We reached out to a few federal and state agency decision-makers who read public comments to hear what catches their eye and makes an effective comment. Their answers were insightful! We recommend reviewing them before writing your next comment letter.

Knowing who you’re writing to:
“I would advise citizens to consider the role that the agency is required to play and to appeal to our common goals and interests.  Recognize that public agencies are always working to understand and integrate very broad impacts. It catches our eye when the rationale used for comments is based on an understanding of our mission and mandate and the constraints within which we have to operate.”

Focusing on what you do support and why not just what you oppose:
“I would emphasize that it is tremendously helpful to comment on what you do like and appreciate about something vs. focusing only on what you think we got wrong.  It’s often the vocal voices of dissent that are the loudest and not only does that impact morale and the willingness to work together, it makes it difficult to get a true signal of what the public at large wants and values if we only hear from one side.  So, let us know both what you like, what you don’t like, AS well as why (for both) and what you would suggest instead if you don’t like something.”

Using the Right Tone:
“We most appreciate a tone that is devoid of personal attacks and accusations of nefarious intent.  You’d be surprised how much of that does occur.  We appreciate a tone that signals a spirit of appreciation for the public service that we provide.  A clear statement of the commenter’s perspective and intent is helpful to put their comments in context. Something that conveys a spirit of partnership and collaboration and of adding value to the discussion.”

“For the greatest impact, keep the tone respectful and constructive. Our employees on the ground are carrying out a complex mission that is informed by many laws and policies and best available science. They are community members, care about the lands they manage, and want to find the best outcome, so help them be effective by providing feedback in a way that focuses on desired outcomes.” –Victoria Wilkins, Public Affairs, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

What Catches Their Eye:

It catches our eye when we see answers to specific questions we may pose or alternative suggestions.  It catches our eye when the rationale used for comments is based on an understanding of our mission and mandate and the constraints within which we have to operate.  It also catches our eye when novel suggestions or alternative solutions are presented that fit within those sideboards. 

Clearly the opposite catches our eyes and we can be impacted by unkind and volatile approaches.  This usually makes it more difficult to see through the language/tone to the substance of the issue.

Make Sure your Comments are Actionable:
Comments that stand out are actionable and help inform the decision maker. They are specific, relevant to the topic at hand and stage in the process, and provide context on both the “what” and the “why”. The Forest Service was created on the principle of managing the nation’s natural resources “for the greatest good, for the greatest number, for the longest time.” There are many dynamic tensions in managing public lands for public use and benefit. Feedback from the public helps us understand those tensions and improve how we balance the needs of different resources and user groups. Comments that focus on personal opinions and feelings without context for the “what” and “why” aren’t usually actionable.  It is great when people are passionate about their public lands (so are we!) and we want to be able to use their feedback to improve how we manage the land. If your comment makes it clear what you are suggesting, why it’s important, and maybe even provides specific suggestions actions you’d like taking, it provides the context we need to be responsive.
–Victoria Wilkins, Public Affairs Officer, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Suggestions for Effective Comment on the Forest Service NEPA process 

• Comments should be clear, concise, and relevant to the analysis of the documents.
• Take the time to organize your thoughts so your comments are understood.
• Comments that are solution-oriented and provide specific examples will be more effective than those that simply oppose the statement the comment relates to.
• Comments that contribute to developing possible alternatives that address the purpose and need for the action are also effective.
• Commenting is not a form of “voting” on an alternative. The number of negative comments an agency receives does not prevent an action from moving forward. Numerous comments that repeat the same basic message of support or opposition will typically be responded to collectively. -Victoria Wilkins, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest