Document pB17E7r7Ly4aw1a1od9Mxy36d

can the BLM more closely match the level of can the BLM more closely match the level of would like to provide below NEPA analysis to the scale of the action being NEPA analysis to the scale of the action being analyzed? analyzed? Solution #3 Solution #4 Reinstitute BLM Planning 2.0 and reconvene the BLM RAC's to ensure good planning, transparency, and minimize future lawsuits. I am deeply suspicious of this administration's motives. I am NOT ati-development. I am a conservationist...a hunter...a fisherman...an outdoorsman who is involved in a number of organizations that serve to protect these pursuits on public lands. I provided other comments at a NACo webinar on June 30th. Many of these comments were associated with amending the Land Use Planning Handbook, in many sections, to require more consultation with counties. Specifically: Amend Appendix A, Section I B, Page 1, to give more weight to local interests as opposed to regional or national "distant interests." These distant interests don't have to live with the consequences of land use decisions like the locals do. Amend Appendix C, Section I D, Page 5, to require consultation with county government regarding special status species decisions. Amend Appendix C, Section I E, Page 6, (1st paragraph) to require consideration of local plans before identifying desired outcomes associated with Fish and Wildlife. Amend Appendix C, Section I F, Page 8, to require The Trump Adminstration's greed is sickening. It's impossible for an unselfish father, like myself, to comprehend your ignorance and greed whatsoever. Overall more public outreach and use of technology to make BLM actions truly transparent. This takes not only rhetoric but using technology -like video conferencing- that BLM has invested in but does not use effectively and regularly. Public databases and mapping on the web and use of volunteers and citizen scientists should not just be rhetoric but managers and staff should have performance measures that require outreach and public involvement at all levels of the organization. It would be great if our public land managers stood up to this far right move to privatize a lot of public land management. You might lose your paycheck, but you would have your ethics. Overall, I would say the BLM is doing a great job. They manage the lands they have to the best of their ability. It does seem at times though that some people have a hidden agenda if they also belong to an organization that is either OHV related or Non-OHV related. Personal opinion should not be included in how the planning process is carried out. It should be completed based on what is best for the land, and the stakeholders to allow them to have the best available recreation respective of their sport. All users need to learn to get along, and share the land in a way that is respectable of the other users. Training or information provided by the large organizations about this could be completed and provided at the primary staging areas. We all need to respect the other forms of We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. We would like to send you a document. Please provide an email address. Thank you. Let me know when and where there are meetings concerning this issue that I might attend within a reasonable distance of Prescott or Phoenix simplify procedures and regulations, but maintain the environment and BLM Lands Read the Nevada constitution BLM now reviews very large projects with EA's. Too Please stop doing "programmatic" reviews. These little. are streamlining tricks that are never complete. Almost all programmatic reviews are met with litigation. You want to overhaul NEPA but you are only giving us 3 weeks to comment. Is that even legal? Let's start acting a little more mature here and give people a reasonable time to comment. This should at least be a 90 day review process. Plus there is not enough space to write comments on this inadequate form. The NEPA process is slow for good reason. People want fast answers and fast money. Slowing down these impulses is good for the long term, the health of the land and future generations. Train BLM employees or find new employees that know how to write concise common sense documents. Reward efficiencies. Purge the non-productive people. Run BLM like a business. Thank you for asking these questions. That gives me hope for a better future for our country. No more ACECs in Alaska. More than enough land (through various federal agencies) has been designated to responsibly protect the environment. BLM also needs to focus on developing our economy. Forget the idea of collateral damage. Everyone lives Ground and surface waters must be protected. downstream and no community-large or small- There is no price too high to pay for protecting should have to sacrifice their health, well being, or access to clean, drinkable water. That's major quality of life. reason why NEPA was enacted to begin with. Within the current political climate the BLM needs to be extremely careful about any changes, lest they be perceived by the American people to have become a toady of commercial interests rather than protectors of the land for the good of the American people. Work with traditional media to reach out to the public and see if the citizens of this country are happy with how much you are analyzing. Stop selling out to industry and the Trump administration. Have some pride! People need to do the right thing. That is how you start. Realize you cannot try to reason with unreasonable people. Point out their ridiculousness. Although it probably won't matter to those people because they just don't care. Monkey Wrench. Our public lands -- wilderness, national parks, and all BLM properties and monuments -- deserve the utmost care and protection. They are not open for business that harms the environment in any way. They should be kept wild at all costs. No drilling, no extraction, no fracking. Limited recreational use that is allowed within existing law that protects the fragile environments, including wild animals and all flora and fauna. Thank you for the opportunity to express my thoughts and providing this opportunity to anyone who desires to discuss these issues. NEPA is the best tool we have to protect our public lands. It is intentionally a rigorous process that works to uphold public trust and scientific integrity. Public input is key to providing guidance on protecting the natural and cultural resources on our PUBLIC lands. Many of these questions were addressed during the Planning 2.0 process, so I recommend that the agency review the December FR Notice Comment and Responses for ideas on how to address any lingering concerns -https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/12/ 12/2016-28724/resource-management-planning. However, since new similar regulations are prohibited, the agency should probably reinitiate the implementation of the previous planning regulations. Industries should not form environmental policy. don't rush and have to start over Start any plan with complete environmental protect and require legal proceedings to reduce this level of protection in any way. Thorough environmental analysis is the law. Public input is the law. Follow the law. Don't change the law. Overview of USFS uses. Accept text messages from stakeholders These are public lands and one of the greatest blessings of America. The BLM needs to keep using the full lawful NEPA analysis to ensure the long term integrity of its public lands for the benefit of future generations, and not bow to pressure from those seeking to profit from the resources that belong to us all Work with local leaders to educate and utilize networks to activists Lydia Garvey Public Health Nurse 429 S 24th st Clinton OK 73601 We only have one Planet. This is our garden. The BLM is tasked with the responsibility to protect and preserve. Do your job. Resist Zinke; he does not have our best interest at heart. Look carefully at Water issues in your analyses. This goes for Forest Service too. Make appeals and law suits accountable to the plaintif. Is that the Legacy that we want to leave the next generation??? BLM should work with NFS, Recreation areas and NPS to create wildlife corridors and contiguous boundaries. The excellent and carefully studied Bears Ears National Monument was a good example of compromise, but locals and extractive interests are still fighting for more and the poor Indians are once again getting nothing. BLM then went ahead and granted an ATV route in Indian Creek, public protest and it was changed. We should not have to be such public watchdogs. BLM should to the correct thing from the beginning and it would be more efficient. I want to see what everyone is tell this interior dept. stop trying to take away public lands. Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt Sell all the BLM land and pay off the debt There is an inherent problem with the concept of public involvement processes such as focus groups. Motorized recreationists are not likely to participate in these type of formal processes. Most of us simply want to go out and enjoy the outdoors using our motor vehicles in what little spare time we have. This is what re-creation is for us. The rest of our time is filled with work, families and other obligations. Motorized recreationists are legitimate taxpaying citizens and have a true need to recreate on public land. Processes such as focus groups, collaboration, etc. must adequately recognize and account for our needs without the "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 multipleuse 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 The BLM and DOI are too centrally focused on DC. Take the authorities and move them to the state offices. Focus on responsible management of the lands, not on whatever the latest donor with a large checkbook wants. The land and all of it's inhabitants including people deserve good health for their hem selves and fire generations. Planning 2.0 Planning 2.0 Our lands belong to the general public not to government nor Corporations. Our lands belong to the general public not to government nor Corporations. Sell all BLM property which does not have strategic value and use the revenue to pay down debt. The BLM must simplify access to the land with Torte reform, remove recent wilderness designations, publicize actions to develop transparency, and by holding political activists employed by the BLM accountable. Only then can you hope to restore trust with the citizens you were hired to serve. The ultimate goal is to protect the environment, not enable industry access. If industry cannot provide adequate assurances that their activity will have little or no effect, than that activity should not be considered. The burden of proof should be on them, and if that is not cost effective for them they should not be considering the action. I've seen a few efforts to cite a categorical exclusion Use the issues to decide, and perhaps the project based on the acreage of a project. Ground itself might be changed before scoping if there is disturbance may be less that 5 acres but the effects only one area of concern, say a wild/scenic river of the action are much larger. Be honest about off corridor, pull the project away from the river and site effects that matter (air or water pollution, scope the rest. Avoiding known points of noise, significant change in the surrounding area due controversy ahead of time will help streamline. to a project). The questions in this survey seem to be tilted toward arriving at a foregone conclusion which is how to erode the NEPA and other statutory planning processes, rather than truly improving the planning processes. Please work to apply the NEPA and other planning processes correctly vs working to erode them. DO NOT SELL PUBLIC LANDS, and DO NOT DRILL or EXPLORE for oil or gas on public lands! Consistent & thorough environmental analysis: Skipping proper analysis leads to conflicts, redundancies, and inefficiencies. When in-depth analysis and public input is conducted early on, there are fewer delays and legal challenges down the road. Sidestepping or rushing analysis inflates the process and increases costs to taxpayers and industry. The general idea is 'measure twice, cut once.' BLM is responsible for properly managing ALL of the public lands of the United States in such a way that benefits ALL citizens of the United States. ANY decision on any use of public lands MUST be based on input and majority agreements from all local and state entities that have a vested interest in the outcome of those decisions. Projects that may only affect special interest groups or organizations outside the community where any such project is located, must have complete public support from those communities involved. All such projects must be open to public comment and approval before any decision is made. Cutting analysis time from almost a year to 30 days is ridiculous! Thoughtful, thorough analysis safeguards our public lands from corporate and state greed. I want our public lands preserved for future generations and rushing the process to plan and analyze will not serve this goal. Do your best with openness to avoid the pressures of todays politics and special interest-good luckthanks for taking care of our public lands No NEPA require for placer mines and industrial mineral mines. NEPA only required for large gold and other metal Over the last few years permitting has gotten mines where large undisturbed land will be effected. completely out of hand with all kinds of meaningless surveys and expenses costing both the developer and the permitting agencies a lot time and money that should be unnecessary. Most of the small mines of the past where a good deal of materials have came from can no justify the permitting costs and time required under the present laws and regulations. Most of the barite, bentonite, lead, zinc, copper and particularly tungsten have came from these small mines, none of which would be possible under the present relations. It is time to r^x/ xamI/a i irx A There is an inherent problem with the concept of public involvement processes such as focus groups, collaborative groups, etc. Motorized recreationists are not likely to participate in these type of formal processes. Most motorized recreationists simply want to go out and enjoy the outdoors using our motor vehicles in what little spare time we have. This is what re-creation is for us. The rest of our time is filled with work, families and other obligations. Motorized recreationists are legitimate taxpaying citizens and have a valid need to recreate on public land. Processes such as focus groups, collaboration, etc. must adequately recognize and account for the needs of motorized recreationists without the "you must play by our rules and participate in our game or lose your form of recreation" that the agency sets as the ground rules. Otherwise these types of processes are simply different schemes to eliminate legitimate use by motorized citizens from our public land. The best solution is for agency staff to get out of their offices and the meeting rooms and go out to our multipleuse public lands every weekend and observe what If I could emphasize one factor that is key to the successful and timely completion of land use plans it is line manager involvement. If you look at the plans that are completed successfully and on time it is because the managers were closely involved at every step in the process. There is nothing inherently wrong with the process we have now. Other than eliminating the protest process, there are no major changes that are needed. It is not the process itself but how it is being or has been implemented that is the problem. Don't spend a lot of time re-inventing the wheel but put more emphasis on manager training and accountability. When I was in the planning shop in the early 2000s we prepared an IB on manager involvement in the planning process that is till relevant today. Find that, dust it off and re-issue. Don't go towards the process the Forest Service is using. I don't buy the concept of "aspirational plans" that contain only broad goals and very little environmental analysis. You will only create more Keep our public lands free and unspoiled for all our children and theirs to come! Reduce wilderness and national monuments and make more land multi-use. America needs more publicly held land. Our holdings need to be adequately staffed & maintained. Public health must be the greatest concern, always. Extractive industries must be sidelined if that's what it takes to protect our publicly-owned lands for future generations. TEST2 Remember: Congress designated a common interest in multiple use management of almost all federal lands (i.e. those held by BLM and the Forest Service). The exceptions included a smaller percentage of land for restricted use and management, such as Parks (NPS) or Wildlife Refuges (USFWS). BLM needs to be mindful of those facts, and move away from their more restrictive (and perhaps unlawful) management style under the Obama Administration. When i was employed by BLM 50 yrs ago it was in the process of selling itself out of business as it was set up to do. The best thing BLM could do is go away as the Taylor Grazing Act was to have happen. The states and the people of the states need a have land back. The BLM has an obligation to the American People to protect and preserve our public lands. This must be the first and foremost goal of BLM. The American public needs more protected/preserved public lands for its growing population. Solicit public input about projects. Give credence to Evaluate all alternative proposals. public opinion. BLM should use outside agencies to do the NEPA. We are willing to help further this streamlining if needed Consider having a person from each user group involved in the final planning documents and at the table after the public input process is done. Who knows what the actual users want better than the users? This typically looks like back room deals to most users because they give their comments and then the agencies make the final decisions without any user input. BLM is doing a good job here in WY. I would like a website that utilizes maps, camping, trails, etc ... so that patrons could better respectfully utilize our public lands. Amend the Color of Title Act of 1928. Under this Direct Federal Involvement. 40 Code of Federal Cumulative Effects. 40 Code of Federal Regulations Act, if a party has adversely possessed public land Regulations 1508.18 states: "a "major federal 1508.7 states: ""Cumulative impact" is the impact for 20 years or greater, they can acquire the public action" includes actions with effects that may be on the environment which results from the land for fair market value. In 1953 Congress major and which are potentially subject to federal incremental impact of the action when added to specifically amended the Act and declared that Class control and responsibility." Congress in passing the other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable I claims are mandatory. The Act should be NEPA, never intended to federalize projects future actions regardless of what agency (federal or superficially amended and declare that Class I claims occurring on non-federal land or where the project non-federal) or person undertakes such other are not a "major federal action" under the NEPA is not subject to permitting by a federal agency. A actions. Cumulative impacts can result from nor are they an "undertaking" under the NHPA. limited number of States have enacted individually minor but collectively significant actions environmental quality acts; most have not. In either taking place over a period of time." This 1978 case, the imposition of federal law on private land is regulation requires federal agencies to consider the an overstepping of federal responsibility which effects for federal and non-federal projects, contradicts the terms "major federal action." regardless whether they are connected or not. This is a misapplication of the NEPA and causes agencies to expend considerable funds and staff time on researching non-federal projects to asses their degree of impact on resources common to the federal project and non-federal projects. For the public that may be interested in the impacts associated with non-federal projects, that should be addressed by the appropriate State government and not by a federal agency. Make timely completion of the NEPA process an important part of performance evaluation for the Project Manager, the Field Office Manager and the District Supervisor. Do not allow data gathering exceed the scope of the project proposed. The BLM in our Moab area has overall done a great job faced with the swarms of tourists here. More needs to be done. ORV traffic is trashing fragile areas. BLM needs more people to help protect the land in the face of increasing number of tourists in the backcountry. I am a rockhound, camper and user of the Public Lands. I use the land, respect it and take care of it. I believe and support the principles of multiple use. USE IS NOT ABUSE!! Most Coloradans are in favor of balancing energy development with careful planning that allows consideration of all resource values, including recreation, wildlife, viewsheds, and local economies. The BLM's planning process should openly solicit feedback from the public and its decisions should reflect our values. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Thanks for your time. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. I am very concerned about the welfare of the wild horses and burros on BLM lands. I follow this issue closely. I am strongly opposed to the recent idea of allowing for their slaughter. That is intolerable. Also, their management needs to be maintained in humane ways, with a priority on their wellbeing rather than on economic interests. Thank you for doing all you can to safeguard these important national equine treasures. Remember that alot of this land is public land and the voice of the public needs to be heard - not just business and ranchers. Stop killing our wild life What is destroyed can not be replaced 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. Our wild life & natural resources were here long before BLM or the public. They should come first. Do not destroy them. We do not need more drilling or killing. Stop rounding up what is not yours. 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. Make sure the public is notified and their concerns, Let BLM managers broaden planning to district or ideas, and questions are handled appropriately and multifield office levels as needed. taken into serious consideration before making controversial decisions. Thank you! 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. 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. 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. 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. Please, please stop rounding up horses and other wildlife with the intention to "control" their numbers by method of extermination and/or shipping to other countries where they will be used, abused and eaten. Don't take short cuts and skip steps in the process to speed things up 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. 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 I'm sorry, this stuff is above my pay grade. I'm not much help. 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. 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. 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. 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. I urge BLM to maintain and improve the planning process in order to ensure that ALL voices are heard, new science and other data are taken into account, and the public is kept fully informed as plans for our public lands are developed. Public lands belong to....the public. They are not and should not become a cash cow for multinational energy, mining, logging companies or ranching interests to access at will to boost their bottom lines, especially when their utilization will deleteriously impact the public's ability to enjoy these lands and see them conserved in their wild state for future generations. As an avid outdoor recreationist I want the recreational aspect of all national lands to be preserved for our population now and in the future. Mans inhumanity to man is only surpassed by mans inhumanity to other living creatures! Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. take into consideration the long-term affects of ALWAYS consider the affects on people and places WE, (all living things- people, animals, trees, plants, actions proposed, before taking them. BEFORE crafting proposals birds etc.) all would like to have a livable world in the future (clean air and water). PLEASE PLEASE always keep this on the top of all proposals/ ideas Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district and actions. or multifield office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. Be as transparent as is possible. Be open to concerns from the surrounding communities. Address concerns succinctly. Be aware of the trust placed on you by "we the people". Our future as a nation will depend on our parks and open areas. We expect our lands and all the wildlife that inhabit them to be protected. Put the horses and burros back and leave them alone. Repel those that would use our lands for profits. Stop trying to eliminate wildlife that belongs there. Thank you for your time. Stress conservation and preservation of our unique lands. Maintain and improve the planning process in order to ensure that all voices are heard, new science and other data are taken into account, and the public is kept fully informed as plans for our public lands are developed. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Thank you for your consideration on these important matters! 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. It is very important to me that the wild horses are released back into the wild and no more wildlife has to loose their lives just so ranchers and big business can make money off of OUR public lands. These lands are the homes of our wildlife and it is our duty to protect them. Kick all ranchers and big businesses off of OUR public lands. 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. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. As citizens of this nation, we share and value our public lands, as a birthright we protect and preserve for future generations. We will resist any attempt to sell off our public lands for the private enrichment of a few at our expense and in abrogation of our responsibility to future generations. Get a social sciences researcher to design this site. Base plans on unbiased scientific data rather than for-profit interests These public lands are the soul of the American project. Faster typically means sloppier. There is no excuse for facing lawsuits due to taking shortcuts. It is not easy. Good luck and thank-you for your efforts. 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. Please engage with citizens and allow us to have a voice. We care. The input questions were not written to be understood or answered by the general public, and we are the ones you should be addressing your questions to. 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. 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. 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. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multi-field office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and to simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. Bureaucratic Heresy! Allow more regional autonomy in addressing issues. One size (even from a process standpoint) does not fit all. 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. Strict study only access with only a few passes for backpackers. No hunters, fishers, grazing, ATVs/motor vehicles, drones or aircraft access permitted for santuary of all species My wife (a regulatory attorney) once worked for the BLM. She took pride in your mission and values. Don't sacrifice those for expediency. Getting to the wrong answer quickly is not better than getting to the right answer through cooperation. I feel that consensus building beforehand is less costly, stressful than legal cases after he fact when planning is required for BLM properties. It seems to me that a great number of human beings who consider themselves to be intelligent creatures are somehow managing to avoid the critical, essential-to-life-on-earth fact that all of life - from the smallest microbe to the most immense of complex living organisms - from the core of the earth to the peaks of her mountains - is dependent on the health and well-being of every other lifeform on the planet. This fact might need to be advertised in some way. "Land" is a living thing, composed of countless living things. Somehow, most people don't seem to realize this. Some way of getting that FACT across might serve the planet and all of its inhabitants very well. WORK FOR THE PUBLIC AND NOT FOR POLITICAL OR BUSINESS INTERESTS 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. 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. Do everything you can to keep your planning procedures as transparent as possible. Thanks for asking.  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. 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. 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. Please keep in mind that the designated pubic lands o in our country belong to all the people of the United States. The BLM and other government agencies are the STEWARDS of the land and not the gate keepers for private industries such as the fossil fuel companies, or the special interest of the ranchers or other profit making agencies. When agents of the BLM or its parent agency such as the Interior Department bow to the wishes of the profit making firms to the exclusion of the wishes of the majority of the people, they are in violation, legally and morally , of the constitutional background that makes these government agencies possible. Keep that in mind. Thank you for this opportunity to respond. Richard C. Placone, Sr., Palo Alto Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process.  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. 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. Please consider that you are managing the land, not the responsibility of providing a revenue stream for landowners and cooperations. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. Keep the public informed and involved as much as possible while using the best scientific information available. Thank you for asking. Please keep asking for input. 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. 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 public wants input! We care greatly! 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. Focus your thinking and actions on the greatest service to the greatest number of current and future affected entities, rather than advancing your career. You will accomplish both. Thank you. Include quality of life as well as economic issues in Also consider unborn generations as interested your analyses. It may be hard to quantify quality of parties; we need to save some pristine places for life issues, but try to find ways to give them ample them. weight. To some people, that is more important than economics. 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. Maybe give every BLM rep a copy of "Getting to Yes" to read. Actually, it is the public that should read that short book. People think they need to start with a hard line or they will have to give up too much. There is such a need to try to help opposing interests act reasonably and try to find some common ground. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. Do not skip the Environmental Impact Statement if it is needed. Let BLM managers broaden planning to district or multi-field offices as needed to better address cross country boundaries. 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. Currently, BLM has the ability to approve a project despite environmental impact. The NEPA allows for this; yet, it is unclear whether the remediation of environmental damage has been factored into the project cost. The scale of analysis must include this cost for the sake of future generations of Americans. Additionally, those costs should be added to the 'cost of doing business' components of the lease cost and recovered and set aside for future remediation efforts. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. It seems that attempts to streamline the NEPA/EPA processes open up the opportunity for future litigation per https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL33267.pdf. As an American looking out for my future generations, I can say that I prioritize the preservation of our nature public resources as a top priority. This is followed by the premise that restoration of those resources to their pre-existing condition must be a cost born by the leaseholder/permitholder through their annual lease payments. Those funds must be held in trust for future restoration efforts. 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. 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's responsibility is to the PEOPLE of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA, NOT corporations. Do the right thing, don't bow to big money pressures. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. I urge you to maintain and improve the planning process in order to ensure that all voices are heard, new science and other data are taken into account, and the public is kept fully informed as plans for our public lands are developed. Thank you for considering my comments. We need to preserve land for all and for the future. We expect the government to treat public lands as lands that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy, and keep them as wild as possible. Industrial development should be kept off public lands as much as possible, and if development is allowed, full market price must be charged to the corporations who use the public's resources. 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. Don't encourage so many shortcuts that t plan is vulnerable to legal challenge. 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 should not allow any new coal, oil or natural gas leases on my public lands. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. Ensure that when their are plans that cross between districts, one or more that planning include all of these different offices and managers plus the others involved public, government, tribal and private landowners. Like to see preservation of wild horses and burros plus wolves. More public involvement is always preferable to less. Public lands belong to all of us. 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. 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. allow flexability in the plan if it is needed 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. If public is supportive of each decision, lawsuits should not be a problem 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. Boots on the ground people seem to know what needs to be done, but are hamstrung buy NEPA and the threat of litigation. Lets get some stuff done. 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. Avoid boundary issues by including districts and other field offices as needed by including these in the planning stages.  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. Be transparent. 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. It must not be forgotten that federal lands belong to all Americans, not simply those living in the same state or region. We are all the trustees of the land and we rely on the BLM to professionally manage those lands in our best interest. This becomes ever more important as the recreational use of these lands continues to skyrocket even as funding levels fall and pressure from industry groups rises. 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. THIS IS ALL SO IMPORTANT TO GET RIGHT! Base plans on the latest information, science, 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 Perhaps I repeat myself, but remember that in all district or multifield office level as needed to better instances, the primary constituent is the land and address cross-boundary issues and simplify the the ecosystem it supports. All plans and decisions number and complexity of resource management must keep that fact and perspective in mind. plans. 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. Allow BLM managers to broaden planning to district and multi field office levels in order to better address cross boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. 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. 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. BLM use to represent commercial consumers of public lands. You need a big shift in thinking to represent the vast number of public users. Simplify, Communicate, Use Science, and get all stakeholders involved. Protecting our public wild lands is most especially important now as people, drought, fires and climate chaos are wreaking havoc. I have witnessed BLM selling out way more than I would like to see. Wild horse population management should be scientifically driven in regard to birth control. There have been valid ideas presented but the BLM has dismissed them in favor of more expensive and barbaric methods. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. Allow and encourage BLM managers to 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. 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. 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. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. The BLM is an important part of our civilization. As I said at the beginning, let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multi-field office level to better address artificial boundary issues. It will simplify the complexity of the whole process. Make sure any and all notices include, to the best of Plain English!! your ability, clear, plain language information about the consequences of the various choices you must make. Thank you very much for asking. This is a great example of what you can do, and if you actually read all these and integrate them into your process, it should make a huge difference. Make 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. Thank you for your time and consideration. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district All faltus should be perma-banned in the White or multifield office level as needed to better address House anyone whom has to toot should go to a cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and special collection facility outback of the White complexity of resource management plans. House have it bottled and use it to cook Drumpfs food. All fossil fuels on public lands SHOULD remain in the ground! 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. Thank you for protecting our land 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. 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. respect the environment 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. 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. Private meetings should be documented and decisions made available to the public Please protect our beautiful jewels/environment/wild places and the amazing and diverse creatures that rely on us to live in these areas which are their homes. 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. 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. 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. 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. Protect land and protect all people more than businesses and corporations. 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. i am Very Concerned about 'privatization schemes' that may result in the Loss of some of OUR Public Lands. Also, we canNot let the extractive industries (cattle ranching, mining, lumber,orv use,etc.) determine the fate of BLM lands, the Desires of the public must be taken into account and given Value. I spend Much Time on a variety of BLM Lands and Greatly Appreciate the Value these lands provide, as long as the lands are not diminished by misuse and industrial uses Our national parks and monuments are extremely valuable to me. The goal of BLM should always be to protect and preserve that property for future generations. Public and scientific input is required by law and safeguards our public lands for future generations. N/A N/A 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 first question should be how to best preserve the land for the public. Allowing destruction should only happen after rigorous analysis. Analysis should be in proportion to the fact the destruction can never be undone, 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. Thank You. 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. Ignore the science at our planets' peril. 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. 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. Please do not allow private industry, mining, timber, tourism, real estate developers, commercial hunters, and large ranching/agricultural interests to acquire and decimate our public lands. I would say that at least 80% of the American public want to leave the lands under BLM jurisdiction free and open as a sacred trust. These lands should never be raped as short term profit machines for greedy corporate interests. Allow BLM managers to broaden (district) planning as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. BLM needs to listen to environmental scientists rather than the extractive industry 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. 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. 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. BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multifield office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues. Simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. Whatever BLM plans to do, stick with your plans. Unless it comes to the wild equines, please leave them alone. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Let BLM Managers broaden planning to the district or multi-field office level as needed to address cross boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. n/a Follow the sciance. 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. et 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. 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. 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.  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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Follow the law, not politics! Always put people and the environment above corporate profit. I see your job as protective of the environment, not rolling over for the highest bidder. 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. District and multi-field offices should be included in planning to address cross-border boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of plans. 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. 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. Don't fiddle around with previously created National Monuments. They were legally created with input from the affected area by previous presidents. 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. 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. 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.  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. 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. 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. cooperation and collaboration 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. Thank you for your time and consideration! we must do better for wildlife and wild lands, we have reached a possible critical point here, and everyone has to have benefit, find balance, use science from a total neophyte who loves this earth. It must not be trashed! Listen to the American people. You work for us, not for corporations. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. 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. 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. 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. I am appalled by the way that BLM is treating our Wild American Horses and Burros and Mustang populations. Warehousing them and/or sending to slaughter instead of letting them live their lives on the range where they belong is a travesty. Stop letting Big Business, Big Ranchers and Big Farmers dictate land use and listen to the land, the citizens and the public good instead of the usual BS that goes on constantly in Washington, DC. Show us that this administration is different and not just a carbon stamp of the past. I voted to drain the swamp. But the swamp appears to be even deeper than it was before November 2016. Change something for the better and prove that BLM actually CARES about the land. Be Proactive instead 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. BLM's job is to make sure that our natural environment KEEPS ON GIVING, not just now, but sustainably forever, in its current condition, not some artificially constructed extraction pool. The main thing to pass on is to listen to those that are impacted the most and to maintain environmental laws as best as can be done. 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.  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. 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. I am retired from academia as an ecologist. I have worked in the past for the BLM in research,fire and ran a guard camp. The BLM needs better follow through over the long haul. We rehabilitated springs that were being destroyed by cattle and piped the water to water tanks away from the springs. The cattle had water, the wildlife populations boomed in areas where we did this. Go to those same spring today and the cattle are again back in the springs destroying habitat. All that was needed was upkeep of the fence and tanks. 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. I realize you have probably received many of these answers and the reason I submitted them is because I believe in them and I could not have come up with as concise a set of answers on my own. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Conservation of genetic diversity on public lands should always be the first concern. 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 animals and plant species need us to do right by them. We encroach on them and then destroy them when they dare exist where we humans deem it our right to go. The land is for all of us. Animals and plants have just as much right to exist in peace as we do. Humans should show compassion and empathy - not destroy everything in our path to feed our own selfish desires. Please do right by them. Protect them. 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. Broaden planning to district or multi field office level to better address cross-boundary issues and to simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Special needs probably will/may be required in tribal locations and this need must fully be addressed. Do not encourage so many shortcuts, such as skipping a critical EIS, that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. 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. I am very concerned that the BLM is allowing cattle to take over public lands when this land should be used totally for wild horses, burros and wildlife; not grazing cattle which should only be raised on private land, not public land, even if that user is paying a totally insufficient amount to use that land. This has to be resolved and we MUST release all the corralled horses and burros back to their public lands!! Thank you for providing this opportunity to comment. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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 multi-field office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. 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. Allow BLM managers to 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. 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. America's public lands and the premise behind many of laws, regulations and policies are a long-term investment in helping to build a stronger foundation for our country's identity. As President Theodore Roosevelt noted, America's natural resources are more than just access to oil, coal, gas and iron. Foresight and conservation are our national duty. The BLM is in the unique position of PROTECTING vital habitats, natural wonders and national treasures, be they animal, vegetable or mineral. Do not bend to the will of wealthy landowners and corporations. This land is your land and this land is my land and this land is made for you and me, so keep it safe for future generations. Please be proactive by seeking out the local media to engage the public. Avoid litigation through mediation. Improve your maps and their access to the public. The average person has neither the time nor the skills to complete this form. All we know is OUR LANDS are being used for grazing, mining etc..for the profit of a few...and for PUBLIC benefit  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. 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. It is the BLM's job to uphold the law and not kowtow to private polluting industries who only are concerned with the bottom line, not for public and environmental health. 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. Planning based on sound science should be the bedrock of BLM management. Please remember this agency is for all Americans, not simply to serve business and provide a private profit using the currency of the public citizens of today and future generations of tomorrow. Without setting specific limits on pages or range of Public comment and response to comments should analyses, BLM can define the right amount of be the rule not the exception for NEPA processes. analysis to match the scope of decision-making. This This is more consistent with NEPA's goals and the scope and scale may be defined geographically as importance of public input for decisions that affect more than one field office, more than one state, or public lands. a smaller portion of a field office. This scale may also be defined by the breadth of issues to be addressed. Programmatic NEPA and the flexibility for defining planning areas in FLPMA and BLM guidance support this approach. 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. Encourage site visits, including visits to the sites of similar proposals. Open and natural spaces are an extremely integral part of our world, and there MUST be resources and land available to the other inhabitants of this planet. It is also important to me to have the ability to rest easily knowing that these places still exist in their relatively pristine condition, allowing nature to take its own course. Thank you for the opportunity to add my voice. Take a cue from the people charged with making legal documents such as mortgages, insurance policies and credit card provisions understandable. People won't mind the simplifications and streamlining if they can understand a proposal more easily and have faith that nothing has been overlooked. 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. Maintain contact with the American people, regardless of what government 'officials', who are appointed and not elected, may 'direct' you to do. In other words, do what is RIGHT, not necessarily what a bureaucrat appointed above you tells you to do. Remember that our current President did not receive the majority of the votes cast in the election. He lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, and in any sane society, would NOT be our President. Make sure the public has an opportunity to voice it's concerns. Do not work in the dark or skip steps. Use the best available, independently acquired data for decision making. NEVER really on data offered by stakeholders alone. July 18, 2017 The Honorable Ryan Zinke Secretary of the Interior 1849 C Street NW Washington, D.C. 20240 RE: Public Lands Foundation comments on creating planning efficiencies. Dear Secretary Zinke, I am writing to you in response to the email we received from acting BLM Director Mike Nedd on July 3, 2017 asking for our ideas on how BLM planning and environmental analysis processes can be improved. As you know, the most recent attempt to do this, known as Planning 2.0, was undone earlier this year under the provisions of the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA states: "A rule...may not be reissued in Proactively incorporate environmental impact substantially the same form, and a new rule that is Address cross-boundary issues by planning across Please make wildlife habitat conservation studies when there is any reasonable possibility they fields and districts so there is more coherence and paramount! Wild areas are our most profoundly are needed. less complexity and duplication of effort. important national treasure. Once they have been compromised, they are gone forever. 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. As a college student who cares deeply about environmental protection, I hope you will please support the health of America's beautiful wildlands and wildlife in all of your decisions. In particular, please do not allow fossil fuel expansion (including natural gas drilling) on our public lands. Thank you for your time and kind consideration! 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. 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. PLEASE KEEP OUR PUBLIC LANDS OURS--THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA--DO NOT GIVE IT AWAY TO CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND GREED FOR THE SHORT-TERM. 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.  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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. Thanks for your time and review! Friends organizations are often the only organizations whose entire focus is a particular National Monument or National Conservation Area. These stakeholders deserve to be heard and consulted by BLM because they know these resources better than most people in the local community. 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. 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. 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. 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. Public comment and response to comments should be the rule, not the exception, for NEPA processes. This is more consistent with NEPA's goals and the importance of public input for sound decisions that affect public lands. See the following 3 additional ideas for E. Reducing Litigation: How can the BLM create legally defensible documents and avoid the delays associated with legal challenges? 1. Comply with and enforce statutory timelines/deadlines. For example, BLM is required by law to review Oil & Gas permit applications within 30 days, but the current average is over 200 days. 2. Limit scope of rules, policies, projects, and programs to be within the statutory authority of the BLM - e.g., BLM does not have the authority to regulate emissions of public health and environment (under jurisdiction of the EPA and the states). 3. Legislation is needed requiring the withdrawal of all Wilderness Study Areas not acted upon by a date certain, so BLM is not managing lands as wilderness that has not been designated Wilderness by Congress. As a member of a small group of citizens that was able to provide a Citizens Inventory for Lands with Wilderness Characteristics of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and an active participant in local BLM meetings about the BLM's RMP process for the SPRNCA, I believe that public input is essential. The public---which includes specialists in a number of areas---can often present data not readily available to the BLM to help ensure that sound decisions are made. Thank you for your consideration Use EISs for the most controversial projects. 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. 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. 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 interest of the public must be served, not the desire for profit from private corporations. Americans have entrusted the BLM with the safety and continued health of these ecosystems under its care, to protect them from the greed and carelessness of industrialists whose only measure of worth is the almighty dollar. Now, more than ever, that trust will be tested by those who salivate after minerals, timber, and dirty fossil fuels. Fight the good fight! 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 American land is sacred and should be managed with future generations in mind. Stop being an adjunct of big ag, ranching and extreme energy. When land is patented or leased to local governments there needs to be flexibility in how that land can be used to fulfill the intent. Local governments can relieve a significant amount of management burden in partnership with BLM if given some support and flexibility in how the local government can manage the lands under their control. The R&PP Act has great potential to serve public needs and assist BLM in more effective land management. I would be happy to expand on this as we have extensive experience in using the R&PP to develop recreation areas that enhance local economies, provide recreation opportunities for residents and relieve visitor management responsibilities for the BLM. I have also lived the agony of trying to manage those R&PP properties with the rigid guidelines and sometimes rigid interpretation of those guidelines. I appreciate the opportunity to comment. I realize that some issues can be resolved through process improvements, while others may involve a corporate culture shift and still other issues may  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. 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. 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. Take into account regional needs and input when more than a local area will be affected. Check with neighboring or affected agencies and constituencies when analyzing plans. 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. Last, but NOT least BLM MUST remember that it is the American citizens who pay your salary and benefits. Consequently, BLM works for ALL American taxpayers, NOT just cattlemen, big oil and big ag. In fact, WE pay more taxes per dollar earned than ANY of these big businesses do. We will NOT continue allowing BLM to be derelict in their duty to ALL Americans. We will have you terminated and replaced. Period! Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. 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. 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. Do not ignore potential harmful impacts to people's Do not ignore tribal treaty rights. health, the environment or people's culture/way of life. Again, if that means a full EIS, do it. Use the scientific data available. 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. Make this information widely available on the BLM website Cite and charge hefty fines to anyone who does not adhere to policies and procedures of the BLM & NEPA. Pull licenses of those who do not adhere to fishing, hunting, contamination, protection of sacred lands, national monuments, endangered animals and water lifeforms, and the environments. Speak out to support citizens' expectations to NOT reverse the previously set laws to protect our country. DO NOT ALLOW TRUMP AND CONGRESS TO IGNORE THE PURPOSE OF AND DEDICATION TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL OATHS! They will bully, reverse previous Presidents' designations for protecton. Remember the numerous organizations whose sole purpose is to protect the BLM and NEPA! Those organizations are strong advocates and will stand up for Americans who have dedication to not allowing desecration of lands and waters protected by treaties made years ago! Our national and state governments have no limits to what they will do to seek and push through opportunities and mandates to strip our natural resources given the underlying motivation of our governors ...GREED! Communication and transparency is a good thing. 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. 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. Please continue to allow transparent, collaborative input processes into BLM decision making regarding our public resources. Our resources are not simply meant for exploitation, but rather conservation for future generations and ecosystem health. Let BLM's 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. 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. 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. Consider expanding Categorical Exclusions to proposals that are frequently approved and found to have little or no environmental impact (such as grazing renewals). Develop metrics for successful outcomes including cost and time performance indicators. This most important aspect is to analyze the impacts at a local level. All programs need to have emphasis on local implementation based on natural resource concerns. Field personnel are the key to the effectiveness when it comes to natural resource issues. The BLM must find ways to reduce the paperwork load that limit personnel's time in the field. While the landscape scale approach does have its place in planning, the focus should be at the local level utilizing local relationships. This form is in addition to one previously submitted by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture I'm a voting republican, but very unhappy with the Trumps administration efforts to reduce our public lands and protection of them. 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 RMPs. 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. Limit public comment periods to the number appropriate to the issues or level of controversy. Sometimes BLM tends to be lenient in granting additional comment periods (to limit the possibility of procedural challenges) when the issues haven't changed or new information isn't significant enough to warrant another comment period. Comment periods, although necessary to allow for public input, are often used by opposition to delay a decision which will likely be appealed regardless of the number of comment periods. Keep uppermost in your mind that the lands you oversee belong to each and every American citizen and they are priceless to us. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 public trust in the Federal Government is to make long term decisions for everyone's betterment, not individuals or politicians short term gain. The vast majority of this country is privately held and more than adequate for any "sustainable" uses. Always remember that public opinion matters greatly, as these are the publicly owned lands of the American people! 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. Great Basin Resource Watch is a Nevada based nonprofit organization that monitors extractive industries in the Great Basin and Nevada. We work with communities and advocate for reforms that will better protect the land, air , and water which the communities depend upon. 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. BLM has an obligation to protect our natural heritage, an ever-dwindling resource. Please realize that renewable energy and sustainable tourism, not oil and gas leasing, are the future of our public lands. Thank you. All actions should consider short and long term effect on the environment. 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. 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. 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. Base plans on the latest information, science, policy, Improve flexibility and local variations by letting and public opinion. If the science and/or public BLM managers broaden planning to the district or opinion point to the need for an environmental multifield office level as needed to better address impact statement, do not skip that step. cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation's diverse historic resources, and advises the President and the Congress on national historic preservation policy. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. Take into consideration, where applicable, the need to address "cross-boundary" issues through coordination between field offices. 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. 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. 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. BLM's role is to manage government lands, but by placing environmental protection at the top of the list of tasks, and building consensus among all local, tribal, state, and federal stakeholders , BLM can ensure government lands remain pristine and viable as a resource for hundreds of years. In response to every aspect of your survey I would simply suggest complete transparency.The parameters of every decision (options considered, stakeholders and their motivations, timelines, environmental considerations, opinions of local non corporate, non- federally subsidized residents) should be widely publicized.All decisions must be free from political pressure and acknowledge the fact that this land is OUR land and not simply a venue for the expression of short term, short sighted corporate greed at the nation's expense.Recognizing how complicated decision making can be, I thank you for your consideration. Thank you for the consideration Best of luck in fighting against the monster called Greed. Our public lands and waters are our national heritage! 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. 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. Simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. Transparency is the key to success! Keep everything transparent!! Keep the public informed and involved. Thank you! 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. 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 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. Thank you for allowing me to comment. Garry Rogers BLM is the caretaker of the treasure of our lands. Respect for the lands more than those who despoil them for profit taking needs to be the priority. These lands are irreplaceable. Please follow science and not whimsical politics. Do what is right for our natural heritage and future generations. 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. 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. Allow the BLM managers to broaden their planning to each district or multifield office level as needed. This would help to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the amount and complexity of resource management plans. 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. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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 Remove political meddling or multifield office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. 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. don't use single use containers use solar and wind power Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. Public lands should be preserved. Reject further fosil fuel and logging development. Force a focus on sustainable and renewable options. you need to live up the game and save the wild PLEASE Let the public know that you nered their help to be properly funded so you can do the job you're trying to do. 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. For both the the public and employees, contact those who are both for and against any action and let evreryone see the suggestions from all respondents. Also, consider that public meetings may not reach or be convenient for all those concerned about an issue/action. Thank your for reaching out. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Keep the public especially public science officials involved!! Our lands need to be protected for current and future generations. et 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. 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. We would like our land protected from Corporate Interests (oil & Gas development) Thank you for having more transparency in planning for our public lands. The BLM is an Agencyof Public Trust, ALWAYS KEEP THAT IN MIND and never cut the Public Taxpayers out of the process of whatever it is you are doing! 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. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multifield office level to address cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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 This form, for example, is unnecessarily duplicative! 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. Use good science that protects adequately the long We have one world. And we need to safe guard our Public land is the people's land. Democracy takes term use and health of the land. public lands long well thought out planning by all stakeholders, I.e. The public of America Plans must be based on the latest data and information, research, policy, and science. Public opinion matters!! 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. Again, consider utilizing the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to improve your understanding of an area, project location, etc. Although you are primarily addressing land management issues, please consider air, water, waste and wildlife management concerns along the way. And good luck!! Do not over analyze each natural resource and consider reasonable distances for analysis i.e. Indirect Area of Potential Effect (APE) boundary of 3 miles is unreasonable. Based on a recent Section 106 this week, the Tribes are worried more about he direct APE in which the natural resources are within the proposed disturbance than they were with the sites 1 - 3 miles away for the proposed project. Please work to streamline and improve the BLM planning and NEPA analysis processes without undermining or weakening the achievement of their fundamental purposes. Thank you very much for your consideration. We would recommend that the archaeology indirect boundary be considered to something that is a little more reasonable such as 1/4 mile indirect boundary.  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. 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 and all overseers hold positions of great responsibility as Guardians in Stewardship of the Land. Monetary or economic gain at the expense of the Land or the environment shall not benefit the people of this Nation, nor any peoples of any other nation, nor the future of the Earth itself. Always keep in mind...no one can breathe, drink, or eat monetary riches. Don't skip an environmental impact statement if the Broaden planning across district/multifield areas science and public opinion point to the need for it. this will work to create fewer and less complex plans Being transparent is absolutely key as is working from a collaborative stance that embraces current science and public opinion. RAC;s need more publicizing. Few people reach out so that their voice is heard. Please publish the council's members, their position and whom they represent. When meetings take place. What the agenda is. Without setting specific limits on pages or range of The use of Determinations of NEPA Adequacy analyses, BLM can define the right amount of should be discouraged. Where a categorical analysis to match the scope of decision-making. This exclusion is not appropriate, a focused scope and scale may be defined geographically as environmental assessment that shows the BLM is more than one field office, more than one state, or evaluating potential impacts is more consistent with a smaller portion of a field office. This scale may also NEPA. Categorical exclusions are reserved for be defined by the breadth of issues to be addressed. extreme circumstances where it is unequivocal that Programmatic NEPA and the flexibility for defining an environmental analysis is unnecessary. Focusing planning areas in FLPMA and BLM guidance support this process on creating more categorical exclusions this approach. is not necessary and not consistent with NEPA. Using categorical exclusions to permit drilling should be subject to heightened scrutiny given the potential for impacts. 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. I urge the BLM to maintain and improve the planning process in order to ensure that all voices are heard, new science and other data are taken into account, and the public is kept fully informed as plans for our public lands are developed.  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 use of Determinations of NEPA Adequacy (DNA) should be discouraged Please consider a comment extension for these questions and create other ways to submit comments for those that may not have access or knowledge of computers. 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. Thank you for this great forum in which to comment Publicly. Thanks also for an excellent web interface. The survey is quite well made. Public lands are just that - PUBLIC  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. 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. 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. Do not twist logic into pretzels to accommodate All plans should be based on the latest information practices that are bad for the environment (which, such as science, local/state/national policy, and the as said previously, means "where we live, the air we concerns of all stakeholders. Never skip a breathe, the water we drink, etc.) on BLM land. comprehensively-researched environmental impact statement that has been created with multiple perspectives in mind. 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. 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. In light of the current administration, I truly believe now, more than ever, we must keep the public voice in public land decisions. Please do not forget your mission: "to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations." I think most Americans respect and support this mission. 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. 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. 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. 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. Please ban fracking everywhere you can. Please ban commercialization of public lands. We need wild areas wherever possible. NWF appreciates this opportunity to comment on potential improvements to the current BLM planning and NEPA processes. This request for comments is one of the first steps to replace the Planning 2.0 rule -- repealed by Congress in March -- that revised for the first time in three decades BLM's land-use planning process for managing the agency's 245 million acres. In a statement announcing this 21-day public comment period, Secretary Zinke said the "decisions made in land use plans and environmental reviews are fundamental to how public lands and resources are used for the benefit of all Americans." NWF agrees with this statement by the Secretary. NWF also believes that the current rule governing BLM's planning process in sorely in need of modernization given the increasing challenges the agency faces in balancing the increasing claims on public lands resources. In his memorandum to BLM acting Director Mike Nedd, Secretary Zinke directed the agency to begin the process for a possible new rulemaking that would "identify where redundancies and inefficient 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. Our collaborative Watershed Cairns: Water marked with Art just returned from a trip to make artwork along the Missouri River from the Centennial Mountains in Montana through North Dakota (we'll complete the SD, Neb. Missouri part this fall) and experienced the interconnected nature of public lands. Wildlife, wildfires, and water doesn't know boundaries. While collaboration across boundaries of agencies, state, federal, and local government must be incredibly difficult, it will take leadership and ego-reduction to protect our country's amazing natural heritage for present and future generations. I invite you to see our work on the Mississippi River at www.watershedcairns.com. The Missouri River work isn't on the website yet, but can be seen on the Watershed Cairns Facebook BLM should also use its authority to subcategorize the regulated community. Subcategorization allows agencies to assure that its regulatory actions are appropriate to the size, function and capacity of the regulated targets. Use of subcategorization can assure that regulations designed for large operations are not imposed on small activities in a manner that does not reflect their limited scope. More programmatic EAs at larger scales should streamline future NEPA through doing tiered supplemental EAs and DNAs. Each office should develop a more consistent description of cumulative effects for inclusion in relevant EAs and EISs. There is a danger with inconsistent or incomplete cumulative effects analyses especially if they are compared across similar documents. Do not blame NEPA for BLM's management shortcomings. NEPA is a good law designed to help BLM make better decisions and to involve the public in making those decisions. NEPA is like the trusty hardworking mule whose back is broken by the excessive weight of the miner's gear (in this case, BLM's excessive bureaucracy and dysfunctional management culture). I would like to see the BLM protect species and habitats over bowing to the interests of energy and mining companies and other such interests. Thank you for your good conservation work protecting our public lands. 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. 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. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. Base plans on the latest information, science, 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. Western federal public land wasn't set aside because it was special or unique. Everything west of the Mississippi was federal land. What's remained federal public land wasn't because it's special or unique. It remained federal public land because it wasn't worth owning. For a century, it was open to all, owned by none. The need for management evolved as our nation's population grew ten times over. Federal management was with, by, and for the stakeholders. That worked for most of the last century. Managing the bulk of the West as flyover colonies ruled by coastal urban elites for a nature experiment doesn't work for the people that live here, and it's just plain not right. We have to put the landscape and rural American back to work to responsibly develop all the uses and amenities available in a collaborative approach. The litigious actions of a few greedy extremists are destroying our ability to responsibly manage the landscape for society and nature. We need to use our tools and science to mimic the natural disturbances that we have disrupted for the last century or longer. These frivolous litigants have no reasonable management plans and just saying "no" and getting paid for it is horrible for everyone, including the landscape. Legislation needs to be passed that will mitigate court precedent and limit expensive frivolous litigation and put the western landscape back to work again. NEPA is the law and the BLM should follow it. Otherwise, the BLM may be forced by legal challenges to revisit environmental reviews, resulting in more BLM effort than if the BLM had followed NEPA in the first place. Viewshed analysis can be completed in 24 hours, not 24 months. This is highly subjective.  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. Don't encourage BLM staff to select lower levels of NEPA analysis just because of time. This often results in projects taking longer overall if the correct level of analysis was not selected in first place because staff will have to go back and do additional analysis if the project gets caught in litigation. RE:EJoposed Resource Management BLM Planning Rule 2.0 Delta County Board of County Commissioners of Delta, Colorado appreciates the opportunity to comment on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planning rule 2.0 to amend existing rules governing the procedures used to prepare, revise or amend land use plans pursuant to the Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA). Delta County applauds the BLM's acknowledgment that the current resource management planning process is in need of modernization and overhaul. That being said, this proposed rule fails to achieve, or even make progress toward that objective. Instead, the Proposed Rule would fundamentally reorient Federal land-use planning by deemphasizing BLM's FLMPA-mandated focus on multiple use and sustained yield in favor of enhanced prioritization and response to short-term political expediency and non-stakeholder involvement. Further, the Proposed Rule all but eliminates the requirement that Federal land-use planning be consistent with State and local plans, instead requiring only that I have worked in and around BLM's NEPA and Planning systems for generations. I have yet to see a sustained commitment to truly and meaningfully overhaul the system for the sake of improvement and not politics. Politics in resource management will always be with BLM. Nevertheless there must be a commitment to truthful resource analyses and associated resource allocation. After saying that I also recognize and advocate reality. This issue is filled with the need to gain advantages when and where possible. If there isn't a huge overhaul, so be it, make sure the small "improvements" are truly improvements and improve and shorten the process. BLM's budget is the message from Congress regarding its priorities for BLM. Add to that the Administration's twist on whatever BLM receives as a budget and it is not likely that overhauling NEPA and Planning will score high. Take incremental steps toward an ultimate goal and be happy. Just don't move the goal too frequently. More importantly, if budget doesn't change, the approach by Washington and BLM's managers needs to include the honesty and outreach I mentioned  Base plans on the latest information, science, 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 the 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. Remember natural systems do not recognize human property boundaries. Use Programmatic Documents 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. 1 .One of the goals and objectives of BLM's planning processes should be to maintain healthy wildlife populations within any permit area, and to use the current FLPMA language about "managing for sustained yields," to also mean managing for sustained watchable and harvestable wildlife, and the habitat needed to do so. 2.Respect, maintain, and do not weaken the current ACEC designation as a tool for management. Dear Mr. Nedd: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has asked for input on how the BLM can streamline its land use planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes, specifically asking for the submission of succinct and unique ideas relevant to the six focus areas outlined below. The BLM's encouragement to "identify and implement resultsoriented improvements to its land use planning and NEPA processes" is encouraging and provides an excellent opportunity to improve BLM planning and land management for future generations. Nearly every decision made by the BLM has a profound impact on Utah, a state with nearly 22.9 million acres of BLM. Thus, efficient, transparent and well organized planning efforts will benefit all users of Utah's public lands. This letter contains various ideas on how the BLM can improve its planning processes based on the State of Utah's (State) long experience with BLM planning and NEPA. The State has been actively Killing innocent animals and polluting water is a policy that needs to go. Get a do no harm policy or you will constantly be litigated Request In the spirit of Coordination, Garfield County request the opportunity to discuss this issues at more length with BLM decision makers. Please Contact Leland Pollock at (435) 616-2718 to schedule and opportunity to coordinate. Garfield County will submit additional comments directly to Mr. Nedd. Please look for them via email and regular mail. Brian Bremner (435) 676-1 1 19 I do appreciate the work the BLM has done to maintain our natural resources of our public lands see 1st screen for Topic/Point "A" - all my suggestions/responses are under it. 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. 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. 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. 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 more that BLM can work with the local government entities to plan and carry out projects and programs, the more streamlined planning and NEPA will be. On the ground field tours with all interested partners can help to alleviate possible law suits and expand communication. If you do not care who gets the credit, you all get the credit for successful projects and programs! 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 Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district or multifield office level as needed to better address cross-boundary issues and simplify the num 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. 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. When you have effectively communicated and publicized a deadline, keep it! Having a local contact person could have prevented a submission deadline extension with the WNF. 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. Regarding Storage Fields: You absolutely must include your physical geographical "neighbors" into discussions regarding storage fields. This is especially important in the Appalachian basin where there is a need to look at this from the perspective of the not creating a situation where private mineral owners would be unable to explore for and produce their privately held mineral assets. The fragmented position of the WNF could easily create that problem and further highlights the importance of involving private mineral owners and National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) into these types of discussions. 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. 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. We don't own this planet; we just borrow it from our children. 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. NEPA is a reasonable and necessary law. The problems arise from excessive bureaucracy and incompetent management. The solutions are by reducing bureaucracy and firing incompetent managers. Do not encourage so many shortcuts that a plan is vulnerable to legal challenge later in the process. have mandatory internal BLM review times for NEPA documents. only analyze resources that are applicable to the environment. NEPA documents do not need pages of write up on wild horses or livestock if they are not present or have minimal impact. Focus only on the resources that will have significant impact. I filled out all required forms on this submittal; please apply all answers to all six focus areas. 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. 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. When in doubt, go for more comprehensive with full public involvement and transparency. 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. 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. Public involvement and collaboration, within the applicable laws, always makes for better outcomes. 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. Let BLM managers broaden planning to the district Follow The Pew Charitable Trusts' suggestions and or multifield office level as needed to better address advice regarding this matter. cross-boundary issues and simplify the number and complexity of resource management plans. 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. Centralized data collection points, round tables 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. Greater collaboration and sharing of ideas, while Greater collaboration and sharing of ideas, while more time-consuming in the beginning, will result in more time-consuming in the beginning, will result in fewer challenges in the long run and should help fewer challenges in the long run and should help avoid delays and lawsuits at the end of the process. avoid delays and lawsuits at the end of the process. Adhering to science-based decisions, considering Adhering to science-based decisions, considering ecological as well as economic values, truly balancing ecological as well as economic values, truly balancing responsible development with reasonable responsible development with reasonable conservation, keeping the public well-informed, and conservation, keeping the public well-informed, and providing adequate opportunities for participation providing adequate opportunities for participation should also reduce lawsuits. should also reduce lawsuits. One of the purposes of a comprehensive environmental analysis is to have a foundation for the development of mitigative measures for the proposed action, no matter what the scale. Therefore, any attempts to "streamline" the process by limiting public input, minimizing the review of potential impacts, or otherwise tweaking the process to advance the interests of extractive, mining, grazing, and other land uses could result in land degradation and significant impacts to public health and the environment. As a offroad participant, we understand the difficulties of the responsibility of the BLM and the lack of funding. Giving in to special interests (ie - the railroad ) has created a dangerous situation at Glamis with limiting access. We appreciate the BLM help, keeping riding areas safe. Thank You !! 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. Greater emphasis in the planning process should be given to social and economic impacts. This can be achieved, in part, through greater engagement and reliance upon state and local governments as cooperating agencies and through greater coordination with locally developed land use plans. Without requirements for public comment consideration, land use decisions are made in a vacuum that are counter to conservation, cultural resource protection, landscape level planning and public opinion. Please consider our local history of positive Friends of Cedar Mesa is writing to provide input on experiences with NEPA. Any efforts to "streamline" the BLM's proposal to streamline planning and NEPA should focus on being more inclusive and NEPA processes. We are a conservation non-profit participatory, instead of less, and planning on a in southeast Utah that works to ensure that the landscape scale that can address real issues before public lands in San Juan County - with all their they become conflicts. We hope that future cultural and natural values - are respected and planning efforts, like this one, continue to use and protected. FCM is intimately familiar with NEPA, value public input. planning processes, and the National Historic Preservation Act's Section 106 because of our advocacy work to protect cultural and natural resources. While we do not always agree with final decisions, we value the opportunity to be involved and provide real data that can help the agency make better decisions. From our experience working with local and regional BLM offices, we know that a short comment period or less opportunity for comment is exactly what we want to avoid. Adequate opportunities for comment allow for local stakeholders, local government, Tribes and tribal members, organizations like Friends of Cedar Mesa, and the broader public to have a say in how our Create Programmatic Environmental Impact Eliminate the Master Leasing Plan Process Subject: BLM Streamlining Planning & NEPA Input Statements to Speed Implementation-Level Projects The BLM's Master Leasing Plan Process (found in IM Dear Mr. Nedd: Seemingly small, implementation level projects are 2010-117) adds an unnecessarily burdensome layer frequently delayed by disproportionate analysis, of analysis on potential oil and gas development in The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has asked things such as vegetation treatments, livestock key areas of the State. MLPs supersede recently for input on how the BLM can streamline its land grazing permit renewals, etc. In order for the implemented resource management plans, such as use planning and National Environmental Policy Act analysis of these projects to be more proportionate the 2008 Moab and Monticello Resource (NEPA) processes, specifically asking for the to the projects themselves, the BLM should develop Management Plans. "Right-sized" environmental submission of succinct and unique ideas relevant to Programmatic EISs for entire districts, field offices, analysis should not require a burdensome reanalysis the six focus areas outlined above. The BLM's or even the entire state that examine impacts and just after a thorough and legally sound analysis has encouragement to "identify and implement results- alternatives solutions to a particular issues. just been completed. The MLP process should oriented improvements to its land use planning and therefore be repealed. NEPA processes" is encouraging and provides an excellent opportunity to improve BLM planning and land management for future generations. Nearly every decision made by the BLM has a profound impact on Utah, a state with nearly 22.9 million acres of BLM. Thus, efficient, transparent and well organized planning efforts will benefit all users of Utah's public lands. 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 State of Utah (State) has submitted ideas relating to each of the six focus areas as requested NA What Epex brings that others have not in our industry are the capability to manage by exception, a visual interface that allows the organization to see what is to be done and by whom, when it is to be done and when it's handed off to the next responsible party. It instills accountability across the organization and provides a noticeable culture change. The following are testimonials from two of our clients. Joe DiDominic - COO Anchutz I have worked with Brad Thompson/Epex Solutions and have utilized their process optimization solutions at several different Oil & Gas companies from 2011 to the present day. Initially I needed a solution to oversee an active 12 rig drilling program and also optimize the associated new well process. Using an early version of Epex our time to market (as measured by well spud to first production) decreased by over 100 days over the course of the first year, which made our ROI from Epex and the BE good and not corrupt. Use more programmatic NEPA analysis so that See also suggestions under part A above. NEPA for individual projects can just include any consideration specific to the area for which action is proposed. NEPA is supposed to be based on the best available science, but many NEPA documents include much information which is either irrelevant or might be classified as "junk science". This problem has been well-documented by the references listed below for both the BLM and the Forest Service. I have reviewed many NEPA documents and find that very few are based on what I would call good science. Allen-Diaz, Barbara, Reginald Barrett, William Frost, Lynn Huntsinger, Ken Tate. 1999. Sierra Nevada Ecosystems in the Presence of Livestock; A Report to the Pacific Southwest Station and Region, USDA Forest Service. University of California, Berkeley. Boarman, William I. 2002. Threats to the desert tortoise populations: a critical review of the literature. Report prepared for the West Mojave Planning Team, Bureau of Land Management. U.S.Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center.(Boarman 2002) Rinne, J. N. 1999. Fish and grazing relationships: The facts and some pleas. Fisheries 24:12-21. Rinne's conclusions: "I finish with two thoughts pertinent to the subject 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. Thanks for the chance to give input. Now, listen! And don't mess with the established National Monuments and Parks. We need more undisturbed lands, not less. I have been so saddened by The onslaught of renewable energy projects on many of our public lands and especially the southern California desert that I consider dear to me, and no intimately My husband is a geologist and recreation in the desert, mountains, and the outdoors is our passion. The solar and wind projects that have been built and will be built in Southern California have been devastating. Public lands must remain in the hands of the public. Destruction of pristine desert, Native American sites, and historical sites is inexcusable. I would like to see my public lands that are so important not only to myself and my husband but also to so many others be protected. The way I currently feel- BLM= BAD LAND MANAGERS. Thank you for allowing us to make suggestions. The BLM analyses the simplest project to the point they can't permit anything and the resources suffer. Ranchers can't manage the range as well as they could with the infrastructure they need. The Kingman Field Office has 150 projects they haven't had the ability to process for the last 1 to 10 years. Please fix this. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Jayni Hein (jayni.hein@nyu.edu) or Iliana Paul (iliana.paul@nyu.edu) if you have any questions or require additional information. Additional suggestions for Question #4 Being Good neighbors: Allow for administrative temporary closures of BLM lands for volunteer projects, without notification in the Federal Register. (clean ups, trail events etc). Eovide and adhere to reasonable time frames for review of right of way applications. Be local,act local, think global Please find attached the complete Campbell County Board of Commissioners letter below: July 24, 2017 Ms. Cynthia Moses-Nedd Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs US Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW, Room 6221 Washington D.C. 20240 CAMPBELL COUNTY, WYOMING OFFICE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 500 South Gillette Avenue Rusty Bell, Chairman Suite 1 100 Micky Shober Gillette, Wyoming 82716 Mark A. Christensen (307) 682-7283 G. Matthew Avery (307) 687-6325 FAX We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on this process for streamlining planning and NEPA. BLM should develop guidance and a set of best BLM should fully exercise the ability to use cost Energy infrastructure is critical to the longterm practices for environmental analysis that are used recovery agreements to obtain necessary resources, success of this country and our standard of living. consistently across offices and staff to ensure a including third party or consultants, to assist the Land use planning efforts should more actively standard approach is taken. Documenting best agency in permitting and environmental reviews involve input from land users and ensure better practices will support BLM staff and stakeholders by commensurate with the proposed level of the coordination between agencies and other providing a clear understanding of the processes, proposed project and enable the agency to reach a stakeholders. For energy infrastructure projects, information, and analysis needed for project decision in a timely manner. These cost recovery the BLM should consider a fast-track approach but reviews. agreements should allow for a stakeholder to obtain as a minimum, clear milestones and timeframes dedicated staff (either BLM or third-party should be established to ensure a timely decision. consultants) that will be solely dedicated to a The permitting process, including the NEPA analysis, specific project, until project completion. needs to be streamlined to become more efficient, incorporating operations and maintenance activities on existing infrastructure and access to perform those activities into the permit itself so that agency approval is not required for each and every operations and maintenance activity. Ultimately, the BLM has to make the effort to communicate with all partners and then do the right thing for the future of the resources. Scale time lines to ensure adequate and meaningful input from local communities. Protecting our environment of our public lands is very important. So taking the time to do a thorough job of NEPA is crucial. Streamlining is an important goal but it should not undermine the thoroughness of the process. There are quite a few isolated small squares (1/4 mile on each side) of BLM managed land out here in western Colorado. These squares are often inaccessible to the public because they are completely surrounded by private property. If such squares are (1) not regenerating income (grazing, mineral leases, etc) or (2) providing a significant benefit to big game, or rare species (plant/wildlife) or (3) the location of cultural resources then they should be added to a list of lands to be considered for transfer to the local county. This will reduce the need to preform any NEPA work on them and appease some of those who complain the federal government holds too much land in the west. The Coalition for American Heritage is an advocacy coalition that protects and advances our nation's commitment to heritage preservation. The Coalition is supported by the American Cultural Resources Association, the Society for American Archaeology, the Society for Historical Archaeology, and the American Anthropological Association, collectively representing 30,000 cultural resource management professionals, archaeologists, and anthropologists with an interest in the implementation of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Many of our members serve as consultants to DOTs and project proponents and facilitate compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We are glad to participate in BLM's streamlining planning & NEPA efforts and would like to be a resource for the agency. Great Old Broads for Wilderness has made use of recommendations prepared by Richard Spotts of St. George Utah, and I acknowledge his helpful background and suggestions. In general, I object to the intent of the Trump Administration's efforts to cut our federal agencies budgets and abilities to carry out the duties established by existing laws. In fact, I believe the Administration ought to supplement the budgets of all land management agencies, funding this through actually taxing the rich 1 percent of Americans who reap the profits from extractive industries such as mining, grazing, etc. Thank you Develop a legally defensible EA template which only EA's should be weighed against the existing impacts AXPC appreciates the opportunity to comment and includes information requested that is truly within and public value of the land. In areas where existing would like to further the discussion in person. the realm of NEPA compliance. well pads, roads and Right of Ways already exist there could be a lower level of EA for new disturbance. See our comments filed on BLM Planning 2.0 No landscape scale palnning or mitigation. No compensatory mitigation. Require mineral surveys and evaluations as part of the land use planning process. Require including scientists (non BLM) and citizen scientist input in every NEPA analysis to avoid rampant cronyism and keep decision making up to speed with current scientific knowledge. Place far more emphasis on watershed-scale I'm glad to see this survey exists but admit I fully decision impacts in the West; it is folly to not do so anticipate it will be nothing but window dressing and regardless of where the lines fall on a map. will not do anything to further safeguard the public Recognize we have a guaranteed increase in demand trust or our public lands. I am in hopes I will be for a finite amount of water throughout the West, proven wrong, and soon. and the public lands will lose out from "buy and dry" models, contamination of water by hydraulic fracturing, and increasing downstream lawns, golf courses and swimming pools. Wildlife and habitat must be given priority or they will be forever forfeited and our public lands further desertified under your professional management. We can and must do better for all of life, not just human wants and human desire for profits. 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. 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 RMPs. Following is a further explanation of the recommendation for C, Solution 1: Without a clear understanding of all of the evidence and factors considered, the public cannot evaluate whether the area that BLM has proposed to designate as the ACEC is appropriate, or whether the BLM has either excluded lands appropriately included or included lands that do not meet the ACEC criteria and should be excluded. Similarly, the public cannot evaluate whether there is truly any threat of irreparable damage to the identified values, resources, systems, or processes, and whether the proposed special management measures are necessary to protect those values, resources, systems, or processes and prevent such irreparable damage. In proposing the designation of ACECs and their management, for instance, BLM should be required to clearly identify the threats of irreparable damage that it asserts are sufficient to warrant ACEC designation, including the source of the threat, the likelihood of irreparable damage from that source, and other relevant factors, as well These comments are provided on behalf of the Arizona Wildlife Federation, the State's oldest wildlife conservation organization representing over 10,000 members and supporters. Arizona has a rich legacy of public Lands. Hunting and angling primarily focused on the public lands provides yearly economic contributions of over $1.2 billion from sportsmen and women including $54 million for wildlife and habitat conservation, support for more than 18,000 jobs, and $132 million in state and local taxes. Please see our full comments at the link below. http://amforest.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/07/AFRC-comments-on-BLMStreamlining-Planning-NEPA-Input.pdf Cannibalizing the budget for the BLM is not the answer to "streamlining" and will likely lead to more problems. Allowing the agency to do it's job and not be politicized, either from local or federal gov't, would create a more fair, consistent and predictable process for the BLM and it's partners. To start, the BLM should focus on 1) thorough planning, 2) based on science 3) use simple language and 4) incorporate implementable policies (not just what is easy, but what is right). For plan amendments, consider increased utilization Prior to undertaking any land use plan amendment, BLM's failure to involve the RACs in the of environmental assessments and expand utilization BLM should develop a preliminary milestone development of the Proposed BLM 2.0 Planning of categorical exclusions for activities beyond plan schedule for the various stages of the NEPA Rules was a missed opportunity. Senator Jeff Flake maintenance by updating the Department of process. Agency staff and third-party consultants (R-AZ) has expressed concerns with the BLM usage Interior's Departmental Manual (516 DM 1 1.9(J)). should then be held to that schedule and only of RACs, particularly the Arizona RAC. In a May 25, Newly developed categorical exclusions could be modified under extenuating circumstances. An up-to-2016 letter to then-Director of the BLM, Neil effectively utilized for certain classes of plan date milestone schedule should be posted on a Kornze, Senator Flake wrote of "significant concerns amendments that are not wholly inconsistent with website dedicated to that land use planning effort. on the level of outreach BLM conducted when existing plans and that are otherwise consistent with drafting the proposed rule." He went on to highlight applicable legislation or regulation. Further, review that "no opportunity for the RACs to comment was should be undertaken of the current list of provided, this goes against the very purpose for "extraordinary circumstances" (5 16 DM Appendix which they were established." Senator Flake again 5) so as not to preclude widespread utilization of pressed the BLM at a June 27, 2016 hearing during any newly developed categorical exclusions. which he questioned Kornze on the lack of meaningful consultation with the Arizona RAC during the drafting of BLM Planning 2.0. There are no current decisions or reviews being conducted by RAC members of any significance. It makes no sense that RAC members were given no opportunity to participate in the development of the first new land planning rules developed by BLM in thirty years despite the fact that is what RACs were established to do. This should be corrected BLM should only consider the scope of the NEPA CEQ's FAQs regarding NEPA (1981), state that analysis as it is detailed in the Purpose and Need reasonable action alternatives should be practical or Statement. feasible from a technical and economic standpoint. For instance, if a right-of-way application has the BLM has a spotty record of enlisting the expertise of potential for take under BGEPA, FWS might project proponents on the technical and economic recommend that the project applicant prepare an realities of various potential alternatives. Eagle Conservation Plan (ECP) and, if appropriate, BLM should rely more upon applicants for submit a BGEPA take permit application. industry information, as it could result in more The BLM should not delay NEPA until the FWS alternatives being considered and eliminated from provides written documentation of whether it is detailed analysis--thereby streamlining the time and recommending that the right-of-way applicant apply expense of the NEPA document preparation. for a BGEPA take permit, or documentation from the applicant as whether it plans to seek such a permit. Be willing to defend the DOI and its employees against frivolous litigation. Do what needs to be done. Do it well and protect your employees. On behalf of Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC), and our 21 member organizations listed below representing thousands of sportsmen and women, we're pleased you are seeking input, but please don't use this format again to do so! While you're able to focus answers to your questions, it's a cumbersome process for the user and limiting when it comes to word count and input. Thank you. Jim Unmacht, AZSFWC Executive Director AZ Bass Nation AZ Antelope Foundation AZ Big Game Super Raffle AZ Chapter of NWTF AZ Chapter of SCI AZ Deer Association AZ Desert Bighorn Sheep Society AZ Elk Society AZ Houndsmen Our culture, our science, and our environment have changed in the last 40 years. It is logical that our legal framework should change, too. We appreciate this opportunity to contribute to what we hope will be a meaningful effort toward that goal. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional supporting information for any of my comments. Thanks for seeking stakeholder input. Consider the factors in LUPs versus Project-specific For specific projects, it clearly depends on that NEPA: Giving more emphasis to creating LUPs as project. For EIS work a better focus on tiering guidance documents rather than a prescriptive needs to be instituted, EAs should be more approach makes a good program. Give some level streamlined and CXs should be used more than of flexibility to District Managers and allow for some they are, especially if the project benefits the level of tiering for specific projects such as resources. watershed planning now being done by the Ely BLM staff. Amending every LUP in the State such as was done for sage grouse recently just asked for problems and should NOT be done again. We found the 750 character limit restrictive. Create a way to print out each person's submission for their own records. Please feel free to contact us for any further information or questions at: Gracian Uhalde, chair, N-4 State Grazing Board, phone 775-289-0599 or Connie Simkins, secretary to N-4, 775-962-1333 cell available to you 24/7/365 mailing address: P.O. Box 461, Panaca, NV 89042 BLM should employ better use of EAs rather than Much of the cumbersomeness of NEPA has been -Eureka County is a member of BLM's "core EISs; clarify when EAs are more appropriate. We facilitated through case law. We believe misguided counties" group and our Natural Resources have seen some projects we have seen should have court actions on NEPA must be reined in through Manager, Jake Tibbitts, has been participating in been an EA rather than and EIS. Congress. Congress could provide clarity on what core group meetings. We are also closely "major federal actions" require EISs and what could coordinating with the Nevada Association of be covered under EAs or CXs. Counties and other state and local agencies, including the Governor's office and conservation districts, to develop and provide substantive input into this BLM review process. As such, we reserve the potential to provide further input after BLM's July 24 public comment deadline and as the process moves forward. However, we wanted to provide preliminary input to BLM by July 24 deadline in order to assist BLM's schedule. For mining related actions, analyses for post-leasing decisions should be tightly focused on the effects of mining in lease area and immediate surroundings. All downstream effects of the transport and use of the resource should be excluded, because the legal commitment has been made to allow the resources to be extracted and used, and the transport and use of the resources are outside the scope of DOI's regulatory authority. -We argue that a new planning rule is not necessary to properly address streamlining BLM planning. We believe that the current planning regulations, if properly implemented, provide adequate space for meeting the intent of Secretary Zinke's resultsoriented improvements in fostering a good neighbor policy and restoring the multiple-use mission of the BLM. We believe internal changes within BLM in The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be sending a formal letter to follow these initial solutions. Arrange for an interview with PBS NewsHour to convey to a public that has some patience for lengthy news reporting and might be interested in hearing your "story." This program also works with school children reporters whose opinions might also be solicited. All the best in your efforts to preserve and encourage the careful use of some of our national treasures! The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be sending a formal letter to follow these initial solutions. The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be sending a formal letter to follow these initial solutions. NACD COMMENTS SUBMITTED IN FULL LENGTH: A. Focused Analysis: How can BLM reduce duplicative and disproportionate analyses? 1) . By conducting rangeland surveys in collaboration with the USDA to complete the National Periodic Rangeland Survey and ecological classification. 2) . The Department of Interior and BLM needs to place a high priority on surveying and marking of boundaries on lands, access roads, and trails under its jurisdiction. Adequate funding should be requested from Congress to accomplish this work and the posting of legal notices that include legal land descriptions and well-known landmarks but exclude privately owned roadways. 3) . When conducting analysis, BLM needs to do so in a way that supplements the development of public lands management plans. These plans should recognize the full array of multiple use of public lands grazing, timber harvesting, mineral extraction, Additional comments for Section D Could you PLEASE try to have a thoughtful approach to public lands management? I get that public lands haven't been dealt with well over the last few decades, but how about you convene stakeholders (including sportsmen, the outdoor recreation community, ranchers, scientists and not just the oil and gas or lumber industry) and try to come up with a good, coordinated solution rather than decimate what many in the west feel is our heritage The Wyoming Mining Association appreciated the opportunity to comment. El Paso Electric Company ("EPE" or "the Company") respectfully submits these comments in response to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Request for Input for Future Planning Efforts and Environmental Reviews. EPE is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in an area of approximately 10,000 square miles in west Texas and southern New Mexico. The Company also serves a full requirements wholesale customer in Texas. The Company owns or has significant ownership interests in several electrical generating facilities providing it with a net dependable generating capability of approximately 2,080 megawatts (MW). The Company serves approximately 41 1,100 residential, commercial, industrial, public authority and wholesale customers. The Company distributes electricity to retail customers principally in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico. We have significant experience planning, Reform has to take place. The Country can not afford the delays and decisions to go elsewhere occasioned by long delays. The western US is being polluted by airborne contaminants (especially mercury) from Chinese power plants and other factories. It is no good to chase industry from a regulated environment (USA, Canada, Australia) to unregulated jurisdictions. The net effect is a poorer world environment for our kids and grand-kids Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the BLM Planning and NEPA Process. LUPs versus Project-specific NEPA: Establish criteria that is more definitive of what Utilize species that will in fact establish when doing a. EOr LUPs it seems like going to a more "guidance" constitutes a major action vs. an EA or CX. fire rehab work. Native species are not near as than "prescriptive" approach makes sense, while Whenever a CX can be accommodated, the process effective as introduced species in the Great Basin providing a level of flexibility to the District moves faster and with considerable cost savings. Region. Native seed is much higher in cost also. Manager, but also to allow for tiering for specific Train NEPA personnel carefully on use of the Success is most important.Encourage Sec Zinke to projects in the District (i.e. the Watershed Planning criteria so sound decisions are made that are utilize Roundtable meetings with users in the West. model employed by Ely District BLM). Amending defensible. It worked great for Babbitt in the 1990's. Don't every LUP in the State (i.e. Sage-grouse) is asking for settle with and pay litigious NGO groups when you problems and should NOT be done again. know you're right. b. EOr projects, it depends on the project. For EIS work a better focus on tiering needs to be implemented, EAs should be more streamlined, and CXs used more than they are, especially if the project benefits the resource. The NEPA regulations and guidance emphasize Additionally, this approach should extend to the * One of the most significant time-delays with the reducing the project scope, reducing paperwork, collection of additional or updated data. Because current process is multi-level review within the BLM and taking advantage of existing documents and the collection of additional or new data is not - ie: the environmental analysis is normally prepared studies. In the case of the coal industry, a prohibited by current NEPA regulations, agencies at the Field Office or Resource Area level, but must comprehensive environmental analysis is conducted often require additional data collection, many times then be reviewed at both the State Office, and for the initial mining permit application. Upon when it is not necessary. Data collection also has Washington Office levels. This multi-level review is approval, ongoing environmental monitoring is the potential to significantly delay the NEPA unnecessary and redundant, and reflects a lack of conducted per mining regulations. This information process, since environmental monitoring measures trust by those at the upper levels. A reasonable should be incorporated into any subsequent NEPA dynamic processes that range from days to years in alternative would be to have a responsible individual analyses to the extent possible. scale. Collection of additional data should only be at the State level participate in the Inter-Disciplinary required under extraordinary circumstances and Team for review and input, and where there are any only where it will provide significant value to the specific questions or concerns, pull in the decision making process or fulfill a major void in the appropriate resources from the State or existing data. Washington office(s). An alternative to this would be to conduct the document review simultaneously both within the BLM and across cooperating agencies. This would eliminate the significant time spent with the current successive review process. * An additional delay in the process is the involvement of multiple-levels of solicitor review. Solicitors should not be reviewing technical data and analyses. If there are questions relative to policy or The agency can streamline the planning process by working across offices so as not to duplicate efforts. This will require better intra-agency cooperation and coordination. Again, such cooperation and coordination should also be undertaken in partnership with public stakeholder groups, as well as local, state and tribal governments and adjacent landowners. Dear Bureau of Land Management, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Planning & National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Federal Register #DOI-2017-0003-0003). BHE is a global energy services provider serving almost 1 1.7 million customers worldwide. BHE's United States energy business platforms include: MidAmerican Energy Company, an Iowa-based utility providing regulated electric and natural gas service; BHE Renewables, an independent power producer (IPP) with facilities in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois; BHE Pipeline Group, providing natural gas transportation from Wyoming to Southern California and an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline that spans from Texas to the Upper Midwest; and PacifiCorp, encompassing Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power, which provide regulated electric service in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming The BLM must INCREASE, rather than decrease opportunities for public input and NEPA analysis and avail itself of the best and most recent science available in crafting land use plans and proposing actions and policies. Adequate NEPA review is fundamentally a public participatory process. The agency must always always keep in mind that it works as trustee on behalf of all the American People to responsibly manage the public lands on behalf of ALL Americans. To fulfill its duties, it is ESSENTIAL that the BLM keep the public informed AND that it use the best science available. The BLM is accountable to the American Public and it is required by law to be responsive to the public and to adequately review its proposals and decisions as it manages America's public lands on behalf of all Americans. All public lands must remain under public control. The Colorado Department of Natural Resources has requested the BLM extend the public comment period to allow for a 60-day review or until no earlier than September 1, 2017. Should this extension be granted, CDNR will continue to fully develop these initial comments. Work with other agencies to improve efficiency. Instead of US Fish and Wildlife doing a study on its lands and BLM doing the same study on it's land have one agency do the study for all areas. Be collaborative with local NGO's, governments etc. Develop operating agreements that agencies can use as a template . b)E 1987, The Executive Office of the President's Memorandum to Agencies: Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ's National Environmental Policy Act Regulations found at https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/G-CEQ40Questions.pdf #36 answers the question re: How long and detailed must an EA be? 36b. Under what circumstances is a lengthy EA appropriate? Answer: Agencies should avoid preparing lengthy EAs except in unusual cases, where a proposal is so complex that a concise document cannot meet the goals of Section 1508.9 and where it is extremely difficult to determine whether the proposal could have significant environmental effects. By adding tangible numbers and trigger points for BLM should strive to work with landowners to This process should also include review of the requiring NEPA analysis. accomplish mutually beneficial outcomes. driving document for federal land management, the Eg. an activity that constitutes a less than 10% Duplicative process could be reduced by partnering Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA). change to current practice is should be categorically and coordinating with permittees excluded. EOr example: If two of three adjacent permits are Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on being reviewed for permit renewal, it would make behalf of our over 2,800 members! sense for the local field office to hold conversations with the permittee of the third permit to see if it could be reviewed at the same time. Dear Bureau of Land Management, Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) appreciates the opportunity to provide comments regarding the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Streamlining Planning & National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Federal Register #DOI-2017-0003-0003). BHE is a global energy services provider serving almost 1 1.7 million customers worldwide. BHE's United States energy business platforms include: MidAmerican Energy Company, an Iowa-based utility providing regulated electric and natural gas service; BHE Renewables, an independent power producer (IPP) with facilities in California, New York, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois; BHE Pipeline Group, providing natural gas transportation from Wyoming to Southern California and an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline that spans from Texas to the Upper Midwest; and PacifiCorp, encompassing Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power, which provide regulated electric service in California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming Public lands should be viewed as "held on trust" for future generations. That principle should underlie the entire NEPA process. CORVA believes there are many changes that can be made in regards to land use planning efforts that are practical in nature, making it possible for the agency to enact without too much in the way of additional efforts. We look forward to being part of that process and looks forward to meaningful conversations and discussions with the BLM. We are thankful that these questions are being asked by agency management and are hopeful that great improvements in land use planning will result. For routine and accepted actions, it is sufficient to Use more programmatic NEPA analysis so that Thank you for taking comments and suggestions. just state that the action will be carried out NEPA for individual projects can just include any according to accepted best management practices consideration specific to the area for which action is and only include any issues of concern that are proposed known or suspected to exist with the planning area. Building a fence requires adherence to BLM's best management practices and the law requires archaeology and endangered species be protected. The only NEPA issue should be the economic and environmental costs and benefits of building or not building the fence. 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 Pacific Crest Trail Association, a 12,000 member organization, is the primary private partner in the management of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. PCTA is part of a long-standing memorandum of understanding and works closely with California State Parks, the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. With a main office in Sacramento, CA and five regional offices along the length of the trail, PCTA works alongside agency partners at the national, regional, and local levels to ensure the PCT is protected, preserved, and promoted as one of America's premier long distance trails. With approximately 10% of the PCT's 2,650 mile length on BLM administered lands, we have a keen interest in the BLM planning processes. The PCT traverses BLM administered lands on BLM's Medford District in Southern Oregon as well as through the Bakersfield, Ridgecrest, Palm Springs-South Coast and El Centro Field Offices in Southern California. Increase collaboration with other federal agencies as appropriate, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to inform environmental analysis at the outset. The above comments represent the consolidated views of State of Alaska resource agencies and have been formatted to accommodate the limited categories and field size associated with this commenting portal. They address BLM's specific questions and other planning-related issues, many of which are Alaska-specific and cut across or transcend the questions identified by BLM. The State's full comment letter has also been mailed to Acting Director Michael Nedd, with a courtesy copy to Stephen Wackowski, Senior Advisor Alaska Affairs, and Jim Cason, Associate Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior. Mike Nedd, Acting Director Bureau of Land Management 1849 C St. N.W. Washington DC 20240 Re: BLM Streamlining Planning & NEPA Dear Acting Director Nedd: American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) hereby submits its unique comments in response to Secretary Zinke's March 27, 2017, directive to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to improve the FLPMA planning and management and NEPA processes. Creation of discovery process where the agency discovers other items in existence of similar nature in any agency, helping to distinguish for future projects the scope, size and vitality. AEMA is a 2,000-member national association representing the minerals industry with members residing in 42 U.S. states and internationally. AEMA represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration to reclamation and closure, and is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, which serves to identify new mineral Mitigate socioeconomic impacts, identify reasonable alternatives, work with stakeholders and those within the identifiable locale. Development of consensus based management and clearly adhering to the the intent of congress by sticking to and not departing from multiple-use-use objectives. Creating clear processes that are user friendly and publicly inclusive. Extended timeframes for reviews and increasing permitting time periods. State and local compliance with laws is paramount. Understanding that FACA is law and that the process should adhere as closely as possible while also including those with applicable interests in the cases where a real quantifiable investment exists. Terms for permit renewals should be expanded BLM should avoid disproportionate analysis. When a from 10 years to 20 years. This would dramatically change is made to current practice without decrease the workload faced by BLM employees. performing NEPA, reinstating that change should Similarly, categorical exclusions should be developed not require NEPA. For example, if AUMs on an for the reissuance or permits when there are no allotment are suspended without NEPA, NEPA substantial changes or where actions are not should not be required to reinstate those AUMs. considered to have a significant effect on the human Once an area has had an archeological, environment. Additional coordination with paleontological, or other study conducted, future permittees would also help decrease the scope of an studies should be conducted only if the need for EA's burden. For example, if two of three adjacent such a study is supported by substantial data. permits are being reviewed for renewal, the local field office should also hold conversations with the third permittee to see if it is feasible to renew it at the same time. None at this time. If designation of an ACEC cannot be avoided Only the immediate area of the hazard or at-risk through the use of existing management tools, such resource should be included in the ACEC in order ACEC should be no larger than absolute minimum to prevent over-broad use of the ACEC to area necessary to provide special management designate or otherwise withdraw conservation attention. Section 103(a) of FLPMA, defines an areas, particularly where otherwise prohibited in ACEC is an area "where special management law. attention is required . . to protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety from natural hazards." This is one of two submissions from Alaska Miners Association in order to fit space constraints. THANK YOU FOR PERFORMING THIS VERY NECESSARY EXERCISE! We applaud it! This is two of three documents from the Alaska Miners Association. Thank you! This is three of four comments from the Alaska Miners Association. This is 4 of 4 and the final (we promise!) submission from the Alaska Miners Association. Again, thank you. Level of review of endangered or threatened species along with cultural resources should be commensurate with the long term goal of protecting these key resources vs. the short term impact and/or loss of these resources due to habitat degradation. Provided the RMP analysis and programmatic guidelines are sufficiently rigorous, NEPA for site specific actions could be tiered and streamlined. TALK & TALK some more to local communities While the information above was generic in content the following information is more specific to future energy planning whether it be programmatic or RMP level. In addition, we clearly understand the administration's desire to significantly step up energy production from our public lands. We offer the following diagram to illustrate how three important processes might work together to change the energy development dynamic in positive ways that benefit all stakeholders and help conserve other important resource values. Identification of important community values during the preleasing and leasing phases of development provides a process and forum for all interested parties to participate in identifying environmental sensitivities and important values in that community. (See recommended tools above as examples.) This process thereby also identifies areas where community values are less sensitive or absent, thus creating opportunity areas where development may Thank you for repealing Planning 2.0 and the Fracking Rule, among other things, and for considering rescission and/or serious downsizing of the Bears Ears an Grand Staircase Escalante NMs.