• gain the public’s perspective on past planning revision efforts and opinions about updating older assessment material;               
• discuss priority issues and public values pertaining to the Black Hills; and               
• garner suggestions to guide the upcoming planning processes in terms of outreach and public meetings. 

The assessment goal is to identify and assemble a representative cross-section of the diversity of interests, affiliations, and geographic ties associated with the Black Hills. You have been identified by Black Hills National Forest staff as a previous participant or interested in Black Hills National Forest planning efforts, and your insight will be invaluable as the Forest prepares to begin the plan revision process. Information volunteered during the Rapid Stakeholder Assessment will be used to inform the development and implementation of the Black Hills National Forest Plan Revision Communication and Public Participation Strategy. 

Those who wish to participate will be invited to attend a brief (approximately 15 minute) virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams, where they will be asked to respond to a series of assessment prompts. You do not need to download any software, all you’ll need is internet access; you will be emailed a Microsoft Teams link which you need only to click on to enter the meeting. 

Assessment Prompts

1. Views of the plan revision process:
   • What is your, or your organization’s current or past involvement on the Black Hills National Forest with forest planning, projects, or processes?
   • What is your level of knowledge about the forest plan revision process as governed by the 2012 Planning Rule? For example, are you aware of the assessment, planning, and monitoring cycle?
   • Would assessments, materials, or techniques from previous forest planning efforts be useful to inform the upcoming forest plan revision effort? Do you have any specific examples?

2. Key issues:
   • What are the most important issues that the forest plan should address?
   • What are some existing conditions and their influence on communities?
   • Are there organizations with valuable knowledge or data sets about current forest conditions who should be involved?

3. Communication:
   • At what level of participation would you or your organization like to be involved in the forest plan revision process?
   • What are your expectations for a public meeting (format, forum, location, etc.)?
   • What are some strengths and weaknesses in you or your organization’s previous communications with the Black Hills National Forest?
   • Are there any specific communications platforms or techniques that you or your organization would recommend for inclusion or emphasis in the Black Hills National Forest Plan Revision Communication and Public Participation Strategy? Are there any that you would not recommend?
   • Are there groups/populations that have been underrepresented in previous Black Hills National Forest planning efforts?
   • Do you have any recommendations for reaching underrepresented populations?

4. Additional questions:
   • Who are additional people who should be included in this process? Who are key partners going forward?

If you would like to participate in the Black Hills National Forest Rapid Stakeholder Assessment, please respond directly to me via email by July 9, 2021, and Stacie or I will contact you with next steps. If you are unable to participate using Microsoft Teams, the assessment can be conducted by phone, or alternatively, you can provide written responses to the assessment prompts provided above via email or mail at: