§ 215.1 - Purpose and scope.

(a) Purpose. The rules of this part have two purposes. First, this part establishes a process by which the public receives notice and is provided an opportunity to comment on proposed actions for projects and activities implementing a land and resource management plan prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. Second, this part establishes an appeal process and identifies the decisions that may be appealed, who may appeal those decisions, the responsibilities of the participants in an appeal, and the procedures that apply for the prompt disposition of the appeal.

(b) Scope. Notice of proposed actions and opportunity to comment provide an opportunity for the public to provide meaningful input prior to the decision on projects and activities implementing land management plans. The rules of this part complement other opportunities to participate in the Forest Service's project and activity planning, such as those provided by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and 36 CFR part 220; the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and its implementing regulations at 36 CFR part 219; and the regulations at 36 CFR part 216 governing public notice and comment for certain Forest Service directives.

[68 FR 33595, June 4, 2003, as amended at 78 FR 33723, June 5, 2013]