Right of Way (ROW) Pre-Application Meeting
This meeting is an opportunity for you to describe your proposed project to a BLM realty specialist to determine whether you need to obtain a ROW, and to discuss what is required to process your application, including fees. It may be helpful to download an SF-299 application form and bring it with you to the meeting.
The BLM realty specialist will discuss the following items with you at the pre-application meeting:
A. Scope of the proposed project
- project type: description, plans; site/linear? FLPMA/MLA? etc.
- use: is ROW the most appropriate authorization?
- size: how much public land will be required?
- location/routing: potential alternative routes; other BLM offices involved?
- duration of use; does it qualify as 'casual'?
- Are any other Federal agencies' lands involved?
- Are there any offsite or ancillary facilities?
B. Compliance with land use planning
- Does proposed project conform with a land use plan (RMP or MFP)?
- Does proposed project conflict with any special designation areas (special management areas, ACECs)?
- activity plans that may affect the application
- mining claims or other authorized uses that may conflict with the proposal
- potential corridor considerations
C. Potential controversy/ Possible public meetings
D. Level of environmental analysis
- CX, DNA, EA, EIS
- special studies required? (e.g., T&E species, cultural inventories, etc.)
- opportunities for applicant to fund studies, BLM requirements/standards for such studies
E. Application
- requirements of a complete application (maps, project description, business papers, etc.)
- line-by-line discussion of necessary information in the application form (SF-299)
- "Obtaining a Right of Way" booklet
F. Financial considerations
- processing fees
- monitoring fees
- rental fees
- potential for bonding requirement in a grant
- applicant's capability to construct and maintain the proposed project
G. Requirements of a grant
- typical stipulations
- BLM's discretion to choose a site or route other than the one applied-for
- possibility that the application will be denied
H. Timeframe considerations
- for Applicant: requirements of a completed application, before processing can begin
- for the BLM: existing staff, other applications already in-process; opportunities for applicant to fund processing
I. Points of contact
- applicant
- agent? if yes, extent of authority to represent applicant
- BLM staff member for submitting application and responding to questions
- other agencies that may need to be involved (if the BLM is not a clearinghouse for these)