Department of Agriculture February 8, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We propose to add ``swine contractors'' to the list of regulated entities subject to specific regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act (the P&S Act). In 2002, Congress added swine contractors as entities regulated under the P&S Act. The specific regulations we propose to amend prohibit regulated entities from circulating misleading reports about market conditions or prices. We also propose to amend regulations that address inspection of business records and facilities, information that regulated entities are required to share with the Secretary of Agriculture, and USDA's responsibility to refrain from unauthorized disclosure of that information. The goal of these regulations is to ensure fairness in the marketing of livestock, meat, and poultry. Adding swine contractors to specific regulations under the P&S Act will assist swine contractors and swine production contract growers with determining which regulations apply to them. Adding swine contractors to specific regulations will also make it easier for GIPSA to identify potential violations and to enforce the provisions of the P&S Act and regulations.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of approximately $4.4 million in competitive grant funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) Program. The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications for FY 2008 and award grants on or before September 12, 2008. The maximum award per grant is $200,000 and matching funds are required.

It has been determined by the NRCS State Conservationist for Virginia that changes must be made in the NRCS State Technical Guide specifically in practice standards: 578, Stream Crossing; 574, Spring Development; 561, Heavy Use Area protection; 575, Animal Trails and Walkways; and 560, Access Road. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.

The Umatilla National Forest is proposing to charge fees at 39 recreation sites. Fees are assessed based on the leval of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. The fees listed below are only proposed. The final fees will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. Funds from fees would be retained locally and used for the continued operation and maintenance of these recreation sites. The public has been notified of proposed fees in several ways. In July of 2007, signs were posted at all potentially affected campgrounds, rental cabins, and trail heads requesting public feedback on the proposed fees. Press releases regarding the Umatilla National Forest's recreation facility master plan and fee proposals were issued to area newspapers on September 11 of 2007. The release was followed by 7 open houses held in communities across the Forest during September and October. The fee proposal continues to be advertised on the Umatilla National Forest's Web site. Rental Cabins: Fremont Caretaker's Cabin on the North Fork John Day Ranger District and Tucannon Guard Station on the Pomeroy Ranger District will be available for overnight rental. A financial analysis is being completed to determine the rental fees; the range being considered is from $70 to $100 per night. Cabin rentals offer a unique experience and are a popular offering in National Forests. Both cabins were recently restored to maintain their eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. Fees would continue to help protect and maintain cabins and their historic integrity. Campgrounds: The Umatilla National Forest is proposing to begin charging fees at 20 campgrounds. These sites provide similar amenities as sites that currently require fees. They are as follows: Big Creek, Divide Wells, Driftwood, Drift Fence, Gold Dredge, Oriental, and Winom campgrounds in the North Fork John Day Ranger District; Coalmine Hill, Fairview, and Penland campgrounds in the Heppner Ranger District; Alder thicket, Big Springs, Forest boundary, Godman, Ladybug, Midway, Misery Springs, Panjab, Pataha, and Wickiup campgrounds on the Pomeroy Ranger District. A financial analysis is being completed to determine fee rates.The fees proposed to help maintain these sites would range between $5 and $14 for single sites, $10-$16 for double sites, $20-$40 for group sites. There would be an extra $5.00 charge per additional vehicle per campsite at all the listed campgrounds. Trailheads: The Umatilla National Forest proposes charging fees at the following 17 trailheads: North Fork John Day, Frazier, Winom, and Big Creek trailheads on the North Fork John Day Ranger District; Elk Flats, Meadow Creek, Panjab, Teepee, Three Forks, Timothy Springs, Tucannon, and Twin Buttes on Pomeroy Ranger District; and Burnt Cabin, Deduct Pond, Middle Point, North Fork Umatilla, and Rough Fork on the Walla Walla Ranger District. These sites would be established as fee sites since amenities such as toilets, garbage service, and interpretive signing have been or will be added. Recreation Passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass would cover day use fees for these trailheads. Northwest Forest Passes are $5 for a daily pass and $30 for an annual pass.