Socioeconomic Strategic Plan

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENTWASHINGTON, D.C. 20240http://www.blm.govAugust 26, 2013In Reply Refer To:1610 (210) PEMS TRANSMISSION 08/27/2013Information Bulletin No. 2013-100To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office OfficialsFrom:               Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and PlanningSubject:           Socioeconomic Strategic PlanThe Division of Decision Support, Planning and NEPA (WO-210) is proud to announce the availability of the Socioeconomic Strategic Plan (SSP), which guides the development and use of socioeconomic information and capacity at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  The overall goal of the Socioeconomics Program is to provide relevant and credible social science information and tools to strengthen the effectiveness of the BLM’s office and programs.  The plan was developed by a committee representing Field, State, Center, and Washington Office managers and staff.  The Strategic Plan has three sections:

• Section 1 (The Changing Role of Socioeconomics at the BLM) describes the social science disciplines, policy mandates, and changing human context of the BLM’s resource management responsibilities.  It summarizes the findings of a 2009 needs assessment and concludes with some accomplishments of the BLM’s Socioeconomics Program.   
• Section 2 (Needs and Responses) identifies current management challenges, under the broad topics of communities, landscapes, and values, and their implications for providing relevant socioeconomic information.  It then outlines the organizational requirements for a Socioeconomics Program that meets the Bureau’s needs, considering workloads, people, and processes.  
• Section 3 (Goals and Strategies) describes the proposed goals, strategies, and actions.

We extend our thanks to the Field, State, and Washington Office programs who contributed to the creation and review of the plan.  In addition, we are grateful to the Resource Advisory Councils and other external stakeholders (e.g., the Wilderness Society; Sublette County, Wyoming Commissioners) who also provided comments.The Socioeconomics Program has begun implementing several of the strategies and actions included in the SSP.  To continue that process, WO staff will work with a steering committee to prioritize additional actions described in Section 3 and develop an annual work plan.Additional information is available on the BLM’s Socioeconomics Program website at https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/what-informs-our-plans/socioeconomicsContact: Rob Winthrop, WO-210, Senior Social Scientist, (202) 912-7269.Signed by:                                                       Authenticated by:Edwin L. Roberson                                           Robert M. WilliamsAssistant Director                                           Division of IRM Governance,WO-560Renewable Resources and Planning1 Attachment        1 - Socioeconomic Strategic Plan (2012-2022)   (60 pp)