Applications for Permit to Drill (APD) In Accordance with Onshore Oil and Gas Order No.1, as Revised on March 7, 2007 (72 FR 10308)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov

May 1, 2007

In Reply Refer To:
6100 (170) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 05/11/2007
Instruction Memorandum No. 2007-116
Expires: 09/30/2008

To: All Washington Office and Field Office Officials

From: Director, National Landscape Conservation System

Subject: Implementation of the National Landscape Conservation System Science Strategy

Purpose: This memorandum provides guidance and establishes policy for science conducted within the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The NLCS conserves and manages Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands designated for their outstanding scientific values, including cultural, archaeological, biological, social, paleontological, and geologic resources. The NLCS Science Strategy provides a series of objectives and actions to achieve this charge.

Program Area: National Landscape Conservation System.

Policy: The attached NLCS Science Strategy is approved for implementation Bureauwide. The strategy outlines a series of objectives and actions to achieve the goals of (1) gaining scientific understanding of NLCS resources and landscapes and the benefits they provide the American public, and (2) applying this understanding to management, education, and outreach. Science is defined broadly, including basic and applied research in both the natural and social sciences, as well as inventory and monitoring.

The ultimate aim of the strategy is to encourage science within the NLCS, effect positive change in management, and promote communication about science and cooperative conservation throughout the BLM and with the public. The document will be distributed to State and Field Offices on CD and may also be accessed via the intranet at http://www.blm.gov/nlcs/

Timeframe: This policy is effective immediately.

Background: The NLCS comprises BLM-administered public lands that have received special recognition and protection through congressional and Presidential conservation designations. The NLCS Science Strategy responds to the legal mandate in the enabling legislation and proclamations to promote and foster both basic and applied science by providing guidance for the science program over the next 10 years. The NLCS Science Strategy is based on authorities in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Antiquities Act, Wilderness Act, National Trails System Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and enabling legislation and Presidential proclamations for individual units of the NLCS.

Natural resources and social issues within the NLCS are representative of those faced throughout BLM. Understanding gained from science and communication conducted on NLCS units can be applied to other public lands, allowing the NLCS to function as an outdoor laboratory for science and best management practices across the BLM.

Budget Impact: None.

Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None.

Coordination: This IM was coordinated with the NLCS Washington Office (WO-170/171), Renewable Resources and Planning (WO-200), BLM’s National Science and Technology Center, Division of Planning and Science Policy (WO-210), Division of Cultural, Paleontological Resources and Tribal Consultation (WO-240), and Division of Recreation and Visitor Services (WO-250), as well as Communications (WO-600) and Division of Public Affairs (WO-610).

Contact: Catherine Darst, Science Coordinator, National Conservation Areas and National Monuments, (202) 452-5174, or Jeff Jarvis, Division Chief, Wilderness, Rivers, and National Trails and Acting Division Chief, National Conservation Areas and National Monuments,
(202) 452-5189.

Signed by:
Authenticated by:
Elena C. Daly
Robert M. Williams
Director
Division of IRM Governance,WO-560
National Landscape Conservation System

1 Attachment
1 - NLCS Science Strategy (16 pp)