Department of Agriculture September 2018 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed East Smoky Panel Mine Project at Smoky Canyon Mine, Caribou County, ID
Document Number: 2018-21204
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF), have prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed East Smoky Panel Mine Project (Project), and by this Notice announce the opening of the public comment period.
Boundary Establishment for Black Butte National Wild and Scenic River, Including Portions of Cold Creek, Mendocino National Forest, Mendocino County, California
Document Number: 2018-21163
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with Section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the USDA Forest Service, Washington Office, is transmitting the final boundary of the Black Butte National Wild and Scenic River, including portions of Cold Creek, to Congress.
Chugach National Forest; Alaska; Notice of a Proposed Amendment to the Chugach National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, Applying Only to the Sterling Highway Milepost 45-60 Project
Document Number: 2018-21153
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
On May 31, 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed a Record of Decision for the Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Project, which involves highway construction and reconstruction near Cooper Landing, Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service participated as a cooperating agency with FHWA and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in the preparation of the draft and final Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). To support the FHWA decision, the Forest Service proposes a project-specific Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) amendment to make the selected route consistent with the Chugach Forest Plan.
Petition To Permit Waivers of Maximum Line Speeds for Young Chicken Establishments Operating Under the New Poultry Inspection System; Criteria for Consideration of Waiver Requests for Young Chicken Establishments To Operate at Line Speeds of Up to 175 Birds per Minute
Document Number: 2018-21143
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responding to public comments on a petition submitted by the National Chicken Council (NCC) on September 1, 2017, and is also providing information on the criteria applicable to line speed waivers for young chicken establishments. The NCC submitted a petition to FSIS requesting that the Agency establish a waiver program to permit young chicken slaughter establishments to operate without line speed limits if they participate in the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) and the FSIS Salmonella Initiative Program (SIP) and develop a system for monitoring and responding to loss of process control. FSIS issued a response denying the petition on January 29, 2018. The response explained that instead of establishing a separate line speed waiver program under the conditions requested in the petition, FSIS would make available criteria that it will use under its existing waiver procedures to consider individual waiver requests from young chicken establishments to operate at line speeds of up to 175 bpm. FSIS published these criteria in the February 23, 2018, Constituent Update. This notice provides additional information on the criteria that FSIS will use to evaluate new line speed waiver request submissions. Additionally, FSIS is announcing that the 20 young chicken establishments already operating under line speed waivers must meet the new criteria to remain eligible for the waiver. FSIS will issue these establishments new waiver letters that reflect the eligibility criteria described in this document. Failure by establishments already operating under line speed waivers to meet the new criteria within 120 days of receipt of these letters may result in the revocation of the waivers.
Notice of Intent To Request Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection
Document Number: 2018-21051
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Economic Research Service (ERS) to request extension of a currently approved information collection, the Generic Clearance for Survey Research Studies.
Information Collection: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean
Document Number: 2018-20986
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the renewal of the currently approved information collection, Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean.
Guarantee Fee Rates for Guaranteed Loans for Fiscal Year 2019; Maximum Portion of Guarantee Authority Available for Fiscal Year 2019; Annual Renewal Fee for Fiscal Year 2019
Document Number: 2018-20944
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service
This notice helps to improve applicants' awareness of the Guarantee Fee rates for Guaranteed Loans for fiscal year (FY) 2019, the Maximum Portion of Guarantee Authority Available for FY 2019, and the Annual Renewal Fee for FY 2019 when applying for guaranteed loans under the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program. The Agency has the authority to charge a guarantee fee and an annual renewal fee for loans made under the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. Pursuant to that authority, and subject to the Continuing Resolution, the Agency is establishing an initial guarantee fee rate of 3 percent and an annual renewal fee rate of one-half of 1 percent for the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. The initial guarantee fee is paid at the time the Loan Note Guarantee is issued. The annual renewal fee is paid by the lender to the Agency once a year. Payment of the annual renewal fee is required in order to maintain the enforceability of the guarantee. Additionally, the Agency will require the borrower to have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration prior to obligation and maintain the active registration until all funds are disbursed.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20939
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Advisory Committee and Research and Promotion Background Information
Document Number: 2018-20861
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
This notice announces the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) intention to request an extension and a revision to the currently approved Advisory Committee and Research and Promotion Background Information AD-755 Supplemental ListAgricultural Marketing Service Commodity Specific Questionnaire. The revised form will now require applicants to indicate their U.S. citizenship status. The primary objective is to determine the qualifications, suitability, and availability of a candidate to serve on advisory committees and/or research and promotion boards.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20825
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20822
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA); Market Facilitation Program (MFP) Payments to Producers
Document Number: 2018-20773
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Commodity Credit Corporation, Farm Service Agency
MFP provides payments to producers with commodities that have been significantly impacted by actions of foreign governments resulting in the loss of traditional exports. This NOFA announces the availability of MFP funds for eligible producers of shelled almonds and fresh sweet cherries and makes a correction to a previously issued NOFA published on August 30, 2018, with respect to MFP funds availability for hogs. On behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers MFP. MFP participants will receive an MFP payment, calculated based on the eligible production multiplied by the participant's share multiplied by the MFP payment rate.
Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Biennial Review and Republication of the Select Agent and Toxin List; Amendments to the Select Agent and Toxin Regulations; Technical Amendment
Document Number: 2018-20694
Type: Rule
Date: 2018-09-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
As part of a final rule published in the Federal Register on October 5, 2012, we amended and republished the list of select agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. In that final rule we removed bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent from the list of select agents or toxins, but we neglected to remove it from the list of those select agents or toxins whose seizure must be reported within 24 hours by telephone, facsimile, or email. We are remedying that oversight in this document. We are also updating the name of another select agent to reflect its most current scientific classification, correcting a typographical error, and updating the name of a guidance document referenced in the regulations.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20686
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20586
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Tart Cherries Grown in the States of Michigan, et al.; Free and Restricted Percentages for the 2017-18 Crop Year for Tart Cherries
Document Number: 2018-20583
Type: Rule
Date: 2018-09-21
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rule implements a recommendation from the Cherry Industry Administrative Board (Board) to establish free and restricted percentages, or the proportion of 2017 tart cherries which may be handled in commercial outlets, for the 2017-18 crop year under the Marketing Order for tart cherries grown in the states of Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request; Correction
Document Number: 2018-20582
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (the Agency) published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register on September 6, 2018, inviting comments on information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested. The document provided incorrect date. This notice provides for a correction to the ``Date'' caption to allow for a 60-day comment period.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20559
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Meeting Notice of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board
Document Number: 2018-20452
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App 2, Section 1408 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3123), and the Agricultural Act of 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces a virtual meeting of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board.
Notice of Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Fresh Peppers From Peru Into the Continental United States and the Territories
Document Number: 2018-20449
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request a revision to and extension of approval of an information collection associated with the regulations for the importation of fresh peppers from Peru into the continental United States and the Territories.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU)
Document Number: 2018-20443
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture
The U.S Codex Program is sponsoring a public meeting on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States (U.S.) positions to be discussed at the 40th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Berlin, Germany November 26-30, 2018. The U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius and the Under Secretary, Office of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 40th Session of the CCNFSDU and to address items on the agenda.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH)
Document Number: 2018-20442
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture
The U.S Codex Office is sponsoring a public meeting on October 9, 2018. The objective of the public meeting is to provide information and receive public comments on agenda items and draft United States (U.S.) positions to be discussed at the 50th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Panama City, Panama on November 1216, 2018. The U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius and the Under Secretary, Office of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 50th Session of the CCFH and to address items on the agenda.
Eligibility of Thailand To Export Siluriformes Fish and Fish Products to the United States
Document Number: 2018-20380
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Siluriformes fish inspection regulations to list Thailand as a country eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States. FSIS is proposing this action because the Agency has reviewed Thailand's laws, regulations, and inspection system as implemented and has determined that Thailand's Siluriformes fish inspection system is equivalent to the system that the United States has established under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations. Under this proposal, only raw Siluriformes fish and fish products produced in certified Thailand establishments would be eligible for export to the United States. All such products would continue to be subject to re-inspection at U.S. points-of-entry by FSIS inspectors.
Eligibility of the People's Republic of China To Export Siluriformes Fish and Fish Products to the United States
Document Number: 2018-20379
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Siluriformes fish inspection regulations to list the People's Republic of China (PRC) as a country eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States. FSIS is proposing this action because the Agency has reviewed the PRC's laws, regulations, and inspection system as implemented and has determined that the PRC's Siluriformes fish inspection system is equivalent to the system that the United States has established under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations. Under this proposal, only raw Siluriformes fish and fish products produced in certified PRC establishments would be eligible for export to the United States. All such products would continue to be subject to re-inspection at United States points-of-entry by FSIS inspectors.
Eligibility of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Export Siluriformes Fish and Fish Products to the United States
Document Number: 2018-20376
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend the Siluriformes fish inspection regulations to list the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam) as a country eligible to export Siluriformes fish and fish products to the United States. FSIS is proposing this action because the Agency has reviewed Vietnam's laws, regulations, and inspection system as implemented and has determined that Vietnam's Siluriformes fish inspection system is equivalent to the system that the United States has established under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and its implementing regulations. Under this proposal, only raw Siluriformes fish and fish products produced in certified Vietnamese establishments would be eligible for export to the United States. All such products would continue to be subject to re-inspection at U.S. points-of-entry by FSIS inspectors.
Removal of Emerald Ash Borer Domestic Quarantine Regulations
Document Number: 2018-20296
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are proposing to remove the domestic quarantine regulations for the plant pest emerald ash borer. This action would discontinue the domestic regulatory component of the emerald ash borer program as a means to more effectively direct available resources toward management and containment of the pest. Funding previously allocated to the implementation and enforcement of these domestic quarantine regulations would instead be directed to a nonregulatory option of research into, and deployment of, biological control agents for emerald ash borer, which would serve as the primary tool to mitigate and control the pest.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20281
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization Demonstration Program Under Section 514, Section 515, and Section 516; Correction
Document Number: 2018-20215
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service
This document corrects four items in the initial Notice that published in the Federal Register on September 5, 2017, entitled ``Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) Demonstration Program Under Section 514, Section 515, and Section 516.'' These items revise and clarify the application submission dates, transfer deferral only approval timelines and Agency processing actions.
Notice of Availability of the Alabama Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan II and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats; Habitat Projects on Federally Managed Lands; Nutrient Reduction (Nonpoint Source); Sea Turtles; Marine Mammals; Birds; and Oysters and Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2018-20168
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Deepwater Horizon Federal and State natural resource trustee agencies for the Alabama Trustee Implementation Group (AL TIG) have prepared a Final Restoration Plan II and Environmental Assessment (Final RP II/EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Final RP II/EA describes the restoration project alternatives considered by the AL TIG to meet the Trustees' goals to restore and conserve habitat, replenish and protect living coastal and marine resources, restore water quality, and provide for monitoring and adaptive management. The AL TIG evaluated these alternatives under criteria set forth in the OPA natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) regulations and evaluated the environmental consequences of the restoration alternatives in accordance with NEPA. Monitoring and adaptive management activities to address information gaps necessary to inform future restoration are included in this Final RP II/EA. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the availability of the Final RP II/EA and FONSI.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2019; Correction
Document Number: 2018-20119
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) published a notice in the Federal Register of August 14, 2018, announcing the acceptance of applications for funds available under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The 2014 Farm Bill provides funding for the program for FY 2017. This notice provides corrections to: Section V. Application Review Information, subsection B. Review and Selection Process, subparagraphs (1)(c), (1)(d), and (3) to indicate applications received by April 1, 2019.
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Document Number: 2018-20070
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Telecommunications Program: Notice of availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2018-20051
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in association with the ``Broadband Deployment to Rural America'' Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) published on March 1, 2016. The PEA provides a broad environmental analysis of the Agency's preliminary decisions and includes a tiered, site-specific analysis at the project level that would be completed before Agency dispersal of funds and/or applicant construction.
Information Collection; Understanding Value Trade-Offs Regarding Fire Hazard Reduction Programs in the Wildland-Urban Interface
Document Number: 2018-20046
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the renewal of a currently approved information collection, Understanding Value Trade-offs regarding Fire Hazard Reduction Programs in the Wildland-Urban Interface (OMB # 0596-0189), with a revision for the removal of in-depth phone interviews and minor changes in questionnaire.
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Madison Ranger District; Montana; Strawberry to Cascade Allotment Management Plans
Document Number: 2018-20045
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Strawberry to Cascade allotment management plans (AMPs). The proposed project would revise grazing management on the Barnett, Black Butte, Coal Creek, Cottonwood, Fossil-Hellroaring, Lyon-Wolverine, Poison Basin, and Upper Ruby allotments (sheep grazing portions) in the Gravelly Mountain Range on the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (B-D NF).
Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Ranger District, Teton County, Wyoming; Snow King Mountain Resort On-Mountain Improvements Project Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2018-20044
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service, Bridger-Teton National Forest is issuing this notice to advise the public that the public scoping period for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement on the Snow King Mountain Resort On-mountain Improvements Project has been reopened.
Announcement of Intent To Establish the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and Solicitation of Nominations for Membership
Document Number: 2018-20013
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services
The Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services published a document in the Federal Register of September 6, 2018 concerning solicitation of nominations for membership on the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The document contained incorrect dates.
Notice of Recommended Standard Methods for Use as Soil Health Indicator Measurements
Document Number: 2018-19985
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Notice is hereby given of the intention of NRCS to issue a technical note on a group of recommended standard methods for soil health indicators selected by a collaborative multi-organizational effort, as described in the document. USDA/NRCS and partner efforts to assess soil health problems and impacts of management nationally, as part of conservation planning and implementation, will be facilitated if soil health indicators are measured using a standard set of methods. Soil health is defined as the capacity of the soil to function as a vital living ecosystem to sustain plants, animals, and humans. Six key soil physical and biological processes were identified that must function well in a healthy soil, and therefore would especially benefit from measurement methods standardization: (1) Organic matter dynamics and carbon sequestration, (2) soil structural stability, (3) general microbial activity, (4) C food source, (5) bioavailable N, and (6) microbial community diversity. The chosen methods met several criteria including indicator effectiveness with respect to management sensitivity and process interpretability, ease of use, cost effectiveness, measurement repeatability, and ability to be used for agricultural management decisions. The soil health indicator methods included are soil organic carbon (dry combustion), water-stable aggregation (Mikha and Rice, 2004), short-term mineralizable carbon (Schindelbeck et al., 2016), four enzymes: [beta]-glucosidase (Deng and Popova, 2011), N-acetyl-[beta]-D-glucosaminidase (Deng and Popova, 2011), acid or alkaline phosphatase (Acosta-Mart[iacute]nez and Tabatabai, 2011), and arylsulfatase (Klose et al., 2011), permanganate oxidizable carbon (Schindelbeck et al. 2016), autoclaved citrate extractable (ACE) protein (Schindelbeck et al. 2016), and phospholipid fatty acid analysis (Buyer and Sasser 2012). Standard operating procedures to be used in laboratories have been provided in the appendices.
Establishing a Performance Standard for Authorizing the Importation and Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables
Document Number: 2018-19984
Type: Rule
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We are amending our regulations governing the importation of fruits and vegetables by broadening our existing performance standard to provide for approval of all new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States using a notice-based process. We are also removing the region- or commodity-specific phytosanitary requirements currently found in these regulations. Likewise, we are making an equivalent revision of the performance standard in our regulations governing the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables from Hawaii and the U.S. territories (Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and removing the commodity- specific phytosanitary requirements from those regulations. This action will allow for the approval of requests to authorize the importation or interstate movement of new fruits and vegetables in a manner that enables a more flexible and responsive regulatory approach to evolving pest situations in both the United States and exporting countries. It will not, however, alter the science-based process in which the risk associated with importation or interstate movement of a given fruit or vegetable is evaluated or the manner in which risks associated with the importation or interstate movement of a fruit or vegetable are mitigated.
Notice of New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
Document Number: 2018-19966
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest will be implementing new fees at four cabin/lookout rentals, six campgrounds, two group campsites, and nine day use sites. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment. Fee receipts will be used to improve customer services, operate and maintain facilities and to make needed improvements. A complete list of the site fees can be found at: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/home/?cid=FSEPRD571220.
Notice of New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
Document Number: 2018-19965
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Coronado National Forest is proposing new recreation fees at 13 day use sites at $8 a day or $40 for an annual pass, four campgrounds at $15 a day, and six group camping sites and one group picnic site at $50 a day, plus $10 per vehicle per day. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operations and maintenance, and market assessment. Fee revenue would be used for the continued operation and maintenance as well as improvements to the facilities within the recreation sites.
Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
Document Number: 2018-19964
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Huron-Manistee National Forests proposes to charge fees at several campsites and special recreation areas. Fees range from $5 per day to $60 per day based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operations and maintenance, and market assessment. A new day use fee of $5 per vehicle is proposed for Iargo Springs Interpretive Site, McKinley Horse Trailhead, Luzerne Horse Trailhead, and Eagle Run Cross Country Ski Trailhead. New camping fees of $10 per night are proposed for Red Bridge Access, Sulak Recreation Area, McKinley Horse Trail Campsites, Buttercup Backcountry Campsites, Cathedral Pines Backcountry Group Campsite, Meadow Springs Backcountry Campsites, Bear Island Backcountry Campsites, River Dune Backcountry Campsites, Luzerne Horse Trail Campground, and Government Landing Access Campsites. New group campground fees of $45 per night are proposed for the group sites at AuSable Loop Recreation Area Campground, Mack Lake ORV Campground, Kneff Lake Recreation Area, and Gabions Campground. New group campground fee of $60 per night is proposed for the group sites at McKinley Horse Trail Campground, Luzerne Horse Trail Campground, and River Road Horse Trail Camp. Fees will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. An analysis of nearby campsites with similar amenities shows that the proposed fees are reasonable and typical of similar sites in the area. Funds from fees would be used for the continued operation and maintenance and improvements of these sites.
Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
Document Number: 2018-19963
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Monongahela National Forest is proposing to charge a reservation fee at the newly constructed Seneca Rocks Picnic Shelter of $75 per day plus a $10 service fee. Advance reservations for the shelter will be available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1- 877-444-6777. Use of the shelter during unreserved times will remain free of charge. The final fee price will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. An analysis of nearby shelters with similar amenities shows that the proposed fee is reasonable and typical of similar sites in the area. Funds from the fee would be used for the continued operation, maintenance, and improvements of this site.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Generic Clearance To Conduct Pre-Testing of Surveys
Document Number: 2018-19910
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on this proposed information collection. This collection is an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection to conduct various procedures to test questionnaires and survey procedures to improve the quality and usability of information collection instruments.
Cranberries Grown in the States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York; Proposed Amendment to Marketing Order 929 and Referendum Order
Document Number: 2018-19834
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
This rulemaking proposes an amendment to Marketing Order No. 929, which regulates the handling of cranberries grown in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, and Long Island in the State of New York. The Cranberry Marketing Committee (Committee), recommended adding authority to accept contributions from domestic sources for research and development activities authorized under the marketing order and that would be free from any encumbrances as to their use by the donor.
Designation of Product Categories for Federal Procurement
Document Number: 2018-19681
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property Management
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to amend the Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement (Guidelines) to add 30 sections that will designate the product categories within which biobased products would be afforded procurement preference by Federal agencies and their contractors. These 30 product categories contain finished products that are made, in large part, from intermediate ingredients that have been proposed for designation for Federal procurement preference. USDA is also proposing minimum biobased contents for each of these product categories. Additionally, USDA is proposing to amend the existing designated product categories of general purpose de-icers, firearm lubricants, laundry products, and water clarifying agents.
Oil and Gas Resources
Document Number: 2018-19962
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is preparing to revise the contents of its Oil and Gas Resources regulations. This advance notice is intended to give the public the opportunity to comment on key issues regarding implementation of the existing regulations or to bring other issues of concern to the USDA Forest Service's attention. Comments will help the USDA Forest Service determine the next steps in addressing the oil and gas regulations. The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this advance notice is significant under E.O. 12866.
Locatable Minerals
Document Number: 2018-19961
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2018-09-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
The Forest Service is requesting comments from the public regarding the need to clarify or to otherwise enhance its regulations that minimize adverse environmental impacts on National Forest System surface resources in connection with operations authorized by the United States mining laws. These rules and procedures govern prospecting, exploration, development, mining, and processing operations conducted on National Forest System lands authorized by the Mining Law of 1872, as amended, subsequent reclamation of the land, and any necessary long-term post-closure resource management. The goals of the regulatory revision are to expedite Forest Service review of certain proposed mineral operations authorized by the United States mining laws, and, where applicable, Forest Service approval of some of these proposals by clarifying the regulations, to increase consistency with the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) surface management regulations governing operations authorized by the United States mining laws to assist those who conduct these operations on lands managed by each agency, and to increase the Forest Service's nationwide consistency in regulating mineral operations authorized by the United States mining laws by clarifying its regulations .
Joint Public Meeting on the Use of Cell Culture Technology To Develop Products Derived From Livestock and Poultry
Document Number: 2018-19907
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are hosting a joint public meeting to discuss the potential hazards, oversight considerations, and labeling of cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry tissue. FSIS and FDA officials will make presentations on their roles and responsibilities relative to the production and labeling of safe and wholesome food and their respective regulatory frameworks, including their inspection systems, as a basis for discussing what oversight framework might be most appropriate for cell cultured food products derived from livestock and poultry. Representatives of industry, interested individuals, and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the meeting.
Extension of Period To Submit Expression of Interest for Potential Sites for Headquarters Office Locations
Document Number: 2018-19877
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the period for interested parties to submit an expression of interest for a proposed new headquarters location for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS). The Department is extending the period to submit an expression of interest for 30 days.
Notice of Request for Approval of New Information Collection for Almonds Grown in California (Marketing Order No. 981)
Document Number: 2018-19827
Type: Notice
Date: 2018-09-12
Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval for ballots and a petition form used to collect nominations of members and alternates to serve on the Board. Once approved, the forms would be merged with other forms the Board and AMS uses to collect information under Federal Marketing Order No. 981, Almonds Grown in California.
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