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• 1. [Article] Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy

  This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy Author: Bureau of Land Management, Ellis, Steven A. , U.S. Forest Service This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. Additionally, for RMPs that include Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) habitat, this IM provides guidance for tracking and reporting on the implementation of decisions using the e-Planning tracking database. Title: Policy for Resource Management Plan Effectiveness Monitoring for Renewable Resources with Additional Guidance for Plans Implementing the Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Strategy Author: Bureau of Land Management, Ellis, Steven A. , U.S. Forest Service This Instruction Memorandum (Instruction Memorandum No. 2016-139) provides guidance on the use of terrestrial and aquatic objectives and quantitative data to determine Resource Management Plan effectiveness. Additionally, for RMPs that include Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) habitat, this IM provides guidance for tracking and reporting on the implementation of decisions using the e-Planning tracking database. Close

• 2. [Article] FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort

  Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Close

• 3. [Article] Implementation of Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Revisions or Amendments - Oil & Gas Leasing and Development Sequential Prioritization

  This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides guidance on prioritizing implementation decisions for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas leasing and development, to be consistent with the Approved Resource ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Implementation of Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Revisions or Amendments - Oil & Gas Leasing and Development Sequential Prioritization Author: Ellis, Steven A., Bureau of Land Management This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides guidance on prioritizing implementation decisions for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas leasing and development, to be consistent with the Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments for the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin GRSG Regions and nine Approved Resource Management Plans in the Rocky Mountain GRSG Region ( collectively referred to as the GRSG Plans). This IM applies to activities in the areas covered by both the Rocky Mountain (RM) and Great Basin (GB) Regions Records of Decision (RODs), issued by the BLM in September 2015.1 This IM also contains reporting requirements for communication between State Offices and the Washington Office. The objectives ofthis IM are: to ensure consistency across BLM offices when implementing the GRSG Plans decisions aimed at avoiding or limiting new surface disturbance in Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMAs ), including Sagebrush Focal Areas (SF As), and minimizing surface disturbance in General Habitat Management Areas (GHMAs); and to provide clarity to the BLM Field Offices on how to move forward with oil and gas leasing and development activities within designated GRSG habitats2• This IM provides guidance on how the BLM will exercise the Secretary of the Interior's discretion with regard to leasing activities in order to fulfill the conservation commitments in the GRSG Plans, to facilitate efforts to reduce the costs to project proponents and the BLM from the potentially extended time it may take for leasing and permitting within GRSG habitat, and to demonstrate that the GRSG Plans are being implemented consistently and transparently. BLM offices are encouraged to work collaboratively with relevant state and federal agencies as well as stakeholders to develop strategies and incentives to encourage and prioritize leasing and development outside of GRSG habitats. Title: Implementation of Greater Sage-Grouse Resource Management Plan Revisions or Amendments - Oil & Gas Leasing and Development Sequential Prioritization Author: Ellis, Steven A., Bureau of Land Management This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides guidance on prioritizing implementation decisions for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oil and gas leasing and development, to be consistent with the Approved Resource Management Plan Amendments for the Rocky Mountain and Great Basin GRSG Regions and nine Approved Resource Management Plans in the Rocky Mountain GRSG Region ( collectively referred to as the GRSG Plans). This IM applies to activities in the areas covered by both the Rocky Mountain (RM) and Great Basin (GB) Regions Records of Decision (RODs), issued by the BLM in September 2015.1 This IM also contains reporting requirements for communication between State Offices and the Washington Office. The objectives ofthis IM are: to ensure consistency across BLM offices when implementing the GRSG Plans decisions aimed at avoiding or limiting new surface disturbance in Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMAs ), including Sagebrush Focal Areas (SF As), and minimizing surface disturbance in General Habitat Management Areas (GHMAs); and to provide clarity to the BLM Field Offices on how to move forward with oil and gas leasing and development activities within designated GRSG habitats2• This IM provides guidance on how the BLM will exercise the Secretary of the Interior's discretion with regard to leasing activities in order to fulfill the conservation commitments in the GRSG Plans, to facilitate efforts to reduce the costs to project proponents and the BLM from the potentially extended time it may take for leasing and permitting within GRSG habitat, and to demonstrate that the GRSG Plans are being implemented consistently and transparently. BLM offices are encouraged to work collaboratively with relevant state and federal agencies as well as stakeholders to develop strategies and incentives to encourage and prioritize leasing and development outside of GRSG habitats. Close