0596-AC82 201410 The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions 0596 Forest Service FS 0500 Department of Agriculture USDA Forest Service Manual 2020--Ecological Restoration and Resilience Policy

This policy establishes a common definition for ecological restoration and resilience that is consistent with the 2012 Land Planning rule. The directive provides additional guidance in implementing the definition throughout Forest Service program areas by incorporating it into the Forest Service Manual. Restoration objectives span a number of initiatives in various program areas, including the invasive species strategy, recovery of areas affected by high-severity fires, hurricanes, and other catastrophic disturbances; fish habitat restoration and remediation; riparian area restoration; conservation of threatened and endangered species; and restoration of impaired watersheds and large-scale watershed restoration projects. The restoration policy allows agency employees to more effectively communicate Forest Service work in meeting restoration needs at the local, regional, and national levels. Currently an internal Forest Service interim policy for this final directive has been implemented in the field units, without any issues. This final directive brings the Forest Service policy into alignment with current ecological restoration science and with congressional and Forest Service authorizations and initiatives.

]]> Other Significant Previously Published in The Unified Agenda Final Rule Stage No No None FSM 2020 Yes

There is a critical need for ecological restoration on National Forest System lands and the concept of restoration is threaded throughout existing agency authorities and collaborative efforts such as the National Fire Plan. However, without a definition in Forest Services' Directive System there has not been consistent interpretation and application. This established policy was necessary for consistency and for the landscape to better weather disturbances, especially under future environmental conditions.

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The Forest Service amended the Forest Service Manual (FSM) to add a new title: FSM 2020 Ecological Restoration and Resilience. This final directive reinforced adaptive management, use of science, and collaboration in planning and decision making. These foundational land management policies, including use of restoration to achieve desired conditions, underwent formal public review during revision of the Planning Rule (36 CFR 219) and amendment of associated directives (FSM 1900, 1920).

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No alternatives were considered as an established policy is necessary for agency consistency.

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This final directive had no monetary effect to the agency or the public. The final directive helped agency employees and partners to more effectively communicate restoration needs and accomplishments at the local, regional, and national levels.

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There is no risk identified with this rulemaking.

]]> Proposed Directive 09/12/2013 78 FR 56202 Proposed Directive Comment Period End 11/12/2013 Final Directive 02/00/2015 No No None No No No No LaRenda King C Assistant Director, Directives and Regulations 0596 Forest Service FS 202 205-6560 larendacking@fs.fed.us ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington DC 20250-0003