Department of Agriculture August 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 136 of 136
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Oregon; Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Travel Management Plan
On May 3, 2007, the USDA Forest Service, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, published a Notice of Intent in Federal Register (72 FR 24558) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Forest Travel Management Plan. On June 1, 2007, a Revised Notice of Intent was published in Federal Register (72 FR 30540) extending the scoping period for receiving comments on the proposed action from June 30, 2007, to August 17, 2007. The Notice of Intent is being revised a second time to further extend the scoping period until November 16, 2007.
Livestock Mandatory Reporting; Reestablishment and Revision of the Reporting Regulation for Swine, Cattle, Lamb, and Boxed Beef
On April 2, 2001, the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) implemented the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program as required by the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 (1999 Act). The statutory authority for the program lapsed on September 30, 2005. In October 2006, legislation was enacted to reauthorize the 1999 Act until September 30, 2010, and to amend the swine reporting requirements of the 1999 Act (Pub. L. 109-296) (Reauthorization Act). This rulemaking is necessary to re-establish the regulatory authority for the program's continued operation and incorporate the swine reporting changes contained within the Reauthorization Act as well as make other changes to enhance the program's overall effectiveness and efficiency based on AMS' experience in the administration of the program over the last 6 years.
Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program
This rule adopts as final, the interim final rule published in the Federal Register, (71 FR 3205) on January 20, 2006. The Rural Utilities Service, an agency which administers USDA Rural Development's Utilities Programs (hereinafter ``USDA Rural Development'' or the ``Agency'') is publishing this final rule to allow the Agency to make grants to enable Public Television Stations in rural areas to replace current analog television broadcasting equipment with digital television broadcasting equipment as part of the national transition to digital television service.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Change in Requirements for Interhandler Transfers of Raisins
This rule revises the requirements for interhandler transfers of raisins under the administrative rules and regulations of the California raisin marketing order (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative California (Committee). This rule requires handlers who transfer raisins to other handlers within the State of California to certify to the Committee that only acquired, free-tonnage raisins that meet all applicable order requirements are being transferred to receiving handlers. This action should help maintain the integrity of the order by ensuring that handlers only transfer acquired, free-tonnage raisins that meet applicable order requirements.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA): Section 515 Multi-Family Housing Preservation Revolving Loan Fund (PRLF) Demonstration Program for Fiscal Year 2007
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) announces the availability of funds and the timeframe to submit applications for loans to private non-profit organizations, or such non-profit organizations' affiliate loan funds and State and local housing finance agencies, to carry out a housing demonstration program to provide revolving loans for the preservation and revitalization of low-income multi-family housing. Housing that is assisted by this demonstration program must be financed by RHS through its multi-family housing loan program under Section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949. The goals of this demonstration program will be achieved through loans making to intermediaries. The intermediaries will establish their programs for the purpose of providing loans to ultimate recipients for the preservation and revitalization of Section 515 multi-family housing as affordable housing.
Notice of Lincoln County Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
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 Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 6 p.m. at the Forest Supervisor's Office in Libby, Montana for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
Importation of Nursery Stock
We are amending the regulations on importing nursery stock to eliminate various restrictions on the importation of kenaf seed; to establish programs for the importation of approved plants from the Canary Islands and from Israel; to require an additional declaration on the phytosanitary certificate accompanying blueberry plants imported from Canada; to require that phytosanitary certificates include the genus names of the restricted articles they accompany, and the species names when restrictions apply to species within a genus; to change the phytosanitary certificate requirements for several restricted articles; to reduce the postentry quarantine growing period for Hydrangea spp.; and to update the list of ports of entry and Federal plant inspection stations. We are also making several other changes to update and clarify the regulations and improve their effectiveness. These changes are necessary to relieve restrictions that appear unnecessary, update existing provisions, and make the regulations easier to understand and implement.
Siskiyou County Resource Advisory Committee
The siskiyou County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Yreka, California, August 20, 2007. The meeting will include routine business and a presentation on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan by the Fire Safe Council of Siskiyou County.
Contact Information for Alfalfa Producers To Determine Proximity to Roundup Ready Alfalfa Fields
We are advising the public that on August 6, 2007, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will begin operating a toll-free telephone number for use by conventional and organic alfalfa farmers and prospective alfalfa farmers to inquire about the proximity of their farms or fields to Roundup Ready alfalfa. This action is being taken in compliance with a judgment and order by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California in Geertson Seed Farms, et al. v. Mike Johanns, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture, et al., Case No. 06-01075.
Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Program, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or the Agency, is issuing proposed regulations to amend its Community-Oriented Connectivity Broadband Grant Program (Community Connect Broadband Grant Program). The Agency has determined that expanding the resource materials used to determine community eligibility for the program will result in a larger number of eligible communities. In addition, Rural Development has changed the test for economic hardship, allowing the applicant community's median household income to be compared to that of its state, which is also expected to increase the number of eligible applicants. Lastly, the Agency is proposing to amend its regulations to specify operating expenses which are approved for grant funding. This proposed rule is not applicable to Community Connect grant applications filed for funding during fiscal year 2007. In the Rules and Regulations section of this Federal Register, the Agency is publishing this action as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no adverse comments. If no adverse comments are received in response to the direct final rule, no further action will be taken on this proposed rule and the action will become effective at the time specified in the direct final rule. If the Agency receives adverse comments, a timely document will be published in the Federal Register and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule on this action.
Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Program, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or the Agency, amends its regulations for the Community-Oriented Connectivity Broadband Grant Program (Community Connect Grant Program). Since the inception of the Community Connect Grant Program, the Agency has faced the challenge of identifying eligible rural communities. The Agency has reviewed its method of identifying eligible communities and has determined that modifications to the program regulations are required in order to expand the resource material used to identify eligible communities. The use of additional resources should increase the number of communities eligible for grant funding. Additionally, the Agency has changed the test for economic hardship. The current regulations compare an applicant community's per capita personal income to the national per capita personal income. Because of the varying costs of living among the states, it was determined that a better measure of economic distress would be a comparison of the applicant community's median household income to that of its state. This change is also expected to increase the number of eligible grant applicants. Lastly, this rule amends the current regulations by specifying operating expenses which the Agency has approved for grant funding. These changes have been determined to be non controversial and are being enacted as a direct final rule. This rule is not applicable to Community Connect grant applications filed for funding during fiscal year 2007.
Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho; Salmon-Challis National Forest Travel Management Plan and Off-highway Vehicle Designation
The USDA, Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement to designate a portion of the National Forest roads, trails, and areas open to public motor vehicle use on the Salmon-Challis National Forest (SCNF), and assign the type of use(s) and season of use allowed on each road and trail or portion thereof. Additionally, the Forest Service will designate some previously unauthorized (or user- created) routes for public motor vehicle use and assign the type of use(s) and season of use allowed on each route or portion thereof. Decisions regarding motorized travel do not include motorized travel over snow. A Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) depicting those routes that will be open to public motorized travel on the SCNF will be the primary tool to determine compliance with, and enforcement of, motorized vehicle use designations on the ground. Existing routes and user- created routes not designated as open on the MVUM will be legally closed to motorized travel. The SCNF currently has 980,700 acres open to motorized cross-country travel. Those acres will be closed year- round to motorized cross country travel, excluding over-snow vehicles.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project, Safford Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Graham County, Arizona
In accordance with the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Coronado National Forest, announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate a proposed action to thin dense forests, remove standing dead trees and down woody debris, and use prescribed fire on approximately 3,705 acres in the Pinale[ntilde]o Mountains in Graham County, Arizona, within Townships 8 and 9 South, Ranges 23 and 24 East, Gila and Salt River Meridian. These treatments would be carried out over a 10-year period for the purposes of restoring a fire-adapted ecosystem and aiding in the recovery of the Mount Graham red squirrel population and habitat.
Manti-La Sal National Forest, Utah, EIS for Oil and Gas Leasing
The Manti-La Sal National Forest gives notice of the intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document the analysis and disclose the environmental and human effects of oil and gas leasing on lands administered by the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act of 1987 (FOOGLRA) requires the Forest Service to evaluate National Forest System (NFS) lands for potential oil and gas leasing. As the agency responsible for lease issuance and administration, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will participate as a cooperating agency.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Black Stem Rust; Identification Requirements for Addition of Rust-Resistant Varieties
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the black stem rust quarantine and regulations.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Tomatoes From Spain, Chile, France, Morocco, and Western Sahara
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with our regulations governing the importation of tomatoes from Spain, Chile, France, Morocco, and Western Sahara.
Monsanto Company; Determination of Nonregulated Status for Soybean Genetically Engineered for Glyphosate Herbicide Tolerance
We are advising the public of our determination that a soybean line developed by the Monsanto Company, designated as transformation event MON 89788, which has been genetically engineered for tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate, is no longer considered a regulated article under our regulations governing the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms. Our determination is based on our evaluation of data submitted by the Monsanto Company in its petition for a determination of nonregulated status, our analysis of other scientific data, and comments received from the public in response to a previous notice announcing the availability of the petition for nonregulated status and an environmental assessment. This notice also announces the availability of our written determination and finding of no significant impact.
Temporary Importation of Horses; Noncompetitive Entertainment Horses From Countries Affected With Contagious Equine Metritis
We are proposing to amend the regulations to allow noncompetitive entertainment horses from countries affected with contagious equine metritis to be temporarily imported into the United States under certain conditions. The regulations currently provide for the temporary importation of horses from countries affected with contagious equine metritis to compete in specified events. In recent years it has become evident that similar provisions are needed for noncompetitive entertainment horses. This action would allow the temporary importation of horses into the United States solely for public exhibition and entertainment purposes while continuing to protect against the introduction and dissemination of contagious equine metritis.
Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and Regulations
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act and regulations.
Secretary's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases; Meeting
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. II), we are giving notice of a meeting of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Foreign Animal and Poultry Diseases.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or Agency, invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI) will hold a public meeting on August 8-9, 2007, to review and discuss the following issues: (1) Data Collection and Analysis at the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Standard Operating Procedures, (2) Linking FSIS Activities to its Public Health Goals, and (3) Pilot Project to Explore Mechanisms for Sharing Industry Data with FSIS. The first issue, Data Collection and Analysis at FSIS: Standard Operating Procedures, will be presented to the entire Committee for discussion during the morning session on August 8, 2007. The other two issues will be presented to the entire Committee in the afternoon session. The committee will then divide into two subcommittees. These subcommittees will meet in the afternoon of August 8, 2007, to discuss the issues Linking FSIS Activities to its Public Health Goals and Pilot Project to Explore Mechanisms for Sharing Industry Data with FSIS. Each subcommittee will provide a report of their comments and recommendations to the full committee on the morning of August 9, 2007.
Siskiyou Resource Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting
The Siskiyou Resource Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, August 30, 2007 to recommend Title II projects for fiscal year 2008 under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000. The meeting will be held at the Chetco Community Public Library, Large Community Meeting Room at 405 Alder Street, Brookings, Oregon. It begins at 10 a.m., ends at 2:30 p.m.; the open public comments begin at 11 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. Written comments may be submitted prior to the meeting and delivered to Designated Federal Official, Scott Conroy at the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, P.O. Box 520, Medford, Oregon 97501.
Colville National Forest; Washington; Republic Ranger Station Excess Residence Sale
The Colville National Forest, USDA Forest Service, will prepare an EIS (environmental impact statement) on a proposal to sell a 0.4-acre parcel of land with a residential building, located on the Republic Ranger District administrative compound, within the City of Republic, Ferry County Washington. The parcel and Building are no longer needed to meet public service of Forest Service mission requirements. The Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 authorized the Secretary of Agriculture to sell administrative sites that are no longer needed for National Forest System purposes. Project implementation is scheduled for Fiscal Year 2008. This project is not associated with the proposed Secure Rural Schools Land Sale Initiative. The Colville National Forest invites written comments and suggestions on the scope of the analysis. The agency will give notice of the full environmental analysis and decision-making process so interested and affected people may participate and contribute to the final decision.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
The Northern, Rocky Mountain, Southwestern, and Intermountain Regions of the USDA Forest Service are extending the public comment period through October 12, 2007, for the proposed directives for the planning, development, and management of the CDNST. The notice of proposed directives was first published in Federal Register Notice Vol. 72, No. 112, on Tuesday, June 12, 2007. After considering comments, the USDA Forest Service proposes to issue a supplemental directive for each Region. The directives would also amend the CDNST Comprehensive Plan of 1985. Policy direction is needed to clarify the nature and purposes of the CDNST and to align the CDNST planning with USDA Forest Service land management planning processes. The directives would have no effect on the ground until site-specific planning decisions are completed, with additional opportunity for public involvement. Additional information regarding this proposed directive can be found on the Internet at: https://www.fs.fed.us/cdt.
Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee
The Glenn/Colusa County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Willows, California. Agenda items covered include: (1) Introductions, (2) Approve Minutes, (3) Public Comment, (4) Project Proposals/Action, (5) General Discussion, (6) Next Agenda.
Poultry Contracts; Initiation, Performance, and Termination
We are proposing to amend the regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards P&S Act, 1921 (7 U.S.C. 181, et seq.) (P&S Act) concerning Records to be Furnished Poultry Growers and Sellers. The regulations list the records live poultry dealers (poultry companies) must furnish poultry growers, including requirements for the timing and contents of poultry growout contracts. The proposed amendments would require poultry companies to timely deliver a copy of an offered contract to growers; to include information about any Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) in contracts; to include provisions for written termination notices in contracts; and notwithstanding a confidentiality provision, allow growers to discuss the terms of contracts with designated individuals.
Comprehensive River Management Plan for the Black, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, Paint, Sturgeon and Yellow Dog National Wild and Scenic Rivers, Ottawa National Forest, Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Marquette and Ontonagon Counties, MI
In accordance with section 3(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the USDA Forest Service, announces the availability of the Ottawa National Forest Comprehensive River Management Plan. On July 13, 2007, Forest Supervisor, Susan J. Spear made a decision to adopt into the Forest Plan, the Comprehensive River Management Plan which required an amendment to the Ottawa National Forest Plan. This management plan outlines use levels, development levels, resource protection measures, and general management direction for the river corridor. This amendment is necessary to implement the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act which required the Forest Service to develop a management plan for the Black, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, Paint, Sturgeon and Yellow Dog Rivers. Interim direction was identified in the Forest Plan as Management Area 8.1. The environmental assessment documents the analysis of alternatives for managing the Black, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, Paint, Sturgeon and Yellow Dog Wild and Scenic Rivers in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to Forest Service Regulations 36 CFR part 217. Appeals must be filed within 45 days from the date of publication in the newspaper of record the Ironwood Daily Globe, Ironwood, Michigan. The environmental assessment is available for public review at the Ottawa National Forest Supervisor's Office in Ironwood, Michigan or on the Ottawa National Forest Web page at https://www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa/ recreation/wsr/index.htm.
Notice of Intent To Request Approval To Revise and Extend an Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to request approval to revise and extend a currently approved information collection, the Milk and Milk Products Surveys. Revision to burden hours may be needed due to changes in the size of the target population, sampling design, and/or questionnaire length.
Multi-Year Revision of Fees for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Terminal Market Inspection Services
This rule would revise the regulations governing the inspection and certification for fresh fruits, vegetables and other products by increasing certain fees charged for the inspection of these products at destination markets for the next two fiscal years (FY-2007 and FY-2008) by approximately 15 percent each fiscal year. This rule would increase fees 30 days after publication in FY-2007 and again in March 2008. These revisions are necessary in order to recover, as nearly as practicable, the costs of performing inspection services at destination markets under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA of 1946). The fees charged to persons required to have inspection on imported commodities in accordance with the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 and for imported peanuts under section 1308 of the Farm Security and Rural Investigation Act of 2002.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown In California; Use of Estimated Trade Demand To Compute Volume Regulation Percentages
This rule invites comments on using an estimated trade demand figure to compute volume regulation percentages for 2007-08 crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless (NS) raisins covered under the Federal marketing order for California raisins (order). The order regulates the handling of raisins produced from grapes grown in California and is administered locally by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). This rule would provide parameters for implementing volume regulation for 2007-08 crop NS raisins, if supplies are short, for the purposes of maintaining a portion of the industry's export markets and stabilizing the domestic market.
Request for Approval of a New Information Collection; Request for Producer Service Center Information Management System (SCIMS) Record Change
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intent of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to request approval for the information collection to be used in support of documenting critical producer data changes (customer name, current mailing address and tax identification number) in SCIMS. The collection of critical producer data will be used to update existing producer record data and document when and who initiates and changes the record in SCIMS.
Mendocino Resource Advisory Committee
The Mendocino County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet August 24, 2007 and September 14th and 28th in Willits, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Approval of minutes, (2) Public Comment, (3) Extension of RAC (4) Discussionitems of interest (5) Discussion/approval of projects, (6) next items and meeting date.
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