[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44327-44332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18021]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

36 CFR Part 223

RIN 0596-AD00


Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Forest 
Products for Traditional and Cultural Purposes

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (hereinafter 
the ``2008 Farm Bill''), provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may 
provide, free of charge, to federally recognized Indian tribes (Indian 
tribes) trees, portions of trees, or forest products from National 
Forest System lands for noncommercial traditional and cultural 
purposes. The proposed rule is needed to implement section 8105 of the 
2008 Farm Bill. Pending rulemaking, the Forest Service issued an 
Interim Directive providing short-term direction for tribal requests 
for forest products for traditional and cultural purposes.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by September 29, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed 
to Director, Forest Management Staff, USDA Forest Service, Mail Stop 
1103, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250 or by email to 
[email protected]. Comments may also be submitted 
via the world wide web/Internet at http://www.regulations.gov. All 
comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in 
the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The 
public may inspect comments received at the Office of the Director, 
Forest Management Staff, Sidney Yates Building, Third Floor SW Wing, 
201 14th Street SW., Washington, DC or via the world wide web/Internet 
at http://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/traditional_cultural/index.shtml. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 202-205-1766 to 
facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Fitzgerald, Assistant 
Director, Forest Products, 202-205-1753 or Sharon Nygaard-Scott, Forest 
Service, Forest Management Staff, 202-205-1766, during normal business 
hours. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The Forest Service is issuing this proposed rule to formally 
implement section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill (section 8105). (Section 
8105 has also been codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 32A--Cultural and 
Heritage Cooperation Authority, section 3055 Forest Products for 
Traditional and Cultural Purposes.) Subject to certain statutory 
limitations, section 8105 allows the Secretary of Agriculture to 
provide Indian tribes with trees, portions of trees, or forest products 
for traditional and cultural purposes. Specifically, section 8105(a) 
provides that the Secretary may provide free of charge to Indian tribes 
any trees, portions of trees, or forest products from National Forest 
System land for traditional and cultural purposes.
    However, pursuant to section 8105(b), Indian tribes are prohibited 
from using any trees, portions of trees, or forest products provided 
under section 8105(a) for commercial purposes. While the 2008 Farm Bill 
does not define commercial purposes, it does define Indian tribe and 
traditional and cultural purpose. Section 8102(5) defines Indian tribe 
as any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or 
other community the name of which is included on a list published by 
the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to section 104 of the Federally 
Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a-1). In 
addition, per section 8102(9), traditional and cultural purpose, with 
respect to a definable use, area, or practice, means that the use, 
area, or practice is identified by an Indian tribe as traditional or 
cultural because of the long-established significance or ceremonial 
nature of the use, area, or practice to the Indian tribe.
    On December 2, 2009, the Forest Service published an Interim 
Directive (ID) to the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2409.18 to 
implement section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill. The ID was reissued, 
without change, effective March 8, 2011 (ID 2409.18-2011-1). On June 7, 
2012, the Forest Service reissued the ID again (ID 2409.18-2012-2), and 
revised it to allow the Forest Service use of section 8105's authority 
during the rulemaking period. The June 7, 2012, ID extended the 
effective date of the 2011 ID to December 7, 2013. On December 6, 2013, 
the direction issued in ID 2409.18-2012-2 was reissued, without change, 
as ID 2409.18-2013-3, and will remain in effect until June 6, 2015.
    The ID established Forest Services' policy for providing Indian 
tribes with trees, portions of trees, or forest products for 
noncommercial traditional and cultural purposes. Based on the comments 
received on the ID during formal government-to-government consultation, 
as well as the Agency's experience using the ID to implement section 
8105 over the last 3 1/2 years, the Agency is now publishing this 
proposed rule.
    This proposed rule adds Sec.  223.15 to 36 CFR Part 223, Subpart A. 
Section 223.15(a) authorizes Regional Foresters or designated Forest 
Officers to provide trees, portions of trees, or forest products to 
Indian tribes free of charge for noncommercial traditional and cultural 
purposes. Section 223.15(b) contains the 2008 Farm Bill's statutory 
definitions of ``Indian tribe'' and ``traditional and cultural 
purpose,'' as well as the Forest Services' regulatory definition of 
``tribal officials.''
    Sections 223.15(c) and (d) describe who can request trees, portions 
of trees, or forest products for noncommercial traditional and cultural 
purposes, and where those requests should be directed. Tribal Officials 
should submit requests for forest products to their local Forest 
Service District Ranger's office for routing to the appropriate 
designated authority. In addition, Tribal Officials are encouraged to 
explain their requests to the Regional Forester or designated Forest 
Officer, and if necessary, how the request fits a noncommercial 
traditional and cultural purpose. A designated Forest Officer is an 
individual whom the Regional Forester has granted written authority to 
provide products under Sec.  223.15. Currently, there is no limitation 
on the number of requests or authorizations per unit of a forest 
product or the number of requests or authorizations per Indian tribe. 
There is currently no limitation on the amount of trees, portions of 
trees, or forest products that can be requested at any one time. 
However, Forest Officers cannot grant materials in excess of the value 
limitations at Sec.  223.15(e) in any given fiscal year.
    Section 223.15(f) explains that the Forest Service may condition or 
deny requests for trees, portions of trees, or forest products under 
Sec.  223.15. Finally, Sec.  223.15(g) provides that all decisions made 
under Sec.  223.15 must comply with relevant land management plans, the 
National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and all 
other applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The Forest Service 
will do its best to process requests received in a reasonable period of 
time, in light of these statutory and regulatory requirements.

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II. Formal Government-to-Government Consultation

    After issuance of the December 2, 2009, Interim Directive (ID 
2409.18-2009-2), the Forest Service formally entered into consultation 
with Indian tribes, with the Regional Foresters extending invitations 
to Indian tribes by May 1, 2010. The ID was subsequently revised to 
allow the Forest Service use of section 8105's authority during the 
rulemaking period. The ID also extended the effective date to December 
7, 2013 (ID 2409.18-2012-2). The ID was reissued, without change, as ID 
2409.18-2013-3, and will remain in effect until June 6, 2015. This 
consultation was conducted under Executive Order (EO) 13175, 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. Indian 
tribes were provided the ID to FSH 2409.18, and were invited to consult 
on proposed changes to 36 CFR part 223. Government-to-government 
consultation occurred over a period of at least 120 days, through 
September 1, 2010.
    Regional Foresters were directed to invite all federally recognized 
Indian tribes in their Region to consult. In addition, they were 
directed to invite any federally recognized Indian tribes who have 
expressed an historical connection to National Forest System lands in 
their Region, even if they no longer reside there. To make the 
consultation more effective, the Forest Service provided Indian tribes 
with a question and answer document describing the Interim Directive 
and Forest Services' intent to implement section 8105 of the 2008 Farm 
Bill through proposed changes to 36 CFR part 223.

Summary of Comments and Responses

    The Forest Service received 88 comments as a result of 
consultation, several of which were similar in scope and nature. The 
Agency's responses to the comments are provided below.
The Forest Service Should Define the Term ``Forest Products''
    The 2008 Farm Bill does not define ``forest products'' under 
section 8102 definitions. Neither does section 8105 define ``forest 
products'' or provide a list of forest products. The Forest Service has 
chosen not to further define the statute's use of the term ``forest 
products''. Although not defined, the term ``forest products'' is used 
in other laws and regulations, including but not limited to, the 
Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, as amended; the Forest and 
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended; and 36 
CFR 223.
Does the Forest Service consider gravel to be a forest product under 
the proposed rule?
    Gravel is included in the definition of mineral materials at 36 CFR 
228.42. Thus, gravel is not considered a forest product. In addition, 
the Agency does not consider animals, animal parts, insects, minerals, 
rocks, soil, water, and worms as forest products.
Barter and Sale of Forest Products Are Traditional and Cultural 
Purposes and the Proposed Rule Provides Forest Products for 
Noncommercial Traditional and Cultural Purposes
    Traditionally, Indian tribal members gather forest products to 
barter and sell. However, this rule specifically provides forest 
products to Indian tribes for noncommercial traditional and cultural 
uses. This rule is promulgated to make it easier for Indian tribes to 
request appropriate amounts of forest products. Subject to various 
limitations, individual Indian tribal members will have free use to 
gather forest products under the separate rule, Special Forest Products 
and Botanical Products Final Rule once it is promulgated.
The Forest Service Should Provide Individual Members of Indian Tribes 
With Free Trees, Portions of Trees, and Forest Products Under Section 
8105
    Tribes were concerned that ``trees, portions of trees, or forest 
products'' should be free of charge not only to Indian tribes, but also 
to individual ``enrolled members.'' The Forest Service is promulgating 
an entirely separate rule, the Special Forest Products and Forest 
Botanical Products Final Rule, which may be used by all individuals, 
including, but not limited to individual tribal members outside of 
their affiliation with an Indian tribe, to obtain free use of forest 
products, subject to various limitations. When finalized, that rule may 
be used to obtain free use for traditional and cultural purposes in 
appropriate instances. This proposed rule, however, is a separate rule 
specifically providing forest products to an Indian tribe, and in 
appropriate amounts for traditional and cultural purposes, which may be 
greater than what the Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical 
Products Final Rule provides to an individual, in order to accommodate 
tribal requests. Tribal requests will be submitted by tribal officials 
on behalf of an Indian tribe.
Indian Tribes in California Want the Forest Service To Continue Using 
the Region 5 Gathering Policy
    Indian tribes of California are concerned with retaining and 
securing the ``Region 5 Gathering Policy''--an interagency agreement 
between the Forest Service Region 5 and the California Bureau of Land 
Management--where the gathering of forest products for traditional and 
cultural purposes continues to be open to individuals and non-federally 
recognized tribes. Section 8105 only authorizes the Secretary to 
provide products to federally recognized Indian tribes. The process for 
members of non-federally recognized tribes to request forest products 
for personal use is outside the scope of this rulemaking and will be 
addressed separately under the Special Forest Products and Forest 
Botanical Products Final Rule.
How do value limitations affect an Indian tribe's requests for forest 
products?
    The value limits in Sec.  223.15(e) are internal Forest Service 
designations of authority that specify which Forest Service Officers 
may approve forest products requests based on the value of the forest 
products requested. The value limitations do not limit the value of 
forest products that Indian tribes may request. The limits represent 
the total amount of value a particular Forest Service Officer may 
provide an Indian tribe in a given fiscal year. Pursuant to Sec.  
223.15(d), requests for any value of forest products should be directed 
to the appropriate Forest Service District Ranger's Office from which 
the products are being requested. The District Ranger's Office will 
then ensure that the request is evaluated by a Forest Service Official 
authorized under Sec.  223.15(e).
    For all forest products, including timber, the Forest Service 
determines fair market value by methods authorized by the Chief, Forest 
Service through issuance of Agency directives. Valid methods to 
determine fair market value include, but are not limited to, 
transaction evidence appraisals, analytical appraisals, comparison 
appraisals, and independent estimates based on average investments (36 
CFR 223.60). The Chief is also required to establish minimum stumpage 
rates for species and products on individual National Forests, or 
groups of National Forests. All forest products, including timber, are 
required to be sold for appraised value or minimum stumpage rates, 
whichever is higher, with limited exceptions (36 CFR 223.61). The 
determination of these values or rates

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does not limit how much timber an Indian tribe can request.
    If a tribe makes a request for a species that has a considerably 
higher value than the maximum value that can be authorized by a local 
official, then the request will be forwarded to a Forest Official who 
has the authority to grant the request. Pursuant to Sec.  223.15(e), if 
the value of the species requested is greater than the value that may 
be locally granted, the request will be forwarded as follows--District 
Ranger (value limitation $25,000), Forest Supervisor, (value limitation 
$50,000), and Regional Forester (value limitation $100,000). Requests 
that exceed $100,000 in value will be reviewed and approved by the 
Chief of the Forest Service.
Who is drafting this rule?
    The proposed and final regulation will be written by personnel at 
the Forest Service's Washington Office.
Indian Tribes Are Concerned About Access to Gathering Areas in National 
Forests
    Several Indian tribes expressed concerns about tribal elders having 
access to gathering areas, gathering being restricted due to commercial 
harvest, restricting commercial harvest to outside traditional 
gathering areas and designating gathering areas specifically for 
traditional and cultural purposes. While this rule does not designate 
gathering areas nor restrict where forest activities can occur, Indian 
tribes are encouraged to identify to local Forest Officials the 
location of forest products used for traditional and cultural purposes. 
Local Forest Officers will then be aware of gathering areas when 
planning projects.
Can standing timber be harvested under section 8105?
    Under this rule, timber is not restricted to dead and down. 
However, cutting and removal of green timber shall be approved at the 
local Forest level.
Will the Forest Service keep information related to medicinal and 
ceremonial plants confidential?
    A commenter expressed the need to keep information related to 
medicinal and ceremonial plants, including identification, uses, and 
locations, confidential. The Forest Service recognizes that 
confidentiality of medicinal and ceremonial plants is of the utmost 
concern to Indian tribes and shall, to the full extent allowed under 
law, maintain the confidentiality of culturally sensitive information 
provided by Tribes with the express expectation of confidentiality.
Do forest products for traditional and cultural purposes have priority 
over other uses and can traditional gathering areas be closed to those 
uses?
    Indian tribes provided comments regarding forest products for 
traditional and cultural purposes having priority over other uses, such 
as, commercial uses (timber sales), and stated that, in order to 
maintain sustainability and access, traditional gathering areas should 
be closed to other uses. This rule does not prioritize use on National 
Forest System lands. The Forest Service does intend to ensure 
sustainability and access for multiple uses and users of the national 
forests in accordance with the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act of 
1960, as amended (16 U.S.C. 528-531).
The Forest Service Should Adopt the Interim Handbook Directive as Its 
Final Policy
    Indian tribes would like consideration of comments provided through 
government-to-government consultation considered in a final rule. The 
Forest Service has considered all Indian tribes' comments in drafting 
this proposed rule. As a result, the Forest Service took the two 
actions described below. First, in response to Indian tribes stating 
they support the interim handbook directive being adopted as the final 
rule/final handbook directive, the Forest Service has incorporated the 
ID into the regulatory text of this proposed rule. Second, several 
Indian tribes stated they approve or support increasing the current 
value limitations for Forest Service officials to grant forest products 
to Indian tribes for traditional and cultural purposes, as described in 
the question and answer document supplied by the Forest Service during 
consultation. In response, the Forest Service has made these increased 
value limitations a part of the proposed regulation at Sec.  223.15(e).

Regulatory Certifications

Regulatory Impact
    This proposed rule has been reviewed under U. S. Department of 
Agriculture procedures and Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning 
and Review as amended by 13422. The Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has determined that this is not a significant rule. This proposed 
rule will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the 
economy nor adversely affect productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, nor State or local governments. 
This proposed rule will not interfere with an action taken or planned 
by another agency nor raise new legal or policy issues. Finally, this 
action will not alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
of such programs. Accordingly, this proposed rule is not subject to OMB 
review under Executive Order 12866.
Proper Consideration of Small Entities
    This proposed rule has been considered in light of Executive Order 
13272 regarding consideration of small entities and the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996 (SBREFA), which amended the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). It has been 
determined that this action will not have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities as defined by the Executive 
Order. The proposed rule will have no adverse impact on small business, 
small not-for-profit organizations, or small units of government.
Environmental Impact
    This proposed rule has no direct or indirect effect on the 
environment. The rules at 36 CFR 220.6(d)(2) exclude from documentation 
in an environmental assessment or impact statement rules, regulations, 
or policies to establish Service-wide administrative procedures, 
program processes, or instructions that do not significantly affect the 
quality of the human environment. The Department's assessment is that 
this proposed rule falls within this category of actions, and that no 
extraordinary circumstances exist that would require preparation of an 
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
Federalism
    The Department has considered this proposed rule under the 
requirements of Executive Order 13132, Federalism, and concluded that 
this action 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 has determined that no further 
assessment of federalism implications is necessary at this time.
Consultation With Tribal Governments
    Pursuant to Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination 
with Indian Tribal Governments, the Forest Service entered into 
consultation with Indian tribes regarding this proposed

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rule. Beginning on or before May 1, 2010, Indian tribes were provided 
with the Forest Service's Interim Directive on section 8105 of the 2008 
Farm Bill, and were invited to consult on changes to 36 CFR part 223. 
In addition, the Forest Service provided a question and answer document 
related to the Interim Directive and regulatory actions the Agency was 
considering to implement section 8105. Government-to-government 
consultation occurred over a period of at least 120 days, through 
September 1, 2010. The Forest Service received 88 comments as a result 
of consultation, including some received after September 1; all were 
considered in the development of this proposed rule.
No Takings Implications
    This proposed rule has been analyzed in accordance with the 
principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12360, and it has 
been determined that this action will not pose the risk of a taking of 
private property.
Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public
    According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.) and implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320, a revised 
information collection package has been sent to OMB for review and 
comment.
    Title: Forest Products Free Use Permit; Forest Products Removal 
Permit and Cash Receipt; and Forest Products Contract and Cash Receipt.
    OMB Control Number: 0596-0085.
    Type of Request: Revision.
    Abstract: The information collection titled Forest Products Free 
Use Permit; Forest Products Removal Permit and Cash Receipt; and Forest 
Products Contract and Cash Receipt is being revised to accommodate 
requests by Indian tribes for free use under section 8105 of the Food, 
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-246, 122 Stat. 1651) 
[hereinafter the ``2008 Farm Bill''], per the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and implementing regulations at 5 CFR 
part 1320. Should Indian tribes seeking free use under the 2008 Farm 
Bill authority wish to obtain proof of possession, as may be required 
in some States, they could be issued a FS-2400-8 free use permit.
    As stated earlier in this Proposed Rule, section 8105 of the 2008 
Farm Bill provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may provide, free 
of charge, to federally recognized Indian tribes (Indian tribes) trees, 
portions of trees, or forest products from National Forest System lands 
for noncommercial traditional and cultural purposes. Section 8105 has 
also been codified in 25 U.S.C. Chapter 32A--Cultural and Heritage 
Cooperation Authority, section 3055 Forest Products for Traditional and 
Cultural Purposes. Pending rulemaking, the Forest Service issued policy 
via an Interim Directive (ID) providing short-term direction for tribal 
requests for forest products for traditional and cultural purposes. 
(The ID has been reissued as ID 2409.18-2013-2.)
    Under 16 U.S.C. 551, individuals and businesses wishing to remove 
forest products from National Forest System lands must request a 
permit. Federally recognized Indian tribes seeking products under the 
2008 Farm Bill authority must make a request for free use. To obtain a 
permit, applicants must meet the criteria at 36 CFR 223.1, 223.2, and 
223.5-223.13, which authorizes free use or sale of timber or forest 
products. As noted above, section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill sets forth 
conditions under which free use of trees, portions of trees, or forest 
products may be granted to federally recognized Indian tribes. Upon 
receiving a permit, the permittee must comply with the terms of the 
permit (36 CFR 261.6), which designates forest products that can be 
harvested and under what conditions, such as limiting harvest to a 
designated area or permitting harvest of only specifically designated 
material. The collected information will help the Forest Service and 
the Bureau of Land Management (for form FS-2400-1) oversee the approval 
and use of forest products by the public.
    When applying for forest product removal permits, applicants 
(depending on the products requested) would provide information needed 
to complete one of the following:
     FS-2400-1, Forest Products Removal Permit and Cash 
Receipt, is used to sell timber or forest products such as fuelwood, 
Christmas trees, or pine cones (36 CFR 223.1, 223.2). The Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service share this form, which the 
Bureau of Land Management identifies as BLM-5450-24 (43 U.S.C. 1201, 43 
CFR 5420). This form would not be used to issue products requested by 
federally recognized Indian tribes under the authority of section 8105 
of the 2008 Farm Bill.
     FS-2400-4/4ANF, Forest Products Contract and Cash Receipt, 
are used to sell timber products such as sawtimber or forest products 
such as fuelwood. These forms would not be used to issue products 
requested by federally recognized Indian tribes under the authority of 
section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill.

     FS-2400-8, Forest Products Free Use Permit, allows use of 
timber or forest products at no charge to the permittee (36 CFR 223.5-
223.13). This form could be used to issue products requested by 
federally recognized Indian tribes under section 8105 of the 2008 Farm 
Bill.

Each form listed above implements different regulations and has 
different provisions for compliance, but collects similar information 
from the applicant for related purposes.
    The Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management will use the 
information collected on form FS-2400-1 to ensure identification of 
permittees in the field by agency personnel. The Forest Service will 
use the information collected on forms FS-2400-4/4ANF and/or FS-2400-8 
to:
     Ensure that permittees obtaining free use of timber or 
forest products qualify for the free-use program.
     Ensure that permittees obtaining free use of timber or 
forest products, under 36 CFR 223.8, do not receive product value in 
excess of that allowed by regulations. Note, however, that under 
section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill, there is no stated maximum free use 
limitation.
     Ensure that applicants purchasing timber harvest or forest 
products permits non-competitively do not exceed the authorized limit 
in a fiscal year (16 U.S.C. 472(a)).
     Ensure identification of permittees in the field by Forest 
Service personnel.
    Applicants may apply for more than one forest products permit or 
contract per year. For example, an applicant may obtain a free use 
permit for a timber product such as pine cones (FS-2400-8) and still 
purchase fuelwood (FS-2400-4/4ANF). Additionally, there is no 
limitation to the number of requests that each federally recognized 
Indian tribe may make under the 2008 Farm Bill authority.
    Individuals and small business representatives usually request and 
apply for permits and contracts in person at the office issuing the 
permit.
    Applicants provide the following information, as applicable:
     Name.
     Address.
     Personal identification number such as tax identification 
number, social security number, driver's license number, or other 
unique number identifying the applicant.
    Under this proposed rule, federally recognized Indian tribes making 
requests under the 2008 Farm Bill authority would make their request in 
writing ``. . . . directly by a tribal

[[Page 44331]]

official who has been authorized by the Indian tribe to make such 
requests; or . . . by providing a copy of a formal resolution approved 
by the tribal council or other governing body of the Indian tribe.'' 
Additionally, ``Tribal officials are encouraged to explain their 
requests to the Regional Forester or designated Forest Officer, and if 
necessary, how the request fits a noncommercial traditional and 
cultural purpose . . .''
    Agency personnel enter the information into a computerized database 
to use for subsequent requests by applicants for a forest product 
permit or contract. The information is printed on paper, which the 
applicant signs and dates. Agency personnel discuss the terms and 
conditions of the permit or contract with the applicant.
    The data gathered is not available from other sources. The 
collected data is used to ensure:
     Applicants for free use permits meet the criteria for free 
use of timber or forest products authorized by regulations at 36 CFR 
223.5-223.13 or under section 8105 of the 2008 Farm Bill,
     Applicants seeking to purchase and remove timber of forest 
products from Agency lands meet the criteria under which sale of timber 
or forest products is authorized by regulations at 36 CFR 223.80, and
     Permittees comply with regulations and terms of the permit 
at 36 CFR 261.6.
    The collection of this information is necessary to ensure that 
applicants meet the requirements of the forest products program; those 
obtaining free-use permits for forest products qualify for the program; 
applicants purchasing noncompetitive permits to harvest forest products 
do not exceed authorized limits; and that Federal Agency employees can 
identify permittees when in the field.
    Estimate of burden: Reporting burden for the collection of 
information is estimated to average 5 minutes per response.
    Respondents: Individuals, small businesses, and, for requests made 
under section 8105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 
(Pub. L. 110-246, 122 Stat. 1651), federally recognized Indian tribes.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 212,634.
    Estimated Number of Annual Responses per Respondent: 1.5.
    Estimated Total Annual Responses: 318,951.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 26,579.25.
    We are requesting comments on all aspects of this information 
collection to help us to:
    (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of burden 
including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond.
    All comments in response to this notice, including names and 
addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments 
will be summaraized and included in the request for OMB approval.
    Upon approval of the final rule information collection package, the 
asssociated burden and any forms associated with this rulemaking will 
be merged into OMB control number 0596-0085, Forest Products Free Use 
Permit; Forest Products Removal Permit and Cash Receipt; and Forest 
Products Contract and Cash Receipt.
Energy Effects
    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13211 of 
May 18, 2001, and it has been determined that it has no effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy. This proposed rule is 
administrative in nature and, therefore, the preparation of a statement 
of energy effects is not required.
Civil Justice Reform
    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. When the final rule is adopted, (1) all State and 
local laws and regulations that conflict with the final rule or that 
would impede full implementation of this rule will be preempted, (2) no 
retroactive effect will be given to the final rule; and (3), the 
Department will not require the use of administrative proceedings 
before parties could 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), which the President signed into law on March 22, 
1995, the Department has assessed the effects of this proposed rule on 
State, local, and tribal governments and the private sector. This 
action 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 in 36 CFR Part 223

    Administrative practice and procedure, Exports, Forests and forest 
products, Government contracts, National Forests, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Forest Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, proposes to amend 36 CFR part 223 as 
follows:

PART 223--SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER

0
1. The authority citation for part 223 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 90 Stat. 2958, 16 U.S.C. 472a; 98 Stat. 2213, 16 
U.S.C. 618, 104 Stat. 714-726, 16 U.S.C. 620-620j, 113 Stat. 1501a, 
16 U.S.C. 528 note; unless otherwise noted.

0
2. Add Sec.  223.15 to subpart A to read as follows:


Sec.  223.15  Provision of trees, portions of trees, or forest products 
to Indian tribes for noncommercial traditional and cultural purposes.

    (a) Pursuant to section 8105 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy 
Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246, 122 Stat. 1651) [hereinafter the 
``2008 Farm Bill''], Regional Foresters or designated Forest Officers 
may, at their discretion, provide trees, portions of trees, or forest 
products to Indian tribes free of charge for traditional and cultural 
purposes provided that:
    (1) The trees, portions of trees, or forest products are provided 
to tribal officials on behalf of an Indian tribe for traditional and 
cultural purposes; and
    (2) The trees, portions of trees, or forest products will not be 
used for commercial purposes.
    (b) The following definitions apply to this section:
    Indian tribe. The term ``Indian tribe'' means any Indian or Alaska 
Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or other community the 
name of which is included on a list published by the Secretary of the 
Interior pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian 
Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a-1).
    Traditional and cultural purpose. The term ``traditional and 
cultural purpose,'' with respect to a definable use, area, or practice, 
means that the use, area, or practice is identified by an Indian tribe 
as traditional or cultural because of the long-established significance 
or ceremonial nature of the use, area, or practice to the Indian tribe.

[[Page 44332]]

    Tribal officials: The term ``tribal officials'' means elected or 
duly appointed officials of Indian tribal governments.
    (c) Requests for trees, portions of trees, or forest products made 
under this section must be submitted to the local Forest Service 
District Ranger's Office(s) in writing. Requests may be made:
    (1) Directly by a tribal official(s) who has been authorized by the 
Indian tribe to make such requests; or
    (2) By providing a copy of a formal resolution approved by the 
tribal council or other governing body of the Indian tribe.
    (d) Requests for trees, portions of trees, and forest products made 
under this section must be directed to the appropriate Forest Service 
District Ranger(s)' Office from which the items are being requested. 
Tribal officials are encouraged to explain their requests to the 
Regional Forester or designated Forest Officer, and if necessary, how 
the request fits a noncommercial traditional and cultural purpose. When 
two or more National Forests are involved, all of the involved Forest 
Service District Ranger's Offices should be notified of the requests 
made on other forests.
    (e) Agency Line Officers and managers (who have been authorized by 
name through official Forest Service correspondence) are authorized to 
provide trees, portions of trees, and forest products under this 
section subject to the following limitations:
    (1) District Rangers and Forest Officers may provide material not 
exceeding $25,000 in value in any one fiscal year to an Indian tribe;
    (2) Forest Supervisors may provide material not exceeding $50,000 
in value in any one fiscal year to an Indian tribe;
    (3) Regional Foresters may provide material not exceeding $100,000 
in value in any one fiscal year to an Indian tribe; and
    (4) The Chief of the Forest Service may provide material exceeding 
$100,000 in value to an Indian tribe.
    (f) A request for trees, portions of trees, or forest products 
under this section may be conditioned or denied for reasons including, 
but not limited to the following:
    (1) Protecting public health and safety;
    (2) Preventing interference with Forest Service and/or commercial 
operations;
    (3) Complying with Federal and State laws and regulations;
    (4) Ensuring sustainability; or
    (5) Otherwise protecting National Forest System land and resources.
    (g) All decisions made under this section must comply with the 
National Forest Management Act, relevant land management plans, the 
National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and all 
other applicable laws and regulations.

    Dated: July 23, 2014.
Thomas L. Tidwell,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-18021 Filed 7-29-14; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P