Identifying priority science needs for strengthening the science foundation for decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is committed to using science-informed decision making for the public lands and resources that it manages. Uses on these lands are varied, and decisions are complex. USGS and BLM are working together to identify specific needs for data, science, methods, and mitigation actions that can strengthen the science foundation for BLM planning and management decisions.
Background
BLM is committed to using science-informed decision making at every level and in every program of the agency to increase the science foundation, consistency, transparency, and defensibility of the agency’s decisions (Kitchell and others, 2015). A key first question is ‘What are the current priority science needs for the agency?’ In essence, what gaps in the science information currently available to BLM planners and managers may be hindering their ability to make effective, scientifically sound resource management decisions?
Project goal
Our goal is to work together with BLM to conduct a structured, repeatable analysis of priority science needs for the agency based on multiple lines of evidence.
Types of science information needs
We are focused on four types of science information that could strengthen the foundation for BLM planning and management decisions:
- Quality data on the presence and condition of resources of concern.
- Scientific studies relevant to the potential for proposed actions (for example, energy development, recreation) to impact resources (for example, rare species, water quality).
- Reasoned and repeatable methods for quantifying potential effects of proposed actions on resources.
- Effective actions for mitigating any negative impacts of proposed actions on resources of concern.
Approach
We are examining multiple publicly available documents to provide a comprehensive assessment of potential science information needs, including BLM management decisions, BLM Resource Management Plans, challenges to BLM planning and management decisions, BLM-authored Science Plans, and news media coverage of the BLM.
Anticipated benefit
Results can help BLM strategically fill current science and data gaps that can support consistent, science-informed decision making across the agency. One focus is developing online, searchable summaries and syntheses of science on high priority topics, such as greater sage-grouse and invasive annual grasses.
Science-Management Partnership
The USGS and BLM are working together as partners to coproduce this effort, with a goal of producing practical, actionable science that informs planning, policy, and management decisions on western lands (see Beier and others, 2017 for more information on coproduction).
Related Publications
Read more about science related to this project.
Developing structured science syntheses for use in NEPA analyses and decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
Understanding the use of habitat models for managing and conserving rare plants on western public lands
Developing searchable annotated bibliographies for resource managers
Developing a toolkit for coproducing actionable science to support public land management
Using public litigation records to identify priority science and data needs for the Bureau of Land Management
Developing a step-by-step process for assessing cumulative effects in the Bureau of Land Management
Prioritizing science efforts to inform decision making on public lands
Read more about the people we work with.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is committed to using science-informed decision making for the public lands and resources that it manages. Uses on these lands are varied, and decisions are complex. USGS and BLM are working together to identify specific needs for data, science, methods, and mitigation actions that can strengthen the science foundation for BLM planning and management decisions.
Background
BLM is committed to using science-informed decision making at every level and in every program of the agency to increase the science foundation, consistency, transparency, and defensibility of the agency’s decisions (Kitchell and others, 2015). A key first question is ‘What are the current priority science needs for the agency?’ In essence, what gaps in the science information currently available to BLM planners and managers may be hindering their ability to make effective, scientifically sound resource management decisions?
Project goal
Our goal is to work together with BLM to conduct a structured, repeatable analysis of priority science needs for the agency based on multiple lines of evidence.
Types of science information needs
We are focused on four types of science information that could strengthen the foundation for BLM planning and management decisions:
- Quality data on the presence and condition of resources of concern.
- Scientific studies relevant to the potential for proposed actions (for example, energy development, recreation) to impact resources (for example, rare species, water quality).
- Reasoned and repeatable methods for quantifying potential effects of proposed actions on resources.
- Effective actions for mitigating any negative impacts of proposed actions on resources of concern.
Approach
We are examining multiple publicly available documents to provide a comprehensive assessment of potential science information needs, including BLM management decisions, BLM Resource Management Plans, challenges to BLM planning and management decisions, BLM-authored Science Plans, and news media coverage of the BLM.
Anticipated benefit
Results can help BLM strategically fill current science and data gaps that can support consistent, science-informed decision making across the agency. One focus is developing online, searchable summaries and syntheses of science on high priority topics, such as greater sage-grouse and invasive annual grasses.
Science-Management Partnership
The USGS and BLM are working together as partners to coproduce this effort, with a goal of producing practical, actionable science that informs planning, policy, and management decisions on western lands (see Beier and others, 2017 for more information on coproduction).
Related Publications
Read more about science related to this project.
Developing structured science syntheses for use in NEPA analyses and decision making in the Bureau of Land Management
Understanding the use of habitat models for managing and conserving rare plants on western public lands
Developing searchable annotated bibliographies for resource managers
Developing a toolkit for coproducing actionable science to support public land management
Using public litigation records to identify priority science and data needs for the Bureau of Land Management
Developing a step-by-step process for assessing cumulative effects in the Bureau of Land Management
Prioritizing science efforts to inform decision making on public lands
Read more about the people we work with.