[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 149 (Thursday, August 4, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47689-47690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-16726]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Handbook 2409.12, Timber Cruising, Chapters 30, 
40, 60, and 70, and Forest Service Handbook 2409.15, Timber Sale 
Administration, Chapters 20, 40, and 60

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by October 3, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-3241. Written 
comments may be mailed to Michael Van Dyck, Forest Management Service 
Center, 2150 Centre Avenue Building A, Fort Collins, CO 80526. 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.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-3241.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Van Dyck, Forest Management 
Service Center, at 970-295-5774 or by electronic mail to 
[email protected]. Individuals who use telecommunications 
devices for the deaf or hard of hearing (TDD) may call the Federal 
Relay Service (FRS) at 800-877-8339 24 hours a day, every day of the 
year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed directives reorganize and 
eliminate redundant policies and procedures, delete obsolete references

[[Page 47690]]

and update agency policies and procedures to reflect new authorities 
and more closely align with current and future forest restoration 
needs. 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 Handbook 2409.12, 
``Timber Cruising,'' Chapters 30, 40, 60, and 70, and Forest Service 
Handbook 2409.15, ``Timber Sale Administration,'' Chapters 20, 40, and 
60. These directives set forth policy, responsibilities, and direction 
for several aspects of management and move the agency closer to its 
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 it is therefore publishing the proposed 
directives 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 (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 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.

    Dated: July 27, 2022.
Tina Johna Terrell,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2022-16726 Filed 8-3-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P