Forest Service Pre-Decisional Objections - Related Information

How do Objections Work?

Many projects and activities, and most land management plan amendments and revisions, are subject to a pre-decisional administrative review process, commonly referred to as an objection process. Direction for the project-level objection process is at 36 CFR 218, and for the planning objection process is at 36 CFR 219, subpart B. Under both processes individuals and entities may file objections after an environmental analysis document is completed and before a decision document is signed. These processes build on early participation and collaboration efforts, with the intention of resolving concerns before a decision is made.

The objection process is different from the optional plan appeal procedures that are made available in certain instances after a land management plan decision has been made, and the project-level appeal process that is used for projects that are categorically excluded under NEPA from documentation in an environmental assessment and an environmental impact statement, and documented with a decision memo.

Similar to Forest Service appeal processes, responses to objections are provided by the next higher level line officer above the Forest Service official proposing to sign the project or land management plan decision.

A request to a higher authority for review of a decision.

Categorical Exclusion:
A category of actions, which generally do not individually or cumulatively have significant effect on the human environment, for which neither an Environmental Assessment nor Environmental Impact Statement is required. Additional information about a CE can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30.

Decision Memo:
A decision document for an action that has been categorically excluded from documentation in an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement. Additional information about a DM can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30.

Decision Notice:
A decision document resulting from an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. Additional information about a DN can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 40.

Environmental Assessment:
A concise public document that briefly describes the environmental impacts of a proposal and alternatives, along with analysis for determining whether to prepare a Finding of No Significant Impact or an Environmental Impact statement. Additional information about an EA can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 40.

Environmental Impact Statement:
A detailed public document disclosing environmental impacts of a proposal and alternatives. Additional information about an EIS can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 20.

A written document submitted by an individual or organization seeking a pre-decisional administrative review of a proposed land management plan amendment or revision, or of a project or activity implementing a land management plan and documented with an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

An individual or organization filing an objection, who submitted comments specific to the proposed land management plan amendment or revision, or the covered project during scoping or other opportunity for public comment, as described at 36 CFR 219, Subpart B for land management plan proposals and 36 CFR 218 for project proposals.

The Responsible Official for the proposed land management plan or project may not issue a decision until the Reviewing Officer has responded to all pending objections. A written response will be issued within 30 days following the end of the objection-filing period for a project authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA); 45 days for other projects; and 90 days for a land management plan proposal. The time for objection responses may be extended by the Reviewing Officer for projects not authorized under the HFRA and for land management plans.

A Forest Service employee who has the delegated authority to make and implement a decision approving proposed land management plans or projects subject to this subpart.

The USDA or Forest Service official having the delegated authority and responsibility to review an objection. The Reviewing Officer is the next higher level supervisor of the Responsible Official.

Record of Decision:
A decision document resulting from an Environmental Impact Statement. Additional information about a ROD can be found in Forest Service Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 20.