The interim directive to the road management policy became effective on December 14, 2001, and is good for 18 months. The directive appeared in the Federal Register on December 20, 2001 and included a 60-day public comment period, which closed February 19, 2002. Comments were also accepted on a separate interim directive to the planning section of the Forest Service manual regarding inventoried roadless areas. The Forest Service is currently analyzing the comments received during the comment period.