Welcome to the Forest Service Policy Report! Our goal is to provide updates on agency policy actions, including directives, regulations and information collection.

Recently issued directives:

No new directives were published from the period of 11/02/2023 to 12/8/2023.

Federal Register Notices: 

The following Federal Register Notices were published as of 11/28/2023.

• Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Land Management Plan Revision for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests:  Notice of opportunity to object to the revised land management plan and Regional Forester’s list of species of conservation concern for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests [88 FR 83074]

• Forest Service Manual 2000 National Forest Resource Management; Chapter 2040 National Forest System Monitoring:  Notice of availability for public comment [88 FR 83073]

• Willamette National Forest Proposed New Proposed New Recreation Fee Sites [88 FR 83075]

• Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Proposed New Recreation Fee Sites [88 FR 83075]
   

Regulatory updates: 

• Carbon Capture and Storage proposed rule – public comment from 11/03/2023 – 01/02/2024.
  The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), is proposing to amend its special use regulations, which prohibit authorizing exclusive and perpetual use and occupancy of National Forest System lands, to provide an exemption for carbon capture and storage. The Forest Service is also proposing to add a definition for “Carbon capture and storage.”

• Chattooga Wild and Scenic River final rule – effective 12/07/2023.
  The Chattooga Wild and Scenic River is located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina, and the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia. Forest Service regulations generally prohibit floating activities on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River unless authorized by a permit. On January 31, 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service issued decisions to change some of the locations where, and conditions under which, boating would be allowed. The 2012 decision included segments of the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River in North Carolina, which was not included in the original rule. 

Announcements

There are no new announcements regarding upcoming events, but please continue to check this report weekly 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 (miranda.galadima@usda.gov).