Document jyx3bYJNzzxra1yQ9Y8zJgRmN

B. User-friendly Planning: How can the BLM help state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders understand and participate in the planning process? Solution #3 B. User-friendly Planning: How can the BLM help state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders understand and participate in the planning process? Solution #4 C. Transparency: How can the BLM foster greater transparency in the NEPA process? Solution #1 C. Transparency: How can the BLM foster greater transparency in the NEPA process? Solution #2 C. Transparency: How can the BLM foster greater transparency in the NEPA process? Solution #3 C. Transparency: How can the BLM foster greater transparency in the NEPA process? Solution #4 D. Being Good Neighbors: How can the BLM build trust and better integrate the needs of state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders? Solution #1 D. Being Good Neighbors: How can the BLM build trust and better integrate the needs of state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders? Solution #2 Time frames for BLM decisions Use of standard protocols for decision making. Imperative to remember that after consideration made for these local entities, they not completely outweigh the opinions of national voices Publish documentation that clearly shows the role played by industry groups and others, in crafting reports to BLM Do a better job educating local citizenry on the need for various management practices Keep in mind that in effort to protect natural resources, there WILL be instances when local interests and industry groups will be displeased. Do not tilt the balance excessively in favor of economics. Field offices should keep in close contact via mail, email, phone, etc...with local government officials and solicit their comments on plans and projects. The field offices do a good job at this now. Documents are available for public review on web sites. If someone is hired to write an environmental clear, making the hiring process clear and open. Indicate who wrote what part of the review. Have web access to see previous versions and why they were changed. Statements should be on no more than two type written pages, 12 font. By not conducting shams like this one. Trump administration appointees do not care about Americans. You don't work for American workers, you work for billionaires and Russian interests. Become familiar with state and local land use/resource management plans and truly strive to make BLM plans consistent with these plans to the greatest degree possible. BLM damaged trust levels during the "Planning 2.0" process, when a set of new regulations was rushed through in the waning days of the prior administration over the objections of many local government officials in the West. To rebuild trust, the BLM needs to show county and state officials that it values our comments and is truly striving to make BLM plans consistent with local plans. Put more in the budget for spending time with community members and purchasing refreshments. It is ridiculous when BLM holds a public meeting and has RAC members and the public bring their own or pay for coffee. Move the policy and decision making to the fieldout of Washington! Tribes? Are you kidding me? See Trump's decision on XL pipeline. Trump administration would be happier if all tribal people would die off. You showed no respect to tribal people during this decision on the pipeline. See my solution for question A regarding San Pedro Water Shed All roads on BLM land that have been closed must The Antiquities Act must be rescinded or amended. Seek support of applicable county commissions, Publish all proposals and conduct well-announced be reopened to restore the public's access to public If the amendment route is taken, all changes of land state legislatures and LOCAL tribal leaders (where public hearings. land unless closure is ratified by county commissions status from "multiple use" to monument, park, applicable) of all proposals, rules, policies, etc. Note AND the state legislatures and LOCAL tribal leaders wilderness status, etc. must be initiated at the local that the US Constitution clearly limits federal land (where applicable). Note that the US Constitution or state level -- not from environmental activists or ownership to that obtained "by the Consent of the clearly limits federal land ownership to that lame-duck presidents in the final days of their Legislature of the State". obtained "by the Consent of the Legislature of the administrations. Note that the US Constitution State". clearly limits federal land ownership to that obtained "by the Consent of the Legislature of the State". All changes in status must be severely limited to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features -- not vast tracts of land, most does NOT comprise significant natural, cultural, or scientific Conduct annual audits of BLM rules, policies, plans, etc. to identify and merge "duplicative and disproportionate analyses". Require that all public meetings on specific projects be webcast so that people do not have to travel for meetings, lowering carbon footprint and travel time. Develop a corps of Volunteers to assist in data Develop a question and answer website similar to collection, assist in on-site reviews and help with Facebook Discussion groups for each Field Office office data analysis and reporting. Make volunteer coordination/public contact a performance appraisal item for each BLM employee Public Map database of all NEPA projects and layers by program type. Include land status as a layer on the map database so public can visualize project location and scale I'm my opinion it's been pretty smooth but staying with gpx files would help a lot We know our Interior and BLM Directors are political; unfortunately they are much too pro ranching and other profit making special interests. Leave the planning system with emphasis on protecting public land. Change nothing Be upfront with everything from the beginning. Some groups want to hold meetings in private and then after all the paperwork is signed, reveal it to the public, when the public had very little input in the whole process, or the public's input was not utilized. When this planning process is going on, ensure the public has someone involved that has no ties to OHV recreation, non-motorized recreation on the planning team. They could be the sounding board of the general public in how the area is used for future generations. At the end of the day, we all want to be able to recreate on OUR public lands, and do it responsibly. The BLM must give up all law-enforcement authority. Instead, the BLM should rely on the sheriffs for all law enforcement functions. All changes of land status from "multiple use" to monument, park, wilderness status, etc. must be initiated at the local or state level -- not from environmental activists or lame-duck presidents in the final days of their administrations. Note that the US Constitution clearly limits federal land ownership to that obtained "by the Consent of the Legislature of the State". All changes in status must be severely limited to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features -- not vast tracts of land, most does NOT comprise significant natural, cultural, or scientific features. Send BLM representatives to Town Council and County Commission meetings in each Field Office jurisdiction Make it known that BLM officials are available to speak when invited to public meetings and make attendance a priority for managers Here you go again with your obvious intent to favor local government. These groups do not have the interest of all citizens in mind. Change nothing Ensure the stakeholders represent all potential users All forms of recreation generate income for the during the planning process. As a facilitator, if the state and local governments and businesses in the group gets too large, it is hard to get a consensus at area. Recognize that these economic impacts have a times. It is possible, but just harder. The direct impact on peoples lives and how they feel collaborative process that has been used in other about the stakeholders and land managers. Some areas for the planning process has worked, and forms of recreation generate more income for the people have been able to come to a consensus on local areas than others, and they all have a huge what is best for the land and the users. We all have impact on the local communities. to remember that protecting the land is first, and if it can be used responsibly while all users get a good experience, it is a win for everyone. We would like to send you a document. Please We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. provide an email address. Thank you. How can we make comments or recommendations on streamlining the process when we don't understand fully the process as it now stands? Allow ALL stakeholders to participate in management plans, not just permittees, commercial interests. We would like to send you a document. Please We would like to send you a document. Please We would like to send you a document. Please We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. provide an email address. Thank you. provide an email address. Thank you. provide an email address. Thank you. Communicate with manufacturers to promote state Give stakeholders plenty of time to prepare for Promote the idea of a separate fund for fire control & local meetings using their dealerships as hubs. meetings, make comments. Promote, promote, so that more funding can be used to promote these promote. Try using proven marketing ideas and ideas. This has been proposed but as far as I know, formulas to make sure all stakeholders are aware of the Dept of the Interior and Congress has not meetings. followed thru or haven't been willing to fully address this problem. Be prepared to utilize scientific resources used in management decisions. Stick to your guns when confronted by critical "locals." We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. Listen with an open mind, not with a pre-planned agenda. We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. Try to understand what Secretary Zinke is trying to do. And trust him. If you trust him, maybe we can trust you. describe,examples of what to comment on easy to access notices and what they contain and what decisions are being decided on Boots on the ground!! more people doing fewer overlapping jobs so they can concentrate on the public or other agencies. minimize bundling of jobs as people retire/transfer. Retain, and recrute people oriented and solution oriented employees Do not only pander to developers in Purpose and Need Statements. All Environmental Assessments should require longer reviews. Do not issue a FONSI with each Environmental Assessment. Fix your website and restore all of the information that was on there. We get "Page Not Found" for most searches. Do not hide developer information over Trade Secrets. Allow all Developers Plans to be publicly available. If you double the time for all NEPA review, more Lengthen all NEPA review so people have time to people will know what is happening. NEPA requires comment. time for people to understand. Fix you website so people know what is going on. This is the least transparent BLM in history. Be clear to stakeholders they do not own the land Be clear to stakeholders the time frame of resource Be clear science will be the determining factor in and never will. management is hundreds of years and not less. land use. It takes so long and expensive to get any project done on the land, that all parties agree on except those that don't want cattle, cars or people on the land. The best managed lands are managed local. The best managed lands are the ones the ranchers and BLM have worked on the bring water and feed to the land which brings wildlife and great pastures for cattle and other livestock. We seem to have a cut and reduce mentality instead of a growth and increase grazing possibilities mentality. I believe we do need to look at the impact the decisions will make on the land but we need to realize of the best managed lands for grazing are the best Managed lands for everything else Be clear that the land is not for local use and control only. Trust is built by having a clear land use policy that looks at the big picture and long term. Stop the lying. BLM employees will openly make false statements about whether or not data exists, whether or not it is accessible and where it is. Sometimes it is their gross incompetence. Other times it is pure dishonesty. Give the stakeholders the same data BLM uses in planning so they can repeat the same process and come to the same conclusions. The withholding of relevant information has become a shocking norm within BLM. Be consistent. Don't have a meeting or two at the Provide the same data BLM will use to stakeholders. Again - train BLM employees on how to collect start of a planning process, check off the public Don't pretend it doesn't exist. Don't hide the data. scientific data that is repeatable. Collect data that meeting box on your checklist, then do your shows trends. Provide that data and the methods planning internally. Be real. Actually continue so others could repeat it and get the same results. working with stakeholders, especially local governments, from start to finish. The current fake process is a sham. Coordination at the start then total silence or meaningless communication updates while doing all real planning behind closed doors is NOT acceptable and creates bad plans that harm local, regional and national economies. Purge the agenda driven jaundice employees that Purge management that protects and even cowers Honesty would be a good start. Omission of facts, Find people in BLM that care abut the community. feel they need to hide data and treat stakeholders as to the rabid agenda driven employees within BLM data and agendas is a form of dishonesty. We can't Purge the arrogant, jaundice employees who are though they are the enemy. that seem to be able to intimidate the masses. It start working together in a meaningful way until we there to dictate big government ideas and ways of has been fascinating to see who really runs some have honesty. doing business. BLM offices - it is not always the manager. At times a veteran long term employees is the real influencer. That employee can wreak havoc. Stop the nonsense. Run BLM like a business. Notice of publication in the federal register is important. Notice should be sent out at multiple times. Comment periods during mining season are unhelpful as most miners are out in the field. Ensure that comment periods take place after mining seasons. Reach out. Be pro-active. Ensure a good presence on the WWW. Genuinely obtain, consider and address their issues. Make final decisions in the field. Authorize the field to make all decisions without time delays and policitcal influences that current Washington DC reviews create. Could be like the Prez - tweet every action in the process... BLM should partner with local libraries and city governments to post information about NEPA meetings and reports. Seriously, just more correspondence through more varieties of media to reach more people. This might even include paper posts on community bulletin boards, at the Livestock Sale Barn, etc. In Montezuma County, CO, a chief complaint among ranchers, etc., is they have no idea what the federal government is doing. BLM is going to have to occasionally "throw a bone" to these conservative local governments. Some compromise that doesn't impact the environment but does make them feel like they've won one. BLM Planning 2.0 processes should be reinstated. BLM employees should regularly meet with community stakeholders by travelling to them. BLM managers should be mire transparent by acknowledging and incorporating reviews and input from staff specialists. On the contrary, BLM managers rely on too much input from local people and governments and should instead rely on inputfrom the public at large. Require notice and publication for every project. Require Environmental Impact Statements for every Publish meeting notices. project, and invite public comment for every project. Stop blanket permitting such as Nationwide Permit 12, which is anti-transparency Ensure companies demonstrate good faith and make Ensure full compliance with local regulations that a genuine to engage with the communities--i.e. may be unique to each state, county, city, or tribal counties, cities, tribal nations--where they plan their jurisdiction. projects Exercise due diligence in engaging the general public. Exercise due diligence in engaging community leaders. The BLM could develop web-based presentations that any prospective participant could view. The BLM could prepare (and use) an email alert system for all governmental entities and other organizations that have standing interest in all BLM projects. Implement Planning 2.0 Be meticulous in following the NEPA process, as it already incorporates important transparency protocols. Hold and adequate number of meetings that are well advertised and open to all (at times and places that are convenient to all). Update project websites frequently. Look to the SCIENCE. NO INDUSTRIES allowed in the process. Implement Planning 2.0 Trust is built through frequent consultation and a Accommodate state, local, tribal, and other groups behavior that is fair to all sides. Invite everyone to when possible, but never when honoring their contribute but be firm that it is the BLM that makes requests would result in land degradation. Logging, decisions and that the primary responsibility of the for example, should always be done in a sustainable BLM is to administer its lands for the benefit of the way. Mineral extraction should always be required American people. to have minimal surface disturbance and (accompanied by adequate escrow payments) to restore that disturbed surface to close to its original condition when finished. Be fair but firm! KEEP INDUSTRY OUT. Keep science and communities in. Stop lying for starters. Listen to the public not industry nor the Trump administration! Listen to the public not industry nor the Trump administration! Discrete implies secret. Already, you are scaring the public around this. The public wants TRUE transparency. Go to the traditional media and talk about what you Stop listening to industry and the Trump are actually planning on doing - so the public knows. administration. Show some spine! Give more time for public input. This whole process seems like a joke intended to give the illusion of input. Streamlining is -excellent-, but I definitely want to You would also do a great service by making see opportunities for -the public- (not just local announcements via city or county Facebook pages - jurisdictional entities) locally to comment on rules not -govt.- pages but those operated for the people that will affect them (their use of BLM lands, and any of the area. This is more and more important a activities on BLM lands that will result in industrial news tool for rural areas that tend to have traffic and pollution through/in their neighborhoods, increasingly moribund newspapers and tend -not- to which affects public health and safety -and- property have radio stations to make up for this increasing values and community way of life). Please lack of news power. Thank you. acknowledge that many local newspapers have lower and lower readership, and allow enough time for announcements to filter through the grapevine before action must be taken by the public. Stop listening to the local county commissioners in Utah and the state officials in Utah and the US representatives from Utah, who do NOT represent the views of their constituents. Share with the public. Listen to the public. Eschew Obfuscation Eschew Obfuscation Don't let industry secretly dictate environmental processes Of course industry opposes any regulations that might cut into profits or delay financial gain! If they were truly concerned about the health of our public lands, they wouldn't be opposed to a process that carefully evaluates environmental impact. As a steward of our public lands, BLM has an obligation to do what is best to protect our natural and cultural resources. Our long-term public and environmental health is not worth any private company's short-term profits. Keep NEPA the way it is. It is transparent. Eschew Obfuscation Eschew Obfuscation I don't know how they work, so it would be pointless for me to comment on this point. The BLM can build trust by actually incorporating public input, rather than skipping over it to follow the dictates of industry. This will be difficult given the current administration, but at least you could try. Keep NEPA the way it is. Stakeholders already have opportunity to comment Listen carefully to what they say! Hold public meetings that are open to all. Allow plenty of time for people to understand issues. I think the current NEPA process is transparent. No changes are needed. NEPA is law and BLM cannot undermine it NEPA has withstood many legal challenges over the years. It is the best tool we have to protect public lands from ill-conceived actions. Parts of the act frustrate industry factions because it provides multiple opportunities for public input. However, it is intentionally a rigorous process designed to uphold public trust and scientific integrity. Any action BLM takes must follow laws and: Use the best available science Fully explore reasonable alternatives Solicit and consider public input in an accessible, transparent process Continue to follow the law that established NEPA. Publize each stage of the process. No shortcuts. Adequate public meetings and public input at all stages are always helpful in achieving trust. Provide adequate time for Public comment. The federal government is legally required to be a trustee of tribal lands, resources and sovereignty. Tribes should be full partners in decision making. Except for states, Tribes have a different standing than other stakeholders such as extractive industries. They are governments and should be treated as such. NEPA should be a rigorous process to incorporate best available science and input from stakeholders into decision making process. Listen to what we have to say and take it seriously. Don't give industry a bigger say. They only care about profit, not our public lands. Plan to share the enormous responsibility of Prepare Public Meetings so everyone can be documentation to avoid burn out. Plan to share the involved, not just some. Provide for adequate enormous responsibility of documentation to avoid attendance halls, for many not just some. burn out. Just like Fire hires AD's; Administratively Determined, a category of temporary employment on a fire. A person hired and compensated under the Pay Plan for NEPA Workers. Utilize local papers, the internet, have ENBB updated consistently, provide phone numbers & addresses, assign one person to respond to phone calls, one for letters, one for email. Post all the comments you receive so these Follow the NEPA Act as stated in the law: "To Follow the NEPA Process as stated in the law: The Hire rangers, volunteers, recreation, range, water, Communicate with those in your office and those thoughts and comments can be built upon or maybe declare national policy which will encourage NEPA process is the evaluation of the relevant NEPA, wildlife, cartology, clubs, colleges, schools, stakeholders outside the office. Agencies are they provide enough information to ignite other productive and enjoyable harmony between man environmental effects of a federal project or action universities; all manner of folks to be out in the field infamous for not letting the right hand know what thoughts and concerns. and his environment; to promote efforts which will mandated by NEPA. Process begins when an agency talking up proposals. the left hand is doing, one of the cons of prevent or eliminate damage to the environment develops a proposal addressing a need to take bureaucracy. and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare action. If determined proposed action is NEPA, of man; to enrich the understanding of the three levels of analysis that a federal agency must ecological systems and natural resources important undertake to comply with the law. These three to the Nation; and to establish a Council on levels preparation of a Categorical Exclusion; Environmental Quality." environmental assessment (EA); and either a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), or, preparation/drafting of environmental impact statement. Draft EISs for 45 day comments, unless extended or reduced. Final EISs shall extend for 30 day comments. Keep strong environmental review practices. Don't cut out public input and attention to environmental impacts. Giving the public a chance to weigh in on decisions and evaluating the environmental impact of actions is not only the law, it's also the best thing for our public lands. Industries should not form environmental policy. Of course industry opposes any regulations that might cut into profits or delay financial gain! If they were truly concerned about the health of our public lands, they wouldn't be opposed to a process that carefully evaluates environmental impact. As a steward of our public lands, BLM has an obligation to do what is best to protect our natural and cultural resources. A corporations short term profits are not worth the long term health of OUR resources! Work with other the other stakeholders.Try to understand where they are coming from. Transparency is critical. A robust and user friendly online database and reporting system is essential. Provide comprehensive FAQs for specific projects Hold public hearings at convenient places and times--Publish easy-to-find updates on social media and on Use "plain English" to explain the process with pro's and con's explained not 10am or 2pm when most people are at work. your website Provide timetables, deadlines and calendars on your website and on social media with ample time for the public to attend and/or respond. Industries and their self-serving wants should not form environmental policy. As a steward of our public lands, BLM has an Keep America great by protecting and preserving obligation to do what is best to protect our natural our irreplaceable natural resources. and cultural resources. The federal agencies have an obligation to serve all Americans, not just industry. Public hearings should always be held in the largest cities in the states/regions affected. Too often, public hearings are held in smaller towns. Even if the smaller towns are closer to the activity, there are more stakeholders in the larger areas and they should not have to travel to attend the public hearings. Examples in the Grand Junction, Colorado area is that hearings are usually held in Delta or Rifle when they should also be held in Grand Junction, and probably Salt Lake City and Denver. Holding the hearings where the audience is so restricted creates rancor and suspicion. Reestablish field office based websites for participating in planning efforts Don't cut out public input and attention to environmental impacts. Maintaining a strong environmental review process will lead to better trust among stakeholders. Tell the truth Be fair to all parties I am using my previous answer. If BLM wants to appear transparent, have public hearings where more people can attend. Public hearings should always be held in the largest cities in the states/regions affected. Often, public hearings are held in smaller towns. Smaller towns may be closer to the activity, but there are more stakeholders in the larger areas who should not have to travel to attend the public hearings. Examples in the Grand Junction, Colorado area is that hearings are usually held in Delta or Rifle when they should also be held in Grand Junction, and probably Salt Lake City and Denver. Holding the hearings where the audience is so , . i i Trust can be built by listening to the will of the Perhaps a voting process of some sort, if it could people and tribal governments. All too often, in not be corrupted, would show a democratic spite of opposition to how land is being leased for process. oil, gas and grazing, the BLM has turned their back on the general public, who owns the land. Clearly identify and articulate field office public lands issues By ignoring politics and the heavy hand of industry The american public is the main stakeholder not corporations and extractive industries. stop destroying the environment! stop destroying the environment! Always show the adjustments to the plans as the process advances. Do not make informational meeting lectures. Rather continue in-put at all times and let the people decide via consensus!!!! notify all stakeholders give adequate time for feedback Keep the NEPA process, and don't cut the people out of the process. stop destroying the environment! stop destroying the environment! stop destroying the environment! Environmental Scientists must first make protection The BLM must start with the most protective option plans. BLM agents must them have extreme always and have court approval to makes any overriding reasons to change these protection plans. changes to this! An independent judiciary must approve of these changes and write them into a Record of Decision for each project. Time is crucial transparency! Include more citizens/stakeholders in the process. These need to be people who will communicate the proposed changes to their wide communities. stop destroying the environment! use local news sources to inform public involve environmental groups as well as industry end revolving door policy between regulators and all hearings open to public lobbyists/industry Listen to the locals and the people, all of them, not just the ones you agree with. Give everyone ample time to comment and make their opinions known, and then listen to them. stop destroying the environment! stop destroying the environment! Again. Clearly starting with the most Have management plans designed and explained by environmentally protective science-based expert environmental scientists. management plan and requiring a court to change the ROD puts the power back into the hands of the people. Listen!!!! Communicate decisions to stakeholders and citizens. Use local newspapers. employ environmentalists waiting period before lobbyists can be employed by blm Ensuring that there are clear links to all proposed changes, input and planning documents on the website Ensure that the public is informed via all available processes, news media, social media. BLM needs to build public trust by staying independent of industry. Show us that you are doing that. Put it all online (meetings) Actually pay attention to the input of all parties! Industry should not be the authors of public policy. BLM needs to build public trust by staying independent of industry. Show us that you are doing that. Communication Education Advertise in several different media when a comment or scoping period is open. local governments need more input so that the local I would like to see the BLM state director as an public is involved in the process elected position by the state residents Have the public be part of the process Involve all neighboring land management agencies, If the project is in an area impacting native or other- environmental stakeholders, and local people, access than-English speaking people, fund a native speaker to planning early in the process. to translate and spread information about the project. Fund translations and native speakers to disseminate information through native communities. bring them in at the start of the process not after bring in all the stake holders , don't just pick a few they have stated Utilize local and state planning to streamline processes The greatest transparency is available only in the full NEPA process. Shortcuts can lead to some stakeholders being left out. Publicize through social media hold outreach meetings to stakeholders Create awareness communication and education campaigns The full NEPA is the best way to build trust. It was developed after thorough study, and though it takes time and some may be annoyed by this, its very thoroughness builds trust. As stated earlier, utilize social media As stated earlier, conduct meetings that educate local groups Have meetings in already well used venues, even Brew Pubs The BLM can foster greater transparency in the NEPA process by involving the People during the process. Publish your drafts in digital form and "advertise" to digital users Build on B solutions and keep all interested parties in the loop at every step. Electronic communications make this feasible and low cost. Make transparency a priority! It seems ridiculously contorted as it currently is practiced, with timelines and stages, diagrams, etc. Seems designed to purposely obfuscate and confuse. Standard procedures and a single carefully constructed flow chart put together by people trained in design and communication might help. Seems really important that every step is shown to be value added The BLM can build trust and better integrate the needs of state and local government, tribal partners and the People by involving them in the process. Make sure your drafts show how each type of stakeholders interests have been address and make sure diverse groups are asked for input. Give presentations of your drafts to all governmental bodies with interest in the land issue being addressed. Avoid the temptation to use the process to achieve Regulations must honor commitments to public a foregone conclusion which one must wonder if health, landscape integrity and the interests of this exercise is an example of..... future generations over the shorter term economic gain of vested interests. Build a better organization by shoring up the management hierarchy. As it is currently, managers at every level seem to shoot from the hip, resulting in wild inconsistency from place to place, and too much of each individual's personality is what sets the tone for the BLM-stakeholder relationship Surveys like this one are good. Involve local communities directly. Name the private companies lobbying for short term profits. Make long term public and environmental health decisions clear. Give more than 21 days for public comment. Increase local community involvement and awareness. Name the industries that are pressuring BLM. Industries should not form public policy. Do not attempt to rush the NEPA process. Give more than 21 days for public comment. Slow down! I, personally, respect and trust the BLM and believe Where there is not trust there is, then, the it tries hard -- in general -- to manage land perception of adversarial interests. responsibly. Make informations available online so we can see the comments. Minutes of how decisions are made and voting if there is any identifying individuals. We should not have to use the freedom of information act. Open meetings Be clear on all motives for any changes Make solutions that fit local & national concerns Keep money available for programs that protect wild places that support local communities. At times too much attention is give to local vested interests. Remember these lands belong to everyone in the country. Ranchers that overgraze are damaging the land and yet BLM does not make they cut back their AUMs along with the current water conditions. County Commissioners have way too much power in Utah and represent very personal interests, not a national vision for land use. They also make false claims which the BLM does nothing to contradict. BLM needs to expose those who don't manage the land correctly. should charge for cattle damage, etc. Monetary concerns on the local level will always be Are more important than just making money. We pushing against bigger national concerns. To develop need our public lands to stay public. a consensus the government needs to understand that some things There is an inherent problem with the concept of The rest of our time is filled with work, families and public involvement processes such as focus groups. other obligations. Motorized recreationists are Motorized recreationists are not likely to participate legitimate taxpaying citizens and have a true need to in these type of formal processes. Most of us simply recreate on public land. Processes such as focus want to go out and enjoy the outdoors using our groups, collaboration, etc. must adequately motor vehicles in what little spare time we have. recognize and account for our needs without the This is what re-creation is for us. "you must participate in our game or lose your recreation" that they set as the ground rules. Otherwise these types of processes are simply different schemes to squeeze legitimate use by citizens from out public land. The best solution is to get out of the offices and the meeting rooms and go out to our multiple-use public lands and observe what the public is doing and what they need to enjoy it. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt If a member of the public asks for a copy of a document cited in the EA, don't make them file a FOIA request for it, just email them the document and move on. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Get rid of the current unhelpful web design and let Stop making decisions after the NEPA is done that the districts go back to having control over their change the entire project without telling anyone. own content, including NEPA and project planning. And no, e-planning does NOT do that job. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Public meetings for allto hear and be heard. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Legislation that gives the BLM the authority to consider outside needs. Right now the statutes, including NEPA, give BLM the ability to consider BLM needs. But no office is going to waste the limited resources they get to write a NEPA document on "How can we make our neighbor happy?", because that's not the BLM's job. The job is to manage specified lands according to FLPMA, O&C Act, ESA, Clean Water Act, etc. It's not to manage private lands, or state lands. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Move the top-heavy centralized decision making out of the WO and put it in the hands of the state offices. Be available/ open door policy, Invite media and public to be present for all decision making steps as well as all possibilities considered. Don't let companies with a record of damage do projects on public land. Matter of fact, keep public land public. Have strict enforcement of standards that are made in the public eye. Make sure media can observe and report. Solicit input from all stakeholders. Planning 2.0 Planning 2.0 Establish preliminary desired results and actions at the onset of the process, so that partners and stakeholders have multiple options for review and refinement. Bring everyone in early, explain process early and be will to change and refine process so that everyone can understand what's going on. Make as much information as easily accessible as possible, particularly online. Solicit public opinion, like in this questionnaire. Planning 2.0 Planning 2.0 Publicize input opportunities more widely. Like it or Reach out through local and state print media, not, social media is an effective tool. (The President advising the public of the issues and inviting input. certainly believes so.) Planning 2.0 Planning 2.0 As before, bring them in early, explain things up front, be willing to change and adapt the planning process to accomodate your stakeholders and partners, prove to be an honest and trustworthy partner and follow through on your promises! Preserve public land for the sustainable use of all people. Consider what is best for the people of the United States, not corporations. Planning 2.0 Town hall meetings. Time-consuming, yes, but the bedrock of a true democracy IF the public is heard AND seriously considered. Planning 2.0 Share/post updates via electronic bulletins on policy debates with NEIGHBORS, local businesses, all US citizens (mass media), tribal leaders, and local and state governments. Expedite to request handling Provide accurate and truthful information and not info devised through legislation. They lie for corporations Provide accurate and truthful information and not info devised through legislation. They lie for corporations Invite the public to participate in the process. BLM Reinstate the resource advisory councils (RAC) at has the bad habit of treating everything like it's top all BLM districts - those RACs did a good job secret and sensitive. It's why the public does not representing the public interest. generally trust the BLM - the public is often shut out of management actions, especially when BLM decides to do only one public meeting, nearly always at BLM's location convenience, when it should have done 3 or more public meetings, to make sure the public had the chance to attend - especially when it's a 2-8 million acre area of jurisdiction. Be honest with the public and not be bought off by Corporate special interest. Be honest with the public and not be bought off by Corporate special interest. Probably 75% of BLM never, ever conducts enough Along the lines of Solution 3, BLM offices can use Quit treating everything like it's top secret - when BLM Washington is a huge, huge problem. They public meetings for issues - there's often only one their respective RACs to help determine where the BLM is doing that, it's time to stop and involve the have been out of touch with BLM western states for meeting which is at the locational convenience of public meetings should occur. Too often the BLM public. Why are public lands issues top secret? It is years. Get rid of Washington DC BLM and put HQ BLM, often the field office. If the public has to drive tells the RAC where the meetings will be held, very cowardly for BLM to act like that - to not be in Denver. over 15 miles to a public meeting, they are not instead of asking where the meetings should be held. willing to put all the controversial aspects on the going to make the drive, and thus BLM wins the table for full public input. One reason is that BLM argument again, whereas, maybe they should not be managers are too selfishly concerned about their winning the argument - maybe the issue is not in the careers - and for good reason - Washington does true public interest. BLM should look at its districts not tolerate its managers putting everything on the and field offices and conduct at least 3 public table. meetings spread equally over the area of jurisdiction. Reach out to ALL as you seek public input. Torte reform to prohibit abusive intervention Policy changes to publicize actions rather than force FOYA inquiries. Show respect toward all, without favoring fossil fuel or other groups hoping to make money at the expense of OUR public lands. Avoid situations like the fiasco in Nevada, the heavy Remember that the BLM works for citizens. handed swat teams. Encourage the development of "public alternatives" where stakeholders, tribes, governments, and others develop alternatives that address planning issues. Publicize all actions being considered. Use the media to summarize all actions proposed well in advance of actual activity with deadline for further input. Allow additional public engagement opportunities. Envisioning and Preliminary Alternatives, are excellent ways for the BLM to access additional public engagement. For each EIS (including RMPs) the BLM should provide the public with Preliminary Alternatives and the Basis For Analysis. The BLM should show the stakeholder, tribes, and publics the Alternatives and how they are planning to analyze the impacts of those alternatives. Stop paying the PILT money to states and counties. Use it instead to manage the property. Do religious organizations make PILT to states and counties? No. So why should the US Gov pay PILT. What does the BLM get from these states and counties for its money? Nothing. Just a bunch of counties and states that think it belongs only to them and not the rest of us. It is US property and it should be tax exempt. Only pay for what you get, like infrastructure. Responding to each individual stakeholder with pros Ask them to review and trouble shoot ideas that and cons of the advice they have submitted. you propose. The BLM, in most cases, is already doing an excellent job of reaching out to local and state governments. The BLM Cooperating Agency policy is an excellent example of how to engage state and local governments, and Tribes, in a special relationship. The BLM should continue this successful model. Select special members from respected organizations to vote on plans of operation that would be submitted for review. State and local judicial systems need better cooperation with you.Show up at thier meetings in dress uniform showing respect that has sometimes been how you say uncaring. Have a vocational high school course.You see i dont Have state and local employees volunteers. know what is accesible that you have in projects like that.Their in is aproblem right off hand. What I'm trying to say these are paper trails created I rather not get into the obvious hint of need for that would be looked at through different proof of budget spending but criminal activity goes organizations and would require les oversight less throughout organizations as a form of proof more looped authenticity. blackmail.More organizations like more license checks raises standards of expectation. Keep documents as short as possible, given the need If there's no one in the office who can write well, to cover everything well. find an editor or outside expert reader to mark what is confusing, too long, to obfuscated, and change it. Be sincere in the desire to listen to people whose land you are managing. Too many times a committee composed of citizens is formed, only to have it fall apart because BLM didn't really want to do that, and let it be know that the input wouldn't make any difference. What I find on BLM web sites is really good, well Collaborative planning works well if all stakeholders Of all the places in NEPA for public input I think Often counties or state agencies can be asked to organized, documents easy to find - but sometimes are represented, if the decision space is well defined scoping is most important, giving people a chance to serve as cooperators in a proposed action, giving when I go back to look up something the document from the start, and if there is a way for people to raise issues and provide information they have them some status in the project. has been removed. There should be an archive or participate if they can't come to meetings. A lot of about an area. Then use that input to develop the something. people have to give up work in order to attend, so alternatives. make it worth their while and easy to do. Local BLM officials need to be part of the community in various ways, getting to know those county commissioners etc. outside of the office setting. This builds trust and shows that employees are more than careerists looking to move on to the next job. Publish names of all participants, dates, and discussions of ALL meetings amongst any and all BLM officials, all meeting proceeds, all documents and make available emails correspondence within 4 weeks of all these activities. You could start by being much more transparent and also by constantly keeping in mind the trust status of the BLM role for ALL Americans, not just businesses and local stakeholders. See page 1, # 4 See page 1, # 4 Continue to utilize public advisory committees of local stakeholders Develop on-line materials that can be accessed by anyone to understand the process, history, goals, and issues; ensure that this is linked to the ability to make comments during the appropriate periods Suspending advisory committee meetings as the Secretary just did increases distrust of government and the current administration. Continue to have public and transparent meetings to ensure special interest groups aren't manipulating the process behind the scenes. Continue to put all scientific data regarding projects on the web so that the public can access it. Focus on science, and stop denigrating science-based approaches. Clearly state how decisions will be made Giving the public a chance to weigh in on decisions Any action BLM takes must follow laws and use the and evaluating the environmental impact of actions best available science, fully explore reasonable is not only the law, it's also the best thing for our alternatives, and solicit and consider public input in public lands. an accessible, transparent process. Need constant publication/notifications in newspapers and/or blogs. A push into social media would be good. Include an advertising campaign a la "I'm Just a Bill" about the process & how folks can contribute to or monitor it. It seems industry is always in the know about the Use surveys to collect information so you can see NEPA process. You must engage local citizens and where people are responding from and answering other stakeholders in the process from the the same questions. beginning of the proposal phase. NEPA projects should be detailed both online and posted in any and all local media sources as necessary. All such projects should be worked in cooperation with any and all local and state governments and be open to public input and meetings. All pertinent documents must be made publicly available on the BLM website as well as any local and state website that are related to the issues. All stakeholders should have access to the planning process; would online access be available? keep it in the public forum-share with media BLM can build trust by truly listening to the BLM can build trust by not simply rubber stamping concerns of affected stakeholders, and by addressing actions proposed by resource extraction industries these concerns by incorporating changes into the on public lands. Be willing to say NO to actions that proposed action that address those concerns. would cause irreparable harm to sensitive species, habitats, and culturally sensitive areas. As a steward of our public lands, BLM has an obligation to do what is best to protect our natural and cultural resources. Constant communication and requests for input from all involved. Stop putting corporate & development interests before those of the people. Set a measured system, setting decision-making 'weights' for each group who has input. Be available to speak with local governments and stakeholders. This means more staff to engage with the community. Complete the science on what the habitat needs in a holistic approach so any action can be viewed in the context of the larger area. BY including all state and local governments and communities in the discussions and planning of any and ALL projects that may have an impact of any kind on those communities involved. I feel BLM is making an effort to be a good neighbor. Communication is the key to future collaboration. go half the way with honest info-let the others ask if they don't understand Return the Federally owned Lands to the States. This will remove what should be just one but is actually many levels of bureaucracy from the process. Reducing bureaucratic levels will make the issues much clearer to those managing them and enable a more transparent interface with the people affected by the studies, analysis, and decisions. Return control of all Federally Owned lands to the States. Washington DC and hence the BLM and NEPA are the most distrusted entities on the planet. Returning control of the lands to the States will immediately improve the trust and improve the ability of those making decisions to be responsive to local needs and concerns. any plan for a mining permit should be acted on within 30 days or the plan shall automatically be considered issued and the operator shall be able proceed with its project Bizarre and unworkable provision under NEPA such The managers at the BLM offices need to learn to the raptor and sagehen surveys should eliminated. tell the so-called environmentalist that they just Raptor like to take up residence on power poles don't know what they are talking about. next to the highway where they can get free roadkill and sagehen like free grass in people backyards. In the case of mining plans on mining claim they need to make it clear to the general public that operator has already paid a BLM rental fee on the land and that in paying such a fee that the owner should rights. All comments from one organized group should People making comments should have some idea only be considered one comment regardless of how about what they are talking about or they should many letter or other forms of comments they made, not be able to comment/ and this should include comments from parallel group. For small mines of less than 20 acres the NEPA process should eliminated completely. All knowledgeable parties should be treated with respect and those that are not should not have their comments become part of the record. Send representatives who will actually be wellinformed on reasons for maintenance needs, use restrictions, etc. and actually listen to stakeholders and record their input Maintenance and upkeep being chronic problem, solicit volunteer help from local environmental organizations who will be trainable and willing to sign personal injury waivers Use any input from these organizations to improve Send knowledgeable speakers to public meeting of land and land policies local stakeholder groups to answer questions Make regularly updated statistics on use, status, weather conditions etc. available online on easily accessed and well publicized website See previous suggestion re public meetings for stakeholders Have someone available on a hotline to answer questions, take complaints, etc. 24/7 By being forthcoming with news of policy decisions and other items that come to mind with news. By being consistent with their policies. I Be as open and engaging as early as possible and as often as possible. Of course this must be balanced with time constraints but will often save time later in the process. Recognize the essential roles and responsibilities of Provide for an explicit consultation process using Federal land management and actions as opposed to methods and outcomes mutually agreed upon with State, local, or private roles and actions. tribal partners. Provide time for public feedback and review at multiple stages in the process. Clearly acknowledge that land management decisions reflect political priorities and incorporate public feedback when identifying how those decisions impact citizens and communities. Publicly post and declare policies and contracts with Offer decision making roles and jobs to members of Invite tribal and community members to participate private companies extracting on or altering public public communities and tribes, rather than political in planning meetings. lands. appointees. Give more information to the media: tv, newspapers, etc... Most people aren't aware of all the rules, regulations, and processes that take place on the land they pay taxes on. Stop obfuscating & delaying info requests like happened with the Forest Service at Wolf Creek, CO. Actually consider Americans wishes when they make them known instead of deferring to industry shills & land grabbers. Engagement and involvement of line managers (field and district managers) is the key. Having a good working relationship before the planning effort starts is also key but of course the planning process can be used to build on this. Its most important to have open and honest discussions throughout the process. This means going to them rather than having them come to us. Agreement is good if you can reach it but more important is the trust that they can take whatever you tell them to the bank. Outline how the agency will listen to and act on the concerns of states and local governments, industry and other businesses, other interest groups and the general public. Allow aforementioned stakeholders power to ratify BLM land use policies/contracts. Give more weight to local non-tribal peoples comments. Put more information out to the media. Um, do what the local Tribes want? That would be instead of acting against their wishes time after time. Do not remove NEPA I have no information to evaluate your current state of transparency, however a web-based site where citizens could ask questions and get answers might be helpful--perhaps a 'chat room' format? Hold public discussions. You have to be kidding. Make your data public and available to everyone. Transparency is actually a double edged sword, the Professional interest groups, the frequent filers of With a smaller workforce in the federal main stream interested publics have too much of a appeals on government decisions, need to have less government, we can't scientifically prove everything say (WWP, wild horse advocates, sierra club, etc.) say in how the government works than the in the federal government. More power needs to and the locals tend to not know in what form specialists within the government and the locals that be given for local specialists' knowledge and locals comments would be useful for NEPA. Generally, actually use and live in the area of concern. It to make decisions on. We're going to have to trust local comments come in the form of opinions, not seems the bar is getting so high, that anything the the local government specialists to do their job, alternatives to be analyzed, and the main stream professional interest groups say is held in higher without a heap of scientific studies, and intensively interested publics comments are in the forms of regard that the specialists writing the documents, or scientific NEPA documents, with the help of local anything that would complicate or obstruct the the local knowledge within the area. They are input. When managers and higher-ups have to have alternatives they don't like. Education geared professional obstructionists, so transparency/input a say on everything, nothing gets done. At what towards local public educating about NEPA would needs to be weighted with more concern for "local" point do we trust the specialists (that are more help. comments, not some interested public half a world a available for locals) to do the job they were hired to way that doesn't know the slightest about rangeland do without upper managers having to micromanage ecology & wild horses. what small decisions are made? TEST2 It is the personal experience of this office that BLM in Interior Alaska does an adequate job of reaching out. Do not remove NEPA "It's the relationship, stupid!" Building relationships among all the players is the key--if your 'feet on the ground' had relationship with each civic organization, local governments, tribal governments plus those groups who protest what the tribal governments decide, etc., it seems to me that these folks could assist you and/or let you know what's confusing about your documents. (I've NEVER seen a federal government format that was NOT confusing!) Hold public meetings. These question are inane. Fill your mission to be good stewards of public land. Not shills for livestock and mining. Everything else will take care of itself. allow more decision making power in the local Being able to be flexible and make decisions on the federal government offices, and less oversight from local level builds trust by enabling local federal main federal government. It Is very top-down employees the ability to respond to and be flexible management right now. Take wild horses, the main with locals. Have IM's written, update the regs, offices decisions are made in Washington, not increase training opportunities for on-the-ground locally by input from locals & the local office. See federal employees if you are worried about doing previous comments on too much transparency and the job correctly and then get the managers out of say on the part of professional interested publics the way for the field employees to do their job. (wild horse advocates, wwp, sierra club, etc.) TEST2 No more Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). Many in Alaska State government view the ACECs as de facto wilderness designations (in violation of ANILCA's "no more clause"). BLM should consider transfer of its multiple use management authority to the state. Perhaps working with Congress if necessary. Some potential transfers may include the NPR-A, the White Mountains National Recreation Area, and the Stees National Conservation Area. Keep Industries out of forming environmental As a steward of our public lands, BLM has an Keep the public involved. The Royal Gorge area of Broadcast activities, potential actions, opportunities policy. obligation to do what is best to protect our natural BLM in Colorado did an excellent job of keeping for comment through social media, to Of course industry opposes any regulations that and cultural resources. The BLM must fulfill its public involved, informed, and giving them the environmental and cultural resources groups, might cut into profits or delay financial gain! If they obligation and maintain strong environmental and opportunity to provide comments. This could be newspapers within the affected area and also were truly concerned about the health of our public cultural review practices. used as an example for all BLM offices. national newspapers. lands, they wouldn't be opposed to a process that carefully evaluates environmental impact. As a Any action BLM takes must follow laws and: steward of our public lands, BLM has an obligation Use the best available science to do what is best to protect our natural and Fully explore reasonable alternatives cultural resources. Solicit and consider public input Insist the BLM fulfill its obligation and maintain strong environmental review practices. Our long term public and environmental health is not worth any private company's short-term profits. Arrange tours of sites that have been designated as needing environmental mitigation so people can see what may result from a project. BLM needs to show cooperation with motorized recreation users. Often them BLM shows an anti motorized bias. Contact local news agencies to allow them to BLM local presentations should contain clear No thoughts. review any current or projected studies. Allow news information about consequences of any projected sources to review any previous studies. project. Examples should include photos, and information about health consequences of a project. Examples should include any and all difficulties that have historically been encountered from similar projects. Examples should also include any health- related illness or disabilities caused by similar projects. Any local jobs created by a project should include the costs of treating illness associated with working the project. Clear evidence exists for costs, treatments and disability of "Black lung Disease" caused by working in coal mines, for instance. Make the BLM staff who contribute to the NEPA, If NEPA denies a project, the public must no the BLM should always make the NEPA "Decision attend all meetings to answer questions. Often these specific aspect of the NEPA which caused the denial. Makers" available at all meetings. folks (Biologists, Hydrologists,etc) hide from public facing meetings. don't go into any planning without first talking to the public and user groups No thoughts. Local governments need to be more involved in the earlier stages of planning. Local government involvement. Catagorical Exclusion list needs to be expanded. Proportionate process to project. Stop listening to corporations and industries that Listen to the stakeholders - the public. Both in the want to destroy our public lands. They are in it for area of interest and nation wide. These are federal profit and should have NO say in what happens to lands so everyone in the US has a say. Reach out to our public lands. tribes and listen and act on what they want. Do not allow local short-term economic stake holders dominate meetings. Educate local people about the value of pursuing eco-tourism rather than extractive industry jobs. BLM needs to tell the simple truth. Often, there is alot of "spin" and unthruths or partial thruth provided. BLM needs to train their staff to be truthful. 100% of the time. do not allow lead personnel to be transferred during planning process having to re-educate new transferees slows down the progress Through creating a greater community presence and integration at local activities, meetings, boards etc. By doing so a clear understanding of the needs of state, local governments, tribal partners and other stakeholders may be obtained. Explain what the process is and why it is important Be more receptive to the motorized user Explain why it is necessary in terms that the average Involve the users more in theareas that require to our users. community and their needs, wants and ideas. They user can understand. Not everyone thinks this is a NEPA. Maybe some areas could be deleted or are users of public lands but also give a lot of money good idea. We loose our access right and left to the combined. through taxes and decals to keep the BLM plans anti access groups because the motorized going. Accept them as actual valid users. recreation isn't always seen as "politically correct." Make the website informative for fisheries, camping, and trails (OHV or equestrian or hiking) First, I had to google NEPA to learn WHAT IT WAS. See my answer with regard to 'plain English' or explained government jargon. Fine (heavily ... like $ 1000, $5k) for 1 st and 2nd Restrict offenders' ability to license OHV, obtain offences to those who blatently disregard our lands hunting, fishing licenses, etc. such as mud bogging - tearing up a trail. That is difficult because in the eyes of motorized recreation users, the BLM is seen as the ones that close the roads. Look for different uses. The motorized community for example want more of a challenge than a dirt road. Recognize "technical" trails and help implement them. If users get a few more trails that they want they might be more willing to do on the ground repairs, signage and planning. See first answer, by working collaboratively while making a plan whether the land include BLM, forest, State Land or Tribal land. The plan for forest lands should basically mirror the plan for BLM, again with guaranteed access to ANY ALL public land. Utilize tools from national organizations that teach people how to participate in travel planning processes. Use social media and mainstream newspaper to announce public meetings to announce public meetings and updates to the planning process. Do not use the ads of a free newspaper or other publication that has low circulation. Attend club and organizational meetings to teach them about the process, invite them to meetings, and provide them with updates on the planning process. Invite the public to participate in the process. Hault all new gas and oil leases on public lands. Hold planning meetings in the evenings after people Make direct invites by e-mail or phone for people to Read, listen, and respond to local feedback. Do not Provide specific examples where user feedback has are off work. Daytime meetings where only paid attend public meetings and to comment on travel disregard feedback from local users based on been integrated into planning processes. representatives can attend are not transparent or planning processes. Public outreach in the past has feedback from specialists who have not visited a honest. been poor and should be more personal. Hidden specific area or used a specific trail. ads in free newspapers do not cast a broad net when soliciting public input. Ask volunteers to help spread the word. By closing down. Have land next to BLM and have first hand knowledge that BLM does not understand land issues. Make the online form more user friendly. Have other federal agencies comply with deadlines so as not to hold up the process. Provide more information on websites. Limit the Post complete information on websites. For Limit requirements in RMPs to those within the time allowed for developing an RMP. A two year example in the case of a currently in progress RMP authority of BLM. BLM should not include time limit would mean less change in involved in NM the original RFD was completed in 2012. A requirements that can only be enforced by other personnel for all parties which should improved the supplement was done in 2014 and made available to agencies other than to say comply with laws and process. It also limits the number of late arriving certain people, but was not on the website until the rules. "new" ideas. last six months. Make it easier to access all developing reports. Consider making comments available. If the NEPA is undertaken for a specific project allow the proponent to have an early look at the NEPA work to avoid any obvious misunderstandings. The same approach should be used to vet reports such as the RFD in RMP process. If the building blocks are accurate as the project develops, the final effort is improved. Hire more people 'on the ground'. In southeast Make sure information is correct. At the Utah the BLM is all but invisible to most folks. intersection of Highway 128 and La Sal Mountain Loop road in Grand county Utah the BLM posted a map that is upside down and almost impossible to figure out even for us locals. It shows available Make the selection as a Project Manager an honor. Use the information that is provided in the early campgrounds, one is missing. Have meetings to discuss common needs and ways Avoid transferring that person for the two years of stages to develop the final product instead of saying to satisfy them together. an RMP process (make it happen within 2). it was considered and then just ignoring it. Follow the existing NEPA process. It works if you follow it. Follow the established NEPA process. It works if you follow it. Extra weight should be placed on the stakeholders that are directly impacted by the decisions. Input from out of area groups that raise money on specific issues should be secondary to local input. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Plan to submit input outside this forum. Non-governmental people don't use, know nor understand what abbreviations mean,; use the full name the first time and agency or act is used. Need more tine for analysis Hold open, public meetings rather than accepting and disseminating comments only electronically. Produce questions and answers that address objectives, how the objectives will be accomplished, and respond to objections that had been raised. No input The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Make sure ALL stakeholders and land users are identified and included Broader and more inclusive notifications. Need more time for analysis What about the needs of individuals and citizens? Are we not stakeholders? Equal treatment of all stakeholders is critical. When only one side is held to a high scientific standard while others are presumed to have correct opinions without the same level of evidence destroys trust. By demanding agency personnel follow the BLM's laws, rules, and regulations and not their own personal wants, desires, or opinions the BLM can build trust and better integrate the needs of state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Tribal governments should be encouraged to to share ideas and collaborate across its own field participate, and the BLM should make special efforts office boundaries and with other public landowners, to reach areas that lack access to electronic such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal communications. agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Making it personal The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Make it plain The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Simplistic surveys The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. he BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Open clear communication More frequent planning meetings The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The planning process should be transparent and clearly described on the BLM website. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Put all information online and make it 100% open. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Hold regular public meetings to keep people up to date and provide an opportunity for them to comment or express concern. Use every communication outlet available (website, local press, radio, TV & social media) to let people know what's happening. Provide regular, detailed progress reports. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Ensure any and all stakeholders have the ability to review ongoing planning, policy research and policy implementation with the ability to have an input. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Start collaborating with stakeholders of all kinds Facilitate state agency sharing of data related to (general public, other government agencies, tribal wildlife management. governments, private landowners and so forth) right from the beginning. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Tribal governments should be encouraged to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across participate, and the BLM should make special efforts its own field office boundaries and with other public to reach areas that lack access to electronic landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other communications. federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Citizens should be involved first hand Do not wait till the last minute to inform the citizens No secret meetings before hand Always involve tribal leaders No decision before allowing the public to know The BLM works for US. We have rights effecting our public lands. Involve tribal leaders in these decisions No secret meetings The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should provide progress on plans during The BLM should hold public meetings in the affected all steps of the process, including any notice of delay area at regular intervals. or change of plan. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be open to hearing new ideas from various constituencies, including the public, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups. The idea collection shouldn't just be given lip service but rather receive honest evaluation and consideration if it is so merited. The BLM should also encourage and make it easier to share data among states. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Act Justice On the web page describe, very clearly and siimply, exactly what steps and how to have input into the process. Develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. By asking and allowing everyone--ranchers; miners; Use a variety of media--website, social media, local tribes; energy developers; recreation groups; other print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the federal, state and local agencies; its own field office; planning process to let the public know when and and members of the public--to tell the BLM their how to participate. wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Use a wide variety of media Inform the public well in advance of each step and Hold regular public meetings in a variety of exactly what they can do to participate. locations around the affected area. Open discussions with partners Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media--website, social media, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of intervals as a plan is being written so people can language at every major milestone. If there are long the planning process to let the public know when hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate discuss concerns and ideas with staff The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to share opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across data--particularly wildlife management data--with its own field office boundaries and with other public the agency and vice versa. This would include the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other identification of wildlife migration corridors and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other Collaboration should begin early, before scoping backcountry recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be Tribal governments should be encouraged to evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; participate, and the BLM should make special efforts energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, to reach areas that lack access to electronic state and local agencies; and members of the communications. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make special efforts to reach areas By asking and allowing everyone--ranchers; miners; that lack access to electronic communications. tribes; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; its own field office; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. collaboration should begin well before the scoping process, especially with the public. Information should be shared between states, as well as local governments, tribal councils and the general public. Try Keep looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public and private landowners, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, and allow every group and individual to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area Work at not getting trumped. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. identification of and access to decision makers Use of technology to disseminate and collect information through to broader generations of people from schools up to senior groups. It is the responsibility as a public decision maker to actively engage the community. Be in the community, public meetings, technology, media It comes back to understanding different groups as a foundation BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Better sharing of information between agencies and more face to face agency /decision maker meetings, states, including science agriculture, wildlife, and inviting groups to meet with agency/ decision fisheries. makers Tribal governments should be encouraged to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping participate, and the BLM should make special efforts (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to reach areas that lack access to electronic issues to be addressed and how they will be communications. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. communicate with LOCAL leaders about all LOCAL use plain English to describe actions actions being proposed The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. communicate CLEARLY COMMUNICATE WITH LOCAL LEADERS communicate in language used by persons being addressed Publish in LOCAL information sources the proposed/ current actions COMMUNICATE clearly publish actions being proposed and taken in LOCAL information sources The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing The BLM should use a variety of media--website, intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, every stage of the planning process to let the public discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as know when and how to participate. well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM to provide opportunities to share collaborative ideas across field offices, public landowners, state agencies, tribes, federal agencies, and private landowners. Early collaboration, before scoping allowing ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; federal, state, local agencies; and the public--to express their wishes and ideas. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Open your files and plans, this is the first and most difficult step. Accept constructive criticism and be ready to defend your ideas in a calm rational manner. Work with groups that support and also groups that criticize. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Special interests for specific profit should be repelled. Stop working with special interests to undermine the will of the people, which is to leave the wild places and their inhabitants alone and unaltered by humans. The public lands belong to the American people and You don't need discrete actions. If you are doing we want them unaltered by human efforts. the right thing in the first place, it doesn't need to be hidden. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing Letting locals know what is going on in their own the fundamentals of the planning process; this back yard is a great way to create good will. should be available in an obvious place on the e- planning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, post that know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. there has been a delay and why. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Ask for opinions, comments, ideas from everyone. Be open to discussion and willing to sit with all groups that do not support you. Be aware that you work for the future citizens of this nation. Yours has to be a view of the future. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they BLM needs to respect the public's desire to leave have about the area. Protect the land and wildlife from those who would our lands and wildlife alone. exploit it for profit. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM should make it easier for states to share participate, and the BLM should make special efforts data--particularly wildlife management data--with to reach areas that lack access to electronic the agency and vice versa. This would include the communications. identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BE HONEST TO THE PUBLIC, WHETHER GOOD The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping OR BAD! to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM must keep the public informed about the BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan by providing detailed updates in intervals as a plan is being written so people can plain language at every major milestone. If there are hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and long delays in the process, the BLM should issue discuss concerns and ideas with staff. updates between milestones as well, using a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must seek every opportunity to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries with other public landowners and private landowners. Collaboration must begin before scoping and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and the public--to tell the BLM their concerns and share any data they have about the planning area. BLM must enable states to share data with the agency and vice versa, including identification of wildlife migration corridors, other habitat data and scientific information important to hunters, anglers, and recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments must be J ^_ The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, and radio and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed intervals as a plan is being written, so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, then the BLM discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. When the status changes, the media should be informed. There should be a simple graphic explaining the planning process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. At every milestone in the process detailed information in plain language should be provided to the public through a wide range of media. i.e. tv, radio, local print, social media BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state, and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should ALWAYS look for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Begin early in the process to collorborate with stakeholders. Make it easier for other stakeholders to access and share data. Encourage tribal governments to participate and make extra effort to reach areas that lack access to electronic communication. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The graphic should provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be easily reachable. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Bring tribes into the process especially, and early. They have sovereign rights to their land and most will want to participate if consulted respectfully and if project doesn't harm their land. Send out emails to those who want them or make The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the information easily available on your website, but social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can most importantly, the BLM must keep the public every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and informed about the progress of a plan, especially by know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. No more hiding the truths - especially about the First of all, the land belongs to that taxpayers and Collaboration should begin early, before scoping wild horse round ups and the killing of our wildlife not to ranchers who hold nearly 18,000 permits and (the process by which agencies solicit input on the just so ranchers holding nearly 18,000 permits and leases for livestock grazing on 155 million acres of issues to be addressed and how they will be leases for livestock grazing on 155 million acres OUR public lands. There are more than 63,000 oil evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; (630,000 km2) of BLM public lands and there are and gas wells on BLM public lands that don't need to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, more than 63,000 oil and gas wells on BLM public be there if it harms the environment or any animal state and local agencies; and members of the lands. Your goal is to protect these lands for our habitat. The BLM should always be looking for public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns wildlife - they are not to be used for businesses who opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across about the planning area, and share any data they profit off the land. its own field office boundaries and with other public have about the area. landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Keep the public informed about the progress of a Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is Use a variety of media to let the public know when plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain being written so people can hear firsthand about and how to participate. language at every major milestone. the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Have a computer intern/person develop a "stream" Advertising FREE CAMPING will get you many of information process with active "live feed" friends! Friends care about what's going on.... Quit graphics showing your public processes, just like wonking-out! schoolhouse rock did with how bills get passed. Put this on your website and in a public info commercial. Most Americans have no clue what the BLM is or does. Why should you care? Regular progress reports to all concerned in various media A variety of media should be used, both online and Public meetings should be held offline Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. Share ideas and collaborate across BLM field office boundaries and with other public landowners, including state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Encourage everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to express their concerns, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Step down from the ivory tower; seriously, look at the level of reading comprehension required by even reading the info for these questions... get real BLM. Time to enter the current short/cut world to explain why nature needs us to be patient and why the government much honor every "entity", including corporations. "Why do some people have to pay to camp out while others get to graze their cows for almost free?" This type of government decision needs explaining or you'll never get the average person interested. Work with all entities that have a stake from early on including landowners, tribes, other agencies (historical preservation, etc.), sportspeople, and heavy industries etc. Allow plenty of time to inform people about public comment periods and make sure they know about them - reach out to assure this is so - this is public land. States must be allowed to share data easily with BLM Tribal governments must be allowed easy access to electronic data Provide information on the BLM website associated closest to the planning area (not the BLM's e-site). A tracking graphic should be part of it, and the link to that graphic should be placed on the page in a simple, clear manner. The graphic should include links to e-planning docs, the comment site (if applicable), and any other appropriate resources. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, updates between milestones should be issued. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. To make this information widely available, provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area. Provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. Develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. Collaboration should begin before scoping, and Tribal governments should be encouraged (and allow EVERYONE to voice their needs and concerns allowed) to participate, and the BLM should make about the planning area, and share any data they special efforts to reach areas that lack access to have about the area. electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The public should be informed regularly about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin before scoping, and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other government agencies; and members of the public--to provide input to BLM and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa, including identifying wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, with pecial efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Quick answer-talk to the people who use BLM lands, we visit and camp on BLM lands several times each year, we also help with clean ups and have taken many of your informative and educational hikes. We are always impressed by the BLM employees we encounter. Do not hamper their positive public relations. Thank you. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should provide a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process-- this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Meetings, public Media communication Milestones--to be announced and shared BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM MUST keep the PUBLIC informed about The BLM should use a variety of media- website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio and tv outlets- at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in PLAIN language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss ideas and concerns with the BLM staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Present information graphically and in plain language Share data from and to state agencies. often. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, Use your stakeholder map to distribute updates. social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at (see response to B.) every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Listen to stakeholders early in the process. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Keep in touch with tribal peoples, allowing for lack Collaboration with interested parties from the of electronic access beginning Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and to collaborate across its own (the process by which agencies solicit input on the field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone -- ranchers; miners; federal agencies, and also with private landowners. energy developers;, recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the PUBLIC-- to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and to share any data they have about the area. Listen to neighbors. Hear their concerns and ideas. Collaborate with stakeholders to arrive at ideas and solutions. Listen. Then demonstrate understanding of what you have heard. Summarize and feedback. Proactively reach out to stakeholders. Don't rely on passive channels such as websites. The phone still works. And a personal visit from time to time. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Science translation services should be provided to grassroots stakeholders. In my experience Sea Grant entities and National Estuarine Research Reserves provide good assets in this endeavor Emailed newsletters that contain just enough information to detail the various subjects and then links to take the reader to further elaboration. This lets people get as much - or as little - info as they want but ensure that it's there, in their mailboxes, in their faces. Simply throwing up a website and expecting people to go there on the own is a flat out waste of time. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to share opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across data--particularly wildlife management data--with its own field office boundaries and with other public the agency and vice versa. This would include the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other identification of wildlife migration corridors and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other Collaboration should begin early, before scoping backcountry recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. In my experience many NEPA public hearings are agency formalities in which public input is ignored and advice from organized stakeholders with professional staff is developed during consultations. Thus many impacted citizens don't get involved. When I participated in the Superfund/Safe Drinking One of the worse case planning scenarios in which I Another case of bad planning involving There is a need to share data between Water Act cleanup at Joint Base Cape Cod, they have been involved is the Cape Cod Commission; state/federal/tribal entities was the Northeast local/state/federal governments and use distributed powerpoint slides to the attendees and Ma. DEP and EPA Region 1 Clean Water Act Regional Ocean Planning which was initiated by lessons learned from wildlife management had Q&A sessions after the Advisory Panel provided section 208 Pres. Obama. Not only did the state/federal entities experiences. their input. This effort allowed military training wastewater mitigation effort for nitrogen losing ignore the influence of human activities in coastal which was compatible with protecting the sole from septic systems which will cost local residents watersheds (see item # 3), the tribal source aquifer for drinking water and habitat of $4-7 billion over the next 20-30 years. They representatives had to issue their own report and state listed species. The cleanup of the off-base ignored environmental justice concerns which will sat out in the audience when a public hearing was plumes has been successful and even the local Sierra force seniors on limited incomes and the working held here on Cape Cod. I found the tribal Club Group has maps showing this success. I would poor to have to move off of Cape Cod as the costs recommendations to be a lot more sensible than recommend contacting Doug Karson for lessons of living rise faster than people's incomes. those from the state/federal governments. learned. He recently organized a "Water Day" program for students from the Cape Cod Academy. Needs to include qualitative information from users of BLM properties and those that hunt and fish. When I was the Recreational Fisheries Coordinator in the Northeast, I used to meet with saltwater ranging groups to get their feedback. Same answers as for the previous question. Plus, be really thorough and whenever possible, provide graphics: charts, graphs, anything that will allow more visual people to more fully grasp the concepts you are presenting. It seems to me that if you are doing all the previously mentioned steps well than this question would no need to be asked.... The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. You should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let us (the public) know when and how to participate. Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaborate at the very beginning, before scoping Always look for opportunities to share ideas and (the process by which agencies solicit input on the collaborate across BLM own field office boundaries issues to be addressed and how they will be and with other public landowners, such as state evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. he BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular updates in plain language at every major milestone. social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can If there are long delays in the process, the BLM every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and should issue updates between milestones as well. know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. . The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Clearly identify on your website large lobbying groups that have become involved in the planning process for projects Also you have a facebook page and a twitter account put some young person in charge of running stuff out on that. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed intervals as a plan is being written. This will enable updates in plain language at every major milestone. the public to better understand the progress of the If there are long delays in the process, the BLM plan and ask questions and express there concerns should issue updates between milestones as well. directly to the BLM staff. The BLM must try to reach as much as the public as possible using your website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field Collaboration should begin early, before scoping office boundaries and with other public landowners, (the process by which agencies solicit input on the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal issues to be addressed and how they will be agencies, as well as private landowners. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Tribal governments should be encouraged to to share ideas and collaborate across its own field participate, and the BLM should make special efforts office boundaries and with other public landowners, to reach areas that lack access to electronic such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal communications. agencies, as well as private landowners. Honestly providing a clear short justification of why things are happening will help, you can't talk to people like they are children and give them an "because we say so" answer, people are much more reasonable then most think. Tribal governments should be encouraged to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping participate, and the BLM should make special efforts (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to reach areas that lack access to electronic issues to be addressed and how they will be communications. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM should always be looking for opportunities to Collaboration should begin early as possible. This share ideas and collaborate across its own field will allow all the interested parties to have their office boundaries and with other public landowners, comments and concerns hear before a plan is such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal finalized. agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Non-technical updates at significant decision points and timely updates in between. Use all media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets and hold interactive public meetings to keep everyone fully informed. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. . BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Here is where duplication is good. Keep all varieties of outlets informed, including social media and local newspapers. Also keep leaders of interested local organizations up to date, so they can contact their members. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public intervals as a plan is being written so people can milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and the BLM should issue updates between milestones as discuss concerns and ideas with staff. well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular detailed updates in plain language at every major intervals as a plan is being written so people can milestone. If there are long delays in the process, hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and the BLM should issue updates between milestones as discuss concerns and ideas with staff well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing Ensure that all BLM websites are compatible with all The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should engage with local stakeholders at the fundamentals of the planning process; this web enabled devices progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at their local planning meetings and/or should hold should be available in an obvious place on the e- updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being planning site. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. written so people can hear firsthand about the should issue updates between milestones as well. progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Continuous, completely open and proactively encouraged communication must be implemented by the local and national BLM offices with all interested and affected parties as a required BLM SOP. The BLM must be required to demonstrate that it has fully incorporated all meaningful and significant input. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Invite collaboration very early in the process. Include all interested groups. Get input including data and opinions. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across Collaboration should begin early, before scoping its own field office boundaries and with other public (the process by which agencies solicit input on the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other issues to be addressed and how they will be federal agencies, as well as private landowners. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. In energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, Pennsylvania every political entity has a planning state and local agencies; and members of the commision, get to know the local stakeholders. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Develop and promote a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; make it available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM must keep public informed about progress of BLM should use variety of media, including tv, radio, BLM should hold meetings at regular intervals as plan with details provided in plain language at every social media, website, and print outlets at each stage plan is being written so people can become step or milestone. of process to let public know how and when to informed about the plan's progress and discuss participate. concerns with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM should look for opportunities and ways to share ideas and collaborate across field office boundaries and with other public landowners like tribes, state and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should be early before scoping to allow everyone to relate concerns and wishes regarding the planning area and to share data. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. agencies, as well as private landowners. Again, keep the public informed about the progress Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is Use a variety of media--website, social media, local Make public input available on the e planning site, so Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Again, looking to the BLM mission to focus on of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in being written so I can hear firsthand about the print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the I can see what others are saying during the process. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the future generations, make it easier for states to share plain language at every major milestone. Also progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas planning process to let the public know when and If BLM uses consultants in the process, publish who issues to be addressed and how they will be data--particularly wildlife management data--with remember that if there are long delays in the with staff. how to participate. they are and their role. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; the agency and vice versa. Plans of today may process, BLM should issue updates between energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, forever damage wildlife migration corridors and milestones as well. state and local agencies; and members of the public other habitat data, and other scientific information like me--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns that is important to recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area.  The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferabl,, one The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Post status changes The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. A simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at the progress of a plan, especially by providing intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public detailed updates in plain language at every major hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. milestone. If there are long delays in the process, discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. should issue updates between milestones as well. Have the milestones listed and update teh status toward achieving those milestones Use more than one type of media to communicate planning and progress: social media, website, radio, TV, newspapers Hold public meetings as the plan is being drawn up so concerns and ideas can be shared The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, TV--at each stage of intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at each milestone. If there the planning process to let the public know when hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. updates between milestones. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well Keep the public informed, using a wide variety of media, about the progress of a plan by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone and reminding the public of when and how to participate. Should long delays occur, the BLM should also issue updates between milestones. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being developed so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with BLM staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM should always be looking for opportunities participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to share ideas and collaborate across its own field to reach areas that lack access to electronic office boundaries and with other public landowners, communications. such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Share ideas and collaborate with other landowners Collaboration needs to start right at the beginning and government agencies of the planning process The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, to share ideas and collaborate across its own field and allow everyone (ranchers, miners, energy office boundaries and with other public landowners, developers, recreation groups, other governmental such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, and members of the public) to tell the agencies, as well as private landowners. BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners The BLM should always be seeking opportunities to BLM should make it easier for states to share data - share ideas and collaborate across its own field particularly wildlife management data - with BLM office boundaries and with other public landowners, and vice versa. This would include the identification such as state agencies, tribes and other federal of wildlife migration corridors, habitat data and agencies, as well as with private landowners. other scientific information that is important to Collaboration should begin early and allow hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation everyone, including ranchers; miners; energy enthusiasts. developers, recreation groups, other federal, state and local agencies and members of the public, to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area and to share any data they have concerning the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multi-field office level, as needed, to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. It is important to always keep the public involved in whatever process you use. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to share (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--particularly wildlife management data--with issues to be addressed and how they will be the agency and vice versa. This would include the evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; identification of wildlife migration corridors and energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, other habitat data, and other scientific information state and local agencies; and members of the that is important to hunters, anglers, and other public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. It is always important to keep the public involved in whatever process you use. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one Accessible public notification of all moves to stamp out certain species of wildlife The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. See 'A' for ideas Publish updates online, on-site, in local media and submit to interest groups. Set up contact groups for updates. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. see 'A' Hold public meetings and establish online forums, mailing addresses and call centers for public comment. Invite public comment in the earliest planning stages of any project. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. keep the public updated, perhaps contacting the local media about new plans or rules being talked about The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM must keep the public informed about the BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. updates in plain language at every major milestone. hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM If there are long delays in the process, the BLM discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. keep the public informed use meeting that are well advertised contact people that live close to the BLM land and keep them informed by mail, e-mail or phone Collaboration is important from the very beginning sharing information with states and people that are Studies should allow input both from the public as to the conclusion with the public, ranchers, farmers involved with ranching and farming as well as wildlife well people with the correct science knowledge and the businesses involved conservation about the area Make sure all known information is presented Make sure Presidential Cabinet's wishes are known use social media to keep public informed of stages conduct regular meetings with public to allow for of planning questions/input Make sure all information is presented Encourage discussion at meetings simplify sharing of wildlife management data with state agencies encourage involvement from Native American tribal councils The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Better posting of notices. Try finding anything on the public website. Keep interested parties informed through a public information website. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Reach out to them, find the appropriate contact persons, meet with them and carefully consider their needs and desires. Get stuff done in a shorter period of time. Stop worrying about being sued. Stop seizing public land for private enterprise. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Keep the public informed. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Kepp the public informed about the progress of plans. Give clear, detailed updates. Notify a variety of media, including websites, social media, and local tv, print, and radio. Let the public know how we can participate; hold public meetings as the plan is being written and provide means for us to discuss our concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. BLM -- collaborate w/field office boundaries, public/private landowners, state agencies, tribes, federal agencies. Begin collaboration early, before scoping. Allow everyone - ranchers, miners, energy developers, recreation groups, federal/state/local agencies, the public--to express concerns/share data about planning area. BLM - make it easier for states to share data, e.g. wildlife management data, with the agency and vice versa. Including wildlife migration corridors, habitat data, scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, backcountry enthusiasts. BLM - encourage tribal governments participate, make special efforts to reach areas w/o electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Involve them in the decision process. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information Collaboration should begin early, before scoping that is important to hunters, anglers, and other (the process by which agencies solicit input on the backcountry recreation enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be Tribal governments should be encouraged to evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; participate, and the BLM should make special efforts energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, to reach areas that lack access to electronic state and local agencies; and members of the communications. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Share ideas and collaborate with state and federal Make it easy for state to shard data and vice versa, agencies and private landowners from the beginning especially on such things as wildlife habitat and of the planning process as well as throughout. migration corridors and scientific information important to the backcountry stakeholders.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Make scientists involved in a study available to answer questions. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Hold public meetings. Make scientists involved in a study available to answer questions. Publish minutes of meetings and provide ready online access to all information. Provide links to previous related studies and outcomes. Better integrate scientific data with scientifically valid Better coordinate with environmental organizations options to achieve goals. working on related problems. Many such groups are already working with farmers and ranchers using state of the art methodologies that meet policy objectives while helping local stakeholders improve yields or arrive at superior outcomes. Make public comments on plans and impact statements available quickly, as soon as possible after submission. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. If results of a preliminary analysis are published that tend to favor one outcome of a decision, assure that the input data and methodology used in that analysis are available for public scrutiny. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. All meetings between the BLM and specific proponents, opponents, and other stakeholders should be open to the public. Decision making processes should demonstrate to the public that a balanced, impartial approach is being used. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should should communicate through their website, social media, concerned citizen groups, local print, radio, TV outlets so the people know how they can participate. Until now, the only way I receive information is through charitable groups, like Pew or Sierra Club. The BLM should try to reach tribal groups areas that lack access to electronic communications, and should encourage their participation. Hold town halls many small groups are doing text alerts now, that would be a good way to contact people not easily reached by the internet. Explaining to citizens the full process and progess, in recognizing that not everyone has the same access an open and accessible way to info - internet, social media, phone, mail, etc Town Halls or public meetings, especially announced well in advance in the communities and sites that are being affected The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff needs to hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Talk to your community members!! Communicate with them. Be honest and transparent with them. Get ideas from the people within the community in terms of what their needs are. ALL of the community. Not just one segment of it. The BLM should ALWAYS be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. While other jurisdictions and agencies may have The BLM should always be looking for their own interests, BLM should recognize that it opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across represents the interest of the land and its ecosystem its own field office boundaries and with other public above all else. All decisions and considerations must landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other be in that context, and that context must be made federal agencies, as well as private landowners. completely clear to all other parties. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Even states do not look at the big picture very often, the national government is our only resource for most of BLM land, efforts to take over BLM land are almost always based on exclusive profit for a few. Be aware, protect the public interest Fundamentals of the planning process should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Use a lot more publicity to get people involved nation-wide Detailed updates of the progress of the plan should Use a variety of media to let the public know how be provided at every milestone of the plan with and when to participate in the planning process. updates between milestones as well in order to keep the public informed. Public meetings at regular intervals as the plan is being written will help keep the public informed and offer an opportunity to discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Use of existing means of communication including local newspapers, internet newsletters, and local governmental offices Public outreach is still top priority. Submitting succinct and unique ideas is not the problem, nor answer. More important to see how many ideas are in sync to weigh the importance of them. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should keep the public updated on the progress of any plans using plain language. The BLM should use a variety of media at every stage of the planning process to inform the public when and how to participate. Public meetings should be held so the public can be informed firsthand of the progress of a plan and hear staff discussions airing concerns and ideas. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Pull them in to your planning process but be very wide spread publicity is your best answer aware of their bias. No opportunity to share ideas and collaborate across field boundaries and with public and private landowners should be passed up. Collaboration should begin early and allow everyone to share their wishes, concerns and data about the planning area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Have even representation for differing points of view within the full spectrum of stakeholders and interested parties While traveling thru and camping in National Forests and BLM lands it has occurred to me that tribes should have 'much more' to do with sustainable management of those lands, and should be valued and paid for those services. The boundaries between reservations and those lands seem quite strange to me. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other Collaboration should begin early, before scoping backcountry recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be Tribal governments should be encouraged to evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; participate, and the BLM should make special efforts energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, to reach areas that lack access to electronic state and local agencies; and members of the communications. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early and allow to share and collaborate. everyone to share their wishes and concerns. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferabl,, one The BLM develops simple, easy-to-find graphic describing fundamentals of planning process on eplanning site. Open comment period should be easily found on your website. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Tribal governments should be encouraged to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping participate, and the BLM should make special efforts (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to reach areas that lack access to electronic issues to be addressed and how they will be communications. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep public informed about progress The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can plain language at every major milestone. If there are every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and long delays in the process, the BLM should issue know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. updates between milestones as well. The BLM always seeks opportunities to share ideas Collaborate early, before scoping (the process by and collaborate across its own field office which agencies solicit input on the issues to be boundaries and with other public landowners, such addressed and how they will be evaluated), and as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy as well as private landowners. developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should keep the public informed of detailed plan updates. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use plaion language in these The BLM should use a variety of media. updates. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should hold public meetings at regular intervals about the plan. The BLM should collaborate early with everyone The BLM should allow everyone their wishes and involved. concerns about the planning area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information Collaboration should begin early, before scoping that is important to hunters, anglers, and other (the process by which agencies solicit input on the backcountry recreation enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM Public affairs officers should provide tracking Since planning is process or an ongoing event and The BLM must use all resources available to keep The BLM should provide updates between major graphic and other information on the plan status to never over, the BLM should develop a simple the public informed about the progress of the plan. milestones since the time may be longer case by local media outlets, each and every time that status graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning This must be done in plain language at EVERY major case. changes. Since there are bound to be long delays process and made available to stakeholders and the milestone. between stages of the plan, provide interim updates public in an obvious place on the e-planning website. on a regular basis. The BLM should use a variety or media-- website, The BLM should hold public meeting at regular The BLM as public stewards, should always be Collaboration must begin early, even before scoping social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as the plan is in the preparation and looking for opportunities to share ideas and and allow everyone--ranchers, farmers, every stage of the planning process to let the public implementation stages so they can hear firsthand of collaborate across all artificial boundaries, even BLM prospective miners, prospective energy developers, know when and how to become involved. the progress and freely discuss concerns and ideas. field offices, other public landowners, such as state recreation groups and interests, other federal, local, and federal agencies, tribes, and various private state agencies, and members of the public---to landowners. express their wishes, concerns and share data and information about an area. request broad citizen input, as you have here (I love it!!!), since much of the land under your purvue belongs to the American people. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Give briefings and handouts to reputable journalists Give individual citizens the opportunity to of both liberal and conservative leanings, at all participate, as I am participating here, at the stages of the process. Invite at least one journalist beginning, and at the end of the process, and from the area to the table. whenever there are knotty problems between the beginning and the end. Send reports, not just final reports, but reports on progress, changes in participants or concerns, and changes in emphasis in the planning process. Broadcast bulletins and notices widely for every Ask those bodies for input, and include them in the Make sure that all of them have plenty of notice public meeting and opportunity for comment, both planning process. about when and where to show up to contribute to via print and broadcast journalists, as well as notices the discussion, using methods I've mentioned earlier. around affected cities, towns and areas under scrutiny. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM public affairs officers should provide the The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media--website, social media, local Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is tracking graphic and other information about the the fundamentals of the planning process; this plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the being written so people can hear firsthand about status of the plan to local media outlets each time should be available in an obvious place on the e- language at every major milestone. If there are long planning process to let the public know when and the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and that status changes. If there is a long delay between planning site. delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates how to participate. ideas with staff. stages, the BLM should provide interim updates to between milestones as well. the media and the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one he BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Be current with updates on the process whether Hold more meetings than you think will be useful decision points are occurring or long periods of no and ensure that access is easy for people in the wide activity occur. open and empty regions. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Write in common English not legalese. Hold meetings with updates throughout the process on a project, like we do in local government. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Look for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Begin collaboration early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Create advisory committees made of a variety of different groups being aware of the various backgrounds involved.. Prevent traditional users of public lands from swamping public meetings. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaborate early and often. Invite the obvious to participate rather than wait for them to contact you, i.e. tribes, land neighbors, townspeople. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Put a stop to the "secret" meetings. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Be more transparent. Publish proposed actions in the local papers BEFORE taking action. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. See what corporate interests are for the area. Plan for the future of our planet, environment, water supply, and air clarity. Use a variety of media, update daily. Well publicized public meetings, at regular intervals, as the plan is being written. Open up the list of scientists, environmentalist, etc. Hold open public hearings in areas to be affected to Do not lie to the people. If political pressure is chosen to serve on the plan writing committee. gain their input. being applied, say so. Tribal governments should be encouraged to BLM should make it easy for states to share data participate. The BLM should make special efforts to with the agency, and visa versa reach areas that lack access to electronic communications Ask for the public's input in the final draft of the plan. Recognize the ancient tribal values of Native American's. Learn about them and include them in conversations. Respect these people who are fighting to maintain their culture. Do not tolerate hateful, denigrating or threatening speech at hearings. meet with the leaders of the community use the media The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Again, communication. Use every form of communication to get out information and updates and to ask for input. Keep the reach out direct and simple, and people that pursue the next steps can acquire more detailed information as needed. use the media for follow up continue to solicit input The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. explain your rejection of input actually accept and integrate locals' ideas The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Be sure we are all on the same team. Even with competing interests, being sensitive to all perspectives is important. This will also foster cooperation and should enable all of us to find common ground and to share the wild areas and overall environment with each other and the beautiful creatures that depend on us to protect their ability to live in peace. listen and openly assess points presented have a discussion of the different data Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. publish all documents for the public to comment on. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must find opportunities to share ideas Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, and collaborate with other public landowners, such and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, developers; recreation groups; other federal, state as well as private landowners. and local agencies; andthe public--to share their input about the planning area, and any data they have about the area. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. communication with all parties involved. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Simplicity will make the graphic more accessible to the public. N/A N/A See my answer to question B. Publicize special interest groups and/or corporations wishing to extract resources from public lands for profit. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. All three of the BLM should issue updates between milestones as these approaches will bring interested citizens into well. the planning process at every stage. Continue to give the public a chance to weigh in on decisions, with access to scientific information on the environmental impact of actions N/A N/a N/A N/A Same as before. Keep all of these entities in the loop! Identify groups or corporations intent on profit or gain at the expense of the public. Open public meetings where public input is weighed significantly using available science discussing all presented options. provide feedback with explanations as to why & how the BLM is making their decisions The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, Inviting participation and adopting useful proposals state and local agencies; and members of the will build trust in the BLM. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. It's better to prevent problems than have to solve them later. Make sure that public committees represent the variety of stakeholders N/A Take time to support the variety of stakeholders in building understanding among each other, using strategies such as the Ford Family Foundation (Roseburg, OR) leadership development process. N/A The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. Stop the greed Stop the greed The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Reach out to the public through the media. Don't set short deadlines or unduly long input forms like this one. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Stop the greed Stop the greed Stop the greed Stop the greed Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media--website, social media, local Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is plan by providing detailed updates in plain language print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the being written so people can hear firsthand about at every major milestone. If there are long delays in planning process to let the public know when and the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and the process, issue updates between milestones as how to participate. ideas with staff. well. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan Base plans on the latest information, science, is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. policy, and public opinion. If the science and/or public opinion point to the need for an environmental impact statement, do not skip that step. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multifield office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Don't allow private energy interests to destroy public lands. Once destroyed the lands are gone forever while the energy company moves on. Decisions that remove lands from the public can never be undone and should only be done in the most cautious, regulated manner. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM should make it easier for states to share participate, and the BLM should make special efforts data--particularly wildlife management data--with to reach areas that lack access to electronic the agency and vice versa. This would include the communications. identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Stop the greed Stop the greed Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to share (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--particularly wildlife management data--with issues to be addressed and how they will be the agency and vice versa. This would include the evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; identification of wildlife migration corridors and energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, other habitat data, and other scientific information state and local agencies; and members of the that is important to hunters, anglers, and other public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide updated information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available on the e-planning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should keep the public informed about the The BLM should use its website, newspaper, radio, progress of a plan by providing detailed updates in and TV at each stage of the planning process to let simple terms at every major step. the public know to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings as a plan is being written so people can hear directly about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Through listening to local concerns and having empathy for reasonable requests or issues local governments or lease holders may have as regards land use and restrictions. To emphasize that BLM's main goal is still to be good stewards of the public lands under it's mandate and that degradation of that land is harmful to all concerned, especially in the long run. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other Collaboration should begin early, before scoping backcountry recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be Tribal governments should be encouraged to evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; participate, and the BLM should make special efforts energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, to reach areas that lack access to electronic state and local agencies; and members of the communications. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Outreach and collaboration should begin before scoping, and allow all stakeholders to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data, such as wildlife management, with the agency and vice versa. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, to share ideas and collaborate across its own field and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy office boundaries and with other public landowners, developers; conservation groups; other federal, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal state and local agencies; and members of the agencies, as well as private landowners. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Use plain language and update frequently via a variety of media. Hold frequent public meetings to explain firsthand and to listen to concerns and ideas. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaborate early and often, include everyone affected, simplify the sharing of info process, include Tribal members always and implement whatever you need to to communicate with them and keep them in the know. Make it easier for states to share date too! The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Develop a simple graphic of the fundamentals of the Be available on the e-planning site. planning process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM must keep the public informed. Updates in plain language so the American public can understand what is being said. Using a wide variety of local media, TV, internet, and emails. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Hold regular meetings for the American public to attend. Sharing ideas and collaborate with other public ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation landowners. groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public to tell the BLM of their wishes and concerns about the planning area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Remember your mission to the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Within BLM make a policy of never lying to public. Make sure employees are aware of this. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Never lie and make sure employees know this is Updated BLM website at all times. BLM policy The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The e-planning site should have an obvious and simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The public should be kept informed of the progress A variety of media (websites, social media, local BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular of a plan by providing detailed updates in plain print, radio and T.V.) should be used at every stage intervals during the planning process so people can language at every major milestone. of the planning process to let the public know when hear about the progress and discuss concerns and and how to participate. ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the proces The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should share ideas and collaborate across Collaboration should begin before scoping and allow its own field office boundaries and with other everyone, including the public, to tell the BLM their federal, state, tribal, local government, private land wishes and concerns about the planning area, and owners and interested public. share any data about the area that they may have. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site or the state/field office webpage or local Facebook, Twitter, other social media platforms. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The information should be easily available on state/local websites and social media platforms. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Issue regular, plain language, clear, and comprehensive updates on a regular basis. Even if the update is "waiting for scientific review" or whatever, post these regularly! Utilize all the media available. Make sure people know updates are available! The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners while also energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, keeping ALL individuals interests' in mind. This state and local agencies; and members of the includes the animals involved, not solely the humans' public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns interests. about the planning area, and share any data and opinions they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas & collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries & w other public landowners, such the agency & vice versa. This would include the as state agencies, tribes, & other federal agencies, as identification of wildlife migration corridors & other well as private landowners. habitat data, & other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, & other backcountry Collaboration should begin early, before scoping recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed & how they will be evaluated), & allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state & local agencies; & members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes & concerns about the planning area, & share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Bring other stakeholders in early, at the beginning of Share ideas. Be a resource, perhaps a hub for the the process. best ideas from environmental groups, agriculture, etc.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Make interaction and participation on the website easy, needing as few clicks as possible. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Always put people and the environment before corporate profits. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Provide full, detailed information about a plan, when and how to participate in the planning process, and details about the progress of the plan, in plain language, and at each step of the process, using all forms of common communication available, including the BLM website, radio, and television (and local newspapers in areas where electronic communication is unavailable), including where and when any BLM planning meetings will be. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media, accessible to The BLM must keep the public informed about the Public meetings are helpful if they are held in a variety of Americans. Not everybody uses progress of a plan with detailed updates in plain convenient locations at reasonable times. A 10 AM Facebook; not everybody reads the daily language at every major milestone. If there are meeting on Wednesday eliminates most working newspaper.Radio is good in rural areas. People delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates people. need to know how and when to participate. between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Public Input Transparency Always put people and the environment before corporate profits. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Identify "Zones" based on natural, not artificial, Require, and facilitate a method, for all states and boundaries (including wildlife migration corridors, the federal government to share all data on wildlife both historical and current, watersheds, and other habitat and wildlife migration corridors, hazardous natural features), and add overlays that include waste sites, potential conflict areas, and all other current uses (state and federal agencies' pertinent information, that will allow the creation jurisdictions, private lands such as ranches, mines, of the natural-features-based Zones and overlays to recreation areas, and tribal boundaries, toxic waste be both accurate and thorough. A huge data-base dumps). Think of these as "Ideal Zones." of pertinent data integrating all government agencies' data. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early and permit Tribal participation is crucial. Culturally important everyone to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns sites must be respected. about the planning area, as well as share unique information they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Public Input Transparency The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. E-planning site should include a simple graphic explaining the planning process, and post it in a clearly visible place on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Many state and local government's have developed methods of keeping in touch with their citizens including email and Robo calls The BLM should work with state and local governments to use these methods to help disseminate information to the citizens in the local areas that will be affected by the planning. Keep the public informed on the progress of plans with detailed updates in plain language at every milestone and periodically in between if there are infrequent status changes. Use multiple media types--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets, at every stage, with instructions on how to participate. Hold public meetings as a plan goes forward to inform the public about progress and so they can express concerns and ideas. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Look for any chance to share ideas and collaborate Make it easier for states to share data, especially across boundaries with tribes, state agencies, and wildlife management data, with the agency and vice- other federal agencies; allow ranchers, miners, versa. energy developers, and recreation groups as well as other members of the public to let the BLM know their ideas and concerns about the planning area, and to share data they may have. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to share (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--particularly wildlife management data--with issues to be addressed and how they will be the agency and vice versa. This would include the evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; identification of wildlife migration corridors and energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, other habitat data, and other scientific information state and local agencies; and members of the that is important to hunters, anglers, and other public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Well publicized and easily accessible information about opportunities for public participation - public meetings, comment periods, presentations, etc. - is essential to achieving well-conceived decisions and efficient project implementation. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Abundant public input is critical to good results. Increased public participation and process transparency leads to decisions that better address multiple and sometimes conflicting viewpoints, broader buy-in to the final decisions, and less resistance (meaning fewer delays) to implementation. Streamlining should not be at the expense of public Well publicized and easily accessible information participation and transparency. Constraining about opportunities for public participation - public opportunities for public input not only is an affront meetings, comment periods, presentations, etc. - is to democracy, but what is gained in near term essential to achieving well-conceived decisions and efficiencies is more than lost in long term conflicts. efficient project implementation. A proactive, thorough, and inclusive public outreach process may delay project approval, but it will streamline implementation. A shoddy process will result in protests, lawsuits, and other project implementation delays while creating an atmosphere of distrust that will hamper future projects. Americans expect nothing less than transparency and the opportunity to voice concerns. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Abundant public input is critical to good results. Increased public participation and process transparency leads to decisions that better address multiple and sometimes conflicting viewpoints, broader buy-in to the final decisions, and less resistance (meaning fewer delays) to implementation. Streamlining should not be at the expense of public participation and transparency. Constraining opportunities for public input not only is an affront to democracy, but what is gained in near term efficiencies is more than lost in long term conflicts. A proactive, thorough, and inclusive public outreach process may delay project approval, but it will streamline implementation. A shoddy process will result in protests, lawsuits, and other project implementation delays while creating an atmosphere of distrust that will hamper future projects. Americans expect nothing less than transparency and the opportunity to voice concerns. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Advertisement of meeting results The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM must keep the public informed about BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing the progress of a plan, especially by providing intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major detailed updates in plain language at every major hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, milestone. If there are long delays in the process, discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. we appear to be in the habit of ignoring wishes of tribal partners- stop that please (ex governor of Utah vs tribal partners) use a variety of ways to contact everyone, is there a inform all parties, continue to use a variety of board that could be created with one rep from all communication techniques parties? plan ahead, allow time for thorough investigation and scientific process before moving forward, it takes time, if it is a critical emergency- contact all and come with solutions based in science re-examine regularly the "success or failure" and plan for change Make any meetings at convenient times and locations so that all parties can be present or tune in. As already stated, disseminate info via multiple avenues. Make it true, understandable, and helpful for decision-makers. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Inform neighbors of how actions may impact them The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. listen to all parties, don't come with pre-conceived use science notions Tell the truth as you know it, but keep seeking feedback as well. Good plans take lots of time and input. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process, available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. use shorter forms that are clear and to the point The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. provide all the details and outlines report what is happening, how the land is being used/managed The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM should make it easier for states to share participate, and the BLM should make special efforts data--particularly wildlife management data--with to reach areas that lack access to electronic the agency and vice versa. This would include the communications identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. listen to the view points of all the parties involved present all the details in a concise, clear manner The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Open and honest participation by all involved INCLUDING the BLM. At this time BLM appears to be just another greedy government agency that is not performing as the citizens dictate. Just who is telling BLM what the citizens want? Because I am not seeing results or programs that are directed to anything that I feel is important. BLM has lost all credibility with these groups. BLM needs to start at the bottom and work its way up in order for any of us to trust BLM again. Listen to what we are telling you and to what we have to say. DO NOT FOLLOW BIG INTEREST/BIG MONEY GROUPS! Listen to what we citizens have to say not the money mongers and lobbyists. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. State to the public everything the the process is about and who wants it and the impact it will have on the surrounding community. Any other way makes it look like you are hiding something. Never give the impression of trying to hide something. The BLM should always be looking for Tribal governments should be encouraged to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across participate, and the BLM should make special efforts its own field office boundaries and with other public to reach areas that lack access to electronic landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other communications. federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, and give updates in plain language at every major milestone. Use a variety of media at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Have meetings with every party there and listen not Sometimes a give and take works. If you take from only to the business people but the ones it impacts the area people you should give them something the most. back in return. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Share ideas with other public landowners, such as Get everyone, especially members of the public, to state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the well as private landowners. planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multi-field office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. Be good listeners The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Have members of the press at all of your meetings. Be sure that all stakeholders are aware of decisions. communicate listen to citizens The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at the progress of a plan, especially by providing every stage of the planning process to let the public detailed updates in plain language at every major know when and how to participate. milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Take the lawless element like the Bundies to court Keep all meeting open. every time they give the BLM the finger! talk to people don't make new regulations/rules behind closed doors The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping share data--particularly wildlife management (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--with the agency and vice versa. This would issues to be addressed and how they will be include the identification of wildlife migration evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; corridors and other habitat data, and other energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, scientific information that is important to hunters, state and local agencies; and members of the anglers, and other backcountry recreation public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Keep the public informed about the progress of a The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can language at every major milestone. If there are long every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates know when and how to participate. Again, the discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Of course, between milestones as well. The public wants and citizenry of this nation have a right to know what the citizenry should be given every chance to know needs to stay informed on important matters that goes on with the organizations that serve it. about and go to these meetings. relate to our country and the animals/plants/natural areas within its borders. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media- website, social media, local print, radio and TV outlets- at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear first hand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Both online and in print, tell citizens what you are doing and why. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across it's own field data- particularly wildlife management data- with the office boundaries and with other public landowners, agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information Collaboration should begin early, before scoping that is important to hunters, anglers, and other (the process by which agencies solicit input on the backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal issues to be addressed and how they will be governments should be encouraged to participate, evaluated), and allow everyone- ranchers; miners; and the BLM should make special efforts to reach energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, areas that lack access to electronic communications. state and local agencies; and members of the public- to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Explain in easy to understand terms what you are planning to do and why. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to share opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across data--particularly wildlife management data--with its own field office boundaries and with other public the agency and vice versa. This would include the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other identification of wildlife migration corridors and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other Collaboration should begin early, before scoping backcountry recreation enthusiasts. (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be Tribal governments should be encouraged to evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; participate, and the BLM should make special efforts energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, to reach areas that lack access to electronic state and local agencies; and members of the communications. public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular participate, and the BLM should make special efforts progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can to reach areas that lack access to electronic updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and communications. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest BLM public affairs officers should provide the The BLM should develop a simple graphic to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, tracking graphic and other information about the describing the fundamentals of the planning process; updated in real time, should be posted on the state status of the plan to local media outlets each time this should be available in an obvious place on the e- office or field office webpage (not the BLM's that status changes. If there is a long delay between planning site. "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or provide interim updates to the media and the field office home page, and the graphic should public. include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as possible--preferably one.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Develop simple graphic with fundamental of the planning process and put on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Provide detailed updates in plain language to public at every major milestone, and in-between if long delays between milestones. Use variety of media--website, social media, local Hold public meetings at regular intervals while plan print, radio, & TV at every stage of planning process is being written so public can discuss concerns and letting public know when and how to participate. ideas. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every majo The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Greater collaboration and sharing of ideas, while more time-consuming in the beginning, will result in fewer challenges in the long run and should help avoid delays and lawsuits at the end of the process. Adhering to science-based decisions, considering ecological as well as economic values, truly balancing responsible development with reasonable conservation, keeping the public well-informed, and providing adequate opportunities for participation should also reduce lawsuits. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Look for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across field office boundaries and with other relevant entities such as state and other federal agencies, tribes, and public landowners. Before scoping, allow everyone--environmental and wildlife groups, tribes, ranchers, miners, energy developers, recreation groups, other federal, state & local agencies, the public etc., to tell their wishes and concerns, and share data. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM public affairs officers should make sure that anyone who has looked at the website is notified of a change by a short BLM change notification which will allow them to logon to look at the change. The official notification should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and With any changes on the process an online notice know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Any concerns should be sent to those who have requested and ideas given should be responded to even if it is information on the process. If there are long delays decided not to work on that concern or idea and in the process, the BLM should issue updates the reason for that decision. between milestones as well. BLM public affairs officers should provide the The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing The BLM must keep the public informed about the tracking graphic and other information about the the fundamentals of the planning process; this progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed status of the plan to local media outlets each time should be available in an obvious place on the e- updates in plain, understandable language at every that status changes. If there is a long delay between planning site. major milestone. In addition, if the process is stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to lengthy, the BLM should issue updates between provide interim updates to the media and the milestones as well. public. Dissemination to NGOs is an excellent way to gain informed public involvement. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold local, accessible public social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being every stage of the planning process to let the public written so people can hear firsthand about the know when and how to participate. progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping , to share ideas and collaborate across its own field and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy office boundaries and with other public landowners, developers; recreation groups; other federal, state such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal and local agencies; and members of the public--to agencies, as well as private landowners. tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM energy developers; recreation groups; tribal groups; should make sure that it listens and understands any other federal, state and local agencies; and members concerns of these groups. of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. All concerns must be addressed until resolved. Tribal governments are allies when they are afforded respect and a place at the planning table., thus encouraging participation. The BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. keep the public informed with easily accessible ongoing progress reports as well as public meetings The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Keep the public informed about progress of a plan. Hold public meetings regularly. Collaborate before, during, and after a project is considered. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Share ideas and collaborate with them. Don't take corporate moneys or suggestions Collect, integrate and share data from States and others. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the state office or field office webpage, as well as the eplanning site. Get educators involved so that students of all levels can develop an interest in land management and participate in the process. Many young minds have great ideas. This is especially important in tribal schools. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. These public meetings should be well advertised and publicized. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. See public input as broadly as possible and publicize NEPA initiatives as widely as possible through local news media, on your web site, and through your mailing list. Proactively meet with and send information to the media. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, It is imperative that BLM keep the public informed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at about the progress of a plan, especially by providing every stage of the planning process to let the public detailed updates in plain language at every major know when and how to participate. milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Encourage feed back such as this... The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to share (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--particularly wildlife management data--with issues to be addressed and how they will be the agency and vice versa. This would include the evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; identification of wildlife migration corridors and energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, other habitat data, and other scientific information state and local agencies; and members of the that is important to hunters, anglers, and other public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Involve all stakeholders in regional meetings that focus on discrete tasks and areas. Create brainstorming sessions to identify common interests and to reach consensus. Better maps and easier search process to find the correct maps. Proactively seek out the media, newspapers in the area and pass on the information. education The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area Tribal governments should be encouraged to Collaboration should begin early, before the scoping participate, and the BLM should make special efforts process begins, and allow everyone--ranchers; to reach areas that lack access to electronic miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other communications. federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM what their wishes and concerns are for the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Stop allowing profit making endeavors to take over OUR PUBLIC LANDS The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM should provide for a variety of ways to give input, including formal comments at meetings (in addition to the more traditional information-sharing stations), written comments that can be provided at meetings and interactive internet-based tools. It is important that BLM build in time and opportunities for stakeholders that may not have easy access to high speed internet and software. By laying out on the table the scientific evidence and the effects the projects will have on people's lives and the environment in a non-political way. Be truthful! No fake facts! The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. By listening to everyone who will feel the effects of the specific project and incorporating responses into policies backed by sound science. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM must always look for ways to share/collaborate across its own field offce boundaries & w/ othr public landowners such as state agencies, tribes & othr fed agencies plus private landowners. Collaboration must begin early before scoping process & allow ranchrs, enrgy devlprs, other fed/state/local agencies & the public to tell BLM their wishes/concerns abt planning area & share data abt area. BLM must make it easy for states to share data w/ the agency & vice versa. This must include identification of wildlife migration corridors & other habitat/scientific data. Tribal govts should be urged to participate & BLM should make efforts to reach areas that lack access The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Tribal governments should be encouraged to to share ideas and collaborate across its own field participate, and the BLM should make special efforts office boundaries and with other public landowners, to reach areas that lack access to electronic such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal communications. agencies, as well as private landowners. Make underlying data available to stakeholders from Provide ongoing opportunities for input, such as pre- Provide specific responses to comments on draft Provide an opportunity to receive notices of NEPA Ensure that these efforts do not undermine BLM's Issue clarification that the agency will work the start of the process and throughout. It should scoping and preliminary alternatives, and make documents, whether environmental assessments or processes by notifying the BLM of areas of interest. role as the final decision-making authority and its throughout its planning and NEPA processes to be made clear that stakeholders should not be information submitted available for review. These environmental impact statements, and make those Expecting stakeholders to hunt for updated NEPA obligation to manage in accordance with the consider state and local objectives, try to seek required to submit formal Freedom of Information processes do not need to be formal NEPA available before final documents are issued or documents in different field offices in global listings multiple use mandate. While it is important for BLM consistency with state and local plans and policies, Act Requests to obtain inventory data, including GIS processes, but will support BLM's decision-making decisions are made. on e-planning interferes with and undermines to seek to evaluate state and local government and hopefully avoid the need for a formal files, or to review comments submitted, as they are and public trust in the NEPA process. transparency. input, these decisions are ultimately to be made by consistency review and/or appeal in the end. sometimes required to do by the agency now. BLM the BLM and to be focused on meeting the interests can and should make this information available - as and needs of the American people. many offices already do. Provide ongoing updates on where the agency is in NEPA processes, including newsletters and posting information. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Consider how best to support state and local priorities that cross jurisdictions, such as managing wildlife migration corridors, backcountry recreation, cultural and historic resources and wildlands. Balancing other uses with energy development is vital for addressing the vitality of affected communities. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Again, by writing reports in plain English, at the very Maps should include landmarks familiar to lay least in the executive summaries and conclusive readers. descriptions of alternatives. Fines, costs, compounding interest, compounding lease rates based on the relevant commodity index. Do not just allow infinite extraction at rates set 10 years ago. Public hearings. Ads in newspaper. Ads on TV/radio. Featured stories in local publications. Treat it like any other business activity by a private entity "proud" of their "developments." Avoid the use of the word 'impact' unless you're actually describing a traffic accident. If you do use the word, detail what the impact IS, or would be, such as fewer nesting sites for a butterfly -- and picture the butterfly and its preferred plant hosts. Never use the word 'infeasible' without saying WHY Don't just hold hearings and claim them as something is infeasible. 'Infeasible' with regard to outreach. Hold events that encourage informal mitigations, for example, should never mean conversation among stakeholders, without excessive because the applicant doesn't want to do it. If time constraints, fixed seating arrangements, etc. something is "economically infeasible" explain who Don't spend so much time formally presenting a regards it as infeasible and why -- is it because a proposal that people cannot ask questions, including profit margin would not be as high as usual? opportunities to ask more questions or rebut comments as they listen and perhaps learn from others' remarks. Hold events at schools with students present! Schedule site visits, especially when working people can attend Charge fair market value for all costs. Put that money into acquiring more land to set aside for the public good and put conservation easements not only on the land, but mineral rights so they can just stay in the ground. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The transcript of these meetings should be posted on the BLM website, and the public should be given a reasonable time to provide input in light of the fact that not everyone can make it to the meetings. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. Remember state and local agencies; and members of the that local private land owners can easily be biased public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns on the issue, and only be concerned with their own about the planning area, and share any data they back yard. have about the area. I actually think you are doing a pretty good job. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Good luck. extremism is the new normal. Groups like Blue Ribbon Coalition are good partners. The key is getting the opposing sides to come together. it is way harder to slam the opposition when you are looking at them. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. At the front end, the BLM should provide an educational tool, perhaps in graphic form as well, so as to educate all interested parties in PRECISELY what the steps are and PRECISELY how the public can participate. Somewhat answered already. Easy to access webpages with clear definitions of the process, limitations to the process, guideposts along the process timeline etc. Use readily accessible media(for example, PSAs on local radio)to inform the public, with adequate lead time as to an upcoming issue and a request for public participation. Hide nothing and include the community in all of your plans. The BLM has long been viewed as heavily skewed towards achieving the goals of extraction companies while muting citizen concerns. After 45 years of observing these processes, this is my view as well. Stop it. Demonstrate to us that the agency really is concerned about public concerns re:safety, pollution, air quality, habitat degradation, watersheds etc. Start a community outreach program. Proactively notify local information sources--- Use BLM websites that are local to the project journalists, broadcast, social media---of progress and announce updates. changes. Actively update the public, through multiple easily accessible channels, about every significant development. Use plain, understandable language. Regularly (frequently) hold public meetings in locations that are central to the people who are affected. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. document and share information The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Have as a basic ethos taking the initiative to bring in Take the above initiative before the scoping process state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as even begins! well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. again ,the blm must foster trust with each group to foster trust with everyone. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy office boundaries and with other public landowners, developers; recreation groups; other federal, state such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal and local agencies; and US THE PEOPLE TO agencies, as well as private landowners. WHOM THE LAND BELONGS--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM should begin to regularly and proactively BLM should make it a practice to enter into binding implement existing authority under Section Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with state and 202(c)(9) of FLPMA. Section 202(c)(9) directs the local government entities to carry out the Secretary of Interior to coordinate BLM land use mandatory duties in Section 202(c)(9) of FLPMA. planning and management with land use planning Such MOA should establish designated points of and management by state and local government contact and mutually understood duties to entities within which the BLM lands are located, and coordinate and consult in advance on proposed to provide early notice of, and opportunities for BLM land use plans, land management and other input on, proposed BLM land use decisions affecting BLM decisions affecting non-Federal lands. non-Federal lands. Currently, this does not occur on a consistent basis, with adverse consequences for local government.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular detailed updates in plain language at every major social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can milestone. If there are long delays in the process, every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and the BLM should issue updates between milestones as know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across Collaboration should begin early, before scoping its own field office boundaries and with other public (the process by which agencies solicit input on the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other issues to be addressed and how they will be federal agencies, as well as private landowners. evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with sta Public meetings, public access to information, and language the public understands. Diversify communications. In order to ensure responsiveness to local needs Throughout the planning process, BLM should share and transparency with the public, the Bureau of interim progress reports with the public and Land Management (BLM) should restore the conduct public meetings to facilitate transparency. Planning 2.0 Rule that increased public input This would ensure that BLM reaches out to ALL opportunities. Public engagement at the local level local stakeholders in their public planning and means more than just dealing with city and county review processes, and in shaping agency policy. elected officials and special interests, but engaging with ALL the public, especially the local stakeholders including Friends organizations that have invested the most in the public lands (e.g. monuments and NCAs) in their area The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. There is much repetition in the documents produced and they are very lengthy. The average person is not going to read through a 1000 page document yet sometimes there is a concept not mentioned anywhere else on a page far into the document. That makes it feel like something was slipped in to avoid attention. Reduce the repetition and improve clustering of concepts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Good public relations and collaborations. Encourage Timeliness is key! participation and heed feedback! Be transparent with all stakeholders throughout the Hold public meetings during each phase of the planning and review process. process. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Advisory boards from the scoping process on. Explain the importance of not allowing a objection to come to protest without having been addressed before that point. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Emphasize and maximize the means of giving the Improve the BLM website and announce when In the Board's experience working with the local BLM needs to recognize all types of officially We suggest BLM follow the model of the US Fish In order to use the most current best available The Board has a well-established and respectful Ensuring local plans, policies and programs are public notice and opportunity to participate: changes are being made to the website. For field office has been the most productive and allows adopted "land use plans" of state, local and tribal and Wildlife Service in 50 CFR Chapter IV "Revised information and data in NEPA analyses, the process working relationship with the BLM's Grand Junction adhered to in decisions per FLPMA. See response to [Squire publication in the federal register on example, the current web format no longer has significant input and consideration of local governments in any form, since some jurisdictions' Interagency Cooperative Policy Regarding the needs to be shorter. Many RMPs and other analyses Field Office and District staff, but we have been B.2 above. several occasions throughout the planning process. pages for individual field offices. Much of the knowledge and expertise. RMPs need to be led by plans may not be actually labeled "land use plans." Role of State Agencies in Endangered Species take so long (6- 8 years) that obsolete and frustrated by the top-down planning mandates and Post all notice on the BLM's website, at all information we rely upon from the RMPs can no the local BLM officials who have the most relevant Many such plans are adopted as policy plans (more Act Activities." We believe a similar emphasis on inadequate data is relied upon for decisions, for interference from the State and National BLM BLM offices within the planning area, and at other longer be found online. Even the state office staff experience and interaction with the planning area. often than programs) by local and state coordination with State and local agencies example, socioeconomic data and resource offices with respect to RMPs. These "up the ladder" public locations, as appropriate, including local did not know how to find GIS information for the The farther up-the-ladder in the BLM (or DOl) governments and deserve the same consideration throughout the process can help ensure that the inventory studies problems were most evident when significant newspapers, libraries, social media and other media Grand Junction Field Office travel management plan these responsibilities lie, the more likely an RMP will as any official "land use plan." RMPs "are based on the best scientific and changes were made by the National Office to the outlets. as recently as last month. lose the on-the-ground expertise and local commercial data available." Greater Sage Grouse RMPA EIS we participated in participation. as a Cooperating Agency. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Please provide a variety of ways to give input, including formal comments at meetings, information sharing stations, written comments. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Make underlying data available from the start of the Provide ongoing opportunities for input, such as pre- Provide specific responses to comments on draft process and throughout. Provide ongoing updates scoping and preliminary alternatives, and make documents, whether environmental assessments or on where the agency is in NEPA processes, information submitted available for review. These environmental impact statements, and make those including newsletters and posting information. processes do not need to be formal NEPA available before final documents are issued or processes but will support BLM's decision-making decisions are made. and public trust in the NEPA process. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Ensure that these efforts don't undermine BLM's Where local governments do not have expertise in role as the final decision-making authority, or its planning or NEPA, provide more support and obligation to manage in accordance with the liaisons to assist in engagement. multiple use mandate. While it's important for BLM to seek to evaluate state and local input, decisions are ultimately to be made by the BLM and to be focused on meeting the interests and needs of Americans. Publicize public meetings and websites 'on the ground' through physical signage in key visible locations throughout the zone of impact, including areas frequented by people of all socioeconomic backgrounds, such as post offices, gas stations, churches, and grocery stores. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. An obvious place on the e-planning site should have a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process Develop a list of NEPA contractors or Planners certified by BLM. Allow local governments to use those providers to develop plans and NEPA that would be accepted without further review or limited review by BLM. Create a flowchart graphic with a project timeline, Put the BLM responses, as well as the original input opportunities for public input, and a visible from concerned parties, right on the web, as well 'Highlight' such as a person or an X (We are 'Here') as publishing the responses within local and regional which can shift as time goes on. Keep it on the newspapers. Request participation from all parties, Home page of the BLM website, as well as on the and document carefully who, when, and where other relevant agencies/Tribal Governments/etc. hearings are held, with accurate transcripts kept of websites also. each hearing. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM MUST keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Please give more time for this public comment period. The 21 day period provided is insufficient for the public to be able to adequately comment. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The public should be informed on when and how to BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan by providing detailed updates in participate through every stage of planning through intervals as a plan is being written so people can plain language at every major milestone. If there are the website, social media, local print, radio, and TV hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and long delays in the process, the BLM should issue outlets. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. updates between milestones as well. Develop processes that are publicized and easy to follow. Eliminate the ambiguity and subjectivity. It will help local governments and BLM staff. Include them all from the get-go, with the conflicts and concerns laid out openly. Make sure that there are NOT back-room private meetings between BLM officials and corporate entities, which undercut the public trust tremendously. Public meetings with specific agendas that foster Be sure to include on all mailing lists, organized involvement, not just people shouting at each other. groups that represent lots of stakeholders, for example, Sierra Club, which has chapters and groups all over the country. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Please give more time for this public comment period. The 2 1 day period provided is insufficient for the public to be able to adequately comment. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM can build consensus by sharing ideas and collaborating across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Trust begins with commitment and follow through. Commit to reasonably quick turn around on projects and follow through. Provide standards and guidelines for processes and information that local governments can use. Once done, believe the results provided (with some review and reasonable analysis). The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Provide tribal groups without adequate or widespread online access with alternative means of participation. Base planning upon scientific reasoning which can be Base work on scientific data which can be accessed explained rather than guesswork or unproven and studied. proposals. Ask for early collaboration with all stakeholders. Use plain language in communications with stakeholders. Avoid hidden agendas. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. People should be kept abreast of changes. Every time a change is made, it should be posted on the website. Multi media sources should be used for updates. The website, social media, local newspapers, local news, etc. If there are long periods where there are no While the plan is being written, meetings should be updates, an intermediate post should be made to let held to detail progress and allow public input before people know what caused the delay, or why that the plan is finished. stage is taking so long. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Provide stakeholders with opportunities to work together for solutions and discusss common problems. Provide the public with adequate communication at all stages of planning. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaborate with state agencies, tribes, other groups Data should be shared with state agencies.Each to share ideas. Become a community instead of group has access to information that impacts the them and us. other. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the eplanning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as possible--preferably one. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Do not begin with foregone conclusions. Listen and be willing to incorporate what you are hearing. Be especially sensitive to people's concerns and fears. Remember that many of us have seen pipeline leaks, water contamination and other extremely negative impacts from projects done on BLM land and we need to know that are concerns are heard and that they will be addressed in meaningful ways. hold public meetings The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. This would include the such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal identification of wildlife migration corridors and agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. NEPA is an extremely important process. It needs Work with state, local and tribal jurisdictions to get Include as many people from as many different Do not cut corners. Any project with a potential Use all the outreach processes discussed in to be taken seriously with no short cuts. It is also a information and links to your website onto their viewpoints as possible in the scoping process. for significant environmental and/or cultural impacts responses to prior questions complex process and state and local jurisdictions, websites. Work with as many forms of media as Different jurisdictions, groups and individuals will requires a full blown EIS. tribal governments and members of the public need possible to explain the process and make it clear have different concerns and the scoping needs to be to have an overview of how it works and how they how to participate. Hold public meetings in a as broad as possible. can participate from the very beginning. They also variety of locations to explain the process and need a clear timeline. answer questions. You can build trust by taking concerns seriously and acting accordingly. Meetings prior to the beginning of construction of Dakota Access Pipeline was an example of how to destroy trust rather than build it. Outreach for DAPL ignored information provided by tribal people about cultural artifacts that needed protection and resulted in massive destruction including destruction of grave sites. It also ignored legitimate concerns about water pollution and the horrible track record of Energy Transfer Partners with regard to leaking pipelines and other environmental destruction. keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone public affairs officers should provide the tracking develop a simple graphic describing the graphic and other information about the status of fundamentals of the planning process; this should be the plan to local media outlets each time that status available in an obvious place on the e-planning site changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Give information in plain language with updates, and give all information early as possible so the people have time to respond. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Let everyone know what you are doing presently not after the fact. Communication is only as good as the people who are sharing it are willing to speak openly. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Make all meeting notes and information (along with process insight and time estimations) about BLM activity on a single site - its function should be to provide the public with pertinent information related to land management, scientific and statistical findings, etc. BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM should use a variety of media--website, social BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every intervals as a plan is being written so people can stage of the planning process to let the public know hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. See paragraph B. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Do not lose sight of transparency, which is disappearing within this administration and several before it. Trust is earned and not necessarily given freely. Until BLM review and practices are evaluated on an equal playing field for all those impacted, it will continue to struggle to restore trust amongst the public at large. BLM should always be looking for opportunities to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. See Paragraph B. Create a National priority funding stream in support of long term monitoring of on-the-ground work, which would subsequently provide accountability for meeting Plan objectives. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Encourage coordination throughout the planning process and provide timely and meaningful opportunities of engagement for stakeholders to participate. Participation should be results driven and create opportunities and outcomes that work for stakeholders and decision makers. Our experiences as a cooperating agency in the past Coordination should be a continual dialogue have been somewhat disappointing due to the lack between BLM and engaged state, local, and tribal of meaningful involvement in the planning process. It governments. BLM should take steps to encourage is imperative that BLM provide cooperating agencies this dialogue with all governmental entities with with ample opportunity to provide input and ensure interests germane to the development of federal that input is incorporated into planning efforts. land management plans. Empower local field offices to disseminate Provide an opportunity for members of state and Coordination and consistency with state, local, and Coordination should be conducted in a manner information throughout the planning process as well local governments to be included as members of the tribal plans and policies are paramount to successful consistent with federal law; however, coordination as implementation. Interdisciplinary teams (ID team). planning efforts and are required by FLPMA. is not subordinate to regulations, purposes, policies, Policies, analysis requirements, planning procedures, and programs of such laws. In fact, these and other instructions have a major effect on the regulations, purposes, policies, and programs should outcome of land management planning. be developed in coordination with state, local, and tribal governments to meet the intent of FLPMA Coordination must be distinct from public outreach Broad landscape-scale management, without and involvement in order for the State and local consideration of local conditions and ecosystems, governments to have meaningful participation under will lead to poor resource management. Landscape- FLPMA scale management that encompasses a large geographical area would rely on broad sweeping data sets that fail to include the best available science data or local areas. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM public affairs officers should provide the BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the BLM should keep the public informed about the tracking graphic and other information about the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed status of the plan to local media outlets each time available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. updates in plain language at every major milestone. that status changes. If there is a long delay between If there are long delays in the process, BLM should stages, BLM should look for opportunities to issue updates between milestones as well. provide interim updates to the media and the public. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular BLM should use a variety of media - web site, social Many of the suggested solutions to the previous The planning process should create opportunities BLM should make it easier for states to share data - intervals as a plan is being written so people can media, local print, radio, and TV outlets - at every question ("User-friendly Planning") can also increase for agency decision makers to balance responsible particularly wildlife management data - with BLM, hear firsthand about the progress of the plan, and stage of the planning process to let the public know transparency in the NEPA process. It might not be development with reasonable conservation. and vice versa. This would include the identification discuss concerns and ideas with staff. If the planning when and how to participate. necessary to explicitly refer to NEPA (or include Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat area is especially large, those public meetings should extensive information about how the process and allow all stakeholders - ranchers, miners, data, and other scientific information that is either be held at the most central location possible, relates to NEPA) in simplified graphics describing energy developers, recreation groups, other federal, important for hunters, anglers and other or rotated among several different affected the steps of the planning process, as long as the state and local agencies, conservationists, scientists backcountry recreation. communities. steps described therein meet NEPA requirements. and members of the general public - to tell BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any relevant data. Include local and tribal government representatives in agency ID team meetings. Involve local and tribal governments early in any planning or project proposal development to allow the opportunity for these entities to help develop a proposal that would be consistent or more consistent with local plans. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media to let the public know when plan by providing detailed updates in plain language and how to participate. at every major milestone. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Always be looking for opportunities to share ideas Collaboration should begin early and allow and collaborate across boundaries and with other everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and recreation groups; other federal, state and local other federal agencies, as well as private agencies; and members of the public--to tell the landowners. BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Provide geographic user interface that itemizes all active NEPA efforts, liking details from there. Notification and timely information simplified for everyone. No anonymous comments or opinions. No undocumented meetings with stakeholders. Keep all stakeholder meetings and correspondence electronically and see that these are available and searchable. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Begin with good communication of your mission, and don't choose to place one portion of your mission above the others for political gain. Respect all perspectives and provide equal weight in evaluations. We are supposed to be a democracy. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Transparency is one of the most important things The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular about the NEPA process. The BLM must keep the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can public informed about the progress of a plan, every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and especially by providing detailed updates in plain know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Objects that national monuments are created to A specific plan for involved, thorough public protect must be specifically described and meetings must be developed that all future special specifically located with detailed descriptions. If it is designations must go through. The option must a non-governmental entity that is advocating for a exist for counter-proposals to be developed and special designation (NCA, wilderness, monument, presented. The public needs to be able to ask etc.) they should pay for the development of the questions, find out how much things cost, get business plan and identify funding sources before a accurate information as to the impacts of this designation is advanced. designation and be able to make comments. A public meeting is not preaching to the choir. So many 'designations' claim that public meetings have been held when those meetings involve people that want the designation or are in an urban area away from the actual land and the communities most affected by the designations. BLM could facilitate meetings with stakeholders and the proponent of a project in advance of the NEPA process to allow for a better understanding of the project and address concerns early on. This would also establish a better trust relationship between stakeholders, BLM and the proponent. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should use a variety of media-website, social media, local print , radio, and television outlets- at every stage of the planning process to let the public know how and when to participate. Similar answer- provide regular updates and explanation of planned and executed parts of the analysis. Use multi media(internet,radio,tv,news releases) to encourage public comment. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Base plans on the latest information, science, policy, Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district and public opinion. If the science and/or public or multifield office level as needed to better address opinion point to the need for an environmental cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and impact statement, do not skip that step. complexity of resource management plans The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. And, just because an individual isn't local, BLM should not assume that they do not care deeply about the area on which they are providing comments. BLM could facilitate meetings with stakeholders and the proponent of a project in advance of the NEPA process to allow for a better understanding of the project and address concerns early on. This would also establish a better trust relationship between stakeholders, BLM and the proponent. The BLM should make it easier for states share data- particulary wildlife management data-with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data. Building trust is imperative, and takes time. Choose The BLM must actively fight the public perception actions that support local communities and that it favors energy extraction over the creation of sustainable economies, i.e. tourism. Do not choose sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation actions that seem to favor corporations not based economies. locally, hurt tourism economies, leave a visible mark on the landscape or restrict access. Use multi media(internet,radio,tv,news releases) to encourage public comment. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should encourage community outreach to involve children and local groups in planning for the future, their future. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of every plan by providing detailed updates social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets as intervals as a plan is being written so people can in plain language at every major milestone. If there well as reaching out to those who are known to be hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue interested in that site--at every stage of the discuss concerns and ideas with staff. E-mailed updates between milestones as well. planning process to let the public know when and comments from those who can't attend meetings how to participate. should be actively solicited. No decisions should be made without fully The BLM should look for opportunities to share addressing all comments and ensuring the public has ideas and collaborate across field office boundaries meaningful input prior to any step. and with other public and private landowners. Collaboration should come first. Everyone environmentalists, recreational users, scientists, developers, other federal, state and local agencies; as well as members of the public should be encouraged to express their wishes and concerns to the BLM about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area before an agenda is imposed. Eoviding clear and complete information to applicants about what is expected regarding the initial assessment of natural and cultural resource impacts from various alternatives would both improve the quality of applications and reduce delays associated with the need for further study down the line. Ehother way to help stakeholders is by improving the up-front natural and cultural resource inventories; better analysis of potential impacts would benefit both the NEPA and Section 106 processes. By having more information early in the process, the agency could get better input from stakeholders and make for better decisions. Cbntinue to use project websites, with clearer links Eproved guidance to applicants to promote early to various topics, such as descriptions of known identification of stakeholders and early initiation of historic sites and the NHPA process. While the BLM consultation would foster transparency. often includes Section 106 information on project websites, it can be difficult to find. ELM can make sure everyone knows the scope and ELM could improve how it works with stakeholders limits of NEPA analysis--what it covers and what it by doing better consultation. The consultation doesn't. Consider developing and distributing a process done for Section 106 can be a model. "NEPA 101" document similar to the ACHP's A Better consultation builds trust. Citizen's Guide to Section 106 Review as a way of getting stakeholders up to speed on the process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular The BLM should use a variety of media--website, intervals as a plan is being written so people can social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and every stage of the planning process to let the public discuss concerns and ideas with staff. know when and how to participate. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. Tribal governments should be encouraged to The BLM should make it easier for states to share participate, and the BLM should make special efforts data--particularly wildlife management data--with to reach areas that lack access to electronic the agency and vice versa. This would include the communications. identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as p--ible preferaku, one BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Make this information widely available by providing it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few /'ll r\ rt-ikl n r\ rnfa m kl\/ Using the BLM website focused on the individual planning areas (such that it is available nationally as well as on state or field office Webpages). Make it easy to find and understand. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Public meetings to inform local citizens of progress in the planning process would be helpful. Create working groups at the local level, to include volunteers from a variety of stakeholder interests. Incorporate feedback from these local working groups into larger plans. Keep the public informed about the progress of a plan in layman's language, including highlighting major milestones/deadlines. Use a multitude of media outreach, including print Regularly and appropriately timed public meetings and social media. Make it easy for people to know with ample notice. Give people the opportunity to what is going on and how best to participate in the convey personally their process. concerns/interests/suggestions. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Tribal governments should be encouraged to to share ideas and collaborate across its own field participate, and the BLM should make special efforts office boundaries and with other public landowners, to reach areas that lack access to electronic such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal communications. agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping Tribal governments should be encouraged to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the participate, and the BLM should make special efforts issues to be addressed and how they will be to reach areas that lack access to electronic evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; communications. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Ensure everyone knows the BLM's primary Build consensus between stakeholders to place responsibility will be to protect government lands environmental protection at the top of the priority from being destroyed, and then prove that by list, to be honored and adhered to by all placing environmental health for all BLM-managed stakeholders. locations at the top of the priority list when determining land use. BLM should be flexible; share ideas/experiences and Begin the process of outreach early and keep folks collaborate with and between field offices and with informed. Everyone should have a voice and the public at large. opportunity to weigh-in and share their thoughts and experiences. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. publish all findings The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Let a herd of wild horses run over the people who were responsible for the new slaughter the horses policy. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. really listen and engage, then DO THE RIGHT THING The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. By including the people in decisions of change by allowing them to vote on any new policy. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the national e-planning site and at every local site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold widely publicized and progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at announced public meetings at regular intervals as a updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public plan is being written so people can hear firsthand If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns should issue updates between milestones as well. and ideas with staff. Every plan or changes to a plan should detail the intention of the plan, what are the pros and cons of every plan and what will be gained or lost by taking action or not taking action on the plan. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Keep the public informed about the progress of a plan by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone, using a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Hold public meetings at regular intervals. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should remember that they hold land in Collaboration should begin early, before scoping trust for all Americans - not all corporations and (the process by which agencies solicit input on the not just nearby neighbors. That said, the BLM issues to be addressed and how they will be should always be looking for opportunities to share evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; ideas and collaborate across its own field office energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, boundaries and with other public landowners, such state and local agencies; and members of the as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns as well as private landowners. The intention of that about the planning area, and share any data they collaboration should be to develop a systemic have about the area. There needs to be an perspective on planning and conservation, not ecosystem plan that the BLM plans align with. This simply actions to take regarding a single piece of will require collaboration with neighbors. land. There needs to be an ecosystem plan that the BLM plans align with. This will require collaboration with neighbors. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaborate early (before scoping) across BLM field Make it easier for states to share data--particularly office boundaries and with state agencies, tribes, and the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other federal agencies, as well as private other wildlife habitat, and other scientiic data--with landowners. the agency and vice versa. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to (the process by which agencies solicit input on the share data--particularly wildlife management issues to be addressed and how they will be data--with the agency and vice versa. This would evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; include the identification of wildlife migration energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, corridors and other habitat data, and other state and local agencies; and members of the scientific information that is important to public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area.  Provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. An easily understood graphic detailing the planning process should be included on the e-planning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. host public meetings where this can be explained in a group setting The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media--website, social media, local plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is language at every major milestone. If there are long planning process to let the public know when and being written so people can hear firsthand about delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates how to participate. the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and between milestones as well. ideas with staff. The BLM needs to ensure the public is informed by Use all media sites to include the BLM website, providing detailed updates in plain language at every social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets major milestone of the paln. When delays occur during each stage and ensuring the public know during the process, the BLM should issue updates when and how to participate. between milestones as well. Public meetings are essential and should be held regularly to ensure interested citizens can address their concerns and suggestions with staff. A variety of media--website, social media, local But nothing is better than a Q and A session with print, radio, and TV outlets--to keep the public the community where people can hear firsthand informed. about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns The BLM should be more open to the public. A and ideas. website with graphic interface with current and future projects detailed by region would be helpful and should inform about the projects and have a contact point within the BLM Keep the public informed about the progress of a plan by providing detailed updates. Information has to be made public via internet, social media, etc Transparency requires trust and availability of information Public meetings between the planners and those to be affected by the plan The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Tribal governments should be encouraged to Always be looking for opportunities to share ideas participate, and the BLM should make special efforts and collaborate across its own field office to reach areas that lack access to electronic boundaries and with other public landowners, such communications. as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other state agencies, tribes, other federal agencies, and private landowners. This should occur early in the process and allow parties to express their thoughts about the planning area. Included tribal governments Make it easy for states to share wildlife management data that is important for outdoor enthusiasts. Collaboration The BLM should be more open to the public. A website with graphic interface with current and future projects detailed by region would be helpful and should inform about the projects and have a contact point within the BLM Share ideas and collaborate across BLM field office boundaries and boundaries with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, other federal agencies, and private landowners. Respecting the stakeholders. Listening and being responsive Solicit input to potential designs especially from those who will be affected The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. I expect you to implement the ideas proposed by the Pew Trusts. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. I expect you to implement the solutions proposed by the Pew Trusts. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM public affairs officers should show a tracking The BLM should develop a simple graphic graphic and other information the status of the describing the fundamentals of the planning plan to local media outlets each time that status process;which should be made available in an changes. If there long delays then they should try to obvious place on the e-planning site. get this information out to the public via the media. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM needs to keep the public informed about their progress of a plan. This can be done by providing detailed updates in plain language the public can understand.With this being done at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM could use a variety of ways to keep the public informed. Such as social media, local newspaper to the areas being dealt with, radio and TV. this being done at every stage of the planning being made so the public knows when and how to join in the process. The BLM could hold public meetings as a plan is being chosen so the public can hear about it's progress and be allowed to ask questions, discuss their concerns and any ideas with the staff that is there. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before anything is to share ideas and collaborate across it's office firm to allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy boundaries with other public landowners, such as developers; recreation groups; other federal, state state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as and local agencies; and members of the public--to well as private landowners tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Simplify access to information. be available Use social media. Use local news outlets. Provide frequent updates. answer emails Honestly, with as much media access as we have today, there are zero excuses for NOT being transparent. If it's not easy to see, you are hiding something, and hiding info from the public is betraying those whom your department was designed to serve. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. START EARLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLM would improve transparency by better disclosing the best available science on the decisions, so that responsible and transparent participation is possible. keep the public informed via the web and traditional out of sight is out of mind. Keep people informed. media. Web alone is not enough. See previous. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Absolute transparency. Serving environmental and human interest rather than corporate interest. This means rejecting fossil fuel development of all kinds. Unsustainable logging operations must also be rejected. be generous be fair Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Ask for comments from all organizations, combine, List a contact for each organization so there can be then resend to all for futher comments. sharing and comments. BLM could better accommodate tribal cultural and archeological factors in its planning and decision making. share data. Stop cow-towing to criminals like Cliven Bundy Hold meaningful meetings to get their input. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide the tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, the BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. open the process up from the beginning The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. You must see thing as your neighbors do The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Provide public data, in multiple formats, to reach the widest audience possible. Announce opportunities for public input well in advance. Hold regular public meetings with data-driven updates on planning progress and strategies. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Widely publicize upcoming meetings. Send letters to all affected organizations or groups. Meet when and where most convenient to all. Avoid closed meetings. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Use a variety of media to communicate with the public. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Be inclusive and involve all stakeholders, from the When calling for collaborative input, use multiple general public to local and state governments to media and channels of communication to account tribes to energy developers to recreational groups, for differences in media access among stakeholders, even before scoping. particularly in remote rural areas. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area Solicit ideas from all affected parties. Don't go in with attitude of "my way or the highway," or that the government knows best. Fairly examine & discuss all options, try to build a consensus involving all parties. Have open meetings. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across share data--particularly wildlife management its own field office boundaries and with other public data--with the agency and vice versa. This would landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other include the identification of wildlife migration federal agencies, as well as private landowners. corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, Collaboration should begin early, before scoping anglers, and other backcountry recreation (the process by which agencies solicit input on the enthusiasts. issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; Tribal governments should be encouraged to energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, participate, and the BLM should make special efforts state and local agencies; and members of the to reach areas that lack access to electronic public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns communications. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaborate with all stakeholders first, before taking any action. BLM should look for opportunities to share ideas & collaborate across its own field office boundaries & with other public landowners. Collaboration should begin before scoping & allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; members of the public--to tell BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, & share data. BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate & BLM should make special efforts to The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop and make available in an obvious place on the e-planning site a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process. Clear & concise proposals, timelines & deadlines to submit proposals or give input. Clear & user friendly calendars of events (meetings, votes, etc,) petition & feedback forms, internal BLM dept contact lists, with a friendly & responsive staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Making data, planning criteria, and resource information publicly available and easy to access from the start will lead to greater transparency. GIS infrastructure is a start but investment in making sure data is complete and easily searchable is a must! Making data, planning criteria, and resource information publicly available and easy to access from the start will lead to greater transparency, increased trust and better public engagement. Impartial reporting of meetings, perhaps by watchdog groups, to include motives of stake holders. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Keep the public informed about the progress of a Use a variety of media--website, social media, local Hold public BLM staffed meetings at regular plan, especially by providing BLM detailed updates in print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the intervals as a plan is being written so people can plain language at every major milestone. If long planning process so the public knows when and how hear about the progress and discuss concerns and delays in the process, issue updates between to participate. ideas with staff. milestones as well. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. he BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. By LISTENING to the needs of the State & Local govts, Tribal Partners AND concerned citizens WHO OWN SAID LANDS AND ARE OSTENSIBLY THOSE WHOM THE BLM WORKS FOR & ON BEHALF OF. In other words treat Taxpayers like your shareholders! Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Keep public lands accessible! Increased public input and transparency up front Making data, planning criteria, and resource and throughout the planning process lead to better information publicly available and easy to access decisions, more buy-in, and less conflict. By engaging from the start will lead to greater transparency, the public early and often, the BLM will have a more increased trust and better public engagement. user friendly planning process that better integrates the needs of stakeholders. This should be the other way around. How state/local governments and other stake holders can build trust with the owners of BLM land (citizens) and to why they want specific uses of public land. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Always look for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with state agencies, tribes, other federal agencies, and private landowners. Begin collaboration early, before scoping (by which agencies solicit input on the issues addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers, miners, energy developers, recreation groups, other federal, state and local agencies, and the public--to tell their wishes and concerns about the planning and share data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area Tribal governments should be encouraged to he BLM should make it easier for states to share participate, and the BLM should make special efforts data--particularly wildlife management data--with to reach areas that lack access to electronic the agency and vice versa. communications. BLM's requirement for formal RMP evaluations every five years is inflexible and often wasteful. These evaluations should instead occur when there is sufficient cause for them, and recognizing that plan maintenance actions may occur at any time. It would be more prudent to focus limited staff time on keeping to RMP revisions every fifteen years rather than slavishly following an every-five-years RMP evaluation requirement. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM must establish and consistently follow a BLM must continue to improve ePlanning to make it During scoping for EAs and EISs, BLM should BLM should use the annual EPAP evaluation process BLM should more effectively "front load" the national policy for how each office will create, as user-friendly as possible. For example, the schedule and effectively publicize field trips to hold managers and employees accountable for scoping process to encourage greater public maintain, and use its NEPA and RMP revision mailing geographic locations now are points only and often (including on weekends so working folks could effective performance on their priority NEPA awareness and involvement. For example, BLM lists. There are now discrepancies among and highly inaccurate. Like in GIS, NEPA project leads attend) to the proposed action areas. These field projects. NEPA deadlines are often missed or should go beyond sending the normal scoping within the states about how these lists are created, should be able to identify points, lines, or polygons trips would provide valuable opportunities to extended without persuasive reasons. BLM letters and emails, and be proactive and creative maintained, and used. These discrepancies as locations of proposed actions. More accurate encourage dialogue among stakeholders and identify managers often fail to properly manage the NEPA about using news events, social media, and other undermine BLM's credibility and NEPA's purpose of geographic locations would benefit both the public issues of concern early on. In contrast, BLM's workload as they are distracted by other ever- communication methods. Journalists should be encouraging transparency and public involvement. and BLMers searching for NEPA projects in specific current practice of drab "open house" workshops changing and never-ending bureaucratic priorities. invited to participate in relevant field trips and areas. tends to be diffuse and low-key, where little public meetings. practical dialogue or relationship building occurs. BLM should strive to meaningfully engage the public early on and at relevant locations, rather than look for ways to keep the public restrained, sedated, and at bay. BLM managers, planners, and project leads should be more active in getting out of their offices to meet with local leaders, service clubs, church groups, garden clubs, etc. You can't be a good neighbor if you don't meet your neighbors. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. ALLOW Wild Horses to run free and fend for themselves - These Wild Horses have been here since the 1520's from the Spanish. They CAN fend for themselves By being receptive to the public concerns and the needs of the natural world. Using good science as the basis for decisions Have an easy-to-access and informative web site By giving early notice to local stakeholders and media NGOs early disclosure as to specific plans for area in question Take advantage of all media-radio, tv and internet Have an easily accessible clear language web site and blogs. Early disclosure of desired outcome of land in question Involving all concerns in final outcome Keep the stakeholders informed in every way possible: tv, radio, internet and public meetings. Do not expect one medium to handle it. Email distribution lists with news updates and alerts Keep your web site up-to-date 1 .Hkntify your key target audience(s). Know how 2.EDblic hearings and workshops to contact them, e.g. phone, address, email, etc. 3.E3iail distribution lists with news updates and alerts 1 .Eiep your web site, Twitter and Facebook upto-date Coordinate, collaborate and integrate across sectors. Keep your key stakeholders and those identified well informed from start to finish. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Cease the political attempts to emplace barriers and End this administration's false claims that commerce roadblocks to public influence, of a type that fails to and industry are being disproportionately excluded serve the interests of industry and commerce. from the profitable use of public land resources. Provide data and other resources The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Respect and continue conservation as a key element Cease political attempts to disproportionally in managing public land resources. represent commercial and industrial interests, by characterizing conservation as exclusive. Listen to and plan with them. BLM management should end its historical pattern of collaboration with industry to transfer wealth from the public to private sector. The BLM should share their concerns with the The State Director urges industry to have a pre proponent and build a working relationship with the meeting with the resources specialists however proponent and local governments. In the past, we participation has been few and not prepared to have had to make comments during the public discuss issue that industry should be addressing. comment period to address something that could have been addressed during a joint meeting prior to public comment and writing of the EA. By safeguarding and restoring public lands, BLM will create jobs and inspire trust. Share relevant BLM information that will help to Invite industry to the table to discuss the NEPA Remove personal agendas of the BLM employees facilitate and aid the proponent in producing a more issues during the review period. Suggestion is to and work together to advance projects. comprehensive and complete plan. have NEPA review meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday and industry would be invited to hear and discuss the concerns with the submitted Plan of Operations. This would allow more timely review by industry and an overall quicker approval process. Take local input seriously and consider the impact of their decision on the local economy as well. The BLM should use a variety of media-website, social media, local print, radio and TV outlets- at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as possible--preferably one. If planning is delayed, consider putting out interim updates to keep the public informed. More outreach (signs/Flyers, etc.,) at many recreation sites Detailed updates at every milestone; variety of media; public meetings. Use a variety of media--website, social media, local Hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the being written so people can hear firsthand about planning process to let the public know when and the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and how to participate. ideas with staff. The planning information should be posted on all possible social media, I.e., newspapers, Internet webpages, Facebook, radio, tv...in brief, plain language for the general public, and updated as any changes occur. These sources should also provide an easy to understand simple way to comment back to the BLM. No Legalese , please. Use plain English and language that is easily understood; if you are using acronyms be sure to define them in every material Not get rid of Resource Advisory groups Use multiple channels to communicate - websites, Hold regular public meetings to keep the public up facebook and twitter as well as traditional media to date - inform them well in advance and hold outlets to give as many people possible access to the them in central locations that people can easily get information to. More and improved outreach--perhaps hiring marketing firms to assist Allow monitoring of progress of the process As mentioned, the use of an easy to locate and navigate webpage would offer greater transparency. Other media (TV, radio etc) and public meetings could also offer options for the public to present their thoughts and concerns with the members of the BLM and involved government or environmental groups. Collaborate across field office boundaries and other Begin early and make the process open. public landowners (state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners). The open sharing of all planning well in advance of any actions plus the incorporation of feasible submitted plan adjustments by state and local governments, tribal partners, and the nation's citizens will build trust that the BLM is not pandering to corporate interests. It's imperative to build relationships across jurisdictions and community groups and to do it early. Make special efforts to reach out to tribal governments and in appropriate ways. Give yourself plenty of time for this Public Information Officers at all Districts that focus More active public meetings on social media, outreach etc., Value the input of effected groups This is a repeat - it should be part of the early collaborative efforts in the data gathering and planning stages. We live in a global system and it can't be reduced to only one tiny portion. There's the physical aspect including the land, wildlife and flora as well as all of the agencies that oversee larger segments. All involved need to be included in the discussions, open meetings, data gathering etc. Each Field Office must have a full time NEPA coordinator. This important position is often not filled or not seen as a priority. The position is key to ensuring full public notice for NEPA actions. All NEPA documents must be available on-line and During planning and NEPA analysis, there must be easily searchable. Many offices have not kept up clear and easy to see public notice on the HOME NEPA logs of draft or completed NEPA documents. WEB PAGE of each field office of current planning There is no consistency between BLM states, and NEPA actions. Too often, this information is districts, or field offices for posting and public "buried" in their website and not obvious to the notification. visitor looking for the information. As a past BLM employee, I found NEPA training to The opportunity for Cooperating Agency status be "optional" or often not a priority for ALL should be emphasized to all relevant stakeholders. relevant staff (which should be most non-admin staff). Also, Fire and Fuels, lands, and facilities/maintenance managers often do not take NEPA seriously, and are not held to the same standard for NEPA compliance as resources and minerals staff and managers, and are not a priority for NEPA training. It must be clear in the training that all staff that deal with NEPA have a responsibility to make sure there is adequate public notice and transparency. The BLM should add additional workshops before the required scoping and other phases of planning and NEPA. These workshops need to better outline process, law, regulation, desired outcomes, etc, in the planning process. Too often, local governments or other stakeholders do not have a good idea of BLM's laws, such as FLPMA, etc. Focus on maximizing opportunities for public input, Encourage use of informal meetings that provide Keep the public informed about the progress of a Make underlying data available to stakeholders from Provide ongoing opportunities for input, such as pre- Provide an opportunity to receive notices of NEPA Begin collaboration early, before scoping, and allow Share ideas/collaborate across field office which ensures that stakeholders trust the process space for asking questions, learning and providing plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain the start of the process and throughout. It should scoping and preliminary alternatives, and make processes by notifying the BLM of areas of interest. everyone - tribes, ranchers, miners, energy boundaries and with other landowners and state and outcomes. BLM should also engage in regular feedback. Discussion-style meetings are not language at every major milestone. If there are long be made clear that stakeholders should not be information submitted available for review. These Expecting stakeholders to hunt for updated NEPA developers, recreation groups, other federal, state and federal agencies. Issue clarification that BLM public outreach whether there is an official inconsistent with NEPA or FLPMA and not only delays in the process, BLM should issue updates required to submit formal Freedom of Information processes do not need to be formal NEPA documents in different field offices in global listings and local agencies, and members of the general will work throughout its planning and NEPA opportunity to provide input or not, to inform the helps the public to better understand the process between milestones as well. Use a variety of media Act Requests to obtain inventory data, including GIS processes, but will support BLM's decision-making on e-planning interferes with and undermines public - to tell BLM their wishes and concerns processes to consider state/local objectives, seek public and stakeholders of the current and next but also informs the agency about issues the public - web site, social media, local print, radio, and TV files, or to review comments submitted, as they are and public trust in the NEPA process. Also, provide transparency. about the planning area, and share any data they consistency with state/local plans and policies and steps in the planning process. and stakeholders care about most. Provide for a outlets - at every stage of the planning process to sometimes required to do by the agency now. BLM specific responses to comments on draft documents, have about the area. hopefully avoid the need for a formal consistency variety of ways for the public to give input -- formal let the public know when and how to participate. can and should make this information available - as whether environmental assessments or review and/or appeal. Ensure these efforts do not comments at meetings (in addition to the more many offices already do. Provide ongoing updates on environmental impact statements, and make those undermine BLM's role as the final decision-making traditional information-sharing stations), written where the agency is in NEPA processes, including available before final documents are issued or authority and its obligation to manage in accordance comments that can be provided at meetings and newsletters and posting information. decisions are made. with the multiple use mandate. While BLM needs to interactive internet-based tools and build in time evaluate state/local government input, these and opportunities for stakeholders that may not decisions are ultimately to be made by BLM and have easy access to high speed internet and _a__ The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, focused on meeting the interests and needs of the A___ i__ _____ le The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Tribal governments should be encouraged to social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at to share ideas and collaborate across its own field participate, and the BLM should make special efforts every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public office boundaries and with other public landowners, to reach areas that lack access to electronic know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal communications. should issue updates between milestones as well. agencies, as well as private landowners.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, issue updates between milestones. Use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Collaborate across BLM's field office boundaries and with other public landowners, (state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies), and private landowners. This should begin early, before scoping. allow all--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to speak. Make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa, about identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, etc. Tribal governments should be encouraged to participate. Make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. There are many decisions that are made prior to Reinstate the Resource Advisory Councils but go Provide the public and stakeholders with ample offering a 21 -day comment period with a web Provide ongoing opportunities for input, such as pr i- Provide an opportunity for the public to review Provide clarification that the agency will work Maintain and support the updated manual and official scoping. BLM could benefit greatly by further by encouraging the use of informal meetings opportunities to provide input on this process going format that is not user-friendly and limited to 700 scoping and preliminary alternatives, and make preliminary alternatives, Make underlying data throughout its planning processes to consider state handbook on engaging tribal governments. involving the public in some of these decisions from that provide space for asking questions, learning and forward, regardless of whether there are ultimately characters per answer is inadequate for outreach to information submitted available for review. Provide available to stakeholders from the start of the and local objectives, try to seek consistency with the very beginning of planning. For example, BLM providing feedback. Discussion-style meetings help formal rulemaking processes. the public on such an important matter and is not an opportunity to receive notices of NEPA process and throughout, Provide specific responses state and local plans and policies, with the goal of could see assistance with data collection or the public to better understand the process but also transparent. processes by notifying the BLM of areas of interest. to comments on draft documents (EIS or EAs), and avoiding the need for a formal consistency review inventorying where there are gaps. BLM could also informs the agency about issues the public and Expecting stakeholders to hunt for updated NEPA make those available before final documents are and/or appeal. better anticipate the concerns or management stakeholders care about most. documents in different field offices in global listings issued or decisions are made. issues that may come up during scoping and will be on e-planning interferes with and undermines in a better position to address those issues transparency. throughout the process. Hold meetings and hearings within all localities that Have open meetings for parties who wish to are potentially affected. comment, not private one-to-one or one-to-one recorded interviews. People benefit from hearing others' ideas and concerns. Avoid private closed-door sessions with parties who Provide information to all parties, including the stand to benefit from any decision. The public general public, with adequate time to read and should be included even when it is not comment review. time. See my comment above in 'B': fast/ comprehensive two-way communication is now possible, and MUST be utilized. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Share information about substance and process. Identify any parties (especially corporations or private interests) who would benefit from planning regulations and who have had contact with the planners at any level. Obviously, close relations with state and local governments is ideal, but these are NOT the only, even most important, stakeholders. Their interests may be parochial, and self-interested, RATHER than wholistic and all-inclusive. BLM must represent all Americans AND our 'common wealth', our national monuments, parks, and lands. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. It is a good idea to keeping websites up to date with detailed, thorough, expert source material as well as the summaries written by the position described above. The best way to make this information widely available is to provide it on the BLM website closest to the planning area: A simple tracking graphic, updated in real time, should be posted on the state office or field office webpage (not the BLM's "ePlanning" site). The public should be able to find the tracker easily via a clear link on the state or field office home page, and the graphic should include links to the e-planning documents. The graphic should also provide an obvious link to the comment site anytime a comment period is open. Both the graphic and the comment site should be reachable through as few clicks as ________:LI. ______r_____LI.._______ An organization should have good intentions and should communicate those intentions honestly. If an organization has hidden intentions, no amount of communication will lead to transparency. And if an intention is secret, why is it so? Perhaps the intention is flawed. An organization should do its best to consider thoroughly its ideas, then present them. There is no need for secrecy or deceptive or manipulative language. Respondents can critique the idea or support/reject it. This is how an organization gets outside feedback on its ideas. The result is even better ideas. If the intention is actually rotten, then the resistance in sharing the information plainly is a note about The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. If we are asking how we can better hear from people who want unwise, greedy land policy, we don't want to hear from them better. We want to do our best to reduce greed, exploitation, selfishness, and short-sightedness (in time and scope) in our perspectives and in the conversation. Financial gain from land use is great. But it must be wise financial gain. Our goal, the goal of the BLM, the goal of States, the goal of business-people, is wise action. If a party has a faulty goal, then the goal of the discussion is to weed it out, reduce it, or rehabilitate it; the goal is to eliminate those faulty goals. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners.  The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site BLM should keep in mind that it's not ethical to manipulate the release of information in such a way as to keep some interested parties more "in the dark" than others. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site and on the state office or field office webpage. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Use a variety of media--website, Facebook & Every member of the public should be able to trace Twitter, local papers, radio, and TV stations, plus every step in the BLM's planning process. Industry face-to-face "town hall" type meetings--at every representatives, for example, should never have stage of the planning process to let the public know greater access than tribes or other communities when and how to participate. Any meetings should that will be affected by the plans. be held in venues with ample parking and seating, and BLM should make announcements multiple times over a period of weeks. use a variety of media, have public meetings; show the scientific evidence you have used to make your decisions The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM should be assertive about sharing information Don't assume everyone has internet access. Post with ALL stakeholders, even those who may not be signs on doors at schools and tribal complexes, aware that their interests are affected by the make phone calls to community leaders, including planning. tribal councils, etc be sure tribal governments are involved share data The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners/stakeholders, such as state agencies, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. BLM public affairs officers should provide regular updates on the status of the plan to local media outlets each time that status changes. If there is a long delay between stages, BLM should look for opportunities to provide interim updates to the media and the public. BLM should endeavor to complete a Resource Management Plan in 2 years once the Notice of Intent to prepare is published. It is difficult to keep the public engaged in the planning process when it extends over many years. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. all meetings webcast minutes available on website Early and continuous public involvement brings diverse viewpoints and values into the decision making process. This process enables agencies to make better informed decisions through collaborative efforts and builds mutual understanding and trust between the agencies and the public they serve. Providing opportunities for public participation prior to the completion of the Draft Environmental Assessment or Impact Statement and identification of alternatives for review would improve public transparency and sharing of both data regarding impacts and possible solutions to address those impacts. The BLM should always be looking for Tribal governments should be encouraged to opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across participate, and the BLM should make special efforts its own field office boundaries and with other public to reach areas that lack access to electronic landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other communications. federal agencies, as well as private landowners. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Early and continuous public involvement brings diverse viewpoints and values into the agency decision-making process. This process enables agencies to make better informed decisions through collaborative efforts and builds mutual understanding and trust between the agencies and the public they serve. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping , and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Hold public meetings Use a variety of media including social, newspapers TV to inform the public The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The Secretary of the Interior must also ensure that interagency disagreements are not allowed to delay or disrupt projects. When a disagreement arises between federal agencies, more robust executive engagement should take place early in the process, including possible dispute resolution through the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). By making information and planning criteria public and easily accessible, the BLM will increase people's faith in the process and increase public engagement. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Collaboration with everyone, tribes, landowners recreational users, biologists working in the area, energy companies, solicited before the scoping process Make it easier for wildlife agencies to share information The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping he BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. the agency should ensure it is fully cooperating with The website should have a section targeted to state and local communities when making land use customer service for those industries that use planning decisions. BLM should also utilize federal lands for resource development. All electronic paperwork submissions and improve the necessary permits and applications should be agency website. During the Obama Administration, accessible for interested parties, however, collection the BLM turned the agency's "multiple-use" of information cannot be a goal in and unto itself mandate on its head and focused on recreation and with vital land management decisions held-up land conservation to the detriment of all other because stakeholders claim the need to have endless activities. access to information. he BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other public landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. When a NEPA proposed action is likely to be of Do more to integrate landscape ecology and Tell the truth and be honest even when admitting Make managers more accountable for meeting their Get out and actually meet and interact with diverse public concern or potentially controversial, there conservation biology principles and data into weaknesses or shortcomings. Acknowledge when NEPA and planning schedules and deadlines. People stakeholders and groups. Too many BLMers are should be one or more scheduled field trips during developing RMP revisions, and in doing NEPA BLM may not have the ability due to staff and know not to trust BLM when it provides schedules cloistered in their offices or hiding in their trucks. the scoping period. Field trips would enable analysis for priority or larger-scale projects. For budget limits to do otherwise desirable mitigation or and deadlines because they are so rarely met. Many Instead of making NEPA a drab paper-shuffling stakeholders and BLMers to discuss potential example, the Western Governors Association and a monitoring. Don't make promises that BLM may important BLM EISs and EAs languish for years, and process, BLM should more effectively make NEPA a concerns early on and in the actual location of the broad array of sportsmen and conservation groups not be able to keep. Do not attempt to sugarcoat people lose hope that they may ever make it to the key means to engage the community and involve proposed project. Field trips should also be are increasingly concerned about habitat or low ball issues of concern or controversy. For finish line. This is not the fault of NEPA itself; it is stakeholders, beginning at the outset of the scoping required at the start of all RMP revision processes, fragmentation in the West and the urgent need to example, BLM has done NEPA in the large area of because of excessive self-imposed bureaucratic period. BLM will build back trust as it makes especially to locations of likely public interest or protect a system of crucial wildlife movement the chronic Bundy trespass grazing, and where burdens and a largely dysfunctional management greater community connections and gives the public concern. corridors. These corridors do not respect human grazing effects were relevant to the analysis, without culture. It's time to kick ass and take names on "buy in" to the NEPA process and its outcomes. boundaries on maps, and they may cross many acknowledging those trespass grazing effects. chronic NEPA delays! NEPA is not only about making better decisions but different federal office jurisdictions and land People don't trust BLM when BLM tries to hide key also about involving the public in how those ownerships. BLM must act to coordinate and facts or the unfortunate reality out on the ground. decisions are reached. cooperate with others to effectively protect these .. .:l Jlrr_ ______________________________r J______ Have input meetings in many areas of a state so that Use the internet for notifications and input as well all can contribute their voice. as newspapers and meetings. Give notice in many ways and many places of any contemplated action. Publish all arguments and decisions in a way that all Make sure individuals representing groups or may see. businesses have their connection published and made known as well as their name. Public information meetings Development of alternatives should be a more open A well developed and explained preferred process. alternative should be included in every planning document and be the focus of analysis. It is important that stakeholders have a good picture of what BLM's intentions are. Make better use of social media and press events to Do not create expectations unless there is a high provide NEPA and planning notices to the probability that you can fulfill them. For example, community and potentially affected stakeholders. BLM may announce deadlines that are optimistic and Mailings alone should not be sufficient in most cases, then lose trust when they predictably are not met. especially for large-scale or potentially controversial Of course, those deadlines might have been met if proposed projects. BLM put a higher priority on meeting them, and a much lower priority on myriad other bureaucratic tasks. Tribal partners are especially important. Listen to the concerns of tribal councils and individuals and respect traditions. Keep sacred places from exploitation. Have BLM speakers at local and neighborhood events. Planning should recognize the important difference between participation by the public and coordination with state and local governments, Indian tribes, and federal agencies. Make it obvious the BLM is working for all citizens not private business interests. Decision makers should be closest to the level at which plan components will be implemented. It is paramount that decision makers have first-hand knowledge of local resources, their uses, and benefits to communities. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Make the cooperating agency status meaningful by fully engaging those cooperating agencies Regularly reach out directly to state, local, and tribal Allow Applicants to collaborate with agency Re-examine use of third-party "Project Facilitators" The BLM needs to actually respond to substantive BLM Project Managers/District and Local Managers leaders in person to update them on upcoming resource specialists and the NEPA specialist on EA to administer the NEPA process for the BLM. comments obtained during the scoping process and need to have the expertise and a strong desire to projects and planning efforts on BLM lands. It is not level projects, especially for alternatives. Without Project Facilitators donot have line authority over after the draft NEPA document is released. We engage and collaborate with both the public, enough to send letters or email updates to these this collaboration the resultant document will be decision makers (Field Managers) and therefore have written numerous letters providing substantive applicants, and local, state, and tribal entities with critical partners. inaccurate and not representative of project-related cannot necessarily resolve conflicts, provide information including scientific literature for BLM the goal of coming to a positive outcome for the environmental effects. The projects the BLM are direction, and manage the project schedule or costs. review and have been told our comments are not agency, the community, the applicant, and the analyzing are not representative of what the project Having Applicants fund full-time employees at the substantive and do not require a response. As a environment. requires and are requiring extensive changes and BLM would be a better use of resources since public entity, the BLM should be actively reaching augmentations once the NEPA process is complete government employees can only do inherently out to talk in person to individuals and groups that and the project is moving forward. government functions. Project facilitators need to provide substantive comments during the NEPA work for all agencies involved, not just the BLM, to process. ensure transparency and proper coordination and dissemination of information. Trust the ability of local BLM offices to do their jobs The new direction coming from the State Office of effectively. When multiple BLM offices are involved BLM in Colorado is to maximize the dollar amounts in a project, keep project oversight at the local being requested of industry for cost recovery level. Recently the State Office has stepped in and agreements (CRAs). Industry should pay for any has been acting as the project manager. This has reasonable amount of time that a federal employee created tension between the local offices staff versus is working on a non-BLM project; however industry State Office staff and has resulted in conflicting is concerned about how the direction to apply direction going to applicants. In addition, the CRAs is being directed and this direction may result applicants cost of projects has doubled when the in abuse of funds. This obviously creates a lack of State Office is involved due to added BLM trust between the public and the BLM. administration, coordination and staff time. State involvement has not resulted in a benefit from a NEPA schedule or cost perspective. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities The BLM should make it easier for states to share to share ideas and collaborate across its own field data--particularly wildlife management data--with office boundaries and with other public landowners, the agency and vice versa. such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal agencies, as well as private landowners. he BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Please also provide written materials mailed to people who do not have computers upon request. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Longer comment periods are needed on all projects The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should make it easier for states to share (the process by which agencies solicit input on the data--particularly wildlife management data--with issues to be addressed and how they will be the agency and vice versa. This would include the evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; identification of wildlife migration corridors and energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, other habitat data, and other scientific information state and local agencies; and members of the that is important to hunters, anglers, and other public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns backcountry recreation enthusiasts. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Restore the old website Frequent and publicized local meetings would help. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. Simplify it by limiting the scope of analysis and the interested parties affected. Use a variety of media to disseminate info. Report on progress in decision-making using easily- Ensure stakeholders whose first language is not digestible graphics or memos. English can be a part of the process by publishing updates in other languages. The BLM should follow the NEPA process as outlined in the law. It provides ways to enhance transparency. Frequent public meetings, as mentioned earlier. PSAs. Use both traditional media and social media to Attempt to create as many opportunities for public attempt to boost public awareness and involvement. participation as reasonably possible, by issuing regular updates and holding regular public meetings during planning processes. BLM has taken a micro-management approach to Publish the expected cost of the studies and time NEPA. Rather than the spirit of the law, they frames prior to taking action. Comment will roll in. manage by the letter of the law. Two Millard County projects reflect this. Rehabilitation surveys included measurement of two-track roads every so- many feet to ensure no disturbance outside a nine or ten-foot width. This is, and was, a ridiculous waste of time. Another contractor was fined almost daily for moving equipment outside of a right-of-way functionally too small to complete the work. Rehabilitation would cover these problems. Land surfaces are going to be disturbed in any project. Contracts control contractor activities, NEPA does not need to impose punitive restrictions. Address the concerns of the real stakeholders. A problem with people who aren't affected by the policies they advocate participating as stakeholders is they are immune from the reality of the harm they do. Consider a remedy of requiring in-person submittal of comments at a government office closest to the management area. There are US Post Offices everywhere. When people visit to comment, rent a room and stay awhile, then comment. The BLM should try to get along with other officials & the public. Listen to what they have to say. The BLM should make it easier for states to share data--particularly wildlife management data--with the agency and vice versa. This would include the identification of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. This would be best accomplished by increasing the tenure of those in the BLM that work in the resource area. This way BLM personnel better understands the needs of the stakeholders and also the resources that are managed within the district. Collaboration should begin before scoping takes place. Encouraging involvement with said partners, before projects launch and in a timely fashion for those communities without easy access to the internet, will allow such integration. The BLM should follow the NEPA process as outlined in the law. It encourages building trust and integrating the needs of stakeholders in environmental reviews. You should make it easier for states to share data with the agency and for the agency to share data with them, especially wildlife management data. Establish rotations? Try to get people to stay in place for a defined time commitment (hopefully at least a year or two), so that stakeholders can get used to a single point of contact and feel comfortable expressing their thoughts to someone who they know. Make a concerted effort to reach out to areas that may not have good electronic access (via phone, internet, etc.) to the wider world. Do not pander to special interest groups. Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies. Coordinate with local entities. Deal directly with There is no need for armed personnel in the the those affected by proposed actions in meet-and BLM. greet functions. Hold more than one meeting for the public. Relegate special interests to their proper place as commenters, not negotiators. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Engaging early and often. This may include public open houses, field trips, creating short info videos, use of infographics, listings in the newspaper, gatherings hosted by the BLM as an info session, etc. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for The BLM should make it easier for states to share opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across data--particularly wildlife management data--with its own field office boundaries and with other public the agency and vice versa. This would include the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other identification of wildlife migration corridors and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information that is important to hunters, anglers, and other backcountry recreation enthusiasts. The BLM should use an array of communication The BLM should consider offering NEPA 101 Where feasible, the BLM should prioritize working If long delays in processes exist, the BLM should The BLM should develop a easier way to share Public outreach, communications and collaborations tactics to reach out to the public. This is best done sessions to help interested citizens understand the with local collaborative groups on both NEPA and make sure that they are reaching out to the science and data information with stakeholders, should begin early, even before scoping begins and by prioritizing communications internally, such as ins and outs of NEPA and the language that goes Planning efforts. Where collaborative efforts do not community regularly with updates and other agencies and partners. This should also continue throughout entire NEPA or planning having a staffer specifically dedicated to this effort along with the process. These could be offered at a exist, the BLM should offer open houses and public communications to avoid the "black box" sentiment include a process for engaged parties to easily share processes. These efforts need to be supported at (i.e. hiring a public collaboration coordinator as part field office level. meetings where citizens can come and learn more from a community. their own relevant data with the BLM, specifically every level within the BLM, from the highest levels of the planning process). Communication tools about projects and planning. when it will help inform decision making. at the Washington Office to the Field Office should include a local website, social media, radio, manager level. Making this a specific position in a local newspapers, newsletters, public open houses, field office would help greatly by ensuring this etc. Communications should happen early and often element doesn't get missed when projects or throughout planning and NEPA efforts. planning get busy. BLM selected land and monument boundaries for NMSLO encourages BLM to develop a truly National Monuments in New Mexico with little transparent process for Planning and NEPA analysis input from local agencies such as the New Mexico that involves local agencies and local BLM State Land Office (NMSLO). The lack of administration, to foster a more stream-lined transparency and participation by local governments process that encourages partnership and mutual and state agencies significantly limited the benefit, not just BLM's priorities and considerations. consideration of local concerns and priorities for land use and management. The process also effectively limited any subsequent land exchange for state-owned parcels within the monuments, because BLM planning and NEPA processes are so time consuming. The New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) Selection of lands that were not on BLM's Disposal encourages BLM to involve state agencies and other List for national monument land exchanges list governmental partners much earlier in the planning would have required so much time for completion process. In recent land exchanges, such as the of NEPA analysis, Management Plan Amendment pending Rio Grande Del Norte-Sabinoso Wilderness and other review that the land exchange could not Exchange, BLM designated boundaries around the be completed during the 4-year term of a Land national monuments prior to any contact with Commissioner. Disposal land parcels are of limited NMSLO to discuss the impacts and appropriate value; had BLM consulted earlier with NMSLO, non process for efficiently completing a land exchange. disposal parcels could have been identified earlier, As a result, NMSLO was essentially limited to allowing completion of NEPA and other required selecting federal lands for exchange that were federal review. This would have allowed NMSLO to already on the BLM Disposal Lands List. select more valuable parcels of greater commercial benefit to the agency and its beneficiary institutions. Quit dismissing local input especially if it does not match an agenda. Listen when a local tells you something that is antidotal . Your question makes me wonder how effective BLM I will repeat that a more dynamic plan modification Transparency? It is not clear what you really mean Provide forums for interested groups to be heard, Again, use the RAC. Listen to the RAC. is in using the groups established for that purpose. process needs to be unfurled. It shouldn't be funded by this question. Nevertheless, the clearest response their concerns tracked, and informing them of how The Resource Advisory Council was established for as it is currently. Our budget process isn't well to transparency is honesty and openness. BLM has their concerns may or may not influence decision that purpose. They are not being used effectively or enough informed and is not responsive to emerging too frequently played the game with political making. the RAC doesn't have the correct mix of people if local needs until it is often too late and people have powers to allow their emphasis to perhaps you have to ask that question. Appointees should gotten mad at BLM. It has to be faster and include inappropriately influence emphasis or decisions. not be blatantly political except for the elected commitment to timely completions. Honesty and genuine interest in hearing and officials. Make sure it is representative of the people. considering concerns from all stakeholders will go Don't forget ours is a representative government. great distances toward gaining plan credibility. Stop talking about being good neighbors and then When you talk to your neighbor about something ignoring whatever it is that irritates them about that concerns you, how happy would you be if your being neighbors. The context implied in the neighbor told you to wait a minute, day, month, questions isn't about being good neighbors as much year to hear your response because you had to talk as it is developing an process or approach which to someone else? No different. Decision makers makes other interests, governments, and interested need to have the authority to interact meaningfully. tribes feel like their opinion counts. It may not That means people up the line have their back and result in BLM changing anything, but they at least support them. That equates to delegation of need to know they are being heard. authority. Do it. Mean it. Train managers well and let them manage. Make sure they know they will be supported, not second guessed or that the answer has to be run past the WO or the Department and that it will take forever for the response which the local manager will be told to own as if it is their own. Plan Amendments: Environmental Impact Statement Engaging the Public and Building Trust: In order to (EIS) - level Plan support successful Plan amendments should always be subject to a full development and implementation, and garner Planning process cycle, increased understanding and including development of a planning assessment and trust from the public, the following improvements alternatives. Just the fact to BLM public meeting that an amendment warrants an EIS indicates that logistics should be considered: the process should be o Land managers should meet residents and local thoroughly vetted in a front-loaded, transparent officials where they live, public process. Furthermore, it rather than hold large-scale regional meetings that would be beneficial to inform the general public require driving hundreds of about the process for amending miles as the only option for those who wish to a Plan's components, or Goals and Objectives, once participate. it's been adopted. o Additionally, adequate notice for public meetings needs to be provided in order to allow the public and elected officials to accommodate busy schedules. Public Comment Period after Draft Plan Publication: The public comment period after Draft Plan publication should continue to be 90 days, as RMPs are typically voluminous. While we support as much public input up-front as possible, it will still be necessary to review the document as a comprehensive whole upon publication of the draft Plan, and to assess to what extent earlier input has been incorporated. Time is also necessary for coordinated review of the Draft between jurisdictions and agencies. Adaptive Management: Building adaptive management into the standard planning process and cycle will allow needed f lexibility to successfully implement Plan objectives. Implementation strategies are and should be flex ible, and able to be updated without a Plan amendment in order to allow for responsible adaptive management. Nonetheless, there should be ample public not ice of proposed changes to implementation strategies. Under any circumstance, funding must be appropriated to accommodate a successful monitoring and adaptive approach to management. Impacts on tourism, recreational amenities and local and state economies, must be given equal weight to extractive industries in any NEPA process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process - this should be obvious on the ePlanning site. Get more input via email, twitter, Facebook Shift Decisions to the Lowest BLM level The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing The BLM should use a variety of media--website, intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, every stage of the planning process to let the public discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as know when and how to participate. well. The BLM must provide detailed updates in plain The BLM should take advantage of a variety of language at every major milestone, thereby keeping media - website, social, local print, radio and tv the public informed. if there are long delays the outlets at every stage of the planning process to BLM should issue updates between milestones. keep the public informed and give them the opportunity to participate, Public meetings should be held by BLM staff at regular intervals as a plan is being written so that the public can hear first hand about the progress of said plan and provide the opportunity to discuss concerns and ideas w/ staff. Listen to people Don't come down hard people for expressing their Get more input before making policy opinions Make Decisions at the Lowest BLM Level Possible Provide Documents as Early as Possible Be Consistent with Local Plans The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. See Notes Below The BLM should notify the public of every major step in a plan through as many media (websites, local news and social media, TV) as possible The BLM should hold regular public meetings before new steps to give the public opportunity to be informed and comment The BLM should always be looking for opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across Tribal governments should be encouraged to its own field office boundaries and with other public participate, and the BLM should make special efforts landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other to reach areas that lack access to electronic federal agencies, as well as private landowners. communications. The BLM should always search for opportunities to Collaborations must begin early, before scoping and collaborate and share ideas across it's own fiesta must allow everyone a voice - this includes office boundaries. collaboration w/ other public ranchers, miners, recreational groups, federal and land owners such as Tribes, state agencies, other state agencies and members of the public- let them federal agencies and of course private landowners. tell the BLM of their wishes and concerns about the planning area and allow them to share any data they have about the area. Listen carefully to the people Don't discount the people's opinions Comply with Existing Laws Develop Long Term Relationships The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. See Notes Below The BLM should be looking for opportunities to share planning information with all stakeholders, and this needs to be done as early in the planning process as possible. this will build trust see 1st screen for Topic/Point "A" - all 5 are under it. see 1st screen for Topic/Point "A" - all 5 are under it. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. 2JSsign a BLM representative as a planning liaison for each of the RMPs for tribes and local governments who can attend or participate in the planning team meetings and the local government meetings throughout the process. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Stop all mineral extraction and you wont have to Stop all mineral extraction and you wont have to Stop all mineral extraction and you wont have to worry about NEPA. ALWAYS CHOOSE DO worry about NEPA. ALWAYS CHOOSE DO worry about NEPA. ALWAYS CHOOSE DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE. NO MORE DRILLING. NOTHING ALTERNATIVE. NO MORE DRILLING. NOTHING ALTERNATIVE. NO MORE DRILLING. NO MORE FRACKING. TRANSFER ALL BLM NO MORE FRACKING. TRANSFER ALL BLM NO MORE FRACKING. TRANSFER ALL BLM LANDS TO PARK SERVICE OR WILDERNESS LANDS TO PARK SERVICE OR WILDERNESS LANDS TO PARK SERVICE OR WILDERNESS DESIGNATION DESIGNATION DESIGNATION The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. 2.Ssign a BLM representative as a planning liaison for each of the RMPs for tribes and local governments who can attend or participate in the planning team meetings and the local government meetings throughout the process. 3.Qkvelop a summary document for each RMP for use by local governments and tribes so that they all do not have to read the entire document. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Give more land to tribes. But not for any extraction. Hunting fishing only Stop all mineral extraction and you wont have to worry about NEPA. ALWAYS CHOOSE DO NOTHING ALTERNATIVE. NO MORE DRILLING. NO MORE FRACKING. TRANSFER ALL BLM LANDS TO PARK SERVICE OR WILDERNESS DESIGNATION The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Streamline the EOI process and improve customer Keep it Local. This is particularly important where Better communication with local officials. Local Better messaging on facts. Regarding the WNF, the Again, Keep it local. You are not being transparent Develop a regional/local point of contact person. It Follow through on what is said. Certain identified A "Good Neighbor" does not rob Peter to pay Paul. service. It should not take over 4 years for an EOI US lands are not contiguous and where the officials in Monroe County were caught off guard on Forest service did not do a good job messaging the hosting a meeting where the bulk of the private is frustrating to have a question that never gets parcels in the Marietta unit of the WNF were to be Revenue generated in one Ranger District should request to get attention as one operator informed ownership is not held in fee. The patchwork nature revenue distribution nearly 6 months after the first fact that the WNF already had an existing mineral invitees come from one Ranger Station region or answered because you are getting bounced around put up for lease sale. It was understood that these not be distributed in large part to the college me of back in 2015. Need to address of the WNF where the forest does not own a single lease sales had been conducted. Not keeping it management plan. They did not message the fact when an invitation only meeting gets opened up to from agency to agency only to be sent to Ranger were the parcels that would go up for bid first and communities of other outside Ranger Districts. A communication and lack of responsiveness to complete map section in any of the 12 counties in local on the non-contiguous acreage I believe was a that all of the parcels would be absent surface outside protestors who completely dismantle a Stations that are not in the effected area where calls that the rest would be considered at a later future 1908 law that factors in population to the questions. Additionally have EOI's address whether the 3 distinctly separate Ranger Districts is a prime big factor in this. The Forest service did not do a disruption from drilling activity. And they certainly working process despite the slanted nature of that are not returned. time. After the sale date was announced we were distribution of federal funding to local communities surface disruption on a particular parcel is example where keeping it local due to the many good job at messaging the fact that the WNF did not contradict the false narrative of the activist meeting. The 3 Ranger stations within the WNF then told that the lease sales would be conducted robs the communities where the income generation anticipated or not on the application to streamline "Neighbors" matters. This should include already had an existing mineral management plan, voices. Not calling attention to outright attacks, should be looked at as individual entities for the quarterly over time. Then there were parcels that and increased road activity is occurring. what needs to be done. If there is no surface organizations like NARO as well as the township did not message the fact that all of the parcels lies, and disruptions only served to perpetuate false purposes of land use and possibly also for were on the initial sale list that were not included disruption planned, this makes public messaging a trustees. You exclude an entire group of would be absent surface disruption from drilling, narratives and potentially volatile activities. distribution of funding to eliminate a perceived for bids. Then there was no quarterly lease sale in whole lot easier! stakeholders when you only have conversations with and did not message that certain public outcry's redistribution of wealth to only the college campus June of this year and only 3 parcels are scheduled state politicians/industry/ environmental groups. were not based in fact. A lot of the activist rhetoric locations. for September. Not following through is Public hearings should be local to the EOI's and not could have been tampered if the BLM/Forest had compromising private mineral owners who have in Ranger Districts with no planned activity. been reversion issues. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Because BLM lands belong to the public the BLM must keep the public informed through their website and local print, radio and TV outlets. Detailed updates concerning each stage of planning and how the public can participate should be included. Public meeting should be held by BLM staff at timely intervals. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Early on in planning process BLM should seek out ways to share ideas and collaborate with state agencies, tribes and other federal agencies. Also make it easy for BLM and states agencies involved in natural resource management to share scientific data such as that regarding wildlife habitat and migration. Encourage input from public, recreation groups, ranchers, miners energy developers etc... The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Involve these groups and individuals early in the process. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Most tribes are poor and will likely need funding assistance to be able to effectively participate. Schedule field trips during scoping periods to the proposed action location. Be honest about limits to do work and do not promise actions that may not actually be implemented. Meet deadlines and hold managers accountable if they miss deadlines. Tell the truth even if it acknowledges BLM's weaknesses or shortcomings. he BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM should use a variety of media--website, social The BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every intervals as a plan is being written so people can stage of the planning process to let the public know hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they The BLM should always be looking for have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Recognize that watersheds, ecological processes, National guidance is needed on how planning will and wild species do not respect human boundaries, protect and maintain crucial wildlife movement land ownerships, or lines on maps. Planning must corridors. The Western Governors Association and occur at multiple scales and in coordination with many sportsmen and conservation groups know other agencies and land owners. these corridors are important but BLM does not Tribal governments should be encouraged to have an effective policy to help. participate, and the BLM should make special efforts to reach areas that lack access to electronic communications. The BLM's review and acceptance of a proponents BLM Winnemucca requires Habitat Evaluation (HE) The Section 106 process is taking just as long as the BLM staff often is 'temporary reassigned' to another Do not allow project staff to leave on fire duty. BLM needs more staff to process ROW permit for projects that have a mining component and BLM staff are often away on training for months at a Plan of Operations needs to have set time limits (30 prior to releasing survey protocols to perform EIS NEPA Process, and is too long. SHPO and BLM job or office. Then other staff temporarily fills into Once, I was working on a Right of Way (ROW) applications, Plans of Development, and NEPA utility right of way (gas, powerline, waterline), the time. leave for training should be limited to 3 weeks. days or less). Currently, I have seen the BLM take 6 biological surveys (for EIS process).The HE process need to have better communication, there needs to that person's job.Tis is so inefficient and leads to permit. The BLM ROW staff (reality specialist) was documents. BLM needs more NEPA specialists to BLM requires preparation of both a Plan of Projects (Plans of Operations, Right of way permit months or longer to review a Plan of Operations requires that I go into the field to collect be a better method to comply with the Section 106 significant incompetency. Upon reassignment, no also on fire duty. During the summer he left for 90 manage EIS process (currently there is 1-2 per Operations and Plan of Development. Preparation applications, EAs, EIS) need to be processed. When (this will then delay the time it takes to initiate y our information on the biological habitat (I need to do process. BLM & SHPO comments on cultural one really knows how to do the job they are 120 days on fire; and the processing of my ROW District). Because there is limited staff, it takes of 2 documents is somewhat duplicative, costs more BLM staff is away for several months on training, it NEPA Process). field work, in order to complete document for BLM documents often contradict. Need to have a temporally doing. when they finally get familiar with permit application and project approval was further more time for reviews and approvals of documents. $$, results in more time to review. in this situation, leads to external project delays. so the BLM can give me survey protocols so I can mandatory time period for projects to go through the job, it is time for them to go back to their delayed 90-120 days. The construction of our BLM should only require Plan of Operations (all then hire a consultant to do more field work). The the Section 106 process; mandatory internal review original job. For project proponents, who are project (and beneficial economics to the local utility right of way information can be included in biological habitat should already be documented in and approval times. Mandatory review time cannot processing a mining permit, this leads to significant economy) could have been achieved sooner if BLM the Plan of Operations). We do not need both the BLM's Resource Management Plan. They should 'reset' after each agency comment period (cannot project delays for their project. Suggestion, do not did not leave for fire duty. POO and POD, and 2 separate reviews and already know the habitat within their District and have multiple 'rounds of reviews and revisions'). have BLM staff take on temporary job revisions by BLM. know the required survey protocols for any specific reassignments. Have staff solely focus on the job area. there should not be the HE process (which they were originally hired to do, in the office where creates delay) in order to determine survey they were originally assigned. protocols. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Create a graphic that outlines the steps in the planning process clearly and make it easily accessible to the public. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. Keep the interested public informed as the planning Hold public meetings at convenient locations to give Use all available types of media outlets, including process proceeds by reporting when steps are the public firsthand updates on the current status social media, to keep the public informed as to completed, and also between such steps whenever and how to participate in the next step and allow when thy can participate and how to do so. there are delays for any reason. Show where the for questions/discussion. process stands at any time and give target dates for the completing the next steps. Adjust these dates whenever the change or become unrealistic. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Seek out opportunities to share ideas and collaborate with communities and other public and private landowners and managers on addressing particular issues within the law. The above sharing and collaboration should begin as early in the process as possible, even before scoping, and should allow all interested parties, including the general public, to set forth their visions and desires regarding the specific issue at hand. Limitations/requirements of existing laws and regulations should be presented clearly, too. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The information describing the fundamentals of the planning process should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. Public lands belong to the public. The BLM must The BLM should use a variety of media--website, It is important for the BLM staff to hold public keep the public informed about the progress of a social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain every stage of the planning process to let the public written so people can hear firsthand about the language at every major milestone. If there are long know when and how to participate. progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates with staff. between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing Follow The Pew Charitable Trusts' suggestions and the fundamentals of the planning process; this advice regarding this matter. should be available in an obvious place on the e- planning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. Follow The Pew Charitable Trusts' suggestions and advice regarding this matter. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Centralized data collection points Round tables Centralized data collection points Round tables The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. By being more transparent, and making information and studies available to concerned organizations and citizens. Don't leave us in the dark! Each stage of the plan should be disseminated to the public in easy to understand language. Any delays should be disclosed as well. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. 1. Often BLM does not allow effected 2. Recommendation made by BLM regarding interested parties to have input until BLM personnel resource problems or recommended practices have reached conclusions internally on the should be clearly identified as based on actual proposed action and alternatives rather than as it monitoring, inventory or assessment studies and the should be, local government and those holding studies should be available to cooperating agencies. permits or leases for use of the affected lands be If studies are not available, it should be stated involved at the beginning. Input of stakeholders after recommendations are based on professional conclusions are made seldom changes anything. judgment or other sources, not on actual data. By the previous suggestions, openness, transparency and spreading the information to concerned groups and people. The BLM has a duty to continue to create ways to continue a dialogue with public and private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping The BLM should always be looking for opportunities (the process by which agencies solicit input on the to share ideas and collaborate across its own field issues to be addressed and how they will be office boundaries and with other public landowners, evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, agencies, as well as private landowners. state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should always be looking for BLM should make it easier for states to share opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across data--particularly wildlife management data--with its own field office boundaries and with other public the agency and vice versa. This would include the landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other identification of wildlife migration corridors and federal agencies, as well as private landowners. other habitat data, and other scientific information Collaboration should begin early, before scoping that is important to hunters, anglers, and other and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy backcountry recreation enthusiasts. developers; recreation groups; other federal, state Tribal governments should be encouraged to and local agencies; and members of the public--to participate, and the BLM should make special efforts tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the to reach areas that lack access to electronic planning area, and share any data they have about communications. the area. I.Work well with stakeholders and local government. Making information and studies available on line so they don't have to go through the FOIA request process would speed things up considerably and uncomplicated the process 2.t the onset of the process involve local governments and those holding permits or leases to be full partners in the process, not when the draft is put out for public comment, forcing those with a vested interest to be equal to the general public that hasn't any investment in the decision and at that point comments from stakeholders seldom changes anything, the decision is already made. Greater collaboration and sharing of ideas, while more time-consuming in the beginning, will result in fewer challenges in the long run and should help avoid delays and lawsuits at the end of the process. Adhering to science-based decisions, considering ecological as well as economic values, truly balancing responsible development with reasonable conservation, keeping the public well-informed, and providing adequate opportunities for participation should also reduce lawsuits. Establish clear and defined time requirements for approving (or not) the Record of Decision. BLM should consider a default allowance where if the deadline is not met, the project is approved. Assure that, should regulations change in the EIS process of a particular project, that project is allowed to stay on track with the regulations that were in place at the time of the initial scoping period, and "grandfathered" from the new requirements. BLM must ensure that there are competent project Field offices must be adequately staffed to meet leads that know and understand NEPA, that are agency directives and obligations. From mining's impartial and objective, and can motivate the perspective, it is critical that the field team include a project team. minerals specialist along with biologists, hydrologists, cultural resource specialists, etc. There is more to the BLM actions besides the It would help if the BLM enforced its own There is more to the NEPA process than just NEPA A system to make BLM documents readily available The BLM should hold meetings to inform the public BLM offices should respond in a timely manner to "planning process." The BLM regulates mining and regulations with respect hard rock mines. BLM reviews. For hard rock mining, there is the will assist BLM district, state, and headquarters and to receive official public comment on the scope requests for information, FOIA requests, and not other extractive industries. One of the best ways regulation requires the submittal of Interim complete history of a specific mine (sometimes offices to understand all BLM offices' activities. of EAs and on draft EAs for large mining operations. continually delay decisions. The BLM must hold for stakeholders to understand the regulatory Management Plans (IMPs) for hard rock mines as going back to the 1970s for currently permitted Currently, one district office or a state office is not The BLM is in the process of developing the final EA timely public meetings prior to, during, and after processes is to review the documents of specific part of the Plan of Operations, or when no such mines). As part of the NEPA process for specific always aware of decisions that are being made and for the 10-fold expansion of the Daneros Uranium Management Plan reviews and NEPA reviews. permitted operations. The best way to do this is to plan was submitted in the original plan or conditions mines, cumulative impacts, and related federal some of the issues and problems encountered at the Mine, Utah. The Daneros is near the Bears Ears read permitting documents online. I am only able at the mine change. My experience in Utah and actions, it is imperative that all documents be readily other local offices. This hampers state and National and Natural Bridges National Monuments to do that in Utah because the State Division of Oil, Colorado is that the BLM did not enforce that available to the public. A member of the public headquarter oversight of district offices. How else and supplies uranium ore to the only operating Gas & Mining documents, which include some BLM requirement over decades of mines alternating should not have to submit FOIA requests or sit in could it be that for decades the BLM in southeast uranium mill in the U.S. Yet, there was never any documents, are readily available online. between periods of operation and non-operation. the BLM office with a staff person to access records. Utah did not enforce the requirements for Interim public meetings to inform the public or received Then, when the mine operator finally submitted The BLM must develop an electronic document Management Plans (IMPs) for uranium mines. Not questions or comments. Similarly, the BLM did not IMPs for several mines in Utah, the public was not system to make documents routinely available in a until I brought that to the attention of the BLM in hold any meetings or hearings on the expansion of informed or provided an opportunity to comment. timely manner. A good system to emulate is the 2014 did the BLM request the IMPs that should have the La Sal Mines Complex, La Sal, Utah, where the NRC electronic document system (ADAMS). been submitted as early as the 1980s. mines are close to a community. A recent article in the High Country News about One of the things that the BLM can do to build trust the BLM's oversight of the Grand Staircase National is to administer and enforce existing BLM Monument outlined the failure of the BLM to hire regulations. The BLM in southeast Utah for decades staff that are dedicated to public lands, protection of consistently failed to enforce the requirements for public health and safety and the environment, and Interim Management Plans and other requirements scientific research. The BLM must hire people who associated with the oversight of hard rock mines are committed to public lands, protection of public when they alternate between periods of operation health and safety and the environment, and scientific and non-operation over the decades. The BLM research. The BLM must fairly and consistently regulations related to hard rock mining operations enforce BLM regulations, so things do not get out of are inadequate and poorly enforced. These hand. Local BLM office decisions, or lack of decision, regulations must be updated AND enforced. have broader political and social and regional and national implications; e.g., the Bundy Family situation. social media would be the fastest and most economical utilize e-mail data base for direct e-mail blasts to all that are interested The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM should also provide a variety of avenues for people to submit formal comment so that if people prefer internet-based tools or do not have access to the internet, many options are available. The BLM must keep the public informed about The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular the progress of a plan, especially by providing social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can detailed updates in plain language at every major every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and milestone. If there are long delays in the process, know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Informational meetings in the communities involved Transparency is sacrificed when the planning process becomes too complex and lengthy, thereby negatively impacting the ability of local governments, affected interests and the public to remain engaged. Prior to theinitiation of the planning process establish a clear and reasonable schedule for completion of each step in the process and assure that this schedule is maintained. The BLM can begin by making it a policy to have data used in decision making available to public without the use of a FOIA request. Our organization has found it helpful when the BLM provides specific responses to comments on draft documents so that there is transparency into how decisions were made and how comments were weighed. Do a study who most uses an area rather than environmentalist who don't use areas. We agree certain areas should be protected but areas designated for uses should not be later changed. The BLM can improve trust by making all BLM The BLM can improve trust and be responsive to documents readily available to the public in a timely local needs of communities for jobs by obtaining manner via an electronic document system. funding to cleaning up abandoned mines, particularly uranium mines, and holding previous mine owners and the Department of Energy responsible for the remediation of historical uranium mine impacts, abandoned mines, and mines that have been inadequately remediated. create ( if you haven't done so already ) instagram account - twitter etc continue to participate in trade events ( sand sport show - enviromental events etc ) The BLM should require mine operators to cleanup The BLM should not allow mine operators to delay as they go, over the life of mine, rather than waiting mine reclamation by continuing to approve for reclamation to commence before taking any extended periods of nonoperation. In the case of remedial action. A mine operator should not be currently permitted uranium mines in Utah and allowed to leave sediments contaminated with Colorado the "temporary" status of mines is the radioactive and toxic materials (radium and barium) period of "operation," not the periods of non from mine water treatments systems to disperse operation. The BLM must clearly define "mine into the environment over decades of operation" and not include activities that are not nonoperation. The BLM must define "mine directly related to removal of ore from the mine or operation and not include activities that are not mine development prior to the initial opening of a directly related to removal of ore from the mine or mine. mine development prior to the initial opening of a mine. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Nothing beats good old community activism. Keep yourselves and what BLM represents out there constantly in front of people. Trust is built through communications and interaction. Provide greater stability of personnel by establishing a system that rewards quality employees for remaining in one location and building their careers while becoming an integral social, cultural and economic component of the community. In addition to general public sessions, require that agency planning staffs make themselves readily available to participate in meetings organized by specific affected user groups. The BLM must build this trust without undermining Perhaps the most important element of integrating the importance of public input on American public needs of local governments, tribes and stakeholders lands. They should ensure that the needs of state is the human element. A form letter or email, while and local governments do not undermine the BLM's important, simply does not suffice as real outreach role as a final decision-maker. When working with or consultation. A phone call from a real person or local governments to see consistency with state and an invitation to a real meeting goes so much further local planning, this should be an open door, public than checking a box on a process form. process. This goes back to the issue of transparency and allowing the American people to trust that the BLM is making decisions for all American people. Have local law enforcement enforce laws. Most BLM Retrain officers to help the public and deal with officers where we are locate don't understand the situations instead of bullying and intimidating the users and are trucked in from other states to Public. They should realize they are public servants enforce laws they don't understand. and they work for the public. Treat people how they want to be treated. Define the Term "Cooperating Agency" and Better Establish a Culture and Policy of Giving Cooperating Decisions Should be Made at the District and Field Define Process for Implementing FLPMA's State and Local Governments an Equal Position in Office Level Consistency Requirement the Planning Process The BLM should empower BLM field offices and BLM coordination with State and local elected State and local governments often feel like they are state offices to truly be decision makers, removing officials is critically important to effective given very little deference and attention during Washington-based BLM bureaucrats from the management and is required by law under FLPMA. planning. Typically, in Utah, the State participates to equation. Decisions should be made by BLM BLM should amend the BLM planning handbook to some degree during scoping and is asked to provide employees who are closest to the ground and define "cooperating agency" to follow the intent of some substantive feedback. therefore have the greatest understanding of who FLPMA as closely as possible. BLM is required under The BLM should institute a culture of giving their decisions will impact as well as the FLPMA to ensure BLM plans shall be consistent with Cooperating Agencies an equal position at the environment and the surrounding socio-economic State and local plans to the maximum extent "planning table". In 2015, Gov. Gary Herbert, conditions. Many BLM planning documents consistent with Federal law and the purposes of signed a new law requiring counties to develop local developed locally are reviewed and altered by BLM FLPMA. BLM needs to do a better job identifying to resource-management plans, partly as "a basis for officials located in Washington D.C. the State and the public areas where consistency is coordinating with the federal government." lacking. Consistency with Local Laws, Plans and Policies Provide Ongoing Review of Draft NEPA Documents Longer Comment Period for Cooperating Agencies Annually Meet with State and Local Governments to Planning Areas and Field Office Boundaries Should Online or Periodic Review of Plan Documents by Identify Areas of Concern, Prioritize Planning Correspond to County Borders As already mentioned, the BLM should find a means Cooperating Agencies Throughout the Planning The BLM should provide longer review time on Decisions, and Review Past Decisions and processes for ensuring that BLM's plans, policies Process draft and final documents. In many EAs, the State is BLM planning is more effective when BLM field and programs are consistent, to the maximum only given a short window of a few days to weeks to State and local governments usually learn about a offices and local governments, such as county extent, with State laws, policies and programs. The As noted earlier, one of the biggest frustrations for review a draft EA or EIS before the document is planning document when scoping begins and the commissions, can work together towards shared State hopes the BLM's request to maximize Cooperating Agencies is the fact that Cooperating returned to BLM to be finalized. Oftentimes, review BLM informs the State of a proposal to begin the solution. This is particularly the case when the efficiency and build better relationships in planning Agencies are provided with very little time to timelines are shortened to meet litigation deadlines planning process. A better and more transparent boundaries of a BLM field office correspond with will result in an ongoing dialogue in developing review often large and complex NEPA documents. If or other commitments made by the BLM. The short business practice, which would go a long way county borders. BLM officials can develop mechanisms for BLM to clearly identify means of the BLM utilizes open access technology, window of review makes it difficult to fully digest towards fostering good neighbors, and be better in relationships of trust with county commissioners being more consistent with state and local Cooperating Agencies could be well apprised of the documents and understand whether the BLM's line with CEQ guidance, would be an annual and other local leaders when they meet regularly to governments. information and ongoing analysis being provided in analysis is lacking or should be modified to better coordination meeting with state and local solve issues and find amicable solutions. Forming the documents. When concerns are found, a reflect and incorporate science and data. governments before the BLM begins any work plans these positive relationships is more difficult when Cooperating Agency could provide substantive or budget requests. BLM field offices do not follow county borders. comments to the BLM throughout the drafting process to ensure a transparent and open NEPA document is being developed. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. The BLM should use a variety of media--website, The BLM must keep the public informed about the social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed every stage of the planning process to let the public updates in plain language at every major milestone. know when and how to participate. If there are long delays in the process, the BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. Web based user interface is accessible via internet Once implemented, Epex process allows ongoing and pushed email notifications process updates in near real time. The BLM frequently ignores or dismisses without In its cost/benefit analyses, the BLM should not limit substantial evidence the objections and alternatives itself to one aspect of a proposed action. It needs raised by stakeholder comments in the early NEPA to incorporate real costs including those arising planning process. This is unacceptable. It reduces from secondary effects. For example, if proposing a trust in government and specifically in the Agency's "gather" by helicopter roundup of wild horses, the intentions and its adherence to NEPA guidelines. In costs must include estimated payments to helicopter its environmental analyses, the BLM should present contractors, the costs of veterinary treatment for clear alternatives that take into account publicly animals wounded in the roundup, the costs of articulated alternatives that arise in the scoping carcass disposal for those killed in the roundup or in process. subsequent holding due to exposure to diseases for which the wild animals have not developed immunities, and so forth. Likewise the long-term costs of maintaining wild horses and burros in holding must be presented. Epex Solutions reports and 24/7 visibility allows all stakeholders to receive real time view of each tracked process Epex Solutions provides customized reports for any identified repeatable process The BLM should always be looking for opportunities Collaboration should begin early, before scoping to share ideas and collaborate across its own field (the process by which agencies solicit input on the office boundaries and with other public landowners, issues to be addressed and how they will be such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping (the process by which agencies solicit input on the issues to be addressed and how they will be evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. The BLM should reinstate its Regional Advisory Commissions and the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. The latter should be balanced by including wild horse and burro guardians, leading scientific specialists in humane methods of fertility control such as PZP, and citizen-scientists with experience leading local groups that partner with BLM field offices to improve stewardship of wild horses and burros, enhance on-range management through the application of PZP, and improve range conditions by expanding access to water sources and addressing other site-specific problems. Epex Solutions is designed to integrate with all stakeholders or others who need to share data. We are currently discussing implementation with the RRC in Texas, DOGGR in California and others as well as oil and gas operators (clients who have optimized their operations with Epex include Occidental Petroleum, Parsley Energy, Sanchez Oil & Gas, RSP Permian, Anchutz to name a few), and with service companies to provide a smooth transition of operational and regulatory information between parties. Do not be corrupted yourselves. Fight for the people as well. Do not hide what you are doing. Share info Kick out corrupt interests from any decision making. Go after cliven bundy. He is a piece of shit. BY keeping the corrupt such as hunters, "developers", ranchers and such out of any decision making process! They cannot have a say since they ARE THE PROBLEM! 3.ELM should contract their law enforcement 4.ELM should educate their personnel that BLM Involve local governments and those holding permits Before undertaking a NEPA analysis, BLM should Any statements or recommendations made by BLM needs to local authorities and eliminate all law lands occur within the boundaries of States, or leases for use of the affected lands as full compile all the relevant inventory, monitoring and regarding resource problems or recommended enforcement by BLM personnel. The perception of counties, conservation districts and other entities of partners at the outset of the process- not at the assessment data on the resources in question as practices should be clearly identified as based on BLM as a gun-wielding arm of the Federal state government and that these entities have time the draft is put out for public comment. Too reports that summarize and interpret such data. actual monitoring, inventory or assessment studies government does not improve their ability to get natural resource management interests and often BLM does not allow interested parties to have This should be the basis for the analysis of the and the studies should be available to cooperating along with local governments and stakeholders. authorities with which BLM should be in compliance significant input until BLM personnel have reached management situation and identification of need for agencies. If relevant studies are lacking, BLM should under the constraints of federal law. conclusions internally on the proposed action and the proposed action. These reports should be make explicit that such statements or alternatives. Input of stakeholders at that point made readily available to cooperating agencies by recommendations are based on professional seldom changes anything. simple request without having to go through an judgment or other sources, not on actual data. exhaustive, expensive and time consuming FOIA request. Suggestions under C above will help build trust with Require professional certification, where available, stakeholders. of ID team members for those resource specialists for which appropriate certification programs exists, e.g. range management, forestry, soil scientist, archaeologist, engineers, etc. BLM should be responsible to publish the minutes of its meetings and be especially responsive to all public input. After all, public lands are owned by the public, not by corporations, not by ranchers. There is a new world out there and the BLM should get educated to the values that all interest groups have, not just the traditional ones or the corporate one. Provide tracking graphic and other information about the status of the plan to local media outlets with each status change. In a long delay between stages, provide interim updates to media and public. Develop a simple graphic describing planning process fundamentals in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. Use the Internet as much as possible - use photos, etc. Make comment periods longer - min. 45 days, 60 would be better. Advertise in papers, on the web, etc. so that stakeholders have a chance to know what's going on. Publish the results of the meetings. comment period should be extended to 60 days MINIMUM all NEPA reviews should have double the public comment period time. A standard 120 day review for all Environmental Impact Statements and a 60 day review for all environmental Assessments. Educate the public "beyond the BLM office" Outreach and understanding is key Share ideas and collaborate across BLM field office boundaries, state, local agencies, tribes, federal agencies, private landowners. Collaborate before agencies seek input on issues and how to evaluate them. . Allow ranchers; miners; energy developers; recreation groups; federal, state and local agencies; the public--to share data, wishes, concerns about the planning area. listen to "other stakeholders" as much, if not more, Listen to "both sides" of the people involved - than politicians. politicians shouldn't have any more influence than stakeholders. Allow representatives of press, conservation groups and wildlife preservation groups to attend meetings. Do not shorten the NEPA review period. IT looks like BLM is ramming the projects through the process I.QIften BLM does not allow effected interested parties to have input until BLM personnel have reached conclusions internally on the proposed action and alternatives rather than as it should be, local government and those holding permits or leases for use of the affected lands be involved at the beginning. Input of stakeholders after conclusions are made seldom changes anything. 2.l3commendation made by BLM regarding resource problems or recommended practices should be clearly identified as based on actual monitoring, inventory or assessment studies and the studies should be available to cooperating agencies. If studies are not available, it should be stated recommendations are based on professional judgment or other sources, not on actual data. Be prepared for the possibility that the current administration may not last four years and that sooner or later a more environmentally oriented push could be coming. I.Work well with stakeholders and local government. Making information and studies available on line so they don't have to go through the FOIA request process would speed things up considerably and uncomplicated the process 2JE the onset of the process involve local governments and those holding permits or leases to be full partners in the process, not when the draft is put out for public comment, forcing those with a vested interest to be equal to the general public that hasn't any investment in the decision and at that point comments from stakeholders seldom changes anything, the decision is already made. BLM Should Consider the Legal Requirements and Precedents for Monetizing Climate Effects in Land Use Planning, Including in EISs The Social Costs of Greenhouse Gases Can Be Applied to Individual Projects and to Any Amount of Emission BLM Should Use the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases to Monetize Climate Effects Whenever Feasible For more information, please see Policy Integrity's recent comments to the U.S. Forest Service on quantifying and monetizing greenhouse gas emissions in an EIS: http://policyintegrity.org/documents/PolicyIntgerity_ PineMountainEISComments_061917_FINAL.pdf Emely responses (phone and email) from BLM staff. It is not uncommon for County staff to have to follow up on requests 3 and 4 times after the initial request/question. improved communication with local governments. (As an example, the notification for this comment opportunity was not sent directly to Pinal. We were notified by other stakeholders.) Etreased opportunities for local governments to be included as "Cooperating Agency" status. Public meetings information on website. Documents attached interactive website for public particpation Eocedures need to be developed to manage the scope, schedule and cost escalation associated with air modeling Within two (2) years of the Notice of Intent (NOI), Edetailed schedule needs to be electronically the draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) or posted and publicly available outlining the steps Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be needed to complete the project published ELM should update the schedule with revised completion dates quarterly Eioritize State and local planning projects into District and Field Office work plans. (As an example, when we submitted a recent R&PP application, our local Field Office indicated they couldn't give us an expected completion date because they only "work on one of these applications a year") Expedite local government R&PP applications for BLM "disposal" properties. Stake holding meetings during the process integrate public meeting throughout the process Eior to the NOI being released, county commissioners, state agencies and state elected officials should be made aware of the project so they have time to determine their level of participation. ELM should be required to incorporate parallel processes into the EIS schedule, such as concurrent reviews of draft documents by cooperating agencies and State BLM offices Consistency with County Land Use Plans. Consistency and Administrative Review to allow for Core ID Teams. Cooperating Agencies to review final documents for thirty days in parallel with Governor review. Socio-economics consultation with local governments and cooperating agencies. Implement initial meetings with private land owners prior to the formal Scoping Notice. Pre-Scoping outreach. Private Landowner inclusion. The cooperating agency opportunity has been beneficial in streamlining the process and has been valuable by allowing participation and input from local government. Publishing ongoing updates throughout each project's NEPA process, make available to interested parties and even publish in local and regional newspapers. No closed door meetings. The BLM can bolster transparency by proactively communicating NEPA processes and any schedule changes through local field office channels so that residents and entities within the region are aware of pending actions and impacts - and opportunities to comment. Go to where the average citizens are.....hunter organizations, shooting ranges, churches, fairs, campgrounds, and have nepa orientation sessions. Also, go into blm lands and contact users and talk to them about it. La Plata County is frequently forced to request Under the current BLM NEPA handbook, BLM extensions to the public commenting period due to projects are not required to look at impacts to local the voluminous nature of NEPA analyses and our governments. Of particular interest are the impacts own public meeting and noticing constraints. that projects can have on local roads and Oftentimes these constraints are further infrastructure when the BLM permits the exacerbated by our need to coordinate review of development of mineral resources, such as oil and documents among various county departments that gas, coal, or gravel. General NEPA guidelines have timing limitations of their own. Providing indicate that NEPA analyses should include impacts earlier local government involvement and an to rural, low income or minority populations adequate commenting period would help to (socioeconomics). Although this category does not facilitate local government involvement. always include local governments, at a minimum BLM NEPA documents should include an analysis of potential impacts to rural, low income or minority populations. Do a better job of marking blm property Remove restrictions by state courts on "corner boundaries in order to make the land more useable. cutting", so that isolated parcels now virtually owned and exclusively used by adjoining landowners will be available to the public. Right now, there are many tracts of blm which are illegal to use, because state courts have ruled that stepping from one corner of blm to another attached corner is trespassing on adjoining private, even if the private land is not touched. This is the state system basically giving political favors to ranchers. If there are inholdings not useable by the public, then no use should be allowed to adjoining landowners, who are denying public use. Stakeholders with valid rights should be actively solicited and engaged in the planning process, particularly those involving changes to land use policies or BLM guidance (e.g. manuals, handbooks, etc.) BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. There should be a single NEPA analysis for a project BLM must actively involve land users (e.g. those with that crosses multiple federal agencies or field existing rights or authorizations) in agency efforts to offices/districts/states. Stakeholders often complain change land use policies or BLM guidance (e.g. about having to be engaged in multiple agency manuals, handbooks, etc.). Too often, the BLM workshops or reviewing multiple documents. reaches out to recreational users (e.g. OHV, Agency coordination to create a single analysis and rockhounds, hikers, etc.,) but does not actively a single process that includes stakeholder solicit input from utilities, mining, and developers to engagement would likely be perceived as more the same extent. transparent than multiple agency-specific processes. ELM must keep the public informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. ELM should use a variety of media - web site, social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets - at every stage of the planning process to let the public know when and how to participate. ELM staff should hold public meetings at regular intervals as a plan is being written so people can hear firsthand about the progress of the plan, and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM must actively involve land users particularly those with existing rights or authorizations such as utilities, mining, and developers in changes to land use policy and revisions to BLM guidance. The planning process must consider the impacts on existing land use authorizations from changes to land use policies and the BLM should have sufficiently flexibility to continue pre-existing land use rights rather than retroactively imposing new conditions or requirements on pre-existing infrastructure. The BLM should actively involve utilities that have infrastructure or proposed projects on lands near and around areas for which the BLM is in the process of performing land planning or NEPA analysis. This will help to ensure that said utilities are able to conduct operations and maintenance activities within utility rights-of-way and thereby ensure safe and reliable electricity and telecommunications systems, consistent with the Administration's priorities. ELM should always be looking for opportunities to BLM should make it easier for states to share data - share ideas and collaborate across its own field particularly wildlife management data - with BLM, office boundaries and with other landowners, and vice versa. This would include the identification including state agencies, tribes, other federal of wildlife migration corridors and other habitat agencies and private landowners. data, and other scientific information that is Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, important for hunters, anglers and other and allow everyone - ranchers, miners, energy backcountry recreation. developers, recreation groups, other federal, state EHbal governments should be encouraged to and local agencies, and members of the general participate, and BLM should make special efforts to public - to tell BLM their wishes and concerns reach areas that lack access to electronic about the planning area, and share any data they communications. have about the area. A standard 120 day review for all Environmental Impact Statements and a 60 day review for all environmental Assessments. Our public lands must remain in public hands! Have in-region meetings in Alaska Native and Native When NEPA is initiated, ensure tribal governments Announce comment periods through fliers, radio, American communities. Offer to provide maps and in the NEPA-area understand their role as newspaper, and website. Consider announcements data intensive material on jump drives as internet cooperating agencies, including potential time via fax to rural Alaska Native and Native American can be very slow in these places. Allow plenty of commitments, potential costs, and their right to communities. Provide updates and links to key time (6 months at least) for comments so that these obtain technical consultants if they so desire to documents on the websites (blm.gov as well as communities -- who may be actively collecting assist in participation. Ensure they understand the state/area sites). Provide information on key subsistence foods for several months -- have time to difference between cooperating agency status and updates, comment extensions, upcoming comment understand the issue. Provide maps. Make sure the government-to-government consultation, and that closure periods, and any other important news via comment system is structured so they have they have the right to both as well as to fliers, radio, newspaper, and potentially fax if MEANINGFUL input and are not just a box checked participation in the general public comment periods. effective. Hold in person meetings in rural areas if off as "contacted" It would be helpful if the assigned project managers possible A detailed schedule needs to be electronically and BLM's interdisciplinary team (IDT) were posted and publicly available outlining the steps required to go through formal project management needed to complete the project. training. Maintain outreach on the Alternatives and Pre- Invite tribal governments to be cooperating agencies Standardize the Resource Management Plan Scoping. Provide a single point of contact with name in the NEPA process and explain what that document. and phone number for the project. participation entails, how it is different from government-to-government consultation and public commenting. Ensure tribal governments are meaningfully engaged throughout the NEPA process as they have knowledge of lands, waters, flora and fauna as well as on the impacts (positive and negative) of proposed changes. BLM should update the schedule with revised completion dates quarterly. A standard 120 day review for all Environmental Impact Statements and a 60 day review for all environmental Assessments. Our public lands must remain in public hands! Talk to communities in the affected area as much as Have meetings directly with other land managers, possible, preferably more than once during the without the public. process. Ensure that it is an exchange of communication, not a one way webinar. Although "town hall" type forums may be the most realistic, where possible have one on one discussions with community members perhaps through mingling at a potluck after a presentation, or on a long boat ride on a river in the affected area. One on one and frequent communication is the only way to gain tribal trust Prior to the NOI being released, county BLM should be required to incorporate parallel commissioners, state agencies and state elected processes into the EIS schedule, such as concurrent officials should be made aware of the project so reviews of draft documents by cooperating agencies they have time to determine their level of and State BLM offices. participation. Through my volunteer work with the BLM I know More detailed maps should be available. At times that the staff mostly work with shape files. But the I've seen a NEPA project with a map that is at such public mostly can't work with shape files and would a large scale that it is impossible to work out where prefer kml/kmz files. ArcGIS provides a the project is located. BLM staff time is then wasted straightforward way to export a layer as a KML file - by stakeholders coming into the office to get a this should be done for more NEPA projects so that better fix on where the project is to be located. A more of the public can understand the projects large scale map and more detailed 24K (zoomed-in better and thus eliminate misunderstandings about to be readable) maps should both be provided. where the project will be located. Initial scoping should identify preferred methods of Meet with tribes and other consulting parties at Provide more systematic and regular feedback on Less focus on unlikely impacts or impractical Post all EAs and EIS and related documents and communication so that "user-friendly" planning can their venues and on their schedule when possible, the results of consultation - create a more iterative alternatives and more energy into a robust,detailed, correspondence online in searchableformats. be developed to fit each project. Consider using a and ensure decision makers (not just environmental process, not just submit comments and see it posted and complete administrative record. wide spectrum of communications channels, analysts and subject matter experts) attend in the public record portion of the EIS. including but not limited to social media, email, meetings. interactive GIS on a website, and hard copy materials. Consider "virtual meetings" for stakeholders who cannot travel. Support regularly scheduled working groups (e.g., Consider more user-friendly deadlines and meeting cultural resource working group) that meet to schedules. discuss ongoing issues and new business outside the NEPA schedule for a specific project. 3. BLM's requirement for formal RMP evaluations every five years is inflexible and often wasteful. These evaluations should instead occur when there is sufficient cause for them, and recognizing that plan maintenance actions may occur at any time. It would be more prudent to focus limited staff time on keeping to RMP revisions every fifteen years rather than slavishly following an every-five-years RMP evaluation requirement. Ensure that comments, from state and local governments along with stakeholders supporting project proponents, are sufficiently incorporated into the final Plan. 1. BLM must establish and consistently follow a BLM must continue to improve ePlanning to make . During scoping for EAs and EISs, BLM should BLM should use the annual EPAP evaluation process . Being Good Neighbors: national policy for how each office will create, it as user-friendly as possible. For example, the schedule and effectively publicize field trips to hold managers and employees accountable for maintain, and use its NEPA and RMP revision mailing geographic locations now are points only and often (including on weekends so working folks could effective performance on their priority NEPA 1. BLM should more effectively "front load" the lists. There are now discrepancies among and highly inaccurate. Like in GIS, NEPA project leads attend) to the proposed action areas. These field projects. NEPA deadlines are often missed or scoping process to encourage greater public within the states about how these lists are created, should be able to identify points, lines, or polygons trips would provide valuable opportunities to extended without persuasive reasons. BLM awareness and involvement. For example, BLM maintained, and used. These discrepancies as locations of proposed actions. More accurate encourage dialogue among stakeholders and identify managers often fail to properly manage the NEPA should go beyond sending the normal scoping undermine BLM's credibility and NEPA's purpose of geographic locations would benefit both the public issues of concern early on. In contrast, BLM's workload as they are distracted by other ever- letters and emails, and be proactive and creative encouraging transparency and public involvement. and BLMers searching for NEPA projects in specific current practice of drab "open house" workshops changing and never-ending bureaucratic priorities. about using news events, social media, and other areas. tends to be diffuse and low-key, where little communication methods. Journalists should be practical dialogue or relationship building occurs. invited to participate in relevant field trips and BLM should strive to meaningfully engage the public public meetings. early on and at relevant locations, rather than look for ways to keep the public restrained, sedated, and at bay. BLM managers, planners, and project leads should be more active in getting out of their offices to meet with local leaders, service clubs, church groups, garden clubs, etc. You can't be a good neighbor if you don't meet your neighbors. Historically, we've seen variable requests and needs Project proponents should always be able to review Instill specific timelines for consultation and review identified from NEPA Coordinators within BLM field Draft NEPA documents before they are released to by cooperating agencies. offices seeking information to conduct and finalize the public. NEPA reviews. BLM should issue an IM, in alignment with CEQ's original NEPA guidance, directing State offices to develop standardized EA templates in the form of questions, which will allow project proponents a consistent, streamlined opportunity to fulfill their responsibility for EA input. BLM should identify important areas to protect, Adhere closely to CEQ's NEPA guidance and Limit acknowledgement and evaluation of public restore and enhance as a result of newly identified sufficiently respond to the needs and comments protests only to those which have identified a public value of the land: critical habitat due to brought for the by state and local governments, specific, jurisdictional issue, affiliated with a specific endangered species listing, recreational use, etc. tribal interests and other stakeholders. Through this parcel. After public input, post on the BLM website relevant adherence, the lead agency and those cooperating data and guidance memos that can be used to must limit their reviews to their unique jurisdictional permit wells and ROWs. BLM should cease using authority. draft RMP's data and analysis until finalized. In many cases, successful analyses have been prepared by the company pursuing the project, and this option should be available to those companies at their discretion. If a company elects to have BLM prepare the analysis, the project proponent should have a role in its preparation, before public comment. BLM land use planning documents are simply too A geospatial database of resources and geospatial The BLM should promote the use of a "Dynamic The ePlanning website needs to be a Bureauwide The most recent attempt to improve the BLM land It should also be noted that the requirement under voluminous and complex for the average user to land use allocation decision system should be the Digital Database" system to meet the land use geospatial database of public land use allocations use planning and analysis process to improve the Federal Land Policy and Management Act digest and comprehend. It is recommended that the key documentation elements for any BLM land use planning requirements of NEPA and FLPMA. This that is user friendly, easily accessible, and stakeholder involvement, known as the Planning 2.0 (FLPMA) that BLM land use plans be consistent with existing land use planning process, based on large plan. Printed documents should be limited to meet system should be based on a comprehensive and continuously updated. The BLM most recently rule, was undone earlier this year under the State and local plans to the maximum extent and lengthy written documents, be deconstructed only the basic legal requirements, if any, e.g. the continuously updated geospatial database of developed the SolarMapper geospatial database provisions of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). consistent with Federal law and the purposes of and that a new standard be established that focuses FONSI, Record of Decision, or Plan Decision. It is resource data layers, planning conditions, land use system to capture land use allocation decisions from Since the CRA precludes the development of a new FLPMA does not mean that BLM land use plans must more on the use of new technology geospatial also recommended that an abbreviated document plan allocation decisions, and land use plan the Solar Programmatic EIS and land use planning regulation that is substantially the same as the comply with local land use plans. A local land use database systems for planning areas. GIS-supported be prepared for each RMP, which provides a amendments. The BLM needs to establish a land use effort. Similar efforts are underway to develop a previous rule, it is recommended that BLM not plan could potentially attempt to restrict certain land use planning efforts were used in the White summary of the decisions and land use allocations planning website that focuses on the availability of WindMapper and CorridorMapper geospatial dedicate resources to developing new regulations development activities on federal lands, although River RMP in the late 1990s with the assistance of for each RMP as a tool for tribes, local government, this geospatial database of land use resources and systems. It is also recommended that most public that further address stakeholder involvement and those development activities are consistent with the the USFWS technical center in Ft. Collins, CO and and other stakeholders. This summary document land use allocations. The existing ePlanning website involvement and outreach efforts be focused more BLM's planning and NEPA responsibilities. Instead purposes of FLPMA. BLM Oregon/Washington has been a GIS leader in would replace the need for completion and is still focused on links to local BLM State and BLM on the use of webinar sessions instead of public the BLM should focus efforts on Manual, Handbook, BLM for many years. BLM Colorado is using a GIS- distribution of a multi-volume set of land use District websites of written Plans Completed (only meetings. Webinar sessions are very effective in and administrative policy changes to complete land based land use planning process for the Eastern planning documents. since 2000) and Plans in Development. demonstrating the effective use of geospatial use plans faster and with less complexity. Colorado RMP. database systems. Regulatory provisions relating to ACECs, and the ACEC designations or expansions should be BLM should modify its policy and procedural 3.10he "relevance" and "importance" criteria for While its Land Use Planning Handbook addresses In many cases, ANCs selected and were conveyed implementation thereof, must: ensure that decisions directed and tailored to address some real need for guidance on ACECs to establish minimum potential ACECs set forth in BLM's ACEC Manual government-to-government coordination and lands now located within the exterior boundaries of concerning ACEC designation are based on high protection of or prevention of irreparable damage requirements for nomination or identification of 1613 are vague, and give an enormous degree of engagement with Indian tribes, BLM should update BLM planning areas; often, these lands were selected quality, factual information; provide for meaningful to an important and relevant resource; not simply potential ACECs. BLM's ACEC Manual discretion to agency officials to determine that these its planning and NEPA guidance to specifically for their mineral or other resource development consideration of land status and ownership, expand special management areas without a rational acknowledges that "[t]here are no formal or special criteria are satisfied. Often, the basis for ensure early, ongoing, and meaningful consultation potential. ANCs must be provided the opportunity resource uses, infrastructure, and access patterns basis for concluding that setting aside additional land procedures" for "nominations/recommendations determinations that these criteria are met is not with Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) regarding to meaningfully participate in the development and and needs; and aim to minimize adverse impacts on will result in protection of that resource. Special submitted by the public or other agencies" and presented in a way that can be scrutinized by the resource management planning decisions. In implementation of plans that could impact their other resource uses consistent with FLPMA's management attention should be directed at the encourages BLM personnel to recommend areas for public in any meaningful way. BLM should adopt accordance with Department of the Interior policy, ability to fulfill the purposes for which they were multiple-use mandate. Recent land management causes identified as threatening the resource and consideration as potential ACECs that "appear" to measurable, or at least more discrete, criteria for such consultation must commence at the earliest established under ANCSA and which were planning processes in Alaska have highlighted that responsible for the irreparable damage that must be meet the criteria. Anyone can propose any area as a determining whether there is an "important" stages of the resource management planning recognized and preserved under ANILCA, and to BLM's ACEC guidance is deeply in need of review, prevented. Decisions must be grounded in scientific potential ACEC, without much if any substantive resource or value. process, and continue with each step of the process. protect and advance the economic, social, and reconsideration, and revision. These decisions must evidence and reflect a rational connection between support. While additional information may be cultural interests of their Alaska Native be subjected to greater scrutiny--internal and this evidence and the decisions made. gathered and considered throughout the planning shareholders. external--as part of BLM's land management process, there should be some minimum level of planning process. support required to nominate a potential ACEC. The current 3-tier state structure removes valuable staff from District Office front-line decision making while establishing mid-tier management at the Division level that results in unnecessary and ineffective bureaucracy. Honor and follow the consistency review process in include mineral surveying as part of the land use FLPMA. Treat state and local governments as planning process. partners, not subordinates. Be clearer about the BLMs goals in all planning. Emphasize earning and honouring the public trust Again, put more emphasis on "boots on the ground" Actually listen and respond with course corrections Create a state and county website which people can Provide longer timelines, more weight for the Get BLM employees people out of their offices and From the outside it seems inevitably the tail is over creating profits for a few at the expense of the rather than the endless dry directives from on high to citizen input rather than (as it seems now) just lip subscribe to for free to access any and all NEPA majority of the public's interest (not just those close on the ground, with citizen scientists and other wagging the dog, leading to citizen distrust of BLM many. Today the public trust in the BLM is very (DC). Provide and encourage more "town hall service to the citizens and for-profit interests. actions underway, with deadlines, longer comment by a given area), and a more predictable access interested citizens. policies and processes. If you had a longer term plan broken. It is considered by many to be a rogue meetings in areas affected by any NEPA goals or and feedback periods, and sincere interest in the time/place for public input. Recognize the vast that was approved, say a 10 year model indicating paramilitary agency. planning. These should be at least annual and more larger public trust over private, for-profit interests. majority of our people are unaware of the BLM at reduction or increases in (grazing, mining, often if planning is close to taking any actions, The system now works only for those knowing all, let alone its plans, and account for this larger recreation, water and land sales) then it would be should be free to the public, and staffed by local where to look (and when) are aware of the number of stakeholders in all decisions realistically. easier to show how each year's work was people including interested citizen scientists. multitude of NEPA processes underway throughout To this end, establish some criteria for a population progressing (or not) towards those agreed goals. the U.S. Make it easier for people to find out what is threshold before taking new actions -- you have 325 Our public lands are a public treasure not to be going on near where they live and provide all million stakeholders, the majority of whom will only indiscriminately squandered or sold off to the citizens a way to "vote" for or against any new "someday" visit public lands, but you work for them highest bidder. proposals. This could be as simple as a local library all nevertheless. So unless 5 1% can be polled to online and current NEPA update link, with an easy support killing predators to protect livestock, that way to tabulate and poll citizens (like this poll). killing should not be allowed. Move the headquarters of the BLM out of DC and into a Western state. I've heard many discussing Grand Junction, CO as a logical central point, nearer to the public lands. The BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the eplanning site. The BLM must keep the public informed about the The BLM should use a variety of media--website, BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed social media, local print, radio, and TV outlets--at intervals as a plan is being written so people can updates in plain language at every major milestone. every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and If there are long delays in the process, the BLM know when and how to participate. discuss concerns and ideas with staff. should issue updates between milestones as well. The BLM should always be looking for Collaboration should begin early, before scoping opportunities to share ideas and collaborate across (the process by which agencies solicit input on the its own field office boundaries and with other public issues to be addressed and how they will be landowners, such as state agencies, tribes, and other evaluated), and allow everyone--ranchers; miners; federal agencies, as well as private landowners. energy developers; recreation groups; other federal, state and local agencies; and members of the public--to tell the BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM must revise its ACEC policy and guidance to 5.ELM should revise its ACEC Manual to make 6.ELM should clarify in its ACEC policy and 7.Where the designation of an ACEC is justified, ensure that determinations that lands nominated for clear that any special management measures guidance that special management attention is not consistent with the FLPMA's multiple-use mandate, designation as ACECs meet the designation criteria imposed are required to address the source of the to be considered "required" if general management BLM should ensure that any special management are based on current and sound science and threat to the identified important resources. E.g., measures or other regulatory programs are attention minimizes any adverse impacts on other subjected to scrutiny through public review and BLM should not be able to impose restrictions on sufficient to protect and prevent irreparable damage resource uses. Similarly, consistent with that comment and consultation with ANCs and tribes. mining as special management to protect a wildlife to the identified important resources or values. mandate, BLM should revise its ACEC Manual or BLM needs to disclose all evidence and factors population when the agency identifies predator other regulations, policy, or guidance to clarify that reviewed and considered in proposing designations control, harvest levels, weather, and overabundance ACEC boundaries are to be defined to encompass and specific special management measures so the as the major population contributors. Policy and the smallest area necessary to protect and prevent public can fully and meaningfully review and evaluate guidance should make clear that there must be a irreparable damage to the identified important the proposed designation and proposed special clear, rational, and direct connection between the resources or values. management measures. special management attention and the threat or risk to the resource or value, based upon sound, peer- reviewed science and subjected to public review and comment. BLM should provide regular updates on the status of BLM should endeavor to complete an RMP in 2 BLM must keep the public informed about the the plan to local media outlets each time that status years once the Notice of Intent to prepare and EIS progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed changes. If there is a long delay between stages, is published. It's difficult to keep the public engaged updates in plain language at every major milestone. BLM should provide interim updates to the media in the planning process when it extends over many If long delays in the process are encountered, BLM and the public. years. should issue updates between milestones as well. BLM should use a variety of media - website, social BLM staff should hold public meetings in affected media, local print, radio, and TV outlets - at every communities when key milestones are reached, e.g., stage of the planning process to let the public know the initiation of public scoping, wilderness review, when and how to participate. release of a preliminary draft plan/EIS. BLM should summarize all comments that were received from the public and cooperating agencies and how those comments were addressed. BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the BLM should provide these simple graphics and links Provide detailed updates in plain language at every fundamentals of the planning process; this should be to more information in local newspapers or the major milestone and in a form that is easily available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. most popular media outlets for local communities. accessible. If there are long delays in the process, Often times, rural communities use social media like BLM should issue updates between milestones as Facebook as their source of information. well. BLM should use a variety of media - web site, social BLM staff should meet with local counties by media, local print, radio, and TV outlets - at every requesting to be on a county commissioner agenda stage of the planning process to let the public know so people can hear firsthand about the progress of when and how to participate. the plan, and discuss concerns and ideas with staff. BLM should share ideas and collaborate across its own field office boundaries and with other landowners, including state agencies, tribes, other federal agencies and private landowners. Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, and allow everyone - ranchers, miners, energy developers, recreation groups, other federal, state and local agencies, and members of the general public - to tell BLM their wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. Solution #1: Redefine BLM "Accomplishments" See link in additional comments. Providing lear expectations and follow through on Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, land planning and implementation goes a long way and allow everyone - ranchers, miners, energy on being a good neighbor. A fully funded BLM that developers, recreation groups, other federal, state enables them to be a good neighbor (i.e. taking care and local agencies, and members of the general of weeds, fences, etc.) helps build trust and public - to tell BLM their wishes and concerns collaboration. about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM should seek to better understand state and Outreach to state officials in conjunction with the BLM should never initiate a planning process that BLM should host and maintain plan specific websites NEPA is designed to foster transparency and, when Embrace the coordination process for land use The BLM must use the RACs as intended by FLPMA BLM should strictly adhere to the provisions of local land use planning processes to aid in Governor's consistency review process must start will have a pre-determined outcome, nor should any where the following are published, maintained and properly utilized is effective. BLM should involve inventory, planning and management activities; and the current planning regulations and not as a FLPMA, the principle of multiple-use, and the understanding inherent distinctions from the FLPMA well in advance of the 60-day period set forth in process be based on policies designed to undercut updated: (i) planning rules and policies and stakeholders at the outset of preparation plan mandate that BLM staff keep apprised of state, local mere forum for agency departments to provide existing regulations governing land use planning. process and identifying inconsistencies. The regulations (43 C.F.R. I6l0.3-2(e)). State officials the applicable statutory and regulatory process. schedules for upcoming planning efforts; (ii) development. However, stakeholder input must be and tribal land use plans and meet regularly with general updates. The core function of RACs is to Simply following existing statutory and regulatory education process must be a two-way street that have to coordinate input from multiple agency Over the course of the last decade, land use preparation plans; (iii) stakeholder outreach plans; properly managed to achieve targeted and relevant those officials to discuss planning constraints and provide advice to the BLM on the preparation and provisions is critical to rebuilding trust. This involves continual communication. BLM should heads and review periods often expire before planning outcomes have been improperly influenced (iv) the analysis of the management situation input that is not a mere "voting" exercise based on consistency issues. BLM should genuinely strive to implementation of land use plans BLM should utilize includes giving appropriate import to the provisions strive to educate state, local and tribal partners organizational efforts can be undertaken to toward pre-ordained outcomes by virtue of the documentation; (v) links to the documentation BLM value judgements about uses of public lands. The obtain plan consistency and empower state and field RAC-based technical review teams to aid in of the Mining and Minerals Policy Act during the about the potential inclusion of certain land use distribute the NEPA document for review. Efforts adoption of overarching policies that elevated is relying on for baseline assessments and effects publication of a notice of intent should not be the offices to develop, revise and amend plans based gathering and analyzing data and developing planning process as intended by Congress when planning elements that may be unique to FLPMA, should be undertaken to develop a single point of conservation values over multiple-use values. analysis conclusions; (vi) agendas and meeting notes first time the public is made aware of a planning on state and local values minimizing Washington recommendations to aid in the planning process. adopting FLPMA ("public lands must be managed in but have some application at a local level as well as contact within each state in the preparation plan Examples of this include the recently rescinded from coordination efforts; (vii) public notices; (viii) process. Stakeholder and BLM RAC involvement in D.C. bias and politics. BLM should also consider RACs could also serve as a liaison between BLM and a manner which recognizes the nation's need for in enhancing the likelihood of making an "apples to phase to ensure appropriate time for state review climate change and mitigation policies, the latter of draft and final NEPA and related protest identifying available and missing data, formulating a drafting targeted guidance for resolving stakeholders and could facilitate stakeholder domestic sources of minerals, food, timber, and apples" comparison of plans across multi- and consideration. which imposed a net-benefit or no-net loss standard documentation; and (ix) final plans, plan participation plan and identifying key issues and inconsistencies instead of defaulting to generally working groups to help inform agency planning. fiber from public lands including implementation of jurisdictional levels. on all land use activities. amendments and plan maintenance data. management concerns will help expedite the applicable dispute resolution processes. BLM's failure to involve the RACs in the the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 as it process and ensure a good result. development of the Proposed BLM 2.0 Planning pertains to public lands") (43 U.S.C. 1701 (a)(I2)). Rules was a missed opportunity. When initiating public involvement with a time limit, Additionally, BLM should increase opportunities for BLM should publish appropriate notices in the state agencies and local governments to participate Federal Register. The current BLM website(s) are as Cooperating Agencies and increase not an appropriate forum for official notice for time interdisciplinary team involvement on planning sensitive public comment opportunities. In addition, efforts, specifically for wildlife management, BLM should commit to maintaining a reliable, resources and recreation. Finally, guidelines should updated, and publicly accessible planning site to be developed collaboratively and require state encourage participation, provide transparency, and concurrence. supplemental information. Like DOT and DOE, BLM should maintain BLM should make sure NEPA analysis is information on the time needed to complete the communicated to the applicant as early as possible, NEPA process, making it easier for applicants to allowing applicants to engage in the process and gather accurate data specific to the time needed to provide useful insight and information at a point at prepare NEPA documents. which the information can still be considered. BLM should gather accurate data specific to the BLM should post on a designated portal on the time needed to prepare NEPA documents and make BLM website as to any and all upcoming NEPA it public. analysis and the stage at which that analysis currently stands. When evaluating special designation areas such as To ensure the state's management authorities and wilderness, National Monuments, Parks, Wildlife jurisdiction are not affected by planning decisions, Refuges, Conservation Areas, Areas of Critical any future BLM planning directives should include Environmental Concern, etc., the BLM should specific language that directs the agency to utilize adequately establish a purpose and need and consult existing overarching Memorandum of with partners to establish explicit directives on how Understandings (MOUs) and other agreements with state jurisdictions will not be impacted. Due to local governments for wildlife management activities special designations on roughly 10 million acres in within the areas of special designation. It should be Arizona, state and local entities experience explicit that if the BLM anticipates impacts to local extensive and widespread project delays, elevated governments' ability to carry out their trust costs, increased man-hours and legal challenges, responsibilities and statutory authorities, those which has resulted in decreased efficiency in the impacts must be disclosed and analyzed within the conservation and management of Arizona's wildlife environmental review process. CEQ's regulations are vague or silent on which aspects of NEPA compliance typically associated with an EIS are also applicable to an EA. Courts provide some, but not complete or uniform, guidance. BLM should clarify which duties are applicable to an EIS and which are applicable to EAs. Develop some consistency in notifying the public as Finally, allow us to submit comment in the process to what is under consideration. Use the Federal with the ability to upload documents, such as Register and local media in addition to email lists to letters, versus having to undertake the exercise get the word out as to what is under consideration. involved with this input "opportunity"! Use a master email list from the BLM Regional office for dissemination of information. We have had to seek out the District offices and request to be added to planning notices, resulting in notification from some, and no idea what is transpiring with others. The BLM should add a step between scoping and the issuance of a draft resource management plan (RMP) where the agency would propose "preliminary alternatives". Then solicit feedback from the public before formally proposing a range of alternatives in the draft plan. This extra step should help the public be more constructively engaged in the development of an RMP revision or amendment. Coordinate with the state wildlife agency early in Use the Federal Register, local media and email lists the process to identify and address areas of mutual for public notices or involvement, in addition to the interest, statutory or management authority and BLM website. state trust responsibility. Consistency - the BLM land use plans should not Consideration - the BLM should ensure that the only be consistent across the Region, but should State's management authorities and jurisdiction are also strive for consistency with adjacent Forest not adversely impacted by their planning directives. Service lands and State lands respectively. When evaluating special designations on BLM lands, This goes directly to matters such as travel establish a purpose and need, but also consult with management, signage, access, recreational shooting, partners like the AZ Game & Fish Department hunting, angling, dispersed camping, OHV use, game (AZGFD) to make sure statutory directives and retrieval and wildlife management. responsibilities are not impeded. Special designations drive up the costs of the conservation and management of Arizona's wildlife resources from project delays, elevated costs, increased man hours and legal challenges. Emphasize, where appropriate, formal recognition of stakeholder input, and especially agreement, e.g. include action alternatives that truly reflect input from multiple stakeholders. Make decisions that reflect public input. "User friendly planning" should at least occasionally Sward "user crafted solutions." Marginalize those who perpetuate conflict. Transparency is less of a concern than other topics See B. I and .2 above- create transparency through at this time. The process is relatively well known clearer structure, and scrupulous adherence to that and we can see what is happening - we are just too structure. often frustrated by the outcome. No hidden agendas. Straight talk is always best. Be good listeners and be respectful of sincere stakeholders input. Be willing to share information and avoid hidden agendas. Be respectful of sincere and factual input from stakeholders. Bring good science, honesty and integrity back to Rebuild a respectful partnership between the NEPA process. Avoid junk science and hidden stakeholders an DOI personal. agendas that were so much a part of the SGFA EIS. Formalize (e.g. through regulation) the manner in Establish collaborative stakeholder groups that meet which statutory duties (e.g. coordination) will be on a regular basis. conducted, so as to standardize and make equal the treatment of neighbors. It is all about attitude and building a respectful relationships. The BLM has a job to do and stakeholders have their hopes and dreams. Build relationships by being a good listener and gain a understanding of the stakeholder concerns. Tribes, just like local governments, need to be Most rural states, counties, tribes, and grazing Openness and a willingness to LISTEN to what the Transparency openly implies ACCOUNTABILITY. If CREDIBILITY is at stake if transparency and BLM needs a better description of their internal Use common sense in promoting BLM specialists IN Reorganize the Multiple Use Advisory Boards, as better informed of how they can participate, and boards do not have the budgets to actively support public is presenting in both the scop8ing and any BLM is unable to do something they have committed accountability is not consistent or is violated during processes. We have seen RMPs being in process for PLACE when they have been effective in their work used in the 1980s and 1990s. In all our years, (since the chances they have to give input and direction to participation in the planning processes. BLM should LUP process is Transparency. If the public cannot to, they must explain why. the LUP/NEPA processes. several years without explanation. Oft times the and interactions with the public. This saves money 1976) working with the BLM, the single most these planning efforts. We see this most vividly make Block Grants available to support this all influence the planning, then they feel the are not delays are blamed on Reno or Washington DC BLM and delays in the new employee having to learn the effective tool for being Good Neighbors was the use here in Nevada with the pinion juniper forest important planning activity that directly impacts the being heard and mostly will avoid participation in office reviews. So no one knows the status or issues and needs of this district. COMMITMENTS of the MUABs along with the BLM Grazing Advisory utilization efforts and the explosion of wild horse lives and economies of our rural areas that are the process altogether. BLM should be clear and progress of what is going on in these reviews. Is the MADE TO PERMITTEES BY THE PREVIOUS Boards. The Resource Advisory Councils replaced numbers over AML. Early orientation of the tribe heavily affected by public lands. For instance concise and CONSISTENT in laying out the LUP content being changed or is the review being done RANGE SPECIALIST OFTEN FALL BY THE both the MUAB and the GABs. The RACs have and the counties and requesting a knowledgeable Lincoln County Nevada is 97 percent federally process and what is expected of the BLM and what for consistency with BLM policy. This leads to WAYSIDE, ARE NEVER DOCUMENTED IN THE been ineffective because no BLM manager has taken representative participate in the planning process managed lands, leaving only three percent as a tax is expected of the public. Never say..."this is what distrust and the local government feeling as if the PERMITTEE'S GRAZING OFFICIAL RECORDS, ownership. Member participants and BLM do not can avoid conflicts. Tribes have much to offer, both base for planning and infrastructure and public the law says or what the policy requires". That is real decision is being made above their heads and AND FAIL TO BE IMPLEMENTED, resulting in feel responsible. RACS would be most useful for historically and culturally, if provided the proper services. not listening or productive. not at the District BLM level. Why participate if this boiling distrust and frustration. centralized management. The GABs were highly information and early invitation to participate. is the outcome? productive and solved detailed problems on grazing on public lands. Coordinate with western range research programs to address effective and appropriate seed selections. Local governments must have a seat on the BLM Most rural local governments do not have the The BLM planning and NEPA processes should give BLM should implement a better use of technology It is imperative that BLM find ways for better Local governments must have a seat on the BLM Proper Coordination - see input on B. above Interdisciplinary Team levels for planning and capacity to fully engage in BLM planning and NEPA deference and have a strong bias towards use and to provide access by state and local governments in consistency between BLM non-disclosure Interdisciplinary Team levels for planning and projects. Local governments must be involved in the processes in a meaningful way. BLM should work to selection of local, user and stakeholder coordinated planning and NEPA processes. This should include requirements when local governments are projects. Local governments must be involved in baseline data collection and report development, find ways to support local governments in their initiatives (i.e., Coordinated Resource Management, fully accessible online project management portals cooperating agencies on NEPA and various state the baseline data collection and report not after these are already complete. Invite local efforts since doing so will streamline BLM efforts, Nevada Collaborative Conservation Network). that are transparent and easily accessible where all open meeting law or government in the sunshine development, not after these are already complete. governments to participate in "kick off" meetings reduce conflict, and result in better management project information (maps, reports, comments, etc.) requirements. It is very cumbersome us to properly Invite local governments to participate in "kick off" for any project or proposal and keep them involved that has taken into concern and found consistency in available. A great example includes the project participate in BLM NEPA processes with these non meetings for any project or proposal and keep them throughout the entire planning process. with locally affected people. A capacity assistance management program through the Utah Watershed disclosure requirements. involved throughout the entire planning process. program like a "PILT Plus" could be pursued with Restoration Initiative. the purpose of the funding to go towards assisting local government participation in these processes. We are aware of and support landscape level planning and management. However, "landscape level" often becomes counter to local focus and needs. We do not want to see a dilution of local voice and input in any planning or management process. We acknowledge the need for flexibility and scalability in resource planning but are concerned that establishing "landscape" boundaries that do not focus at local level will only serve to reduce the local voice in the planning process. Eureka County requests that BLM ensure the local BLM level (no greater than the District level) continues to serve as the default level of analysis and decision making for BLM planning and implementation activities. BLM should use the Federal Register, local media, and email lists to notify the public and request comments. BLM should also use a process to provide advanced notice of all anticipated/upcoming planning efforts to local governments, tribal partners, and stakeholders. The DOI should make greater use of cross The BLM website is very good at providing relevant references to information available on its website, materials for current or recent NEPA proceedings, allowing for shortened Federal Register notices and but materials related to older proceedings are quicker publication. Most users today are much difficult to obtain once they drop off the website. more comfortable searching for and finding BLM should establish an archival website in which information on agency websites rather than in the older materials can be readily obtained on-line, Federal Register. Because the DOI controls its without clogging the main BLM site. website, maximizing use of the website and minimizing the length of Federal Register Notices will speed publication and better inform the public. DOI should not second guess the permitting decisions delegated to state and local entities. Once any particular activity is covered by an updated Clean Air Act or Clean Water Act permit, the air and water quality effects of the activity that are regulated under the permits should be excluded from NEPA review. This scoping limitation should be expressly stated in updated regulations and the agencies' NEPA handbooks. Implement specific pre-NEPA state/federal The BLM should increase opportunities for state The BLM should continue to use the Federal When initiating public involvement with a time limit, When evaluating special designation areas such as To ensure the state's management authorities and coordination guidelines. Guidelines should be agencies to participate as Cooperating Agencies and Register (FR) as the outreach method for BLM should publish appropriate notices in the wilderness, National Monuments, Parks, Wildlife jurisdiction are not affected by planning decisions, developed collaboratively and require state increase interdisciplinary team involvement on notification or to request public involvement, Federal Register. The current BLM website(s) are Refuges, Conservation Areas, Areas of Critical any future BLM planning directives should include concurrence. Specifically, guidelines should include planning efforts, specifically for wildlife management, including public review of documents and public not an appropriate forum for official notice for time Environmental Concern, etc., the BLM should specific language that directs the agency to utilize direction for coordinating with state wildlife resources and recreation. meetings. Using the FR demonstrates that BLM has a sensitive public comment opportunities. In addition, adequately establish a purpose and need and consult existing overarching Memorandum of agencies early in the planning process to identify and genuine interest in public involvement and provides BLM should commit to maintaining a reliable, with partners to establish explicit directives on how Understandings (MOUs) and other agreements with address areas of mutual interest, an opportunity for a clear and consistent message updated, and publicly accessible planning site to state jurisdictions will not be impacted. Due to local governments for wildlife management activities statutory/management authority, state trust on the level of public involvement being requested. encourage participation, provide transparency, and special designations on roughly 10 million acres in within the areas of special designation. It should be responsibility, and state planning. supplemental information. Options include a specific Arizona, the AZ Game and Fish Department explicit that if the BLM anticipates impacts to local planning website for each BLM State Office experiences extensive and widespread project governments' ability to carry out their trust containing an updated Schedule of Proposed delays, elevated costs, increased man-hours and responsibilities and statutory authorities, those Actions, all of the documents and plans currently legal challenges, which has resulted in decreased impacts must be disclosed and analyzed within the open for public review, and announcements about efficiency in the conservation and management of environmental review process. upcoming meetings/webinars. Arizona's wildlife resources. If the previous plan had some good models, BLM Where there are example of good collaboration should remind the public that it is building on between levels of government, remind the public of successful past practice. Audio-visual and other PR these precedents. Counter the (false) perception efforts could also remind the public about links to that government is the enemy. those earlier practices, including for example the CCC during the Depression. Use history as a partner in shaping the future. Trust building in this cynical era is difficult. Inquire which institutions working with BLM currently are perceived as trustworthy. Work with researchers that have worked on social trust, Russell Sage Foundation? Are there results from this research that might be applied to a very different setting? Check out Everyday Democracy in Hartford, CT, formerly known as Study Circles Resource Center of Pomfret CT. They encourage work on local initiatives, based on a 1930s Swedish citizen involvement programhttps://www.everydaydemocracy.org/. or more generically, Study Circles [https://www.google.com/search?q=Study+Circles&ie =utf-8&oe=utf-8] Ironically, the first Study Circles were organized by the Chatauqua Movement in the U.S. in the 19th century BLM releases EIS text for public comment before Even though companies often pay, in many cases BLM should adhere more closely to Council of allowing the project proponent to review and millions of dollars, for contractors to conduct the Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidelines on NEPA address issues raised. Public comments will often environmental analysis necessary under NEPA, timelines. When EAs exceed six months and EISs identify issues with the EIS which could have been project NEPA documents frequently go into a black eighteen months, BLM should assign strike teams to addressed more effectively beforehand by the hole without visibility on where the document is in complete the NEPA. These strike teams should be proponent. The project proponent should be the process or why there are substantial delays. composed of planning specialists, perhaps at the allowed to review the EIS before it is released for Western Energy Alliance has documented numerous state office level, who have the expertise to move public comment. Doing so would reduce the projects that have taken several years, many without forward expeditiously with NEPA documents, as amount of work BLM must complete in response to any update to project proponents. BLM should sometimes staff at the field office level are not as the comment period and allow for additional make information available to project proponents at skilled in the NEPA process and focused on many collaboration and problem solving between the least every six months on where the document is in different tasks. project proponent and BLM, saving resources and the process, the cause of delays, and what BLM is time. doing to move forward. BLM should adhere to the principles established in Many counties across the West have planning the 2005 Desk Guide to Cooperating Agency processes that are not given full consideration by Relationships and Coordination with BLM. BLM should improve the recognition and Intergovernmental Partners. While BLM allows for incorporation of state and local government land substantial public input during the resource use plans, data, and policies in RMP amendments. management plan development process, stakeholder concerns, particularly those from state and local governments, are frequently ignored in the final plan. BLM should ensure that public comments are sufficiently incorporated into final RMPs and EISs. Throughout planning and environmental compliance The planning rule should direct BLM to analyze and processes, the planning rule should direct BLM to minimize impacts (including use of review, consider, and incorporate programs and motorized/mechanized equipment) to the state's recommendations of state and regional ability to manage wildlife in comprehensive planning efforts, data, and analyses recommended/designated special land use areas for: (i.e., State Wildlife Action Plans, North American species introduction/supplementation/translocation; Waterfowl Management Plan, Western Association survey/monitoring; capture/marking; research; of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Crucial Habitat sampling; radio telemetry; stocking; stream Assessment Tool). renovations and barrier construction/repair; wildlife waters construction, redevelopment, maintenance, monitoring and water delivery; habitat enhancement/creation/restoration; fencing/removal; prescribed fire; angling, hunting; trapping; emergency management; law enforcement; nonnative species or predator control; big game retrieval. The planning rule should direct BLM to use the The BLM must analyze all impacts to the public's environmental analyses and proposals of state ability to access and camp on BLM land as a result of agencies with jurisdiction by law or special overarching planning decisions including, but not expertise, to the maximum extent possible. limited to all land use allocations, recommendations, Specifically, direct BLM to incorporate state species prescriptions, or designations. The planning rule designations developed and defined within State should direct BLM to minimize camping restrictions Wildlife Action Plans, mandated by Congress and that may lead to a shortage of available camp sites approved by the USFWS. State plans must be used affecting the ability and/or willingness of lawful users to inform management decisions on public lands to hunt and fish on their public lands. including state Species of Greatest Conservation Need & Species of Economic and Recreational Importance. State agencies and Local governments should also receive a consistency review period. BLM should be required to coordinate and The use of straight, frequent, and clear cooperate in a meaningful way with states, counties communication is essential for transparency. and other local governments in making land Establish clear, predictable, and reliable deadlines management plans and decisions as Congress and timetables that can be followed by the required (FLPMA, NEPA). Federal planning interested public. processes should ensure that local users of natural resources have a strong voice in land management and that decisions are made which benefit the local users of natural resources. Meaningful coordination with local governments should include a thorough review and acknowledgement of local plans affected by proposed land management plans, as well as a robust engagement with local officials, staff, and affected users. BLM should strive to rely on state agencies' local expertise to make decisions that are driven from the ground up; rather than relying on top down, one size fits all approaches. Future regulatory actions should provide for the Details of the time and costs involved in conducting Make sure these groups know that you are listening BLM should publicly recognize the important role immediate simplification, improvement, streamlining environmental evaluations (Environmental to them. Too often local stakeholders and that permittees play in partnering to manage and of, as well as a comprehensive review of the NEPA Assessments and EIS) should be publicly reported interested parties are valued far less than the much improve lands. process. NEPA improvements should include with an agency-by-agency accounting breakdown for larger, distant, and outspoken groups that only requiring the consideration of economic impacts to the resources required for initial planning of NEPA threaten lawsuits. Trust can be gained as the BLM areas directly affected by regulation. activities. incorporates the locally generated ideas into the proposed alternatives. Prove to the local stakeholders that the agency is listening by including their ideas into a considered option. Consultation and coordination mean soliciting feedback and actually using it. Congress wrote FLMPA with the intent & spirit of When creating additional programs/directives, BLM BLM needs to ensure that the data used for the BLM needs to work with state, local, and tribal units having local governments act as the agents of the needs to place additional attention on land National Environmental Policy Act [PL. 91-190] of government in the development of policies and public interest. Section 1712, Congress mandated as capabilities and sound conservation practices. BLM review process is scientifically sound and conducted procedures, and encourage local government part of the federal land use planning process that: needs to consider the use of flexible utilization and by credible sources. cooperation and coordinated resource management "assure that consideration is given to those State, residual management standards, considering planning as early as possible in the resource local, and tribal plans that are germane in the pertinent information such as weather and forage management planning and environmental impact development of land use plans for public conditions on the entire range operation, remainder statement process. lands...meaningful public involvement of State and of grazing season outlook, and economic local government officials in the development of consequences of proposed actions, determining land use programs, land use regulations, and land compliance with management plans, and/or to use decisions for public lands, including early public trigger livestock moves among or from an allotment. notice" In any redevelopment of the planning process, BLM needs to place a revered importance on the local knowledge and input of local governments. BLM's planning process should maximize local DOI & BLM leadership need to encourage BLM involvement in public lands management planning, professional staff involved in rangeland & wildlife including interfacing with local governments upfront. management to become certified by an appropriate Local governments have a familiarity & commitment professional society. As part of that encouragement, to the area under consideration that cannot be BLM should provide time and/or financial support to matched. staff who are working toward obtaining a certification/continuing education credits. Local government officials are chosen to represent A review should be conducted to determine the their communities in dealings with federal agencies. adequacy of current OPM standards for "rangeland Congress recognized this relationship with FLPMA's management specialist" & other professional coordination concept & requirement. classifications involved in rangeland management & extent to which OPM & federal agencies are Comprehensive, locally-led strategy is the best adhering to these standards. Upon completion, approach to public-lands management. With locally- OPM & BLM need to ensure that the standards are elected board members, conservation districts can & adhered to in the future. should be a well utilized resource by BLM. You know those climate change studies that disappeared from the EPA and National Park websites? How about you publish those on BLM pages. NEPA has been working just fine as far as transparency goes. Leave it alone. BLM needs to speed up vegetative rehabilitation of In order to encourage conservation practices on acres damaged by wildland fires on public lands. public lands, BLM needs to work with individuals Currently the process is too delayed, allowing looking to conduct water conveyance improvements invasive species to come in and out compete native (i.e. irrigation ditches, piping, and other water vegetation, further deteriorating the rangeland. conveyances) on public lands (when partial relocation of the conveyance is necessary or advisable) and allowing the project to happen without jeopardizing the individual's historic perpetual easements or prescriptive rights of way when those conveyances traverse public lands. Doing so will encourage implementation of conservation practices on public lands Again, please insist on a standard 120 day review for all Environmental Impact Statements and a 60 day review for all environmental Assessments. Bring back the Resource Advisory Councils. Do not cede control of the public lands to the state or local governments. Allow online sign-ups to receive information and reduce costly certified mailings. BLM needs to establish consistency between field BLM should clearly identify what the intent of the offices and their application of NEPA. The operation NEPA process is to all stakeholders. NEPA of one office's policies and procedures can conflict principles need to be explained early in the process with another field office. BLM policies and related along with a baseline for requirements among all NEPA application should be standardized. Likewise, stakeholders. there should be consistency with other state and federal requirements. For example, BLM Resource Management Plans (RMPs) should be consistent with state agency sage-grouse plans. Establish a process for better and more clear communication with grazing permittees, particularly in the alternative development process, and allow for an adequate exchange of ideas and solutions from grazing permittees. BLM can build better trust with all stakeholders by fulfilling its obligation to allow multiple uses on public lands while protecting natural resources in a timely manner. This concept is the very cornerstone of the Federal Land Management Planning Act (FLPMA) and the NEPA process. The process allows all stakeholders to have a voice at the table, provide reasonable public comment and proposes realistic solutions to potential impacts. Socio-economic analysis must be equal to the environmental analysis and given equal weight in the decision making process. WMA urges BLM to simplify the planning process and shorten the time frames involved. BLM needs to involve cooperating agencies much BLM should improve efforts to build working more thoroughly at the beginning of a project and relationships with proponents and local insist on their participation throughout. This may governments. not shorten the BLM-specific NEPA process but can ensure that other agency actions are less burdensome because they were properly addressed up front. WMA suggests that "pre-meetings" with resource WMA believes BLM should share relevant Invite industry to the table to discuss NEPA issues WMA believes BLM and industry should improve specialists would be helpful in facilitating the information that will help facilitate and aid during the review period. WMA's suggestion is to efforts to build working relationships. process. BLM State Directors have encouraged this proponent in producing a more comprehensive and hold regular review meetings where industry could in the past, however interest from BLM personnel complete plan. address concerns with the submitted Plan of has been low. But pre-meetings should not be Operations with the agency. This would allow for a viewed as a way to extend the process, should not more timely review and a more timely process require additional public notices or decisions that overall. consume time and reviews up and down the organization. WMA believes BLM should consider local input and impact of the agency's decisions on the local economy. In the Company's experience, the level of transparency in the NEPA process often varies from one BLM District Office to another, each setting different expectations and requirements for similar activities. The Interior Department should provide clear and practical guidance to BLM to reduce local variation and inconsistencies in the application of national policies under NEPA and other federal land management laws. As part of this effort, best practices can be shared, further supporting consistency and transparency around shared expectations for managing uses on federal lands. BLM should engage a review process that gives due BLM should improve the consistency and consideration to the expertise of permittees. With transparency of the NEPA process to build trust respect to transmission infrastructure, EPE is between BLM and stakeholders. repeatedly advised by resource specialists regarding what construction, operations or maintenance criteria are or are not necessary to perform specialized work. Specific examples include the amount of work area needed around the base of structure or the width, slope, and turning radius necessary for access roads to safely perform work. That is not to propose that the BLM be staffed with electrical safety engineers or other industry specific specialists, but the BLM should allow and respect project proponent's participation in the process By not having a predetermined outcome for an By not denying that major actions do not rise to the action. Invite local governments to the process at level of an EIS. This happens often and when it does, the very beginning, instead of having them ask to be the local instinct is to assume that the outcome is included. A simple questionnaire sent out to local predetermined. If an action does indeed not rise to governments asking if they are affected by a that level, explain exactly why it does not. Even if it proposed action would help. does not, BLM should invite comments from affected local governments. the BLM has to be reasonable and stay away from airy-fairy side issues not relevant to the NEPA and planning proc. e.g. hyothetical situation - bud worms kill coniferous trees on hillsides above a lake or reservoir that is the source of the town's drinking water. A harvesting of diseased trees is proposed, because the dead trees are now a forest fire hazard. A forest fire would make the soils on the hillside susceptible to erosion, running downhill into the reservoir during spring run-off or after a rainstorm, ruining the reservoir. But wait, do not allow the cut. we need to do a scientific study of the soils that will take two years. In two years the timber will not be marketable Utilize the local governments as go-betweens in major actions and conflicts. Local governments know their neighbors. They are usually much more trusted by their neighbors and constituents. BLM should utilize that resource. Remember NEPA requires BLM to look at the "human environment" as much as the natural environment. Too often, the human environment is only considered secondarily to the natural environment. Appreciate that the people in the locality (including farmers, ranchers, loggers, miners, tribal members, hunters, fishermen, recreationists) have a lot of local experience, and in most cases that experience has helped to build this country into the great nation that it is. Someone from the city, who has earned a college degree and now is on a crusade to right all the wrongs in society, so joins the BLM may not have all the correct answers. show some respect for the ways things have been done in the past. Further, in the last year, the BLM redid its state, district, and national websites, making it difficult to navigate and retrieve information, especially on past and upcoming actions. Removing this vital government documentation severs stakeholders from the information needed to provide input on NEPA process. These websites should immediately be restored. The BLM could foster greater transparency in the Often, in EAs and EISs, the BLM omits important or NEPA process by fully answering questions, includes outdated information/data, making it objections, and alternatives raised by stakeholder in difficult for the public to understand and analysis the the scoping notices. Often the BLM ignores or full impacts of the proposed action, such as grazing dismisses them in EAs by responding with what allotments (ie. the number of AUMs allocated to appear to be blanket and/or perfunctory statements wild horses versus livestock); accusations of and providing no substantial evidence or degradation to range/water sources (ie. monitoring explanation. When a proposed agency action is data used to differentiate livestock usage impacts being reviewed through the NEPA process for from wild horse impact); and full costs of proposed approval, all existing agency rules or policies that action (ie. costs of the long- and short-term costs enable the agency to make the proposed action at associated with the capture, removal and hand should be addressed. warehousing of targeted horses). Including this information/data would go a long way in developing greater transparency in the NEPA process. communicate findings and ask for participation from all groups The BLM can build trust and better integrate the The BLM should reinstate its WH&BAB and review needs of stakeholders by listening when there is its selection process for its members so that the opposition, alternatives, and/or suggested Board truly represents the range of stakeholders. modifications to a proposed action. Often the BLM The Board has been stacked with members who seems to have reached foregone decisions that represent the livestock industry, who reside preclude any real consideration of comments about primarily on the West, who despise wild horses and a proposed action. burros, and who perpetuate the BLM's business as usual policies. The Board needs to scientists who are experts in the field of fertility control and other relevant fields, local and national wild horse advocacy groups interested in partnering with the BLM, and individuals who care about our wild herds public lands, and others. And the BLM needs to seriously consider alternative positions and views. BLM needs to use community groups to assist with gathering data but be mindful of groups who think they own our public lands ( i.e. Bundy kind of groups) 3.E!Hy personal contact with local government 5.Many rural counties and communities, tribes, and the Governor's office to underscore the etc. lack the funding to support active participation importance of their direct involvement and to invite in the planning process. BLM should make Block that participation would be helpful. Personal contact Grants available to assist in this all-important underscores the importance of the process and planning activity that directly impacts the lives and their specific involvement either personally or economics of the rural areas heavily affected by through a designated representative. public lands. Transparency is openness and a willingness to listen Transparency also implies accountability. If BLM say to what is being imparted by the public in both a that they are going to do something then do it, or scoping and a LUP process. If the public does not explain to the public why they were not able to do feel they are being heard, or can influence the so. planning process, than they will likely either become defensive or possibly avoid the process altogether. Be clear and concise in laying out the LUP process and what is expected of the BLM and how the public can participate fully. Be sincere and not state "this is what the law or policy requires". Credibility is at stake if transparency does not occur, or is violated during the LUP/NEPA process There needs to be a better description of the BLM Promote BLM specialists in place if effective in their The most successful paradigm employed by BLM was internal process. For instance, the Carson City RMP work and work well with the users. To date it Multiple Use Advisory Boards (MUAB) at the has been in draft for many years now. This has been appears that in order to be promoted the BLM District and State levels, and Grazing Advisory blamed on review by the Washington DC and/or specialists need to relocate. This typically costs Boards (GAB). In the 1990s, the GABs were State Office. Ultimately, no one knows what is substantial dollars for the move and requires eliminated and Resource Advisory Councils (RAC) happening in these reviews. Are they simply bringing in a replacement. In addition, a new person replaced the MUABs. Neither participants or BLM reviewing for consistency with BLM policies or are must learn the issues and needs and start over. Too staff feel responsible to solve problems particular to they changing the content and management frequently BLM permittees have experienced several any one District. They are focused on solving their direction of the LUP. If the latter is the case, why newly assigned range specialists over a 2-3 year District's problems with the District MUABs. The would local government feel invited or invested in period. This is unacceptable. Commitments made to RACs are useful for centralized management rather the process if the true decision is being made at permittees by the previous range specialist often fall than field level. The GABs were productive. GABS higher levels of the agency and not at the local by the wayside are never documented in the office gave permittees a forum for problem solving and (District) level? official record or fail to ever be implemented self-policing of a recalcitrant member. Restore resulting in distrust and frustration. MUAB and GAB Advisory institutions to service, and dispense of RACs. WDFW takes every opportunity to participate in Continuity of lead planners for the projects within BLM planning processes. We encourage BLM to BLM owned land has created challenges to regular continue working with WDFW in formal NEPA communication on development of a Draft EIS and driven processes, and critical on the ground species timelines have been altered numerous times. This recovery activities has hampered WDFW's ability to provide critical review and input as a cooperating agency. It is our hope that this review process may lead to more regular and more frequent communication between BLM and their formal cooperating agency partners. WDFW appreciates the opportunity to engage with WDFW highly values BLM's land ownership in the BLM Spokane District in the development of an Washington State. Those lands provide crucial Eastern Washington Resource Management Plan for habitat for federal and state listed threatened and the approximate 445,000 acres of land's in Eastern endangered species as well as economically Washington that BLM manages. important game species. Generally, the existing process provides adequate The BLM can significantly improve transparency and Cooperating agencies need to rely more on the lead At the "draft" stage, and as part of the public transparency through the mechanisms of scoping regulatory certainty for the project proponent by agency during the document development and comment process, allow challenges to the analysis and public comment. There is a concern relative to setting reasonable time frames for the NEPA review process. Comments and concerns from for a specific topic(s) with supporting scientific assuring accurate and scientific analysis of sensitive process in regulation. Time limits for each step of cooperating agencies should be initially identified documentation, and establish a mechanism for or politically-charged subjects, and adequately the process need to be developed, including during the scoping process and funneled to the lead unbiased review (addresses the issue of consultant considering and addressing substantive comments in document reviews. The current process typically agency for consideration. Document reviews by or Resource Specialist bias). the final analysis. takes multiple years from start to finish, for project cooperating agencies must also be time-limited and scales that are considered small within the coal likely shorter than that provided to the lead agency industry. For example, a recent coal lease and need to be conducted concurrently with the modification for a relatively small area (3 10 acres) lead agency review. Again this can significantly and minor amount of coal (340K tons) took over shorten the review process. three years to complete. This is entirely unacceptable for an industry that needs regulatory certainty upfront in the project planning stage. See previous comments on "User-friendly Planning". Provide broad opportunities for public participation at each phase in the process. Provide broad opportunities for participation by all stakeholders at each phase in the process. Maintenance project applications take an extended BHE recommends when entities and the BLM enter Greater transparent in the NEPA process can be The BLM should not be allowed to add additional Often times there is a lack of communication and of As mentioned in Solution #3, in addition to amount of time for the BLM to process. If a project into Master Service Agreements (MSA) that include fostered by the BLM by including a standard stipulations after initial analysis and approval has consistency between field offices and their consistency between field offices. There should be is not required to be open for public comment, the set project schedule timelines and milestones, those checklist/flowchart with every project review and occurred. Additional stipulations after initial application of NEPA. The operation of one office's consistency with other state and federal BLM review should be expedited. It would be helpful timelines and milestones should be met; project the identification of contact information for agency approval leads to project planning delays, rework by policies and procedures can conflict with those in requirements. For example, BLM RMPs should be for the BLM to adhere to standardized schedules applicants should have the expectation that if they personnel involved in the project. Currently, there project applicants to meet the additional another field office. BLM policies and application of consistent with state agency sage-grouse plans. when reviewing project requests. Each project are entering into service agreements that reimburse appears to be no process to track progress or stipulations, and additional costs for the project. NEPA should be consistent. While BHE understands should have flow chart, process, and checklists, the BLM, the terms of the agreements should be transfer projects to other internal departments. that local resource management plans (RMPs) are including all of the required department contact adhered to. Application processing schedules should be appropriate to address local resources and information (e.g. field office, department, and established. concerns, the application and timing of NEPA responsibility), and make the work flow processes requirements should be consistent. The BLM should clearly visible to the applicant (and to the public if increase consistency between the field offices and applicable). RMPs. Establishing a tiered process to address concerns, Improved response time regarding Notice to conflicts or delays associated with a project would Proceed applications would build trust and integrate help BLM build trust and better integrate the needs the needs of stakeholders. When the BLM takes of state and local governments, tribal partners and excessive time to issue Notice to Proceed other stakeholders establishing a process for documents for routine maintenance of transmission applicants to raise issues of concern to the director lines, safety and reliability of the electricity system level, rather than being directed back to the field are placed at risk. For example, a ROW vegetation office managers who may not have been responsive management action request took over 5 months to in the first instance would be beneficial. This is receive approval. The concern with delay is particularly true when there are discrepancies additional vegetation growth turning into a between national or regional level BLM guidance hazardous conditions within the time frame it takes and local interpretation/implementation at the field to receive the approval, resulting in increased fire office level. hazard and corresponding risks to electric system reliability by expediting this document impacts would be minimized. Links to comment sites and pages must be clearly posted and the agency should regularly update the public throughout the planning and comment process. It is imperative that the BLM regularly keep the The agency should update the public, through its The agency should also use a variety of media to public informed about the progress of any proposed website, at minimum at every major milestone reach out to the public to encourage their input, plan and provide updates in plain language during the planning process, and more often if there keeping in mind that NEPA review is fundamentally throughout the process. are delays during the process. a public participatory process. Agency staff should also hold public meetings- and widely publicize such meetings well in advance- for all interested parities to learn about and discuss their suggestions and concerns regarding proposed plans. The BLM should continually seek to coordinate and collaborate among its field offices, public stakeholder groups, local, tribal and state governments, and adjacent landowners. The agency should make it easier for state agencies and other research groups to share relevant environmental data, such as wildlife habitat data. Send out routine updates BLM could allow cooperating agencies better access BLM could work more closely with cooperating BLM could be clear and responsive on their to coordinate directly with environmental agencies during preparation of the NEPA analysis. rationale for not incorporating suggested analysis contractors preparing NEPA documents for BLM. In Cooperating agencies are not often provided access from cooperators. As is, BLM does not the past, BLM has limited cooperating agency to preliminary analysis or a chance for input on acknowledge that technical expert input was coordination with BLM's NEPA contractors, proposed analysis methodologies prior to BLM and provided but not utilized. BLM should provide requiring cooperators to express concerns and its contractors compiling a draft document. This is justification in a greater level of detail for not using analysis suggestions only to BLM. This three-way not consistent with CEQ guidelines on cooperating input or analyses prepared by cooperators with communication process has proven inefficient for agencies or representative of how BLM should be technical expertise. addressing the complex issues that often need to be using cooperating agencies with subject matter analyzed in NEPA documents. Allowing direct expertise. A greater reliance on cooperating agency communication between cooperating agencies and expertise will allow for increased transparency, a BLM's NEPA contractors (with BLM participation) likely reduction in inconsistencies or concerns from during preparation of the NEPA analysis will provide cooperators, and a reduction in duplicating or re greater transparency and facilitate more efficient leti_______ of the NEPA We strongly support the best practice of the BLM working analyses. We encourage the BLM to analyze development vetting alternatives with cooperating agencies and scenarios and updated mitigation measures for oil the public before issuing a draft RMP. By vetting and gas leasing at a scalable level prior to issuance alternatives with cooperating agencies, the public of leases, and to incorporate public input in a and stakeholders before issuing a draft RMP, the uniform process across all states. Many RMPs are BLM is able to respond to feedback and refine a outdated and require revisions. Amendments or draft RPM to a point more closely reflecting the revisions to RMPs should be viewed as an critically important input it receives. This can easily opportunity to engage in collaborative regional and be accomplished while simultaneously maintaining landscape level planning, taking a more proactive special privileges of state and local cooperators. and comprehensive approach to mineral leasing. Conditions that may warrant additional landscape level planning include but are not limited to: risks to fish and wildlife habitat, migration corridors, and watershed conditions. Have staff out in the field, talking with stakeholders, Get information out early, don't hide participating in and with the community. maps/plans/ideas until so late in the process Get public input early and use this to help structure Ask the stakeholders what works the process Communicate clear steps for what is required, who A visual web portal of the NEPA process and steps. is required to undertake that action, what is needed to move forward, and where the public input takes place. BLM could reinstitute the Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) with a better focus on state and local governments, tribal partners, and other stakeholders. BLM should ensure an individual membership category does not dominate a certain RAC, and rather, ensure that RAC memberships include a broad array of stakeholders. In the past, some RACs have been dominated by individual private company representatives, industry trade associations or groups with one political ideology. This has limited the effectiveness of the RACs to assist BLM with addressing complex natural resource management issues impacting state and local governments, tribal partners, and other public and private stakeholders We ask that the BLM establish a step at the beginning of the planning process where the agency collects known existing information about a planning area before initiating decisions about resource allocations. This process would increase coordination and use of information provided by the state agencies and counties. By collecting information up front, such as known fish and wildlife habitats, migration corridors, and energy resources, the agency will be better prepared to make informed, data-based decisions and allocate resources in ways that minimize conflicts among stakeholders. Have local staff. Have BLM sponsor local events or Allow for interim plans while RMP's are being citizen science or youth leadership - be a part of the developed or amended so that some appropriate community and allow the community to be a part of actions can occur. Otherwise it appears as though BLM's mission. BLM doesn't care or is simply hiding behind rules in order to avoid making decisions and doing something. Frequent communication with all groups Consistency of BLM staff working on specific NEPA project Statements such as, "There is broad scientific Redundancy of NEPA and lack of timelines to Local governments are directed by elected officials Following comment periods, develop a simple consensus that human actions are changing the finalize documents cause excessive time and are held accountable through elections. While explanation as to why and how the decisions are chemical composition of Earth's atmosphere" found commitments to continue to engage. Local allowing all Americans' the opportunity to comment arrived at. This should include statements such as in the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for governments do not have enough staff time and and offer suggestions, input from the locally elected "X, Y, and Z are compliant with the local Vegetation Treatments and Installation of money to meet multiple times on the same issue. officials must be weighted much heavier. government's Land Use Plan." If there isn't a plan Stabilization/Erosion Control Structures in BLM staff should work from the local governments' or if the plan isn't specific then statements like the Northwest Colorado is false and causes local Land Use Plan. local governments recommendation was governments to mistrust the agency. Keep planning at the most local level as possible. Eliminate any "one-size-fits-all / landscape planning approaches" and replace it with a "fit-for-purpose" approach. i) 0feaningful state and local government involvement is severely diluted when the amount of material and complexity of issues spans a "landscape" drawn by Washington. ii) 10he differences in soils, precipitation, and climates require different management even when they occur within a larger landscape. iii) E3oad "landscapes" lose the specificity and inhibit good public land management. BLM should strive to rely on state agencies' local expertise to make decisions that are driven from the ground up. Rather than relying on top down, one size fits all approaches. Stop shutting local governments out of the early If the federal agency's decision is not consistent with planning discussions. Our County and Conservation local Land Use Plan or policies, the agency must Districts attend the local office's "NEPA Meetings" review and respond to the relevant portions of each but we are requested to leave and the staff then plan/policy and explicitly state in the EIS/EA why a goes on into other discussions. As local different action was taken. Prior to taking that governments, we should be a part of all those action, the agency should be required to meet with discussions at the interdisciplinary team level and the local government to discuss the preliminary BLM staff should communicate regularly with local decision and work out the details to be consistent governments. unless the local government is asking for something that is prohibited by law. All economic impacts should receive an in-depth analysis that is inclusive of long term impacts. BLM should conform to State Laws In example, if the state's fencing law dictates that it is a fence out state; BLM should conform to the same law as the surrounding landowners. Utilize Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) for meaningful input rather than using them as a box to be checked in the process. Follow their guidance if you are going to spend the time and money to convene them. They have not been effective for many years as their input has been brushed aside. The BLM should clearly identify what the intent of BHE recommends the BLM to implement a the NEPA process is to all stakeholders and not streamlined approval process for project renewals. allow stakeholders to use the NEPA process to For example, electric utility rights-of-way (ROW) unduly delay projects. Stakeholder concerns are typically 30-year terms that are subsequently regarding project impacts as well as their suggested submitted for renewal. Given that the electricity mitigation measures should be based on science and transmission and distribution lines are existing, not emotion. A regulatory framework discussion or historic, and necessary to serve communities, there potentially even a public workshop explaining the should be a streamlined and expedited renewal NEPA principles early on in the NEPA process process. would set a requirements baseline among all stakeholders that fosters honest and timely communication. Candid and timely communication fosters greater transparency which, in turn, results in projects that are successful and protective of natural resources. Planning rules should explicitly recognize that BLM local field and district offices must send notices landscapes, habitats, etc. should be defined by the to all local governments that have expressed Field Office with coordination by other field offices interest in functioning as a coordinating agency and the State Office if necessary. Local and state (CA). Currently, there is little to no notification up governments and other Cooperating Agencies front to become a CA unless it is one of the higher should also be recognized (explicitly) with expertise profile EIS and even then, it is well into the process in being able to identify and define the scope of the before there is notification of the opportunity. land area. The BLM restrictions related to vehicle washing do In correlation to Solution #1, one BLM provision not protect against invasive species, are overly provides: "Equipment shall be cleaned of all caked burdensome, and should not be required for mud, dust and plant material before entering the operations and maintenance activities. BHE believes right-of-way area." Not only is it extremely the provisions included in its project plans to burdensome to set up wash stations on site for control non-native invasive plans provide some vehicles before performing work in the ROW for degree of flexibility and reasonable measures to inspections, emergency work and other general prevent the advancement of invasive species. maintenance and operations, but some of these requirements have their own, greater, impact on natural resources. Further, in most cases, third parties have complete access to these areas without the same weed suppression requirement. INVITE public participation via advertising. Coordinate regular reporting of process with the 1 Utilize media. page handout explaining the NEPA process. There should be a time frame in which BLM must Eliminate the "Connected Action" efforts. Our local adhere to when a decision is finalized. For example: office is using this to overreach their boundaries. When a RMP and/or EA decision is made to remove Example: On a County road project that crosses excess horses, there should be a required time line small pieces of BLM land multiple times, the BLM for removal of the horses. Based on recent court office is requiring NEPA and all their other decision, there is no "requirement" or specific "requirements" to be met on the entire road timeline in which the BLM must remove the excess project even on the many miles of land that do not horses even though they continue to degrade the belong to BLM. range and their health declines. Restore the RACs. Put real issues before the RACs. Equally important is the participation of local In addition, local business representatives or The first solution is to let the public know what's Agency land use planning is complicated, but government representatives during the planning members of Chambers of Commerce can be used as going on through adequate website coverage. The convening stakeholder groups early, encouraging process. Those closest to communities in the important sources of factual information. Many perception is the much of the decision-making participation by conducting appropriate outreach planning area, such as members of County Boards times during previous planning efforts these entities process is done behind closed doors, without public and providing professional facilitation are all of Supervisors, can best understand how proposed have been ignored. input. necessary components to achieve good planning changes may positively or negatively affect economic results. conditions in their counties. Furthermore, public participation is ignored when inconvenient. With experience gained from many years of We encourage the agency to understand that all More importantly than debating changes to the advocacy, we know that the current process has not uses of public land have equal importance, and process is changing the mindset of agency planners always allowed or encouraged the BLM to make protectionism policies do more to hurt the land and and all personnel involved in the land use planning better decisions. members of the public than protect the land from process. Oftentimes the public is seen as a potential environmental degradation. When hindrance to successful planning rather than an members of the public feel a strong connection to integral part of that process. the land they take on more responsibility for the well-being of the land. Enacting more stringent and restrictive designations to public land access does not automatically equate to better land use management. When plans are being developed involve high quality partners early in the process and truly identify partners who will also remain to assist in the implementation of any planning documents. Input or proposals that have already been declined by other agencies should not be moved forward in the planning process as "new information". BLM should rely on quality partner information as More public meetings and input opportunities must Recognize that current planning on issues may be there is a significant difference in a Conservation be provided and public input should be provided a effective and avoid the artificial elevation of small Assessment and Strategy created in partnership with response in a timely manner. When involved in issues in the planning process. State Wildlife agencies when compared to a citizen public planning, documents should be provided to inventory from unspecified sources. agency partners free of charge. A copy of maps at the local library is not a sufficient answer for strong management partners. Plans should rely on best available science on issues Avoid contradicting the conclusions of planning If planning partnerships are developed, time must be Develop a better public process and insure there is rather than most restrictive science on issues partners, when the planning partner has more or provided for these partnerships to show results. If meaningful engagement with partners on issues. better information on an issue than is currently there is a species population concern that is the Also recognize that not all partner input is created available to federal managers. IE animal populations basis for reviewing planning, several years may be equally. in a specific habitat necessary for partner plans to show results. Public meetings information readily available online Develop standardized geothermal permit conditions: Review lease exploration, drilling and development scenarios in PGEIS and establish standard sets of conditions that can be applied to reduce subsequent NEPA processing requirements. sharing of information open planning process Develop a core geothermal review team to help supplement state staff as needed: Geothermal development is often most problematic in states having little experience with development. Developing a team in one state office that could supplement such states when needed could help address permitting bottlenecks. BLM should look for ways to enhance public participation in the RMP development process, particularly with regard to developing a more robust data collection phase at the outset of planning. We commend BLM's efforts at developing a centralized ePlanning platform, and we hope that, moving forward, this program will foster data sharing between the agency and the public, including detailed spatial information. Additionally, these efforts must allow geographically dispersed stakeholders to participate in the planning process on an equal footing with more local parties. BLM rules, regulation, policy, and guidance must all emphasize these legal requirements for federal employees implementing and carrying out the process that Congress intended through NEPA and FLPMA. It is imperative that such guidance accurately reflects the mandatory requirement of coordination, rather than misleading federal employees into believing that it is elective. BLM should develop a simple graphic describing the fundamentals of the planning process; this should be available in an obvious place on the e-planning site. BLM should look to the example of the successful implementation of the 2012 Forest Planning Rule, under which planning is conducted through an iterative process, providing opportunities for stakeholder engagement and review of plan components as plan development proceeds. While the NEPA process is essential to sound planning, sharing plan components as they are developed assists in building stakeholder buy-in and reducing disputes. BLM should look for ways to enhance public participation in the RMP development process, particularly with regard to developing a more robust data collection phase at the outset of planning. We commend BLM's efforts at developing a centralized ePlanning platform, and we hope that, moving forward, this program will foster data sharing between the agency and the public, including detailed spatial information. Additionally, these efforts must allow geographically dispersed stakeholders to participate in the planning process on an equal footing with more local parties. Before undertaking a NEPA analysis, BLM should Involve local governments and those holding permits Any statements or recommendations made by BLM Require professional certification, where available, Work with other federal agencies and local Involve local governments and those holding permits compile all the relevant inventory, monitoring and or leases for use of the affected lands as full regarding resource problems or recommended of ID team members for those resource specialists governments to develop an online, peer reviewed or leases for use of the affected lands as full assessment data on the resources in question as partners at the outset of the process- not at the practices should be clearly identified as based on for which appropriate certification programs exists, analysis and decision system that allows simple partners at the outset of the process- not at the reports that summarize and interpret such data. time the draft is put out for public comment. Too actual monitoring, inventory or assessment studies e.g. range management, forestry, soil scientist, approval of common proposed actions. Information time the draft is put out for public comment. At Work with other federal agencies and local often BLM does not allow interested parties to and the studies should be available to cooperating archaeologist, engineers, etc. should be made readily available to the public and the very beginning of a project or planning effort, governments to develop an online, peer reviewed have significant input until BLM personnel have agencies . If relevant studies are lacking, BLM cooperating agencies without having to go through contact all potentially affected local governments, analysis and decision system that allows simple reached conclusions internally on the proposed should make explicit that such statements or an exhaustive, expensive and time consuming FOIA explain the project and invite them to both approval of common proposed actions. Information action and alternatives. Input of stakeholders at recommendations are based on professional request. cooperate and coordinate on it. Too often BLM should be made readily available to the public and that point seldom changes anything. judgment or other sources, not on actual data. does not allow interested parties to have significant cooperating agencies without having to go through input until BLM personnel have reached conclusions an exhaustive, expensive and time consuming FOIA internally on the proposed action and alternatives. request. Input of stakeholders at that point seldom changes anything. The public should be kept informed about the progress of a plan, especially by providing detailed updates in plain language at every major milestone. If there are long delays in the process, BLM should issue updates between milestones as well. A variety of media--website, social media, local BLM staff should hold public meetings at regular print, radio, and TV outlets--should be used at intervals as a plan is being written so people can every stage of the planning process to let the public hear firsthand about the progress of the plan and know what's happening and when and how to discuss concerns and ideas with staff. participate. BLM should always be looking for opportunities to Collaboration should begin early, before scoping, share ideas and collaborate across its own field and allow everyone--ranchers, miners, energy office boundaries and with other public landowners, developers, recreation groups, other agencies at all such as state agencies, tribes, and other federal levels, and interested people--to tell BLM their agencies, as well as private landowners. wishes and concerns about the planning area, and share any data they have about the area. BLM can host multiple public meetings within a given project area making sure to include opportunities for participation by rural communities. BLM staff in local District offices should prioritize Hhrough the use of project specific web sites, BLM BLM staff should be ready, willing, and encouraged relationship building with the entities listed above to can keep the public informed throughout the by their leadership to discuss projects openly with foster a comfortable atmosphere for discussion style planning process including posting supporting data stakeholders. meetings. related to project planning as well as displaying an easy to follow project timeline. ELM should have an `open door policy' whereas the public feels comfortable visiting a BLM office in their community and discussing public lands management. BLM staff should be encouraged by BLM leadership to engage with stakeholders in the field, get boots on the ground, and build relationships with local communities. BLM staff should also be ready and willing to build strong working relationships with staff and volunteers from stakeholder groups who are often as familiar with the resource as BLM staff. Move data collection earlier in the process and add opportunities for public involvement before developing alternatives. Prepare and release guidance materials that pertain To avoid delays in the planning process, allow Require re-release of a draft RMP for full (60-90 to new special area designations that have or are planning processes that are currently underway to days) public review and comment (separate from being incorporated into recent and on-going Alaska continue without implementation of significant new the subsequent Protest period) when the proposed RMPs but are not listed in the current planning or revised policy directives that have not been final alternative is measurably different from the handbook (H-1602-1) for public review and publicly-vetted. preferred alternative in the draft RMP. comment. To aid in understanding how various planning layers interact and effect on-the-ground use, develop and make interactive mapping tools available for public use. The Conservancy supports increased transparency, BLM should make early involvement in planning a To improve transparency and public engagement, such as making additional documents available and standard part of agency practice, which would public comment periods should not be shortened. posting information online. Opportunities for public emphasize the value of such engagement as it is The goal of public review is to get meaningful, involvement in early stages of the planning likely to result in better alternatives, more constructive comments. These plans are often long, processes allows the public to be part of crafting opportunities for stakeholders to discuss and complex documents and short review period is NEPA alternatives, rather than simply responding to resolve major differences early in the process, and likely to generate less useful input and less buy-in options generated by agency staff. The Conservancy less risk of appeals and legal actions later in the from the public. advocates for early and frequent public involvement process. There is good evidence that early and in natural resource planning. Partners and other ongoing public engagement can shorten the planning members of the public often have information and process. insights that can help the agency come up with a broader set of alternatives than they otherwise might, and to better match those alternatives with conditions and concerns on the ground. Utilize the expertise of State Historic Preservation Conduct government-to-government consultation Officers (SHPOs) and Tribal Historic Preservation with Indian tribes with current and ancestral Officers (THPOs) early in the planning process. cultural affiliations to an area beginning early in the SHPOs should be explicitly named as a State Agency planning process. Early consultation will help identify to be consulted, and THPOs should be included in tribal cultural resources and traditional cultural all tribal consultations. properties when avoidance is still possible. Request the Department of Interior prioritize acting Require travel management decisions in Alaska be on all of BLM's previous planning recommendations based on current and complete inventory and use in Alaska to lift outdated ANCSA d-1 withdrawals data. If travel management must be deferred to a and expedite recommendations on remaining step-down plan, clarify that RMP decisions that did withdrawals not superseded by ANILCA not take inventory and use data into consideration, designations. cannot place limits on future step-down planning decisions. Early alignment of project design with environmental outcomes: for project-specific reviews, the more closely a project proposal in its location and design considers and works to align with substantive legal and regulatory requirements at the beginning of the permitting and environmental review process, the more straightforward, faster, and more predictable the outcomes of permitting and environmental processes will be. Experience indicates that informal discussions involving federal agencies, project proponents, state, local, and tribal agencies, and interested stakeholders (as distinct from the general public) about possible or pending projects prior to the initiation of formal NEPA and other permitting and environmental review processes can substantially improve project design, avoid or minimize environmental impacts, and, accordingly, reduce the difficulty, cost, and time required to complete subsequent formal environmental review and permitting processes. Such early engagement has been identified as a "best practice" by the Federal Permit Improvement Steering Council. Streamlining public input to only include those with applicable and vested interests, for example, identifying those commenters and disallowing anonymity. BLM should always strive to disseminate information Establishment of clear, predictable and reliable in the best possible ways through the use of venues deadlines. most commonly used in this century with consideration given to location. Clearly identifying and citing the predetermined In a timely manner providing all supporting, succinct Planning should incorporate the needs of those with Recognizing the vital role that the permittee plays in item of interest in the initial publication of pertinent and specific evidence/documents relevant to the actual on the ground needs specific to the items the process of management and improvement of documents, rather than making it difficult for the item in question. And including in this same need for managed by the agency. lands. Consultation and coordination when soliciting reader to discover the details and item of concern timeliness to the public processes and feedback by feedback, as well as implementation of said within complex document language. capturing that information during the course of the feedback. processes. The BLM should contract with local law enforcement and eliminate all law enforcement duties carried out by BLM. The perception of the BLM as the gun-wielding arm of the federal government is a hindrance to improved relations with local governments and stakeholders. The BLM needs to educate their personnel with the BLM should strive to rely on state agencies' s local purpose and importance of Coordination with local expertise to make decisions that are driven form governments, conservation districts, and other state the ground up instead of top-down or one-size fits entities. Each of these groups have natural resource all approaches. Local agencies and stakeholders management interest and powers that the BLM must (including those holding permits and leases) should comply with under federal law. be included from the very beginning, not when a draft is put out for public comment and internal conclusion have already been reached on the proposed actions and alternatives. As a basis for analysis, the BLM should maintain Any recommendations regarding resources relevant inventory, monitoring and assessment data problems or recommended practices made by the on the resources in question as reports which BLM should be clearly identified as based on actual summarize and interpret data. These reports should monitoring, inventory or assessment studies. If said be readily available to cooperating agencies without studies are not available, the BLM should clearly having to go through the time consuming FOIA state that the recommendations are based on request process. professional judgement or other sources. There should be timelines or deadlines built into the The currently existing Coordination Statutes must NEPA process. The lack of a consistent timeframe be enforced and followed. Often, BLM employees or schedule is often a problem for ranchers, since are able to ignore the Coordination Statutes with local BLM officials drag out simple EAs for years devastating results. For example, agencies rarely with no repercussions. contact local governments with early public notice of proposed decisions that may have significant impact on non-Federal lands. The NEPA process needs clearly-established deadlines in order to prevent BLM officials from stretching out a simple EA without repercussion. Although the lack of deadlines may be helpful for some industries, it can be devastating for a rancher who needs to make timely improvements for the health of their operation. With retirements and staff turnover, local relationships between BLM field office staff and state fish and wildlife agency field staff may be lost. These local relationships between agencies are key to building trust and continued communication. A solution would be annual meetings between BLM field office staff and state fish and wildlife agency field staff to introduce new staff, review relevant components of the Resource Management Plan, review commenting processes for environmental reviews, and discuss how the state fish and wildlife agency can provide effective input. Post all steps of processes online, in pertinent offices, or on mailing lists Post invitations to public for meetings well in advance to maintain public opportunity to see into and participate in process when appropriate. Se previous answers. Actually take comments into consideration during planning and decision-making. It would be helpful to have a BLM graphic for their The site should be user friendly for the public to webs site in an obvious place on their planning site. participate. Let the public know the progress of their plan. Give Use the various types of local media: social media, Keep the public informed. Make them part of the If the BLM's plan has a delay, let the public know. the public updates in a timely manner. Use simple, BLM web site, newspapers, radio, and TV. Many process and take into account and utilize their Give updates periodically. Present all sides of an uncomplicated language. BLM issues are only noted in the part of the country input. Unfortunately the BLM has the reputation of issue, not just what the BLM wants the public to where they are taking place. The rest of the not listening to the people, nor using current know. country knows nothing about these issues and scientific information. They have lost their learns about them after decisions have been made. credibility with the public. Create base plans that can easily be added to or changed as needed or when necessary. These changes should involve the state and local governments or an area and any others with concerns for an area. Involve state, local governments, and other people. Get a variety of ideas from all involved and then try to incorporate them into a policy or program. This should be for the good of the area, not for political or monetary outcomes. To the extent possible, ensure background information and any data supporting substantive plan decisions and implementation are or can be reviewed and edited by non-BLM personnel (for example, U.S. Geological Survey technical staff and editors, cooperating agency staff, peer-reviewed journals) for length, accuracy, themes, jargon, and clarity of expression. Anecdotal considerations should not be the basis for major land use decisions or guidance. Make public the credentials (education, subjectmatter expertise, position(s) and time held, publications) of each person involved in the preparation of NEPA permitting and planning documents, supporting materials, background reports, and decision documents. Ensure personnel involved in proposing management alternatives and designations are not the only or primary personnel evaluating the merit(s) of those proposals. To the extent practicable, make internal Do not change the BLM and NEPA Handbooks At least 80% of the area within any land use plan BLM should proactively identify and notify diverse preparation and review processes used to develop a without extensive public engagement, and preferably perimeter should be managed by the BLM. This will: sectors of public land users with a particular interest land use plan or to evaluate a permit request not until new guidance is explicitly required by a focus the BLM on data, policies, outreach, and in the lands under review and explore additional available to the public, preferably before or in change in law or circumstance. decisions relevant to only the lands they manage; ways to ensure participation by affected members of conjunction with final agency action. Further make avoid unnecessary data collection on/concerning the public early in the process and, at all times, available (in a digital and/or physical location) copies lands not under BLM control; and, minimize before final decisions are proposed. Ideally, BLM of all documents cited in any land use plan and its management conflicts with affected resource should ensure notification of adjacent land owners associated materials. The public does not readily managers and adjacent land owners. at every step. Work with Congress to identify and have access to many journal articles, agency policy address any changes in the law shown to be documents, and historic plans, studies, and surveys. necessary to facilitate enhanced outreach and Such access is required to evaluate the veracity of collaboration. claims made and, consequently, the decisions that rely on them. Ensure the BLM provides detailed and adequate Require permit coordination at the federal level responses to each substantive public comment similar to that provided by the Office of Project submitted during any point at which plan documents Management and Permitting in the Alaska are available to the public for review. These Department of Natural Resources. Require a lead responses should be available quickly and in no agency be identified for all major projects, which instance after the next available review period. can or may not be the same as the lead agency for Require all protest responses be fact-based and any associated NEPA document. The lead agency proportionate to the detail, character, and could be the federal agency with the most sophistication level of the protest itself. This jurisdiction and/or expertise or an independent requirement should not be used to reduce public agency unaffected by the plan and experienced in review opportunities or document availability, and permit coordination, and it should serve as the guidance should reflect this. permittee and agency point-of-contact for all required federal and state authorizations. The lead agency should develop a detailed project All websites summarizing the stages or disposition of Re-evaluate the "cost recovery" program to Members of the public are even being required to timeline that, at a minimum: identifies all federal and a plan or permit should include access to all recognize the public burden and fundamental due post full bonds up-front, for things like cabins and state permits required for the project; indicates documents, notifications, versions, and prior stages process concerns the program, as designed, clearly tent platforms, in addition to full cost recovery. A which steps require input from the permittee; of the process. These sites should be maintained, generates. In recent years, the "cost recovery" more liberal waiver process, and capping the indicates at which point agency and public input are and supplemented (but not reduced) when program has been turning many Alaskans away from amount of BLM staff, time, and costs that can be requested or required; and, outlines expected time necessary, for the life of the plan and during the using their federal public lands solely due to an charged to an applicant, could help reduce this frames for completion of each portion of the development of any amendments or inability to pay. Staff salaries, hours of review, questionably authorized "pay-to-play" system. process. Ensure the coherence and synchronization subsequent/related efforts. delays, marginally applicable regulatory and policy of all required permits; provide notifications to requirements, requests for reconsideration, the agencies and the permittee of all upcoming actions, ~22% overhead, these are things the BLM can set and require adherence by all parties to agreed-upon and increase without limit, leaving the public unable time limits. A 2 year maximum time limit for to negotiate a fair price for the simplest completion of all permit reviews should be the goal. applications. NEPA is outdated in 10 years but fail to implement not require archeological clearance on projects that Coordinate implement cleared NEPA projects timely in 10 years & another NEPA process needed have already been cleared in previous NEPA 7) Ovamp BLM web sites, web pages, and web process Problems include links that require cutting-and- Further, ongoing and recent re-designs include These needless challenges actively discourage the Consideration of nominations for new ACECs at the links to prioritize accessibility and ease of use. For pasting lengthy text and numeric strings; sporadic numerous graphics, embedded content, light-on- public from accessing, researching, and responding completion of planning related inventories and starters, reverse all changes to BLM Alaska sites moves negating previously bookmarked pages; dark writing, moving images, pop-ups, and re to requests for input. Rural users are generally the analysis would be a demonstrably more robust and enacted in the past year. BLM national and state- removal or sparse replacement of web resources on direction to other sites. All of these "features" slow Americans most likely to be directly affected by BLM less pre-decisional effort. As another example, the specific websites are increasingly difficult to navigate specific land use plans, including those still in effect, down public access, particularly in rural and remote management, and are the users BLM most needs to suite of available and plan-specific land use and use. resulting in lost context, files, and history; and, the areas (such the majority of Alaska) where reach in order to get relevant input on how to classifications have been favoring use prohibitions apparently recent disappearance of significant broadband connections are unreliable, expensive, effectively and responsibly manage its lands. instead of identifying ideal areas for public use documents (e.g., the statutorily mandated 2006 slow, and difficult or impossible to acquire. opportunities. Areas deemed inappropriate for Report on 17(d)(1) withdrawals) and resources disfavored public uses are starting to cover whole (e.g., Alaska State Office Staff Directory) with no planning units. apparent substitution. Train staff to work cooperatively. Not everyone with a different opinion is an adversary. Varied opinions make for better decisions. Our first solution to this question is a direct quote Strengthen the Resource Advisory Committees. Provide full disclosure of supporting documents, from the President's Executive Order on Promoting These have fallen out of favor in recent years, but data, and internal discussions. Many NEPA Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America (dated they are made up of a diverse group of local experts processes appear to intentionally hide this April 25, 2017): "respect the unique circumstances who can serve to communicate BLM's message to a information. Create culture that looks for of small businesses that serve rural communities and other groups. The RAC can communicate the feedback instead of hiding source data. the unique business structures and regional diversity message in the language of their constituencies. of farms and ranches". This will require BLM to make the effort to learn the unique circumstances. This can best be done by spending time in the field, on BLM lands, with stakeholders and actively listening to them. Ride around in the same pickup. Meet at their kitchen table. Participate in community activities where the challenges of small business are discussed. Reduce the dependency of "open house" meetings. Some BLM offices and decision makers are very All of us have bias in our lives and views. BLM The public sees these as way for BLM to comply good at building trust. These are the same leaders employees also have bias. This is understandable with NEPA without listening to or providing that integrate stakeholder input. One suggestion to and desirable. Natural resources are best managed feedback. Rarely does someone feel their message build trust is to stop the practice of promoting or by those passionate about them. However, some was heard after attending an open house. Provide a moving bad actors within the agency (or between employees are members and leaders of venue that encourages and nurtures open and frank agencies). The culture of not being accountable (by organizations with strong agendas. Free speech discussion and listening. Use the National Riparian having a risk of losing one's job) creates situations provides them the right to do so. Requiring those Service Team and their successful track record to where local officers can exert power beyond what working on NEPA documents to disclose their build a process and train offices to use it. they should have. The national office and state associations with professional, activist, or other offices need to be able to hold employees organizations would allow other stakeholders to accountable. Your stakeholders and cooperators are evaluate comments and actions in light of those accountable, BLM employees should be too. associations and biases. BLM should engage with local communities to Urban, rural, tribal, and other communities are Transparency could be increased by providing provide educational outreach to help the public extremely diverse throughout the West and not all opportunity for public review of alternatives prior understand the planning process, potential impacts have access to the internet, local newspapers or to the draft, publication of rationale for the and how they can become involved. This should be read fine-print public notices. It is critical that BLM alternatives, and publication of the science and done separately from issue identification and long ensure adequate advance public notices in a way adaptive management needed during the before the planning process begins. BLM should that actually reaches stakeholders and community implementation of an RMP. consider employing such tools. Examples that have members. been effective include the MSTI Review Project (https://vimeo.com/50647103) and Community Values Mapping Project (http://chamapeak.org/programs/energy/community- based-mapping-process-in-the-san-juan-rio-grande/ .) Greater community engagement with the Again, ensuring adequate and sufficiently advance community and stakeholders will also help make the public notice will help increase transparency and process more transparent. Sharing and exchanging public confidence. information and ideas in the planning and management of the RMP or programmatic documents are important to the participants and those affected. Bring in county commissioners and state public Get rid of the landscape planning model. It is In addition to adhering to the bright line between Voluntarily, and without the necessity of responding Make sure all comments submitted on a public draft lands planners early, as soon as possible even before demoralizing to county officials to think the planning the cooperating agency phase of a NEPA process, to a FOIA request, disclose all meetings between are made public. the Notice of Intent (NOI) is published in the area is glommed into some large amorphous land which is confidential (see prior comments), follow BLM area managers and state level people, with all Federal Register. Giver them a meaningful seat as mass that covers many counties and in some cases the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and NGOs and their representatives. Again, too much an equal partner in the conception, scoping, etc., multiple states. Go back to the local field office make sure all extra-curricular meetings with NGOs policy in the prior Admin. was made in the back and defining of the project, again before the NOI model as FLPMA requires(another flaw of Planning are out in the open, which can be done if you'll room with these left wing NGOs, many of whom issues if possible. 2.0). Make it clear to NGOs that their input is comply with FACA. For too long, the BLM has been are from out of State or at least out of the planning needed but only after the release of the Public Draft guilty of having meetings with NGOs where area. Very demoralizing to state, local and tribal of the NEPA document, and that NGOs have NO substantive policy is made, and these meetings are governments. input in the administrative draft, nor building the violative of cooperating agencies' rights under range of alternatives that go into the administrative FLPMA and violative of FACA. NGOs have no draft. All citizens and private groups, including business in substantive planning prior to release of NGOs are represented by local elected leaders, the public draft. That is the province of cooperating who are the cooperating agencies. In agencies. So follow FLPMA and follow FACA. provide recognition for participation Lots of meetings --small & large groups Everything should be public record Use local people to explain to others locally pictures, displays, distribute information From a planning standpoint, local, state and tribal BLM should consider development of an Instruction governments want to make sure BLM is not Memo that requires Field Offices work with these usurping their authorities and planning over entities to synthesize a report on how existing or everyone else's plans and desires. It is critical for ongoing planning efforts from these agencies the agency to develop relationships with all these coincide, support and/or differ to issues identified entities and truly understand their existing plans or and their potential to be addressed in the BLM ongoing planning efforts ahead of BLM's planning process. As these reports are completed, it would be a good opportunity for the local BLM office to work with the local, state, federal and tribal governments on the BLM planning process, the flexibility in participation, the opportunity for collaboration and the opportunity to participate as cooperating agencies when the planning process starts. See the prior responses. Actions speak louder than Remember 202(c)(9) consistency requirement in words. State and local leaders have had a gut full of RMP revisions and amendments, and remember the platitudes from BLM and Interior leaders, national coordination requirement found in 202(c) when it and state level and district level and planning area comes to planning and project implementation. level, from the prior administration who would come to town or a meeting and feign loyalty to the consistency requirement and then ignore it. Really follow and apply the consistency and coordination requirements in FLPMA Section 202(c)(9). Communicate more with tribal populations regarding land use BE PRESENT at local meetings Communicate with community members participate in all community events We need as much public land as possible