Hi Spore-
Scouting is pretty basic, but "pitching" your site (if you find one) is where it gets tough come Spring Council. It is imperative to have photos and topo maps or the high holy types will shoot you down, and probably go to PA , not to be pessimistic or anything but I've been there, you can look at the archives of agr on google groups and read all about Utah.
Anyway, there needs to be a road to, but preferably not through your site. Preferably a good road in, one that can handle busses, and a second road that can be rough but can serve as a "back door" for emergencies and supply. So somewhere on this road in there needs to be areas for many thousands of cars to park. Ok, now there has to be land preferably above the freeze line (for less bugs and impact) of at least 4 squares on the topo that is National Forest and no conflicts with private land. Topos show in colors what these are, but in scouting the land make sure no private land is even really visible or there can be problems. Now this land needs to have: springs (not seeps but good gushing springs, sometimes these are marked on topo sometimes not), meadows (at least one big enough for main circle but more is good for choice), downed wood so no one is tempted to cut live trees. Oh, and no riparian zones, or marshland, or endangered species. That is probably it.

Again, a good search going to google, then groups, then alt.gathering.rainbow and search that group for "scouting" and you'll see info. You might want to try to make Thanksgiving Council cause scouts might be there, do a shout out for Sailor there cause he scouted last years' site.
None of this is meant to discourage, scouting is hard but really fun! Hit up local drum circles and councils for magic hat money for gas and film and stuff.
Becca