[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 29997]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11731]



[[Page 29997]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 5509.11, Chapter Twenty, Section 
21; Title Claims, Sales, and Grants Handbook; Sales

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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SUMMARY: Following 2018 Farm Bill amendments to the Small Tracts Act 
(STA), the U.S. Forest Service is revising directives implementing the 
STA. These revisions are necessary to bring the Agency into alignment 
with the 2018 Farm Bill, specifically regarding the valuation of land 
the Agency sells or exchanges to keep pace with increasing market 
value, as well as expanding the categories of land that can be sold or 
exchanged.

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

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically to https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2755. 
Written comments may be mailed to Betty M. Jewett, Lands Program 
Specialist, 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-2755.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Betty M. Jewett at 770.540.4800 or by 
electronic mail to [email protected]. Individuals using 
telecommunication devices for the hearing-impaired may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 
Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest Service is revising its 
regulations and directive implementing the Small Tracts Act due to 
amendments made to it by the 2018 Farm Bill. The amendments update the 
value of lands the Agency can sell or exchange to keep up with 
increasing land values. This directive also expand the categories of 
lands that can be sold or exchanged under the STA. Proceeds generated 
from eligible sales made under the Small Tracts Act may be deposited in 
a Sisk Act account, allowing the Agency to acquire lands that improve 
the health and productivity of National Forests while simultaneously 
disposing small, problematic parcels. The following are the specific 
changes that are covered throughout Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 
5509.11, Chapter 20, section 21:
     The land value threshold for eligible parcels will 
increase to $500,000 from $150,000.
     A category will be added for cemeteries, landfills, and 
sewer treatment plants authorized under a special use authorization or 
other authorization by the Secretary of Agriculture.
     A category will be added for parcels 10 acres or less 
encroached upon by permanent, habitable improvements where there is no 
evidence the encroachment is intentional or negligent.
     A category will be added for parcels 40 acres or less that 
are physically isolated, inaccessible, or lack National Forest 
characteristics.
    The proposed directives update Forest Service Handbook 5509.11, 
Chapter 20, section 21. This directive 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 handbook 
formulate standards, criterion, or guidelines applicable to a Forest 
Service program and are therefore publishing the proposed handbook 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 directive in meeting its stated objectives, 
ways to enhance the utility and clarity of information within the 
direction, or ways to streamline processes outlined.
    Forest Service NEPA 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 this proposed directive falls 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.

    Dated: May 24, 2021.
Tina Johna Terrell,
Acting Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2021-11731 Filed 6-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P