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

Recently issued directives

• FSH 7109.52 Chapter 1 - Activity Evaluation Standards (12/13/2023)
  Updates terminology throughout the chapter related to Aerial Tramways, Aerial & Surface Lifts, Tows, Conveyors, and Funiculars.

• FSM 2720 - Special Uses Administration (12/14/2023)
  Revises direction to be consistent with current industry terminology for ropeways. Clarifies text and requires mandatory supplemental clauses for ropeways. Clarifies the distinction between ropeways for winter recreation, non-winter recreation, and non-recreation. Provides information on authorizing authorities, authorization forms, term, and land use fees.

• FSH 2709.12 Chapter 30 - Forest Road and Trail Act Easements (12/22/2023)
  Removes obsolete direction, updates, and replaces codes & captions, as well as revises the chapter for Forest Road & Trail Act Easements in its in entirety.

• FSH 2709.12 Chapter 40 - Federal Land Policy and Management Act Authorizations (12/22/2023)
  Removes obsolete direction, updates and replaces codes & captions, as well as revises the chapter for Federal Land Policy and Management Act Authorizations in its in entirety.

Federal Register Notices

The following Federal Register notices were published:

• Final Rule 36 CFR Parts 212, 214, and 251, Travel Management; Administration of the Forest Transportation System; Post decisional Administrative Review Process for Occupancy or Use of National Forest System Lands and Resources; Land Uses; Special Uses [88 FR 84704], published Dec. 6, 2023.

• Final Record of Decision: Notice of approval of the revised Land Management Plan for the Tonto National Forest [88 FR 85581], published Dec. 8, 2023.

• Tahoe National Forest Proposed New Recreation Fee Sites [88 FR 85868], published Dec. 11, 2023.

• Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Region 5 and Region 6; California, Oregon and Washington; Forest Plan Amendment for Planning and Management of Northwest Forests within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl [88 FR 87393], published Dec. 18, 2023.

• Notice of Establishment for Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership [88 FR 87398], published Dec. 18, 2023.

• Notice to Reestablish the Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board and Solicit Nominations for Membership  [88 FR 87400], published Dec. 18, 2023.

• Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System [88 FR 88042], published Dec. 20, 2023.

Announcements

There are no new announcements regarding upcoming events, but 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 (Miranda.galadima@usda.gov).