In addition to methodological standards for performing analyses, DOI bureaus and offices would benefit from high-level guidance that would identify principles and provide an overall direction for the Department. The objective of this effort is to determine the value of establishing short term, general Department level standards on incorporation of ecosystem services into Interior decision-making, as well as specifically in the context of NEPA. Topics may include: developing a set of “guiding principles;” incorporating ecosystem services more explicitly in the Departmental Manual; identifying approaches for maximizing social well-being across the various potential uses of public lands; revisions to the NEPA section of the Departmental [...]
Summary
In addition to methodological standards for performing analyses, DOI bureaus and offices would benefit from high-level guidance that would identify principles and provide an overall direction for the Department. The objective of this effort is to determine the value of establishing short term, general Department level standards on incorporation of ecosystem services into Interior decision-making, as well as specifically in the context of NEPA. Topics may include: developing a set of “guiding principles;” incorporating ecosystem services more explicitly in the Departmental Manual; identifying approaches for maximizing social well-being across the various potential uses of public lands; revisions to the NEPA section of the Departmental Manual; and displaying trade-offs in situations when there is not a common metric.