USGS Science Support for BLM Rapid Ecoregional Assessments

The BLM is responsible for multiple-use resource management for more than 245 million acres of public lands.  Recognizing the need for additional information to support decisions and planning over large geographic areas, the BLM has developed a Landscape Approach.  This new, broad-scale approach is designed to assess and improve understanding of the conditions and trends of natural resources, including natural and human influences on these resources.  A key information source in the BLM’s Landscape Approach is the Rapid Ecoregional Assessment (REA).  REAs provide information that supports regional planning and analysis for the management of ecological resources.  The REAs provide an assessment of baseline ecological conditions, an evaluation of current risks from drivers of ecosystem change, and a predictive capacity for evaluating future risks.  Additionally, the REAs may be used for identifying priority areas for conservation or restoration and for assessing cumulative effects of a variety of land uses.  USGS is working with BLM in conducting, reviewing, and providing technical assistance for Rapid Ecoregional Assessments.