The BLM Scoping Process: Making the Process Work for You in National Monuments and National Conservation Areas

March 12, 2002

This guide walks you through how the BLM Scoping Process works for National Monuments and National Conservation Areas. Scoping is the first stage in the planning process where the BLM solicits public input to get a general understanding of major resource issues and management concerns. During this stage, the BLM issues a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register, signaling the start of the formal environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Ideas are also often solicited by BLM through mailings, newspaper articles, public and private meetings, and workshops. By law, BLM must give a minimum of 30 days for public review and comment. However, the BLM usually allows a longer comment period.