Effectiveness monitoring determines if the implementation of activities has achieved the desired future conditions (i.e., goals and objectives) set forth in the Approved RMP . Effectiveness monitoring asks the following question: “Was the specified activity successful in achieving the objective?” The answer requires knowledge of the objectives established in the Approved Plan, as well as indicators that can be measured. Indicators are established by technical specialists in order to address specific questions through the collection and analysis of appropriate data. Success is measured against the benchmark of achieving the objectives (desired future conditions) established by the Approved RMP , which may include regulated standards for resources such as endangered species, air, and water. The interval between these efforts will vary by resource and expected rate of change, but effectiveness monitoring progress will generally be reported to the field manager on an annual basis. These reports will include trends and conclusions, when appropriate, and be incorporated into the evaluation reports completed at 5-year intervals.

The BLM will monitor the Approved RMP to determine whether the objectives set forth in this document are being met and if applying the land use plan direction is effective. Monitoring is addressed in the Management Decisions section of the Approved RMP . If monitoring shows land use plan actions or best management practices are not effective, the BLM may modify or adjust management without amending or revising the plan as long as assumptions and impacts disclosed in the analysis remain valid and broad-scale goals and objectives are not changed (see the discussion entitled Maintaining the Plan in the Approved RMP ). Where the BLM considers taking or approving actions that will alter or not conform to overall direction of the plan, the BLM will prepare a plan amendment or revision and environmental analysis of appropriate scope (see the discussion entitled in the Approved RMP ).