Department of Agriculture October 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's (RBS) intention to request an extension of a currently approved information collection in support of the program for 7 CFR part 1951, subpart R, ``Rural Development Loan Servicing.''
Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Special Milk Programs
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is revising the regulations governing procedures related to the procurement of goods and services in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program and Special Milk Program to remedy deficiencies identified in audits and program reviews. This final rule makes changes in a school food authority's responsibilities for proper procurement procedures and contracts, limits a school food authority's use of nonprofit school food service account funds to costs resulting from proper procurements and contracts, and clarifies a State agency's responsibility to review and approve school food authority procurement procedures and contracts. This final rule also amends the Special Milk Program and School Breakfast Program regulations to make the procurement and contract requirements consistent with the National School Lunch Program regulations. These changes are intended to promote full and open competition in school food authority procurements, clarify State agency responsibilities, and ensure that only allowable contract costs are paid with nonprofit school food service account funds.
Notice of Public Meeting, Davy Crockett National Forest Resource Advisory Committee
In accordance with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Davy Crockett National Forest Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting will meet as indicated below.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Apache, Greenlee and Navajo Counties, AZ; Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Public Motorized Travel Management Plan
On October 10, 2007, the Federal Register published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Motorized Travel Management Plan on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (72 FR 57514-57517). That document indicated that the proposed transportation system is depicted in detail on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Travel Management Plan Proposed Action Map located on the Forests Web site and that the Forests transportation system open to motorized travel under this proposal would be approximately 2,892 miles. Correction of both of these statements is necessary. Correction: In the Federal Register of October 10, 2007, in FR Doc. 72-195, on page 57515, correct the proposed Action caption, second column, last paragraph, first and second sentence to read:
Export Certification for Wood Packaging Material
We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the export certification regulations to clarify that an International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) quality/treatment mark is an industry-issued certificate and thus may be issued only when the organization applying the mark has entered into an agreement with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The interim rule also removed all references to a certificate of heat treatment from the regulations because such certificates have been replaced by the ISPM 15 quality/treatment mark. The interim rule was necessary to ensure the appropriate issuance of the ISPM 15 quality/ treatment mark.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP)
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are sponsoring a public meeting on January 17, 2008. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States positions that will be discussed at the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in Queenstown, New Zealand, February 4-8, 2008. The Under Secretary for Food Safety and the AMS recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 8th Session of the CCMMP and to address items on the agenda.
Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Potato Provisions
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes amendments to the Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Quality Endorsement, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Processing Quality Endorsement, Potato Crop Insurance Certified Seed Endorsement, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Storage Coverage Endorsement, and the Central and Southern Potato 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 insureds, and to reduce vulnerability to fraud, waste, and abuse. The changes will apply for the 2008 and succeeding crop years for the Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Quality Endorsement, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Processing Quality Endorsement, Potato Crop Insurance Certified Seed Endorsement, and the Northern Potato Crop Insurance Storage Coverage Endorsement. The Central and Southern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions changes will apply for the 2009 and succeeding crop years.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems
The Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, United States Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are sponsoring a public meeting. The meeting will be held on November 1, 2007, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. to discuss the agenda items coming before the 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) and present draft positions on the agenda items. The 16th Session of the CCFICS will be held November 26-November 30, 2007, in Queensland, Australia. The Under Secretary and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to comment on the agenda items that will be debated at this forthcoming Session of the CCFICS.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) intends to request an extension for a currently approved information collection procedure for Sugar Import Licensing Programs described in 7 CFR part 1530.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) intends to request an extension for a currently approved information collection procedure for entry of specialty sugars into the United States as described in 15 CFR part 2011.
Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan; Assessment Increase
This rule amends the Watermelon Research and Promotion Plan (Plan) to increase the assessment rate on producers, handlers, and importers of watermelons from four cents to six cents per hundredweight. Domestic producers and handlers will pay three cents per hundredweight each and importers will pay six cents per hundredweight. The increase is provided for under the Plan which is authorized by the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (Act). The National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board), which administers the Plan, recommended this action to sustain and expand their promotional, research, and communications programs.
Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Public Law 108-447)
The Boise National Forest is planning to charge fees at 22 recreation sites. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. The fees listed are currently proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites. Swanholm and Rice Peak Lookouts, along with cabins at the Landmark Ranger Station and Johnson Creek Guard Station will be available for overnight rental. A fee study, financial analysis, and public involvement efforts were completed. As a result, cabin rental fees would range between $30 and $50 per night. Lookout, ranger, and guard station rentals offer a unique experience and are a widely popular offering on National Forests. The Landmark Ranger Station is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and is being restored to its original purpose as a working Forest Service administrative site, and to adapt the compound for public use and enjoyment. Fees would continue to help protect and maintain all these administrative structures and their historic integrity. The cabin rentals would be available once a final decision is made and they are listed with the National Recreation Reservation Service which would be in May of 2008 at the earliest. New $5 day use fees are also proposed for the Arrowrock and Campbell Creek boating access sites and the Granite Creek picnic site. These fees will help address the deferred maintenance needs, such as substandard boat docks at both of the boating sites as well as general operation and maintenance needs at all three sites. The Granite Creek picnic site also serves as a trailhead for an important interpretive trail in the summer and groomed snowmobile trail access in the winter. Amenities include covered picnic shelters, a toilet, and interpretive exhibits. Fees are proposed at 15 campgrounds including Badger Creek, Castle Creek, Cottonwood, Evans Creek, Little Roaring River Lake, Troutdale, Bald Mountain, Neinmeyer, Powerplant, Queens River, Riverside, Golden Gate, Ice Hole, Penny Springs, and Yellow Pine campgrounds. Many of these sites have been improved with new toilets and picnic tables over the last 8 to 10 years and additional income is needed for their continued operation and maintenance. A fee study, financial analysis, and public involvement efforts were completed in the spring and summer of 2007 in an effort to determine campground fees across the Boise National Forest, including both existing fee campgrounds as well as those proposed for new fees. Fees at campgrounds are proposed to be $15 at sites that provide both drinking and water and trash removal and $12 at sites that do not provide both of these amenities. A $5 day use fee is also proposed at some sites.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces that the Department of Agriculture, Office of the Chief Economist, is hereby requesting an extension of a currently approved information collection, Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement.
Importation of Nursery Stock; Postentry Quarantine Requirements for Potential Hosts of Chrysanthemum White Rust and Definition of From
We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would amend the regulations on importing nursery stock by providing a new option for the postentry quarantine growing period for articles of Chrysanthemum spp., Leucanthemella serotina, and Nipponanthemum nipponicum and amending the definition of from. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
Oriental Fruit Fly; Addition and Removal of Quarantined Areas in California
We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Oriental fruit fly regulations by removing the Santa Ana area of Orange County, CA, from the list of quarantined areas and removing restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. That action was necessary to remove restrictions that were no longer necessary to prevent the spread of the Oriental fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States. The Santa Ana area of Orange County, CA, was the last remaining area in California quarantined for Oriental fruit fly. Therefore, as a result of that action, there are no longer any areas in the continental United States quarantined for the Oriental fruit fly.
Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Smoky Canyon Mine, Panels F and G
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et. seq.) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq.), the DOI Bureau of Land Management (Lead Agency) and the USDA Forest Service (Co-lead Agency) announce the availability of the FEIS for the Smoky Canyon Mine, Panels F and G Mine Expansion Project.
Importation of Unshu Oranges From the Republic of Korea Into Alaska
We are amending the regulations governing the importation of citrus fruit to allow fresh Unshu oranges from the Republic of Korea to be imported into the State of Alaska under certain conditions. As a condition of entry, the oranges will have to be prepared for shipping using packinghouse procedures that include culling of damaged or diseased fruit and cleaning with high-pressure air or water in combination with brushing. In addition, the oranges will have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the oranges were inspected and found free from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and Unaspis yanonensis. The individual cartons or boxes in which the Unshu oranges are shipped will also have to be marked with a statement restricting their importation and distribution to the State of Alaska. This action will allow for the importation of Unshu oranges from the Republic of Korea into Alaska while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.
Imported Fire Ant; Additions to the List of Quarantined Areas
We are amending the imported fire ant regulations by designating as quarantined areas all or portions of 2 counties in Arkansas, 3 in North Carolina, and 3 in Tennessee, by expanding the quarantined area in 1 county in Arkansas and 15 in Tennessee, and by designating the entire State of South Carolina as a quarantined area. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ant to noninfested areas of the United States.
Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee
The Lake Tahoe Basin Federal Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on November 13, 2007 at the US Forest Service Office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150. This Committee, established by the Secretary of Agriculture on December 15, 1998 (64 FR 2876), is chartered to provide advice to the Secretary on implementing the terms of the Federal Interagency Partnership on the Lake Tahoe Region and other matters raised by the Secretary.
Black Hills National Forest, Mystic Ranger District, South Dakota, Upper Spring Creek Project Area
The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement on a proposal to use multiple vegetation treatments focused on creating a landscape condition more adapted to fire and that reduces potential for high severity wildfire near at-risk communities and in the wildland-urban interface, and reduce the threat to ecosystem components including forest resources from an existing insect epidemic. The proposal is being planned for the 44,100 acre Upper Spring Creek Project Area that includes about 39,700 acres of National Forest System land and about 4,300 acres of interspersed private land. The project area generally extends westward from west of Hill City, South Dakota encompassing the Upper Spring Creek watershed. This project will be conducted as an authorized project under section 102 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA). Actions proposed for the Upper Spring Creek Project Area include the following: Remove conifers from hardwood stands such as aspen and birch and by restoring meadows (est. 3,800 acres). Reduce the amount of fuel that currently exists and that created by vegetation treatment activities. Treatment could include lopping, crushing, piling and burning; creating fuel breaks along roads and adjacent to private property, particularly those properties with houses and subdivisions. Prescribed broadcast burning of up to 14,200 acres is also planned to not only reduce fuel levels, but also benefit big game and other wildlife resources. Thin and harvest approximately 23,500 acres of pine stands using a variety of treatments to reduce the overall density of pine trees and create a mosaic of structural stages across the landscape. Both commercial harvest and non-commercial thinning will be sued to reduce the stand density, associated fuel hazard conditions and susceptibility to Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) infestations.
Lassen National Forest, California, Lassen National Forest Public Wheeled Motorized Travel Management EIS
The Lassen National Forest (LNF) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with the following proposed actions: 1. The prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off designated National Forest System (NFS) roads, NFS trails and areas by the public except as allowed by permit or other authorization. 2. The addition of approximately 37 miles of unauthorized routes to the NFS of roads and motorized trails. 3. The addition of approximately 26 acres for open riding (10 areas), where use of wheeled motorized vehicles by the public would be allowed anywhere within the specifically delineated area. 4. Allowing non- highway legal vehicle use on approximately 12 miles of existing NFS roads where such use is currently prohibited.
Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Amendment to Term of Office Provision
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that modifies the term of office provision of the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order) so that the term of office and term limit for the two wholesaler and/or retailer positions of the National Mango Board (Board) be the same as that of other members. Specifically, the amendment modifies the term of office from one year to three years, and modifies the term limit for these positions from a maximum of three consecutive one-year terms to a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms in order to conform to the requirements of the commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act).
Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Change in Regulatory Periods
Notice is hereby given that the comment period on proposed changes to the regulatory period when minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements apply to southeastern California grapes under Marketing Order No. 925 (order) and to imported grapes under the table grape import regulation is reopened. The original proposed rule regarding this matter was published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2005 (70 FR 30001), and cited statistical information through the 2004 shipping season. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is now considering updated statistical information for the 2005 through 2007 shipping seasons. AMS hereby invites comments on the updated statistical information contained herein, as it pertains to the proposed rule to change the regulatory period.
Emergency Food Assistance Program; Allocation Formula
This notice invites State and local agencies involved in the administration of The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the general public to comment on the intent of the Department to modify the data sources used to calculate the formula for allocating TEFAP commodities and administrative funds among State agencies. Data sources currently used to allocate these resources have been used for a number of years. However, more accurate, reliable, and up-to-date data sources for gauging poverty and unemployment and, ultimately, each State's need for TEFAP commodities and administrative funds, are now available. Therefore, unless comments reveal a significant disadvantage to implementing these changes, the Department intends to allocate TEFAP commodities and administrative funds for fiscal year 2008 using these new data sources.
Emergency Conservation Program; Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces its intention to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). The SEIS will assess the potential environmental impacts of alternatives for administration and implementation of the ECP. FSA administers this program and is now conducting a comprehensive review of its current policies, achievements, and potential future program changes. FSA will be analyzing a range of ECP program alternatives. The SEIS also provides a means for the public to have opportunities to voice any opinions they may have about the program, and any ideas for improving it in the future. This Notice of Intent (NOI) informs the public that FSA is requesting public comment and describes in general the description of preliminary ECP Alternatives that will be analyzed in the Draft SEIS.
Office of the Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics; Notice of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, the United States Department of Agriculture announces a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21).
Nominations; Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. App., the Agricultural Research Service is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture (AC21). The charge for the AC21 is two-fold: To examine the long-term impacts of biotechnology on the U.S. food and agriculture system and USDA; and to provide guidance to USDA on pressing individual issues, identified by the Office of the Secretary, related to the application of biotechnology in agriculture.
Information Collection; Social and Cultural Structure of Private Forestry
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the new information collection; Social and Cultural Structure of Private Forestry.
Forestry Research Advisory Council
The meeting room is changed for the Forestry Research Advisory Council. The meeting will take place in Berkeley, California, November 15-16, 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in forestry research.
Amend Certain Paragraphs in 36 CFR 261.2 and 261.10 To Clarify Issuing a Criminal Citation for Unauthorized Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands and Facilities by Mineral Operators
The Forest Service is reopening the comment period for an additional 30 days and invites written comments on this proposed rule. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2007 (72 FR 26578), and should be referenced when preparing responses. This proposed rule would allow, if necessary, a criminal citation to be issued for unauthorized mineral operations on National Forest System lands.
Notice of Public Meeting: Recreation Subcommittee Meeting of the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada, Sierra Front-Northwestern Great Basin, Northeastern Great Basin and Mojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Councils
In accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 (FLREA), the Recreation Subcommittee will hold a meeting to finalize draft protocol and guidelines and to discuss membership needs for fiscal year 2008.
Notice of Meeting; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108-447)
The Pacific Southwest Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (Recreation RAC) will hold its first meeting in Sacramento, California. The purpose of this initial meeting is to receive an orientation of the Recreation Enhancement Act, RRAC roles and responsibilities and to develop the process for making recommendations concerning recreation fee proposals on lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in California.
Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products
The Department is issuing this proposed rule governing the disposal of special forest products from National Forest System lands. Special forest products include, but are not limited to, wildflowers, mushrooms, moss, nuts, seeds, tree sap, and Christmas trees. This proposed rule also formally establishes a pilot program to charge and collect fees for the harvest and sale of forest botanical products on National Forest System lands. This proposed rule is intended to facilitate sustainable harvest of special forest products and forest botanical products. Public comment is invited and will be considered in the development of the final rule.
Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee
The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting to choose monitors for the projects that were awarded and a presentation on Education Weed Trunks. 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.
Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Peeled Baby Carrots From Kenya Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States of peeled baby carrots from Kenya. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of peeled baby carrots from Kenya.
Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Husked, Silk-Free Baby Corn From Kenya Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States of husked, silk-free baby corn from Kenya. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of husked, silk-free baby corn from Kenya.
Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Ribes Species Fruits From South Africa Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation into the continental United States of Ribes species fruits (i.e., currants and gooseberries) from South Africa. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of Ribes species fruits from South Africa.
Notice of Decision To Issue Permits for the Importation of Eggplant and Okra From Ghana Into All Areas of the United States and the Importation of Peppers From Ghana Into the Continental United States
We are advising the public of our decision to begin issuing permits for the importation of eggplant and okra from Ghana into all areas of the United States and the importation of peppers from Ghana into the continental United States. Based on the findings of a pest risk analysis, which we made available to the public for review and comment through a previous notice, we believe that the application of one or more designated phytosanitary measures will be sufficient to mitigate the risks of introducing or disseminating plant pests or noxious weeds via the importation of eggplant, okra, and peppers from Ghana.
Proposed Directives for Forest Service Outfitting and Guiding Special Use Permits and Insurance Requirements for Forest Service Special Use Permits
The Forest Service is proposing changes to directives governing special use permits for outfitting and guiding conducted on National Forest System lands by simplifying the application and administration process; establishing a flat land use fee for temporary use permits; developing a process for allocation of use on a first- come, first-served basis for temporary use permits to facilitate greater participation in outfitting and guiding by youth, educational, and religious groups; offering the same terms and conditions to educational and institutional permit holders as to other types of permit holders; and clarifying policy for priority use permits governing performance, inspections, and allocation of use. In addition, the Forest Service is proposing changes to a directive governing insurance requirements for Forest Service special use permits. Public comment is invited and will be considered in development of the final directives.
Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Modification of Timber Sale Contracts in Extraordinary Conditions; Noncompetitive Sale of Timber
This final rule revises regulations at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, part 223, on noncompetitive disposal of timber and other forest products based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that extraordinary conditions exist. A notice with request for comment on an interim final rule was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2006. The Forest Service made appropriate changes to the rule in response to the public comments.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to Invite Applications for the American Indian Credit Outreach Initiative
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is requesting applications for competitive cooperative agreement funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 for the credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian reservations within the contiguous United States. FSA anticipates the availability of $933,120 in funding. This request for applications is being made prior to passage of a final appropriations bill to allow applicants sufficient time to submit proposals, give the Agency maximum time to process applications, and permit continuity of this program. FSA requests proposals from eligible nonprofit organizations, land-grant institutions, and federally-recognized Indian tribal governments interested in a competitively-awarded cooperative agreement to create and implement a mechanism that will provide credit outreach and promotion, pre-loan education, one-on-one loan application preparation assistance and other related services as proposed by the successful applicant that are specific to FSA's Agricultural Credit Programs.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2006-07 Crop Natural (sun-dried) Seedless Raisins
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is adopting, as a final rule, without change, an interim final rule that established final volume regulation percentages for 2006-07 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 locally administered by the Raisin Administrative Committee (Committee). The volume regulation percentages are 90 percent free and 10 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.
Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mountain Ranger District; Oregon; East Maurys Fuels and Vegetation Management Project
On August 15, 2005, the USDA Forest Service (FS), Ochoco National Forest, published a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the Federal Register (70 FR 47785-47787) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the East Maurys Fuels and Vegetation Management Project. The FS revises that NOI as follows: Except for the sections noted, all prior information remains the same.
Six Rivers National Forest, California; Orleans Community Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project
The Six Rivers National Forest proposes to address hazardous fuels and forest health concerns through the Orleans Community Fuels Reduction and Forest Health (OCFR) Project, under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. The area affected by the proposal includes National Forest System lands surrounding the community of Orleans, California, which includes Tribal Trust Lands and portions of the Panamnik World Renewal Ceremonial District. The objective of these treatments is to provide strategic suppression locations across the landscape while reducing contiguous fuel accumulations and chance of catastrophic fires. Approximately 2,721 acres of forest would be treated by either ground-based, skyline, or hand systems. The planning area is located on National Forest System lands administered by the Orleans Ranger District in Humboldt County, California, specifically, within the upper tributaries of the Lower Middle Klamath watersheds. The units are located in portions of: T. 10 N., R. 5 E., Sections 1, 12, 13; T. 10 N., R. 6 E., Sections 4-9, 16- 17; T. 11 N., R. 5 E., Sections 1, 12, 13, 24, 25, 36; and T. 11 N., R. 6 E., Sections 4-9, 16-21, and 28-33.
Dry Fork Station and Hughes Transmission Line
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is extending the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dry Fork Station and Hughes Transmission Line. The Draft EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (U.S.C. 4231, et seq.) in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508) and RUS regulations (7 CFR part 1794). The Draft EIS is to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of and alternatives to the Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Basin Electric) application for a loan guarantee to construct a generation facility referred to as the Dry Fork Station, consisting of a single maximum net 385 Megawatt (MW) unit, at a site near Gillette, Wyoming, along with other proposed pollution controls collectively known as Best Available Control Technology (BACT). In addition, Basin Electric also proposes to construct and operate 136 miles of 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Campbell and Sheridan counties, referred to as the Hughes Transmission Project. Basin Electric is not, however, requesting a loan guarantee from RUS for this action. However, the Hughes Transmission Project is evaluated as a connected action for this EIS because the Dry Fork Station would interconnect with it if the Station is built. The Draft EIS was filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on August 24, 2007. Requests for extension of public comment periods may be honored per 40 CFR 1506.10. The initial 45-day public comment period was to end on October 15, 2007. With the 30-day extension, the new deadline for public comments is now November 19, 2007.
Forestry Research Advisory Council
The Forestry Research Advisory Council will meet in Berkeley, California, November 15-16, 2007. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in forestry research.
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