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Policy Updates

The most recent set of proposed updates to U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Timber Management Directives (2400 series) was published in the Federal Register on August 4, 2022.

The 60-Day Public Comment Period Is Now Open.

A Public Webinar Overview was held August 11, 12 p.m. Eastern time.

WATCH the recording of the overview of administrative updates that were published in August to the USDA Forest Service Timber Management Policy Directives

"A person wearing a hard hat and protective gear marks a tree in the forest with orange paint"
USDA Forest Service intern Kenyetta Render marks trees for timber harvest in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. USDA photo by Lance Cheung.

The preferred method for the public to submit comments on the latest updates is via the Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA).

The public may also submit comments via email to SM.FS.fp-modern@usda.gov or by mail to:

Michael VanDyck
Forest Management Service Center
2150A Centre Avenue, Bldg A
Fort Collins, CO 80526

All submitted comments can be viewed in the Public Reading Room.

The latest updates to the USDA FS timber management policy directives include the following:

  • New methods for sampling on timber sale cruises to determine timber volume;
  • New requirements for using digital data recorders for timber cruising;
  • Modified requirements for cruiser certification;
  • Updated methods for designating timber to be removed to include designation by description (DXD) and designation by prescription (DXP);
  • Clarifies and provides additional direction on contract provisions;
  • Provides direction on total weight scaling and load count scaling;
  • Clarifies direction on Rate Redeterminations;
  • Provides direction on calculating Current Contract Value on timber sale and stewardship (IRTC) contracts; and
  • Provides direction on the inclusion of stewardship technical proposals as part of the IRTC contract.

Through a comprehensive review of all 2400 series Timber Management directives, the Forest Service identified 55 chapters within 14 handbooks and manuals that needed updating, streamlining, or re-organization. Due to the large volume of this work, updates are being released on a rolling basis.

The updates are the latest in a series of revisions that are being made to the 2400 code Timber Management Manual and Handbooks. Additional updates will be issued as the revision process is completed.

The updates are being made to address timber sale processes and policies that were put in place years ago, and to reflect current forest conditions and forest products markets. The amendments address changes in authorities granted by U.S. Congress, and add policies and direction designed to improve efficiency and increase the pace of forest restoration.

A summary of the updates can be found by following links below.