Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy or Use of National Forest System Lands and Resources

The Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is proposing to update, rename, and relocate the administrative appeal regulations governing occupancy or use of National Forest System (NFS) lands and resources. The appeal process for decisions related to occupancy or use of NFS lands and resources has remained substantially unchanged since 1989. The proposed rule simplifies the appeal process, shortens the appeal period, and reduces the cost of appeal while still providing a fair and deliberate procedure by which eligible individuals and entities may obtain administrative review of certain types of Forest Service decisions affecting their occupancy or use of NFS lands or resources. The proposed rule also relocates the provision entitled ``Mediation of Term Grazing Permit Disputes'' to a more appropriate location in the range management regulations. Finally, conforming technical revisions to other parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) affected by this proposed rule are being made.

Agency Contact: Deb Beighley, Assistant Director, Appeals and Litigation, Ecosystem Management Coordination staff, 202- 205-1277, or Mike McGee, Appeals Specialist, Ecosystem Management Coordination staff, 202-205-1323.