In my role as a field station director and as President of the
Organization of Biological Field Stations, I am curious to know about
the experiences that others are having conducting research and
educational activities on public lands-- US Forest Service and BLM.
Given the importance of public lands to field research, I'd like to
understand if there are any trends, positive or negative, in terms of
the ability of scientists to access public lands.
Is access becoming easier, harder, or staying the same? Are relatively
small projects being subject to NEPA? What approach are federal
agencies taking? Are they turning a blind eye, encouraging research, or
putting up unnecessary roadblocks? Are people encountering conflicts
with other uses on public lands? If so, are those conflicts being
actively managed?
Are there people who have attempted to work in wilderness but been
unable to get permission or had difficulties in getting access? For
such projects, were wilderness areas crucial to them and were the
projects designed to maintain wilderness values?
Feel free to respond directly to me, [email protected].
--
Ian Billick
Executive Director
RMBL
PO 519, Crested Butte, CO 81224
970 349 6669
