About the BLM ADR/Conflict Prevention Program

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The BLM has been utilizing alternative dispute resolution and conflict prevention principles, strategies, and processes for many years--both externally in relationships with the public, and internally in relationships among employees. To strengthen the existing efforts of BLM offices to effectively and appropriately utilize ADR-based principles, strategies, and processes, and to comply with the requirements of the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act, as amended, of 1996 (P.L. 104-320), the Bureau established the formal ADR/Conflict Prevention Program in 2002. The Program consists of two main parts:

• ADR/Conflict Prevention Program staff in the Washington Office
• The ADR Advisory Council

Mission of the ADR/Conflict Prevention Program

The primary mission of the BLM’s ADR Program is to:

1. increase prevention, mitigation, and resolution of internal and external conflicts and disputes

2. enhance opportunities for external stakeholders to work collaboratively with the BLM and participate in agency decision-making;

3. foster an increasingly collaborative workplace environment with the support of ADR processes; and 

4. reduce the volume and frequency of litigation, appeals, protests, complaints, and grievances through ADR-based processes.