00-20737. Science Advisory Board

AGENCY:

Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice of public meeting.

SUMMARY:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces a public meeting of the Science Advisory Board to examine the use of science for improving the management of the Nation's public lands and resources. Topics of discussion will include the BLM Science Strategy, Science Opportunities at Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM) and Conservation Areas, Ecology and Biology at GSENM, Geology and Palenotology at GSENM, and Bees at GSENM.

DATES:

BLM will hold the public meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2000, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.

ADDRESSES:

BLM will hold the public meeting at the Kanab City Library, 374 North Main, Kanab, Utah 84741.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lee Barkow, Bureau of Land Management, Denver Federal Center, Building 50, P.O. Box 25047, Denver, CO 80225-0047, 303-236-6454.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This notice is published in accordance with Section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-463).

I. The Agenda for the Public Meeting is as Follows

8:30-9:00 a.m.—Opening Remarks

9:00-9:30 a.m.—Report from BLM Assistant Director

9:30-10:30 a.m.—Final Review of BLM Science Strategy

10:30-10:45 a.m.—Break

10:45-12:00 noon—National Monuments and Conservations Areas: Science Opportunities

12:00-1:00 p.m.—Lunch

1:00-2:00 p.m.—Ecology and Biology at GSENM

2:00-3:00 p.m.—Geology and Palenotology at GSENM

3:00-3:15 p.m.—Break

3:15-4:15 p.m.—Bees at GSENM

4:15-4:30 p.m.—Public Comment

II. Public Comment Procedures

Participation in the public meeting is not a prerequisite for submittal of written comments from all interested parties. Your written comments should be specific and explain the reason for any recommendation. The BLM appreciates any and all comments, but those most useful and likely to influence decisions on BLM's use of science are those that are either supported by quantitative information or studies or those that include citations to and analysis of applicable laws and regulations. Except for comments provided in electronic format, commenters should submit two copies of their written comments, where practicable. The BLM will not necessarily consider comments received after the time indicated under the DATES section or at locations other than that listed in the ADDRESSES section.

In the event there is a request under the Freedom on Information Act (FOIA) for a copy of your comments, we intend to make them available in their entirety, including your name and address (or your e-mail address if you file electronically). However, if you do not want us to release your name and address (or e-mail address) in response to a FOIA request, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will honor your wish to the extent allowed by the law. All submissions from organizations or businesses and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or business will be in their entirety, including names and addresses (or e-mail addresses).

Electronic Access and Filing Address: Commenters may transmit comments electronically via the Internet to: [e-mail]. Please include the identifier “Science4” in the subject of your message and your name and address in the body of your message.

III. Accessibility

The meeting sites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. An individual with a disability who will need an auxiliary aid or service to participate in the hearing, such as interpreting service, assistive listening device, or materials in an alternate format, must notify the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT two weeks before the scheduled hearing date. Although BLM will attempt to meet a request received after that date, the requested auxiliary aid or service may not be available because of insufficient time to arrange it.

Dated: August 8, 2000.

Lee Barkow,

Director, National Applied Resource Sciences Center.