National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of Compliance Deadline

The Department is issuing an interim final rule to extend for one year the date specified in 36 CFR 219.35(b) by which all land and resource management plan amendments and revisions would be subject to the new planning regulations adopted November 9, 2000. The Department has determined that the Forest Service is not sufficiently prepared to fully implement the rule agencywide. Without relief from the dates established in 36 CFR 219.35(b), the agency will experience serious disruption in its planning processes with attendant confusion of employees and the public. Such disruption and confusion would be contrary to the public interest. In addition, serious concerns have arisen regarding some of the provisions of the new planning rule, and an extension of the compliance date will allow the Department to review these provisions carefully and to identify any adjustments that may be necessary. While an interim final rule is necessary, the Department also believes that the public should have an opportunity to comment on the advisability and effects of extending the compliance date. To provide this opportunity, the Department is simultaneously publishing a proposed rule elsewhere in this part of today's Federal Register. The Department's intent is that the interim final rule will remain in effect until the Department completes the corollary rulemaking process initiated by the proposed rule.