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

Recently issued directives:
No new directives were published from the period of 06/01/2021 to 06/07/2021.

Directives published for public comment:
1.    Proposed Directive: Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program Forest Service Manual 1820

The Forest Service is proposing updates to the Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program, which uses partnerships to employ America’s youth, young adults, emerging professionals, and others in paid work on public lands, research, and natural resources projects. Participants, upon meeting certain requirements, achieve eligibility for pathways to federal employment. The proposal reflects changes in legislation and policy and incorporates new requirements, streamlined administration, programming, and reporting, and improves customer service.

2.    Proposed Directive: Small Tracts Act Adjustments - FSH 5509.11, Chapter 20

Revisions to FSH 5509.11, Chapter 20- “Lands Title Claims, Sales, and Grants,” section 21-“Small Tracts Act Adjustments,” are needed to implement direction in the 2018 Farm Bill. Related regulatory changes have already been completed. These revisions implement the intent of the 2018 Farm Bill to that update land values established in the original Small Tracts Act, which dates back to 1983, increasing the value of lands the Agency can sell or exchange consistent with current land values. Proceeds generated from eligible sales made under the Small Tracts Act may be deposited in a Sisk Act account, allowing the Agency to acquire lands that improve the health and productivity of National Forests while simultaneously disposing of small parcels that pose management challenges.

Key changes being incorporated into the directive helps implement the following: The land value threshold for eligible parcels will increase to $500,000 from $150,000. A category is added for cemeteries, landfills, and sewer treatment plants authorized under a special use authorization or other authorization by the Secretary of Agriculture. A category is added for parcels 10 acres or less encroached upon by permanent, habitable improvements where there is no evidence the encroachment is intentional or negligent. A category is added for parcels 40 acres or less that are physically isolated, inaccessible, or lack National Forest characteristics. The Agency anticipates that the new authority will remain conservatively used and should not dramatically increase the number of conveyances.

The comment period for these proposed directives is 30 days and was opened on June 04, 2020.
Comments can be viewed for both directives here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/comment-on-directives

Regulatory actions:
No new regulatory actions were published from the period of 06/01/2021 to 06/07/2021.

Announcements:
No new announcements from the period of 06/01/2021 to 06/07/2021.

Upcoming events:
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).