The public, organizations, and other agencies submitted comments orally at meetings or in writing by letter, email, or fax. Outside of the scoping meetings, written comments were provided by approximately 70 individuals, agencies, or organizations. An additional 2,900 form letters were submitted via email as of January 28, 2013. Additional comments and nominations for ACECs were received between July and early September 2014.

After analysis of scoping comments, the BLM identified the 13 preliminary planning issues. An issue is defined as a matter of controversy or dispute over resource management activities or land use and entails alternatives between which to decide. Usually, the causal relationship between the activity or use and undesirable results are well defined or can be documented, and the level of controversy is high enough to merit further analysis. Statement of planning issues orients the planning process so that interdisciplinary thought, analysis, and documentation is directed toward resolving the planning
issues during preparation of the RMP.

1.    Management of Access and Comprehensive Travel Management
2.    Climate Change
3.    Fish and Aquatic Species Habitat Management
4.    Invasive and Non-native Species
5.    Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Withdrawals
6.    Utility Corridor Withdrawal
7.    Management of Mining
8.    Management of Sand and Gravel
9.    Management of Recreation and Visitor Services
10.  Subsistence
11.   Management of Wildlife Habitat Management
12.   Water Quality, Wetlands, and Riparian Habitat Management
13.   Wilderness Characteristics

For a more complete discussion of issues and management concerns see the Scoping Report on the Documents & Reports Page.