Legal gridlock will be reduced through several steps that expedite the legal process for actions on BLM O&C lands:
During the forest planning process, the BLM will engage a collaborative processes, as plans are developed in accordance with the latest BLM policies and regulations.
When a new forest management plan is completed by the BLM, it will be subject to the traditional vetting by the courts for compliance with environmental laws.
Gridlock will be reduced at the forest planning stage. Individual actions would be subject to challenge in court solely on the grounds of inconsistency with the plan, or truly new site-specific information.
The standard for consistency will be defined.
Rigorous and continuous monitoring, reporting and adaptive management will ensure all the plan’s goals are being met. This should increase confidence among all parties that the plan is working.