[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 909]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-191]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement


Policy Outreach Symposium on Reforestation at Surface Coal Mines; 
Public Meeting

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the objectives of the Government 
Performance and Results Act and the Vice-President's National 
Performance Review, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and 
Enforcement (OSM) of the U.S. Department of the Interior is soliciting 
the participation of interested parties to discuss policy and technical 
issues related to reforestation on active and abandoned mines. On May 
13, 1998, OSM held an initial meeting to seek public input on possible 
roles OSM might play in encouraging reforestation, where appropriate. 
Based on the results of that session, OSM is planning to host a number 
of events, including a Policy Outreach Symposium on Reforestation at 
Surface Coal Mines. The Symposium will be held in Washington, DC on 
January 14, 1999. The purpose of the symposium is to provide a forum to 
discuss current policy issues relevant to reforestation of mined lands 
and to obtain public input on how to encourage tree planting on active 
and abandoned mined lands.

DATES: The Policy Outreach Symposium On Reforestation at Surface Coal 
Mines will be a public meeting held in Washington, D.C., on January 14, 
1999, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

ADDRESSES: The Policy Outreach Symposium On Reforestation will be held 
at the South Interior Building's Auditorium, 1951 Constitution Ave., 
NW, Washington, DC. Please refer to our home page, or contact Ms. Sarah 
Donnelly listed under For Further Information Contact, for additional 
information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Donnelly at: Office of Surface 
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Room 210-SIB, 1951 Constitution 
Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20240; Telephone: (202) 208-2826; FAX: 
(202) 219-3111; E-Mail address on the Internet: [email protected]. Any 
individual who needs special accommodations to attend the public 
meeting should contact Sarah Donnelly at the above address. Please 
refer to OSM's home page at www.osmre.gov for additional information on 
the Symposium. The meeting is open to the public. Limited seating for 
the public is available on a first-come, first serve basis. To assist 
us in planning seating for this event, please register via OSM's home 
page or at the address listed at the above address.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The planned program agenda for the Symposium 
includes the following:
    State/Tribal/Industry Reforestation Comments--Review of State/
Tribal and industry views on current reforestation policies, including 
nationwide overview of successful policies, practices, and of dilemmas.
    State/Tribal Tree Planting Statistics--Nationwide overview of 
forestry as a post-mining land use. Quantity and quality of 
reforestation on active and abandoned sites, as well as, an assessment 
of State interest in reforestation issues will be addressed.
    Site Preparation Issues--How do AOC and other grading requirements 
influence tree planting?; How does soil restoration, in particular, 
excessive compaction play into successful reforestation from a policy 
perspective?
    Land Use Issues--How do the land use capability requirements and 
landowner desires influence the restoration of mined lands to forestry?
    Erosion Control Issues--What are the effects of our soil 
stabilization policies and regulations (e.g., rills and gullies) on 
successful restoration of forestry land use?
    Revegetation Issues--How do the revegetation standards for success 
influence tree planting?; Are there feasible alternatives within the 
current regulatory framework that would encourage reforestation?
    Reforestation Efforts on AML Lands--What are the keys to current, 
successful AML reforestation programs?; What would encourage an 
increase in tree planting on AML sites--supplemental ``tree planting 
grants'', reforestation awards category, use of reforestation on 
remined lands?

    Dated: December 29, 1998.
Robert J. Ewing,
Acting Director, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.
[FR Doc. 99-191 Filed 1-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-M