View Rule

This procedural final rule will provide greater opportunity for public participation in the formulation of standards, criteria and guidelines applicable to Forest Service programs by: (1) expanding the scope of documents subject to such review; (2) utilizing technologies that were not available when these regulations were last amended in 1984 to ensure a broader swath of the interested public is notified of opportunities to review and comment on policy changes; and (3) increasing the efficiency of the directive revision process to reduce administrative costs and permit more frequent and timely updates. Consistent with 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), this rule is issued as a final rule as it imposes no additional burdens on any governmental entity or the public but expands the ability of such parties to comment upon the issuance of agency policies set forth in Forest Service rules and guidance.