Welcome to the Forest Service Policy Report. Our goal is to provide updates on agency policy actions, including directives, regulations, Federal Register notices, and information collections.  

RECENTLY ISSUED DIRECTIVES

FSM 5400 Chapter 10 Appraisals (05/15/2025)

• Removes reference to FSM 5412, updates the link to Forest Legacy Program Implementation Guidelines, and modifies direction regarding release of appraisals in response to a court order (Colorado Wild Public Lands v U.S. Forest Service).  

FSM 6600 Chapter 80 Cybersecurity of Information, Information Systems, and Information Technologyl (06/21/2025)

• Updates several references throughout the directive.  Adds reference to the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR). Updates referenced Government-wide directives and standards.  Updates United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies. Additional updates can be found within the digest at the link provided above.  

FSH 1509.11 Chapter 30 Cooperative Law Enforcement, Forest Road, Fire Protection Agreements (06/30/2025)

• Revises section in its entirety. Defines Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements (CFPA). Reserves sections for Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreements and Cooperative Forest Road Agreements. Additional updates can be found within the digest at the link provided above.

FSM 3100 Chapter 70 Cooperation (07/01/2025)

• Revises the Responsibility section and sets forth direction on office duties for Chief, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Director of Fire and Aviation Management, Regional Forester, and Line Officer.  Establishes code, caption, and sets forth direction on Cost Share Agreements. Additional updates can be found within the digest at the link provided above.   

FSH 6509.11g Chapter 50 Wildland Fire Management (07/07/2025)

• Removes reference to FSM 5412, updates the link to Forest Legacy Program Implementation Guidelines, and modifies direction regarding release of appraisals in response to a court order (Colorado Wild Public Lands v U.S. Forest Service).  

REGULATORY UPDATES:

Conversion of Ski Area Authorizations final rule - 36 CFR 251.56(g) (06/05/2025)

• The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is rescinding existing regulations relating to the conversion of ski area authorizations on National Forest System lands (NFS) pursuant to the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986. This amendment to the Code of Federal Regulations removes the requirements for conversion of ski area authorizations because all ski area authorizations on NFS have been converted or issued under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act, rendering this provision obsolete.    

ANNOUNCEMENTS

There are no new announcements regarding upcoming events. Please continue to check this report as new updates may be included in the future. 

If you have questions or recommendations for policy report content that would be valuable to you and your colleagues, please contact Miranda Galadima.