[RWG] Comment Period Extended for FS Native Plant Material Policy

[Olivia Kwong]

[Federal Register: July 25, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 142)]
[Notices]
[Page 42079]
>From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25jy06-22]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

RIN 0596-AC44


Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period for Proposed Native
Plant Material Policy (FSM 2070)

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service is extending the public comment period an
additional 30 days for the Proposed Native Plant Material Policy (FSM
2070). The Forest Service is proposing to establish a new directive to
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2070 for native plant materials, which will
provide direction for the use, growth, development, and storage of
native plant materials. Public comment is invited and will be
considered in development of the final directive. A copy of the
proposed directive is available at 
http://www.fs.fed.us/rangelands/whoweare/documents/FSM2070_Final_2_062905.pdf



DATES: Comments must be received in writing, on or before August 24,
2006.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments via the U.S. Postal Service to; Native
Plant Materials Proposed Directive, Rangeland Management Staff, MAIL
STOP 1103, Forest Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, or by facsimile to (202) 205-1096 or by e-mail to
nativeplant at fs.fed.us. If comments are sent via facsimile or email, the

public is asked not to submit duplicate written comments by mail.
Please confine comments to issues pertinent to the proposed directive
and explain the reasons for any recommended changes. All comments,
including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record
and are available for public inspection and copying at 201 14th Street,
SW., Washington, DC, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to
inspect the comments are encouraged to call in advance to Brian Boyd,
(202) 205-1496 to facilitate entrance into the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Stritch, Rangeland Management
Staff, USDA Forest Service, Mailstop 1103, 1400 Independence Avenue,
SW., Washington, DC 20250, (202) 205-1279.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title 36 CFR 219.10(b) states: ``The overall
goal of the ecological element of sustainability is to provide a
framework to contribute to sustaining native ecological systems by
providing ecological conditions to support diversity of native plant
and animal species in the plan area.'' Executive Order 13112 (February
3, 1999, sec. 2(a)(2)(IV)) on invasive species states the agencies will
``provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions in
ecosystems that have been invaded [by non-native species].'' In
accordance with the executive order and regulation, the Forest Service
is developing a new proposed directive to Forest Service Manual (FSM)
2070, Native Plant Materials, which addresses the uses of native plant
materials in the revegetation, restoration, and rehabilitation of
National Forest System lands in order to achieve the Agency's goal of
providing for the diversity of plant and animal communities. The
proposed policy would direct collaboration with Federal, State, and
local government entities and the public to develop and implement a
program for native plant materials for use in revegetation,
restoration, and rehabilitation.
     In proposing this new policy, the Forest Service's goal is to
promote the use of native plant materials in revegetation for
restoration and rehabilitation in order to manage and conserve
terrestrial and aquatic biological diversity. The proposed policy
defines a native plant as: all indigenous terrestrial and aquatic plant
species that evolved naturally in an ecosystem. The proposed policy
also requires the use of best available information to choose
ecologically adapted plant materials for the site and situation.
Further, the proposed policy states that native plants are to be used
when timely natural regeneration of the native plant community is not
likely to occur; native plant materials are the first choice in
revegatation for restoration and rehabilitation efforts. Nonnative,
non-invasive plant species may be used when needed: (1) In emergency
conditions to protect basic resource values such as soil stability and
water quality; (2) as an interim, non-persistent measure designed to
aid in new establishment of native plants (unless natural soil, water
and biotic conditions have been permanently altered); (3) native plant
species are not available; and (4) when working in permanently altered
plant communities. Under no circumstances will nonnative invasive plant
species be used.
     When the proposed policy is issued as final, the Forest Service
will: (1) Undertake a comprehensive assessment of needs (type and
amount) for native plant materials; (2) invest in a long-term
commitment to research and development, education, and technology
transfer for native plant materials; (3) expand efforts to increase the
availability of native plant materials; and (4) collaborate with other
federal agencies; tribal, State, and local governments; academic
institutions; and the private sector.

     Dated: July 19, 2006.
Dale N. Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11838 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
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