Frequently Asked Questions
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Planning Process (return to top)
Key Messages
The completion of the Record of Decision for the Resource Management Plans for Western Oregon marks the end of a four year effort by the BLM to use new science, habitat designations, policies, and technology to protect natural resources and support local communities.
The BLM collaborated with the public, organizations, and government agencies to assemble a plan that will work for western Oregon.
Questions and Answers
Q. Where is the BLM in the planning process?
Q. What is a Record of Decision?
In the ROD, the agency discusses all factors, including any considerations of national policy, that were contemplated when it reached its decision on whether to, and if so how to, proceed with the proposed action. The ROD also discusses if all practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted, and if not, why they were not.
For the RMPs for Western Oregon, the BLM will be signing two RODs: one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by moist forest (the “Northern and Coastal Oregon RMP”) and one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by dry forest (the “Southwestern Oregon RMP”). This decision was made to better address the economic and ecologic differences between forest types in Oregon.
The RODs each contain a Rationale for the Decision, provide an ASQ Declaration, describe how the BLM will transition to the new plan, and outline direction for mitigation, plan monitoring, and evaluation. The BLM signed the RODs on August 5, 2016.
Q. Has the State of Oregon reviewed this plan?
Q. Have the federal agencies with regulatory responsibilities reviewed this plan?
Q. Why is the BLM doing this now?
Q. Where is the BLM in the planning process?
Q. What is a Record of Decision?
In the ROD, the agency discusses all factors, including any considerations of national policy, that were contemplated when it reached its decision on whether to, and if so how to, proceed with the proposed action. The ROD also discusses if all practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted, and if not, why they were not.
For the RMPs for Western Oregon, the BLM will be signing two RODs: one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by moist forest (the “Northern and Coastal Oregon RMP”) and one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by dry forest (the “Southwestern Oregon RMP”). This decision was made to better address the economic and ecologic differences between forest types in Oregon.
Q. Has the State of Oregon reviewed this plan?
Q. Have the federal agencies with regulatory responsibilities reviewed this plan?
Socio-Economics (return to top)
Key Messages
The Resource Management Plans (RMPs) offer predictable and sustainable outcomes for local communities by increasing job opportunities, tourism and recreation, and total timber harvest.
In the RMPs, the BLM will offer more timber for sale than has occurred in recent years, which will help support local communities and meet the purposes of the O&C Act.
The BLM in western Oregon plays an important role in the economic health of local communities, and undertook a robust socio-economic analysis to better understand its impact.
The BLM has provided answers to questions for several aspects of the RMPs for Western Oregon including: the planning process, plans' implementation and transition, socio-economics, ecological forestry, riparian strategy, climate change and carbon storage, ESA species, the Northwest Forest Plan, and recreation.
Key Messages
The RMPs increases recreation opportunities as compared to what management under the 1995 RMPs offered on BLM lands in western Oregon.
The RMPs protect the maximum number of lands with wilderness characteristics, along with six suitable Wild and Scenic River segments.
The BLM heard from more than 2,500 members of the public about recreation opportunities who contributed their ideas through interactive websites, design charrettes, and comments on the Draft RMP/EIS.
Questions and Answers
Q: How are trails and recreation sites outside of designated Recreation Management Areas addressed? Does every recreation site or trail need to be within a Recreation Management Area boundary?
Planning Process (return to top)
Key Messages
The Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for Western Oregon maintains strong protections for the northern spotted owl, listed fish species, and water resources, and offers predictable and sustainable outcomes for local communities by increasing job opportunities, tourism and recreation, and timber harvest.
♦ The BLM estimates that it will be able to provide 278 million board feet (mmbf) per year in total timber harvest once the plan is fully implemented. This is 75mmbf (37%) more than what the BLM is currently offering.
♦ Under the RMPs, 74% of the landscape will be in reserves to protect fish, water, wildlife, and other resource values. There is 11% more land in reserves in these RMPs than in the Northwest Forest Plan.
♦ In the Reserves, the BLM would protect stands of older, structurally complex forests, which have the highest value to northern spotted owl. These stands include virtually all older forests.
♦ Under the RMPs, 74% of the landscape will be in reserves to protect fish, water, wildlife, and other resource values. There is 11% more land in reserves in these RMPs than in the Northwest Forest Plan.
♦ In the Reserves, the BLM would protect stands of older, structurally complex forests, which have the highest value to northern spotted owl. These stands include virtually all older forests.
The completion of the Record of Decision for the Resource Management Plans for Western Oregon marks the end of a four year effort by the BLM to use new science, habitat designations, policies, and technology to protect natural resources and support local communities.
♦ The BLM received 46 Protests, and did not find a basis for changing decisions in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS as a result. The BLM Director’s Protest Resolution Report, which contains summary statements of the protest points raised and the BLM’s responses to the protest points, can be found online at: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/planning/planning_overview/protest_resolution/protestreports.html.
♦ All elements of the Resource Management Plans will be effective immediately. The implementation timeline for site-level projects will be decided at the District or Field Office level. Future projects are given a two year transition period.
♦ We encourage members of the public to get involved in the site-level planning processes for projects on Districts in their communities. For more information on local projects, please visit your local District’s website.
♦ All elements of the Resource Management Plans will be effective immediately. The implementation timeline for site-level projects will be decided at the District or Field Office level. Future projects are given a two year transition period.
♦ We encourage members of the public to get involved in the site-level planning processes for projects on Districts in their communities. For more information on local projects, please visit your local District’s website.
The BLM collaborated with the public, organizations, and government agencies to assemble a plan that will work for western Oregon.
♦ Throughout the course of the planning process, the BLM held 41 public meetings, workshops and forums in western Oregon and received more than 7,000 comments, 4,500 of which were sent in during the formal comment period in 2015.
♦ Developed in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), our Riparian Strategy would focus our protections so that they provide benefits to fish and water that are as good or better than the Northwest Forest Plan, and ensures that local communities can rely on a predictable and sustainable water supply.
♦ The BLM received “no jeopardy” opinions from both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service during the ESA consultation process, which means that fish, water, and wildlife are adequately protected under this plan.
♦ Developed in collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), our Riparian Strategy would focus our protections so that they provide benefits to fish and water that are as good or better than the Northwest Forest Plan, and ensures that local communities can rely on a predictable and sustainable water supply.
♦ The BLM received “no jeopardy” opinions from both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service during the ESA consultation process, which means that fish, water, and wildlife are adequately protected under this plan.
Questions and Answers
Q. Why is the BLM doing this now?
A. The RODs and RMPs for the 6 western Oregon BLM districts were last approved in 1995. In 2011, The BLM conducted plan evaluations of the 1995 RMPs, and concluded that a plan revision was needed to address needed changes to timber and wildlife programs, and minor changes to most other programs. There is new scientific information and policy regarding the northern spotted owl and other endangered species, including new listings, recovery plans, and designations of critical habitat. The 1995 RMPs have become less and less useful as a guide for management actions due to many new BLM policies, laws, and other new information for most programs including invasive species management, biomass, energy and minerals, recreation, and off-highway vehicle management.
Q. Where is the BLM in the planning process?
A. The BLM has been working on the Resource Management Plans for Western Oregon since 2012. During that time, the BLM held 41 public meetings, workshops and forums in western Oregon and received more than 7,000 comments, 4,500 of which were sent in during the formal comment period in 2015. The agency has completed: Planning Criteria, ESA Consultation Agreement, Analysis of the Management Situation, Purpose and Need, Scoping Report, Draft RMP/EIS(April 2015), Proposed RMP/Final EIS, Protest Period, and signing of the Records of Decision. The BLM is now finished with the planning process, and will start transitioning to the new plan.
Q. What is a Record of Decision?
A. A Record of Decision (ROD) is the final step of the NEPA process. The ROD is a document that states:
♦ What the decision is
♦ Identifies the alternatives considered, including the environmentally preferred alternative;
♦ Discusses mitigation plans, including any enforcement and monitoring commitments.
♦ Identifies the alternatives considered, including the environmentally preferred alternative;
♦ Discusses mitigation plans, including any enforcement and monitoring commitments.
In the ROD, the agency discusses all factors, including any considerations of national policy, that were contemplated when it reached its decision on whether to, and if so how to, proceed with the proposed action. The ROD also discusses if all practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted, and if not, why they were not.
For the RMPs for Western Oregon, the BLM will be signing two RODs: one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by moist forest (the “Northern and Coastal Oregon RMP”) and one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by dry forest (the “Southwestern Oregon RMP”). This decision was made to better address the economic and ecologic differences between forest types in Oregon.
The RODs each contain a Rationale for the Decision, provide an ASQ Declaration, describe how the BLM will transition to the new plan, and outline direction for mitigation, plan monitoring, and evaluation. The BLM signed the RODs on August 5, 2016.
Q. Has the State of Oregon reviewed this plan?
A. Yes. The State of Oregon recently completed a Governor’s Consistency Review, which is a formal part of the planning process. The Governor’s Consistency Review is found no inconsistencies with State laws regulations and policies, and is generally supportive of the BLM plan.
Q. Have the federal agencies with regulatory responsibilities reviewed this plan?
A. Yes. The BLM received “no jeopardy” opinions from both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service during the ESA consultation process, which means that fish, water, and wildlife are adequately protected under this plan. This plan was developed in collaboration with our partner agencies to ensure that the BLM was meeting its legal requirements.
Q. Why is the BLM doing this now?
A. The RODs and RMPs for the 6 western Oregon BLM districts were last approved in 1995. In 2011, The BLM conducted plan evaluations of the 1995 RMPs, and concluded that a plan revision was needed to address needed changes to timber and wildlife programs, and minor changes to most other programs. There is new scientific information and policy regarding the northern spotted owl and other endangered species, including new listings, recovery plans, and designations of critical habitat. The 1995 RMPs have become less and less useful as a guide for management actions due to many new BLM policies, laws, and other new information for most programs including invasive species management, biomass, energy and minerals, recreation, and off-highway vehicle management.
Q. Where is the BLM in the planning process?
A. The BLM has been working on the Resource Management Plans for Western Oregon since 2012. During that time, the BLM held 41 public meetings, workshops and forums in western Oregon and received more than 7,000 comments, 4,500 of which were sent in during the formal comment period in 2015. The agency has completed: Planning Criteria, ESA Consultation Agreement, Analysis of the Management Situation, Purpose and Need, Scoping Report, Draft RMP/EIS, Proposed RMP/Final EIS, Protest Period, and signing of the Records of Decision. The BLM is now finished with the planning process, and will start transitioning to the new plan.
Q. What is a Record of Decision?
A. A Record of Decision (ROD) is the final step of the NEPA process. The ROD is a document that states:
♦ What the decision is
♦ Identifies the alternatives considered, including the environmentally preferred alternative;
♦ Discusses mitigation plans, including any enforcement and monitoring commitments.
♦ Identifies the alternatives considered, including the environmentally preferred alternative;
♦ Discusses mitigation plans, including any enforcement and monitoring commitments.
In the ROD, the agency discusses all factors, including any considerations of national policy, that were contemplated when it reached its decision on whether to, and if so how to, proceed with the proposed action. The ROD also discusses if all practical means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted, and if not, why they were not.
For the RMPs for Western Oregon, the BLM will be signing two RODs: one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by moist forest (the “Northern and Coastal Oregon RMP”) and one that focuses on the portion of the planning area predominately characterized by dry forest (the “Southwestern Oregon RMP”). This decision was made to better address the economic and ecologic differences between forest types in Oregon.
The RODs each contain a Rationale for the Decision, provide an ASQ Declaration, describe how the BLM will transition to the new plan, and outline direction for mitigation, plan monitoring, and evaluation. The BLM signed the RODs on August 5, 2016.
Q. Has the State of Oregon reviewed this plan?
A. Yes. The State of Oregon recently completed a Governor’s Consistency Review, which is a formal part of the planning process. The Governor’s Consistency Review is found no inconsistencies with State laws regulations and policies, and is generally supportive of the BLM plan.
Q. Have the federal agencies with regulatory responsibilities reviewed this plan?
A. Yes. The BLM received “no jeopardy” opinions from both the Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service during the ESA consultation process, which means that fish, water, and wildlife are adequately protected under this plan. This plan was developed in collaboration with our partner agencies to ensure that the BLM was meeting its legal requirements.
Socio-Economics (return to top)
Key Messages
The Resource Management Plans (RMPs) offer predictable and sustainable outcomes for local communities by increasing job opportunities, tourism and recreation, and total timber harvest.
♦ Under the RMPs, the estimated annual harvest value would increase to $51 million (from value of $23 million in 2012).
♦ Under the RMPs, the estimated value of recreation in 2023 would increase to $271 million (from $223 million in 2012).
♦ Under the RMPs, the estimated contributions to jobs would increase to 8,500 jobs (from 7,900 jobs in 2012).
♦ Under the RMPs, the estimated value of recreation in 2023 would increase to $271 million (from $223 million in 2012).
♦ Under the RMPs, the estimated contributions to jobs would increase to 8,500 jobs (from 7,900 jobs in 2012).
In the RMPs, the BLM will offer more timber for sale than has occurred in recent years, which will help support local communities and meet the purposes of the O&C Act.
♦ The BLM estimates that it will be able to provide 278 million board feet (mmbf) per year in total timber harvest once the plan is fully implemented, with 205mmbf from the Harvest Land Base (Allowable Sale Quantity - ASQ), and an additional 73mmbf from other land use allocations (non-ASQ). This is more timber harvest than the BLM has offered in recent years.
♦ The additional 73mmbf in timber will primarily come from the Reserves, where the BLM will conduct timber harvest to help meet management objectives such as increasing fire resiliency, developing habitat for northern spotted owl, or protecting listed fish and water.
♦ In the Reserves, the BLM will protect stands of older, structurally complex forests, which have the highest value to northern spotted owl. These stands include virtually all older forests.
♦ The BLM will harvest timber using the principles of ecological forestry, which incorporates principles of natural forest development, including the role of natural disturbances, in the initiation, development, and maintenance of stands and landscape mosaics.
♦ The BLM will be determining and declaring a sustained yield capacity in the Record of Decision, which meets the requirements of the O&C Act. The Act requires the agency to harvest, “… not less than one-half billion feet board measure, OR not less than the annual sustained yield capacity when the same has been determined and declared …”(emphasis added).
♦ The additional 73mmbf in timber will primarily come from the Reserves, where the BLM will conduct timber harvest to help meet management objectives such as increasing fire resiliency, developing habitat for northern spotted owl, or protecting listed fish and water.
♦ In the Reserves, the BLM will protect stands of older, structurally complex forests, which have the highest value to northern spotted owl. These stands include virtually all older forests.
♦ The BLM will harvest timber using the principles of ecological forestry, which incorporates principles of natural forest development, including the role of natural disturbances, in the initiation, development, and maintenance of stands and landscape mosaics.
♦ The BLM will be determining and declaring a sustained yield capacity in the Record of Decision, which meets the requirements of the O&C Act. The Act requires the agency to harvest, “… not less than one-half billion feet board measure, OR not less than the annual sustained yield capacity when the same has been determined and declared …”(emphasis added).
The BLM in western Oregon plays an important role in the economic health of local communities, and undertook a robust socio-economic analysis to better understand its impact.
♦ BLM management—including timber harvest, development of recreation opportunities, protecting clean water and wildlife, and working with our tribal partners and sister agencies—has a direct impact on Oregonians.
♦ The BLM can only be part of the solution in supporting services in western Oregon. We’re working closely with our state and federal partners to make sure that we share similar goals and principles.
♦ The socio-economic analysis included:
⇒ The economic impacts of various timber harvest volumes and methods for local communities over the next ten decades;
⇒ The economic contributions of other goods and services, including special forest products, energy, grazing, and minerals;
⇒ The economic impacts of non-market goods and services, including recreation and carbon storage;
⇒ Community capacity and resiliency;
⇒ Payments to counties;
⇒ Costs to the BLM.
♦ The BLM can only be part of the solution in supporting services in western Oregon. We’re working closely with our state and federal partners to make sure that we share similar goals and principles.
♦ The socio-economic analysis included:
⇒ The economic impacts of various timber harvest volumes and methods for local communities over the next ten decades;
⇒ The economic contributions of other goods and services, including special forest products, energy, grazing, and minerals;
⇒ The economic impacts of non-market goods and services, including recreation and carbon storage;
⇒ Community capacity and resiliency;
⇒ Payments to counties;
⇒ Costs to the BLM.
The BLM has provided answers to questions for several aspects of the RMPs for Western Oregon including: the planning process, plans' implementation and transition, socio-economics, ecological forestry, riparian strategy, climate change and carbon storage, ESA species, the Northwest Forest Plan, and recreation.
Key Messages
The RMPs increases recreation opportunities as compared to what management under the 1995 RMPs offered on BLM lands in western Oregon.
♦ 20 percent of the planning area is designated as a Recreation Management Areas (RMAs), which is approximately 491,000 acres.
♦ The BLM focused on providing close-to-home recreation access based on 30 and 60 minute travel distances from the 12 most populated communities in the planning area.
♦ The BLM identified new potential recreation opportunities through a collaborative effort with members of the public, who contributed their ideas through interactive websites, design charrettes, and comments on the plan.
♦ The BLM focused on providing close-to-home recreation access based on 30 and 60 minute travel distances from the 12 most populated communities in the planning area.
♦ The BLM identified new potential recreation opportunities through a collaborative effort with members of the public, who contributed their ideas through interactive websites, design charrettes, and comments on the plan.
The RMPs protect the maximum number of lands with wilderness characteristics, along with six suitable Wild and Scenic River segments.
♦ The BLM will be protecting the maximum number of Lands with Wilderness Characteristics allowed under current authorities, which is approximately 79,000 acres.
♦ 87% of lands that possess wilderness characteristics are be protected under the RMPs.
♦ Under the RMPs, the BLM will protect the additional 6 river segments that were found suitable in the BLM’s Wild and Scenic River Suitability Determination study.
♦ 87% of lands that possess wilderness characteristics are be protected under the RMPs.
♦ Under the RMPs, the BLM will protect the additional 6 river segments that were found suitable in the BLM’s Wild and Scenic River Suitability Determination study.
The BLM heard from more than 2,500 members of the public about recreation opportunities who contributed their ideas through interactive websites, design charrettes, and comments on the Draft RMP/EIS.
♦ The BLM brought members of the public in early to the planning process, and held a total of eight public meetings (four design charrettes, and four recreation workshops during the Draft RMP/EIS comment period). These meetings were specifically designed to give members of the public an opportunity to help shape the future of recreation on BLM lands in western Oregon. Public input during the planning process was a vital source of information in designing recreation opportunities.
♦ The BLM analysis shows that demand for recreation opportunities is increasing. The RMPs respond to that increasing demand by providing more recreation opportunities, especially in areas near growing communities.
♦ There were 5.4 million recreation visits in western Oregon BLM lands in 2013. The public continues to demand a diverse range of recreational opportunities in a variety of natural resource settings.
♦ The BLM analysis shows that demand for recreation opportunities is increasing. The RMPs respond to that increasing demand by providing more recreation opportunities, especially in areas near growing communities.
♦ There were 5.4 million recreation visits in western Oregon BLM lands in 2013. The public continues to demand a diverse range of recreational opportunities in a variety of natural resource settings.
Questions and Answers
Q: How are trails and recreation sites outside of designated Recreation Management Areas addressed? Does every recreation site or trail need to be within a Recreation Management Area boundary?
A: There is no requirement to designate all existing recreation sites and/or trail systems as a Recreation Management Area. For any existing areas (rec sites/trails) that were not designated as an RMA in the approved RMPs, the BLM completed an effects analysis and recognized that the BLM would not continue management of recreational resources to manage for or emphasize recreation uses, settings, or opportunities within this area. The BLM will not take management actions in these areas to produce quality recreation opportunities or beneficial outcomes for recreation participants, and recreation and visitor services objectives are not recognized as a resource management consideration. Over time, recreational opportunities and values at these sites would diminish from lack of active management for maintenance and repair; some sites or facilities would likely be decommissioned to prevent natural resource damage or vandalism.
Q: How will recreation be managed so that recreation sites and trails, especially those in close proximity to communities, are maintained and improved so that user conflicts are reduced, natural and cultural resources are protected, a variety of recreational opportunities are provided, and so that socioeconomic benefits are maximized?
A: New planning guidance requires the BLM to manage for structured outcomes within areas identified for priority recreation management called Recreation Management Areas. As part of the planning process, the RMPs for Western Oregon reviewed existing and proposed future recreation areas and created updated Recreation Management Area designations. In Recreation Management Areas, the BLM has developed management framework to identify management needs for desired uses and opportunities, to reduce user conflicts, and to protect natural and recreational resources. The BLM will work cooperatively with local communities, user groups, and partners to manage recreation resources across BLM lands.
Q: What recreation decisions will the BLM be making as part of the western Oregon RMPs?
A: The required land use plan decisions for recreation and visitor services are:
♦ Establishment of Outcome Focused Recreation Objectives:
♦ Establishment of Outcome Focused Recreation Objectives:
⇒ Outcomes Focused Management: OFM is defined as; an approach to recreation management which focuses on the positive outcomes of engaging in recreational experiences and are categorized as; individual, social, economic and environmental. This includes establishment of allowable recreation activities for each area.
♦ Designation of Recreation Management Areas:
⇒ The RMA is designated as either a special recreation management area (SRMA) or an extensive recreation management area (ERMA). SRMAs recognize unique and distinctive recreation values and are managed to enhance a targeted set of activities, experiences, benefits and recreation setting characteristics, which becomes the primary management focus. SRMA may be subdivided into recreation management zones (RMZ). ERMAs recognize existing recreation use, demand, or R&VS program investments and are managed to sustain principal recreation activities and associated qualities and conditions, commensurate with other resource and resource uses.
Q: How is the BLM dealing with motorized recreation and public access issues during this planning effort?
A: While the decisions about which specific motorized routes should be open or closed won’t be made until after the completion of this RMP effort, during this effort the BLM will be making decisions about how public motorized access will generally be managed in different parts of the planning area. In the RMPs, areas are designated as closed to public motorized access, or limited to public motorized access, which means some form of limitation (e.g., limited to existing routes, limited seasonally) would apply.