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PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES

The BLM is committed to deliberately and consistently using science for decision making.  Science enhances the BLM’s ability to make informed and legally defensible decisions, increases confidence in projected outcomes, and is foundational to transparency and stakeholder trust. 

The BLM has identified five principles and practices that provide a systematic and consistent framework for considering science and documenting its use in land management decisions.  Instruction Memorandum No. 2017-030, Principles and Practices of Integrating Science into Land Management, established the principles and practices as follows:

Principles and Practices of Integrating Science into Land Management

  1. Use high-quality information relevant to the problem or decision being addressed, relying on peer-reviewed literature when it exists.
  2. Recognize the dynamic and interrelated nature of socioecological systems within which the BLM operates.
  3. Acknowledge, describe, and document assumptions and uncertainties.
  4. Use quantitative data when they exist, and applicable qualitative data, in combination with internal and external professional scientific expertise.
  5. Use transparent and collaborative methods that consider diverse perspectives.

A researcher venturing in alpine tundra | Photo: BLM Alaska

This guidance is intentionally flexible and adaptable, given the complex range and scope of BLM land management decisions.  BLM decision makers and staff are encouraged to learn more from the guidance found below in the attached “Principles and Practices: Guidelines,” “Principles and Practices: Desk Guide,” and “Principles and Practices: Case Studies.”    

FIND OUT MORE

“Principles and Practices: Guidelines” - A structured and descriptive framework for implementing the principles and practices of integrating science into land management, including links to supporting documents (8 pp)

“Principles and Practices: Desk Guide” - A quick reference tool for implementing the “Principles and Practices: Guidelines” (2 pp)

Principles & Practices CASE STUDIES - Six example applications of the Principles and Practices to BLM real-life situations