43 CFR 1610.4-4: -4 Analysis of the management situation.

The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, will analyze the inventory data and other information available to determine the ability of the resource area to respond to identified issues and opportunities. The analysis of the management situation shall provide, consistent with multiple use principles, the basis for formulating reasonable alternatives, including the types of resources for development or protection. Factors to be considered may include, but are not limited to:

(a) The types of resource use and protection authorized by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and other relevant legislation;

(b) Opportunities to meet goals and objectives defined in national and State Director guidance;

(c) Resource demand forecasts and analyses relevant to the resource area;

(d) The estimated sustained levels of the various goods, services and uses that may be attained under existing biological and physical conditions and under differing management practices and degrees of management intensity which are economically viable under benefit cost or cost effectiveness standards prescribed in national or State Director guidance;

(e) Specific requirements and constraints to achieve consistency with policies, plans and programs of other Federal agencies, State and local government agencies and Indian tribes;

(f) Opportunities to resolve public issues and management concerns;

(g) Degree of local dependence on resources from public lands;

(h) The extent of coal lands which may be further considered under provisions of § 3420.2-3(a) of this title; and

(i) Critical threshold levels which should be considered in the formulation of planned alternatives.