WASHINGTON, DC—We want to hear from you about two proposed rules and directives currently available for public comment. Forest Service employees, as members of the public, are welcome to submit formal comments through regulations.gov.  

Many of you have in-depth knowledge of the real-world impacts rules and directives can have. We want to know how you think these proposed changes could work—or even not work—to better support the Forest Service mission. Follow the links below for these proposed policies and give it a try.

Carbon Capture and Storage Exemption. This proposed rule would allow the agency to consider proposals for potential carbon capture and sequestration projects on national forests and grasslands. The proposed rule does not authorize storage of carbon on national forests and grasslands. If this amendment is finalized, applications for underground carbon sequestration on national forests or grasslands would be considered for permanent use. The proposed rule is currently open for a 60-day public comment period, which closes Jan. 2, 2024. Learn more about the proposed directive and submit your comments online.  

Climbing Directive. The proposed climbing directive would provide national direction to local Forest Service personnel on managing climbing opportunities on national forests and grasslands, including in congressionally designated wilderness areas. It would call for climbing management plans on local forests and grasslands and provide direction to local Forest Service personnel on guiding climbers on the appropriate places and practices for climbing. It also provides proposed guidance on the use of fixed anchors in inside and outside wilderness areas. The proposed directive is currently open for a 60-day public comment period, which closes Jan. 16, 2024. Learn more about the proposed Forest Service guidance and submit your comments online.