Behavioral Analysis of Public Comments on Land Management

This technical report analyzes public comments submitted in response to the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed Conservation and Landscape Health Rule, referred to as the Public Lands Rule. The report employs a behavioral lens to understand how different stakeholder groups, including grazing permittees, mining and renewable energy sectors, and rural communities, perceive risks and rewards associated with the rule. It outlines a four-stage analysis process that includes segmentation of comments, document processing, thematic analysis, and message framing using Behavior-Centered Design principles. The findings indicate that trust-building and context-aware messaging are essential for effective communication. The report details motivations and barriers faced by each stakeholder group, emphasizing the need for tailored communication strategies that align with their values and identities. Recommendations include framing the rule as supportive of local planning and conservation while addressing concerns about regulatory complexity and access to resources.