Enhancing Policies Relating to Partnerships, 55710-55711 [2010-22819]

Download as PDF 55710 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service 36 CFR Part 200 RIN 0596–AC89 Enhancing Policies Relating to Partnerships Forest Service, USDA. Advance notice of proposed rule making; request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: The Forest Service is proposing to establish an internal directive at Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1509.14 that would enhance policies related to partnerships. We invite public comment on assessing what changes or additions are needed relating to the Agency’s use of partnership arrangements in carrying out our mission. These comments will be considered in developing the proposed directive. DATES: Comments must be received in writing by November 15, 2010. ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Forest Service, USDA, Attn: Director, National Partnership Office, Joe Meade, Mailstop 1158, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC, 20250–1125. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to abloucks@fs.fed.us, or by the electronic process available at Federal eRulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at 201 14th Street, SW., Room 3NE, Washington, DC 20250. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead 202–205–1055 to facilitate entrance into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Bedell-Loucks, Deputy Director, National Partnership Office, 202–205– 8336 or abloucks@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: Background and Need for the Proposed Directive Strong partnerships are vital to the Forest Service’s mission, and by ensuring clear guidance on the use of such arrangements, the Forest Service will be better able to promote their use. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Sep 13, 2010 Jkt 220001 Throughout its 100-year history, the Forest Service has utilized partnership arrangements with States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and others to help carry out the motto ‘‘Caring for the Land and Serving People.’’ These arrangements are used in a variety of ways to support Forest Service programs on Federal, State, Tribal and private lands, including ecological restoration and enhancement, interpretation and educational services, enhancement of recreation opportunities, and wildlife habitat improvements. These programs readily provide a spectrum of benefits to the Forest Service, its partners, and the public and may include various instruments to formalize relationships, including grants, contracts or ‘‘mutual benefit’’ agreements. A number of statutory authorities govern how and when the Forest Service may work cooperatively with partners, such as the Cooperative Funds Act, Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act, Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, Granger-Thye Act, Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act, and Public Law 105–277, Section 323 as amended by Public Law 111–11, Section 3001, Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Agreements. (For more background on the Forest Service’s use of partnership arrangements, readers are referred to the Partnership Guide, https:// www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/ resources/partnership-guide/ Partnership-Guide.pdf). Establishing partnerships and utilizing them to their greatest potential has not always been a simple matter for the Forest Service and its partners. Challenges have resulted, in part, from the multiplicity of partnership authorities, varying interpretation of these authorities, and time-consuming processes for consummating partnership agreements. To address such challenges, the Forest Service has taken a number of steps in recent years, including creating an internal task force, to identify barriers to partnership utilization, establishing the National Partnership Office, and developing various legislative proposals. In 2007, the Forest Service embarked on an initiative to institute needed modifications to Agency policy intended to reduce barriers to partnership arrangements. An essential part of this initiative was the review of a number of policy issues raised over the years by those inside and outside the Forest Service that impede effective use of partnerships. Based on that review, these issues fall into several broad categories: Administrative processes; interpretation of legal PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 authorities; accountability and reporting; human resources and ethics; and funding. Public Input Requested On Policy Needs The Forest Service is requesting public input with respect to Agency policy. Our intent with the issuance of this notice is to consider such input and, as appropriate, incorporate it in developing this policy. Certain suggestions, whether due to legislative or other limitations, may not be implemented through Agency policy, and we wish for the public to understand that as well. The Forest Service is especially interested in receiving input to the following questions: 1. Purposes served by partnership arrangements: What should be the purpose(s) of partnership arrangements between the Forest Service and State, Tribal, non-governmental, or other organizations or individuals? Where can or should partnerships have the greatest impact in the future, and toward what ends? 2. Essential characteristics of partnerships: When the Forest Service and a partner work together, what are the essential characteristics that are needed in that relationship to lead to a successful outcome? In what ways does Agency guidance regarding the essential characteristics of the partnership relationship need clarification? 3. Reaching new partners: As the Nation’s demographics change, the people served by the Forest Service are becoming increasingly diverse. The Agency wants to reflect this diversity in its partnership activities. We are interested in hearing from the public about: (a) Which potential partners are under-represented and under-served; (b) what kinds of work are these individuals or organizations involved in; (c) how engaging these partners will be beneficial; and (d) how the Forest Service can better access and communicate with under-represented and under-served groups. 4. Partner recognition and sponsorship: Increasingly, nongovernmental organizations and individuals are expressing interest in working with the Forest Service to improve the condition of our environment, including our Nation’s forests. The Forest Service is able to work with many of these organizations directly, as well as indirectly through established non-profits (for example, the National Forest Foundation and others). As a Federal agency, there are limitations on how we work with and recognize particular partners (for E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 177 / Tuesday, September 14, 2010 / Proposed Rules example, signage, plaques, media and communication). What are the appropriate ways the Forest Service should recognize our partners, both non-profit and for-profit? Conclusion The Forest Service is considering how best to proceed with policy development relating to partnership arrangements. Public input relating to the questions listed above will be helpful in developing the Agency’s policy. Dated: September 8, 2010. Thomas L. Tidwell, Chief, Forest Service. [FR Doc. 2010–22819 Filed 9–13–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Parts 51, 52, 72, 78, and 97 [EPA–HQ–OAR–2009–0491; FRL–9201–6] RIN 2060–AP50 Federal Implementation Plans To Reduce Interstate Transport of Fine Particulate Matter and Ozone; Correction Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule; correcting amendments. AGENCY: The preamble to the proposed Transport Rule contains minor, technical errors that EPA is correcting in this action. In the portion of the preamble discussing in detail the proposed trading programs, EPA states clearly that it is proposing provisions that allow units to opt into these trading programs. Moreover, the proposed rule text for the Transport Rule includes detailed opt-in provisions for each proposed trading program. However, two sentences in other portions of the Transport Rule preamble erroneously state that the proposed trading programs do not allow units to opt in. In this proposed rule, EPA is correcting these technical errors. DATES: Effective Date: These correcting amendments are effective on September 14, 2010. Comments: The deadline for receipt of comments on the proposed Transport Rule (including the corrections proposed by this action) continues to be October 1, 2010, the same date set forth in the proposed Transport Rule (75 FR 45210, August 2, 2010) as the deadline for receipt of comments. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Sep 13, 2010 Jkt 220001 Public Hearing: As explained in the proposed Transport Rule, three public hearings were scheduled to be held before the end of the comment period. The dates, times and locations were announced separately. Please refer to the notice of public hearings (75 FR 45075, August 2, 2010) on the proposed Transport Rule for additional information on the comment period and the public hearings. ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for the proposed Transport Rule, including this action, under Docket ID EPA–HQ–OAR–2009–0491. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., confidential business information or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Docket Center EPA/DC, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744, and the telephone number for the EPA Docket Center is (202) 566–1742. This action and other rulemaking actions related to the proposed Transport Rule are also available at EPA’s Air Transport Web site at https://www.epa.gov/airtransport. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Tim Smith, Air Quality Policy Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (C539–04), Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; telephone number: (919) 541–4718; fax number: (919) 541– 0824; e-mail address: smith.tim@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed Transport Rule contains minor, technical errors in two sentences in the preamble. In the portion of the preamble (i.e., section V.D.4.a (75 FR 45307–9)) that discusses in detail the proposed Transport Rule trading programs, EPA states clearly that it is proposing provisions that allow units to opt into the proposed trading programs. Moreover, the proposed rule text in the proposed Transport Rule (75 FR 45389– 92, 45414–17, 45438–41, and 45462–65) includes detailed opt-in provisions for each of these trading programs. However, subsequent portions (i.e., sections V.F.3 (75 FR 45338) and V.G.1 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55711 (75 FR 45340)) of the preamble compare the proposed rule with the Clean Air Interstate Rule and the Acid Rain Program and mention in a summary way the treatment of opt-in units in the proposed rule. Two sentences in those portions of the preamble erroneously state that the proposal does not allow units to opt in. EPA believes that the proposed Transport Rule, as written, makes it clear that the Agency is proposing to allow units to opt into the Transport Rule trading programs. Furthermore, on July 15, 2010, EPA put a statement on its Web site noting that the proposed trading programs allow for opt-in units and explaining that the two sentences on 75 FR 45338 and 45340 are in error. On August 2, 2010, the docket for the proposed Transport Rule, including a memorandum noting that this statement had been put on EPA’s Web site, became publicly available. While EPA maintains that its proposal is clear in proposing to allow opt-in units, EPA is publishing this amendment to the proposed Transport Rule to eliminate any possible claim of confusion. Specifically, EPA is amending the two erroneous sentences in the proposed Transport Rule preamble as follows. The second sentence in section V.F.3 of the preamble (75 FR 45338 (col. 1)) is amended to read: ‘‘First, the proposed Transport Rule allows units to opt into the trading programs.’’ The seventh sentence of section V.G.1 of the preamble (75 FR 45340 (col. 2)) is amended to read: ‘‘The Transport Rule programs as proposed have opt-in provisions, so sources, including those that have opted into the Acid Rain Program, would be able to opt into the Transport Rule programs.’’ These amendments are technical changes that do not alter the substance of the proposal. On the contrary, the amendments simply make two sentences in the preamble that summarily refer to the treatment of optin units in the proposal consistent with the portions of the preamble and rule text that contain not only a comprehensive, detailed discussion of EPA’s proposed inclusion of opt-in units in the proposed Transport Rule programs, but also the proposed opt-in provisions themselves. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review This action only corrects minor, technical errors in the proposed Transport Rule and, as discussed above, does not make any substantive change E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55710-55711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-22819]



[[Page 55710]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

36 CFR Part 200

RIN 0596-AC89


Enhancing Policies Relating to Partnerships

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rule making; request for comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Forest Service is proposing to establish an internal 
directive at Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1509.14 that would enhance 
policies related to partnerships. We invite public comment on assessing 
what changes or additions are needed relating to the Agency's use of 
partnership arrangements in carrying out our mission. These comments 
will be considered in developing the proposed directive.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing by November 15, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed 
to Forest Service, USDA, Attn: Director, National Partnership Office, 
Joe Meade, Mailstop 1158, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC, 
20250-1125.
    Comments may also be sent via e-mail to abloucks@fs.fed.us, or by 
the electronic process available at Federal e-Rulemaking portal at 
https://www.regulations.gov.
    All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are 
placed in the record and are available for public inspection and 
copying. The public may inspect comments received at 201 14th Street, 
SW., Room 3NE, Washington, DC 20250. Visitors are encouraged to call 
ahead 202-205-1055 to facilitate entrance into the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrea Bedell-Loucks, Deputy Director, 
National Partnership Office, 202-205-8336 or abloucks@fs.fed.us.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339, between 8 
a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Need for the Proposed Directive

    Strong partnerships are vital to the Forest Service's mission, and 
by ensuring clear guidance on the use of such arrangements, the Forest 
Service will be better able to promote their use.
    Throughout its 100-year history, the Forest Service has utilized 
partnership arrangements with States, Tribes, non-governmental 
organizations, and others to help carry out the motto ``Caring for the 
Land and Serving People.'' These arrangements are used in a variety of 
ways to support Forest Service programs on Federal, State, Tribal and 
private lands, including ecological restoration and enhancement, 
interpretation and educational services, enhancement of recreation 
opportunities, and wildlife habitat improvements. These programs 
readily provide a spectrum of benefits to the Forest Service, its 
partners, and the public and may include various instruments to 
formalize relationships, including grants, contracts or ``mutual 
benefit'' agreements.
    A number of statutory authorities govern how and when the Forest 
Service may work cooperatively with partners, such as the Cooperative 
Funds Act, Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act, Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act, Granger-Thye Act, Federal Grants and Cooperative 
Agreements Act, and Public Law 105-277, Section 323 as amended by 
Public Law 111-11, Section 3001, Watershed Restoration and Enhancement 
Agreements. (For more background on the Forest Service's use of 
partnership arrangements, readers are referred to the Partnership 
Guide, https://www.partnershipresourcecenter.org/resources/partnership-guide/Partnership-Guide.pdf).
    Establishing partnerships and utilizing them to their greatest 
potential has not always been a simple matter for the Forest Service 
and its partners. Challenges have resulted, in part, from the 
multiplicity of partnership authorities, varying interpretation of 
these authorities, and time-consuming processes for consummating 
partnership agreements. To address such challenges, the Forest Service 
has taken a number of steps in recent years, including creating an 
internal task force, to identify barriers to partnership utilization, 
establishing the National Partnership Office, and developing various 
legislative proposals.
    In 2007, the Forest Service embarked on an initiative to institute 
needed modifications to Agency policy intended to reduce barriers to 
partnership arrangements. An essential part of this initiative was the 
review of a number of policy issues raised over the years by those 
inside and outside the Forest Service that impede effective use of 
partnerships. Based on that review, these issues fall into several 
broad categories: Administrative processes; interpretation of legal 
authorities; accountability and reporting; human resources and ethics; 
and funding.

Public Input Requested On Policy Needs

    The Forest Service is requesting public input with respect to 
Agency policy. Our intent with the issuance of this notice is to 
consider such input and, as appropriate, incorporate it in developing 
this policy. Certain suggestions, whether due to legislative or other 
limitations, may not be implemented through Agency policy, and we wish 
for the public to understand that as well.
    The Forest Service is especially interested in receiving input to 
the following questions:
    1. Purposes served by partnership arrangements: What should be the 
purpose(s) of partnership arrangements between the Forest Service and 
State, Tribal, non-governmental, or other organizations or individuals? 
Where can or should partnerships have the greatest impact in the 
future, and toward what ends?
    2. Essential characteristics of partnerships: When the Forest 
Service and a partner work together, what are the essential 
characteristics that are needed in that relationship to lead to a 
successful outcome? In what ways does Agency guidance regarding the 
essential characteristics of the partnership relationship need 
clarification?
    3. Reaching new partners: As the Nation's demographics change, the 
people served by the Forest Service are becoming increasingly diverse. 
The Agency wants to reflect this diversity in its partnership 
activities. We are interested in hearing from the public about: (a) 
Which potential partners are under-represented and under-served; (b) 
what kinds of work are these individuals or organizations involved in; 
(c) how engaging these partners will be beneficial; and (d) how the 
Forest Service can better access and communicate with under-represented 
and under-served groups.
    4. Partner recognition and sponsorship: Increasingly, non-
governmental organizations and individuals are expressing interest in 
working with the Forest Service to improve the condition of our 
environment, including our Nation's forests. The Forest Service is able 
to work with many of these organizations directly, as well as 
indirectly through established non-profits (for example, the National 
Forest Foundation and others). As a Federal agency, there are 
limitations on how we work with and recognize particular partners (for

[[Page 55711]]

example, signage, plaques, media and communication). What are the 
appropriate ways the Forest Service should recognize our partners, both 
non-profit and for-profit?

Conclusion

    The Forest Service is considering how best to proceed with policy 
development relating to partnership arrangements. Public input relating 
to the questions listed above will be helpful in developing the 
Agency's policy.

     Dated: September 8, 2010.
Thomas L. Tidwell,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-22819 Filed 9-13-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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