[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 230 (Friday, December 1, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 83897-83898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26481]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forest Service Manual 2000 National Forest Resource Management; 
Chapter 2040 National Forest System Monitoring

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment; extension of comment 
period.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency) published a 
notice in the Federal Register on November 28, 2023, initiating a 30-
day comment period on the proposed directive contained in Forest 
Service manual 2000, National Forest Resource Management, chapter 2040, 
National Forest System Monitoring. The closing date of the original 
notice is scheduled for December 27, 2023. The Forest Service is 
extending the comment period for an additional 15 days from the 
previous closing date.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by January 11, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically to https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-3585. Written 
comments may be mailed to Mara

[[Page 83898]]

Alexander, National Adaptive Management Program Lead, Ecosystem 
Management Coordination, 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-3585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mara Alexander, National Adaptive 
Management Program Lead, Ecosystem Management Coordination, at 202-597-
1245 or by electronic mail to [email protected]. Individuals who 
use telecommunication devices for the deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) 
may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339, 24 hours a day, 
every day of the year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed new Forest Service Manual 
chapter 2040 on National Forest System Monitoring will improve the 
Agency's ability to make evidence-based decisions as required by the 
2012 Planning Rule and the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking 
Act of 2018. The proposed directive creates a framework that clearly 
defines the Agency's monitoring principles, what those principles are 
intended to accomplish, and the roles and responsibilities for leaders 
at all levels to implement the policy. An analysis of existing agency 
policy in Forest Service Handbooks and Manuals was conducted to 
evaluate monitoring requirements to inform the development of a 
National Forest System (NFS) monitoring policy. To ensure that all 
members of the public who have an interest in NFS monitoring have the 
opportunity to provide comment, we are extending the comment period on 
the proposed directive to January 11, 2024.
    The Forest Service has determined that the proposed new directive 
sets forth policy and responsibilities, with the goal of providing 
current direction applicable to the Forest Service monitoring program. 
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 proposed directive location of this new chapter has the 
potential to change. It is expected that chapter 2040 will replace 
chapter 1940--Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment Activities which 
established direction associated solely for land management planning.
    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: November 28, 2023.
Jacqueline Emanuel,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2023-26481 Filed 11-30-23; 8:45 am]
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