Department of Agriculture January 3, 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, is preparing the Custer Gallatin National Forest's revised land management plan (forest plan). The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for its revised forest plan. This notice briefly describes the proposed action based on the need to change the existing forest plans, the nature of the decision to be made, and information concerning public participation. This notice also describes estimated dates for filing the environmental impact statement, the name and address of the responsible agency officials, and the individuals who can provide additional information. Finally, this notice identifies the applicable planning rule that will be used for completing the plan revision. The revised Custer Gallatin Forest Plan will replace the existing Custer and Gallatin National Forest plans that were approved by the Regional Forester in 1986 and 1987. The existing forest plans will remain in effect until the revised forest plan takes effect. In response to this notice we are asking for comments on the proposed action and the Regional Forester's list of species of conservation concern. The full text of the proposed action, maps, and information on public engagement opportunities can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision'' and the link of interest. Information related to the Regional Forester's list of species of conservation concern can be found at https://bit.ly/NorthernRegion-SCC. Input gathered during this scoping period, as well as other information, will be used to prepare the draft forest plan and the draft EIS.

The Forest Service is proposing to revise its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures with the goal of increasing efficiency of environmental analysis. This will help the Forest Service implement its core mission by increasing the health and productivity of our Nation's forests for the benefit of all Americans, and in turn foster productive and sustainable use of National Forest System lands. The Agency's NEPA procedures are a key component of its overall environmental analysis and decision-making process. The Agency is seeking comments from the public on ways it can achieve the goals of increased efficiency of environmental analysis.