Welcome to the Forest Service Policy Report, which provides updates on agency policy actions, including directives, regulations, Federal Register notices and information collections.  

REGULATORY UPDATES

Administrative Site Leases Proposed Rule (05/06/2026)

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is proposing to amend its land use regulations at 36 CFR 251 to exempt administrative site leases from the regulations governing special uses. The purpose of this deregulatory action is to better align Forest Service leasing activities with private real estate market practices. The Administrative Site Leasing Program was initially classified as a special use authorization, which limits financing options and negatively impacts the marketability of leasing projects. Reclassifying the Administrative Site Leasing Program as a non-special use activity will remove regulatory constraints incompatible with modern real estate leasing practices and reflect the unique statutory basis and long-term real property nature of these leases.

RECENTLY ISSUED DIRECTIVES

FSM 5400 Chapter 10 (05/12/2026)

• Updates direction regarding waiver valuations to be consistent with 49 CFR Part 24 Subpart A. Additional changes may be found within the digest.

FFSH 5409.12 Chapter 20 (05/12/2026)  

• Changes waiver valuation threshold to $50,000 due to updates of 49 CFR Part 24. Revises references to FSM 5410.71 and FSM 5410.42c. Additional changes may be found within the digest.

OTHER UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

Region, Station and Unit Directive Supplement Review: The initial review of 3,300 supplements concluded June 1, 2026. The next phase is validation of reviewer input and recommendations by the Policy Office and WO program leads, which will occur over the next two months.

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