The Planning Process

The Bureau focuses its planning efforts on significant multiple use problems and issues. As far as possible, it uses existing information about local resources. It avoids new, costly, and timeconsuming inventories or data-gathering unless necessary for sound resource decisions. The planning is fully integrated with the environmental analysis used to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act.

The BLM planning process is versatile enough to meet management or resource needs of a particular situation. This means that, in some areas, a completely new plan may be needed, while in others, an earlier plan may be amended. In some cases BLM may even adopt another agency's plan. Whatever the case, all BLM plans use the Resource Management Planning process described in this guide. Using all these methods, BLM can hold down planning costs and speed up the planning process while it still plans responsibly for the future of the public's resources. Preparing a Resource Management Plan takes about 20 to 24 months from start to finish.

Planning activities are guided by a number of Federal laws passed by Congress. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 requires that BLM prepare and use plans under principles of multiple-use and sustained yield. It also requires public participation and close coordination with other Federal agencies, State and local governments,'and Indian tribes. Other laws specifically dealing with planning or environmental study requirements include the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976, the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Many other laws relating to specific resource uses also have an impact on the planning process.

You are encouraged to provide comments on the design and utility of these site materials. In the future a questionnaire will be included to solicit your comments, including need for specific types of additional information.