[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 244 (Friday, December 18, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 82432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-27949]



[[Page 82432]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Manual 2420, ``Timber Appraisal,'' Forest Service 
Handbook 2409.19, ``Renewable Resources,'' Chapters 10, 20, 30, 60 and 
80

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United 
States Forest Service (Forest Service), is revising directives related 
to timber appraisal and renewable resources.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by February 16, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically to https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2747. 
Written comments may be mailed to Dave Wilson, Acting Assistant 
Director, Forest Management, Range and Vegetation Ecology, 201 14th 
Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. All timely received comments, 
including names and addresses, will be placed in the record and will be 
available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect 
comments received at https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-2747.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Wilson, Acting Assistant 
Director, Forest Management, Range and Vegetation Ecology, at 202-578-
9916 or by electronic mail to [email protected]. Individuals using 
telecommunication devices for the deaf may call the Federal Information 
Relay Service at 800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time, 
Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed directives reorganize and 
eliminate redundant policies and procedures, delete obsolete references 
and update agency policies and procedures to reflect new authorities 
and timber management practices that have been implemented since 
previous revisions to the directives were made available. An analysis 
of existing agency policy in Forest Service Handbooks and Manuals was 
conducted to identify revisions needed to support this initiative.
    The proposed directives update Forest Service Manual 2420, ``Timber 
Appraisal'', Forest Service Handbook 2409.19, ``Renewable Resources'' 
Chapters 10, 20, 30, 60 and add a new Chapter 80 ``Good Neighbor 
Authority'' in Forest Service Handbook 2409.19, ``Renewable 
Resources''. These directives set forth policy, responsibilities, and 
direction for several aspects of management and implement the agency's 
goal of providing more current direction.
    The Forest Service has determined that the changes to the manual 
and handbook formulate standards, criteria, or guidelines applicable to 
a Forest Service program and are therefore publishing the proposed 
manual and handbook for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR part 
216. The Forest Service is seeking public comment on the proposed 
directives, including the sufficiency of the proposed directives in 
meeting the stated objectives, ways to enhance the utility and clarity 
of information within the direction, or ways to streamline processes 
outlined.
    Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act procedures exclude 
from documentation in an environmental assessment or impact statement 
``rules, regulations, or policies to establish service wide 
administrative procedures, program processes, or instructions.'' 36 CFR 
220.6(d)(2). The Agency's conclusion is that these proposed directives 
fall within this category of actions and that no extraordinary 
circumstances exist as currently defined that require preparation of an 
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement.
    After the public comment period closes, the Forest Service will 
consider timely comments that are within the scope of the proposed 
directive in the development of the final directive. A notice of the 
final directive, including a response to timely comments, will be 
posted on the Forest Service's web page at https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/regulations-policies/comment-on-directives.

Tina Johna Terrell,
Associate Deputy Chief,National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2020-27949 Filed 12-17-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P