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In recent years, the USDA Forest Service has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries and applications to access ground water resources on National Forest System lands nationwide. With the demand for water expected to increase across the country, the Forest Service anticipates an increase in applications for ground water resources. As a consequence, a need for direction to ensure consistent and informed responses nationwide to ground-water-related projects and proposals has been identified.

This direction would amend the Forest Service Manual by adding chapter 2560 and adding provisions to the Forest Service Special Uses Handbook 2709.11, chapters 10, 40, and 50. The new manual section: clarifies agency responsibilities with respect to ground water issues; provides direction for consideration of ground water resources in decision-making, including water-well and water-pipeline applications, siting of public water supplies, and implementation of source water protection programs on NFS lands; initiates a policy of quantifying groundwater withdrawals from NFS lands; establishes groundwater data management requirements; and promotes sustainable use of ground water resources. The new handbook provisions clarify implementation of the new manual direction for special use activities involving ground water.