National Forest Management Act 2008 Planning Rule

The 2008 Planning Rule was published in the Federal Register 21 Apr 08. See the Forest Service web site for the rule, explanatory notes, Q&A's and more: http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/2008_planning_rule.html

This final rule describes theNational Forest System (NFS) landmanagement planning framework; sets up requirements for sustainability of social, economic, and ecological systems; and gives directions for developing, amending, revising, and monitoring land management plans. It also clarifies that, absent rarecircumstances, land management plans under this final rule are strategic in nature and are one stage in an adaptivec ycle of planning for management of NFS lands. The intended effects of the rule are to strengthen the role of science in planning; to strengthen collaborative relationships with the public and other governmental entities; to reaffirm the principle of sustainable managementc onsistent with the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (MUSYA) and other authorities; and to streamline and improve the planning process by increasing adaptability to changes in social, economic, and environmental conditions. This rulemaking is the result of a United States District Court of Northern California order dated March 30, 2007, which enjoined the United States Department of Agriculture (the Department, the Agency, or the USDA) from putting into effect and using theland management planning rule published on January 5, 2005 (70 FR1023) until it complies with the court’s order regarding the NationalEnvironmental Policy Act (NEPA), theEndangered Species Act (ESA), and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)(Citizens for Better Forestry v. USDA,481 F. Supp 2d 1059 (N.D. Cal. 2007)). The purpose of this final rule is torespond to the district court’s ruling.