Welcome to the FS Policy Report! Our goal is to provide weekly updates on Agency policy actions, including directives and regulations.

Recently issued directives:

1.  FSM 2740 – Vegetation Management Pilot Projects (2/10/2022)

Establishes chapter and sets forth direction for “Vegetation Management Pilot Projects.” This authorizes vegetation management pilot projects conducted under section 8630 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, Public Law No. 115-343, 43 U.S.C. 1772 note, by non-Federal entities on National Forest System lands that are not covered by the special use authorization for the corresponding powerline facility or natural gas pipeline.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/im/directives/fsm/2700/wo_2740-Amend 2022-1.docx

2.  FSH 2709.11 Chapter 80-Operating Plans and Agreements for Powerline Facilities (2/10/2022)

Establishes the chapter and sets forth direction for “Operating Plans and Agreements for Powerline Facilities.”

https://www.fs.usda.gov/im/directives/fsh/2709.11/wo_2709.11_80-Amend 2022-1.docx

3.  FSH 6509.19 Chapter 20-Real Property (2/10/2022)

Revises, updates, and sets forth new direction throughout the entire chapter. Adds new authority, Statements of Federal Financial Accounting Standards (SFFAS) 44: Accounting for Impairment of General Property, Plant, and Equipment Remaining in Use, to provide Federal entities accounting and reporting requirements for partial impairment of general property, plant, and equipment (G-PP&E) and construction work-in-process. Other substantial changes can be found listed within the digest.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/im/directives/fsh/6509.19/wo_6509.19_20-Amend 2022-2.docx

4.  FSH 2409.19 Chapter 30-Reserved (2/10/2022)

Removes chapter 30 and recodes updated direction in its entirety to chapter 10 and sets forth revised direction. Reserves chapter 30 for future use.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/im/directives/fsh/2409.19/wo_2409.19_30_Amend 2022-5.docx

Directives published for public comment:
No new directives were published for public comment from the period of 02/07/2021 to 02/13/2022.

Regulatory actions:
No new regulatory actions were published from the period of 02/07/2021 to 02/13/2022.

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).