Right of Way (ROW) Pre-Application Meeting 

This meeting is an opportunity for you to describe your proposed project to a BLM realty specialist to determine whether you need to obtain a ROW, and to discuss what is required to process your application, including fees. It may be helpful to download an SF-299 application form and bring it with you to the meeting. 

The BLM realty specialist will discuss the following items with you at the pre-application meeting: 

A. Scope of the proposed project 

  1. project type: description, plans; site/linear? FLPMA/MLA? etc.
  2. use: is ROW the most appropriate authorization?
  3. size: how much public land will be required?
  4. location/routing: potential alternative routes; other BLM offices involved?
  5. duration of use; does it qualify as 'casual'?
  6. Are any other Federal agencies' lands involved?
  7. Are there any offsite or ancillary facilities?

B. Compliance with land use planning

  1. Does proposed project conform with a land use plan (RMP or MFP)?
  2. Does proposed project conflict with any special designation areas (special management areas, ACECs)?
  3. activity plans that may affect the application
  4. mining claims or other authorized uses that may conflict with the proposal
  5. potential corridor considerations

C. Potential controversy/ Possible public meetings 

D. Level of environmental analysis 

  1. CX, DNA, EA, EIS
  2. special studies required? (e.g., T&E species, cultural inventories, etc.)
  3. opportunities for applicant to fund studies, BLM requirements/standards for such studies

E. Application

  1. requirements of a complete application (maps, project description, business papers, etc.)
  2. line-by-line discussion of necessary information in the application form (SF-299)
  3. "Obtaining a Right of Way" booklet

F. Financial considerations 

  1. processing fees
  2. monitoring fees
  3. rental fees 
  4. potential for bonding requirement in a grant
  5. applicant's capability to construct and maintain the proposed project

G.  Requirements of a grant 

  1. typical stipulations
  2. BLM's discretion to choose a site or route other than the one applied-for
  3. possibility that the application will be denied

H. Timeframe considerations 

  1. for Applicant: requirements of a completed application, before processing can begin
  2. for the BLM: existing staff, other applications already in-process; opportunities for applicant to fund processing 

I.  Points of contact 

  1. applicant
  2. agent? if yes, extent of authority to represent applicant
  3. BLM staff member for submitting application and responding to questions
  4. other agencies that may need to be involved (if the BLM is not a clearinghouse for these)