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USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AC72 Publication ID: Fall 2008 
Title: Habitat Planning and Evaluation, Bighorn Sheep vs Domestic Sheep 
Abstract: A new policy will be included in the FSM 2620 chapter to provide guidance on management of native bighorn sheep if there is a potential to interact with domestic sheep. The guidance will outline procedures to design and implement collaborative processes to resolve potential management conflicts between native bighorn sheep and domestic sheep where contact and interaction between the two species may occur. The policy will identify possible participants in the collaborative process including livestock permittees, State Fish and Game and Agriculture agencies, sheep scientists, and relevant Forest Service wildlife and range personnel, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees if threatened or endangered species are involved. The policy will identify information necessary to bring the collaborative process to design agreeable solutions when there are probable conflicts. Justification for Proposed Action (Market Failure or Other Problem Addressed, Objectives, Alternatives, Expected Results): There is currently no Agency policy providing guidance on resolving conflicts between native bighorn sheep and domestic sheep. Scientific evidence suggests that when bighorn sheep come into contact with domestic sheep significant mortality among native bighorns is likely to occur. An informal Forest Service white paper and Washington Office transmittal letter currently exists that provides useful information to craft a collaborative process to resolve potential conflicts. However, this paper does not represent adopted Agency policy and confusion exists regarding the standing of this letter and paper. Official Agency policy and procedures are needed to address potential conflicts should they occur. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: None     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Proposed Directive  11/00/2008    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
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