[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 19253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10582]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service


Draft 1995 RPA Program

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; reopening of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act 
(RPA) of 1974, as amended, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to 
prepare a long-range recommended renewable natural resources program 
every 5 years. The draft of the 1995 Program, which responds to the 
renewable resource situation projected in the 1989 RPA Assessment and 
the 1993 Update of the RPA Assessment, was made available for public 
comment on October 19, 1995 (60 FR 54057) with the comment period 
closing on January 17, 1996. The comment period is now being reopened 
for 30 days to allow additional time for those who wish to review and 
comment on the Draft 1995 RPA Program. All comments received between 
January 17, 1996, and the reopening of the comment period will be 
considered, and respondents do not need to resubmit their comments.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The additional comment period will end on May 31, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Director, Resources Program and 
Assessment (1910), Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. 
Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090 or via FAX at 202/205-1546 or via 
the INTERNET at /s=rpa/[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Copies of the Draft 1995 RPA Program may be requested by calling 202/
205-1235 or via FAX at 202/205-1546. Information  may  also  be  
requested  by E-Mail (ASCII only) at /s=rpa/0u1=w01c@mhs-
fswa.attmail.com. For information on electronic access and viewing of 
the draft document, see the supplementary information section of this 
notice.
    Questions about the Draft 1995 RPA Program may be addressed to 
Kathryn P. Maloney, Director, Resources Program and Assessment, 
telephone: 202/205-1235.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Draft 1995 RPA Program serves as a 
strategic planning document that provides long-term guidance for future 
Forest Service policies and programs. This long-term strategy describes 
the Agency's approach to achieving sustainability of ecosystems. This 
strategic plan is composed of future actions for protecting ecosystems, 
restoring ecosystems, providing multiple benefits from ecosystems, and 
ensuring organizational effectiveness. Future Agency actions and 
associated costs are described for international and domestic 
assistance, the management of the national forests and grasslands, and 
research.
    The Draft 1995 RPA Program has been developed in accordance with 
the principles in the National Environmental Policy Act. Should the 
Forest Service initiate any legislative proposals as a result of 
guidance in the final 1995 RPA Program, the Forest Service will prepare 
the appropriate environmental analyses and documentation specific to 
the proposed legislation. Similarly, implementation of the Program 
through the forest land and resource management planning process will 
entail environmental analysis and documentation at appropriate decision 
points.
    Electronic copies of the Draft 1995 RPA Program may be obtained via 
the World-wide Web at URL:http://www.fs.fed.us/land/RPA/welcome.htm.
    After consideration of the public comment received on the Draft 
1995 RPA Program, the President will present his statement of policy, 
and the Secretary will recommend a final 1995 RPA Program to the U.S. 
Congress.

    Dated: April 11, 1996.
Mark A. Reimers,
Acting Chief.
[FR Doc. 96-10582 Filed 4-30-96; 8:45 am]
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