Background photo front cover: Lake Fork of the Gunnison River at trailhead to Sloans Lake in American Basin, CO.
September 2, 2008
Available from:

Bureau of Land Management Printed Materials Services

P.O. Box 25047

Denver, Colorado 80225-0047

P-427

BLM/RS/PL-00/001+1700
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy iii

Contents

Foreword ............................................................................................................................iv

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. v

Introduction........................................................................................................................1

The Role of Science in the Bureau of Land Management.....................................................3

Identifying the Bureau of Land Management’s Science Needs..............................................7

Communicating Science Needs and Sharing Results..........................................................10

Science Opportunities on the Public Lands ........................................................................12

Implementation Concepts.................................................................................................14

Appendix. Identifying and Communicating the 

Bureau of Land Management’s Science Needs...................................................................15
iv Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Foreword

Effectively managing our Nation’s public lands requires the acquisition and application of 

accurate scientific information. This is increasingly important as we become more aware 

of the influences of human activities on the functioning of the natural systems that the 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been entrusted with managing in the interest of 

the American public. This and other guidance require and enable the Bureau to respond 

to changing ecological conditions, to provide a wide variety of products and services, and 

to maintain the health of the public lands. In this era of rapidly expanding knowledge and 

methodologies of predicting future environmental changes, it is critical to keep up with the 

state of knowledge in resource management. By making use of the most up-to-date and 

accurate science and technology and working with scientific and technical experts of other 

organizations, we will be able to do the best job of managing the land for its environmental, 

scientific, social, and economic benefits. Our success in managing the public lands will 

ultimately be judged by the health and productivity of the public lands, the stewardship of 

their unique resources, and by the products and services received by the public who use 

them. We in the BLM are committed to using science to the maximum extent practicable 

and believe the process identified in this document will help us accomplish that goal.

James Caswell

Director, Bureau of Land Management

September 2, 2008
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy v

Executive Summary

This strategy is an update of a document prepared in 2000 to assist in the application of 

science to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) natural resource management programs 

nationwide. It outlines a process for obtaining and using the most relevant, up-to-date 

science available. 

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) Sec. 307 [43 U.S.C. 1737] 

(a) states, “The Secretary may conduct investigations, studies, and experiments, on his own 

initiative or in cooperation with others involving the management, protection, development, 

acquisition, and conveying of the public lands.” Moreover, in Sec. 202 [43 U.S.C. 1712] (c)

(2), the BLM is instructed, in its Land Use Planning, to “use a systematic interdisciplinary 

approach to achieve integrated consideration of physical, biological, economic, and other 

sciences.” The National Environmental Policy Act also mandates a systematic, interdisciplinary 

approach to ensure an integrated use of natural and social sciences in planning and decision 

making. The Department of the Interior (DOI) Strategic Plan points out that we “have never 

had a greater need for accurate and timely science-based information than today,” and that 

“science lies at the foundation of our programs.”

This strategy discusses methods of identification of science needs from field office-specific 

to the use of the DOI’s Strategic Plan, and the prioritization of research and linkage to the 

budget process by the Science Committee. Science needs are addressed by Bureau field 

personnel and senior subject matter experts, as well as external research providers. The 

State science coordinators and the National Operations Center Division of Resource Services 

have roles in tracking funded research through to completion, including the synthesis of 

information and assurance that science information is integrated into program guidance 

and procedures. Although inventory, monitoring, and assessment applications are critical 

science activities that must be a part of any overall science program and will be part of the 

responsibility of the Science Committee, they are not addressed specifically in this strategy, as 

they are being developed through a separate effort. 

Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 1

Introduction

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Science Strategy sets forth an overall approach to 

science with four primary objectives:

•	 delineate the central role of science in BLM decision making and public land management;

•	 establish a clear process for identifying science needs and priorities and ensure that those

needs are reflected in the Bureau’s budget and planning processes;

•	 provide a mechanism for communicating the Bureau’s science needs, sharing its science

and results, and highlighting its science opportunities on the BLM-managed public lands;

and

•	 ensure that the scientific information applied by the BLM in its management programs

is current and meets the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) requirements for quality, 

objectivity, utility, and integrity.

In addition to the efforts conducted by Bureau personnel, the Bureau seeks science 

information and support each year from external science providers both within and outside 

the Federal government. The Bureau also receives many requests from external science 

providers to communicate its science needs. Historically, the BLM has communicated these 

needs through individual programs rather than a single, coordinated Bureau-wide response.

The preparation of a BLM Science Strategy was proposed by the BLM Science Coordination 

Committee in Fiscal Year (FY) 1999. Committee members recognized the Bureau’s need for a 

unified, comprehensive science strategy that would enable the Bureau to proactively identify, 

prioritize, and communicate its short-term and long-term science needs. The Committee 

reported its findings to the BLM’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which subsequently 

approved preparation of a strategy document. The Strategy was signed by Director Fry and 

issued September 26, 2000. Recently, under the Managing for Excellence initiative, the ELT 

reaffirmed the importance of a Science Strategy. 

Although science is central to the BLM resource management programs, this strategy clearly 

acknowledges that social and economic values, political factors, and statutory and regulatory 

requirements must be considered, along with scientific information, as the BLM managers 

make resource management decisions.

This updated strategy calls for the identification and prioritization of national and regional 

science needs. Identification of these science needs will begin with issues identified in the 

Department’s long-range Strategic Plan. Input from the State and Field Offices through the 

Executive Leadership Team, the Science Committee, field managers, and resource specialists 
2 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

will also play a key role. The early identification of 

the Bureau’s science needs will allow those needs to 

be addressed in the Bureau’s planning and budgeting 

activities.

The BLM’s prioritization of science needs by the 

Science Committee is to be the primary tool for 

communicating the Bureau’s needs and for ensuring 

that it acquires scientific information that is relevant, 

focused, and timely. Annual revisions and updates 

are scheduled to provide adequate lead time for 

the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau’s other 

research providers to use the information in their own 

planning and budgeting processes for those needs 

that are to be met through outside sources. 

“Science” within the Bureau is often mistakenly 

thought of only as research. Science may be in 

the form of data, synthesis or interpretation of 

data, resource inventories, assessments, resource 

monitoring, research reports and articles in credible 

publications, or research results from Bureau projects 

or research providers. The BLM’s definition of science 

encompasses social sciences as well as the earth 

(physical) sciences and biological sciences. 

This strategy consists of five sections. The first 

discusses the role of science in the BLM; statutory

and regulatory mandates are outlined, and the 

complex factors and interactions involved in decision 

making are described. The second section sets 

forth a process for identifying the BLM’s science 

needs. The third section discusses how the BLM can 

communicate its science needs to science providers 

and share scientific research or study results both 

internally and externally. The fourth section describes 

the many opportunities for scientific activities on the 

BLM’s more than 255 million surface acres of public 

lands, and the fifth section suggests an approach for 

implementing this strategy. The Science Strategy will 

be augmented by an implementation plan that will 

describe procedures for putting the approved strategy 

into action.
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 3

The Role of Science in the 

Bureau of Land Management

Science plays an important role in BLM resource planning and management decision making 

of both surface and subsurface resources. The BLM managers use science, as well as other 

information and considerations, in a management process that allows decisions to better fit 

on-the-ground conditions, current social and political scenarios, and available management 

options. 

Science is defined in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary as “the observation, 

identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural 

phenomena.” Science should represent an objective, unbiased investigation into a subject. 

The collection and analysis of scientific data can be used to evaluate alternative hypotheses 

about the causes or consequences of observed conditions. As part of the scientific process, 

scientists obtain, analyze, and interpret information that, in turn, can be used to understand 

the potential consequences of management decisions. Further, scientific evaluation can 

determine if the management practices implemented were successful in moving toward or 

achieving the desired objective.

Statutory and Regulatory Requirements

Science provides the information that the BLM needs to meet various legislative and 

regulatory requirements. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) states that 

“...a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of the natural 

and social sciences” shall, to the fullest extent possible, be utilized in planning and decision 

making that may have an impact on man’s environment (Sec.102(a)). The Federal Land 

Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) often refers to science and implies the need 

for scientific data to adequately implement the intent of the statute. FLPMA states that 

“...a systematic interdisciplinary approach to achieve integrated consideration of physical, 

biological, economic, and other sciences...” shall be used in developing and revising land 

use plans (Sec.202(c)(2)). Each of these mandates implies the use of credible information 

and a scientific basis for making judgments, comparisons, and analyses. FLPMA also states 

that “...investigations, studies, and experiment...in cooperation with others, involving the 

management, protection, development, acquisition, and conveying of the public lands may 

be conducted (Sec. 307(a)).” The Data Quality Act of 2001 (Sec. 515, P.L. 106-554) requires 

Federal agencies to ensure and maximize “the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of 

information (including statistical information) disseminated.” The DOI Strategic Plan for 

2007 to 2012 states that science is the foundation for the Department’s four mission areas of 

resource protection, resource use, recreation, and serving communities.
4 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

The Context for Science in 

Land Management Decision Making

Biological, physical, economic, and social science 

information is needed by the BLM to support its 

compliance with statutory mandates and regulatory 

requirements and to enable the BLM to implement 

sound management actions. Although science needs 

are often determined by specific issues and existing 

circumstances, science should also be used proactively 

to help identify future BLM management goals and 

needs for surface and subsurface resources. 

Science is useful for evaluating alternatives and 

estimating outcomes. However, it is not the sole 

factor in making decisions because the state of 

natural resource science is often insufficient to give 

definitive cause-and-effect predictions. Unknowns 

and uncertainties will frequently be associated with 

predictions of decision outcomes. Science may 

reduce—but can seldom completely eliminate—the 

uncertainty regarding future events. However, 

the use of the best-available science—along with 

a consideration of political, social, and economic 

information—will result in the best-informed 

decisions. Specifically, science can do the following:

•	 Provide basic information for management decision

making

•	 Help identify management goals and needs, and

determine if they are being met

•	 Identify and evaluate alternatives and estimate

outcomes

•	 Reduce uncertainty about events and the

consequences of management actions

However, science cannot be relied on to:

•	 Eliminate uncertainties altogether

•	 Give definite cause-and-effect predictions

•	 Tell managers what they ought to do

Time and Scale Considerations

This Science Strategy provides the Bureau with the 

opportunity to address immediate science needs at 

the practical level, as well as to proactively develop 

scientific information at the strategic level. If the 

time for decision making is short (less than 1 year), an 

approach may need to be taken that relies on readily 

available science. As the time is lengthened, the 

ability to acquire more detailed scientific information 

increases. Lead times of 2 to 5 years or longer may 

be necessary for planning and conducting research, 

acquiring data, or performing inventories. 

This strategy also provides a means of addressing 

science needs at different spatial scales. The type 

of information needed at the national scale is far 

different from that needed at the regional or local 

level. National issues normally require information 

that is general and possibly a synthesis of more 

detailed information from many sources. Regional 

and local issues, on the other hand, normally require 

more site-specific information and more detailed 

biological, physical, social, and political input. 
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 5

Figure 1. Mission statement, goals, and program activities of the Bureau.
6 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Figure 2. Science and decision making in BLM
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 7

Identifying the Bureau of Land 

Management’s Science Needs

The BLM’s national-level science needs, both proactive and reactive, will be identified through 

a sequential, issue-driven process that begins with the Department’s Strategic Plan objectives 

and the Bureau’s Operations Plan, which is nationwide in scope and identifies end outcome 

performance measures that support the Departmental objectives to the regional and local 

levels (Appendix). National resource management issues will first be derived from overall 

strategic mission goals in the Plan, and then expressed in a Bureau context. For example, the 

national management issue of Resource Protection will be focused on specific issues such 

Figure 3. BLM’s Science Process. 
8 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

as invasive weeds, which will be further focused 

on the invasive weed species that are specific to 

each region. Issues will be identified and included 

from all levels of the Bureau through a continuous 

process in which information flows freely—that is, 

both “top down” and “bottom up”—between the 

Headquarters, the National Operations Center, and 

State and Field Offices. Coordination must also be 

ensured between identification of the general science 

needs of the Bureau and those of focused programs 

that have been established to address specific 

requirements, such as the Joint Fire Science Program 

and the Southern Nevada Agency Partnership science 

program. The State science coordinators and science 

coordinators of the focused programs, working as an 

advisory group to the Science Committee, will assist in 

aggregating and eliminating duplication in proposals 

for submission to the Committee for consideration for 

approval. The science needs will then be reviewed by 

the Committee, and those proposals within identified 

priorities and funding capability will be approved.

Priorities for general science needs, which can include 

resource inventories, various spatial and nonspatial 

data sets, and resource monitoring studies, will also 

be set by the Science Committee. Most of these 

needs will be accomplished by Bureau staff; however,

in some instances, the BLM will look to other providers, particularly where the necessary information is 

already available.

In some instances, a local or regional issue may be 

significant enough to be elevated to the national level, 

even though it might not be specifically referred to in 

the BLM’s Operations Plan. Such issues will be identified as national-level concerns. As the BLM’s research 

needs are compiled by the State science coordinators, 

they will be identified as national, regional, or local 

research needs. The Science Committee will communicate the Bureau’s resource management research 

needs internally and to national research providers. 

More detailed information on identifying the BLM’s 

science needs is presented in the Appendix.

Biogeophysical Regions

Biogeophysical regions will be used to identify 

management issues and science needs, as well 

as support regional analysis for the BLM resource 

management and restoration and mitigation 

initiatives and other efforts. Biogeographic regions 

are not meant to be rigid or inviolate, nor must 

they be delineated to incorporate all resource values 

within a given region. They are simply a means of 

identifying and grouping management issues and 

science needs in a way that is understandable and 

logical and that allows the BLM to address issues 

and needs in an appropriate way. These regions 

also provide a geographical context for framing 

management issues and a means of grouping 

science needs and conducting resource evaluations 

and comparisons over time. This will be helpful 

in identifying partners, research providers, and 

interested parties for current issues. 
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 9

Figure 4. Ecological regions as an example for organizing science issues and needs.
10 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Communicating Science Needs and 

Sharing Results

Although the majority of the BLM’s science needs are accomplished by the Bureau’s resource 

staffs, communication and feedback are key requirements in the Bureau’s efforts to identify and 

prioritize the BLM’s science needs and to ensure that science results and information are applied 

to land management activities and decisions. The Bureau needs to communicate two specific 

types of information:

•	 Management issues and science needs to decision makers and potential science providers,

both internal and external

•	 Science results and information to all internal and external audiences that could benefit from

this information

Communicating the BLM’s Science 

Information Needs

The Bureau’s science information needs must be communicated both proactively and in 

response to specific data calls and other requests for information. The U.S. Geological Survey 

is the designated research agency in the Department of the Interior, so it is a primary partner in 

addressing the BLM’s science information needs. Other significant research providers include 

the U.S. Forest Service and the Agricultural Research Service, the National Science Foundation, 

multiagency institutes, and Cooperative Ecosystem Science Units (CESUs) and other academic 

institutions. Agencies and organizations that could be important partners include many other 

government and nongovernment agencies and organizations. Partners will be chosen on the 

basis of specific management issues or science needs being addressed and the ability of the 

proposed provider to address those needs.

Appropriate methods for communicating the BLM’s science needs include meetings and 

workshops, written plans, the Internet (home pages, Web links to science projects, bulletin 

boards, and comment pages) and PowerPoint or similar presentations. In addition to these 

structured formats, the Bureau will encourage informal communications through telephone, 

e-mail, or face-to-face conversations with science providers and management partners to share 

information. Both formal and informal channels of communication will be kept open and 

encouraged to the maximum extent possible.

Important factors in developing and communicating science needs include the following:

•	 Geographic scale (local, regional, or national)

•	 Time scale (less than 1 year, 1 to 5 years, or greater than 5 years)
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 11

•	 Subject matter or mix of science needs (natural

resources, cultural or social resources and context, 

and physical or abiotic resources)

The timing of communication efforts is critical. 

Science information will be communicated both 

as opportunities arise and according to defined 

schedules. The BLM will obtain detailed information 

on the planning and budgeting mechanisms for key 

divisions in the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest 

Service Research Stations, and other providers. 

Information will be communicated at both the 

national and regional levels to these provider 

organizations to coincide with their work planning 

and budgeting processes.

Lead times for providing information will vary. Some 

calls for information from providers will incorporate 

enough lead time to prepare customized information 

packages. Other inquiries will require fast response 

times. In some instances, the Bureau will have to 

customize information presentations to address 

specific issues, audiences, or other situations.

Sharing Science Information, Research, 

and the Synthesis and Interpretation of 

Results

Science information, studies, research, and interpretations and analyses of results will be communicated to 

the BLM decision makers, resource specialists, the scientific community, and the general public in a concise, 

understandable, and usable format. The Bureau’s 

Internet homepage will provide quick access to, and 

wide distribution of, the BLM’s science needs, ongoing 

work, and research results.

Key BLM internal audiences include Washington 

Office program leads, the Executive Leadership Team, 

the Field Committee, the Science Committee, State 

Office program leads and science coordinators, Field 

Offices, staff managers (e.g., budget), Resource 

Advisory Councils, resource specialists, environmental 

impact statement teams, planning teams, regional 

groups (e.g., the Colorado Plateau Group), special 

initiative teams (e.g., the Great Basin Restoration 

Group), the Northwest Forest Plan staff, the Division 

of Resource Services, the National Interagency Fire 

Center, and the National Training Center. 

External national audiences include the National 

Research Council (under the National Academy 

of Sciences), the DOI Research and Development 

Council, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. 

Congress, the Office of Management and Budget, 

the Council on Environmental Quality, key 

user groups, environmental and conservation 

organizations, and others. 

Federal partners with whom the BLM will share 

science information and results include the USDI 

National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Bureau of 

Reclamation; the U.S. Forest Service and Natural

Resource Conservation Service; the Environmental

Protection Agency; the Department of Defense; and

the Department of Energy. Key audiences at the State 

government level include fish and wildlife agencies 

in the States where the BLM has a presence, along 

with State geological surveys, land and water resource 

management agencies, and commissions. At the local 

level, the BLM must collaborate and share information 

with Counties, municipalities, and the general public.

Educational outreach is also important. The Bureau 

will share science results and information by 

developing and participating in educational programs 

designed for both adults and young learners.
12 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Science Opportunities 

on the Public Lands

The more than 255 million surface acres of BLM-managed public lands provide a vast assortment of opportunities for scientific investigations and management. Specific opportunities 

include the units of the National Landscape Conservation System, the BLM’s research natural 

areas (RNAs), and other designated science areas, as well as undesignated public lands.

The National Landscape Conservation System

The BLM has established the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) to help protect 

some of the Nation’s most remarkable and rugged landscapes. The system—which includes 

the agency’s national monuments, Congressionally designated national conservation areas, 

and other areas designated for important scientific and ecological characteristics—ensures 

that future generations can enjoy some of the last, great open spaces in the United States. 

NLCS lands will enable the public to experience the solitude and splendor of these undeveloped landscapes by providing numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Many of these areas were created, at least in part, to preserve extraordinary scientific 

resources and landscapes. NLCS lands contain significant geological, paleontological, 

archaeological, biological, and historical features. With their often unique resources and 

values, as well as their similarities to many surrounding areas, NLCS lands represent valuable 

open, natural laboratories. They will be managed to encourage collaborative science efforts, 

resulting in potentially significant advancements in natural resource knowledge.

Included in the NLCS are the following types of lands:

•	 National monuments—about 3.4 million acres

•	 National conservation areas—about 12.3 million acres

•	 Wilderness areas and wilderness study areas—about 22.5 million acres

•	 Wild and scenic rivers, national historic trails, and national scenic trails—about 6,200 miles

•	 A variety of specific or unique designations (e.g., outstanding natural areas, forest

reserves, and cooperative management areas)

Research Natural Areas

Research Natural Areas (RNAs) are maintained as natural areas; only low-impact research

activities are allowed. RNAs contain important ecological and scientific values and are 

managed for minimal human disturbance. They are used primarily for nondestructive 
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 13

sampling, nonmanipulative research, and baseline 

data gathering on relatively unaltered communities. 

They make excellent controls, allowing the 

establishment of baseline conditions for similar 

natural communities that are being actively managed. 

RNAs provide a network of diverse habitat types 

preserved in a natural state.

Research natural areas are administratively designated 

and do not require the approval of Congress. The 

BLM has designated about 150 RNAs, mostly through 

its Area of Critical Environmental Concern process.

Other Designated Areas for Scientific 

Knowledge Management and Studies

The BLM occasionally designates research or 

study areas, often to accommodate the needs of 

researchers for scientific information on which to base 

management policy and decisions. Resource values 

to promote long-term ecological studies, monitoring, 

and assessment are often integral parts of the 

purpose of the designation. Multiple bureaus often 

work together to acquire ecological, social, economic, 

and cultural knowledge and apply that knowledge to 

managing public resources. Collaboration among the 

public, scientists, educators, and land managers to 

attain common objectives and goals is very important. 

This process helps to promote an understanding 

of complex ecological processes and enables the 

development of ways to meet the needs of people 

while maintaining ecological viability. The BLM can 

authorize the designation of study or research areas. 

Areas designated can be used for either low-impact or 

high-impact studies. Special-use permits and land use 

plan amendments may be required for high-impact 

experimentation, but usually the designation alone 

would not require any changes to the BLM land use 

plan. Regulatory control will be in accordance with 

applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR), Title 43.

Scientific Use of Public Lands

Within the BLM’s mission and the applicable management plans, these studies will be encouraged and the 

Bureau will collaborate with the investigators. The 

BLM will investigate and develop a protocol system for 

scientific or use registration. This protocol system will 

be reviewed by Field Offices to accommodate local, 

State, regional, or national needs and will be subject 

to any required approvals.
14 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Implementation Concepts

The implementation of this strategy is intended to include as many disciplines and Bureau 

partners as possible. It is important that the process function in a timely way, in a logical 

sequence of steps, so the entire process moves smoothly; for example, information and new

science needs must be available to feed into the budget cycle of the BLM and providers at 

the most opportune times. Additionally, implementation should not be a burden or impose 

undue workload demands on those individuals and offices involved in the process and needing the science information. It is important to note that not all steps must be completed for 

the next step to occur. Since this is a dynamic process, new information will continually be 

surfacing.

In implementing this strategy, it is our intent to identify and secure the priority science needs 

of the various offices of the Bureau, within the limitations of budget and staffing capabilities. 

The Bureau will take maximum advantage of partnering with other agencies and entities to 

leverage the BLM funding in situations where common objectives are shared and the Bureau’s 

goals and objectivity are not compromised. Implementing this Strategy will involve, to the 

maximum extent possible, people and offices that are already functioning in related roles 

and activities. This is intended to take advantage of existing knowledge and experience 

without creating another level of bureaucracy or undue additional workloads, responsibilities, 

or personnel demands. The BLM’s Division of Resource Services will be available to lead or 

assist national and regional teams as needed, and will have a participatory role in securing 

the appropriate expertise, tracking research accomplishments, synthesizing and integrating 

information, and ensuring that the results are made available and incorporated into Bureau 

programs. This will include working closely with the National Training Center and course 

instructors to ensure that new material appropriate for our programs are incorporated into 

BLM training courses.
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 15

Appendix. 

Identifying and Communicating the Bureau of Land 

Management’s Science and Research Needs

The following narrative describes the process for identifying and communicating the Bureau 

of Land Management’s (BLM) science and research needs. It describes each step of the 

process and provides an example by showing how invasive weeds would be traced through 

the process. 

Science Process Step 1. Evaluate Departmental Strategic Plan

Actions to be Taken. The Strategic Plan has been written to address the Department’s 

strategic goals and to comply with the requirements of the Government Performance and 

Results Act (GPRA). Identify research and science priorities.

Responsibility. The Director, Executive Leadership Team, Headquarters program leads, and 

Field personnel.

Science Process Step 2. Identify National Management Issues

Actions to be Taken. National management issues will be derived from the background 

information that was used to develop the Bureau work plan priorities, along with additional 

information input from Headquarters personnel.

EXAMPLE: Invasive weeds have become a nationwide problem; in some areas, native species

are being replaced by the invaders. Populations of valuable range, pasture, special status, 

and other plant species are being crowded out or reduced in productivity and value because 

of these invasions.

Responsibility. Headquarters managers and staff will express the Bureau’s strategic goals 

as national management issues. This effort will be led by the national science coordinator 

with assistance from the Assistant Director, Renewable Resources and Planning (WO-200); 

Assistant Director, Fire and Aviation (NIFC); Assistant Director, Minerals, Realty, and Resource

Protection (WO-300); and Assistant Director, Office of National Landscape Conservation

Systems (WO-170) staffs. They will be assisted by the Division of Resource Services (DRS), 

State science coordinators, and those staff who were instrumental in developing the 

strategic goals.

Science Process Step 3. Express National Management Issues in a Regional Context
16 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

Actions to be Taken. National management issues 

will be focused to reflect how they apply to the 

various biogeographic regions of the United States. 

The BLM identifies and prioritizes the science needs 

and problems that threaten the targets and goals 

from the National Strategy. Targets are established 

for managing specific goals or objectives. Examples 

of national issues include: ecological forecasting 

for improving, protecting, and managing healthy 

lands; water management; fire management; carbon

management; energy resources management; human

health; and air quality.

EXAMPLE: Two very important invasive species in 

the central and northern Great Plains region are 

leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and Russian olive 

(Elaeagnus angustifolia L.). Both spread very rapidly, 

competing with native vegetation and reducing the 

productivity and value of range, pasture, and wildlife 

habitat.

Responsibility. National management issues will 

be framed in a regional context for each region. The 

most important regional management issues will be 

prioritized.

Science Process Step 4A. Define the Science 

Needed to Address the Regional Management Issues

Actions to Be Taken. The science needed to 

address the regional management issues will be 

defined. Science may include existing resource 

inventory, monitoring, and other data, as well as new 

information derived from research and project efforts.

EXAMPLES:

~ How do land management practices and 

development affect the opening of niches in the 

native vegetation to allow the invasion of the two 

species of concern?

 ~ What are the biological attributes of the invasive 

species that allow them to invade and out-compete 

the native species? 

~ What biological characteristics may be used to 

exploit weaknesses in the life cycle for control of 

the species?

~ After various control measures have been used to 

reduce the invasive populations, what revegetation 

and management practices should be used to 

stimulate growth and production of desirable 

vegetation?

Responsibility. Science coordinators from the States 

within the region, along with the DRS and State and 

Field Office technical staff, will compose a core team 

for determining the science needs for each issue. 

With the cooperation of partners—that is, other land 

management agencies with lands adjacent to the 

BLM with similar problems—the team will determine 

the research or projects needed to address regional 

management issues.

Science Process Step 4B. Define the Science Needed 

to Address the National Management Issues

Actions to Be Taken. Science needs for national 

management issues requiring a national approach will 

be defined and addressed, similar to Step 4A above.

EXAMPLES:

~ At what rate are weeds spreading, and where 

are some of the more extensive invasive weed 

problems?

~ Where and how can we best respond to minimize 

damage and further spread?

Responsibility. The Science Committee will 

determine the science needs for each of the national 

management issues. It will be assisted by the science
Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy 17

coordinators and technical specialists from the 

appropriate staffs in Washington and in the field.

Science Process Step 5. Ascertain Current Science 

Information and Identify Additional Science Needed

Actions to be Taken. Current science information 

and science projects for each management issue will 

be identified and assessed to avoid duplication of 

effort and determine information gaps that need to 

be filled. The outcome will be a list of the additional 

science needed to fully address management issues. 

Any short-term tactical science needs that are 

identified during this process should be segregated 

and forwarded to the DRS to determine if there is 

a way to address these needs outside of the formal 

process. Input will be provided at this step from the 

BLM’s science coordinators, program leaders, subject 

matter experts, and persons from the Division of 

Resource Services, the National Training Center, and 

the National Interagency Fire Center, and others. 

Regional science coordinators will play a major role in 

synthesizing the science information and needs. They 

will also help develop the plans and strategies that 

can be implemented. This will include project tracking 

in BLM’s financial system from both a national and 

regional context.

EXAMPLES:

~ What is the “state of the science” related to 

the leafy spurge and Russian olive invading vast 

acreages, particularly along riparian zones? 

~ What information is available and needed to 

determine the competition mechanisms or habitat 

conditions that allow or stimulate the invasion?

~ What information is available or needed to identify 

the mechanisms of the plants’ biology and natural 

predators or consumers of the plants that may help 

deter further invasions? 

Responsibility. The State science coordinators and 

various technical staffs will determine the current 

body of science relating to each regional management 

issue and the additional science needed to support 

decision making and implementation.

Science Process Step 6. Conduct Research and 

Share Results

Actions to be Taken. Research will be conducted, 

information and data gathered, and the results shared 

with the BLM managers and staff; information will

also be made available to the public and any specific groups or individuals needing or requesting the 

information. Interpretation and translation may be 

required for highly technical information so that it 

can be understood and applied by resource specialists, managers, and others. The Division of Resource 

Services and Science Coordinators will help match 

needed science and projects to appropriate outside 

providers. They will help develop statements of work 

and provide oversight as contracting officers to the 

projects, followed by monitoring and assessing the 

actions to be taken. 

EXAMPLE: Interpret and translate technical research 

results related to leafy spurge and Russian olive 

invasions in riparian zones into more useable 

information that specialists and managers can readily 

assimilate and incorporate into the management of 

riparian areas.

Responsibility. The BLM project coordinator and 

the research provider, along with the DRS staff, will 

develop an information transfer plan as a deliverable 

for each initiative. These plans, which need not be 

cumbersome, will identify the intended audiences 

for the information, what methods will be used to 

communicate the results, and who will be responsible 
18 Bureau of Land Management Science Strategy

for the information transfer. The NOC Division of 

Business services will be responsible for incorporating 

a project coding system in the Financial and Business 

Management System to allow the tracking of funded 

research projects from funding approval through 

completion, in coordination with program offices.

Science Process Step 7. Apply Science to Land 

Management

Actions to be Taken. Science results will be used 

in land management activities and decisions. The 

Bureau will provide feedback to science providers, 

both at the regional and national levels, on how 

the BLM has applied the science they provided. 

This will enable the BLM and its science providers 

to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness 

of providers’ contributions and will allow the BLM 

managers to modify decisions and management 

practices where needed. Science coordinators, land 

use planners, subject matter experts, program leaders, 

and managers will work closely in identifying what 

science needs are missing and where information 

must be sought, including the levels of risks that 

could be taken. Finally, they all will review and 

modify the strategic targets, goals, and objectives, 

where needed—feeding back to Step 2 in the science 

process.

EXAMPLE: Incorporate science information on leafy 

spurge and Russian olive into Bureau policy and 

procedures, as well as on-the-ground management of 

riparian areas. Modify land use plans as necessary. 

Responsibility. The BLM field managers and resource 

specialists will use the results of science investigations 

to address management issues and to sustain the 

health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands. 

The Regional Science Coordinators will be responsible 

for reporting on the success of the research support. 
The mention of company names, trade names, or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use by the 

Federal Government.