97-27574. Use of Certified Forage To Prevent the Spread of Noxious Weeds on National Forest System Lands in Montana

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 201 (Friday, October 17, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 54040]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27574]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Use of Certified Forage To Prevent the Spread of Noxious Weeds on 
National Forest System Lands in Montana

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice: adoption of final policy.

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SUMMARY: The Regional Forester for the Northern Region of the Forest 
Service has adopted a final policy which prohibits the use of hay, 
grain, straw, cubes or pelletized feed on National Forest System lands 
in Montana unless it is certified as free of noxious weeds or noxious 
weed seeds. This requirement will affect such users as recreationists 
using pack and saddle stock, ranchers operating under Forest Service 
grazing permits, outfitters and guides operating under Forest Service 
permits, and contractors who use straw or hay for reseeding or erosion 
control purposes on National Forest System-administered lands in 
Montana. This proposal has been developed in coordination with the 
State of Montana and Bureau of Land Management Montana State Office, 
which is publishing a similar decision in a separate notice in this 
same part of today's Federal Register. The intended effect is to 
coordinate prevention of the spread of undesirable weeds on federal 
lands in Montana.

DATES: Effective immediately.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Olivarez, Forest and Rangeland Staff, Northern Region, Forest 
Service, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50, the Regional 
Forester is issuing orders to close or restrict uses on National Forest 
System lands. As adopted, this requirement to close National Forest 
System lands to users who do not use a certified weed-free forage or 
similar products results in a standard closure order applicable to all 
National Forest System lands in Montana. The Northern Regional Forester 
has been implementing a similar policy on a forest-by-forest basis in 
Montana since 1989. The Montana State Office of the Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM) is adopting a similar standard requirement for all 
public lands under its jurisdiction. The BLM decision appears in a 
separate notice in this part of today's Federal Register.

Response to Public Comments

    There was one written comment received. It was in support of this 
policy implementation via a closure order.
    The text of the Special Closure Order shall be published in 
newspapers across the State of Montana, as well as direct notification 
by mail of interested and effected groups and individuals.

    Dated; October 9, 1997.
Hal Salwasser,
Regional Forester.
[FR Doc. 97-27574 Filed 10-16-97; 8:45 am]
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