[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 146 (Monday, July 31, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38984-38985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-18710]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Proposal to Require the Use of Certified Noxious Weed-Free Forage 
on National Forest System Lands in Idaho

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Regional Foresters of the Intermountain, Northern, and 
pacific Northwest Regions of the Forest Service are proposing a 
requirement that all National Forest visitors in Idaho and the Selway-
Bitterroot Wilderness Portion of the Bitterroot National Forest in 
Montana 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 pellets 
before entering and while on National Forest system Lands in the 
aforementioned States.

DATES: The comment period ends August 30, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Regional Forester, USDA Forest 
Service, Federal Building, 324 25th street, Ogden, UT 84401.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Northern Region

James Olivarez, Federal Building, P.O. Box 7669, Missoula, MT 59807, 
(406) 329-3621

Intermountain Region

Frank Gunnell, Federal Building, 324 25th Street, Ogden, UT 84401, 
(801) 625-5829

Pacific Northwest Region

Susan Holtzman, 333 S.W. 1st Ave., P.O. Box 3623, Portland, OR 97208, 
(503) 326-3879

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 

[[Page 38985]]
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 Idaho and Montana, the U.S. 
Forest Service is proposing--for all National Forest System lands 
within Idaho and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness portion of the 
Bitterroot National Forest in Montana--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 with 30 days from the date 
of publication in the Federal Register.

    Dated: July 25, 1995.
Dale N. Bosworth,
Regional Forester, Intermountain Region.
John M. Hughes,
Deputy Regional Forester, Northern Region.
John E. Lowe,
Regional Forester, Pacific Northwest Region.
[FR Doc. 95-18710 Filed 7-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M