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Show 2. In order further to structure study plans directed at the objective of the Commission's study program, it is necessary to provide a frame of reference within which to judge whether specific uses or actions with relation to the public lands "provide the maximum benefit for the general public." Broadly speaking, we will consider uses and actions in two categories: a. The interest of the United States as the owner of the public lands; and b. The contribution that the public lands can make to the Nation's economy and to the people. 3. For the purpose of obtaining information on specific matters that have presented bothersome or troublesome situations to the users or prospective users of the public lands, it is necessary to conduct a series of hearings or meetings. 4. To serve as a check against the studies carried out under subparagraph 1 above, it is necessary to review and analyze in depth selected cases in which individuals or groups have been granted or denied interests or privileges that they had sought on the public lands concerning which the Commission must make recommendations. Comment.-Some of these cases will be selected from among those that have been or will be referred to the Commission from various sources, others will be identified from departmental records studied during the review of the administration of the laws, and still others will be highlighted in the meetings and hearings referred to above. IV. Sequence of Operations A. THE BASIC STUDIES (PHASE 1) A series of study plans, the development of which is discussed below, will be designed and the studies completed to determine: 1. The state of the law; 2. The facts concerning the resources; and 3. Factors related to the land and resources necessary for a full understanding of the facts, all upon which the staff and the Commission can make judgments or draw conclusions. Comment.-(1) The actions in this phase of the operations will, to the extent possible, be accomplished under contract or through the use of consultants and experts. In the development of study plans, the staff will consult with members of the Advisory Council and the Governors' Representatives as necessary to obtain technical advice or background information. (2) During this phase the Commission and its staff will: (a) Conduct the hearings or meetings referred to above. (b) Identify sample cases and carry out the case studies referred to above. (i) These case analyses would be the primary responsibility of the staff. Comments as appropriate would also be invited from members of the Advisory Council and the Governors' Representatives. B. EVALUATING THE STUDIES (PHASE 2) The second phase will evaluate material brought out in Phase 1. It will be initiated before the first phase is fully accomplished. Comment.-Actions in this phase will be the primary responsibility of the staff. The staff will consult with members of the Advisory Council and Governors' Representatives. However, it may be necessary to bring in consultants to assist. C. POLICY DETERMINATIONS (PHASE 3) In this stage, the Commission will make determinations concerning the general direction of the policy guidelines to be recommended. These determinations will be based on the background and evaluation studies completed in Phases 1 and 2. D. SPECIAL STUDIES (PHASE 4) Study plans may be required in specific areas to provide additional information before recommendations can be made on the means by which to accomplish the policy guideline directions agreed upon in Phase 3. Comment.-These study plans will be developed by the staff after coordination with members of the Advisory Council. These for the most part will involve in-house staff studies which will also be carried out in coordination with members of the Advisory Council. The Governors' Representatives will be consulted as appropriate on matters in which a particular state has a vital concern. E. REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS (PHASE 5) The Commission, after consultation with the Advisory Council and the Governors' Representatives, will formulate its recommendations and final report. V. The Study Program A. STRUCTURING THE STUDY PLANS 1. Study plans should be so structured as to bring out a comprehensive picture of the subject matter 313 |