[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 29996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11730]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Manual 1800, Chapter 20

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest 
Service is proposing to issue a proposed directive to revise direction 
on workforce partnerships authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act as 
amended by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and 
Recreation Act of 2019. Directive revisions expand guidance regarding 
partnerships with non-profits, Tribes, universities and other 
organizations that offer community and national service, work 
experience and training to youth, young adults and veterans and help 
the Forest Service accomplish critical work; improve procedures and 
requirements to enroll young adults and veterans in work programs and 
on Forest Service units, using partnership agreements authorized by the 
Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program statute; and, 
clarifies guidance about how young adults and others enrolled working 
with the Forest Service under these authorities can become eligible for 
special hiring pathways to Forest Service jobs.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by July 6, 2021.

ADDRESSES: The proposed directive may be reviewed, and comments may be 
submitted electronically to https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2661. Written comments may be mailed 
to Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager, Recreation, Heritage and Volunteers 
Resources Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
1124. 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-2661.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager, 
[email protected], 202-306-9084. Individuals who use 
telecommunication devices for the hearing-impaired may call the Federal 
Relay Service at 800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern 
Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps 
(21CSC) is a public-private partnership that employs young adults, 
veterans, and emerging professionals to strengthen infrastructure, 
boost local economies and multiply returns on our country's most 
valuable assets: Its unmatched landscapes and people. A Public Lands 
Corps program, 21CSC projects support conservation priorities and 
develop the next generation of conservation stewards. The 21CSC 
projects are diverse and support all facets of Forest Service work. 
Program objectives are to build rural and urban economies, promote 
workforce development and hiring outcomes, address facility and 
maintenance backlogs and improve infrastructure, and increase public 
and private sector collaboration on Forest Service land management 
projects or programs.
    The Resource Assistants Program (RAP) is a rigorous and immersive 
paid experience for U.S. citizens or permanent residents interested in 
natural and cultural resources careers who are at least 17 years old. 
Resource assistants are recruited by partner organizations and work 
under the direction of Forest Service staff to accomplish mission-
critical work that develops leadership, critical thinking, and 
strategic communication skills. Through collaboration, coaching, and 
mentorship, resource assistants launch their careers and expand their 
understanding of our Nation's natural and cultural resources and land 
management priorities. Women and recent graduates from institutions of 
higher education, especially Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and 
Universities, are strongly encouraged to apply to opportunities posted 
with our partner organizations. Program objectives are to attract and 
retain a diverse and inclusive workforce, accomplish mission-critical 
work and high priority projects, promote career exploration and 
professional development for recent graduates and underrepresented 
populations, and facilitate Forest Service coaching and mentoring of 
emerging professionals.
    The Forest Service has determined that the changes to the manual 
formulate standards, criterion, or guidelines applicable to a Forest 
Service program and is therefore publishing the proposed manual for 
public comment in accordance with 36 CFR part 216. The Forest Service 
is seeking public comment on the proposed directive, including the 
sufficiency of the proposed directives in meeting its stated 
objectives, ways to enhance the utility and clarity of information 
within the direction, and 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 servicewide 
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 
directives in the development of the final directives. A notice of the 
final directives, 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.

    Dated: May 28, 2021.
Tina Johna Terrell,
Acting Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2021-11730 Filed 6-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P