Draft Prospectus for the First National Nature Assessment, 51853-51855 [2023-16794]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2023 / Notices
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PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.).
Melanie J. Steinkamp,
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[FR Doc. 2023–16617 Filed 8–3–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4338–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
[234D0102DM, DS61200000,
DLSN00000.000000, DX61201]
Draft Prospectus for the First National
Nature Assessment
Office of Policy Analysis,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice, request for public
comments.
AGENCY:
With this notice, the U.S.
Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) seeks public comment on the
proposed themes and framework of the
First National Nature Assessment. Based
on input received from this notice,
USGCRP will begin the next phases of
assessment development.
DATES: Comments must be submitted by
11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Comments from the public
will be accepted electronically via
https://www.globalchange.gov/notices.
Instructions for submitting comments
are available on the website. Submitters
may enter text or upload files in
response to this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chris Avery, (202) 419–3474, cavery@
usgcrp.gov, U.S. Global Change
Research Program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S.
Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) was created by Congress in
1990 to ‘‘assist the Nation and the world
to understand, assess, predict, and
respond to human-induced and natural
processes of global change.’’ USGCRP
comprises 14 Federal agencies that work
together to carry out its legislative
mandate. USGCRP is conducting the
First National Nature Assessment
(NNA1) to assess changes in nature as
an aspect of global change. With this
notice, the United States Department of
the Interior, on behalf of the USGCRP,
seeks public comment on a prospectus
for NNA1.
The scope of NNA1 is to assess the
status, observed trends, and future
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SUMMARY:
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projections of America’s lands, waters,
wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems
and the benefits they provide, including
connections to the economy, public
health, equity, climate mitigation and
adaptation, and national security.
In developing NNA1, USGCRP will
follow the principles of a use-inspired,
knowledge-informed assessment, in
which the design is driven both by the
potential uses of the final products and
by science and other forms of
knowledge. USGCRP recognizes the
importance of lived experiences and
acknowledges Indigenous Knowledge as
an important form of evidence. Across
all phases of NNA1, USGCRP aims to be
inclusive, represent diverse
perspectives, and create products that
are accessible to the widest possible
audience. To achieve these aims,
USGCRP will engage the public and
Tribal Nations multiple times
throughout the development process,
using diverse means to increase
accessibility and inclusion.
I. Development of the First National
Nature Assessment Through a Proposed
Report and Portfolio of Associated
Products
Striving for a use-inspired and
knowledge-informed assessment,
USGCRP initiated NNA1 with requests
for input. This included engagements
with federal agencies, the public, and
Tribal and Indigenous communities.
Input was sought through a Request for
Information (87 FR 65622) on what
specific questions the assessment
should answer, what products should be
created, what engagement processes
should be used, and what knowledge
sources should be drawn from, among
other topics. USGCRP held multiple
public engagement sessions and a
formal Tribal Consultation. Over 3,000
comments were received online and
through the engagement and
Consultation sessions.
The Federal Steering Committee
overseeing the development of NNA1
considered this public and Tribal input
when developing the proposed elements
of the assessment described below. For
example, input showed that different
communities have different questions
relevant to the scope of NNA1 and
would like to use information from the
assessment in different ways. To be
responsive to that input, USGCRP
intends to develop a portfolio of
assessment products of which an NNA1
report will be a core component.
Additional products could include
special issues of peer-reviewed journals;
technical input reports; and communitycreated videos portraying diverse
perspectives of nature, observed
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51853
changes to nature, consequences of
those changes, and the importance of
nature.
II. The First National Nature
Assessment: A Use-Inspired,
Knowledge-Driven Report
The NNA1 will assess the state of
knowledge regarding the status,
observed trends, and future projections
of nature in the United States and the
consequences of those changes
including shifts in the benefits that
nature provides. NNA1 will consider
nature in U.S. states, marine areas (U.S.
Exclusive Economic Zone), territories,
Native or Indigenous lands and waters,
and other affiliated areas (as
appropriate), as well as its significant
interactions with global drivers.
The core product of NNA1 will be a
use-inspired, knowledge-driven report
that addresses a diverse set of questions
received via public and Tribal input.
USGCRP received many questions,
spanning a range of themes, that
potential users posed. This draft
prospectus prioritizes a subset of these
questions for consideration in this
initial assessment. The questions
included in the report will be addressed
in a manner that meets specific Federal
guidelines for information quality,
information tracking, and technical
development required of a Highly
Influential Scientific Assessment.
Findings will be made accessible
through a range of user-specific outputs
as described below. Consistent with
Federal law, the report will support
disability access and inclusion.
III. Overarching Themes of the First
National Nature Assessment
The NNA1 report is currently planned
to be organized around key thematic
interests identified through federal
agency, public, and Tribal engagement
efforts. Those themes are (in
alphabetical order):
• Conservation and Natural Resource
Management
• Economic Interests
• Human Health and Well-Being
• Safety and Security
There are not discrete boundaries
among these themes, and the proposed
report would be structured and
conducted to recognize and explore
interconnections and tradeoffs among
them, as possible. The themes and
related focal questions are described in
greater detail below. Federal agency,
public, and Tribal input identified two
cross-cutting areas that are woven
throughout the other proposed themes
for the NNA1 report:
• Climate Change
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ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
• Equity
To help reinforce the principle of
being use-inspired, the proposed
assessment would include presentation
of themes through the lens of different
user groups. In doing so, the technical
results will be put into contexts and
products that are relevant for diverse
audiences.
A call for author nominations will be
posted in a subsequent Federal Register
notice. Authors will be tasked with
assessing the state of knowledge,
considering relevant aspects of
historical trends, drivers of change,
current status, and future projections,
and the implications of those changes.
Teams may assess technical information
or scenarios on policy options to reverse
declining trends in nature or the
benefits that nature provides. Author
teams will also seek to evaluate relevant
regional variation in geography, climate,
biodiversity, and culture, as well as
other varying conditions that might be
relevant to a scientific assessment.
In addition to a report, USGCRP will
aim to develop other science and
communication products that are
responsive to user interests expressed
through public, Tribal, and agency
input. Outputs may include, but are not
limited to, data dashboards, maps,
graphics, indicators, user-specific
summaries, and other communication
materials. Consistent with Federal law
and best scientific practices, data used
in the assessment will be publicly
available to the maximum extent
practicable. The assessment will present
a collection of resources to help ensure
users can build on the results and
develop tools or resources further
tailored to their needs.
Conservation and Natural Resource
Management
Public, Tribal, and agency input
highlighted the importance of
sustainable conservation and
management of biodiversity, natural
resources, and ecosystems to ensure
their long-term preservation and
protection for their own sake and for the
benefit of present and future
generations. USGCRP proposes to
address a subset of focal questions
related to these interests, such as:
• What are the existing status, trends,
and drivers of change affecting species
and ecosystems in the U.S., and what
are important areas for representative
biodiversity across U.S. lands and
waters?
• How have access to nature and to
associated benefits changed, and for
whom?
• How have culturally significant
species and ecosystems changed, and
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what are future options for sustaining
them?
• How would future investments in
conservation or restoration affect nature,
equitable access to nature’s benefits, and
climate mitigation and adaptation?
Economic Interests
Public, Tribal, and agency input
raised interest in economic activities,
infrastructure, and employment that are
directly or indirectly related to nature.
Within this theme, the report would
explore how changes in nature affect
economic benefits, risks, and
opportunities. USGCRP proposes to
address a subset of focal questions
related to these interests, such as:
• How many jobs are dependent on
nature, and how have changes in nature
affected jobs and livelihoods, and for
whom?
• What aspects of the U.S. economy
are connected to the status and trends
of nature, and what future options for
advancing the economy could provide
net benefits to nature and the climate?
• Where could future infrastructure
and economic development advance
with the most benefit and least harm to
nature and nature’s benefits?
Human Health and Well-Being
Public, Tribal, and agency input
emphasized the connections between
changes in nature and human health
and well-being, including links to
physical health, mental health, and
social health and well-being. USGCRP
proposes to address a subset of focal
questions related to these interests, such
as:
• How have changes in nature
affected physical, mental, and public
health, as well as the equity of health
risks and benefits?
• What are emerging health effects
from changes in nature?
• What are future nature-based
options to reduce health risks and
enhance benefits for all people?
Safety and Security
Public, Tribal, and agency input
highlighted issues related to ways in
which changes in nature impact aspects
of domestic safety and security. Topics
of interest included changes in nature,
such as increased frequency and
intensity of natural hazards,
desertification, changes in populations
of pests and disease, loss of arable land,
and other changes in nature that affect
food and water security, and that
directly or indirectly influence public
safety and patterns of human behavior
and movements. USGCRP proposes to
address a subset of questions related to
these interests, such as:
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• What losses from natural and
environmental hazards (e.g., loss of life,
loss of livelihoods and economic
productivity, damage to homes or
infrastructure, loss of educational
opportunities, damage to or loss of
natural and cultural resources) have
been averted by nature (e.g., protected
areas, green and blue infrastructure,
restored areas) over time, and for
whom? Where and how much can
nature-based solutions equitably reduce
future risk from natural and
environmental hazards?
• How have trends and spatial
patterns in nature affected food and
water security, and for whom? What are
opportunities for nature-based solutions
to avert emerging food and water
security risks?
• Where might changes in nature and
climate cause people within the United
States to migrate from their current
locations, and where might they go?
What nature- or natural resource-related
risks and opportunities are they likely to
face when they relocate?
Climate
Public, Tribal, and agency input
emphasized the strong interactions
between changes in nature, nature’s
benefits, and the climate. Each of the
four themes described above interacts
with the climate. USGCRP proposes to
synthesize and analyze climate-related
opportunities and impacts across the
four NNA1 themes by considering the
relevant role of climate as a driver when
assessing past trends in nature,
including projected climate changes in
answering questions about the future of
nature, and answering the specific
questions about interactions between
nature and climate embedded in the
themes above.
Equity
Public, Tribal and agency input
highlighted the importance of
environmental justice, inclusive
decision-making, and equal access to
nature and nature’s benefits. The four
NNA1 themes each include questions
that address aspects of equity and the
fair and just distribution of nature’s
benefits. USGCRP proposes to
synthesize the impacts of changes in
nature to equity and assess how changes
in nature across the NNA1 themes
impact the well-being and opportunities
for all members of society.
In developing this report, USGCRP
proposes to reflect and follow several
recommendations received through the
engagement process. The Federal
Steering Committee developing NNA1
recognizes the importance and value of
co-production, acknowledges the need
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 149 / Friday, August 4, 2023 / Notices
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
to balance a co-production intent with
the current institutional and resource
constraints, strives to apply the concept
of bridging knowledge systems—
maintaining the integrity of different
knowledge systems while weaving them
together—and aims to create equitable
space for all knowledge systems and
knowledge holders. In doing so,
USGCRP will respect the rights, values,
and knowledge held by Indigenous and
local communities.
preparation, or for the use of any
information contained in the response.
Eric Werwa,
Deputy Assistant Secretary—Policy and
Environmental Management, Office of Policy,
Management, and Budget.
[FR Doc. 2023–16794 Filed 8–3–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334–63–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
IV. Development of Associated Products
Bureau of Land Management
In addition to a use-inspired,
knowledge-informed NNA1 report,
input from the public, Tribes, and
agencies emphasized the need for an
array of products associated with NNA1.
Public and Tribal input emphasized the
diversity of perspectives that people
hold on nature and the impact of nature
on their lives. The comments requested
that USGCRP reflect that diversity, and
as much as possible, do so in the voices
of people themselves. In response to this
input, USGCRP will explore the
feasibility of video-based products
related to the scope of NNA1. Videobased products would allow people
from various perspectives to share their
stories and reactions to questions such
as: why is nature important to me, how
is nature changing, and why does this
matter?
USGCRP will also explore
development of special issues of peerreviewed journals and publication of
technical reports on specific topics,
with the intent that these efforts address
additional questions received through
the engagement process, close research
gaps, strengthen individual aspects of
the available knowledge base, and
potentially serve as inputs to NNA1. For
example, one such journal special issue
recommended through Tribal
Consultation is an Indigenous-led
volume that explores perspectives of
Indigenous Knowledge holders and
scholars relevant to the scope of NNA1.
A technical report with a focus on
nature literacy relevant to the scope of
NNA1 has also been recommended.
We seek public input on all aspects of
the proposed NNA1.
Responses: Response to this Request
for Comment is voluntary. Respondents
need not comment on all topics.
Responses may be used by the U.S.
Government for program planning on a
non-attribution basis. The United States
Department of Interior therefore
requests that no business proprietary
information or copyrighted information
be submitted in response to this Request
for Comment. Please note that the U.S.
Government will not pay for response
[BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500171447]
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Notice of Availability of the Draft
Resource Management Plan and
Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement for the Colorado River
Valley Field Office and Grand Junction
Field Office Resource Management
Plans, Colorado
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976, as amended (FLMPA), the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has
prepared a Draft Resource Management
Plan (RMP) and Draft Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
for the Colorado River Valley Field
Office (CRVFO) and Grand Junction
Field Office (GJFO), and by this notice
is providing information announcing
the opening of the comment period on
the Draft RMP/Supplemental EIS and is
announcing the comment period on the
BLM’s proposed areas of critical
environmental concern (ACECs).
DATES: This notice announces the
opening of a 90-day comment period for
the Draft RMP/Supplemental EIS
beginning on the date following the
Environmental Protection Agency’s
(EPA) publication of its Notice of
Availability (NOA) of the Draft RMP/
Supplemental EIS in the Federal
Register. The EPA usually publishes its
NOAs on Fridays.
To afford the BLM the opportunity to
consider comments in the Proposed
RMP/Final Supplemental EIS, please
ensure that the BLM receives your
comments prior to the close of the 90day public comment period or 15 days
after the last public meeting, whichever
is later.
In addition, this notice also
announces the opening of a 60-day
comment period for ACECs. The BLM
must receive your ACEC-related
comments by October 3, 2023.
SUMMARY:
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The Draft RMP/
Supplemental EIS is available for review
on the BLM ePlanning project Website
at: https://go.usa.gov/xtrgf.
Written comments related to the
supplemental EIS for the CRVFO and
GJFO RMPs/EISs may be submitted by
any of the following methods:
• Website: https://go.usa.gov/xtrgf
• Mail: BLM Upper Colorado River
District, Attn: Supplemental EIS, 2518
H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Documents pertinent to this proposal
may be examined online at https://
go.usa.gov/xtrgf and at the Grand
Junction and Colorado River Valley
Field Offices.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bruce Krickbaum, Project Manager,
telephone 970–240–5399; address BLM
Upper Colorado River District, 2518 H
Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506; email
ucrd-seis@blm.gov. Individuals in the
United States who are deaf, deafblind,
hard of hearing, or have a speech
disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or
TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services for
contacting Mr. Krickbaum. Individuals
outside the United States should use the
relay services offered within their
country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United
States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
document provides notice that the BLM
Colorado State Director has prepared a
Draft RMP/Supplemental EIS for the
two RMPs/EISs, provides information
announcing the opening of the comment
period on the Draft RMP/Supplemental
EIS, and announces the comment period
on the BLM’s proposed ACECs. The
planning area is located in Garfield,
Mesa, Eagle, Pitkin, Routt, Rio Blanco,
and Montrose counties, Colorado, and
encompasses approximately 1.56
million acres of public land and 1.92
million acres of Federal mineral estate.
CRVFO and GJFO management is
identified in their respective 2015
RMPs. Apart from fluid mineral leasing
decisions, all existing management as
described in the CRVFO and GJFO
approved RMPs remains in effect.
ADDRESSES:
Purpose and Need for the Planning
Effort
The purpose of the supplemental EIS
is to supplement the EISs completed in
2014 for the CRVFO RMP and 2015 for
the GJFO RMP by considering one or
more additional alternatives with
respect to the lands that are allocated as
open or closed to oil and gas leasing in
the planning decision areas, and to
provide additional analysis of
greenhouse gas emissions associated
E:\FR\FM\04AUN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 149 (Friday, August 4, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51853-51855]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16794]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
[234D0102DM, DS61200000, DLSN00000.000000, DX61201]
Draft Prospectus for the First National Nature Assessment
AGENCY: Office of Policy Analysis, Interior.
ACTION: Notice, request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: With this notice, the U.S. Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) seeks public comment on the proposed themes and framework of
the First National Nature Assessment. Based on input received from this
notice, USGCRP will begin the next phases of assessment development.
DATES: Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on September 18, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Comments from the public will be accepted electronically via
https://www.globalchange.gov/notices. Instructions for submitting
comments are available on the website. Submitters may enter text or
upload files in response to this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Avery, (202) 419-3474,
[email protected], U.S. Global Change Research Program.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) was created by Congress in 1990 to ``assist the Nation and the
world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and
natural processes of global change.'' USGCRP comprises 14 Federal
agencies that work together to carry out its legislative mandate.
USGCRP is conducting the First National Nature Assessment (NNA1) to
assess changes in nature as an aspect of global change. With this
notice, the United States Department of the Interior, on behalf of the
USGCRP, seeks public comment on a prospectus for NNA1.
The scope of NNA1 is to assess the status, observed trends, and
future projections of America's lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity,
and ecosystems and the benefits they provide, including connections to
the economy, public health, equity, climate mitigation and adaptation,
and national security.
In developing NNA1, USGCRP will follow the principles of a use-
inspired, knowledge-informed assessment, in which the design is driven
both by the potential uses of the final products and by science and
other forms of knowledge. USGCRP recognizes the importance of lived
experiences and acknowledges Indigenous Knowledge as an important form
of evidence. Across all phases of NNA1, USGCRP aims to be inclusive,
represent diverse perspectives, and create products that are accessible
to the widest possible audience. To achieve these aims, USGCRP will
engage the public and Tribal Nations multiple times throughout the
development process, using diverse means to increase accessibility and
inclusion.
I. Development of the First National Nature Assessment Through a
Proposed Report and Portfolio of Associated Products
Striving for a use-inspired and knowledge-informed assessment,
USGCRP initiated NNA1 with requests for input. This included
engagements with federal agencies, the public, and Tribal and
Indigenous communities. Input was sought through a Request for
Information (87 FR 65622) on what specific questions the assessment
should answer, what products should be created, what engagement
processes should be used, and what knowledge sources should be drawn
from, among other topics. USGCRP held multiple public engagement
sessions and a formal Tribal Consultation. Over 3,000 comments were
received online and through the engagement and Consultation sessions.
The Federal Steering Committee overseeing the development of NNA1
considered this public and Tribal input when developing the proposed
elements of the assessment described below. For example, input showed
that different communities have different questions relevant to the
scope of NNA1 and would like to use information from the assessment in
different ways. To be responsive to that input, USGCRP intends to
develop a portfolio of assessment products of which an NNA1 report will
be a core component. Additional products could include special issues
of peer-reviewed journals; technical input reports; and community-
created videos portraying diverse perspectives of nature, observed
changes to nature, consequences of those changes, and the importance of
nature.
II. The First National Nature Assessment: A Use-Inspired, Knowledge-
Driven Report
The NNA1 will assess the state of knowledge regarding the status,
observed trends, and future projections of nature in the United States
and the consequences of those changes including shifts in the benefits
that nature provides. NNA1 will consider nature in U.S. states, marine
areas (U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone), territories, Native or Indigenous
lands and waters, and other affiliated areas (as appropriate), as well
as its significant interactions with global drivers.
The core product of NNA1 will be a use-inspired, knowledge-driven
report that addresses a diverse set of questions received via public
and Tribal input. USGCRP received many questions, spanning a range of
themes, that potential users posed. This draft prospectus prioritizes a
subset of these questions for consideration in this initial assessment.
The questions included in the report will be addressed in a manner that
meets specific Federal guidelines for information quality, information
tracking, and technical development required of a Highly Influential
Scientific Assessment. Findings will be made accessible through a range
of user-specific outputs as described below. Consistent with Federal
law, the report will support disability access and inclusion.
III. Overarching Themes of the First National Nature Assessment
The NNA1 report is currently planned to be organized around key
thematic interests identified through federal agency, public, and
Tribal engagement efforts. Those themes are (in alphabetical order):
Conservation and Natural Resource Management
Economic Interests
Human Health and Well-Being
Safety and Security
There are not discrete boundaries among these themes, and the
proposed report would be structured and conducted to recognize and
explore interconnections and tradeoffs among them, as possible. The
themes and related focal questions are described in greater detail
below. Federal agency, public, and Tribal input identified two cross-
cutting areas that are woven throughout the other proposed themes for
the NNA1 report:
Climate Change
[[Page 51854]]
Equity
To help reinforce the principle of being use-inspired, the proposed
assessment would include presentation of themes through the lens of
different user groups. In doing so, the technical results will be put
into contexts and products that are relevant for diverse audiences.
A call for author nominations will be posted in a subsequent
Federal Register notice. Authors will be tasked with assessing the
state of knowledge, considering relevant aspects of historical trends,
drivers of change, current status, and future projections, and the
implications of those changes. Teams may assess technical information
or scenarios on policy options to reverse declining trends in nature or
the benefits that nature provides. Author teams will also seek to
evaluate relevant regional variation in geography, climate,
biodiversity, and culture, as well as other varying conditions that
might be relevant to a scientific assessment.
In addition to a report, USGCRP will aim to develop other science
and communication products that are responsive to user interests
expressed through public, Tribal, and agency input. Outputs may
include, but are not limited to, data dashboards, maps, graphics,
indicators, user-specific summaries, and other communication materials.
Consistent with Federal law and best scientific practices, data used in
the assessment will be publicly available to the maximum extent
practicable. The assessment will present a collection of resources to
help ensure users can build on the results and develop tools or
resources further tailored to their needs.
Conservation and Natural Resource Management
Public, Tribal, and agency input highlighted the importance of
sustainable conservation and management of biodiversity, natural
resources, and ecosystems to ensure their long-term preservation and
protection for their own sake and for the benefit of present and future
generations. USGCRP proposes to address a subset of focal questions
related to these interests, such as:
What are the existing status, trends, and drivers of
change affecting species and ecosystems in the U.S., and what are
important areas for representative biodiversity across U.S. lands and
waters?
How have access to nature and to associated benefits
changed, and for whom?
How have culturally significant species and ecosystems
changed, and what are future options for sustaining them?
How would future investments in conservation or
restoration affect nature, equitable access to nature's benefits, and
climate mitigation and adaptation?
Economic Interests
Public, Tribal, and agency input raised interest in economic
activities, infrastructure, and employment that are directly or
indirectly related to nature. Within this theme, the report would
explore how changes in nature affect economic benefits, risks, and
opportunities. USGCRP proposes to address a subset of focal questions
related to these interests, such as:
How many jobs are dependent on nature, and how have
changes in nature affected jobs and livelihoods, and for whom?
What aspects of the U.S. economy are connected to the
status and trends of nature, and what future options for advancing the
economy could provide net benefits to nature and the climate?
Where could future infrastructure and economic development
advance with the most benefit and least harm to nature and nature's
benefits?
Human Health and Well-Being
Public, Tribal, and agency input emphasized the connections between
changes in nature and human health and well-being, including links to
physical health, mental health, and social health and well-being.
USGCRP proposes to address a subset of focal questions related to these
interests, such as:
How have changes in nature affected physical, mental, and
public health, as well as the equity of health risks and benefits?
What are emerging health effects from changes in nature?
What are future nature-based options to reduce health
risks and enhance benefits for all people?
Safety and Security
Public, Tribal, and agency input highlighted issues related to ways
in which changes in nature impact aspects of domestic safety and
security. Topics of interest included changes in nature, such as
increased frequency and intensity of natural hazards, desertification,
changes in populations of pests and disease, loss of arable land, and
other changes in nature that affect food and water security, and that
directly or indirectly influence public safety and patterns of human
behavior and movements. USGCRP proposes to address a subset of
questions related to these interests, such as:
What losses from natural and environmental hazards (e.g.,
loss of life, loss of livelihoods and economic productivity, damage to
homes or infrastructure, loss of educational opportunities, damage to
or loss of natural and cultural resources) have been averted by nature
(e.g., protected areas, green and blue infrastructure, restored areas)
over time, and for whom? Where and how much can nature-based solutions
equitably reduce future risk from natural and environmental hazards?
How have trends and spatial patterns in nature affected
food and water security, and for whom? What are opportunities for
nature-based solutions to avert emerging food and water security risks?
Where might changes in nature and climate cause people
within the United States to migrate from their current locations, and
where might they go? What nature- or natural resource-related risks and
opportunities are they likely to face when they relocate?
Climate
Public, Tribal, and agency input emphasized the strong interactions
between changes in nature, nature's benefits, and the climate. Each of
the four themes described above interacts with the climate. USGCRP
proposes to synthesize and analyze climate-related opportunities and
impacts across the four NNA1 themes by considering the relevant role of
climate as a driver when assessing past trends in nature, including
projected climate changes in answering questions about the future of
nature, and answering the specific questions about interactions between
nature and climate embedded in the themes above.
Equity
Public, Tribal and agency input highlighted the importance of
environmental justice, inclusive decision-making, and equal access to
nature and nature's benefits. The four NNA1 themes each include
questions that address aspects of equity and the fair and just
distribution of nature's benefits. USGCRP proposes to synthesize the
impacts of changes in nature to equity and assess how changes in nature
across the NNA1 themes impact the well-being and opportunities for all
members of society.
In developing this report, USGCRP proposes to reflect and follow
several recommendations received through the engagement process. The
Federal Steering Committee developing NNA1 recognizes the importance
and value of co-production, acknowledges the need
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to balance a co-production intent with the current institutional and
resource constraints, strives to apply the concept of bridging
knowledge systems--maintaining the integrity of different knowledge
systems while weaving them together--and aims to create equitable space
for all knowledge systems and knowledge holders. In doing so, USGCRP
will respect the rights, values, and knowledge held by Indigenous and
local communities.
IV. Development of Associated Products
In addition to a use-inspired, knowledge-informed NNA1 report,
input from the public, Tribes, and agencies emphasized the need for an
array of products associated with NNA1. Public and Tribal input
emphasized the diversity of perspectives that people hold on nature and
the impact of nature on their lives. The comments requested that USGCRP
reflect that diversity, and as much as possible, do so in the voices of
people themselves. In response to this input, USGCRP will explore the
feasibility of video-based products related to the scope of NNA1.
Video-based products would allow people from various perspectives to
share their stories and reactions to questions such as: why is nature
important to me, how is nature changing, and why does this matter?
USGCRP will also explore development of special issues of peer-
reviewed journals and publication of technical reports on specific
topics, with the intent that these efforts address additional questions
received through the engagement process, close research gaps,
strengthen individual aspects of the available knowledge base, and
potentially serve as inputs to NNA1. For example, one such journal
special issue recommended through Tribal Consultation is an Indigenous-
led volume that explores perspectives of Indigenous Knowledge holders
and scholars relevant to the scope of NNA1. A technical report with a
focus on nature literacy relevant to the scope of NNA1 has also been
recommended.
We seek public input on all aspects of the proposed NNA1.
Responses: Response to this Request for Comment is voluntary.
Respondents need not comment on all topics. Responses may be used by
the U.S. Government for program planning on a non-attribution basis.
The United States Department of Interior therefore requests that no
business proprietary information or copyrighted information be
submitted in response to this Request for Comment. Please note that the
U.S. Government will not pay for response preparation, or for the use
of any information contained in the response.
Eric Werwa,
Deputy Assistant Secretary--Policy and Environmental Management, Office
of Policy, Management, and Budget.
[FR Doc. 2023-16794 Filed 8-3-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334-63-P