Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Modification of Timber Sale Contracts in Extraordinary Conditions

This interim rule revises the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of timber based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that extraordinary conditions exist. The intended effect is to allow forest officers, without advertisement, to make modifications to timber sales awarded or released pursuant to section 2001(k) of the 1995 Rescissions Act, which result in the substitution of timber from outside the sale area specified in the contract for timber within the timber sale contract area. Good cause exists to adopt this interim final rule without prior notice and comment; however, public comment is invited and will be considered before adoption of a final rule.