First, a tremendous amount of information was generated by our science reports, released in December 1996. The volume of information and data was overwhelming for many people. We felt that the public, and even federal employees, needed more time to absorb what was in the reports. Also, many people asked us for a longer comment period and we were eager to comply with their request. When the 300-day comment period ends in April, it will bring to a close one of the longest opportunities for public involvement in this country's history of natural resource management.
Public comments are an essential part of any land management plan.
We consider the two draft EISs a good starting point for us to understand your vantage point, and how you value the future outcome of public land management. By sending us your thoughts and information, your suggestions and recommendations, it helps to direct our efforts as we work toward a final strategy. Obviously, these two polar-opposite views of the EISs and the preferred alternative can't be right. In these two cases, neither is even close. Sure, people are going to be intrigued by a project that deals with 72 million acres of public land in seven states, and we welcome that interest.