Public "Beta Testers" Welcome!

Today, July 1, 2009, we launch our new RosemontEIS.us website! 

We still consider the site a "beta version," which means it is not quite finished -- a little like walking into a building that's still under construction.  However, we are hoping our first visitors will look around and tell us what they like, what could be improved, what needs fixed, and what needs to be added.

As the "Information Steward" for the Coronado National Forest, I administer the site and will be happy to hear your recommendations.  My email is jable@fs.fed.us, or you can call or text me at 520-405-4256.

While all the content at our previous website (www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont) is also located here, we have done our best to radically improve accessibility and searchability of all content in the following ways:

1. Simpler navigation.  Links at the top of each page have convenient drop down menus that let you more easily find what you're looking for.  If you want the big picture of site layout, check out the "Site Map" link in the left column.
2. Faster loading content.  We have converted (or are in the process of converting) PDF files into HTML files, which are much smaller, load faster, and do not require special software or browser plugins to view.  This means most content is viewable as a simple webpage in any web browser.  Perhaps even more importantly, unlike PDF content, HTML content is "searchable" using the Site Search in the left column.  Similar to a Google search, the Site Search will allow you to find content on this site by keyword.  (Of course, PDF files are still useful, because they retain the original document format, which often makes them easier to read and which usually provides a better printed copy.  So we will keep links to PDF versions of all documents.)
3. Full Search of Scoping Comments. A new, separate search feature (also still in "beta" version) will provide complete public access to scoping comments.  Find this feature under the "Getting Involved" navigation link at the top of every page.  This will provide totally transparent access to the comments we received during the scoping comment period from March 13, 2008 through July 14, 2008 -- over 11,000 submissions that resulted in over 20,000 unique comments.  Search by keyword, name of commenter, comment category, even "Comment ID" number.  Not only will this search feature allow you to find specific comments, it will also allow you to sort them in any way you feel is meaningful or important.
4. A glossary of terms and acronyms.  In case you haven't noticed, government employees use lots of acronyms.  We try to spell them out when we first use them, but with a website this large and this deep, that becomes very difficult. So now, we let the automatic glossary function help you understand our technical language.  If I write NEPA on a page, the glossary will turn it into a rollover link -- simply roll your cursor over it and a definition will pop up.  In no time, you'll know the difference between a DEIS and an FEIS.
5. We still have an enormous amount of content to place on this site.  We are working hard on that, but it will take time.  So we expect new content to become available on an almost daily basis.  Like any website, you are welcome to check back to find what's new, or you can take advantage of two simpler ways to keep current:
   1. Subscribe to the RSS feed.  Simply click on the orange-and-white icon under the "Syndicate" section in the left column.  Whenever new content becomes available, I will note it here on my blog, which can then be "aggregated" and displayed on your RSS reader whenever you check it.  (Note: You will need an RSS reader installed on your computer or in your browser to read this feed.  A list of such readers -- most of which are available for free -- is located on Wikipedia.)
   2. Register.  You are not required to register on this site to access content; however, registrants will receive email updates when new content becomes available.  (Note: Registrant information will be used for email notification only and not for any other commercial or non-commercial purpose.)

While this new website will continue to grow and improve over time, the goal is to provide information as transparently and completely as possible. In the near future, I'll discuss the "conversational" capabilities of this site. 

Until then, I look forward to your feedback.