Bitterroot Range, Montana
BLM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Wind Turbines, Palm Springs, CA Happy Angler, Alaska Sage Grouse Strutting, Wyoming Livestock on Hillside, Montana Oil 'Donkey', New Mexico
National
BLM>FOIA Home>Records Access Categories
Print Page
Records Categories

The Bureau has identified three categories into which to place its records to facilitate responding to requests for the information and to ensure the proper handling of records which must be protected by law.

FOIA

Category 1 Records (Public Information)

These include records which can be viewed/inspected without charge at our Public Rooms (Information Access Centers), but copied for a cost recovery fee.

Examples of Category 1 Public Information

  • Bureau annual reports
  • Bureau circulars
  • Bureau final decisions that affect the public
  • Master title plats
  • Press releases
  • Published maps
  • Survey records
  • Wilderness study area files

Some records in this category may contain information protected under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This information, if it exists, is removed from the file before the file is provided to the public. A FOIA request is required for access to any releasable portions of this non-public information.

CATEGORY 2 RECORDS (On-Line/Public Information)

These records are available to the public for on-line viewing in offices that have the capability to provide the service.  A FOIA request is not required for this information.  Any hard copy and digital outputs may be purchased by the public.  Some records such as maps and photographs may only be available in hard copy format.  Each state has also designated state specific systems. Contact the Information Center at the state of your interest for more information.

Examples of Category 2 Public Information

  • Digital base mapping data
  • Eastern states patent index
  • Remote automated weather station data

 CATEGORY 3 RECORDS (Non-Public Records)

Records are usually placed in this category because a FOIA exemption, or the Privacy Act may apply. A FOIA request is required for access to any releasable portions of such nonpublic records (automated or manual).

Examples of Category 3 (Nonpublic Records)
  • Budget and accounting records
  • Fire reports
  • Draft documents
  • Investigative files
  • Personnel files
  • Procurement files
  • Proprietary information

   
Last updated: 12-28-2007