In accordance with CEQ scoping guidance, the BLM provided opportunities for public involvement as an integral part of revising the RMP and preparing the EIS. CEQ scoping guidance defines scoping as the “process by which lead agencies solicit input from the public and interested agencies on the nature and extent of issues and impacts to be addressed and the methods by which they will be evaluated” (CEQ 1981). The scoping report, which summarizes public participation during scoping and issues identified during the scoping process, is available on the Bighorn Basin RMP website at http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Planning/rmps/bighorn.html.
The intent of the scoping process is to provide an opportunity for the public, tribes, other government agencies, and interest groups to learn about the project and provide input on the planning issues, impacts, and potential alternatives that will be addressed in the EIS, and the extent to which those issues will be analyzed. In general, public involvement during scoping assists the agency through the following:
Broadening the information base for decision-making
Broadening the information base for decision-making
Informing the public about the EIS and proposed RMP and the potential impacts associated with various management decisions
Ensuring public needs and viewpoints are brought to the attention of the agency
Determining the scope and the significant issues to be analyzed in depth in the EIS
Table 5.1. Public Involvement, Coordination, and Consultation Events
| Date | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| November 5, 2008 | Thermopolis, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| November 6, 2008 | Worland, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| November 7, 2008 | Greybull, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| November 12, 2008 | Cody, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| November 13, 2008 | Powell, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| November 14, 2008 | Lovell, Wyoming | Public Scoping Meeting |
| January 12, 2009 | Greybull, Wyoming | Travel Management and Recreation Assessment Meeting |
| January 13, 2009 | Lovell, Wyoming | Travel Management and Recreation Assessment Meeting |
| January 14, 2009 | Cody, Wyoming | Travel Management and Recreation Assessment Meeting |
| January 15, 2009 | Worland, Wyoming | Travel Management and Recreation Assessment Meeting |
| January 16, 2009 | Thermopolis, Wyoming | Travel Management and Recreation Assessment Meeting |
| March 25 – 27, 2009 | Cody, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Goals and Objectives |
| April 29 – May 1, 2009 | Worland, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Range of Alternatives |
| May 27 – 29, 2009 | Worland, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Range of Alternatives |
| June 24 – 26, 2009 | Cody, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Range of Alternatives |
| July 29 – 31, 2009 | Thermopolis, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Range of Alternatives |
| October 28, 2009 | Cody, Wyoming | Open House |
| February 17 – 19, 2010 | Cody, Wyoming | Cooperating Agency Workshop/Development of the Preferred Alternative |
| April 5, 2010 | Worland, Wyoming | Open House |