The BLM developed allowable uses and management actions to achieve the goals and objectives defined for each resource.
Allowable uses identify uses that are allowed, restricted, or excluded on BLM-administered surface lands and federal mineral estate. Alternatives can include specific land use restrictions to meet goals and objectives and can exclude certain land uses (such as mineral leasing, locatable mineral development, recreation, forest management, utility corridors, and livestock grazing) to preserve resource values. For example, alternatives considered in this RMP and EIS prohibit surface disturbance (a controlled surface use [CSU] stipulation to prohibit surface-disturbing activities) during development of oil and gas leases within occupied greater sage-grouse leks and associated buffers. Allowable uses often contain a spatial component because the alternatives identify whether particular land uses are allowed, restricted, or excluded. Maps of the Planning Area illustrate these spatial components and define the geographical extent of the management actions.
Management actions are proactive measures (for example, measures the BLM will implement to enhance watershed function and condition), or limitations intended to guide BLM activities in the Planning Area. An example of this type of management action is to prohibit surface-disturbing activities near riparian/wetland areas to achieve proper functioning condition (PFC). The allowable distance (buffer) of surface-disturbing activities from riparian/wetland areas varies by alternative, whereas all alternatives include the action (in this case, limiting surface-disturbing activities near riparian/wetland areas).
For simplicity, the remainder of this chapter uses the term “management action” to include both allowable uses and management actions. Therefore, when text refers to management actions, it includes both categories. The alternatives include two types of management actions management actions common to all alternatives, which apply regardless of alternative, and management actions by alternative, which represent the choice(s) considered across alternatives. Management actions by alternative represent the range of land use management decisions considered. Management actions vary among the alternatives and represent a reasonable range of management options the BLM considered to meet the stated goals and objectives and purpose and need for the Bighorn Basin RMP Revision Project. RMPs are strategic in nature, and, while they provide an overarching vision for managing resources in the Planning Area, they also must be flexible enough to accommodate changing priorities, information, and circumstances.