Evaluation of the use of mineral resource assessments in Federal land-use decisions

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:6676248

Davis, J F

Analysis of the content, timeliness, and influence of mineral resource assessments developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Mines (BoM) for wilderness withdrawal and other management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) indicates that significant improvements can be made. The USFS has completed most of its land management plans with very limited geologic input and does not plan to modify them until the mid 1990's. BLM is instituting review procedures for land-use decisions made prior to availability of USGS/BoM mineral assessments. Terminology characterizing mineral potentials (low, medium, high) needs further clarification for assured consideration by BLM land managers who do not usually have geologic backgrounds. Presently, there is no frame of reference for land managers to use in comparing the relative importance of mineral potential and other types of resource values when making a land-use decision. The BoM should characterize the significance of potentially strategic mineral commodities in the assessment reports as background for readers. USGS Bulletin 1638, a mineral assessment of the San Isabel National Forest, Colorado, is an important step in making mineral potential information more assimilatable.

• Research Organization: State Geologist, Carmichael, CA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6676248
• Report Number(s): CONF-8510489-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geol. Soc. Am., Abstr. Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 17
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
DECISION MAKING
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LAND USE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PLANNING
PUBLIC LANDS
RESOURCE ASSESSMENT
RESOURCES
US DOA
US DOI
US FOREST SERVICE
US GS
US ORGANIZATIONS