Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and Activities and Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) issues this final rule to amend regulations concerning administrative reviews (appeals and objections) for projects or activities that are categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act. The combined effect of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 and the 2014 Farm Bill makes the 36 CFR Part 215 regulations (post-decisional appeals) obsolete and permits withdrawal in their entirety. An amendment is also made to update the legislative authority provision for 36 CFR Part 218 (pre-decisional objections) and to include a statutory prohibition contained in the referenced legislation. The final rule enables the Department to meet the intent of Congress.