Department of Agriculture September 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

An interim final rule published July 31, 2008 amending the manufacturing cost allowances and the butterfat yield factor used in Class III and Class IV product-price formulas applicable in all Federal milk marketing orders had an effective date of September 1, 2008. The effective date of the Interim Rule will now be October 1, 2008. The rule's effective date is delayed because a complaint to enjoin the implementation of the revised manufacturing allowances and butterfat yield factor was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Delaying implementation allows sufficient time for a preliminary injunction hearing.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development or the agency, has made a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) in connection with the addition and operation of a second 600 megawatt combined-cycle combustion turbine generation facility proposed by Brazos Electric Power Cooperative (Brazos), of Waco, Texas.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces solicitation for nominations to fill twelve vacancies on the Forestry Research Advisory Council. The Council membership is appointed with staggered terms of one, two, and three years. Nominations for a three-year appointment for all twelve positions are sought.

The Fremont-Winema National Forests are planning to start charging fees at ten recreation campground sites, and increase camp fees at three existing fee sites and five recreation cabin rentals. The Forest is committed to responsibly serving the public by efficiently operating and, when necessary, modifying the services to ensure developed recreation sites are managed to health and safety standards, and provide recreation opportunities strategically across the Forests. As demographics change and new challenges are presented, it is the Forest's responsibility to respond and ensure that appropriate recreation services and facilities are available to the public.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 only 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. Aspen Cabin, Bald Butte Lookout, Currier Guard Station, Drake Peak Lookout andHager Mountain Lookout will continue to be available for overnight rental. The facilities are currently available for rent at either $25 or $30 per night. A financial analysis is being completed to determine the appropriate rental fee to cover operating expenses. Future fees may range between $40 and $50 per night. Lookout and forest cabin rentals offer a unique experience and are a widely popular offering on National Forests. Fees would continue to help protect and maintain lookout and cabin rentals and their historic integrity. The fee structure at Digit Point Campground is proposed to change from the required $10.00 per campsite plus $5.00 for an extra vehicle for overnight use to $12.00 per campsite plus $5.00 for an extra vehicle. A fee of $5.00 per campsite is proposed when the water system is no longer active, primarily in the spring and fall. The fee structure at Williamson River Campground is proposed to change from $6.00 per campsite plus $2.00 for an extra vehicle for overnight use to $10.00 per campsite plus $4.00 for an extra vehicle. The fee structure at East Bay Campground is proposed to change from $8.00 per campsite plus $2.00 for an extra vehicle for overnight use to $10.00 per campsite plus $4.00 for an extra vehicle. Campbell, Deadhorse, Cottonwood, Dog Lake, Lofton, Marster Springs, SilverCreek Marsh (campground and trailhead) and Thompson Reservoir Campgrounds are currently free full service campground sites. A financial analysis is being completed to determine appropriate fee rates. The proposed fee would be used to help maintain these campgrounds and is proposed to be between $6 and $8 a campsite, and $2.00 for an additional vehicle. Walt Haring Snow Park is currently a free full service campground with a recreation vehicle dump station. A financial analysis is being completed to determine appropriate fee rates. The proposed fee would be used to help maintain this campground and is proposed to be between $6 and $8 a campsite. A fee of $5.00 is also proposed for use of the recreation vehicle dump station.Recreation fees would be reinvested in campground and cabin facilities where a fee is charged.

This notice announces that the fee to be charged for the 2009 tariff-rate quota (TRQ) year for each license issued to a person or firm by the Department of Agriculture authorizing the importation of certain dairy articles, which are subject to tariff-rate quotas set forth in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States, will be $150.00 per license.

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 regulations for the importation of peppers from certain Central American countries.

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is soliciting letters of interest to participate in a voluntary pilot project for its Biotechnology Quality Management System (BQMS). The BQMS is a voluntary compliance assistance program designed to help stakeholders develop sound management practices, thus enhancing compliance with the regulatory requirements for field trials and movement of genetically engineered organisms in 7 CFR part 340. The Pilot Development Project will test the applicability of a biotechnology quality management audit standard and accompanying guidelines and assist APHIS in further development of BQMS. APHIS' goal for the pilot project is to obtain feedback from participants on the strengths and areas for improvement to the audit standard and guidelines prior to full implementation of the system.

We are announcing designation of the following organizations to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (USGSA): Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); Decatur Grain Inspection, Inc. (Decatur); Hastings Grain Inspection, Inc. (Hastings); John R. McCrea Agency, Inc. (McCrea); Missouri Department of Agriculture (Missouri); and South Carolina Department of Agriculture (South Carolina).