[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 116 (Friday, June 16, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39393-39394]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12922]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Handbook 5509.11, Chapter 10 Title Claims and 
Encroachments

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA), is revising directives related to 
Title Claims and Encroachments (FSH 5509.17 Chapter 10). The contents 
of the handbook have been reorganized to align with the case processing 
activities in the Title Claims and Encroachment Management System 
Database (TCEMS) which was deployed in August 2012. The new directive 
will include clear direction on how to process a trespass case from 
start to finish, including exhibits and example letters that should be 
used and followed. All trespass and encroachments will be stored in the 
TCEMS database for ease and tracking. In addition, internal processing 
steps were included in the handbook to provide clarity for Forest 
Service staff.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by July 17, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-3650. Written 
comments may be mailed to Nathan Price, Chief Land Surveyor, Lands and 
Realty, 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.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-3650.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nathan Price, Chief Land Surveyor, at 
202-205-1353 or [email protected]. Individuals who use 
telecommunications devices for the deaf and 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.

[[Page 39394]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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 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 directive in meeting its 
stated objectives, ways to enhance the utility and clarity of 
information within the direction, or ways to streamline processes 
outlined.
    The 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.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/comment-on-directives.

    Dated: June 12, 2023.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2023-12922 Filed 6-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P