The schedule for completion of the HiLine RMP has been revised to allow for the time needed to incorporate into the RMP several new BLM policies and management actions in response to concerns raised by the BLM and other federal agencies, as well as state and local governments, businesses and organizations, and individuals.
- Standard Oil and Gas Lease Stipulations: The Montana/Dakotas BLM is working toward uniform language for all oil and gas lease stipulations in order to provide more consistency in the leasing process. The interdisciplinary team is incorporating the revised stipulations in its analyses.
- Inventory of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics: The HiLine District recently completed updating its inventory of lands with wilderness characteristics, and several areas were determined to have wilderness characteristics. The interdisciplinary team is proposing alternatives to manage these lands.
- Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat: In addition to actions outlined in the 2004 National Sage-Grouse Habitat Conservation Strategy, the Montana/Dakotas BLM is identifying management actions necessary to ensure environmentally responsible exploration, authorization, leasing, and development of renewable and non-renewable energy resources within the ranges of the greater sage-grouse. The interdisciplinary team is incorporating in its analyses the proposed management actions to address these issues.
The proposed schedule has been revised to the following timeline:
2012
· Summer – Distribute Draft RMP/EIS to the public; publish Notice of Availability in Federal Register, which begins 90-day public comment period.
· Late Summer/Fall – Hold open houses at various locations across the planning area to provide the public opportunities to meet with resource management specialists.
· Fall/Winter – Review public comments on Draft RMP/EIS; refine alternatives and effects based upon review and analysis of public comments.
2013
· Winter/Spring – Incorporate public comments into Proposed RMP/Final EIS (PRMP/FEIS); review and revise PRMP/FEIS based on review comments and prepare for publication.
· Summer – Distribute PRMP/FEIS to the public; publish Notice of Availability in Federal Register.
· Late Summer –Governor’s Consistency Review and 30-day protest period. Review and prepare response to protests.
· Fall – Prepare Record of Decision/Approved Plan and distribute to the public; publish Notice of Availability in Federal Register.
