Web-based Resource Management Plans
www.blm.gov/rmp/WY
The U.S. Dept. of Interior Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Wyoming State Office uses the Web to provide public access to Resource Management Plans (RMPs), and to streamline RMP management.
Need/Opportunity- Streamline management of Resource Management Plan (RMP);
- Provide public easy access to RMP decisions and supporting GIS data;
- Increase visibility and participation in planning process.
The BLM needs to streamline the management process for its resource management plans (RMPs), and provide the public with easy access to the plans. BLM's RMPs serve as the basis for all activities that occur on BLM-administered public lands. RMPs are dynamic documents, and minor changes and amendments made to an RMP are usually accomplished in a paper-based process. The public often must contact BLM Field Office staff directly to gain access to the current version of an RMP, and to the spatial data supporting the RMP decisions. ANL developed a Web-based RMP platform that makes it easy for BLM to manage changes and amendments to RMPs online, while providing the public with access to the current RMP text and supporting data.
Approach- Create navigable, printable version of current RMP text and supporting spatial data
- Develop mechanism for making and documenting text updates
- Create cross-linkages between spatial data and relevant RMP text
- Provide archived copy of original RMP
ANL developed the Web-based RMP platform to provide a dynamic tool for updating the RMP while providing the public with the current version of the RMP text and supporting spatial data. BLM staff can easily update the online RMP through their web browsers, and all changes are documented by the system for auditing purposes. Changes to the RMP are made in near-real time, so the public always has access to the latest version of the RMP. Supporting spatial data from a Geographic Information System (GIS) is hyperlinked to relevant RMP text, and also accessible via the user's web browser. Users can customize the areas and data layers viewed using controls available via their web browsers. An archival version of the original RMP is available for reference purposes.
Results- Web site with first RMP launched Feb. 2002
- All 13 Wyoming RMPs are now available on the platform
Benefits- Reduces RMP document management costs
- Provides wide access to latest document version
- Enhances document usefulness and usability
- Facilitates public participation
Use of the Web-based RMP platform facilitates BLM management of the RMP and public access to the current document. It eliminates paper-based document management, while providing powerful, yet easy-to-use tools for document editing. Document managers and the public have access to the latest RMP document, with enhanced navigability and interactive spatial data viewing capabilities. The Web-based RMP platform also can be used to support public participation in future RMP revision efforts and planning processes by providing easy access to the plan and more powerful information retrieval capabilities.
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