Our Expertise
Route Inventory
ARS has conducted some of the largest-scale public land route inventory efforts ever undertaken in the contiguous U.S. Field crews have conducted inventory in various terrains and in variable weather conditions, from the deserts of Utah and Arizona to the prairies of Wyoming and Montana, to forested sections of Oregon and Idaho. Across these different states, ARS crews have used a bevy of methods to conduct route inventory in the most environmentally friendly way possible, careful of sensitive species, route proliferation, resource damage and cultural and historical resources. ARS has conducted these inventories with 4WD vehicles, motorcycles, mountain bikes and hiking when necessary/applicable, and can readily apply these methods to inventory motorized and non-motorized tracks, including single track, as well as extremely technical routes and hiking trails.
Route Evaluation
ARS began with the development of the Route Evaluation Process (REP) nearly 25 years ago, addressing legal and environmental concerns to assist federal decision-makers with travel management and land use planning in a comprehensive, data-driven, legally-defensible process. Since its inception, ARS has continually adapted the REP to meet the changing needs and requirements of federal agencies, the public, and the courts. Time and again, our REP has been specifically recognized by litigants and BLM solicitors for its extensive and thorough documentation and careful attention to the NEPA process. Our REP is the only route evaluation process that has been tested and upheld in the 10thCircuit Federal IBLA Court, as well as in the 9th Circuit, both at the District and Appellate Court levels.
Travel Management Plans
Utilizing the extensive experience of former BLM staff and our broad hands-on knowledge of the BLM’s travel management planning policies and guidelines, ARS is equipped to provide travel management planning support from initial public meeting and scoping through the Environmental Assessment and plan implementation stages. ARS has provided TMP support for over 20 Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management planning projects over the past 20 years for the BLM, USFS, NPS and other entities across nine western states.
Firmly grounded in the NEPA regulations, federal agency guidance, and past litigation, clients receive thorough and legally-defensible documents designed to stand up against even the most litigious scrutiny.