Department of Agriculture September 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada
Document Number: E6-16079
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are adopting as a final rule, with one change, an interim rule that amended the regulations by restricting the importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States from Canada. Under the regulations established by the interim rule, as amended by this document, pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist of pine bark or have pine bark attached, must meet certain requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from Canada. The interim rule was necessary to help prevent the introduction and spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.
Small Business Timber Sale Set-Aside Program Share Recomputation
Document Number: E6-16073
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service published a notice of proposed policy directive in the Federal Register of August 1, 2006 (71 FR 43435), concerning a request for comments on the Small Business Timber Sale Set-Aside Program Share Recomputation. In the Federal Register of August 9, 2006 (71 FR 45519), a correction to content was made and the period for receiving public comments was extended to October 10, 2006. The notice of August 1, 2006, contained an error in the ADDRESSES caption that is now being corrected. In addition, the date for receiving comments is being extended for an additional 60 days. The DATES caption has been revised to reflect that comments must be received by December 11, 2006.
Nebraska National Forest, Nebraska & South Dakota; Supplement to the FEIS for the Nebraska National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (2002) for Black-tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) Management on the Nebraska National Forest and Associated Units
Document Number: E6-16051
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service will prepare a Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Supplement) for the 2002 Nebraska National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (as amended) (LRMP) for black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) management on the Nebraska National Forest and associated units (NNF). The NNF includes the Buffalo Gap and Fort Pierre National Grasslands in South Dakota and the Oglala National Grassland, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, and Nebraska National Forest in Nebraska. The proposed action is to amend current management direction in the LRMP to meet various multiple use objectives by: (1) Specifying the desired range of acres of prairie dog colonies that will be provided on the NFF; and (2) allowing use of toxicants if the acreage exceeds the desired range and or multiple use objectives.
Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 06-8327
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met in Willows, California. Agenda items covered include: (1) Introductions, (2) Approval of Minutes, (3) Public Comment, (4) Project Proposals/Possible Action, (5) General Discussion, (6) Plan Schedule for the Next Year, (7) Next Agenda.
Japanese Beetle; Addition of Iowa to the List of Quarantined States
Document Number: E6-15899
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Japanese beetle quarantine and regulations by adding the State of Iowa to the list of quarantined States. That action was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of Japanese beetle into noninfested areas of the United States.
Risk-Based Inspection System
Document Number: E6-15866
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will hold a public meeting on October 10-11, 2006, to review and discuss the following issues: (1) Measuring product inherent risk for risk-based inspection, and (2) Measuring establishment risk control for risk-based inspection. In addition, FSIS will begin a discussion on how these two measures of risk might be used to implement a Risk-Based Inspection System (RBIS). FSIS will use Resolve, a national non-profit organization, to assist with the stakeholder input process. Resolve specializes in mediating, facilitating, and building consensus on solutions to scientifically complex public policy issues, including those in the areas of food safety, agriculture, and public health.
National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
Document Number: E6-15859
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold a public meeting on October 12-13, 2006, to review and discuss the following issues: (1) Using Risk to Direct In-Plant Inspection Activities in Processing Assignments, and (2) Using Risk in Slaughter Operations. Two subcommittees will also meet on October 12, 2006, to work on these issues after discussion during the full committee session.
Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E6-15855
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the implementation of the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP). EFCRP provides cost-share assistance for cleanup and replanting for those owners or operators of non-industrial forest land and school trust land that experienced a loss of 35 percent or more of merchantable timber directly related to hurricanes that occurred during the 2005 calendar year.
Changes in Fees for Voluntary Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services
Document Number: E6-15853
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the hourly fees charged for voluntary Federal meat grading and certification services performed by the Meat Grading and Certification (MGC) Branch. The hourly fees will be adjusted by this action to reflect the increased cost of providing service and to ensure that the MGC Branch operates on a financially self-supporting basis.
Pohick Creek Watershed Dam No. 4, Fairfax County, VA
Document Number: E6-15778
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pursuant to section 102[2][c] of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations [40 CFR part 1500]; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations [7 CFR part 650]; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Pohick Creek Watershed Dam No. 4, Fairfax County, Virginia.
East Locust Creek Watershed, Sullivan County, MO
Document Number: E6-15777
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Roger A. Hansen, responsible Federal official for projects administered under the provisions of Public Law 83-566, 16 U.S.C. 1001- 1008, in the State of Missouri, is hereby providing notification that a record of decision to proceed with the installation of the East Locust Creek Watershed Revised Plan is available. Single copies of this record of decision may be obtained from Roger A. Hansen at the address shown below.
Draft Supplemental Watershed Plan No. 1 and Environmental Assessment Plum Creek Watershed, Rehabilitation of Flood Retarding Structure (FRS) #18
Document Number: E6-15776
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kentucky State Office, gives notice that a draft supplemental watershed plan/environmental assessment for the rehabilitation of Plum Creek FRS 18 is now available for public review and comment.
Spring Viremia of Carp; Import Restrictions on Certain Live Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes
Document Number: 06-8322
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We recently amended the regulations to restrict the importation into the United States of live fish, fertilized eggs, and gametes of fish species that are susceptible to spring viremia of carp, a serious contagious viral disease of carp. That interim rule was scheduled to become effective on September 29, 2006. We are delaying that effective date by 30 days. This delay is needed to give importers and foreign exporters additional time to meet requirements of the rule.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska; Kenai Peninsula Subsistence Resource Region
Document Number: 06-8280
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Federal Subsistence Board, are extending the comment period through November 9, 2006, on the proposed rule that would amend the regulations governing subsistence use of fish and wildlife in Alaska by creating an additional subsistence resource region for the Kenai Peninsula.
Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area (SRA) Advisory Council
Document Number: 06-8278
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
An Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council meeting will convene in Stayton, Oregon on Wednesday, October 25, 2006. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., and will conclude at approximately 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the South Room of the Stayton Community Center located on 400 West Virginia Street in Stayton, Oregon. The Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 (Opal Creek Act) (Pub. L. 104-208) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is comprised of thirteen members representing state, county and city governments, and representatives of various organizations, which include mining industry, environmental organizations, inholders in Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, economic development, Indian tribes, adjacent landowners and recreation interests. The council provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on preparation of a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan for the SRA, and consults on a periodic and regular basis on the management of the area. Tentative agenda items include: Trails Planning, Monitoring Plan and Pearl Creek Strategy Subcommittees reports and recommendations. A direct public comment period is tentatively scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Time allotted for individual presentations will be limited to 3 minutes. Written comments are encouraged, particularly if the material cannot be presented within the time limits of the comment period. Written comments may be submitted prior to the October 25th meeting by sending them to Designated Federal Official Paul Matter at the address given below.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska; Kenai Peninsula Subsistence Resource Region
Document Number: 06-8276
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Federal Subsistence Board, are withdrawing the direct final rule that would have amended the regulations governing subsistence use of fish and wildlife in Alaska by creating an additional subsistence resource region for the Kenai Peninsula. We predicate this withdrawal on the fact that we have received significant adverse comments, specifically relating to the lack of public input on this issue.
Clear Title Technical Changes
Document Number: 06-8268
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration
We are issuing this interim rule to allow States to use an approved unique identifier as an alternative to a social security number or taxpayer identification number in their systems providing clear title information. We are making additional changes to the clear title regulations as required by amendments made by the 2002 Farm Bill. The primary effect of these changes will be to protect the identity of the producers of farm products. Secondary effects of the technical changes will be to improve the operation of the program and provide the States with more flexibility.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Miscellaneous Provisions
Document Number: 06-7875
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
This final rule amends a number of existing provisions in the WIC Program regulations to address issues raised by WIC State agencies, other members of the WIC community, and the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO). This final rule also incorporates recent legislation and certain longstanding program policies and State agency practices into the regulations. Further, the final rule also streamlines certain requirements in the regulations. In particular, this rulemaking streamlines the Federal requirements for financial and participation reporting by State agencies, and clarifies the requirements pertaining to the confidentiality of WIC information in order to strengthen coordination with public organizations and private physicians. It also incorporates recent legislation which provided the WIC State agencies with the option to extend the certification period for breastfeeding women. Further, it incorporates longstanding program policies and State agency practices into the regulations regarding State agency responses to subpoenas and other court-ordered requests for confidential information. Other provisions in this final rule are designed to improve eligibility determinations, incorporating program policies and State agency practices that have been in effect for some time. These changes are intended to reinforce program policies and State agency practices that strengthen services to WIC participants, improve Program administration, and increase State agency flexibility in managing the Program. Many of these provisions are options the State agency may choose to implement in operating the program.
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions; and Various Crop Insurance Provisions
Document Number: 06-8216
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is reopening and extending the comment period for the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on Friday, July 14, 2006 (71 FR 40194-40252). The proposed rule contains certain provisions to combine and provide revenue protection and yield protection within one standard crop insurance policy, and to improve prevented planting and other provisions to better meet the needs of insured producers. During the comment period, FCIC received comments that due to the complexity of the proposed changes, sixty days was not adequate to properly address all the issues. FCIC agrees that additional time is appropriate to ensure that all interested persons have time to fully review the proposed rule and provide meaningful comments.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 06-8215
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 06-8214
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
Document Number: 06-8213
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $7 million in block grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. State departments of agriculture interested in obtaining grant program funds are invited to submit applications to USDA. State departments of agriculture, meaning agencies, commissions, or departments of a State government responsible for agriculture within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are eligible to apply. State departments of agriculture are encouraged to involve industry groups, academia, and community-based organizations in the development of applications and the administration of projects.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Voluntary Control Program and Payment of Indemnity
Document Number: 06-8155
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending the regulations to establish a voluntary program for the control of the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry under the auspices of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the Plan). The control program was voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2004 National Plan Conference. We are also providing for the payment of indemnity for costs associated with eradication of the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza in poultry. The H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza, a disease that can have serious economic and public health consequences. This combination of a control program and indemnity provisions is necessary to help ensure that the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza are detected and eradicated when they occur within the United States.
Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions
Document Number: 06-8146
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes amendments to the Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions. The intended effect of this action is to provide policy changes and clarify existing policy provisions to better meet the needs of the insured producers. The changes will apply for the 2007 and succeeding crop years.
Ouachita-Ozark Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 06-8129
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
This notice is published in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Meeting notice is hereby given for the Ouachita-Ozark Resource Advisory Committee pursuant to section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000, Public Law 106-393. Topics to be discussed include: General information, proposed new Title II projects, updates on current or completed Title II projects, renewal of committee member terms and committee member recruitment needs and, if appropriate, next meeting date and agenda.
Recreation Resource Advisory Committees
Document Number: 06-8096
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Secretary of Agriculture intends to establish five Forest Service Recreation Resource Advisory Committees (Recreation RACs) pursuant to Section 4 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) that was passed into law as part of the 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 108-447) on December 8, 2004. The Recreation RACs will operate in the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Eastern, and Southern Regions and the State of Colorado and will provide recommendations regarding recreation fees to both the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as appropriate. The public is invited to submit nominations for membership on the Recreation RACs.
Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Perk-Grindstone III Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project
Document Number: 06-8010
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest intends to prepare an environmental impact statement to address the Perk-Grindstone III Hazardous Fuel Reduction Project on National Forest System lands in Lincoln County, New Mexico. The proposed project is located adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of the Village of Ruidoso. The project area is bounded on the west and south by the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. The Village of Ruidoso is listed as a community at high risk from wildfire, as defined by the National Fire Plan of 2000 (NFP). The proposed project addresses this problem through hazardous fuel reduction and related forest health objectives, as directed by the NFP and as governed by all applicable laws and public policies. The project has been developed through local collaborative processes, continual public participation, and interdisciplinary design. It would involve up to approximately 4,730 acres of forest management treatments and integrated conservation measures within a gross project area of approximately 5,920 acres.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 06-7871
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture
United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type)
Document Number: 06-7869
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA), is proposing a revision to the voluntary United States Standards for Grades of Table Grapes (European or Vinifera Type). Two industry associations requested the standards be modified by adding a 10 percent allowance for shattered grapes in consumer containers for shipment that are en route or at destination. The standards provide industry with a common language and a uniform basis for trading, thus promoting the orderly and efficient marketing of European or Vinifera Type table grapes.
Dried Prunes Produced in California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 06-7867
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule would decrease the assessment rate established for the Prune Marketing Committee (committee) under Marketing Order No. 993 for the 2006-07 and subsequent crop years from $0.65 to $0.40 per ton of salable dried prunes. The committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of dried prunes grown in California. Assessments upon dried prune handlers are used by the committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year began August 1 and ends July 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Sweet Cherries Grown in Designated Counties in Washington; Decreased Assessment Rate
Document Number: 06-7866
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule which decreased the assessment rate established for the Washington Cherry Marketing Committee (Committee) for the 2006-2007 and subsequent fiscal periods from $0.75 to $0.50 per ton for Washington sweet cherries handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order regulating the handling of sweet cherries grown in designated counties in Washington. Assessments upon sweet cherry handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period begins April 1 and ends March 31. The assessment rate will remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.
Changes in Hourly Fee Rates for Science and Technology Laboratory Services-Fiscal Years 2007-2009
Document Number: 06-7821
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to change the hourly fee rates for Science and Technology (S&T) Laboratory Services. The agency is proposing to raise these rates to reflect, among other factors, national and locality pay increases for Federal employees and inflation, operating costs, instrumentation and training, and program and agency administrative overhead costs. In the past, AMS has amended its regulations on an as needed basis in order to recover laboratory program costs. With this proposed regulation, AMS is providing for three annual standard hourly fee rate increases for fiscal years 2007-2009. This would provide the agricultural commodity industries and other stakeholders with more timely and relevant information regarding voluntary user fees for laboratory testing services. The agency is also proposing to remove tables and schedules with listings of individual tests and services. Three annual hourly fee rate adjustments are proposed for appeals, holiday, and overtime services to reflect the anticipated increase in cost of providing these laboratory services each fiscal year. The regulations also are updated to identify current facility addresses. Part 92 is obsolete and therefore has been removed.
Potatoes; Grade Standards
Document Number: 06-7819
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-22
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes. These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The use of these grading standards is voluntary unless potatoes are under a marketing order that provides for certain requirements set forth in the grade standards or the potatoes are subject to import requirements under the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The changes being proposed are the results of the detailed work performed by the Joint U.S./Canadian Potato Council that was charged with harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian Potato Grade Standards. The purpose for this revision is to update and revise the standards to more accurately represent today's marketing practices.
Importation of Table Grapes From Namibia
Document Number: 06-7891
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the United States of fresh table grapes from Namibia under certain conditions. As a condition of entry, the grapes must undergo cold treatment and fumigation with methyl bromide and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the commodity has been inspected and found free of the specified pests. In addition, the grapes will also be subject to inspection at the port of first arrival. This action allows for the importation of grapes from Namibia into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.
Notice of Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
Document Number: 06-7879
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) the Kootenai National Forest's Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee will meet on Monday September 25, 2006 at 6 p.m. at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Libby, Montana for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee
Document Number: 06-7878
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting to assign monitors on 2006 projects and hold a short public forum (question and answer session). The meeting is being held pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393). The meeting is open to the public.
Nectarines and Peaches Grown in California; Revision of Handling Requirements for Fresh Nectarines and Peaches
Document Number: 06-7868
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture is adopting, as a final rule, with a change, an interim final rule revising the handling requirements for California nectarines and peaches by modifying the grade, size, maturity, and pack requirements for fresh shipments of these fruits, beginning with 2006 season shipments. This rule also continues in effect the authorization for continued shipments of ``CA Utility'' quality nectarines and peaches, the establishment of weight-count standards for Peento type nectarines in volume-filled containers, and the elimination of the varietal container marking requirements. The marketing orders regulate the handling of nectarines and peaches grown in California and are administered locally by the Nectarine Administrative and Peach Commodity Committees (committees). This rule enables handlers to continue to ship fresh nectarines and peaches in a manner that meets consumer needs, increases returns to producers and handlers, and reflects current industry practices.
United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples
Document Number: 06-7820
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), prior to undertaking research and other work associated with revising official grade standards, is soliciting comments on the possible revisions of the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples. AMS has been reviewing the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grade standards for usefulness in serving the industry. As a result, AMS has identified the United States Standards for Grades of Pineapples for possible revision. AMS is proposing to revise the tolerances by replacing Table I Shipping Point and Table II En Route or at Destination with numerical tolerances. These tables utilize acceptance numbers of fruit with maximum numbers of defective permitted. These changes would simplify the inspection process and bring the pineapple standard in line with other standards which use numerical tolerances for defects. AMS is seeking comments regarding these proposed changes that may be necessary to better serve the industry.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: E6-15571
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
Document Number: E6-15569
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council will meet in Little Rock, Arkansas, October 17-19, 2006. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in urban and community forestry.
National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program-Revisions to Administrative Provisions
Document Number: E6-15568
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Usda, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) is updating and making technical corrections to the administrative provisions for the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP). In addition, CSREES is revising 7 CFR 3411.3(d), the ``Eligibility requirements'' for NRICGP Postdoctoral Fellowships, New Investigator Awards, and Strengthening Awards, and 7 CFR 3411.4(c)(8), the Agency instructions to applicants preparing project budgets for NRICGP conference grants and postdoctoral fellowships. CSREES anticipates the changes to the eligibility requirements will increase the impact of the Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards, while the changes to the budget instructions will facilitate additional conference and postdoctoral fellowship awards.
Procedures for Calculating Annual Fees for Recreation Residences
Document Number: E6-15500
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service is issuing an Interim Directive to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11Special Uses to provide guidance to its employees for calculating annual fees for recreation residence term special use permits during the 2-year transition period following the adoption of the final rule, directives, and appraisal guidelines promulgated pursuant to the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act (Pub. L. 106- 291).
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests; CO; Deer Creek Shaft and E Seam Methane Drainage Wells Project EIS
Document Number: E6-15473
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
Mountain Coal Company, LLC proposes the construction of one (1) ventilation shaft and one (1) emergency escape shaft (combined location) and the installation of up to 160 methane drainage wells located on up to 120 pads with up to 19 miles of associated access roads to vent explosive methane gas from their underground coal mine.
Notice of Meeting; Southwest Oregon Provincial Advisory Committee
Document Number: 06-7712
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Southwest Oregon Provincial Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, and Wednesday, October 11, 2006, to discuss topics including biomass utilization in Southwest Oregon, incentives for encouraging biomass utilization, and local examples of biomass utilization. The meeting will be held at the Umpqua National Forest Supervisor's office, at 2900 NW. Stewart Parkway in Roseburg, Oregon. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. on October 10th with a fieldtrip and end at approximately 5 p.m. On Wednesday, the meeting will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Written comments may be submitted prior to the meeting and delivered to the Designated Federal Official Jay Carlson at the Roseburg Bureau of Land Management, 777 Garden Valley Boulevard, Roseburg, OR 97470.
Spring Viremia of Carp; Import Restrictions on Certain Live Fish, Fertilized Eggs, and Gametes
Document Number: Z6-14478
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Department of Defense, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers
Animal Welfare; Elephants
Document Number: E6-15328
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are extending the comment period for our notice of petition and request for comments concerning the handling, care, treatment, and transport of elephants covered by the Animal Welfare Act. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Brucellosis in Cattle; State and Area Classifications; Wyoming
Document Number: E6-15327
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending the brucellosis regulations concerning the interstate movement of cattle by changing the classification of Wyoming from Class A to Class Free. We have determined that Wyoming meets the standards for Class Free status. This action relieves certain restrictions on the interstate movement of cattle from Wyoming.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment for Field Testing Marek's Disease Vaccine, Serotype 1, Live Herpesvirus Chimera
Document Number: E6-15326
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment concerning authorization to ship for the purpose of field testing, and then to field test, an unlicensed Marek's Disease Vaccine, Serotype 1, Live Herpesvirus Chimera. The environmental assessment, which is based on a risk analysis prepared to assess the risks associated with the field testing of this vaccine, examines the potential effects that field testing this veterinary vaccine could have on the quality of the human environment. Based on the risk analysis, we have reached a preliminary determination that field testing this veterinary vaccine will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment, and that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. We intend to authorize shipment of this vaccine for field testing following the close of the comment period for this notice unless new substantial issues bearing on the effects of this action are brought to our attention. We also intend to issue a U.S. Veterinary Biological Product license for this vaccine, provided the field test data support the conclusions of the environmental assessment and the issuance of a finding of no significant impact and the product meets all other requirements for licensing.
Removal of Obsolete Regulations
Document Number: 06-7678
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation, Farm Service Agency
This action removes regulations rendered obsolete by expiration of their statutory authority and the ending of their respective programs. There are no impacts on past or current program operations.
Outfitting and Guiding Land Use Fees in the Alaska Region
Document Number: 06-7621
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-09-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Alaska Region is proposing to adopt a long-term flat fee policy for outfitters and guides operating in the Alaska Region. Under the flat fee policy, a single land use fee would be charged for each type of service provided by outfitters and guides in the Alaska Region.
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