Department of Agriculture August 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License
Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to Plant Biofuels, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland, an exclusive license to the soybean varieties described in Plant Variety Protection Certificate Number 9800027, ``Derry,'' issued on June 30, 1999, and in Plant Variety Protection Certificate Number 9800028, ``Donegal,'' issued on June 30, 1999.
Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved 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 revision and extension of a currently approved information collection, the Honey Survey. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to an increase in the size of the target population, sample design, and slight improvements to the questionnaire to accommodate changes within the industry.
Notice of Intent To Request Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved 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 revision and extension of a currently approved information collection, the Fruits, Nuts, and Specialty Crops Surveys. Revision to burden hours will be needed due to changes in the size of the target population, sample design, minor changes in questionnaire design and an anticipated increase in response rates.
Information Collection; Application for Permit, Non-Federal Commercial Use of Roads
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the extension of a currently approved information collection, OMB 0596-0016, Application for Permit, Non-Federal Commercial Use of Roads Restricted by Order.
Notice of Proposed Change to Section IV of the Virginia State Technical Guide
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: 442, Irrigation System, Sprinkler; 441, Irrigation System, Microirrigation; 443, Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface; 447, Tailwater Recovery; 449, Irrigation Water Management; 309, Agchemical Handling Facility; 432, Dry Hydrant; 455, Land Reclamation, Toxic Discharge Control; 453, Land Reclamation, Landslide Treatment; 543, Land Reclamation, Abandoned Mined Land; 544, Land Reclamation, Currently Mined Land; 457, Mine Shaft and Adit Closing; 468, Lined Waterway or Outlet; 582, Open Channel; 584, Channel Stabilization; 580, Streambank and Shoreline Protection; 350, Sediment Basin. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.
Notice of Proposed Changes to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. These standards include: Aquaculture Ponds (Code 397), Contour Orchard and Other Perennial Crops (Code 331), Forage and Biomass Planting (Code 512), Forest Trails and Landings (Code 655), Heavy Use Area Protection (Code 561), Herbaceous Wind Barriers (Code 603), Integrated Pest Management (Code 595), Obstruction Removal (Code 500), Pumping Plant (Code 533), Sediment Basin (Code 350), Spoil Spreading (Code 572), Trail and Walkways (Code 568), and Vegetative Barrier (Code 601). Notice is also hereby given of the rescission of Prescribed Forestry (Code 409), effective October 1, 2009. NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for use within their States will incorporate them into section IV of their respective electronic Field Office Technical Guides. These practices may be used in conservation systems that treat highly erodible land (HEL) or on land determined to be a wetland. Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, requires NRCS to make available for public review and comment, all proposed revisions to conservation practice standards used to carry out HEL and wetland provisions of the law.
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request for possible financial assistance to Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. (Minnkota Power) for the construction of the proposed Distribution Substation and Overhead Transmission Line for the Keystone Pipeline Pump Station No. 17 Project in Steele County, North Dakota.
Walnuts Grown in California; Increased Assessment Rate and Changes to Regulations Governing Reporting and Recordkeeping
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Walnut Board (Board) for the 2009-10 and subsequent marketing years from $0.0131 to $0.0177 per kernelweight pound of assessable walnuts. This rule would also change reporting and recordkeeping regulations in conformance with amendments made on March 3, 2008, to the marketing order that regulates the handling of walnuts grown in California. The Board locally administers the marketing order. Assessments upon walnut handlers are used by the Board to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The marketing year begins September 1 and ends August 31. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Domestic Dates Produced or Packed in Riverside County, CA; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the California Date Administrative Committee (Committee) for the 2009- 10 and subsequent crop years from $0.60 to $0.75 per hundredweight of dates handled. The Committee locally administers the marketing order which regulates the handling of dates grown or packed in Riverside County, California. Assessments upon date handlers are used by the Committee to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The crop year begins October 1 and ends September 30. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended, or terminated.
Raisins Produced From Grapes Grown in California; Final Free and Reserve Percentages for 2008-09 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 2008-09 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 87 percent free and 13 percent reserve. The percentages are intended to help stabilize raisin supplies and prices, and strengthen market conditions.
Dairy Industry Advisory Committee
The USDA intends to establish the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (Committee). The purpose of the Committee is to review the issues of farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability and provide suggestions and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can best
Designation for the Pocatello, ID; Lewiston, ID; Evansville, IN; and Utah Areas
GIPSA is announcing the designation of the following organizations to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (USGSA): Idaho Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Idaho); Lewiston Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Lewiston); Ohio Valley Grain Inspection, Inc. (Ohio Valley); and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (Utah).
Wood Packaging Material Used in Domestic Commerce
We are soliciting public comment on regulatory options that could be applied to wood packaging material (e.g., crates, dunnage, wooden spools, pallets, packing blocks) used in domestic commerce to decrease the risk of the artificial spread of plant pests such as the emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle. These and other plant pests that could be transported interstate by wood packaging material pose a serious threat to U.S. agriculture and to natural, cultivated, and urban forests. We are also announcing our intent to prepare an environmental impact statement on various potential pest mitigation measures and opening a public scoping period for this document.
Agriculture and Antitrust Enforcement Issues in Our 21st Century Economy
The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) strongly believe that a competitive agriculture sector is vitally important to producers and consumers alike. To this end, the DOJ and USDA, with the participation of State Attorneys General, intend to hold a series of public workshops to explore competition issues affecting the agricultural sector in the 21st Century and the appropriate role for antitrust and regulatory enforcement in that sector. Agricultural producers and their representatives have expressed concerns about changes in the agricultural marketplace, including increasing processor concentration in some commodities. There have been several congressional oversight hearings related to competition in the agricultural sector, as well as legislative proposals to restrict the activities of agricultural processors and intensify federal government scrutiny of agricultural mergers.
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) 2010 for the credit outreach initiative targeted to American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth residing primarily on Indian reservations within the contiguous United States. Subject to the availability of appropriations, FSA anticipates the availability of up to $1,135,000 in funding and the award to one successful applicant through a Cooperative Agreement. This request for applications is being made prior to passage of an FY 2010 appropriations bill to allow applicants sufficient time to submit proposals, give the Agency maximum time to process applications, and permit continuity of this program. There is no certainty that there will be appropriated funds to fund these applications, so applicants submitting applications prior to the availability of appropriated funds do so at the risk that there may be no funding. 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, and one-on-one loan application preparation assistance to American Indian farmers, ranchers, and youth. Successful proposals may include other innovative services intended to enhance participation by American Indians in specific FSA Agricultural Credit Programs.
Information Collection; Certified State Mediation Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on an extension and revision of a currently approved information collection that supports the Certified State Mediation Program. The information collection is necessary to ensure the grant program is being administered properly. The collection of information by mail, phone, fax, in person, and by the Internet is utilized by FSA to initially determine whether the State meets the eligibility criteria to be a recipient of grant funds. Lack of adequate information to make these determinations could result in the improper administration and appropriation of Federal grant funds.
Mendocino Resource Advisory Committee
The Mendocino County Resource Advisory Committee will meet September 18, 2009 (RAC) in Willits, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Approval of minutes, (2) Handout Discussion, (3) Public Comment, (4) Financial Report, (5) Sub-committees, (6) Matters before the group, (7) Discussionapproval of projects, (8) Next agenda and meeting date.
Pears Grown in Oregon and Washington; Increased Assessment Rate
This rule would increase the assessment rate established for the Processed Pear Committee (PPC) for the 2009-2010 and subsequent fiscal periods from $6.25 to $8.41 per ton for ``summer/fall'' pears for canning. The PPC is responsible for local administration of the marketing order regulating the handling of pears for processing grown in Oregon and Washington. Assessments upon handlers of pears for processing are used by the PPC to fund reasonable and necessary expenses of the program. The fiscal period for the marketing order begins July 1 and ends June 30. The assessment rate would remain in effect indefinitely unless modified, suspended or terminated.
Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District, Minnesota; South Fowl Lake Snowmobile Access Project
The purpose of this project is to develop a safe, legal snowmobile access from the McFarland Lake area to South Fowl Lake on the Gunflint Ranger District, Superior National Forest. This project was previously scoped and analyzed in an Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2005. A Decision Notice on the project was issued in February 2006. The decision was litigated and the Minnesota District Court required that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared to ``evaluate more thoroughly the sound impact in the BWCAW''. This Notice of Intent begins the process for completing the required EIS and fulfilling the court order. Your comments on scoping this EIS will be most useful if they contain new information or issues on the scope of this project that were not submitted in previous comments on this project.
Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee
The Siuslaw Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Corvallis, OR. The purpose of the meeting is to hold RAC FY10 Business, Review 2009 Project Monitoring Results, Make recommendations for 2010 Title II Project Proposals.
Information Collection; Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Recreation Visitor Study
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: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Recreation Visitor Study2009.
Request for Proposals: Fiscal Year 2009 Funding Opportunity for Research on the Economic Impact of Cooperatives
Rural Business-Cooperative Service programs are administered through USDA Rural Development. USDA Rural Development announces the availability of $300,000 in competitive cooperative agreement funds for fiscal year (FY) 2009 to conduct research on the national economic impact of all types of cooperatives. USDA Rural Development hereby requests proposals from institutions of higher education interested in applying for a competitively awarded cooperative research agreement. This funding is a follow through on to funding awarded in FY 2006, FY 2007 and FY 2008, the intent of which was to encourage research on the critical issue of the economic value of cooperatives. Funding for FY 2009 is expected to expand upon research undertaken with FY 2006, FY 2007 and FY 2008 funds.
Notice of Funds Availability Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009; Correction
The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a document in the Federal Register on July 23, 2009, at 74 FR 36448. The document did not provide a date for the comment period for the collection of information under the DATES section or the ``Comments'' under the Paperwork Reduction Act section.
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 reauthorizes and modifies the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program as established by Subtitle C of Title I of the Trade Act of 2002, which amended the Trade Act of 1974. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical assistance and cash benefits to eligible producers of raw agricultural commodities and fishermen (jointly referred to as ``producers'') when the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator determines that increased imports of raw agricultural commodities, aquaculture products, or wild- caught aquatic species (jointly referred to as ``agricultural commodities'') have contributed importantly to a greater than 15 percent decrease in the national average price, or quantity of production, or value of production, or cash receipts for the agricultural commodity specified in the certified petition compared to the average of the three preceding marketing years. The rule establishes the procedure by which a group can submit a petition for certification of eligibility and individual producers of agricultural commodities can apply for technical assistance and cash benefits for the development and implementation of approved business adjustment plans.
Food Aid Quality Improvement Report
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is making available the Food Aid Quality Project report prepared by Sharing Science and Technology to Aid in the Improvement of Nutrition (SUSTAIN). The report contains recommendations for improvements in the specifications, micronutrient composition, commodity sampling, and testing regimes for commodities procured by FSA for the U.S. international food assistance programs.
Broadband Initiatives Program; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
RUS and NTIA announce additional measures to ensure that any pending electronic applications experiencing difficulties uploading attachments into the Easygrants[reg] System for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) can be submitted by the extended application deadline of August 20, 2009. The Easygrants[reg] System will not accept applications after 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009. In order to ensure that all pending electronic applications experiencing difficulties uploading attachments can be completed, the core application must be electronically submitted using the Easygrants[reg] System by 5 p.m. ET on August 20, 2009. The extension described herein pertains only to the attachments listed in the ``Uploads Checklist'' of the ``Uploads'' page of the Easygrants[reg] System, including documents submitted as Supplemental Information. The core application is defined as all fields and questions in the application, not including the attachments listed in the ``Uploads Checklist'' of the ``Uploads'' page. Any attachments that the applicant is unable to upload to the Easygrants[reg] System must be submitted by August 24, 2009, using one of the following methods of delivery: hand-delivery, overnight express, or regular mail.
Required Scale Tests
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is proposing to amend one section of the regulations under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, as amended (P&S Act), regarding the requirement that stockyard owners, market agencies, dealers, packers, or live poultry dealers that weigh livestock, live poultry, or feed, have their scales tested at least twice each calendar year at intervals of approximately 6 months. This proposal would amend the current regulations to state that the 6- month interval in which scale owners must have their scales tested each calendar year is no longer approximate. Specifically, the proposal would require that scale owners complete the first of the two scale tests between January 1 and June 30 of the calendar year. The remaining scale test would be required to be completed between July 1 and December 31 of the calendar year. In addition, a minimum period of 120 days would be required between these two tests. More frequent testing would still be required in cases where a scale does not maintain accuracy between tests. Finally, we are proposing to amend that section of the regulations to add ``swine contractors'' to the list of regulated entities to which the section applies. GIPSA believes that this proposed action would facilitate GIPSA's ability to regulate the business operations of stockyard owners, swine contractors, market agencies, dealers, packers, or live poultry dealers through the effective enforcement of the P&S Act.
Notice of Availability of Biotechnology Quality Management System Pilot Project Draft Audit Standard
We are reopening the comment period on the draft audit standard developed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for its Biotechnology Quality Management System pilot project. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments. The Biotechnology Quality Management System is a voluntary compliance assistance program designed to help stakeholders develop sound management practices, thus enhancing compliance with the regulatory requirements for environmental releases and movements of regulated articles in accordance with 7 CFR part 340.
Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will hold a public meeting to gather stakeholder input on important natural
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on air quality issues relating to agriculture.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request from Basin Electric Power Cooperative for assistance to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 115.5 MW wind-powered electric generating facility (the Proposal) in Ward County, North Dakota.
Grassland Reserve Program; Amendment
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), published in the Federal Register of January 21, 2009, an interim final rule with request for comment amending the program regulations for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) to incorporate programmatic changes authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act) using Regulation Identification Number (RIN) 0578-AA38. This amendment to the January 21, 2009, interim final rule corrects the RIN to read 0578-AA53, clarifies the nature of the contingent right of enforcement, expands its discussion regarding GRP policy for wind and solar power facilities, and requests comment on how GRP can be used to contribute to the Nation's efforts on energy, climate change, and carbon sequestration. Additionally, USDA seeks public input on the January 21, 2009, interim final rule, as amended. Therefore, USDA reopens the public comment period upon publication of this amendment until September 21, 2009.
Lake County Resource Advisory Committee
The Lake County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a meeting.
National Aquatic Animal Health Plan for the United States; Notice of Availability
We are advising the public that a National Aquatic Animal Health Plan (NAAHP) for the United States is being made available for public review and comment. The NAAHP was developed by a Task Force led by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department Agriculture, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is anticipated that this plan will provide a framework for how APHIS, FWS, and NMFS should develop programs for diseases that affect the health of aquatic animals such as finfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
The Office of the Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are sponsoring a public meeting on October 8, 2009. 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 31st Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), which will be held in D[uuml]sseldorf, Germany on November 2- November 6, 2009. In addition, a working group will meet on October 31st on the Development of Nutrient Reference Values for Nutrients Associated with Increased or Decreased Risk of Non-communicable Diseases. The Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety and FDA recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 31st Session of the CCNFSDU and to
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Federal Claims Collection Methods for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Recipient Claims
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. This collection is a revision of a currently approved collection associated with initiating and conducting Federal collection actions against households with delinquent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) recipient debts.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Form FNS-380-1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's Quality Control Review Schedule
As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collection of Form FNS-380-1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program's Quality Control Review Schedule. The proposed collection is a revision of collection currently approved under OMB No. 0584-0299.
Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee
The Fresno County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting in Clovis, California on September 16th. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss monitoring of the projects funded through the amended and reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 110-343) for expenditure of Payments to States Fresno County Title II funds and to begin discussing the timeline for accepting project applications for the next funding cycle.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Form FNS-143, Claim for Reimbursement (Summer Food Service Program); Correction
The Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service published a document in the Federal Register on August 7, 2009, concerning requests for comments on the Summer Food Service Program Claim for Reimbursement, Form FNS-143. The document contained an incorrect date.
Notice of Proposed Change to Section IV of the Virginia State Technical Guide
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.
Broadband Initiatives Program; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
RUS and NTIA announce that the application closing deadline for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is extended until 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009, for any electronic applications pending as of 5 p.m. ET on August 14, 2009. There are no changes to the filing instructions for paper applications.
Farm Storage Facility Loan and Sugar Storage Facility Loan Programs
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.
Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program
This notice announces that the Farm Service Agency (FSA), on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), has completed a Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the implementation of changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program enacted by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill).
Boundary Establishment for North Fork Smith and Upper Rogue National Wild and Scenic Rivers, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Jackson, Douglas, Klamath, and Josephine Counties, OR
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.
Wood Packaging Material Used in Domestic Commerce; Pest Mitigation Relating to Firewood Movement; Public Meetings
This is a notice to inform the public of four upcoming meetings to discuss mitigation measures that could be applied to wood packaging material (e.g., crates, dunnage, wooden spools, pallets, packing blocks) used in domestic commerce to decrease the risk of the artificial spread of plant pests such as the emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle. These and other plant pests that could be transported interstate by wood packaging material pose a serious threat to U.S. agriculture and to natural, cultivated, and urban forests. We will also be holding a meeting in order to solicit public comments and ideas concerning potential strategies for mitigating the risk of artificial spread of plant pests via the movement of firewood.
Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee
The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee will be meeting to assign monitors on 2008 projects and hold a short public forum (question and answer session). The meeting is being held pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 106-393) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393). The meeting is open to the public.
Plumas National Forest; California; Flea Project (Renamed Concow Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project)
The USDA, Forest Service, Plumas National Forest will prepare a draft EIS on a proposal to establish, develop and maintain an irregularly shaped network up to \1/2\ mile wide Defensible Fuels Profile Zones (DFPZs) on approximately 1,500 acres of National Forest System Land within the Wildland Urban Interface. The DFPZs would be located both within and west of the 2008 Butte Lightning Complex Fire perimeter, and are designed to improve the capacity of effective, traditional approaches to fire suppression and fire-fighting readiness, consistent with community and private land fuel break efforts. The Concow Project would establish Defensible Fuels Profile Zones to connect existing and proposed federal and private land fuel breaks, and parallel important residential evacuation routes and primary fire suppression access routes for greater community safety.
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