[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 25, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71521-71526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27657]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service

7 CFR Part 610

RIN 0578-AA51


State Technical Committees

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States 
Department of Agriculture.

ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comment.

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SUMMARY: Section 1261 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended (the 
1985 Act), requires the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) to 
establish a technical committee in each State to assist the Secretary 
in the considerations relating to implementation and technical aspects 
of the conservation programs authorized under the 1985 Act. Section 
1262 of the 1985 Act describes the responsibilities of the State 
Technical Committees to

[[Page 71522]]

work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in an 
advisory capacity. Part 610, Subpart C of title 7 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations contains the current regulations for State 
Technical Committees.
    Section 2711 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(2008 Act) amended Sections 1261 and 1262 of the 1985 Act to expand 
agricultural and forestry involvement on the committees, expand the 
committees' authority related to reviewing Local Working Groups' 
efforts to address State program priorities, and require the Secretary 
to standardize committee operations. Section 246(f)(3) of the 
Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 exempted State 
Technical Committees from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The 2008 
Act clarifies that the Local Working Groups shall be considered a 
subcommittee of the applicable State Technical Committee for the 
purposes of this exemption. This interim final rule adopts these 
changes.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective November 25, 2008.
    Comment date: Submit comments on or before January 26, 2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments (identified by Docket Number NRCS-IFR-
08010) using any of the following methods:
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending comments 
electronically.
     Mail: Conservation Technical Assistance Programs Division, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6015-S, Washington, DC 20250-2890.
     Fax: (202) 720-2998
     Hand Delivery Room: Room 6015-S of the USDA South Office 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, between 
9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. 
Please ask the guard at the entrance to the South Office Building to 
call 202-720-4527 in order to be escorted into the building.
     This interim final rule may be accessed via Internet. 
Users can access the NRCS homepage at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/; select 
the Farm Bill link from the menu; select the Interim final link from 
beneath the Final and Interim Final Rules Index title. Persons with 
disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, 
large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA TARGET Center 
at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Woods, Acting Director, 
Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance Programs Division, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation 
Service (NRCS), P.O. 2890, Room 6015-S, Washington, DC 20013-2890; 
phone: (202) 720-1510; fax: (202) 720-2998; or e-mail: 
[email protected], Attn: State Technical Committees.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    NRCS invites interested persons to participate in this rulemaking 
by submitting written comments or views about the changes made by this 
interim final rule. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
portion of the regulation, explain the reason for any recommended 
changes, and include supporting data and references to statutory 
language. Please send two copies of written comments. All comments 
received on or before the closing date for comments will be considered. 
This regulation may be changed because of the comments received. All 
comments received, as well as a report summarizing each substantive 
public comment received concerning this interim final rule will be 
filed in the docket. The docket, including any personal information 
provided, will be made available for public inspection.

Regulatory Certifications

Executive Order 12866

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this 
interim final rule is not significant and will not be reviewed by OMB 
under Executive Order 12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The interim final rule will not have a significant environmental 
impact on small entities. NRCS has determined that the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act does not apply.

Environmental Analysis

    The proposed rule involves the establishment of State Technical 
Committees. As provided for under 7 CFR Part 1b.3--Categorical 
Exclusions, the proposed rule involves administrative functions that 
are categorically excluded from further environmental review under the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Specifically, 7 CFR Part 1b.3 
states: (a) The following are categories of activities which have been 
determined not to have a significant individual or cumulative effect on 
the human environment and are excluded from the preparation of 
environmental assessment (EAs) or environmental impact statement 
(EISs), unless individual agency procedures prescribed otherwise.
    (1) Policy development, planning and implementation which relate to 
routine activities, such as personnel, organizational changes, or 
similar administrative functions;
    (2) Activities which deal solely with the funding of programs, such 
as program budget proposals, disbursements, and transfer or 
reprogramming of funds;
    (3) Inventories, research activities, and studies, such as resource 
inventories and routine data collection when such actions are clearly 
limited in context and intensity;
    (4) Educational and informational programs and activities;
    (5) Civil and criminal law enforcement and investigative 
activities;
    (6) Activities which are advisory and consultative to other 
agencies and public and private entities, such as legal counseling and 
representation; and
    (7) Activities related to trade representation and market 
development activities abroad.
    The State Technical Committee rule meets the criteria for being a 
categorical exclusion under Section 1b.3 (1) Policy development, 
planning and implementation which relate to routine activities, such as 
personnel, organizational changes, or similar administrative functions; 
and (6)-Activities which are advisory and consultative to other 
agencies and public and private entities, such as legal counseling and 
representation.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Section 2904 of the 2008 Act provides that the promulgation and 
administration of Title II of the Act shall be made without regard to 
Chapter 35 of Title 44 of the United States Codes, also know as the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Therefore, 
NRCS is not reporting recordkeeping or estimated paperwork burden 
associated with this interim final rule.

Executive Order 12988

    This interim final rule has been reviewed in accordance with 
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. The provisions of this 
interim final rule are not retroactive. The provisions of this interim 
final rule preempt State and local laws to the extent that such laws 
are inconsistent with this interim final rule. Before an action may be 
brought in a Federal court of competent

[[Page 71523]]

jurisdiction, the administrative appeal rights afforded persons at 
parts 11, 614, and 780 of this title must be exhausted.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    NRCS assessed the effects of this rulemaking action on State, 
local, and tribal governments, and the public. This action does not 
compel the expenditure of $100 million or more by any State, local, or 
tribal governments, or anyone in the private sector; therefore, a 
statement under section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 
is not required.

Discussion of State Technical Committees

Background and Purpose

    The 2008 Act amended requirements regarding the composition and 
responsibilities of State Technical Committees. Section 1261 of the 
1985 Act, as amended, establishes the membership and responsibilities 
for State Technical Committees (committee(s)). When first enacted, this 
section required that committees be composed of ``professional resource 
managers that represent a variety of disciplines in the soil, water, 
wetland, and wildlife sciences.'' However, the 1985 Act only required 
representation from Federal and State agencies. The 1985 Act directed 
the Secretary to include representation from the Soil Conservation 
Service, the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service, U.S. 
Forest Service, Extension Service, the Farmers Home Administration, the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and State Departments and agencies the 
Secretary deemed appropriate, including: State Fish and Wildlife 
agencies, State foresters or equivalent State officials, State water 
resources agencies, State departments of agriculture, and State 
associations of soil and water conservation districts. The Secretary 
had discretionary authority to include other agency personnel with 
expertise in soil, water, wetland and wildlife management. The 1996 Act 
(Pub. L. 104-127) expanded eligibility for State Technical Committee 
membership to include representatives from the private sector. In 
addition to the members identified under the 1985 Act, the State 
Technical Committee was expanded to include agricultural producers and 
non-profit organizations with demonstrable conservation expertise, 
persons knowledgeable about conservation techniques, and agribusiness. 
The Chief, NRCS, added the following agencies and groups based on their 
proven expertise with conservation programs and natural resource 
issues: The Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 
U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Farm Service 
Agency State Committee, and Federally-recognized American Indian Tribal 
Governments and Alaskan Native Corporations encompassing 100,000 acres 
or more in the State. This full representation was incorporated in a 
final rule that was published on August 3, 1999.
    The 2008 Act amendments add ``agricultural producers and other 
professionals that represent a variety of disciplines in the soil, 
water, wetland, and wildlife sciences'' and ``owners of nonindustrial 
private forest land'' as members of the committee. The U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service is no longer identified in the statute as a member of 
the committee, and agriculture producer members are no longer required 
to have conservation expertise. Agriculture producer members are now 
required to represent a variety of crops and livestock or poultry 
raised within the State. These changes are reflected in Sec.  610.22 of 
this regulation.
    The State Technical Committee is required under section 1261(c) to 
include members from a wide variety of natural resource and 
agricultural interests. The State Conservationist should ensure that 
all interests are adequately represented and heard on the committee and 
that recommendations, when adopted, address natural resource concerns. 
The committee membership in Sec.  610.22 has been modified, as 
described under the summary of provisions below.
    To ensure that recommendations of the State Technical Committees 
take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, in 
Sec.  610.22, committee membership shall continue to include, to the 
extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability and skills 
concerning natural resource conservation subjects specific to 
historically underserved groups and individuals; i.e. minorities, 
women, persons with disabilities and socially and economically 
disadvantaged groups.
    The State Conservationist determines the membership on the State 
Technical Committee. Individuals or groups wanting to participate as 
members on a State Technical Committee may submit to the State 
Conservationist a request that explains their interest and outlines 
their relevant credentials for becoming a member of the State Technical 
Committee. Decisions of the State Conservationist concerning membership 
on the committee are final and are not subject to appeal.
    Section 1261 of the 1985 Act provides that each committee is 
advisory and has no implementation or enforcement authority. The 2008 
Act amendments continue this provision in Section 1262(c)(1). In 
paragraph 1262(c)(2), the committees' role is expanded to provide 
advice on whether Local Working Groups are addressing State priorities 
adopted by the State Conservationist. Section 610.24, Responsibilities 
of State Technical Committees, paragraph (c) has been revised to 
incorporate this change.
    The 2008 Act amendments to Section 1261(b)(1) require the Secretary 
to establish standard operating procedures for committees. Standard 
operating procedures will be incorporated in NRCS directives made 
available to the public through a Federal Register notice, NRCS offices 
and the NRCS Web site. The standard operating procedures will outline 
items such as: The best practice approach to establishing, organizing, 
and effectively utilizing State Technical Committees and Local Working 
Groups; direction on publication of meeting notices, agendas, and State 
Technical Committee meeting summaries; how to provide feedback on State 
Conservationist decisions regarding State Technical Committee 
recommendations; and other items as determined by the Chief.
    Section 1262(d) exempts State Technical Committees from the 
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The 2008 Act 
clarifies that any Local Working Group shall be considered to be a 
subcommittee of the applicable State Technical Committee. Sections 
610.21, Purpose and scope, and 610.25, Specialized subcommittees, are 
changed to incorporate this statutory provision.

Summary of Provisions

Section 610.21 Purpose and Scope

    Section 610.21 is amended to indicate that Local Working Groups, as 
well as State Technical Committees, are exempt from the provisions of 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Prior to the 2008 Act amendments, 
the statute expressly exempted only the State Technical Committees from 
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, although the Local Working Groups 
were, due to their composition of representative of elected officials, 
exempt from the Act.

Section 610.22 State Technical Committee Membership

    Paragraph (a) of this section is revised to align the membership of 
the State Technical Committees with the composition required in Section 
2711 of

[[Page 71524]]

the 2008 Act. Statutorily required members continue to include NRCS; 
the Farm Service Agency; the U.S. Forest Service; the National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture (formerly the Cooperative State 
Research Education and Extension Service); the state fish and wildlife 
agency; the state forester; the state water resources agency; the state 
department of agriculture; the state association of soil and water 
conservation districts; agribusiness; and nonprofits with demonstrable 
conservation expertise, though they now must have experience in working 
with agricultural producers in the State. In addition, owners of 
nonindustrial private forest land, as well as agricultural producers 
representing the variety of crops and livestock or poultry raised in 
the State, are now explicitly identified as being members of the State 
Technical Committee. However, agricultural producers are no longer 
required to have conservation expertise.
    In addition to the statutorily required members, the regulations 
also continue to explicitly provide for membership for the state Farm 
Service Agency Committee and each federally recognized American Indian 
Tribal Government and Alaskan Native Corporation encompassing 100,000 
acres or more in the State.
    In Sec.  610.22, the Fish and Wildlife Service has been removed 
from membership as required by statute. In addition, NRCS has removed 
several agencies from required membership because the 2008 Act 
eliminated Section 1261(c)(8) from the statute, which had included 
``other agency personnel with expertise in soil, water, wetland, and 
wildlife management'' as members. These agencies include: USDA Rural 
Development; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the Bureau of 
Land Management; the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the U.S. Geological 
Survey; the Bureau of Reclamation; the Army Corps of Engineers; and the 
state coastal zone management agency. However, the State 
Conservationist will invite representatives from these and other 
relevant Federal and State agencies, as well as the private sector, to 
participate as needed.
    The regulations do not change paragraph (b) regarding membership of 
historically underserved groups and individuals or paragraph (c) 
regarding the process by which individuals or groups may request 
membership on a State Technical Committee.

Section 610.23 State Technical Committee Meetings

    Paragraph (b) is a new provision that addresses the statutory 
requirement for NRCS to develop standard operating procedures governing 
the operation of State Technical Committees. Specific topics that will 
be addressed in the standard operating procedures are identified in the 
regulations. The list is not exhaustive and comments are invited on the 
content of the standard operating procedures. The standard operating 
procedures will be made available to the public in a Federal Register 
Notice. The remaining language of Sec.  610.23 has been reorganized, 
but has not changed.

Section 610.24 Responsibilities of State Technical Committees

    Paragraph (a) is amended in the regulations to clarify that State 
Technical Committee members may provide information, analysis and 
recommendations not only to NRCS, but to other USDA agencies 
responsible for natural resource conservation activities and programs 
under Title XII of the 1985 Act. This change is consistent with the 
provisions of the 2008 Act.
    Paragraph (b) of the regulations is consistent with the language in 
Section 1262 (d) of the 2008 Act. The 2008 Act deleted much of the 
specific guidance regarding State Technical Committee responsibilities 
for making technical recommendations. This change does not limit the 
scope of State Technical Committee responsibilities, but recognizes 
that State Technical Committee responsibilities should not be limited 
to certain specified technical areas.
    Paragraph (c) was added to address the language in the 2008 Act 
about State Technical Committee authority to review whether Local 
Working Groups are addressing State priorities.

Section 610.25 Subcommittees and Local Working Groups

    In the current regulations, Sec.  610.25 addresses only specialized 
subcommittees of the State Technical Committee. Paragraph (a) of these 
interim final regulations retains the language of the current 
regulations, but explains that members of Local Working Groups, as well 
as members of State Technical Committees, can serve on specialized 
subcommittees. The regulations differentiate between recommendations 
resulting from Local Working Group meetings and from specialized 
subcommittee recommendations in that decisions resulting from Local 
Working Group sessions need not be reported in a general session of the 
State Technical Committee. NRCS has determined that Local Working Group 
recommendations need not be reported in a general session of the State 
Technical Committee because, given the number of Local Working Groups 
in a state, it will be more efficient for the State Technical 
Committees to receive a summary report of the Local Working Groups' 
recommendations from the State Conservationist. This reporting 
requirement will be included in the standard operating procedures. 
Local Working Groups will follow the standard operating procedures and 
the public notice requirements.
    The intent of paragraph (b) is to ensure the membership of Local 
Working Groups is as diverse as that of the State Technical Committees, 
but is focused on agricultural interests and natural resource issues 
existing in the local community. Paragraph (b) outlines the role of 
Local Working Groups and clarifies that they are to provide 
recommendations on local natural resource priorities and criteria for 
conservation activities and programs.
    NRCS invites comments regarding the interaction of Local Working 
Groups with State Technical Committees and with NRCS at both the local 
and State levels. The NRCS also invites comments regarding the State 
Technical Committee review of whether Local Working Groups are 
addressing the priorities established by the State Technical Committee.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 610

    Soil conservation, State Technical Committee, Technical assistance, 
Water resources.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service amends Part 610 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations as follows:

PART 610--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

0
1. The authority citation for part 610 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 590a-f, 590q, 2005b, 3861, 3862.


0
2. Subpart C is revised to read as follows:
Subpart C--State Technical Committees
Sec.
610.21 Purpose and scope.
610.22 State Technical Committee membership.
610.23 State Technical Committee meetings.
610.24 Responsibilities of State Technical Committees.
610.25 Subcommittees and Local Working Groups.

[[Page 71525]]

Subpart C--State Technical Committees


Sec.  610.21  Purpose and scope.

    This subpart sets forth the procedures for establishing and using 
the advice of State Technical Committees. NRCS shall establish in each 
State a technical committee to assist in making recommendations 
relating to the implementation and technical aspects of natural 
resource conservation activities and programs. USDA will use State 
Technical Committees in an advisory capacity in the administration of 
certain conservation programs and initiatives. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 
3862(d), these State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups are 
exempt from the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. App. 2).


Sec.  610.22  State Technical Committee membership.

    (a) State Technical Committees shall include agricultural 
producers, nonindustrial private forest land owners, and other 
professionals who represent a variety of disciplines in soil, water, 
wetlands, plant, and wildlife sciences. The State Conservationist in 
each State will serve as chairperson. The State Technical Committee for 
each State shall include representatives from among the following:
    (1) NRCS, USDA;
    (2) Farm Service Agency, USDA;
    (3) State Farm Service Agency Committee, USDA;
    (4) Forest Service, USDA;
    (5) National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA;
    (6) Each of the Federally recognized American Indian Tribal 
Governments and Alaskan Native Corporations encompassing 100,000 acres 
or more in the State;
    (7) State departments and agencies within the State, including the:
    (i) Fish and wildlife agency;
    (ii) Forestry agency;
    (iii) Water resources agency;
    (iv) Department of agriculture;
    (v) Association of soil and water conservation districts; and
    (vi) Soil and water conservation agency;
    (8) Agricultural producers representing the variety of crops and 
livestock or poultry raised within the State;
    (9) Owners of nonindustrial private forest land;
    (10) Nonprofit organizations, within the meaning of section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with demonstrable 
conservation expertise and experience working with agriculture 
producers in the State; and
    (11) Agribusiness.
    (b) The State Conservationist will invite other relevant Federal 
agencies, and persons knowledgeable about economic and environmental 
impacts of conservation techniques and programs to participate as 
needed.
    (c) To ensure that recommendations of the State Technical 
Committees take into account the needs of the diverse groups served by 
the USDA, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, 
individuals with demonstrated ability to represent the conservation and 
related technical concerns of particular historically underserved 
groups and individuals; i.e., minorities, women, persons with 
disabilities and socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
    (d) In accordance with the guidelines in paragraphs (a), (b) and 
(c) of this section, the State Conservationist establishes membership 
on the State Technical Committee. Individuals or groups wanting to 
participate on a State Technical Committee within a specific State may 
submit to the State Conservationist of that particular State a request 
that explains their interest and outlines their credentials which they 
believe are relevant to becoming a member of the State Technical 
Committee. Decisions of the State Conservationist concerning membership 
on the committee are final and not appealable to any other individual 
or group within USDA.


Sec.  610.23  State Technical Committee meetings.

    (a) The State Conservationist, as Chairperson, schedules and 
conducts the meetings, although a meeting may be requested by any USDA 
agency as needed.
    (b) NRCS shall establish and publish in a Federal Register notice 
national standard operating procedures governing the operation of State 
Technical Committees and Local Working Groups. The standard operating 
procedures will outline items such as: The best practice approach to 
establishing, organizing, and effectively utilizing State Technical 
Committees and Local Working Groups; direction on publication of State 
Technical Committee and Local Working Group meeting notices and 
agendas; State Technical Committee meeting summaries; how to provide 
feedback on State Conservationist decisions regarding State Technical 
Committee recommendations; and other items as determined by the Chief 
of NRCS.
    (c) In addition to the standard operating procedures established 
under paragraph (b) of this section, the State Conservationist shall 
provide public notice of and allow public attendance at State Technical 
Committee and Local Working Group meetings. The State Conservationist 
shall publish a meeting notice no later than 14 calendar days prior to 
the meeting. Notification may exceed this 14-day minimum where State 
open meeting laws exist and provide for a longer notification period. 
This minimum 14-day notice requirement may be waived in the case of 
exceptional conditions, as determined by the State Conservationist. The 
State Conservationist shall publish this notice in at least one or more 
newspaper(s), including recommended Tribal publications, to attain 
statewide circulation.


Sec.  610.24  Responsibilities of State Technical Committees.

    (a) Each State Technical Committee established under this subpart 
shall meet on a regular basis, as determined by the State 
Conservationist, to provide information, analysis, and recommendations 
to appropriate officials of the Department of Agriculture who are 
charged with implementing and establishing priorities and criteria for 
natural resources conservation activities and programs under Title XII 
of the Food Security Act of 1985, including: the Conservation Reserve 
Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Conservation Security Program, 
Conservation Stewardship Program, Farm and Ranch Lands Protection 
Program, Grassland Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives 
Program, Conservation Innovation Grants, Agricultural Water Enhancement 
Program, Conservation of Private Grazing Land, Wildlife Habitat 
Incentive Program, Grassroots Source Water Protection Program, Great 
Lakes Basin Program, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, and the 
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. Such 
recommendations may include but are not limited to recommendations 
about:
    (1) The criteria to be used in prioritizing program applications;
    (2) The state-specific application criteria; and
    (3) Priority natural resource concerns in the state.
    (b) The role of the State Technical Committee is advisory in nature 
and the committee shall have no implementation or enforcement 
authority. The implementing agency reserves the authority to accept or 
reject the Committee's recommendations. However, the implementing USDA 
agency shall give strong consideration to

[[Page 71526]]

the State Technical Committee's recommendations.
    (c) State Technical Committees shall review whether Local Working 
Groups are addressing State priorities.


Sec.  610.25  Subcommittees and Local Working Groups.

    (a) Subcommittees. In some situations, specialized subcommittees, 
made up of State Technical Committee members, may be needed to analyze 
and examine specific issues. The State Conservationist may assemble 
certain members, including members of Local Working Groups, to discuss, 
examine, and focus on a particular technical or programmatic topic. The 
subcommittee may seek public participation, but it is not required to 
do so. Nevertheless, recommendations resulting from these subcommittee 
sessions, other than sessions of Local Working Groups, shall be made 
only in a general session of the State Technical Committee where the 
public is notified and invited to attend. Decisions resulting from 
recommendations of Local Working Groups will be communicated to NRCS in 
accordance with the standard operating procedures described in Sec.  
610.23(b).
    (b) Local Working Groups. (1) A Local Working Group shall be 
composed of conservation district officials, agricultural producers 
representing the variety of crops and livestock or poultry raised 
within the local area, nonindustrial private forest land owners, and 
other professionals representing relevant agricultural and conservation 
interests and a variety of disciplines in the soil, water, plant, 
wetland, and wildlife sciences who are familiar with private land 
agricultural and natural resource issues in the local community;
    (2) Local Working Groups provide recommendations on local natural 
resource priorities and criteria for conservation activities and 
programs.
    (3) The Local Working Groups will follow the standard operating 
procedures described in Sec.  610.23(b) and the public notice 
requirements set forth in Sec.  610.23(c).

Arlen L. Lancaster,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. E8-27657 Filed 11-24-08; 8:45 am]
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