[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 4107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-1791]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

RIN 0596-AC03


Stewardship End Result Contracting Policy

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of issuance of agency interim directive.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service is issuing an interim directive to provide 
guidance for stewardship end result contracting (commonly referred to 
as ``stewardship contracting'') projects. This interim directive 
provides internal administrative direction to guide Forest Service 
employees in planning, implementing, and monitoring of stewardship 
contracting projects. The interim directive is issued to Forest Service 
Handbook (FSH) 2409.19, Renewable Resources Handbook, Chapter 60, 
Stewardship Contracting, as interim directive No. 2409.19-2004-1.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The interim directive is effective January 28, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The interim directive is available electronically via the 
World Wide Web/Internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/fsh/2409.19. Single paper copies of the directive also are available by 
contacting the USDA Forest Service, Forest and Rangeland Management 
Staff, 3 SW., Stop Code 1103, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-1103.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Cook, (202) 205-1762, or Darci 
Birmingham, (202) 205-1759, Forest and Rangeland Management Staff.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 27, 2003, the Forest Service and the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) adopted jointly developed interim 
guidelines for implementation of the stewardship end results 
contracting provisions as authorized by section 323 of Public Law 108-
7, the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (16 U.S.C. 2104 
note). The Forest Service and BLM published a joint Federal Register 
notice with request for comment on the interim guidelines on June 27, 
2003 (68 FR 38285).
    Sixty-two (62) responses in the form of letters, faxes, and e-mail 
messages were received regarding the Federal Register notice of the 
interim guidelines on stewardship contracting. The comments came from 
private citizens, elected officials, and groups and individuals 
representing businesses, private organizations, and Federal agencies. 
Comments ranged from full support of the interim guidelines to the 
recommendation that the Forest Service not use much of the authority 
set out in 16 U.S.C. 2104 note.
    Since publication of the Federal Register notice of the interim 
guidelines on stewardship contracting and receipt of comments, the 
Forest Service has developed an interim directive to provide internal 
administrative direction to guide Forest Service personnel in planning, 
implementing, and monitoring of stewardship contracting projects. The 
interim directive expands upon the interim guidelines and reflects the 
Forest Service's consideration of all comments received on the Federal 
Register notice of the interim guidelines.
    The interim directive (ID) No. 2409.19-2004-1 is being issued to 
Forest Service Handbook 2409.19, Renewable Resources Handbook, Chapter 
60, Stewardship Contracts.

    Dated: January 22, 2004.
Dale N. Bosworth,
Chief, USDA Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 04-1791 Filed 1-27-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P