The Forest Service is requesting comments on proposed amendments to several of its 2400 series directives pertaining to the sale and disposal of forest products. The amended directives include Timber Management (2400) directives, which includes the FSM2420 Timber Appraisal Manual, three chapters of the FSH2409.19 Renewable Resource Handbook, and a new FSH2409.19 Handbook chapter on Good Neighbor Authority. The amendments address changes in authorities, policies and direction designed to improve efficiencies and increase the pace of forest restoration and generally update outdated directives.
In 2017, the Forest Management program launched the Forest Products Modernization (FPM) effort, aimed at improving efficiency in how the agency manages forests, delivers forest products, and carries out timber sales to increase acres treated and volume produced. A significant component of this effort is focused on amending 2400 series FS Manual /FS Handbook directives to reflect new authorities and more closely align with current and future forest restoration needs.
Updates to Forest Management directives have not kept pace with authorities granted to the Forest Service by Congress pertaining to the sale and disposal of forest products designed to improved efficiencies, increase the pace of forest restoration and reduce hazardous fuels. Due to the volume of directives in need of update, proposed changes are being released on a rolling basis as they are completed. This is the second set of proposed updates to the Timber Management directives posted for public comment. The first set of updates was posted for public comment in October 2020.The first set of proposed directives and public comments received can be viewed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/regulations-policies/comment-on-directives.
The second set of updates includes changes to the following directives:
The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project, including commenters' names and contact information, will become part of the public record. Comments, including anonymous comments, will be accepted at any time. However, comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration.
The full revised directives are posted below. Each directive includes a digest of all proposed changes. To aid the public in its review of the documents, we have also included a summary of the most important substantive changes to all documents. We are seeking comment only on the Chapters proposed for revision as listed above. Comments on Chapters not included in this set of directives updates will not be considered. Further updates to Timber Management Directives are forthcoming and the public will have an opportunity to comment as they are completed.
Your comments are requested by 02/16/2021.
Eric Jackson
