[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 5, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33705-33726]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-13260]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

36 CFR Parts 212, 214, 215, 222, 228, 241, 251, 254, and 292

RIN 0596-AB45


Postdecisional Administrative Review Process for Occupancy or Use 
of National Forest System Lands and Resources

AGENCY: USDA, Forest Service.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (Department) is 
issuing this final rule to update, rename, and relocate the 
administrative appeal regulations governing occupancy or use of 
National Forest System (NFS) lands and resources. The appeal process 
for decisions related to occupancy or use of NFS lands and resources 
has remained substantially unchanged since 1989. This final rule 
simplifies the appeal process, shortens the appeal period, and reduces 
the cost of appeal while still providing a fair and deliberate 
procedure by which eligible individuals and entities may obtain 
administrative review of certain types of Forest Service (Agency) 
decisions affecting their occupancy or use of NFS lands and resources. 
The final rule also moves the provision entitled ``Mediation of Term 
Grazing Permit Disputes'' to a more appropriate location in the range 
management regulations. Finally, conforming technical revisions to 
other parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) affected by this 
final rule are being made.

DATES: This rule is effective June 5, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deb Beighley, Assistant Director, 
Appeals and Litigation, Ecosystem Management Coordination Staff, 202-
205-1277, or Mike McGee, Appeals Specialist, Ecosystem Management 
Coordination Staff, 202-205-1323.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Need for the Final Rule

    On January 23, 1989, the Department adopted an administrative 
appeal rule at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C (54 FR 3362) (251 Appeal 
Rule). The 251 Appeal Rule sets procedures for holders of or, in some 
cases, applicants for a written authorization to occupy and use NFS 
lands and resources to appeal certain Forest Service decisions with 
regard to the issuance, approval, or administration of the written 
instrument. The 251 Appeal Rule establishes who may appeal, the kinds 
of decisions that can and cannot be appealed, the responsibilities of 
parties to the appeal, and the various timeframes that govern the 
conduct of an appeal. The appeal procedures vary depending on whether 
the decision subject to appeal was made by a District Ranger, Forest or 
Grassland Supervisor, Regional Forester, or the Chief. Except for the 
addition of a section governing mediation of term grazing permit 
disputes in 1999, the 251 Appeal Rule has changed little since its 
adoption in 1989.
    As a result of technological advances, communications improvements, 
and the Agency's experience administering the 251 Appeal Rule for more 
than 20 years, the Forest Service identified several modifications to 
simplify the appeal process, shorten the appeal time period, and 
achieve cost savings. This final rule relocates the 251 Appeal Rule to 
a new part 214 entitled, ``Postdecisional Administrative Review Process 
for Occupancy or Use of National Forest System Lands and Resources,'' 
and reserves 36 CFR part 251, subpart C. In addition, the final rule 
makes minor, nonsubstantive changes to 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, for 
clarity and to distinguish terms in that subpart from part 214. This 
final rule also moves the provision governing mediation of term grazing 
permit disputes to a new subpart B under the range management 
regulations found at 36 CFR part 222, since mediation is unique to the 
range management program and is not part of the administrative review 
process under the 251 Appeal Rule.

Public Involvement and Changes Made in Response to Public Comments

    Proposed part 214 was published in the Federal Register on October 
11, 2011 (76 FR 62694). The 60-day public comment period ended December 
12, 2011. The Forest Service received comments from 43 respondents. The 
Agency analyzed the comments and considered them in developing the 
final rule.
    Following is a summary of the comments and the Agency's response. 
The responses to the public comments are divided between general 
comments and those that involve specific sections of the proposed rule.

General Comments

    Comment: One respondent expressed concern about the lack of public 
notice provided by the Forest Service regarding the change in the 251 
Appeal Rule and noted that publication in the Federal Register is the 
bare minimum requirement to be met in public notification procedures 
and that the Agency should have sent letters to all interested parties 
and circulated notice broadly.
    Response: The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b)) 
specifies publication in the Federal Register as the required means of 
providing public notice of proposed rules. The exception is for rules 
that name particular persons, who must be personally served or provided 
actual notice of the proposed rule. This exception does not apply to 
proposed part 214, which does not name any particular persons. In 
addition to publishing the proposed rule in the Federal Register, the 
Agency sent a letter to 25 national organizations representing holders 
of all types of written authorizations covered by the

[[Page 33706]]

proposed rule. The letter asked the organizations to share information 
regarding publication of the proposed rule with their constituencies.
    Comment: One respondent suggested the Forest Service change the 251 
Appeal Rule to mirror the appeal procedures of the Department's 
National Appeals Division or the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), 
Office of Hearings and Appeals. A second respondent supported these 
alternatives and added the Interior Board of Land Appeals procedures as 
another example of a preferred approach. Another respondent suggested 
that the Forest Service eliminate the 251 Appeal Rule and replace it 
with review procedures similar to those used by other agencies in the 
Department.
    Response: The Forest Service's intent is and always has been to 
have an informal administrative appeals process for occupancy or use of 
NFS lands and resources. The Agency's belief that a formal 
administrative appeals process is not appropriate in this context has 
remained unchanged since the process was established in 1988. At that 
time, the Agency stated that establishing an independent board to rule 
on administrative appeals might appear to be attractive from the 
standpoint of obtaining more objective decisions. However, these boards 
require highly structured, formalized rules of procedure which 
complicate, rather than simplify, the appeals process. Complex 
administrative procedures are not in the best interest of appellants 
who lack the resources to hire legal representation.
    Comment: One respondent noted that the proposed rule simplifies the 
appeal process, shortens the appeal period, and reduces the cost of 
appeal only for the Forest Service, not appellants. Another respondent 
commented that under the proposed rule, appellants would bear most of 
the burden resulting from shorter timeframes, and that the proposed 
process would be more complicated and expensive. Another respondent 
noted that to justify the need for streamlined procedures, the Agency 
should review the appeals database, ascertain the number of 
administrative appeals filed under the 251 Appeal Rule, and reconsider 
whether and to what extent streamlined procedures are necessary. This 
respondent stated that the Agency should explain why the 251 Appeal 
Rule presents a significant administrative burden and should balance 
that burden against the interests of special use permit holders. One 
respondent commended the proposed rule, noting that in many instances 
it would provide cost savings, more clearly establish timelines, and 
clarify agency discretion.
    Response: The administrative review process in part 214 is not more 
complicated and expensive than the administrative review process in the 
251 Appeal Rule. One of the most common complaints regarding the 251 
Appeal Rule is that it is confusing and that it takes too long to 
process an appeal. The Department believes part 214 improves 
significantly upon the 251 Appeal Rule by providing greater clarity and 
reducing timeframes.
    Comment: One respondent organization noted that it attempts to work 
collaboratively where possible to resolve issues arising out of Federal 
land management decisions without filing an administrative appeal, but 
that at times an administrative appeal is the only option remaining to 
address decisions that adversely affect the respondent's members.
    Response: This comment is beyond the scope of this rulemaking to 
the extent the comment addresses appeal of decisions by organizations 
on behalf of their members. Organizations do not have standing to 
appeal on behalf of their members under part 214.
    The Forest Service first promulgated administrative appeal 
procedures in 1936 in recognition of the need to provide an 
administrative process for disputing Agency decisions. Part 214 
encourages informal dispute resolution. Section 214.6(b) in the final 
rule requires the Responsible Official to notify the affected holder, 
operator, or solicited applicant of the opportunity to meet to discuss 
an appealable decision and, where applicable, inform term grazing 
permit holders of the opportunity to request mediation.
    Comment: One respondent commented that annual grazing allotment 
meetings between the Forest Service and grazing permittees should be 
open to the public and that the proposed rule should be revised to 
reflect this move towards greater transparency and support for public 
involvement in agency decision-making.
    Another respondent noted that American citizens have a vested 
interest in management decisions affecting Federal lands, expressed 
concern about livestock grazing decisions, and stated that the Forest 
Service delayed adopting a grazing mediation regulation until 7 years 
after enactment of the governing law. Another respondent noted that the 
Agricultural Credit Act (ACA) grants a right to mediation to all 
livestock producers and others adversely affected by a Forest Service 
grazing decision and that the ACA does not limit mediation to decisions 
involving cancellation of a grazing permit.
    Response: These comments are beyond the scope of this rulemaking, 
as they address administration of grazing permits and mediation of 
grazing permit decisions, rather than administrative appeal of 
decisions pertaining to grazing permits. The proposed part 214 rule did 
not make changes to the provisions governing mediation of term grazing 
permit disputes. Rather, proposed part 214 moved the mediation 
provisions from the 251 Appeal Rule to part 222, governing livestock 
grazing, since the mediation provisions relate only to mediation of 
term grazing permit disputes, not to appeals of written authorizations.
    The issue of whether decisions other than cancellation of term 
grazing permits should be subject to mediation was raised in comments 
on the proposed mediation regulations. The Federal Register notice for 
the final mediation regulations contains a thorough explanation of why 
certain grazing permit decisions were made subject to mediation and why 
others were not (64 FR 37843-37844 (July 14, 1999)).
    Comment: Several respondents suggested abandoning a two-track 
appeals process, one for decisions implementing a land management plan 
and one for decisions affecting a written authorization. One of these 
respondents recommended consistency with the Bureau of Land 
Management's (BLM) administrative appeal process. Another respondent 
noted that all Americans have equal stakes in the management of Federal 
lands. Another respondent noted that the proposed changes to the 251 
Appeal Rule develop a more streamlined private administrative appeal 
process, with the public unable to participate in any way other than to 
learn about the process and results through potential access to the 
appeal record via the Freedom of Information Act. Another respondent 
stated that the dual-track process was wasteful and unneccessary and 
the Forest Service should treat all parties that are interested in 
participating alike. Another respondent noted that under the 251 Appeal 
Rule, permit holders affected by a decision have an appeal process that 
is closed to participation by other interested parties. One respondent 
stated that the proposed part 214 appeal process should remain open and 
deliberate and should be used to address disputes that arise in the 
day-to-day management of NFS lands.
    Two respondents commented that the Appeals Reform Act requires the 
Forest Service to provide for administrative

[[Page 33707]]

appeal of all decisions implementing a land management plan and that 
the proposed 214 rule will preclude appeal of many of these decisions. 
One of these respondents also contended that proposed part 214 is 
inconsistent with the ACA.
    One respondent stated that proposed part 214 does not provide for 
independent review and noted that there is an implicit, if not 
explicit, conflict in the Agency acting as the arbiter of its own 
decisions. Another respondent stated that the 251 Appeal Rule has long 
perpetuated an unfair appeal process in which the Forest Service 
employees who helped develop a decision also review it. One respondent 
stated that many of the revisions in the proposed rule favor the Forest 
Service and do not provide a ``fair and deliberate process'' for 
appellants.
    Response: Prior to adoption of the 251 Appeal Rule, the Agency had 
one appeals process for both decisions implementing a land management 
plan and decisions pertaining to written authorizations. In 1989, the 
Agency established separate appeal procedures for these two types of 
decisions, primarily because of the disparity in terms of their scope 
and the procedures that are appropriate for administrative review. 
Given these differences, it is more efficient and effective to have 
separate appeals procedures for these two types of decisions.
    Forest Service decisions implementing a land management plan affect 
the public in general. Therefore, it is appropriate for the 
administrative appeal process for these decisions to be open to the 
public and for the appeal procedures to provide for public 
participation. Accordingly, notice of an appealable decision 
implementing a land management plan is given in a newspaper of record.
    In contrast, once a decision has been made to authorize a 
particular land use, subsequent Forest Service decisions involving the 
associated written authorization uniquely affect the holder, operator, 
or solicited applicants. Consequently, it is appropriate for the 
administrative appeal process for these decisions to be available only 
to the holder, operator, or solicited applicants and for the appeal 
procedures to provide for that level of participation. Notice of an 
appealable decision involving a written authorization is therefore 
given to the affected holder, operator, or solicited applicants.
    Part 214 does not preclude appeal of decisions implementing land 
management plans. Rather, part 214 does not provide for appeal of these 
decisions because appeal of these decisions is provided for under 
another part.
    Part 214 is not inconsistent with the ACA with respect to mediation 
of term grazing permit disputes. Part 214 does not make any substantive 
changes to the mediation provisions in the 251 Appeal Rule. Part 214 
merely moves these provisions to 36 CFR part 222, which governs 
livestock grazing.
    The Department believes that part 214 provides a fair 
administrative appeals process for appellants. Part 214 remains an 
informal process. There is no trial under these procedures. For this 
kind of informal administrative process, the decisionmaker is not a 
judge, but rather a higher-level agency line officer. Like the 251 
Appeal Rule, part 214 provides for review of appealable decisions by an 
Agency official who is one level above the decision-maker. This 
procedure prevents bias and conflicts of interest.
    The Department believes that the streamlining in part 214 will 
benefit both the Forest Service and appellants, as the efficiencies 
will expedite the appeals process and make it less costly, both in 
terms of resources expended and the time it takes for both the Agency 
and appellants to know the outcome.

Comments Related to Specific Sections of the Proposed Rule

214.2--Definitions

    Comment: Several respondents stated that Responsible Officials, 
Appeal Deciding Officers, and Discretionary Reviewing Officers should 
be line officers according to the corresponding definitions for 
``Deciding Officer'' and ``Reviewing Officer'' in 36 CFR 251.81.
    Response: The Department agrees and in the final rule has replaced 
the word ``employee'' with the phrase ``line officer'' in the 
definitions for ``Responsible Official'' and ``Appeal Deciding 
Officer.'' The Department has made corresponding changes to the 
definitions for ``Appeal Deciding Officer'' in 36 CFR 215.2. In the 
definition for ``Discretionary Reviewing Officer'' in the final rule, 
with respect to USDA, the Department has replaced the term ``employee'' 
with the term ``official,'' and with respect to the Forest Service, the 
Department has replaced the term ``employee'' with the term ``line 
officer.''
    Comment: One respondent stated that the definition for 
``revocation'' in the proposed rule applies to a written authorization, 
other than a term grazing permit or an instrument for the disposal of 
mineral materials; that ``suspension'' is defined as a temporary 
revocation of a written authorization, including term grazing permits, 
and therefore the two definitions appear to be in conflict.
    Response: The definitions for ``revocation'' and ``suspension'' in 
part 214 are not contradictory. ``Revocation'' is defined as ``the 
cessation, in whole or in part, of a written authorization, other than 
a grazing permit or an instrument for the disposal of mineral 
materials, by a Responsible Official before the end of the specified 
period of occupancy or use.'' ``Cancellation'' is defined as ``the 
invalidation, in whole or in part, of a term grazing permit or an 
instrument for the disposal of mineral materials.'' The terms 
``revocation'' and ``cancellation'' are defined separately because in 
existing regulations the term ``revocation'' applies to written 
authorizations other than a grazing permit or an instrument for the 
disposal of mineral materials, whereas the term ``cancellation'' 
applies to term grazing permits and instruments for the disposal of 
mineral materials. ``Suspension'' is defined as ``a temporary 
revocation or cancellation of a written authorization.'' Thus, the term 
``suspension'' applies to written authorizations other than a grazing 
permit or an instrument for the disposal of mineral materials, which 
are subject to revocation, and term grazing permits and instruments for 
the disposal of mineral materials, which are subject to cancellation.

214.3--Parties to an Appeal

    Comment: Several respondents commented that this provision is 
discriminatory because it excludes those who are not holders, 
operators, or solicited applicants from the administrative appeal 
process. In particular, one respondent noted that this limitation 
allows those who are not holders, operators, or solicited applicants to 
ignore the administrative appeal process and file suit directly in 
Federal district court. Another respondent indicated that there was no 
basis for treating holders, operators, and solicited applicants 
differently from other parties. Another respondent wanted the Agency to 
ensure that the administrative appeal process was open to other members 
of the public who have different, but still significant interests, and 
who should have standing to appeal decisions that would harm these 
interests. This respondent noted that these parties might have recourse 
under 36 CFR part 215, but that the regulations were not clear in this 
regard. Another respondent stated that limiting appeal under part 214 
to the private entity that holds a grazing permit and the Forest 
Service official who makes decisions regarding that permit is legally 
and socially indefensible.

[[Page 33708]]

    One respondent noted that this proposed section is especially 
commendable and noted that on several occasions, interest groups were 
allowed to appeal under the 251 Appeal Rule based on the unclear 
language of Sec.  251.86.
    One respondent asked whether a decision may be appealed only by the 
holder whose permit is the subject of that decision, or whether another 
permit holder could appeal the decision if it impairs that holder's 
interests, even if the holder whose permit is the subject of the 
decision does not appeal.
    Response: Like Sec.  251.86 in the 251 Appeal Rule, Sec.  214.3 in 
part 214 limits parties to an appeal to holders, operators, solicited 
applicants, intervenors, and the Responsible Official. These comments 
are therefore beyond the scope of this rulemaking.
    In 1989, the Agency established separate appeal procedures for 
decisions implementing a land management plan and decisions pertaining 
to written authorizations, primarily because of the disparity in terms 
of their scope and the procedures that are appropriate for 
administrative review. Given these differences, it is more efficient 
and effective to have separate appeals procedures for these two types 
of decisions.
    Forest Service decisions implementing a land management plan affect 
the public generally. Therefore, it is appropriate for the 
administrative appeal process for these decisions to be open to the 
public and for the appeal procedures to provide for public 
participation.
    In contrast, Forest Service decisions involving a written 
authorization concern the holder's, operator's, or solicited 
applicants' use, rather than the land management decision to authorize 
the use. Consequently, it is appropriate for the administrative appeal 
process for these decisions to be available only to the holder, 
operator, or solicited applicants and for the appeal procedures to 
provide for that level of participation.
    Part 214 does not preclude appeal of decisions implementing land 
management plans. Rather, part 214 does not provide for appeal of these 
decisions because appeal of these decisions is provided under another 
part.
    A permit holder who claims an interest relating to a decision 
regarding another holder's permit may not appeal that decision under 
part 214, even if the other holder does not appeal. However, the permit 
holder who claims an interest relating to the decision may request to 
intervene per Sec.  214.11 in the final rule in an appeal filed by the 
other permit holder. To clarify this intent, the Department has revised 
Sec.  214.3, Parties to an Appeal, in the final rule to read: ``Parties 
to an appeal under this part are limited to the holder, operator, or 
solicited applicants who are directly affected by an appealable 
decision, intervenors, and the Responsible Official.''

214.4--Decisions That Are Appealable

    Comment: Several respondents objected to the list of decisions that 
are appealable. In particular, one respondent noted that the narrow and 
self-serving restriction on the type of decisions that are appealable 
is not in the best interests of the American people who use and enjoy 
NFS lands. Another respondent stated that the limited list makes it 
appear as if the Forest Service wants to avoid dealing with disputes 
involving day-to-day management of grazing on NFS lands. One respondent 
stated that the approach taken on appealable decisions in the proposed 
rule would ensure more, not less, litigation. One respondent stated 
that the very restrictive list of decisions that are appealable under 
the proposed rule would make the appeal process under part 214 almost 
meaningless. Another respondent noted that the simplest approach would 
be to provide that all Forest Service decisions are appealable unless 
Federal law precludes it. Three respondents commented that the proposed 
rule should state which decisions are not appealable and allow appeal 
of all other decisions. One respondent commented that the Forest 
Service needs to return to the approach in the 251 Appeal Rule, which 
enumerates 15 types of decisions that are not appealable and allows 
appeal of the remainder, or expand the list of decisions that are 
appealable in the proposed rule.
    One respondent commented that like the 251 Appeal Rule, part 214 
should allow appeal of permit administration decisions generally, 
including decisions about ski area master development plans and project 
proposals.
    Several respondents commented that part 214 should include 
acceptance of an operating plan as an appealable decision so that 
holders of a special use authorization can challenge any operating plan 
requirements that may be unreasonable or impracticable. One of these 
respondents noted in proposed Sec.  214.4(c)(1) that the use of the 
word ``acceptance'' in the phrase, ``modification, suspension, or 
revocation of a special use authorization, other than acceptance of an 
operating plan,'' was unclear and if the word ``acceptance'' was 
removed from this phrase, an operating plan could never be appealed.
    Response: Based on technological advances, communications 
improvements, and the Agency's experience administering the 251 Appeal 
Rule for more than 20 years, the Forest Service identified several 
modifications that would simplify the appeal process and achieve cost 
savings, including clarifying the types of decisions that are 
appealable. When Sec.  214.4 is read together with Sec.  214.5, part 
214 provides that a decision is not appealable unless it is expressly 
set forth in Sec.  214.4. As a result, the list of appealable decisions 
in Sec.  214.4 is considerably more extensive than the list of 
appealable decisions in Sec.  251.82. Enumerating all types of 
appealable decisions will minimize potential confusion regarding 
whether a decision is appealable.
    Section 214.4 is subdivided by the type of written authorization. 
Paragraph (a) lists four types of appealable decisions involving the 
administration of livestock grazing; paragraph (b) lists nine types of 
appealable decisions involving the administration of mineral 
exploration and development activities; paragraph (c) lists five types 
of appealable decisions involving the administration of special uses; 
and paragraph (d) lists one additional type of appealable decisions 
associated with other land uses. The contents of these lists reflect 
the types of decisions that are typically appealed by existing holders, 
operators, and solicited applicants and the Agency's intent regarding 
the types of decisions for which an appeal right should be granted.
    Acceptance of a ski area master development plan should not be 
appealable because it does not constitute approval to construct new 
facilities. Rather, proposals for specific projects, including those 
implementing a ski area master development plan, are analyzed pursuant 
to applicable environmental law and, if appropriate, approved by the 
Forest Service. A decision regarding a proposed project would be 
subject to administrative review under another part rather than under 
part 214.
    Acceptance of an operating plan is not included in the list of 
appealable decisions because an operating plan is not a decision 
document and does not permanently modify a special use authorization. 
Rather, an operating plan merely implements a prior management decision 
that is subject to administrative review under another part and 
provides direction for the upcoming operating

[[Page 33709]]

season. To the extent feasible, operating plans should be developed in 
consultation with the Responsible Official. The phrase, ``other than 
acceptance of an operating plan,'' follows the phrase, ``modification, 
suspension, or revocation of a special use authorization'' in Sec.  
214.4(c)(1) because the Agency wants to make clear that acceptance of 
an operating plan, which is not appealable, does not constitute 
modification of a special use authorization, which is appealable.
    Comment: One respondent stated that it is unclear whether land use 
fee determinations based on the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act (CUFFA) or 
S. 1906, introduced on November 18, 2011, in the 112th Congress, 1st 
session, would be appealable under part 214. Another respondent 
commented that CUFFA-based land use fee determinations and land use fee 
determinations under any future fee system for recreation residence 
permits should be appealable under part 214.
    Response: It is not appropriate for the Department to address 
appealability of land use fee determinations under S. 1906 because that 
bill has not become law.
    Land use fee determinations based on CUFFA are appealable under 
Sec.  214.4(c)(3) of the final rule, which includes in the list of 
appealable decisions:

    Implementation of new land use fees for a special use 
authorization, other than:
    (i) Revision or replacement of a land use fee system or schedule 
that is implemented through public notice and comment; and
    (ii) Annual land use fee adjustments based on an inflation 
factor that are calculated under an established fee system or 
schedule in accordance with the terms and conditions of a written 
authorization; . . .

    Land use fee determinations based on CUFFA involve case-specific 
appraisals and, as a result, do not constitute revision or replacement 
of a land use fee system or schedule or annual land use fee adjustments 
based on an inflation factor. The appealability of land use fee 
determinations under future fee systems for recreation residence 
permits would depend on whether the land use fee determinations meet 
either of the exceptions in Sec.  214.4(c)(3).
    Comment: One respondent noted that the Forest Service uses annual 
operating instructions (AOIs) as a second permitting system to 
supplement or replace the allotment management plan (AMP) in adjusting 
livestock grazing rates, numbers of livestock, and seasons of use, and 
that AOIs therefore constitute an appealable permit modification. This 
respondent also commented that the Forest Service has acquiesced with 
this position by treating noncompliance with AOIs as a permit 
violation. Another respondent commented that issuance of AOIs is a 
permit modification, that any reference to AOIs in the proposed rule 
should be removed, and that the proposed rule should not preclude 
appeal of a decision just because it is contained in a document that is 
specifically named in the regulation. Another respondent commented that 
AOIs modify the grazing permit and denial of a right to appeal AOIs 
leaves permittees vulnerable to abusive and punitive measures without 
any avenue of relief and establishes a dictatorial process for 
management of livestock grazing on NFS lands.
    A respondent commented that the proposed rule should allow appeal 
of denial, modification, and maintenance of range improvements and 
determinations of unauthorized grazing use.
    One respondent recommended moving the provisions pertaining to AOIs 
to Sec.  214.5. Another respondent stated that the Forest Service 
should make absolutely clear that AOIs are not appealable decisions by 
moving all references to AOIs from Sec.  214.4, which specifies the 
decisions that are appealable, to Sec.  214.5, which enumerates the 
decisions that are not appealable.
    Response: Annual operating instructions (AOIs) are not an 
appealable decision because they are not decision documents and do not 
permanently modify a grazing permit. Rather, AOIs merely implement 
prior management decisions that are subject to administrative review 
under another regulation and provide instructions for the upcoming 
grazing season. To the extent feasible, AOIs should be developed in 
cooperation with the permittee.
    Activities identified in AOIs must be within the scope of the AMP 
and the grazing permit. The annual bill for collection identifies the 
number, kind, and class of livestock authorized to graze on an 
allotment and any adjustments to season of use for that allotment. 
Failure to comply with provisions of the AMP or instructions issued by 
the Responsible Official, including the AOI, is a violation of the 
terms and conditions of a term grazing permit.
    New decisions concerning denial, modification, and maintenance of 
range improvements are not made in AOIs. Changes in allocation of 
maintenance responsibilities for range improvements are modifications 
of term grazing permits and are appealable decisions under 36 CFR 
214.4(a). Decisions to suspend or cancel part or all of a term grazing 
permit for unauthorized use are also appealable under 36 CFR 214.4(a).
    The statement, ``Issuance of annual operating instructions does not 
constitute a permit modification and is not an appealable decision;'' 
is placed in Sec.  214.4(a)(1), which provides for appeal of 
modification of a term grazing permit, rather than Sec.  214.5, which 
enumerates the decisions that are not appealable, to clarify that 
issuance of AOIs does not constitute a permit modification.
    Comment: One respondent commented that reductions in the number of 
authorized livestock and the authorized season of use should be added 
to cancellation and suspension as an appealable decision in Sec.  
214.4(a)(2) relating to term grazing permits.
    Response: ``Cancel'' and ``suspend,'' as applied to grazing 
permits, are defined in 36 CFR 222.1(b). Both terms encompass 
reductions in the number of authorized livestock and the authorized 
season of use. ``Cancel'' means action taken to permanently invalidate 
a term grazing permit in whole or in part (36 CFR 222.1(b)(4)). 
``Suspend'' means temporary withholding of a term grazing permit 
privilege, in whole or in part (36 CFR 222.1(b)(22)). Permanent changes 
in the number of authorized livestock or the authorized season of use 
are permit modifications that are appealable under 36 CFR 214.4(a). 
Annual adjustments in response to resource conditions, as provided for 
in Part 2, Section 8(c), of the term grazing permit, are not permit 
modifications and are not appealable under 36 CFR 214.4(a).
    Comment: One respondent noted that if the Forest Service were 
really interested in a collaborative relationship with the public and 
permit holders, the Agency would embrace mediation and recognize that 
all of its decisions should be appealable.
    Response: Regulations governing implementation of changes to the 
ACA regarding mediation were developed through a public rulemaking 
process, like the one being used to develop part 214. No changes were 
proposed to the mediation provisions. Rather, the Agency proposed 
moving the provisions from the 251 Appeal Rule to the livestock grazing 
regulations in 36 CFR part 222, since the mediation provisions do not 
relate to other types of written authorizations.
    Comment: One respondent stated that the proposed rule violates the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 558(c), by denying any right of 
appeal by a special use permit holder if the permit terminates before 
the Agency has

[[Page 33710]]

acted on a request for renewal. Two respondents commented that 
successful solicited applicants should remain eligible to appeal the 
terms and conditions in their special use authorization. Another 
respondent stated that any type of applicant for a special use 
authorization should be able to appeal the terms and conditions of the 
authorization and noted that under the proposed rule a landowner 
applicant would not be able to appeal denial or the terms and 
conditions of a special use authorization granting access to the 
landowner's property, despite the landowner's statutory right of 
access.
    Response: With respect to renewal, an appeal right is available 
only when an authorization provides for renewal and the holder requests 
renewal before the authorization expires. Whether the Agency has acted 
on a request for renewal is irrelevant to a right of appeal.
    The Forest Service has broad authority to impose terms and 
conditions in special use authorizations that are necessary to protect 
NFS lands and other interests (36 CFR 251.56). With respect to access 
to private property, Section 1323(a) of the Alaska National Interest 
Lands Conservation Act provides owners of non-Federal property within 
the boundaries of the NFS certain rights of access across NFS lands. 
The Responsible Official may prescribe such terms and conditions as the 
official deems adequate to secure to non-Federal property owners the 
reasonable use and enjoyment of their property (16 U.S.C. 3210(a); 36 
CFR 212.6(b) and 251.110(c)). Terms and conditions in special use 
authorizations implement the Forest Service's statutory and regulatory 
authority and directives. The Department does not believe it is 
appropriate to allow any holders, including holders of an authorization 
issued in connection with exercise of a right of access to non-Federal 
property, to appeal the terms and conditions in their authorization.
    Comment: One respondent stated that decisions and direction 
communicated to permit holders should be in writing, either hard copy 
or electronically.
    Response: Appealable decisions must be in writing, per Sec.  214.4. 
Decisions issued by the Appeal Deciding Officer or Discretionary 
Reviewing Officer must be in writing, per Sec. Sec.  214.2 and 
214.19(d). In addition, Sec.  214.14(g)(2) has been revised to clarify 
that decisions and orders issued by the Appeal Deciding Officer must be 
in writing.

214.5--Decisions That Are Not Appealable

    Comment: One respondent commented that the proposed rule was 
confusing because it intermingles a long list of decisions that cannot 
be appealed with decisions that can be appealed. Another respondent 
noted that this section should state, ``Holders, operators, and 
solicited applicants may appeal any decision that is not expressively 
[sic] not appealable.''
    Response: Section 214.4 states that to be appealable under part 
214, a decision must be issued by a Responsible Official in writing and 
must fall into one of the enumerated categories in that section. The 
list of types of decisions that are appealable in limited cases 
includes exceptions to clarify the Agency's intent, such as in Sec.  
214.4(a)(1) regarding issuance of AOIs and Sec.  214.4(c)(1) regarding 
acceptance of an operating plan. Section 214.5 states that decisions 
issued by a Responsible Official that are not expressly set forth in 
Sec.  214.4 are not appealable. The Department believes that these two 
sections are unambiguous and need no clarification.

214.6--Election of Appeal Process

    Comment. One respondent stated that decisions that are appealable 
under part 214 should be appealable under part 215.
    Response. This provision in the proposed rule would allow the 
holder of a written authorization who had standing under both parts 214 
and 215 to elect between the two, but not both. On December 23, 2011, 
President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2012, Public Law 112-74, for the U.S. Department of the Interior and 
related agencies, including the Forest Service. Section 428 of Public 
Law 112-74 (Section 428) requires a predecisional objection process for 
proposed actions of the Forest Service concerning projects and 
activities implementing land management plans and documented with a 
record of decision or decision notice, in place of a postdecisional 
appeal process in this context. The Forest Service is in the process of 
drafting regulations to implement Section 428.
    Since Section 428 requires a predecisional administrative review 
process, and part 214 provides for a postdecisional administrative 
review process, the two review procedures will not run in tandem. 
Therefore, there is no longer a need to provide for election between 
appeal procedures for proposed actions of the Forest Service concerning 
projects and activities implementing land management plans and 
documented with a record of decision or decision notice. Accordingly, 
the Department has removed the election provision from the final rule. 
The Department has made a corresponding change to part 215 by removing 
Sec.  215.11(d).

214.7--Notice of an Appealable Decision

    Comment: One respondent stated that publication in 2-point type in 
one State newspaper, especially when this newspaper is not online, is 
not adequate notice of an appealable decision.
    Response: This comment is beyond the scope of this rulemaking, as 
the comment pertains to notice of an appealable decision provided under 
part 215, not part 214. Part 215 provides for notice of an appealable 
decision to be published in the applicable newspaper of record (36 CFR 
215.5(b)(2) and 215.7(b)), since appealable decisions under part 215 
pertain to projects implementing a land management plan and affect the 
public generally. Part 214 provides for notice of an appealable 
decision to be given to the affected holder, operator, or solicited 
applicants in the appealable decision (36 CFR 214.6(a)), as appealable 
decisions under part 214 uniquely affect the holder, operator, or 
solicited applicants.
    Comment: Several respondents commented that parties other than 
those who are directly affected by an appealable decision should 
receive notice. One respondent stated that the Forest Service should 
not limit the Responsible Official's notice obligation to the parties 
who are directly affected by the decision and make it ``the 
responsibility of individuals or entities who are not directly affected 
by the appealable decision to obtain a copy of the decision and to 
evaluate whether to request participation as an intervenor.'' Five 
respondents stated that holders of similar instruments who have made a 
written request to be notified of a specific decision should continue 
to receive notice as provided under the 251 Appeal Rule. One of these 
respondents noted that individuals and small organizations do not 
monitor the Federal Register or stay connected to entities that have 
the mechanisms in place to monitor these developments regularly. 
Another respondent commented that anyone who requests notification when 
the Forest Service makes an appealable decision should receive notice.
    One respondent noted that each written appealable decision will 
notify affected parties of their right to appeal, but the Forest 
Service does not need to

[[Page 33711]]

inform the public of affected parties' right to appeal.
    Response: The Department recognizes the need to be open and 
transparent in applying the appeals process. The Department agrees with 
respondents' concerns that it is reasonable for the Responsible 
Official to notify any holder of a similar written authorization who 
has made a written request to be notified of a specific decision and 
has reinstated this requirement from the 251 Appeal Rule in Sec.  214.6 
of the final rule.
    Comment: One respondent suggested that instead of just stating the 
Responsible Official's willingness to meet with the affected holder, 
operator, or solicited applicant to discuss the decision, the proposed 
rule should use the wording from Sec.  214.15(a) to express the 
willingness of the Responsible Official to ``discuss an appeal with a 
party or parties to narrow issues, agree on facts, and explore 
opportunities to resolve one or more of the issues in dispute by means 
other than the issuance of an appeal decision.'' Another respondent 
commented that Responsible Officials rarely include the right to seek 
informal resolution and appeal rights in an appealable decision. This 
respondent believed that Responsible Officials do not offer an 
opportunity for informal resolution because they do not believe they 
are wrong.
    Response: Section 214.7 addresses the opportunity to discuss an 
appealable decision with the Responsible Official. Notices of an 
appealable decision must include a statement indicating the Responsible 
Official's willingness to meet with the affected holder, operator, or 
solicited applicants to discuss the decision. In contrast, Sec.  
214.15(a) addresses the opportunity to discuss informal resolution of 
issues in a pending appeal with the Responsible Official. The wording 
differs in the two sections in accordance with the context of the 
discussions.

214.8--Levels of Review

    Comment: One respondent noted the proposed rule does not provide 
for independent review, since the Appeal Deciding Officer comes from 
the same agency as the Responsible Official. Another respondent 
suggested adding a provision that prohibits any ex parte contact--
direct or indirect--between the Appeal Deciding Officer and the 
Responsible Official concerning an appeal to enhance objectivity and 
transparency in the appeal process and to meet the stated objective of 
a ``fair and deliberate process.''
    Several respondents urged the Forest Service to retain two levels 
of appeal for appealable decisions made by District Rangers, as 
provided in the 251 Appeal Rule. One of these respondents noted that 
although the proposed change may simplify and expedite the appeal 
process, the proposed change also injects a significant and unwarranted 
inconsistency into the process. Another respondent commented that the 
second level of review is extremely important and should be provided 
for all decisions below the regional level. Another respondent 
suggested that District Ranger and Forest Supervisor decisions both be 
appealable to the Regional Forester. One respondent stated the final 
rule should retain opportunities for mandatory review of Forest 
Supervisor decisions by regional offices.
    Response: Limiting appeal to one level responds to concerns about 
the appeal process taking too long. The Department believes the nature 
of decisions relating to written authorizations are of such specificity 
and detail that two levels of review are excessive. In addition, part 
214 provides for discretionary review by the next higher line officer. 
The Department believes by limiting appeal to one level and providing 
for discretionary review for all appeal decisions, the appeal process 
is simplified and expedited. Providing for one level of appeal for all 
decisions, rather than two levels for some and one level for others, 
enhances consistency in the appeal process. Appealable decisions of 
Forest Supervisors are appealed to the Regional Forester per Sec.  
214.7. The review of all appeals at the level of the Regional Forester 
does not necessarily enhance expertise and efficiency in processing 214 
appeals. Therefore, at this time, the Department is not making this 
change.

214.9--Appeal Content

    Comment: One respondent stated that other than a copy of the 
decision being appealed, appellants should not have to include Forest 
Service documents, such as an appraisal. This same respondent noted 
that appellants should not have to submit documents in their possession 
and that referencing them should be sufficient.
    Another respondent stated that it was a waste of paper to require 
submission of the appealable decision when the Forest Service already 
has it.
    Response: The Department believes that it is essential for 
appellants to include any documents or other information upon which 
they rely in their appeal so that the Appeal Deciding Officer can make 
a fully informed appeal decision. This provision does not exclude 
documents in the Agency's possession, as both appellants and the Agency 
cannot be sure that the Agency possesses documents upon which 
appellants rely.
    The Department agrees that requiring submission of a copy of the 
decision being appealed is unnecessary. Section 214.8(a)(2) has been 
revised to require ``a brief description of the decision being 
appealed, including the name and title of the Responsible Official and 
the date of the decision.'' In addition, Sec.  214.8(a)(3) has been 
revised to require the identification number for the written 
authorization, if applicable.
    Comment: Several respondents objected to the 30-day timeframe for 
filing an appeal and requested that the 45-day timeframe in the 251 
Appeal Rule be reinstated. Several respondents stated that the 
timeframe should be at least 45 days. One respondent noted that since 
more information must be submitted in an appeal under the proposed rule 
than under the 251 Appeal Rule, the timeframe should be lengthened to 
perhaps 60 days. One respondent stated that if the 30-day timeframe is 
retained, the Agency must allow prospective appellants to request an 
extension of the deadline. One respondent stated that since the Forest 
Service generally still mails appealable decisions, receipt takes 
several days after the date of the decision. This respondent further 
stated that while the proposed rule shortens the timeframe for filing 
an appeal based on the assumption that electronic media makes it 
feasible, the proposed rule does not impose an obligation on the Forest 
Service to transmit appealable decisions electronically. This 
respondent believed this discrepancy is not only unfair but also 
unworkable and is calculated to disqualify or discourage appellants. 
Another respondent stated that the shorter appeal period in the 
proposed rule is calculated to impede appellants' exercise of appeal 
rights. Another respondent expressed appreciation for the goal of 
expediting the appeal process, but stated that the proposed timeframe 
for filing an appeal would be very problematic for complex appeals, 
particularly given the additional information the Agency requires 
appellants to submit under the proposed rule. Another respondent 
commented that the proposed changes to filing deadlines and 
discretionary review does not sufficiently accommodate the procedural 
rights of special use permit holders.
    Response: One of the common frustrations of appellants and the 
Agency in connection with the 251 Appeal Rule for over 20 years is the 
amount of time required to issue an

[[Page 33712]]

appeal decision. To address this concern, numerous changes intended to 
shorten timeframes were included in the proposed rule. One reduced the 
timeframe for filing an appeal from 45 to 30 days. However, the Agency 
recognizes the respondents' concerns that shortening the timeframe for 
filing an appeal to 30 days may be burdensome, therefore, the 45-day 
timeframe is reinstated. Changes to discretionary review do not affect 
appeal rights, since discretionary review is not an appeal right, but 
rather an additional review that is conducted at the discretion of the 
Forest Service.
    Comment: One respondent proposed posting a notice of all appeal 
periods on the Forest Service's Web site. Another respondent noted that 
the Forest Service does not regularly post environmental assessments 
and findings of no significant impact on the internet.
    Response: The Department believes that the Forest Service's 
administrative appeal regulations give sufficient notice of applicable 
appeal periods. The comment regarding posting of environmental decision 
documents on the internet is beyond the scope of this rulemaking, which 
does not govern appeal of these decisions.
    Comment: One respondent strongly recommended that the Forest 
Service follow the example of the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) 
and the Federal court system and set a reasonable page limit on 
appeals.
    Response: The Department is considering the merits of a page limit, 
including the need to seek further public input on the issue and has 
decided not to establish a page limit in part 214. at this time.

214.11--Intervention

    Comment: One respondent suggested that interested parties be able 
to request notification of all livestock grazing or mining appeals as 
soon as they are filed. Another respondent stated that the proposed 
rule should provide for notifying all interested parties that an appeal 
has been filed and should base the intervention deadline upon the date 
of notification, rather than within 15 days after an appeal has been 
filed, as provided in Sec.  214.11(a)(2) of the proposed rule. This 
respondent noted that Bureau of Land Management's (BLM's) appeals 
process provides better notice of appeals, as the process requires 
appellants to serve notice of their appeal on all parties named in the 
grazing decision, including those identified in the copies circulated 
list in the decision document. This respondent further noted that 
posting appeals online is insufficient and the Agency should notify 
parties of the filing of appeals and appeal decisions.
    Several respondents expressed concern about the 15-day timeframe 
for intervention in part 214 and they requested the Agency retain the 
timeframe in the 251 Appeal Rule. One of these respondents noted that 
15 days may not be enough time to review relevant materials and file an 
intervention request, particularly if there is a slight delay in the 
notification of the appeal.
    One respondent noted that limiting the intervention process to 10 
days--5 days for the appellant and Responsible Official to file a 
response and 5 days for the Appeal Deciding Officer to make a decision 
on the intervention request problematic, given that the Forest Service 
makes no effort to notify the public in a timely fashion of appeals 
that have been filed.
    Another respondent proposed that interested parties be able to 
intervene by claiming ``an interest relating to the subject matter of 
the decision being appealed'' and providing direct or indirect evidence 
that their interest could be impaired by the disposition of the appeal.
    Another respondent suggested revising the proposed rule to state 
that intervenors must have an interest relating to the subject matter 
of the decision being appealed, which may be impaired by the 
disposition of the appeal.
    One respondent requested examples of when intervention would be 
appropriate outside of a competitive offering asked if a special use 
permit holder could intervene in an appeal where issuance of a new 
permit implicates recreational carrying capacity.
    Response: Appeals under part 214 are limited to the holder, 
operator, or solicited applicants who are directly affected by an 
appealable decision, intervenors, and the Responsible Official. 
Intervenors are accordingly limited to a holder, an operator, or 
solicited applicants who claim an interest relating to the subject 
matter of the decision being appealed and are so situated that 
disposition of the appeal may impair that interest. Because of the 
limits on who can be a party to an appeal and intervention under part 
214, the Department believes it is unnecessary to notify the public of 
appeals that have been filed, or to allow intervention by all those who 
claim an interest relating to the subject matter of the decision being 
appealed that could be impaired by disposition of an appeal. Per Sec.  
214.14(i), the Agency will notify the public of final appeal decisions 
by posting the decisions on the Web site of the national forest, 
national grassland, or region that issued the appealable decision, or 
for Chief's decisions, on the Web site of the Washington Office.
    The 251 Appeal Rule allows an intervention request to be filed at 
any time before the closing of the appeal record. It is inefficient for 
an intervention request to be filed after the appeal process is 
underway. The Department believes the 15-day timeframe for requesting 
intervention is sufficient, especially now that the Department has 
reinstated the requirement to notify any holder who has made a written 
request to be notified of a specific decision. The opportunity to 
participate as an intervenor applies to a limited few, and those 
potential intervenors are usually familiar with the issues associated 
with a decision being appealed. Limiting the time for filing, 
responding to, and ruling on an intervention request facilitates the 
orderly and expeditious handling of appeals.
    A holder who claims an interest relating to the subject matter of 
the decision being appealed and is so situated that disposition of the 
appeal may impair that interest may request to intervene. For example, 
if the holder of a term grazing permit appeals a decision arising from 
administration of the holder's permit, a holder of a term grazing 
permit on a neighboring allotment might also be affected by the appeal 
decision and could request to intervene in the appeal. Additionally, 
the holder of an outfitting and guiding permit may have an interest 
that could be affected by administration of another outfitting and 
guiding permit. However, a decision regarding issuance of a new special 
use permit that implicates recreational carrying capacity generally 
would not be appealable under part 214, which generally does not 
provide for appeal of issuance of special use permits, and therefore 
generally would not afford an opportunity to intervene. A decision 
regarding issuance of a new special use permit that implicates 
recreational carrying capacity would be appealable only if the decision 
involves denial of renewal of a special use permit that specifically 
provides for renewal and if the holder requests renewal before the 
permit expires, per Sec.  214.4(c)(5). Intervention in such an appeal 
might be appropriate if the effect on carrying capacity of the decision 
being appealed were such that disposition of the appeal may impair the 
interest of a holder of a similar special use permit.

[[Page 33713]]

214.12--Responsive Statement and Reply

    Comment: Several respondents objected to the 10-day timeframe for 
appellants and intervenors to reply to a responsive statement. One 
respondent commented that appellants and intervenors should be given at 
least 15 days to file a reply to a responsive statement. Another 
respondent requested reinstatement of the 20-day period for filing a 
reply to a responsive statement and noted that the appeal process 
should not be shortened at the expense of appellants. One respondent 
stated that the Forest Service has failed to meet its deadline for a 
responsive statement and the notion that appeals should not take more 
than 60 days makes a mockery of the stated objective to provide a fair 
and deliberative process.
    Response: Replying to the responsive statement is optional for 
appellants and intervenors. Reducing the timeframe for a reply to 10 
days provides enough time for appellants and intervenors to address 
contentions in the responsive statement succinctly, without restating 
the entire appeal. The Responsible Official's time period for filing a 
responsive statement has also been shortened by 10 days, and the Agency 
takes appeal timeframes very seriously. The Department is retaining the 
timeframes for intervention in the proposed rule to provide for more 
orderly and expeditious handling of appeals.

214.13--Stays

    Comment: One respondent stated that the final rule should clarify 
whether an intervenor can request a stay. Another respondent 
recommended removing the provision in the proposed rule allowing a non-
party to an appeal to request that a stay be modified or lifted.
    Response: The proposed and final rules are clear that only the 
appellant may request a stay of the decision being appealed. Section 
214.13(b)(1) of the proposed and final rules limits a request for a 
stay to the appellant. Per Sec.  214.13(b)(2), intervenors may support, 
oppose, or take no position in their intervention request regarding the 
appellant's stay request.
    The Department agrees that Sec.  214.13(e) could be interpreted to 
allow a non-party to request that a stay be modified or lifted because 
this provision states that ``a party,'' rather than ``a party to the 
appeal,'' may submit the request. Accordingly, Sec.  214.13(e) in the 
final rule has been revised to allow only a party to an appeal to 
request that a stay be modified or lifted.

214.14--Conduct of an Appeal

    Comment: One respondent did not understand the intent of the 
phrase, ``the date of the U.S. Postal Service postmark for an appeal 
received before the close of the fifth business day after the appeal 
filing date,'' in paragraph (b)(1) of the proposed rule.
    Response: This phrase is also included in paragraph (b)(3) with 
respect to timely filing of an appeal that is delivered by private 
carrier. Adding 5 business days after the appeal filing date allows 
sufficient time for an appeal filed through the U.S. Postal Service or 
a private carrier to be received by the Appeal Deciding Officer.
    Comment: One respondent stated that appeals should be consolidated 
only when the issues in the appeals are identical.
    Response: The Department believes it is appropriate to allow 
consolidation of multiple appeals of the same decision or of similar 
decisions involving common issues of fact and law, even if not all of 
the issues in the appeals are identical, as provided in the 251 Appeal 
Rule.
    Comment: One respondent supported the new provision in the proposed 
rule requiring all parties to an appeal to send a copy of all documents 
filed in an appeal to all other parties to the appeal at the same time 
the original is filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer. This respondent 
believed that this provision could be improved by stating that 
prospective intervenors--who are not yet parties--also need to send a 
copy of all documents filed in an appeal to all parties to the appeal.
    Response: The Department agrees and has added a provision to Sec.  
214.14 in the final rule stating that prospective intervenors must send 
a copy of their request to intervene to all parties to the appeal. The 
provision in the proposed and final rules requiring all parties to an 
appeal to send a copy of all documents filed in an appeal to all other 
parties to the appeal includes intervenors, as they are parties to an 
appeal under Sec.  214.3.
    Comment: Two respondents commented that the Forest Service should 
notify interested parties of appeal decisions. One of these respondents 
noted that permit holders have a legal right to be notified of appeal 
decisions that may impair their interests.
    Response: Part 214 provides for the public, including permit 
holders, to receive notice of appeal decisions. Part 214 requires the 
availability of final appeal decisions and discretionary review 
decisions to be posted on the Web site of the national forest, national 
grassland, or region that issued the appealable decision or for Chief's 
decisions, on the Web site of the Washington Office. The Department 
does not believe that permit holders have a legal right to be notified 
of appeal decisions that may impair their interests.
    Comment: A respondent supported the provision requiring posting of 
final appeal decisions on the internet, but stated that the provision 
could be enhanced by requiring the decisions to be searchable.
    Response: Final appeal decisions that are posted on the internet 
must include the signature of the Appeal Deciding Officer and are 
scanned and posted in a portable document format (PDF). A *.pdf is 
searchable, depending on the software that is used to view the 
document.

214.15--Resolution of Issues Prior to an Appeal Decision

    Comment: A respondent commented that the statement in the 
corresponding provision in the 251 Appeal Rule, ``The purpose of such 
meetings is to discuss any issues or concerns related to the authorized 
use and to reach a common understanding and agreement where possible 
prior to issuance of a written decision,'' was omitted from the the 
proposed rule and should be reinstated.
    Response: The quoted statement is referencing issues or concerns 
that may arise before an appealable decision is made, which is 
addressed in Sec.  214.7(b) of the proposed and in Sec.  214.6(b) of 
the final rule. Accordingly, the phrase, ``to discuss any issues 
related to the decision,'' from the quote has been inserted in Sec.  
214.6(b). Resolution of issues prior to issuance of an appeal decision 
is addressed in Sec.  214.15(a).

214.16--Oral Presentation

    Comment: A respondent recommended retaining the wording in the 
corresponding provision in the 251 Appeal Rule. Another respondent 
stated that it was unfair of the Forest Service to schedule the oral 
presentation early in the appeal process, since appellants usually want 
to wait until the end of the appeal process to make a final 
presentation of their appeal.
    Response: Oral presentations are limited to clarifying or 
elaborating upon information that has already been filed with the 
Appeal Deciding Officer. New information may be presented only if it 
could not have been raised earlier in the appeal and if it would be 
unfair and prejudicial to exclude it. Oral presentations are scheduled 
within 10 days of the date a reply to the responsive statement is due. 
At this point in the appeal process, the parties

[[Page 33714]]

to the appeal have submitted all their substantive filings, allowing 
appellants to clarify or elaborate upon the information they have 
provided based on the filings of other parties.
    Comment: One respondent recommended that this section be amended to 
address whether oral presentations may be conducted electronically and 
to state that they are not evidentiary proceedings. Another respondent 
objected to the lack of an opportunity to test the evidence in the 
record and commented on the need for the Appeal Deciding Officer and 
appellants to question Forest Service employees.
    Response: The Department believes that the Appeal Deciding Officer 
should have the option to conduct oral presentations in person, 
telephonically, or via videoconferencing. Conducting oral presentations 
telephoncially or via videoconferencing facilitates more meeting 
options. The Department does not believe it is appropriate to address 
specific operating procedures in the final rule, as Sec. Sec.  
214.14(d) and 214.16(f) already authorize the Appeal Deciding Officer 
to establish procedures for oral presentations.
    Oral presentations are not evidentiary proceedings involving 
examination and cross-examination of witnesses and are not subject to 
formal rules of procedure. To clarify this intent, the Department has 
added the following statement to the final rule at Sec.  214.16(b): 
``Oral presentations are not evidentiary proceedings involving 
examination and cross-examination of witnesses and are not subject to 
formal rules of procedure.''
    Comment: One respondent stated that the Forest Service should 
create a transcript of oral presentations at the Agency's expense, 
include the transcript in the appeal record, and provide a copy without 
cost to all parties to the appeal.
    Response: Per Sec.  214.17(b), all information filed with the 
Appeal Deciding Officer, including a transcript of an oral 
presentation, becomes part of the appeal record. Oral presentations are 
limited to clarifying or elaborating upon information that has already 
been filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer. New information may be 
presented only if it could not have been raised earlier in the appeal 
and if it would be unfair and prejudicial to exclude it. In addition, 
Sec.  214.14(i) of the final rule requires parties to an appeal to bear 
their own expenses, including costs associated with participating in an 
oral presentation. Under these circumstances, the Department believes 
that it is appropriate for the parties requesting a transcript to pay 
for it.

214.17--Appeal Record

    Comment: A respondent stated there is no opportunity to confirm the 
contents of the appeal record and that it is critical that the appeal 
record and the administrative record be the same. Another respondent 
commented that the proposed rule would preclude appellants from 
responding to evidence in the appeal record.
    Response: The appeal record includes all of the documents filed 
with the Appeal Deciding Officer, including the appealable decision, 
appeal, intervention requests, responsive statement, reply, oral 
presentation summary or transcript, procedural orders and other 
rulings, and any correspondence or other documentation related to the 
appeal as determined by the Appeal Deciding Officer. Since Part 214 
provides an informal appeal process, the appeal record does not have to 
adhere to the requirements for lodging an administrative record in a 
formal proceeding. Part 214 affords appellants the opportunity to 
respond to intervention requests and to reply to the responsive 
statement.
    Comment: One respondent commented that the proposed rule would 
allow the Forest Service to deny appellants access to the file for a 
proposed action concerning projects and activities implementing land 
management plans and documented with a record of decision or decision 
notice. This respondent noted that this is a significant problem 
because the Forest Service often adds information to its file in light 
of an appeal.
    Another respondent recommended amending this section to identify 
how and when the appeal record can be supplemented by the parties to an 
appeal and by Forest Service officials.
    Response: The first comment is beyond the scope of this rulemaking, 
which does not address appeals of proposed actions concerning projects 
and activities implementing land management plans and documented with a 
record of decision or decision notice. At the time an appellant 
prepares an appeal of one of these proposed actions, the project file 
is available from the Forest Service office that issued the decision.
    The appeal record does not close until the day after the date the 
reply to the responsive statement is due, if no oral presentation is 
conducted; the day after the oral presentation is conducted, if no 
transcript of the oral presentation is prepared; or the day after the 
date a transcript of the oral presentation is due, if one is being 
prepared. In addition to the appealable decision, appeal, intervention 
requests, responsive statement, reply, and oral presentation summary or 
transcript, the appeal record includes any correspondence or other 
documentation related to the appeal as determined by the Appeal 
Deciding Officer. Moreover, the Appeal Deciding Officer may ask a party 
for additional information to clarify appeal issues and may extend 
appeal time periods to allow for submission of additional information 
and to give the other parties an opportunity to review and comment. 
Therefore, the Department does not believe it is necessary to provide 
clarification on supplementation of the appeal record in the final 
rule.

214.18--Appeal Decision

    Comment: One respondent stated that if an appealable decision is 
modified as a result of an appeal, the revised decision should also be 
available for appeal by all interested members of the public.
    Response: Decisions that are appealable are listed in Sec.  214.4. 
Appealable decisions that are revised as a result of an appeal are not 
included in the list of appealable decisions. The Department does not 
believe it would be productive to allow appeal of decisions that are 
revised as a result of an appeal.
    Comment: One respondent was concerned about potential ambiguity in 
the finality provision. This respondent believed that the provision 
suggests that an appeal filed by a permittee or other special-status 
stakeholder could be resolved by the Appeal Deciding Officer and become 
the final administrative decision of the Department, without any 
further appeal by any parties. This respondent stated that if this 
interpretation is not what the Agency intended, the provision should be 
revised to add the phrase, ``shall constitute USDA's final 
administrative decision on the appeal.'' This respondent further stated 
that if the Agency did intend the finality implied in the original 
statement, the finality is wholly unacceptable and encourages secret 
deals between the Agency and livestock operators with no recourse other 
than litigation available to the public.
    Response: Section 214.18(e) states that the appeal decision 
constitutes USDA's final administrative decision, except where a 
decision to conduct discretionary review has been made and a 
discretionary review decision has been issued. The Department believes 
that this provision clearly reflects the intent for the appeal decision 
to be USDA's final administrative decision, unless discretionary review 
is conducted and a

[[Page 33715]]

discretionary review decision is issued. It is important for part 214 
to state when an administrative decision becomes final under the rule, 
so that appellants know when they have exhausted their administrative 
remedies. Part 214 limits parties to an appeal to holders, operators, 
solicited applicants, intervenors, and the Responsible Official. Other 
members of the public cannot be parties to an appeal under part 214.

214.19--Procedures for Discretionary Review

    Comment: One respondent recommended reinstating the provision in 
the 251 Appeal Rule providing for petitions or requests for 
discretionary review to be considered by the Reviewing Officer.
    Response: The determination to conduct discretionary review is not 
triggered by a request from an appellant. Rather, the time period for 
deciding whether to conduct discretionary review starts to run upon 
receipt of the appeal decision, appeal, and appealable decision or 
Chief's decision by the Discretionary Reviewing Officer.
    Part 214 helps appellants by clarifying that they do not have to 
request discretionary review to initiate the process.

214.20--Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies

    Comment: One respondent suggested that this provision specifically 
reference that it is subject to the exhaustion requirements of 7 U.S.C. 
6912(e).
    Response: The Department agrees with this suggestion and has added 
a citation to 7 U.S.C. 6912(e) to this section in the final rule.

Other Parts of the CFR

222.60--Decisions Subject to Mediation

    Comment: Several respondents objected to limiting mediation to 
cancellation or suspension of term grazing permits. One respondent 
commented that any decisions pertaining to grazing permits, not just 
suspensions and cancellations, should be subject to mediation. Another 
respondent objected to limiting mediation to cancellation or supension 
of term grazing permits on the grounds that the stated rationale for 
the limitation, that the state process must be confidential, 
contradicts the language of the governing statute and makes no sense. 
One respondent stated that all issues arising in connection with 
management of NFS lands should be subject to mediation. Another 
respondent stated that the Forest Service generally ignores requests 
for mediation.
    Response: These comments are outside the scope of the proposed 
rule. No changes were proposed to the provisions governing mediation of 
term grazing permit disputes. Rather, these provisions were merely 
moved from one part of the CFR to another.

Summary of Changes to the Proposed Rule

    Unless otherwise noted, the sections listed below are from the 
final rule.

Section 214.2 Definitions

    Appeal Deciding Officer. The term ``employee'' was replaced with 
the term ``line officer.'' In addition, the phrase, ``and who is 
authorized to issue an appeal decision under this part,'' was replaced 
with the phrase, ``or the respective Deputy Forest Supervisor, Deputy 
Regional Forester, or Associate Deputy Chief with the delegation of 
authority relevant to the provisions of this part.'' The same changes 
were made to the definition of ``Appeal Deciding Officer'' in 36 CFR 
215.2.
    Discretionary Reviewing Officer. With respect to USDA, the term 
``employee'' was replaced with the term ``official,'' and with respect 
to the Forest Service, the term ``employee'' was replaced with the term 
``line officer.''
    Responsible Official. The term ``employee'' was replaced with the 
term ``line officer,'' and the phrase, ``has the delegated authority to 
make and implement,'' was added to make the definition for this term 
consistent with its use in other parts of Title 36 of the CFR.

214.3 Parties to an Appeal

    To clarify that holders, operators, and solicited applicants who 
are not directly affected by an appealable decision may not appeal that 
decision, the Department has revised this section to read: ``Parties to 
an appeal under this part are limited to the holder, operator, or 
solicited applicants who are directly affected by an appealable 
decision, intervenors, and the Responsible Official.''

214.4 Decisions That Are Appealable

    Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) was revised for clarity.

214.6 Election of Appeal Process

    This provision in the proposed rule would allow the holder of a 
written authorization who had standing under both parts 214 and 215 to 
elect between the two, but not both. On December 23, 2011, President 
Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, Public 
Law 112-74, for the United States Department of the Interior and 
Related Agencies, including the Forest Service. Section 428 of Public 
Law 112-74 (Section 428) requires a predecisional objection process for 
proposed actions of the Forest Service concerning projects and 
activities implementing land management plans and documented with a 
record of decision or decision notice, in place of a postdecisional 
appeal process in this context. The Forest Service is in the process of 
drafting regulations to implement Section 428.
    Since Section 428 requires a predecisional administrative review 
process and part 214 provides for a postdecisional administrative 
review process, the two review procedures will not run in tandem. 
Therefore, there is no longer a need to provide for election between 
appeal procedures for proposed actions of the Forest Service concerning 
projects and activities implementing land management plans and 
documented with a record of decision or decision notice. Accordingly, 
the Department has removed the election provision from the final rule. 
The Department has made a corresponding change to part 215 by removing 
Sec.  215.11(d).

Section 214.6 Notice of an Appealable Decision

    Paragraph (a) has been changed to track its counterpart in the 251 
Appeal Rule. Paragraph (a) now reads: ``The Responsible Official shall 
promptly give written notice of decisions subject to appeal under this 
part to the affected holder, operator, or solicited applicants and to 
any holder of a similar written authorization who has made a written 
request to be notified of a specific decision.''

Section 214.8 Appeal Content

    Paragraph (a)(2) has been revised to require a brief description of 
the decision being appealed, including the name and title of the 
Responsible Official and the date of the decision, rather than a copy 
of the decision being appealed. The requirement to include the name of 
the project has been removed, as part 214 does not involve project 
appeals. Paragraph (a)(3) has been revised to require the 
identification number for the written authorization, if applicable.
    Consistent with removal of the provision governing election of 
appeal procedures, the Department has removed paragraph (b)(4) in the 
proposed rule, which would have required appellants to cite the appeal 
regulation under which they are filing if

[[Page 33716]]

they could file under more than one. A corresponding change has been 
made to part 215 by removing Sec.  215.14(b)(5).

New Section 214.9 Filing of an Appeal

    A new Sec.  214.9 has been added governing filing of an appeal. 
This section addresses the timeframe for filing an appeal, which 
formerly was addressed in the section on content of an appeal, and the 
method for filing and responsibility for timely filing of an appeal, 
both of which were addressed in the section of the proposed rule 
governing conduct of an appeal.
    The timeframe for filing an appeal has been changed from 30 to 45 
days. In addition, the Department has removed the exception providing 
for a 60-day timeframe for appeal of a decision revoking an easement 
for abandonment pursuant to the Act of October 13, 1964 (16 U.S.C. 
534), since revocation of an easement is not subject to appeal under 
part 214. Rather, revocation of an easement is subject to appeal under 
7 CFR part 1, subpart H.

Section 214.11 Intervention

    Consistent with Sec.  214.8 governing appeal content, this section 
has been revised to add to the submission requirements the requester's 
name, mailing address, daytime telephone number, and email address, if 
any; a brief description of the decision being appealed, including the 
name and title of the Responsible Official and the date of the 
decision; and the title or type and, if applicable, identification 
number for the written authorization, and the date of application for 
or issuance of the written authorization, if applicable.

Section 214.13 Stays

    Paragraph (e) of this section has been revised to allow only a 
party to the appeal to request that a stay be modified or lifted.

Section 214.14 Conduct of an Appeal

    The introductory clause in the second sentence of paragraph (b), 
relettered as paragraph (a) in the final rule, has been changed from, 
``Questions regarding whether an appeal document has been timely filed 
shall be resolved by the Appeal Deciding Officer based on the following 
indicators,'' to ``The Appeal Deciding Officer shall determine 
timeliness by the following indicators.''
    Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) have been revised to refer to 
``parties to an appeal,'' rather than ``parties.''
    The Department has removed paragraph (e)(2), which provided for 
consolidation of appeals filed under part 214 and other parts of the 
CFR that involve common issues of fact and law, since the Section 428 
predecisional administrative review process and art 214 postdecisional 
administrative review process will not run in tandem. The remaining 
paragraph has been renumbered.
    Paragraph (g)(1) has been revised to provide for documentation of 
service of filings in an appeal by stating that they must be 
accompanied by a signed and dated certificate of service attesting that 
all other parties have been served. In addition, paragraph (g)(1) has 
been revised to state that filings in an appeal will not be considered 
by the Appeal Deciding Officer unless they are accompanied by a 
certificate of service.
    Paragraph (h)(1), relettered as paragraph (g)(1) in the final rule, 
has been modified to require prospective intervenors to send a copy of 
their request to intervene to all parties to the appeal.

Section 214.16 Oral Presentation

    A new paragraph (b), entitled ``Procedure,'' has been added, which 
states that ``oral presentations are not evidentiary proceedings 
involving examination and cross-examination of witnesses and are not 
subject to formal rules of procedure.'' The remaining paragraphs have 
been renumbered as appropriate.
    Paragraph (c) has been modified to state that oral presentations 
shall be conducted in an informal manner.
    Paragraph (h) has been revised to refer to ``parties to an 
appeal,'' rather than ``parties.''

Section 214.20 Exhaustion of Administration Remedies

    A reference to 7 U.S.C. 6912(e), the statute governing exhaustion 
of administrative remedies provided by USDA, has been added.

Part 222--Range Management

    The sequence of the subparts in part 222 has been changed in the 
final rule. Subpart D, Mediation of Term Grazing Permit Disputes, in 
the proposed rule has been relettered as subpart B in the final rule, 
since mediation involves decisions to cancel or suspend a term grazing 
permit, and subpart A governs cancellation and suspension of grazing 
permits. Subpart B, Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros, 
in the current rule has been moved to subpart D, after subpart C, 
Grazing Fees, since the subpart governing wild free-roaming horses and 
burros does not relate to grazing permits.

Regulatory Certifications

Regulatory Impact

    This final rule has been reviewed under USDA procedures and 
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. It has been 
determined that this is not a significant rule. This final rule will 
not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy, nor 
will the final rule adversely affect productivity, competition, jobs, 
the environment, public health or safety, or State and local 
governments. This final rule will not interfere with any action taken 
or planned by another agency or raise new legal or policy issues. 
Finally, this final rule will not alter the budgetary impact of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and 
obligations of beneficiaries of those programs.
    Moreover, the Department has considered this final rule in light of 
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The Department 
has determined that the final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities as defined by that 
Act. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required for 
this final rule.

Environmental Impact

    This final rule revises the procedures and requirements for the 
administrative appeal of certain decisions related to written 
authorizations for the occupancy or use of NFS lands and resources. 
Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR 220.6(d)(2) exclude from 
documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
statement ``rules, regulations, or policies to establish servicewide 
administrative procedures, program processes, or instruction.'' The 
Department has determined that this final rule falls within this 
category of actions and that no extraordinary circumstances exist which 
require preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental 
impact statement.

Energy Effects

    The Department has reviewed this final rule under Executive Order 
13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use. The Department has determined that this 
final rule does not constitute a significant energy action as defined 
in the Executive Order.

Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3501-3520), the Forest Service requested and

[[Page 33717]]

received approval of a new information collection requirement for part 
214: OMB Number: 0596-0231. During the public comment period for 
proposed part 214, comments were sought on the information collection 
requirement associated with the administrative appeal process in part 
214; no comments on the information collection requirement were 
received.

Federalism

    The Department has considered this final rule under Executive Order 
13132 on federalism. The Department has determined that this final rule 
conforms with the federalism principles set out in this executive 
order; will not impose any compliance costs on the States; and will not 
have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the Federal government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
Therefore, the Department concludes that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, the Forest Service is 
committed to government-to-government consultation on Agency policy 
that could have an impact on tribes. In that spirit, information about 
the proposed rule was sent to the Regional Offices, with guidance to 
distribute the information to tribes in their region and to follow up 
with visits to tribes if requests for consultation were received. A 
total of 120 days was provided for this process.
    Two comments from tribes were received, and no requests for 
government-to-government consultation were made. One respondent asked 
for early notification and consultation on actions affecting tribal 
treaty or other legal rights, and another respondent inquired whether 
part 214 would affect administration of a Preservation Trust Area. No 
changes were made to the proposed rule in response to these comments.
    The Department has determined that this final rule does not have 
substantial direct or unique effects on Indian tribes. This final rule 
is revising administrative appeal regulations for decisions relating to 
occupancy or use of NFS lands and resources. In accordance with part 
214, tribal governments may participate in the administrative appeal 
process either as appellants or intervenors.

No Takings Implications

    The Department has analyzed this final rule in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights. The Department has determined that this final rule 
will not pose the risk of a taking of private property.

Civil Justice Reform

    The Department has reviewed this final rule under Executive Order 
12988 on civil justice reform. Upon adoption of this final rule, (1) 
all State and local laws and regulations that conflict with this rule 
or that impede full implementation of the rule will be preempted; (2) 
no retroactive effect will be given to this final rule; and (3) this 
final rule will not require the use of administrative proceedings 
before parties can file suit in court challenging its provisions.

Unfunded Mandates

    Pursuant to Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 
U.S.C. 1531-1538), the Department has assessed the effects of this 
final rule on State, local, and tribal governments and the private 
sector. This final rule will not compel the expenditure of $100 million 
or more by any State, local, or tribal government or anyone in the 
private sector. Therefore, a statement under section 202 of the act is 
not required.

List of Subjects

36 CFR Part 212

    Highways and roads, National forests, Public lands--rights-of-way, 
and Transportation.

36 CFR Part 214

    Administrative practice and procedure, National forests.

36 CFR Part 215

    Administrative practice and procedure, National forests, National 
grassland.

36 CFR Part 222

    Range management, National forests, National grassland.

36 CFR Part 228

    Environmental protection, Mines, National forests, Oil and gas 
exploration, Public lands--mineral resources, Public lands--rights-of-
way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds, Wilderness 
areas.

36 CFR Part 241

    Fish, Intergovernmental relations, National forests, Wildlife, 
Wildlife refuges.

36 CFR Part 251

    Administrative practice and procedure, Electric power, National 
forests, Public lands--rights-of-way, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Water resources.

36 CFR Part 254

    Community facilities, National forests.

36 CFR Part 292

    Mineral resources, Recreation and recreation areas.

    Therefore, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Forest 
Service is amending Chapter II of Title 36 of the CFR as follows:

PART 212--ADMINISTRATION OF THE FOREST TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

0
1. The authority citation for part 212 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 551, 23 U.S.C. 205.



0
2. In Sec.  212.8, revise paragraph (d)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  212.8  Permission to cross lands and easements owned by the 
United States and administered by the Forest Service.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (5)(i) The Chief may revoke any easement granted under the 
provisions of the Act of October 13, 1964 (78 Stat. 1089, 16 U.S.C. 
534):
    (A) By consent of the owner of the easement;
    (B) By condemnation; or
    (C) Upon abandonment after a 5-year period of nonuse by the owner 
of the easement.
    (ii) Before any easement is revoked upon abandonment, the owner of 
the easement shall be given notice and, upon the owner's request made 
within 60 days after receipt of the notice, shall be given an appeal in 
accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR part 214.

0
3. Add part 214 to read as follows:

PART 214--POSTDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS FOR 
OCCUPANCY OR USE OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS AND RESOURCES

Sec.
214.1 Purpose and scope.
214.2 Definitions.
214.3 Parties to an appeal.
214.4 Decisions that are appealable.

[[Page 33718]]

214.5 Decisions that are not appealable.
214.6 Notice of an appealable decision.
214.7 Levels of review.
214.8 Appeal content.
214.9 Filing of an appeal.
214.10 Dismissal of an appeal.
214.11 Intervention.
214.12 Responsive statement and reply.
214.13 Stays.
214.14 Conduct of an appeal.
214.15 Resolution of issues prior to an appeal decision.
214.16 Oral presentation.
214.17 Appeal record.
214.18 Appeal decision.
214.19 Procedures for discretionary review.
214.20 Exhaustion of administrative remedies.
214.21 Information collection requirements.
214.22 Applicability and effective date.

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 1011(f); 16 U.S.C. 472, 551.


Sec.  214.1  Purpose and scope.

    (a) Purpose. This part provides a fair and deliberate process by 
which holders, operators, and solicited applicants may appeal certain 
written decisions issued by Responsible Officials involving written 
instruments authorizing the occupancy or use of National Forest System 
lands and resources.
    (b) Scope. This part specifies who may appeal, decisions that are 
appealable and not appealable, the responsibilities of parties to an 
appeal, and the time periods and procedures that govern the conduct of 
appeals under this part.


Sec.  214.2  Definitions.

    Appeal. A document filed with an Appeal Deciding Officer in which 
an individual or entity seeks review of a Forest Service decision under 
this part.
    Appeal Deciding Officer. The Forest Service line officer who is one 
organizational level above the Responsible Official or the respective 
Deputy Forest Supervisor, Deputy Regional Forester, or Associate Deputy 
Chief with the delegation of authority relevant to the provisions of 
this part.
    Appeal decision. The final written decision issued by an Appeal 
Deciding Officer on an appeal filed under this part which affirms or 
reverses a Responsible Official's appealable decision in whole or in 
part, explains the basis for the decision, and provides additional 
instructions to the parties as necessary.
    Appeal record. Documentation and other information filed with the 
Appeal Deciding Officer within the relevant time period by parties to 
the appeal and upon which review of an appeal is conducted.
    Appellant. An individual or entity that has filed an appeal under 
this part.
    Cancellation. The invalidation, in whole or in part, of a term 
grazing permit or an instrument for the disposal of mineral materials.
    Discretionary Reviewing Officer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) or Forest Service official authorized to review an appeal 
decision by an Appeal Deciding Officer or a decision by the Chief under 
this part.
    Holder. An individual or entity that holds a valid written 
authorization.
    Intervenor. An individual or entity whose request to intervene has 
been granted by the Appeal Deciding Officer.
    Modification. A Responsible Official's written revision of the 
terms and conditions of a written authorization.
    Operator. An individual or entity conducting or proposing to 
conduct mineral operations.
    Oral presentation. An informal meeting conducted by the Appeal 
Deciding Officer during which parties to an appeal may present 
information in support of their position.
    Prospectus. An announcement published by the Forest Service 
soliciting competitive applications for a written authorization.
    Responsible Official. The Forest Service line officer who has the 
delegated authority to make and implement a decision that may be 
appealed under this part.
    Responsive statement. The document filed by the Responsible 
Official with the Appeal Deciding Officer that addresses the issues 
raised and relief requested in an appeal.
    Revocation. The cessation, in whole or in part, of a written 
authorization, other than a grazing permit or an instrument for the 
disposal of mineral materials, by action of Responsible Official before 
the end of the specified period of occupancy or use.
    Solicited applicant. An individual or entity that has submitted a 
competitive application in response to a prospectus.
    Suspension. A temporary revocation or cancellation of a written 
authorization.
    Termination. The cessation of a written authorization by operation 
of law or by operation of a fixed or agreed-upon condition, event, or 
time as specified in the authorization, which does not require a 
decision by a Responsible Official to take effect.
    Written authorization. A term grazing permit, plan of operations, 
special use authorization, mineral material contract or permit, or 
other type of written instrument issued by the Forest Service or a 
lease or permit for leasable minerals issued by the U.S. Department of 
the Interior that authorizes the occupancy or use of National Forest 
System lands or resources and specifies the terms and conditions under 
which the occupancy or use may occur.


Sec.  214.3  Parties to an appeal.

    Parties to an appeal under this part are limited to the holder, 
operator, or solicited applicants who are directly affected by an 
appealable decision, intervenors, and the Responsible Official.


Sec.  214.4  Decisions that are appealable.

    To be appealable under this part, a decision must be issued by a 
Responsible Official in writing and must fall into one of the following 
categories:
    (a) Livestock grazing. (1) Modification of a term grazing permit 
issued under 36 CFR part 222, subpart A. Issuance of annual operating 
instructions does not constitute a permit modification and is not an 
appealable decision;
    (2) Suspension or cancellation, other than cancellation resulting 
from the permittee's waiver to the United States, of a term grazing 
permit issued under 36 CFR part 222, subpart A;
    (3) Denial of reauthorization of livestock grazing under a term 
grazing permit if the holder files an application for a new permit 
before the existing permit expires; or
    (4) Denial of a term grazing permit to a solicited applicant under 
36 CFR part 222, subpart C.
    (b) Minerals. (1) Approval or denial of an initial, modified, or 
supplemental plan of operations or operating plan; requirement of an 
increase in bond coverage; requirement of measures to avoid irreparable 
injury, loss, or damage to surface resources pending modification of a 
plan of operations or operating plan; or issuance of a notice of 
noncompliance pursuant to 36 CFR part 228, subpart A or D, or part 292, 
subpart D, F, or G;
    (2) Approval or denial of an operating plan, issuance of a notice 
of noncompliance, or extension, suspension, or cancellation, other than 
cancellation by mutual agreement, for or of contracts, permits, or 
prospecting permits for mineral materials issued under 36 CFR part 228, 
subpart C;
    (3) Approval or denial of a surface use plan of operations, request 
to supplement a surface use plan of operations, suspension of oil and 
gas operations, or issuance of a notice of noncompliance pursuant to 36 
CFR part 228, subpart E;
    (4) Consent or denial of consent to the U.S. Department of the 
Interior's administration of previously issued leases or permits for 
leasable minerals other than oil and gas resources;
    (5) Suspension or revocation of an operating plan for Federal lands 
within

[[Page 33719]]

the Sawtooth National Recreation Area pursuant to 36 CFR part 292, 
subpart D;
    (6) Suspension of locatable mineral operations on National Forest 
System lands within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area pursuant 
to 36 CFR part 292, subpart F;
    (7) Suspension of locatable mineral operations on National Forest 
System lands within the Smith River National Recreation Area or 
approval of an initial or amended operating plan for exercise of 
outstanding mineral rights on National Forest System lands within the 
Smith River National Recreation Area pursuant to 36 CFR part 292, 
subpart G;
    (8) Except as provided in paragraph (7), determinations of the 
acceptability of an initial or amended operating plan for exercise of 
outstanding mineral rights on National Forest System lands; or
    (9) Determinations of the acceptability of an initial or amended 
operating plan for exercise of reserved mineral rights located on 
National Forest System lands.
    (c) Special uses. (1) Modification, suspension, or revocation of a 
special use authorization, other than acceptance of an operating plan, 
including:
    (i) A special use authorization issued under 36 CFR part 251, 
subpart B or D, other than modification, suspension or revocation of a 
noncommercial group use permit, suspension or revocation of an easement 
issued pursuant to 36 CFR 251.53(e) or 251.53(l), or revocation with 
the consent of the holder;
    (ii) A special use authorization issued under 36 CFR part 212, 
subpart A, for ingress and egress to private lands that are 
intermingled with or adjacent to National Forest System lands;
    (iii) A special use authorization issued under 36 CFR part 251, 
subpart A, that authorizes the exercise of rights reserved in 
conveyances to the United States;
    (iv) A permit and occupancy agreement issued under 36 CFR 213.3 for 
national grasslands and other lands administered under Title III of the 
Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act;
    (v) A permit issued under 36 CFR 293.13 for access to valid 
occupancies entirely within a wilderness in the National Forest System.
    (vi) A permit issued under the Archaeological Resources Protection 
Act of 1979 and 36 CFR part 296 for excavation or removal of 
archaeological resources; and
    (vii) A special use authorization governing surface use associated 
with the exercise of outstanding mineral rights;
    (2) Denial of a special use authorization to a solicited applicant 
based on the process used to select a successful applicant;
    (3) Implementation of new land use fees for a special use 
authorization, other than:
    (i) Revision or replacement of a land use fee system or schedule 
that is implemented through public notice and comment; and
    (ii) Annual land use fee adjustments based on an inflation factor 
that are calculated under an established fee system or schedule in 
accordance with the terms and conditions of a written authorization;
    (4) Assignment of a performance rating that affects reissuance or 
extension of a special use authorization; or
    (5) Denial of renewal of a special use authorization if it 
specifically provides for renewal and if the holder requests renewal of 
the authorization before it expires.
    (d) Other land uses. Denial or revocation of a certification of 
compliance issued under 36 CFR part 292, subpart C, related to the use, 
subdivision, and development of privately owned property within the 
boundaries of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.


Sec.  214.5  Decisions that are not appealable.

    Holders, operators, and solicited applicants may not appeal under 
this part any decisions issued by a Responsible Official that are not 
expressly set forth in Sec.  214.4.


Sec.  214.6  Notice of an appealable decision.

    (a) The Responsible Official shall promptly give written notice of 
decisions subject to appeal under this part to the affected holder, 
operator, or solicited applicants and to any holder of a similar 
written authorization who has made a written request to be notified of 
a specific decision.
    (b) If the decision is appealable, the notice must specify the 
contents of an appeal, the name and mailing address of the Appeal 
Deciding Officer, and the filing deadline. The notice shall also 
include a statement indicating the Responsible Official's willingness 
to meet with the affected holder, operator, or solicited applicants to 
discuss any issues related to the decision and, where applicable, 
informing term grazing permit holders of the opportunity to request 
mediation in accordance with 36 CFR 222.20 through 222.26.
    (c) If the decision is not appealable, the Responsible Official 
must include a statement in the written decision informing the affected 
holder, operator, or solicited applicants that further administrative 
review of the decision is not available.


Sec.  214.7  Levels of review.

    (a) Appeal. (1) One level of appeal is available for appealable 
decisions made by District Rangers, Forest or Grassland Supervisors, 
and Regional Foresters. If a District Ranger is the Responsible 
Official, the appeal is filed with the Forest or Grassland Supervisor. 
If a Forest or Grassland Supervisor is the Responsible Official, the 
appeal is filed with the Regional Forester. If a Regional Forester is 
the Responsible Official, the appeal is filed with the Chief of the 
Forest Service.
    (2) No appeal is available for decisions made by the Chief.
    (b) Discretionary review. (1) Appeal decisions issued by Forest or 
Grassland Supervisors, Regional Foresters, or the Chief are eligible 
for discretionary review. If a Forest or Grassland Supervisor is the 
Appeal Deciding Officer, discretionary review is conducted by the 
Regional Forester. If a Regional Forester is the Appeal Deciding 
Officer, discretionary review is conducted by the Chief. If the Chief 
is the Appeal Deciding Officer, discretionary review is conducted by 
the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.
    (2) Decisions made by the Chief that fall into one of the 
categories enumerated in 36 CFR 214.4 are eligible for discretionary 
review by the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.


Sec.  214.8  Appeal content.

    (a) General requirements for the contents of an appeal. All appeals 
must include:
    (1) The appellant's name, mailing address, daytime telephone 
number, and email address, if any;
    (2) A brief description of the decision being appealed, including 
the name and title of the Responsible Official and the date of the 
decision;
    (3) The title or type and, if applicable, identification number for 
the written authorization and the date of application for or issuance 
of the written authorization, if applicable;
    (4) A statement of how the appellant is adversely affected by the 
decision being appealed;
    (5) A statement of the relevant facts underlying the decision being 
appealed;
    (6) A discussion of issues raised by the decision being appealed, 
including identification of any laws, regulations, or policies that 
were allegedly violated in reaching the decision being appealed;
    (7) A statement as to whether and how the appellant has attempted 
to

[[Page 33720]]

resolve the issues under appeal with the Responsible Official and the 
date and outcome of those efforts;
    (8) A statement of the relief sought;
    (9) Any documents and other information upon which the appellant 
relies; and
    (10) The appellant's signature and the date.
    (b) Specific requirements for the contents of an appeal. In 
addition to the general requirements in Sec.  214.8(a), the following 
specific requirements must be included in an appeal, where applicable:
    (1) A request for an oral presentation under Sec.  214.16;
    (2) A request for a stay under Sec.  214.13; and
    (3) A request to participate in a state mediation program regarding 
certain term grazing permit disputes under 36 CFR part 222, subpart B.


Sec.  214.9  Filing of an appeal.

    (a) Timeframe for filing an appeal. An appeal must be filed with 
the Appeal Deciding Officer within 45 days of the date of the decision.
    (b) Method of filing. Appeal documents may be filed in person or by 
courier, by mail or private delivery service, by facsimile, or by 
electronic mail. Parties to an appeal are responsible for ensuring 
timely filing of appeal documents.


Sec.  214.10  Dismissal of an appeal.

    (a) The Appeal Deciding Officer shall dismiss an appeal without 
review when one or more of the following applies:
    (1) The appeal is not filed within the required time period.
    (2) The person or entity that filed the appeal is not a holder, an 
operator, or a solicited applicant of a written authorization that is 
the subject of the appealable decision.
    (3) The decision is not appealable under this part.
    (4) The appeal does not meet the content requirements specified in 
Sec.  214.8(a), provided that an appeal may not be dismissed for 
failure to include an appraisal report which has not been completed by 
the filing deadline.
    (5) The appellant withdraws the appeal.
    (6) The Responsible Official withdraws the written decision that 
was appealed.
    (7) An informal resolution of the dispute is reached pursuant to 
Sec.  214.15 or a mediated agreement of a term grazing dispute is 
achieved pursuant to 36 CFR part 222, subpart B.
    (8) The requested relief cannot be granted under applicable facts, 
laws, regulations, or policies.
    (b) The Appeal Deciding Officer shall give written notice of the 
dismissal of an appeal and shall set forth the reasons for dismissal.


Sec.  214.11  Intervention.

    (a) Eligibility to intervene. To participate as an intervenor in 
appeals under this part, a party must:
    (1) Be a holder, an operator, or a solicited applicant who claims 
an interest relating to the subject matter of the decision being 
appealed and is so situated that disposition of the appeal may impair 
that interest; and
    (2) File a written request to intervene with the Appeal Deciding 
Officer within 15 days after an appeal has been filed.
    (b) Request to intervene. A request to intervene must include:
    (1) The requester's name, mailing address, daytime telephone 
number, and email address, if any;
    (2) A brief description of the decision being appealed, including 
the name and title of the Responsible Official and the date of the 
decision;
    (3) The title or type and, if applicable, identification number for 
the written authorization and the date of application for or issuance 
of the written authorization, if applicable;
    (4) A description of the requester's interest in the appeal and how 
disposition of the appeal may impair that interest;
    (5) A discussion of the factual and legal allegations in the appeal 
with which the requester agrees or disagrees;
    (6) A description of additional facts and issues that are not 
raised in the appeal that the requester believes are relevant and 
should be considered;
    (7) A description of the relief sought, particularly as it differs 
from the relief sought by the appellant;
    (8) Where applicable, a response to the appellant's request for a 
stay of the decision being appealed;
    (9) Where applicable, a response to the appellant's request for an 
oral presentation;
    (10) Where applicable, a response to the appellant's request for 
mediation of a term grazing permit dispute under 36 CFR part 222, 
subpart B; and
    (11) The requester's signature and the date.
    (c) Response to a request to intervene. The appellant and 
Responsible Official shall have 5 days from receipt of a request to 
intervene to file a written response with the Appeal Deciding Officer.
    (d) Intervention decision. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall have 5 
days after the date a response to a request to intervene is due to 
issue a decision granting or denying the request. The Appeal Deciding 
Officer's decision shall be in writing and shall briefly explain the 
basis for granting or denying the request. The Appeal Deciding Officer 
shall deny a request to intervene or shall withdraw a decision granting 
intervenor status as moot if the corresponding appeal is dismissed 
under Sec.  214.10.


Sec.  214.12  Responsive statement and reply.

    (a) Responsive statement. The Responsible Official shall prepare a 
responsive statement addressing the factual and legal allegations in 
the appeal. The responsive statement and any supporting documentation 
shall be filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer within 20 days of 
receipt of the appeal or the unsuccessful conclusion of mediation 
conducted pursuant to 36 CFR part 222, subpart B, whichever is later.
    (b) Reply. Within 10 days of receipt of the responsive statement, 
the appellant and intervenors, if any, may file a reply with the Appeal 
Deciding Officer addressing the contentions in the responsive 
statement.


Sec.  214.13  Stays.

    (a) Implementation. An appealable decision shall be implemented 
unless an authorized stay is granted under Sec.  214.13(b) or an 
automatic stay goes into effect under Sec.  214.13(c).
    (b) Authorized stays. Except where a stay automatically goes into 
effect under Sec.  214.13(c), the Appeal Deciding Officer may grant a 
written request to stay the decision that is the subject of an appeal 
under this part.
    (1) Stay request. To obtain a stay, an appellant must include a 
request for a stay in the appeal pursuant to Sec.  214.8(b)(2) and a 
statement explaining the need for a stay. The statement must include, 
at a minimum:
    (i) A description of the adverse impact on the appellant if a stay 
is not granted;
    (ii) A description of the adverse impact on National Forest System 
lands and resources if a stay is not granted; or
    (iii) An explanation as to how a meaningful decision on the merits 
of the appeal could not be achieved if a stay is not granted.
    (2) Stay response. The Responsible Official may support, oppose, or 
take no position in the responsive statement regarding the appellant's 
stay request. Intervenors may support, oppose, or take no position in 
the intervention request regarding the appellant's stay request.
    (3) Stay decision. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall issue a 
decision granting or denying a stay request within 10 days after a 
responsive statement or an intervention request is

[[Page 33721]]

filed, whichever is later. The stay decision shall be in writing and 
shall briefly explain the basis for granting or denying the stay 
request.
    (c) Automatic stays. The following decisions are automatically 
stayed once an appeal is filed by a holder, operator, or solicited 
applicant:
    (1) Decisions to issue a written authorization pursuant to a 
prospectus;
    (2) Decisions to recalculate revenue-based land use fees for a 
special use authorization pursuant to an audit issued after June 5, 
2013; and
    (3) Decisions to cancel or suspend a term grazing permit subject to 
mediation under 36 CFR 222.20 and for which mediation is requested in 
accordance with that provision.
    (d) Stay duration. Authorized stays and automatic stays under Sec.  
214.13(c)(1) and (c)(2) shall remain in effect until a final 
administrative decision is issued in the appeal, unless they are 
modified or lifted in accordance with Sec.  214.13(e). Automatic stays 
under Sec.  214.13(c)(3) shall remain in effect for the duration of the 
mediation period as provided in 36 CFR 222.22.
    (e) Modification or lifting of a stay. The Appeal Deciding Officer 
or a Discretionary Reviewing Officer may modify or lift an authorized 
stay based upon a written request by a party to the appeal who 
demonstrates that the circumstances have changed since the stay was 
granted and that it is unduly burdensome or unfair to maintain the 
stay.


Sec.  214.14  Conduct of an appeal.

    (a) Evidence of timely filing. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall 
determine the timeliness of an appeal by the following indicators:
    (1) The date of the U.S. Postal Service postmark for an appeal 
received before the close of the fifth business day after the appeal 
filing date;
    (2) The electronically generated posted date and time for email and 
facsimiles;
    (3) The shipping date for delivery by private carrier for an appeal 
received before the close of the fifth business day after the appeal 
filing date; or
    (4) The official agency date stamp showing receipt of hand 
delivery.
    (b) Computation of time. (1) A time period in this part begins on 
the first day following the event or action triggering the time period.
    (2) All time periods shall be computed using calendar days, 
including Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. However, if a time 
period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, the time period 
is extended to the end of the next Federal business day.
    (c) Extensions of time--(1) In general. Parties to an appeal, 
Appeal Deciding Officers, and Discretionary Reviewing Officers shall 
meet the time periods specified in this part, unless an extension of 
time has been granted under paragraph (c)(3) of this section. Extension 
requests from parties to an appeal shall be made in writing, shall 
explain the need for the extension, and shall be transmitted to the 
Appeal Deciding Officer.
    (2) Time periods that may not be extended. The following time 
periods may not be extended:
    (i) The time period for filing an appeal;
    (ii) The time period to decide whether to conduct discretionary 
review of an appeal decision or a Chief's decision; and
    (iii) The time period to issue a discretionary review decision.
    (3) Time periods that may be extended. Except as provided in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, all time periods in this part may be 
extended upon written request by a party to an appeal and a finding of 
good cause for the extension by the Appeal Deciding Officer. Written 
requests for extensions of time will be automatically granted by the 
Appeal Deciding Officer where the parties to an appeal represent that 
they are working in good faith to resolve the dispute and that 
additional time would facilitate negotiation of a mutually agreeable 
resolution.
    (4) Decision. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall have 10 days to 
issue a decision granting or denying the extension request. The 
decision shall be in writing and shall briefly explain the basis for 
granting or denying the request.
    (5) Duration. Ordinarily, extensions that add more than 60 days to 
the appeal period should not be granted.
    (d) Procedural orders. The Appeal Deciding Officer may issue 
procedural orders as necessary for the orderly, expeditious, and fair 
conduct of an appeal under this part.
    (e) Consolidation of appeals. (1) The Appeal Deciding Officer may 
consolidate multiple appeals of the same decision or of similar 
decisions involving common issues of fact and law and issue one appeal 
decision.
    (2) The Responsible Official may prepare one responsive statement 
for consolidated appeals.
    (f) Requests for additional information. The Appeal Deciding 
Officer may ask parties to an appeal for additional information to 
clarify appeal issues. If necessary, the Appeal Deciding Officer may 
extend appeal time periods per paragraph (c)(3) of this section to 
allow for submission of the additional information and to give the 
other parties an opportunity to review and comment on it.
    (g) Service of documents. (1) Parties to an appeal shall send a 
copy of all documents filed in the appeal to all other parties, 
including the appellant's sending a copy of the appeal to the 
Responsible Official, at the same time the original is filed with the 
Appeal Deciding Officer. All filings in an appeal must be accompanied 
by a signed and dated certificate of service attesting that all other 
parties have been served. Prospective intervenors shall send a copy of 
their request to intervene to all parties to the appeal at the same 
time the original is filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer. Each party 
and prospective intervenor is responsible for identifying the parties 
to the appeal and may contact the Appeal Deciding Officer for 
assistance regarding their names and addresses. Filings in an appeal 
shall not be considered by the Appeal Deciding Officer unless they are 
accompanied by a certificate of service.
    (2) All decisions and orders issued by the Appeal Deciding Officer 
and the Discretionary Reviewing Officer related to the appeal shall be 
in writing and shall be sent to all parties to the appeal.
    (h) Posting of final decisions. Once a final appeal decision or 
discretionary review decision has been issued, its availability shall 
be posted on the Web site of the national forest or national grassland 
or region that issued the appealable decision or on the Web site of the 
Washington Office for Chief's decisions.
    (i) Expenses. Each party to an appeal shall bear its own expenses, 
including costs associated with preparing the appeal, participating in 
an oral presentation, obtaining information regarding the appeal, and 
retaining professional consultants or counsel.


Sec.  214.15  Resolution of issues prior to an appeal decision.

    (a) The Responsible Official may discuss an appeal with a party or 
parties to narrow issues, agree on facts, and explore opportunities to 
resolve one or more of the issues in dispute by means other than 
issuance of an appeal decision.
    (b) The Responsible Official who issued a decision under appeal may 
withdraw the decision, in whole or in part, during an appeal to resolve 
one or more issues in dispute. The Responsible Official shall notify 
the parties to the appeal and the Appeal Deciding Officer of the 
withdrawal. If the withdrawal of the decision eliminates all the issues 
in dispute in the appeal, the Appeal

[[Page 33722]]

Deciding Officer shall dismiss the appeal under Sec.  214.10.


Sec.  214.16  Oral presentation.

    (a) Purpose. The purpose of an oral presentation is to provide 
parties to an appeal with an opportunity to discuss their concerns 
regarding the appealable decision with the Appeal Deciding Officer.
    (b) Procedure. Oral presentations are not evidentiary proceedings 
involving examination and cross-examination of witnesses and are not 
subject to formal rules of procedure.
    (c) Scope. Oral presentations shall be conducted in an informal 
manner and shall be limited to clarifying or elaborating upon 
information that has already been filed with the Appeal Deciding 
Officer. New information may be presented only if it could not have 
been raised earlier in the appeal and if it would be unfair and 
prejudicial to exclude it.
    (d) Requests. A request for an oral presentation included in an 
appeal shall be granted by the Appeal Deciding Officer unless the 
appeal has been dismissed under Sec.  214.10.
    (e) Availability. Oral presentations may be conducted during appeal 
of a decision, but not during discretionary review.
    (f) Scheduling and rules. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall conduct 
the oral presentation within 10 days of the date a reply to the 
responsive statement is due. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall notify 
the parties of the date, time, and location of the oral presentation 
and the procedures to be followed.
    (g) Participation. All parties to an appeal are eligible to 
participate in the oral presentation. At the discretion of the Appeal 
Deciding Officer, non-parties may observe the oral presentation, but 
are not eligible to participate.
    (h) Summaries and transcripts. A summary of an oral presentation 
may be included in the appeal record only if it is submitted to the 
Appeal Deciding Officer by a party to the appeal at the end of the oral 
presentation. A transcript of an oral presentation prepared by a 
certified court reporter may be included in the appeal record if the 
transcript is filed with the Appeal Deciding Officer within 10 days of 
the date of the oral presentation and if the transcript is paid for by 
those who requested it.


Sec.  214.17  Appeal record.

    (a) Location. The Appeal Deciding Officer shall maintain the appeal 
record in one location.
    (b) Contents. The appeal record shall consist of information filed 
with the Appeal Deciding Officer, including the appealable decision, 
appeal, intervention request, responsive statement, reply, oral 
presentation summary or transcript, procedural orders and other 
rulings, and any correspondence or other documentation related to the 
appeal as determined by the Appeal Deciding Officer.
    (c) Closing of the record. (1) The Appeal Deciding Officer shall 
close the appeal record on:
    (i) The day after the date the reply to the responsive statement is 
due if no oral presentation is conducted;
    (ii) The day after the oral presentation is conducted if no 
transcript of the oral presentation is being prepared; or
    (iii) The day after the date a transcript of the oral presentation 
is due if one is being prepared.
    (2) The Appeal Deciding Officer shall notify all parties to the 
appeal of closing of the record.
    (d) Inspection by the public. The appeal record is open for public 
inspection in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, the 
Privacy Act, and 7 CFR part 1.


Sec.  214.18  Appeal decision.

    (a) Appeal decisions made by the Appeal Deciding Officer shall be 
issued within 30 days of the date the appeal record is closed.
    (b) The appeal decision shall be based solely on the appeal record 
and oral presentation, if one is conducted.
    (c) The appeal decision shall conform to all applicable laws, 
regulations, policies, and procedures.
    (d) The appeal decision may affirm or reverse the appealable 
decision, in whole or in part. The appeal decision must specify the 
basis for affirmation or reversal and may include instructions for 
further action by the Responsible Official.
    (e) Except where a decision to conduct discretionary review has 
been made and a discretionary review decision has been issued, the 
appeal decision shall constitute USDA's final administrative decision.


Sec.  214.19  Procedures for discretionary review.

    (a) Initiation. (1) One day after issuance of an appeal decision, 
the Appeal Deciding Officer shall send a copy of the appeal decision, 
appeal, and appealable decision to the Discretionary Reviewing Officer 
to determine whether discretionary review of the appeal decision should 
be conducted.
    (2) One day after issuance of a Chief's decision that is eligible 
for discretionary review under Sec.  214.7(b)(2), the Chief shall send 
the decision to the Discretionary Reviewing Officer to determine 
whether discretionary review should be conducted.
    (b) Criteria for determining whether to conduct discretionary 
review. In deciding whether to conduct discretionary review, the 
Discretionary Reviewing Officer should, at a minimum, consider the 
degree of controversy surrounding the decision, the potential for 
litigation, and the extent to which the decision establishes precedent 
or new policy.
    (c) Time period. Upon receipt of the appeal decision, appeal, and 
appealable decision or Chief's decision, the Discretionary Reviewing 
Officer shall have 30 days to determine whether to conduct 
discretionary review and may request the appeal record or the record 
related to the Chief's decision during that time to assist in making 
that determination. If a request for the record is made, it must be 
transmitted to the Discretionary Reviewing Officer within 5 days.
    (d) Notification. The Discretionary Reviewing Officer shall notify 
the parties and the Appeal Deciding Officer in writing of a decision to 
conduct discretionary review. The Discretionary Reviewing Officer may 
notify the parties and the Appeal Deciding Officer of a decision not to 
conduct discretionary review within 30 days. If the Discretionary 
Reviewing Officer takes no action within 30 days of receipt of the 
appeal decision, appeal, and appealable decision or Chief's decision, 
the appeal decision or Chief's decision shall constitute USDA's final 
administrative decision.
    (e) Scope of discretionary review and issuance of a discretionary 
review decision. Discretionary review shall be limited to the record. 
No additional information shall be considered by the Discretionary 
Reviewing Officer. The Discretionary Reviewing Officer shall have 30 
days to issue a discretionary review decision after notification of the 
parties and Appeal Deciding Officer has occurred pursuant to Sec.  
214.19(d). The Discretionary Reviewing Officer's decision shall 
constitute USDA's final administrative decision. If a discretionary 
review decision is not issued within 30 days following the notification 
of the decision to conduct discretionary review, the appeal decision or 
Chief's decision shall constitute USDA's final administrative decision.


Sec.  214.20  Exhaustion of administrative remedies.

    Per 7 U.S.C. 6912(e), judicial review of a decision that is 
appealable under this part is premature unless the

[[Page 33723]]

plaintiff has exhausted the administrative remedies under this part.


Sec.  214.21  Information collection requirements.

    The rules of this part governing appeal of decisions relating to 
occupancy or use of National Forest System lands and resources specify 
the information that an appellant must provide in an appeal. Therefore, 
these rules contain information collection requirements as defined in 5 
CFR part 1320. These information collection requirements are assigned 
Office of Management and Budget Control Number 0596-0231.


Sec.  214.22  Applicability and effective date.

    This part prescribes the procedure for administrative review of 
appealable decisions and Chief's decisions set forth in Sec.  214.4 
issued on or after June 5, 2013.

PART 215--NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

0
4. The authority citation for part 215 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 472, 551; sec. 322, Pub. L. 102-381 
(Appeals Reform Act), 106 Stat. 1419 (16 U.S.C. 1612 note).


0
5. In Sec.  215.1, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  215.1  Purpose and scope.

* * * * *
    (b) Scope. Notice of proposed actions and opportunity to comment 
provide an opportunity for the public to provide meaningful input prior 
to the decision on projects and activities implementing land management 
plans. The rules of this part complement other opportunities to 
participate in the Forest Service's project and activity planning, such 
as those provided by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and 
36 CFR part 220; the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and its 
implementing regulations at 36 CFR part 219; and the regulations at 36 
CFR part 216 governing public notice and comment for certain Forest 
Service directives.
0
6. In Sec.  215.2, revise the definitions for ``Appeal,'' ``Appeal 
Deciding Officer,'' ``Appeal record,'' ``Appellant,'' and ``Responsible 
Official'' to read as follows:


Sec.  215.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Appeal--A document filed with an Appeal Deciding Officer in which 
an individual or entity seeks review of a Forest Service decision under 
this part.
    Appeal Deciding Officer--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
official or Forest Service line officer who is one organizational level 
above the Responsible Official or the respective Deputy Forest 
Supervisor, Deputy Regional Forester, or Associate Deputy Chief with 
the delegation of authority relevant to the provisions of this part.
* * * * *
    Appeal record-Documentation and other information filed with the 
Appeal Deciding Officer within the relevant time period by parties to 
an appeal and upon which review of an appeal is conducted.
* * * * *
    Appellant--An individual or entity that has filed an appeal of a 
decision under this part.
* * * * *
    Responsible Official--The Forest Service line officer who has the 
delegated authority to make and implement a decision that may be 
appealed under this part.
* * * * *


Sec.  215.11  [Amended]

0
7. In Sec.  215.11, remove paragraph (d).


Sec.  215.14  [Amended]

0
8. In Sec.  215.14, remove paragraph (b)(5), and redesignate paragraphs 
(b)(6) through (9) as paragraphs (b)(5) through (8).
0
9. In Sec.  215.15, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  215.15  Appeal time periods and process.

* * * * *
    (c) Evidence of timely filing. Parties to an appeal are responsible 
for ensuring timely filing of appeal documents. Questions regarding 
whether an appeal document has been timely filed shall be resolved by 
the Appeal Deciding Officer based on the following indicators:
    (1) The date of the U.S. Postal Service postmark for an appeal 
received before the close of the fifth business day after the appeal 
filing date;
    (2) The electronically generated posted date and time for email and 
facsimiles;
    (3) The shipping date for delivery by private carrier for an appeal 
received before the close of the fifth business day after the appeal 
filing date; or
    (4) The official agency date stamp showing receipt of hand 
delivery.
* * * * *

PART 222--RANGE MANAGEMENT

0
10. The authority citation for part 222 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1010-1012, 5101-5106; 16 U.S.C. 551, 572, 
5801; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1751, 1752, 1901; E.O. 12548 (51 FR 
5985).

Subpart B--[Redesignated as Subpart D]

0
11. Redsignate subpart B, consisting of Sec. Sec.  222.20 through 
222.36, as subpart D, consisting of Sec. Sec.  222.60 through 222.76, 
and revise the newly redesignated subpart D authority citation to read 
as follows:

Subpart D--Management of Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1011; 16 U.S.C. 551, 1331-1340; 43 U.S.C. 
1901 note.


0
12. Add a new subpart B to read as follows:

Subpart B--Mediation of Term Grazing Permit Disputes
Sec.
222.20 Decisions subject to mediation.
222.21 Parties.
222.22 Stay of appeal.
222.23 Confidentiality.
222.24 Records.
222.25 Costs.
222.26 Ex parte communications.


    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 5101-5106; 16 U.S.C. 472, 551.

Subpart B--Mediation of Term Grazing Permit Disputes


Sec.  222.20  Decisions subject to mediation.

    The holder of a term grazing permit issued in a State with a 
mediation program certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture may 
request mediation of a dispute relating to a decision to suspend or 
cancel the permit as authorized by 36 CFR 222.4(a)(2)(i), (ii), (iv), 
and (v) and (a)(3) through (6). Any request for mediation must be 
included in an appeal of the decision to suspend or cancel the permit 
filed in accordance with 36 CFR part 214.


Sec.  222.21  Parties.

    Only the following may be parties to mediation of a term grazing 
permit dispute:
    (a) A mediator authorized to mediate under a State mediation 
program certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture;
    (b) The Chief, Forest Service, or other Forest Service employee who 
made the decision being mediated or his or her designee;

[[Page 33724]]

    (c) The holder whose term grazing permit is the subject of the 
decision and who has requested mediation in an appeal filed in 
accordance with the procedures at 36 CFR part 214;
    (d) That holder's creditors, if applicable; and
    (e) Legal counsel, if retained. The Forest Service will have legal 
representation in the mediation only if the holder has legal 
representation in the mediation.


Sec.  222.22  Stay of appeal.

    If an appellant requests mediation of a decision subject to 
mediation under Sec.  222.20 in an appeal filed under 36 CFR part 214, 
the Appeal Deciding Officer shall immediately notify all parties to the 
appeal that all appeal deadlines are automatically stayed for 45 days 
to allow for mediation. If a mediated agreement is not reached in 45 
days, the Appeal Deciding Officer may extend the automatic stay for 
another 15 days if there is a reasonable possibility that a mediated 
agreement can be achieved within that timeframe. If an agreement is not 
achieved at the end of the 45- or 60-day mediation process, the Appeal 
Deciding Officer shall immediately notify all parties to the appeal 
that mediation was unsuccessful, that the stay has expired, and that 
the time periods and procedures applicable to an appeal under 36 CFR 
part 214 are reinstated.


Sec.  222.23  Confidentiality.

    Mediation sessions and dispute resolution communications as defined 
in 5 U.S.C. 571(5) shall be confidential. Any mediation agreement 
signed by a Forest Service official and the holder of a term grazing 
permit is subject to public disclosure.


Sec.  222.24  Records.

    Notes taken or factual material shared during mediation sessions 
shall not be included in the appeal record prepared in accordance with 
the procedures at 36 CFR part 214.


Sec.  222.25  Costs.

    The Forest Service shall cover only those costs incurred by its own 
employees in mediation sessions.


Sec.  222.26  Ex parte communications.

    The Chief of the Forest Service or other Forest Service employee 
who made the decision being mediated, or his or her designee, shall not 
discuss mediation with the Appeal Deciding Officer, except to request 
an extension of time or to communicate the results of mediation.

Subpart C--[Amended]

0
13. The authority citation for subpart C of part 222 is revised to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 551; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1751, 1752, 
1901; E.O. 12548 (51 FR 5985).

PART 228--MINERALS

0
14. The authority citation for part 228 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 478, 551; 30 U.S.C. 226, 352, 601, 611; 94 
Stat. 2400.

Subpart A--Locatable Minerals

0
15. Revise Sec.  228.14 to read as follows:


Sec.  228.14  Appeals.

    Appeal of decisions of an authorized officer made pursuant to this 
subpart is governed by 36 CFR part 214 or 215.

Subpart C--Disposal of Mineral Materials

0
16. In Sec.  228.65, revise paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows:


Sec.  228.65  Payment for sales.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) If the purchaser fails to make payments when due, the contract 
will be considered breached, the authorized officer will cancel the 
contract, and all previous payments will be forfeited without prejudice 
to any other rights and remedies of the United States.
* * * * *

0
17. In Sec.  228.66 revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  228.66  Refunds.

* * * * *
    (c) Cancellation. (1) If the contract is cancelled by the 
authorized officer for reasons which are beyond the purchaser's 
control; or
    (2) If the contract is cancelled by mutual agreement. This refund 
provision is not a warranty that a specific quantity of material exists 
in the sale area.

Subpart E--Oil and Gas Resources

0
18. In Sec.  228.107, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  228.107  Review of surface use plan of operations.

* * * * *
    (c) Notice of decision. The authorized Forest officer shall give 
public notice of the decision on a surface use plan of operations and 
include in the notice that the decision is subject to appeal under 36 
CFR part 214 or 215.
* * * * *

PART 241--FISH AND WILDLIFE

0
19. The authority citation for part 241 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 472, 539, 551, 683.

Subpart B--Conservation of Fish, Wildlife, and Their Habitat, 
Chugach National Forest, Alaska

0
20. In Sec.  241.22, revise paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  241.22  Consistency determinations.

* * * * *
    (e) Subject to valid existing rights, the responsible Forest 
Officer may revoke, suspend, restrict, or require modification of any 
activity if it is determined that such measures are required to 
conserve wildlife, fish, or their habitat within areas of the Chugach 
National Forest subject to this subpart. Prior to taking action to 
revoke, suspend, restrict, or require modification of an activity under 
this section, the responsible Forest Officer shall give affected 
parties reasonable prior notice and an opportunity to comment, unless 
it is determined that doing so would likely result in irreparable harm 
to conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitat.
    (f) Decisions made pursuant to this section are subject to appeal 
only as provided in 36 CFR part 214.
* * * * *

PART 251--LAND USES

0
21. The authority citation for part 251 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 472, 479b, 551, 1134, 3210, 6201-13; 30 
U.S.C. 1740, 1761-1771.

Subpart A--Miscellaneous Land Uses

0
22. The authority citation for part 251, subpart A, continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1011; 16 U.S.C. 518, 551, 678a; Pub. L. 76-
867, 54 Stat. 1197.



0
23. Amend Sec.  251.15 by revising paragraphs (a)(2)(iv) and (a)(3) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  251.15  Conditions, rules, and regulations to govern exercise of 
mineral rights reserved in conveyances to the United States.

    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iv) Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit 
shall be cause for revocation of all rights to use, occupy, or disturb 
the surface of the

[[Page 33725]]

lands covered by the permit, but in the event of revocation, a new 
permit shall be issued upon application when the causes for revocation 
of the preceding permit have been satisfactorily remedied and the 
United States has been reimbursed for any damages it has incurred from 
the noncompliance.
    (3) All structures, other improvements, and materials shall be 
removed from the lands within one year after the date of revocation of 
the permit.
* * * * *

Subpart B--Special Uses

0
24. The authority citation for part 251, subpart B, continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a, 460l-6d, 472, 497b, 497c, 551, 
580d, 1134, 3210; 30 U.S.C. 185; 43 U.S.C. 1740, 1761-1771.24.



0
25. In Sec.  251.51 revise the definitions for ``Holder,'' 
``Revocation,'' ``Special use authorization,'' and ``Termination'' to 
read as follows:


Sec.  251.51  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Holder--an individual or entity that holds a valid special use 
authorization.
* * * * *
    Revocation--the cessation, in whole or in part, of a special use 
authorization by action of an authorized officer before the end of the 
specified period of use or occupancy for reasons set forth in Sec.  
251.60(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i), (g), and (h) of this subpart.
* * * * *
    Special use authorization--a written permit, term permit, lease, or 
easement that authorizes use or occupancy of National Forest System 
lands and specifies the terms and conditions under which the use or 
occupancy may occur.
* * * * *
    Termination--the cessation of a special use authorization by 
operation of law or by operation of a fixed or agreed-upon condition, 
event, or time as specified in the authorization, which does not 
require a decision by an authorized officer to take effect, such as 
expiration of the authorized term; change in ownership or control of 
the authorized improvements; or change in ownership or control of the 
holder of the authorization.
* * * * *

0
26. In Sec.  251.54, revise the last sentence of paragraph (g)(3)(iii) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  251.54  Proposal and application requirements and procedures.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (iii) * * * A denial of an application in paragraphs (g)(3)(ii)(A) 
through (g)(3)(ii)(H) of this section constitutes final agency action, 
is not subject to administrative appeal, and is immediately subject to 
judicial review.
* * * * *

0
27. In Sec.  251.60, revise paragraphs (a)(1)(ii), (a)(2)(ii), and 
(h)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  251.60  Termination, revocation, and suspension.

    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) Judicial review. Revocation or suspension of a special use 
authorization under this paragraph constitutes final agency action, is 
not subject to administrative appeal, and is immediately subject to 
judicial review.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Administrative review. Except for revocation or suspension of 
an easement issued pursuant to Sec.  251.53(e) or Sec.  251.53(l) of 
this subpart, revocation or suspension of a special use authorization 
under this paragraph is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR part 214.
* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) Before any such easement is revoked upon abandonment, the owner 
of the easement shall be given notice and, upon the owner's request 
made within 60 days after receipt of the notice, shall be given an 
appeal in accordance with the provisions of 36 CFR part 214.
* * * * *

0
28. Revise Sec.  251.61 to read as follows:


Sec.  251.61  Applications for new, changed, or additional uses or 
area.

    (a) Holders shall file a new or amended application for 
authorization of any new, changed, or additional uses or area, 
including any changes that involve any activity that has an impact on 
the environment, other uses, or the public. In approving or denying 
new, changed, or additional uses or area, the authorized officer shall 
consider, at a minimum, the findings or recommendations of other 
affected agencies and whether to revise the terms and conditions of the 
existing authorization or issue a new authorization. Once approved, any 
new, changed, or additional uses or area must be reflected in the 
existing or a new authorization.
    (b) A holder may be required to furnish as-built plans, maps, or 
surveys upon completion of construction.

Subpart C--[Removed and Reserved]

0
29. Remove and reserve subpart C, consisting of Sec. Sec.  251.80 
through 251.103.

Subpart E--Revenue-Producing Visitor Services in Alaska

0
30. The authority citation for part 251, subpart E, continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3197.



0
31. Revise Sec.  251.126 to read as follows:


Sec.  251.126  Appeals.

    Decisions related to the issuance of special use authorizations in 
response to written solicitations by the Forest Service under this 
subpart or related to the modification of special use authorizations to 
reflect historical use are subject to administrative appeal under 36 
CFR part 214.

PART 254--LANDOWNERSHIP ADJUSTMENTS

Subpart A--Land Exchanges

0
32. The authority citation for part 254, subpart A, is revised to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 428a(a) and 1011; 16 U.S.C. 484a, 485, 486, 
516, 551, 555a; 43 U.S.C. 1701, 1715, 1716, 1740.

0
33. In Sec.  254.4, revise paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  254.4  Agreement to initiate an exchange.

* * * * *
    (g) The withdrawal from an exchange proposal by the authorized 
officer at any time prior to the notice of decision pursuant to Sec.  
254.13 of this subpart is not appealable under 36 CFR part 214 or 215.

0
34. In Sec.  254.13, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  254.13  Approval of exchanges; notice of decision.

* * * * *
    (b) The decision to approve or disapprove an exchange proposal 
shall be subject to appeal as provided under 36 CFR part 214 or 215 for 
45 days after the date of publication of a notice of availability of 
the decision.

0
35. In Sec.  254.14, revise paragraph (b)(6) to read as follows:


Sec.  254.14  Exchange agreement.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) In the event of an appeal under 36 CFR part 214 or 215, a 
decision to approve an exchange proposal pursuant to Sec.  254.13 of 
this subpart is upheld; and
* * * * *


[[Page 33726]]



0
36. In Sec.  254.15, revise the last sentence of paragraph (c)(2) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  254.15  Title standards.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * * If an agreement cannot be reached, the authorized officer 
shall consider other alternatives to accommodate the authorized use or 
shall determine whether there are specific and compelling reasons in 
the public interest for revoking the authorization for that use 
pursuant to 36 CFR 251.60.

PART 292--NATIONAL RECREATION AREAS

Subpart C--Sawtooth National Recreation Area--Private Lands

0
37. The authority citation for part 292, subpart C, continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 4(a), Act of Aug. 22, 1972 (86 Stat. 613).



0
38. In Sec.  292.15, revise paragraph (l) to read as follows:


Sec.  292.15  General provisions--procedures.

* * * * *
    (l) Appeals. Denial or revocation of a certification of compliance 
under this subpart is subject to appeal under 36 CFR part 214.

Subpart D--Sawtooth National Recreation Area--Federal Lands

0
39. The authority citation for part 292, subpart D, is revised to read 
as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 460aa-10, 478, 551.


0
40. In Sec.  292.18, revise paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  292.18  Mineral resources.

* * * * *
    (f) Operating plans--suspension, revocation, or modification. The 
authorized officer may suspend or revoke authorization to operate in 
whole or in part where such operations are causing substantial 
impairment which cannot be mitigated. At any time during operations 
under an approved operating plan, the operator may be required to 
modify the operating plan to minimize or avoid substantial impairment 
of the values of the SNRA.
* * * * *

    Dated: March 25, 2013.
Authur L. Blazer,
Deputy, Under Secretary, U.S. Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-13260 Filed 6-4-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P