Natural Resources Conservation Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues relating to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. A draft agenda is included with this notice. The meeting is open to the public.
Appeal Procedures
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issues this final rule amending NRCS' informal appeal procedures as required by Title II of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (the 1994 Act). This final rule amends regulations promulgated by the interim final rule published on May 16, 2006, and also includes new language to address comments and make procedural and structural changes in relation to 6 years of implementation.
Withdrawal of Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Deckers Creek Watershed, Preston County, WV
In the Monday, November 21, 2011, Federal Register, Vol. 76. No. 224, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced its intension to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the rehabilitation of the Upper Deckers Creek Site 1, in Preston County, West Virginia. Preparation of an EIS is no longer planned at this time. The purpose of the project is to bring the dam up to current dam safety standards. NRCS policy requires that an EIS be prepared for watershed project activities that include stream channel realignment, increases in channel capacity, or projects that require congressional action or that have the potential to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Upon review, it now appears that none of these conditions apply to the Upper Deckers Creek Site 1 dam rehabilitation project. Therefore, NRCS is withdrawing its Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS.
Notice of Availability of the Record of Decisions (ROD) for Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) In Cooperation With the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Project FHWA-TN-EIS-04-01-F
This notice presents the Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) decided to subordinate its rights, acquired under the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), to allow the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to construct a limited access expressway to cross NRCS held conservation easements associated with the Federal Highway Administration (Interstate 69, Section of Independent Utility 9 Project in Desoto County, Mississippi). The project will affect approximately one NRCS held WRP easement in Mississippi. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the re-evaluation environmental impact statement (EIS) to fulfill requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). FHWA issued the order of issuing certificate on June 17, 2011.
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues related to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the public, and a draft agenda is included in this notice.
Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative and Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the availability of financial assistance funds in fiscal year (FY) 2012 for up to $11.74 million in the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) and up to $25 million in the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) through MRBI. These funding levels are available for new MRBI proposals only. However, CCPI and WREP will not be the only funding mechanisms for MRBI in FY 2012. The Chief of NRCS reserves discretion in utilizing other NRCS conservation program funds and mechanisms in support of the objectives of MRBI. Through agreements, partners and NRCS will provide assistance to eligible participants in the 54 designated focus areas (8-digit hydrologic unit codes (HUCs)) in the following 13 States: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The purpose of this notice is to solicit proposals from potential partners to enter into agreements with NRCS and to inform agricultural producers and landowners of the future availability of program funds through approved partnership projects. Proposals must be based on one or more 12-digit HUCs within the 54 designated focus areas. Partners who are currently involved in approved MRBI agreements through CCPI or WREP and want to work in other 12-digit watersheds must submit new proposals for a new project.
Upper Deckers Creek Watershed, Preston County, WV
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is being prepared for the Upper Deckers Creek Watershed, Preston County, West Virginia.
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 the following practice standards: 315, Herbaceous Weed Control, 338, Prescribed Burning, 340, Cover Crop, 342, Critical Area Planting, 382, Fence, 400, Bivalve, 422, Hedgerow Planting, 484, Mulching, 511, Forage Harvest Management, 657, Wetland Restoration, 658, Wetland Creation, and 659, Wetland Enhancement. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
Notice of Intent To Request Comments on a Currently Approved Information Collection
This notice announces the intention of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to request comments on a currently approved information collection for which approval will expire, 0578-0030, Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. Public Participation: NRCS invites public participation to promote open communication and better decisionmaking. All persons and organizations that have an interest in the EWP program are urged to provide comments. Scoping Process: Public participation is requested throughout the scoping process. NRCS is soliciting comments from the public indicating what issues and impacts the public believes should be encompassed within the scope of the EWP program. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility, (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used, (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, such as through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technologic collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues relating to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the public; a draft agenda is included in this notice.
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 the following practice standards: 328, Conservation Crop Rotation, 329, Residue and Tillage Management No Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed, 344, Residue Management, Seasonal, 345, Residue and Tillage Management Mulch Till, 346, Residue Management, Ridge Till, 391, Riparian Forest Buffer, 422, Hedgerow Planting, 472, Access Control, 595, Integrated Pest Management, 612, Tree/Shrub Establishment, and 666, Forest Stand Improvement. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
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: Dam or Pond Removal (Code 403), Dry Hydrant (Code 432), Feed Management (Code 592), Fishpond Management (Code 399), Land Clearing (Code 460), Livestock Pipeline (Code 516), Pond Sealing or Lining, Flexible Membrane (Code 521A), Fuel Break (Code 383), Stream Crossing (Code 578), and Subsurface Drain (Code 606). 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 Guide. 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.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Henrys Fork Salinity Control Project Plan, Sweetwater and Uinta Counties, WY; Daggett and Summit Counties, UT
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d (NEPA), as implemented by the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces their intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Henrys Fork Salinity Control Project Plan (SCPP). The NRCS will be the lead agency. A public and agency scoping meeting to discuss issues, actions, alternatives and impacts as well as to solicit input verbally and in writing will be conducted. The lead and cooperating agencies invite and encourage agencies and the public to provide written comments on the proposed SCPP throughout the scoping process to ensure that all relevant environmental issues are considered.
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 the following practice standards: 328, Conservation Crop Rotation, 329, Residue and Tillage Management No Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed, 344, Residue Management, Seasonal, 345, Residue and Tillage Management Mulch Till, 346, Residue Management, Ridge Till, 391, Riparian Forest Buffer, 422, Hedgerow Planting, 472, Access Control, 595, Integrated Pest Management, 612, Tree/Shrub Establishment, and 666, Forest Stand Improvement. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
Pohick Creek Watershed Dam No. 8, Fairfax County, Virginia; Finding of No Significant Impact
Pursuant to Section 102[2][c] of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations [40 CFR part 1500]; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations [7 CFR part 650]; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Pohick Creek Watershed Dam No. 8, Fairfax County, Virginia.
Notice To Request an Extension and Revision of Currently Approved Information Collection and Request for Comments.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published in the Federal Register of October 22, 2008, a ``Notice to Reinstate a Previously Approved Information Collection'' for volunteer workers (73 FR 62949). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), this notice announces the intention of NRCS to request an extension for currently approved information collection, Volunteer Program-Earth Team. This information collection is set to expire on July 31, 2012. NRCS is seeking that it be extended to July 31, 2015, for the Volunteer Interest and Placement Summary form and the Time Sheet form. The collected information will help NRCS to match the skills of individuals who are applying for volunteer work that will further the agency's mission. Information will be collected from potential volunteers who are 14 years of age or older.
Intention To Revise a Currently Approved Information Collection
On December 7, 2010, NRCS published in the Federal Register a Notice and request for comments to a currently approved information collection package with a public comment period closing on January 6, 2011. The Notice announced NRCS' intention to revise a currently approved information collection, Long-Term Contracting, to clarify for the public information that is no longer included in the collection. NRCS is hereby re-opening the public comment period for the Notice.
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: 351, Water Well Decommissioning; 353, Monitoring Well; 355, Well Water Testing; 642, Water Well. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) will meet to continue discussions on critical air quality issues in relation to agriculture. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining a greater understanding about the relationship between agricultural production and air quality. The meeting is open to the public, and a draft agenda is included in this notice.
Notice of Proposed Changes 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 the following practice standards: 390, Riparian Herbaceous Cover, 394, Firebreak, 395, Stream Habitat Improvement and Management, 422, Hedgerow Planting, 643, Restoration and Management of Rare or Declining Habitats, and 647, Early Successional Habitat Development/ Management. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
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: Alley Cropping (Code 311), Anionic Polyacrylamide (PAM) Application (Code 450), Conservation Crop Rotation (Code 328), Cover Crop (Code 340), Dam (Code 402), Dam, Diversion (Code 348), Farmstead Energy Improvement (Code 374), Forest Stand Improvement (Code 666), Irrigation Ditch Lining (Code 428), Irrigation Pipeline (Code 430), Irrigation Reservoir (Code 436), Irrigation System, Microirrigation (Code 441), Irrigation System, Sprinkler (Code 442), Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface (Code 443), Irrigation System, Tailwater Recovery (Code 447), Irrigation Water Management (Code 449), Mulching (Code 484), Pipeline (Code 516), Pond (Code 378), Pumping Plant (Code 533), Renewable Energy System (Code 671), Residue and Tillage Management, Mulch Till (Code 345), Residue and Tillage Management No Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed (Code 329), Residue and Tillage Management, Ridge Till (Code 346), Residue Management, Seasonal (Code 344), Silvopasture Establishment (Code 381), Tree/Shrub Establishment (Code 612), Waste Recycling (Code 633), Windbreak/ShelterbeltEstablishment (Code 380), and Woody Residue Treatment (formerly Forest Slash Treatment) (Code 384). 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 Guide. 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.
Conservation Program Recipient Reporting
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued regulatory guidance to agencies to establish requirements for Federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and sub-recipients that are necessary for the implementation of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (the Transparency Act). OMB's regulations require agencies that make awards of Federal financial assistance subject to the Transparency Act to include the requirements identified in each regulation that has application or plan due dates after October 1, 2010. The Watershed Operations and Flood Prevention Program, Emergency Watersheds Protection Program, Healthy Forests Reserve Program, Agricultural Management Assistance Program, and the Conservation Stewardship Program have application or plan due dates after October 1, 2010, and therefore, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is incorporating the Transparency Act's recipient registration and reporting requirements into these programs' regulations. These changes, the terms of which are not subject to agency discretion, are mandatory.
Notice of Proposed Change to Section I of the South Dakota and North Dakota State Technical Guides
The NRCS State Conservationists for South Dakota and North Dakota have determined that changes must be made to the NRCS State Technical Guides concerning State wetland mapping conventions. The two States are proposing to issue joint State wetland mapping conventions. The joint State wetland mapping conventions will be used as part of the technical documents to conduct wetland determinations on agriculture land as part of the National Food Security Act of 1985, as amended.
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: Aquatic Organism Passage (Code 396), Bivalve Aquaculture Waste Control (Code 400), Cross Wind Trap Strips (Code 589c), Irrigation Field Ditch (Code 388), Nutrient Management (Code 590), and Waste Facility Closure (Code 360). 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 Guide. 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.
Notice of Intent: To Request a Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) intention to revise a currently approved information collection, Long-Term Contracting, to clarify for the public information that is no longer included in the collection.
Notice of Implementation of the Wind Erosion Prediction System for Soil Erodibility System Calculations for the Natural Resources Conservation Service
Notice is hereby given of the intention of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement the WEPS which will replace the use of the Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ) where applicable.
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a final rule for the Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP). This final rule sets forth how NRCS, using the funds, facilities, and authorities of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), will implement WHIP in response to changes made by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act). NRCS published an interim final rule with request for comment in the Federal Register on January 16, 2009, an amendment was published on March 12, 2009, with a request for public comment, and another amendment was published on July 15, 2009, with a request for public comment. NRCS is publishing a final rule that addresses the comments received on the interim final rule and to clarify policies to improve program implementation.
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 the following practice standards: 314, Brush Management, 324, Deep Tillage, 330, Contour Farming, 332, Contour Buffer Strips, 344, Residue Management, Seasonal, 346, Residue Management, Ridge Till, 380, Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment, 484, Mulching, 512, Forage & Biomass Planting, and 603, Herbaceous Wind Barriers. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
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: 362, Diversion; 412, Grassed Waterway; 430, Irrigation Pipeline; 436, Irrigation Reservoir; 558, Roof Runoff Structure; 600, Terrace; 620, Underground Outlet; 313, Waste Storage Facility; 359, Waste Treatment Lagoon; 633, Waste Utilization; 638, Water and Sediment Control Basin. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices on cropland, pastureland, woodland, and wildlife land.
South River Watershed Dam No. 10A, Augusta County, VA
Pursuant to Section 102[2][c] of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations [40 CFR part 1500]; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations [7 CFR part 650]; the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of South River Watershed Dam No. 10A, Augusta County, Virginia.
Notice of Meeting of the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published in the Federal Register of July 28, 2010, Notice of a Meeting (75 FR 44214). This document corrects the location of the LPAES Workshop. The correct location is on the campus of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters, Room C111 A-B-C, located at 109 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711; (919) 541-5400.
Technical Service Provider Assistance
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published a final rule in the Federal Register of February 12, 2010, amending its regulations for technical service provider (TSP) provisions under the Food Security Act of 1985. This document correctly amends those provisions by expanding the definition Technical Service Provider Assistance, which contained an error in the omission of ``Indian Tribe'' in the definition of Technical Service Provider.
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 the following practice standards: 327, Conservation Cover and 315, Herbaceous Weed Control. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
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: Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584), Dust Control From Animal Activity on Open Lot Surfaces (Code 375), Karst Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527), Lined Waterway or Outlet (Code 468), Monitoring Well (Code 353), On-Farm Equipment Efficiency Improvement (Code 374), Pond Sealing or Lining Bentonite Treatment (Code 521C), Pond Sealing or LiningCompacted Clay Treatment (Code 521D), Pond Sealing or LiningSoil Dispersant Treatment (Code 521B), Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610), Stream Habitat Improvement and Management (Code 395), Vertical Drain (Code 630), Water Well (Code 642), Water Well Decommissioning (Code 351), and Well Water Testing (Code 355).
Notice of Request for Nominations to the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
The Secretary of Agriculture intends to reestablish the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) and requests nominations for qualified persons to serve as members.
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. Additionally, the Livestock and Poultry Subcommittee of the AAQTF will conduct a pre-meeting Livestock and Poultry Air Emissions Standardization (LPAES) Workshop to discuss livestock and poultry air emissions monitoring data/research obtained from the National Animal Air Emissions Monitoring Study (NAAEMS).
Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Logan Northern Canal Reconstruction Project, Cache County, UT
Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d (NEPA), as implemented by the Council of Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces its intent to prepare a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Logan Northern Canal Reconstruction project.
Rehabilitation of Floodwater Retarding Structure No. 10 of the Mountain Creek Watershed, Ellis County, TX
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Regulations (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the rehabilitation of Floodwater Retarding Structure No. 10 of the Mountain Creek Watershed, Ellis County, Texas.
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 the following practice standards: 386, Field Border, 393, Filter Strip, and 655, Forest Trails and Landings. These practices will be used to plan and install conservation practices.
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: 366, Anaerobic Digester. 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: Animal Mortality Facility (Code 316), Critical Area Planting (Code 342), Composting Facility (Code 317), Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment (Code 548), Hedgerow Planting (422), Irrigation Canal or Lateral (Code 320), Irrigation Land Leveling (Code 464), Irrigation System, Surface, and Subsurface (Code 443), Riparian Herbaceous Cover (Code 390), Rock Barrier (Code 555), Roofs and Covers (Code 367), Runoff Management System (Code 570), Shallow Water Development and Management (Code 646), Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code 580), Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 645), and Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (Code 644). NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these practices for use within their State will incorporate them into section IV of their respective electronic Field Office Technical Guide. 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.
Magma Flood Retarding Structure (FRS) Supplemental Watershed Plan, Pinal County, AZ
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regulations (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the Magma Flood Retarding Structure (FRS) Supplemental Watershed Plan, Pinal County, Arizona.
Clarke County Water Supply Project, Clarke County, IA
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Guidelines (7 CFR part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture gives notice that a revised environmental impact statement is being prepared for the Clarke County Water Supply Project, Clarke County, Iowa.
Notice of a 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.
Technical Service Provider Assistance
This Final rule amends the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regulations for technical service provider (TSP) provisions under the Food Security Act of 1985. The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act) amended the TSP provisions, and NRCS published an interim final rule on January 16, 2009, to incorporate these changes. This final rule responds to public comments received to the interim final rule, and confirms the changes made to the TSP regulations, with minor adjustments.
Compliance With NEPA
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published an interim final rule on July 13, 2009, that identified additional categorical exclusions, which are actions that NRCS has determined do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and, thus, should not require preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This final rule responds to comments received on the interim final rule and makes final the provisions set forth in the interim final rule. NRCS' categorical exclusions encompass actions that promote restoration and conservation activities related to past natural or human induced damage, or alteration of floodplains and watershed areas. For projects being funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), this final rule will assist NRCS in meeting mandates set forth in ARRA for undertaking actions in the most expeditious manner and in compliance with NEPA.
Healthy Forests Reserve Program
This final rule amends Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regulations for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Act) amended provisions of HFRP that changed the duration, type, and funding allocation of program agreements, and NRCS published a proposed rule for these changes on January 14, 2009. This final rule responds to the comments received on the proposed rule and amends NRCS regulations for HFRP to incorporate changes associated with enactment of the 2008 Act.
Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Delta-Clearwater Remediation Project, Delta Junction, AK
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, to construct the Delta-Clearwater Remediation Project, authorized under the Watershed Protection, Watershed Surveys, and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 (Pub. L. 83-566, 83d Cong., 68 Stat. 666), as amended. Upon review and analysis of potential environmental impacts, the State Conservationist (Alaska) found that the project would not result in a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Therefore, a FONSI was issued and no environmental impact statement is required.
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: Air Filtration and Scrubbing (Code 371), Animal Trails and Walkways (Code 575), Combustion System Improvement (Code 372), Conservation Crop Rotation (Code 328), Diversion (Code 362), Dust Control on Unpaved Roads and Surfaces (Code 373), Forage Harvest Management (Code 511), Herbaceous Weed Control (Code 315), Range Planting (Code 550), and Riparian Herbaceous Cover (Code 390). 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.
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