[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 10 (Thursday, January 15, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 2411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1034]



[[Page 2411]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[WO-100-08-1820-00]


Use of Science for Improving Management of Public Lands and 
Resources

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Announcement of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will conduct a public 
meeting on the use of science for improving the management of the 
Nation's public lands and resources. The public meeting will focus on 
science in support of rangeland ecosystem management. The purposes of 
the public meeting are to discuss BLM's current use of available 
scientific knowledge and information and to obtain public views on 
current and future research needs and on desirable science initiatives. 
The public meeting is part of an ongoing effort to base decisions 
concerning the conservation and use of our public lands and resources 
on the best available science.

DATES: BLM will hold the public meeting on January 26, 1998, from 9:00 
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time.
    Submit written comments no later than close of business January 30, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: BLM will hold the public meeting in Room 7000-B of the 
Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC.
    Send written comments to Bureau of Land Management, WO-100, 1849 C 
Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section 
for electronic access and filing address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Van Haveren, (303) 236-0161, or 
John Haugh, (202) 452-5071. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service at 1-800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, 
Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Meeting

    In an effort to ensure that BLM bases its resource management 
decisions on the best available science, BLM is conducting a public 
meeting on the use of science for improving the management of America's 
public lands and resources. BLM believes that a public meeting will 
facilitate the interactive exchange of ideas among the attending 
interested parties and BLM. The public meeting is not intended to seek 
or obtain a consensus on any particular issue. BLM expects the parties 
to include representatives of Federal, State, and local government 
agencies; universities; private research entities; and interested 
individuals.
    The specific purposes of the public meeting are to--
     Discuss BLM's current use of available scientific 
knowledge and information, that is, what information is BLM currently 
applying and how does it enter into decision-making processes;
     Discuss current and future research needs, including 
whether ongoing research activities should be adjusted to meet changing 
needs and how to anticipate future research needs; and
     Discuss the need for additional science initiatives.
    The public meeting will be conducted as follows: A BLM 
representative will give a 15-minute summary that describes current and 
planned research activities. After the summary, the BLM representative 
will lead an interactive discussion. If time remains, participants will 
have an opportunity to make closing remarks. BLM will make a transcript 
of the public meeting and will make the transcript available to 
interested parties who contact one of the individuals listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

II. Public Comment Procedures

    Participation in the public meeting is not a prerequisite for 
submittal of written comments. BLM invites written comments from all 
interested parties. Your written comments should be specific and 
explain the reason for any recommendation. BLM appreciates any and all 
comments, but those most useful and likely to influence decisions on 
BLM's use of science are those that are either supported by 
quantitative information or studies or those that include citations to 
and analyses of applicable laws and regulations. Except for comments 
provided in electronic format, commenters should submit two copies of 
their written comments, where practicable. BLM will not necessarily 
consider comments received after the time indicated under the DATES 
section or at locations other than that listed in the ADDRESSES 
section.
    In the event there is a request under the Freedom of Information 
Act (FOIA) for a copy of your comments, we intend to make them 
available in their entirety, including your name and address (or your 
e-mail address if you file electronically). However, if you do not want 
us to release your name and address (or e-mail address) in response to 
a FOIA request, you must state this prominently at the beginning of 
your comment. We will honor your wish to the extent allowed by law. All 
submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals 
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations 
or businesses, will be released in their entirety, including names and 
addresses (or e-mail addresses).
    Electronic Access and Filing Address: Commenters may transmit 
comments electronically via the Internet to: [email protected]. Please 
submit comments as an ASCII file and avoid the use of special 
characters or encryption. Please include the identifier ``Science'' in 
the subject of your message and your name and address in the body of 
your message.

    Dated: January 9, 1998.
Tom Fry,
Acting Director, Bureau of Land Management.
[FR Doc. 98-1034 Filed 1-14-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P