Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts, Modification of Contracts

The Forest Service is adopting an interim final rule at part 223, subpart B, of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Sec. 223.112. This interim final rule authorizes timber sale contracting officers to modify contracts to provide a redetermination of stumpage rates and deposits to reflect significant timber market declines. This rule applies to existing timber sale contracts awarded after October 1, 1995, that have been suspended for more than 90 days, during the normal operating season because of administrative appeals or litigation, through no fault of the timber purchaser. Comments received on this interim final rule will be considered in adoption of a final rule.