[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 42079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11838]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

RIN 0596-AC44


Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period for Proposed Native 
Plant Material Policy (FSM 2070)

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service is extending the public comment period an 
additional 30 days for the Proposed Native Plant Material Policy (FSM 
2070). The Forest Service is proposing to establish a new directive to 
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2070 for native plant materials, which will 
provide direction for the use, growth, development, and storage of 
native plant materials. Public comment is invited and will be 
considered in development of the final directive. A copy of the 
proposed directive is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/rangelands/whoweare/documents/FSM2070_Final_2_062905.pdf

DATES: Comments must be received in writing, on or before August 24, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments via the U.S. Postal Service to; Native 
Plant Materials Proposed Directive, Rangeland Management Staff, MAIL 
STOP 1103, Forest Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, or by facsimile to (202) 205-1096 or by e-mail to 
[email protected]. If comments are sent via facsimile or email, the 
public is asked not to submit duplicate written comments by mail. 
Please confine comments to issues pertinent to the proposed directive 
and explain the reasons for any recommended changes. All comments, 
including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record 
and are available for public inspection and copying at 201 14th Street, 
SW., Washington, DC, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to 
inspect the comments are encouraged to call in advance to Brian Boyd, 
(202) 205-1496 to facilitate entrance into the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Stritch, Rangeland Management 
Staff, USDA Forest Service, Mailstop 1103, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250, (202) 205-1279.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title 36 CFR 219.10(b) states: ``The overall 
goal of the ecological element of sustainability is to provide a 
framework to contribute to sustaining native ecological systems by 
providing ecological conditions to support diversity of native plant 
and animal species in the plan area.'' Executive Order 13112 (February 
3, 1999, sec. 2(a)(2)(IV)) on invasive species states the agencies will 
``provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions in 
ecosystems that have been invaded [by non-native species].'' In 
accordance with the executive order and regulation, the Forest Service 
is developing a new proposed directive to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 
2070, Native Plant Materials, which addresses the uses of native plant 
materials in the revegetation, restoration, and rehabilitation of 
National Forest System lands in order to achieve the Agency's goal of 
providing for the diversity of plant and animal communities. The 
proposed policy would direct collaboration with Federal, State, and 
local government entities and the public to develop and implement a 
program for native plant materials for use in revegetation, 
restoration, and rehabilitation.
    In proposing this new policy, the Forest Service's goal is to 
promote the use of native plant materials in revegetation for 
restoration and rehabilitation in order to manage and conserve 
terrestrial and aquatic biological diversity. The proposed policy 
defines a native plant as: all indigenous terrestrial and aquatic plant 
species that evolved naturally in an ecosystem. The proposed policy 
also requires the use of best available information to choose 
ecologically adapted plant materials for the site and situation. 
Further, the proposed policy states that native plants are to be used 
when timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is not 
likely to occur; native plant materials are the first choice in 
revegatation for restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Nonnative, 
non-invasive plant species may be used when needed: (1) In emergency 
conditions to protect basic resource values such as soil stability and 
water quality; (2) as an interim, non-persistent measure designed to 
aid in new establishment of native plants (unless natural soil, water 
and biotic conditions have been permanently altered); (3) native plant 
species are not available; and (4) when working in permanently altered 
plant communities. Under no circumstances will nonnative invasive plant 
species be used.
    When the proposed policy is issued as final, the Forest Service 
will: (1) Undertake a comprehensive assessment of needs (type and 
amount) for native plant materials; (2) invest in a long-term 
commitment to research and development, education, and technology 
transfer for native plant materials; (3) expand efforts to increase the 
availability of native plant materials; and (4) collaborate with other 
federal agencies; tribal, State, and local governments; academic 
institutions; and the private sector.

    Dated: July 19, 2006.
Dale N. Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11838 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
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