The Process of Approving an ACEC

Step 1: ACEC is nominated by the public or BLM … Proceed to step 2.

Step 2: An interdisciplinary team of BLM resource specialists evaluate and document the nominated ACECs for relevance and importance … Proceed to step 3.

Step 3: ACEC evaluations are reviewed by BLM managers. Evaluation forms are signed by the Field Manager … Proceed to step 4.

Step 4: Cooperating agencies are provided with the opportunity to review the ACEC evaluations.

Option 4.1: If the nominated ACEC meets the criteria of relevance and importance, then it is identified as a potential ACEC for consideration for land use planning  … Proceed to step 5.

Option 4.2: If the nominated ACEC does not meet the criteria of relevance and importance, then it is dropped from further consideration. The rational for this decision is documented in the Resource Management Plan. It may be discussed under alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed analysis. The person/organization who nominated the ACEC is notified … End of process.

Step 5: The potential ACEC is included in the draft for the Resource Management Plan (RMP) as part of one or more of the alternatives. Management prescriptions are proposed in the RMP to protect the relevant and important values.

Option 5.1: It is determined that special management attention is required to protect the relevant and important values in relationship to RMP’s preferred alternative … Proceed to step 6.

Option 5.2: It is determined that special management attention is not required to protect the relevant and important values in relationship to the RMP’s preferred alternative … Proceed to step 7.

Step 6: The potential ACEC is designated in the approved RMP … End of process.

Step 7: The potential ACEC is not designated in the approved RMP … End of process.

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