National Monument land can be acquired.
The term 'PROCLAMATION' in Section 2 references a specific Presidential Proclamation but lacks context or a summary of its contents. This lack of information could be problematic for individuals who do not have access to the full text of the proclamation, leading to gaps in understanding the legal foundation of the National Monument.
The language in Section 4 about collaboration with 'affected stakeholders' is vague, potentially leading to inconsistent collaboration practices. There should be a clearer definition of who these stakeholders are to ensure comprehensive and effective collaboration.
Section 4(c) allows the gathering of fiddlehead ferns but lacks specific quantity limits, which could lead to overharvesting and environmental impact concerns.
In Section 5, the lack of a competitive process or criteria for agreements with private entities could lead to favoritism or lack of transparency in the decision-making 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 section provides the official short title of the act, stating that it may be called the “Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act.”
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section provides definitions for different terms used in the Act: "authorized acquisition area" refers to an area outside the National Monument's boundary for potential acquisition, "National Monument" refers to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine, "Proclamation" relates to a specific presidential announcement from August 2016, and "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
3. Acquisition of additional land for National Monument Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines how additional land can be added to a National Monument. It states that the Secretary can purchase, receive as a donation, or exchange land but cannot use eminent domain. Once acquired, the new land becomes part of the National Monument, and its boundaries are adjusted to include the new area.
4. Administration of National Monument Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is tasked with managing the National Monument according to specific laws and is required to permit activities like hunting, fishing, and gathering fiddlehead ferns, provided these activities don't harm the area. The Secretary will also educate the public about the area's history and collaborate with local communities, including ensuring public safety around logging operations.
5. Administrative sites and visitor facilities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary has the authority to purchase, receive as a donation, or exchange up to 10 acres of land to manage the National Monument and provide visitor services nearby. They can also create agreements with the State of Maine, local governments, or private groups to assist in these activities and to establish an information center for visitors.