Department of Agriculture August 18, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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: 500, Obstruction Removal; 326, Clearing and Snagging; 460, Land Clearing; 572, Spoil Spreading; 466, Land Smoothing; 521C, Pond Sealing or Lining, Bentonite Sealant; 521B, Pond Sealing or Lining, Soil Dispersant; 521A, Pond Sealing or Lining, Flexible Membrane; 521D, Pond Sealing, Compacted Clay Treatment. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is amending the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) and Sugar Storage Facility Loan (SSFL) regulations to implement provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill). The 2008 Farm Bill adds hay and renewable biomass as eligible FSFL commodities, extends the maximum loan term to 12 years, and increases the maximum loan amount to $500,000. This rule also adds fruits and vegetables (including nuts) as eligible facility loan commodities and adds cold storage facilities as eligible facilities pursuant to discretionary authority in the 2008 Farm Bill. This rule amends the regulations to clarify requirements for loan security and to allow for a partial loan disbursement during construction if certain conditions are met. This rule amends the FSFL program regulations, which include SSFLs; however, there are no changes to the specific requirements for SSFLs.

On August 4, 2009, in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 127 1-1287 (section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act), the USDA Forest Service, Washington Office, transmitted the final boundaries of the North Fork Smith and Upper Rogue National Wild and Scenic Rivers to Congress. As specified by law, the boundaries will not be effective until ninety days after Congress receives the transmittal.