[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 34 (Friday, February 18, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3696]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 18, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

 

Require the Use of Certified Noxious Weed-Free Forage on National 
Forest System Lands in Colorado and Wyoming, Regions 2 and 4, Colorado, 
Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Southern Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and 
Wyoming

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposal to require the use of certified noxious 
weed-free forage on National Forest System Lands in Colorado and 
Wyoming.

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SUMMARY: The Regional Foresters of the Rocky Mountain and Intermountain 
Regions of the Forest Service are proposing a requirement that all 
National Forest visitors in Colorado and Wyoming use certified noxious 
weed-free hay, straw or mulch when visiting National Forest System 
lands in those two states. This requirement will affect visitors who 
routinely use hay or straw on the National Forests such as: 
recreationists using pack and saddle stock, ranchers with grazing 
permits, outfitters, and contractors who use straw or other mulch for 
reseeding purposes. These individuals or groups would be required to 
purchase certified noxious weed-free forage products or use other 
approved products such as processed grains and pellets before entering 
and while on National Forest System lands in the aforementioned states.

DATES: Comments concerning the proposal should be received on or before 
March 21, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments concerning the Colorado requirement 
to: Rocky Mountain Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 
25127, Lakewood, CO 80225. Comments concerning the requirement in 
Wyoming should be sent to: Intermountain Regional Forester, USDA Forest 
Service, Fed. Bldg., 324 25th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rocky Mountain Region, Charlie Richmond, Renewable Resources Staff, 
P.O. Box 25127, Lakewood, CO 80225, (303) 275-5005; Intermountain 
Region, Frank Gunnell, Fed. Bldg., 324 25th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401, 
(801) 625-5829.

BACKGROUND: Noxious weeds are a serious problem in the western United 
States. Species like Leafy Spurge, Spotted Knapweed, Musk Thistle, 
Purple Loosestrife and others are alien to the United States and have 
no natural enemies to keep their populations in balance. Consequently, 
these undesirable weeds invade healthy ecosystems, displace native 
vegetation, reduce species diversity, and destroy wildlife habitat. 
Widespread infestations lead to soil erosion and stream sedimentation. 
Furthermore, noxious weed invasions weaken reforestation efforts, 
reduce domestic and wild ungulates grazing capacity, aggravate and 
occasionally injure forest visitors, and threaten federally protected 
plants and animals.
    To curb the spread of noxious weeds, a growing number of western 
states have jointly developed noxious weed-free forage certification 
standards and, in cooperation with various federal, state and county 
agencies, passed weed-control laws. Because hay and other forage 
products containing noxious weeds are part of the infestation problem, 
states have developed a hay inspection/certification/identification 
process and are encouraging forage producers to grow noxious weed-free 
products.
    In cooperation with the states of Colorado and Wyoming, the U.S. 
Forest Service is proposing--for all National Forest System lands 
within those states--a ban on hay, straw or mulch that has not been 
state certified. This proposal includes a public information plan to 
insure that: (1) This ban (a.k.a. closure order) is well publicized and 
understood; and (2) National Forest visitors will know where they can 
purchase state-certified hay or other products.
    The Forest Service invites written comment and suggestions on this 
proposal. Written comments must be received within 30 days from the 
date of publication in the Federal Register.

    Dated: February 7, 1994.
Tom L. Thompson,
Deputy Regional Forester, Rocky Mountain Region.
    Dated: February 4, 1994.
William S. Werner,
Acting Deputy Regional Forester, Intermountain Region.
[FR Doc. 94-3696 Filed 2-17-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M