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USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AB73 Publication ID: Fall 2003 
Title: National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Certain Special Uses Permit Actions (Final Interim Directive to FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30) 
Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no significant effect on the human environment, either individually or cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. Therefore, the Forest Service is adding a new category of categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action gives clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation when issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities. The proposed policy, published September 20, 2001 (66 FR 48412), also contained a proposed revision to section 30.3 to clarify documentation that is needed for a categorical exclusion when extraordinary circumstances exist. This revision to section 30.3 regarding extraordinary circumstances was incorporated as a separate action in RIN 0596-AB94, and the final policy was published August 23, 2002 (67 FR 54622). 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: None     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  09/20/2001  66 FR 48412   
NPRM Comment Period End  11/19/2001    
Final Action  02/00/2004    
Final Action Effective  03/00/2004    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Related RINs: Related to 0596-AB94 
Agency Contact:
Michael McGee
Regulatory Analyst
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone:202 205-2601
Fax:202 260-6539
Email: mmcgee01@fs.fed.us