Welcome to the 7th Policy Report of the 2021 calendar year!

Recently issued directives:            
FSH 1109-12 Chapter 30-N&C directive (4/15/2021)
This directive Removes and replaces Chapter 30 Providing Notice and Opportunity to Comment on Forest Service Directives in its entirety

Regulatory actions:
No new regulatory actions were published from the period of 1/15/2021 to present.

Directives published for public comment:
Final Directive: Forest Service Handbook 1109.12 Directive System

Chapter 30 Providing Notice and Opportunity to Comment on Directives

The Forest Service is committed to transparency in its approach to establishing or revising the policies that guide employees in carrying out the agency’s mission. In 2018, the Forest Service updated its regulations to expand the range of directives – the agency’s internal policies and procedures – subject to notice and comment.  During 2020, the Forest Service made numerous directives available for public comment.

In addition to updated regulations, the Forest Service proposed changes to notice and comment procedures to strengthen the overall process.  The proposed directive set forth direction for providing public notice of and opportunity to comment on Forest Service directives. Specifically, providing direction for determining whether a directive requires public notice and opportunity for comment, procedures for providing public notice and opportunity to comment on directives, strategies for engaging the public in development of Forest Service directives, interagency and intergovernmental communication, including tribal consultation, consideration of public comments, and finalizing directives.

The comment period for this proposed directive closed on March 10, 2020. The Forest Service received 10 comments on the proposed directive. Most comments were positive, but the agency revised where needed to ensure clarity. The final directive was designated as a "significant" action by the Office of Management and Budget and, as such, it was reviewed by OMB prior to issuance as a final policy.

This final directive is the culmination of a long-term effort to expand the opportunity for tribal and public engagement in agency policy development.  The final procedures, effective on April 15, 2021, will ensure consistency in how we notify the public and consult tribes in policy development. Inclusiveness in how we establish and maintain our policies helps the Forest Service provide excellent service and resource management and protection.

The final directive has been issued.

View the directive on our website here: Regulations & Policies | US Forest Service (usda.gov)