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USDA/FS | RIN: 0596-AC84 | Publication ID: Fall 2009 |
Title: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program | |
Abstract: Description of Proposed Action: Proposed rulemaking for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Targeted for public comment in the second quarter of FY 09. The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA) by inserting after section 7 (Forest Legacy) section 7a. This program will provide Federal matching grants to help local government, tribes, or NGOs acquire private forests that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Properties acquired are working forests open to hunting and fishing. Authorizes appropriations of such sums as are necessary. New program authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-234), section 8003. The acquisition of parcels for the creation of community forests requires detailed documentation and complex procedures. While the Forest Service has experience working with States on similar activities through the Forest Legacy Program, this new program will require the Forest Service to provide grants directly to tribes, local governments, and non-profit organizations. This will require a high level of accountability from grantees to protect the Federal investment in purchasing community forests. The loss of open space was identified by the Chief of the Forest Service as one of four threats to our Nations forests and grasslands and Conserve Open Space is the third goal in the Forest Service 2007-2012 Strategic Plan. The recently released Forest Service Open Space Conservation Strategy outlines agency actions to conserve open space. This program is also similar to the USDA Farm Bill proposal Community Forests Working Lands Program. | |
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart A (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) | |
Legal Authority: PL 110-234, sec 8003 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined | Government Levels Affected: None |
Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions | Federalism: Undetermined |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker Regulatory Analyst Department of Agriculture Forest Service ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone:202 205-6560 Fax:202 260-6539 Email: lsparker@fs.fed.us |