[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 59 (Thursday, March 27, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 14668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7754]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Use of Certified Forage To Prevent the Spread of Noxious Weeds on
National Forest System Lands in Montana
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of proposed policy; request for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The Regional Forester for the Northern Region of the Forest
Service is proposing a requirement that would prohibit 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 may be used. 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 proposal in a
separate notice in this same issue of today's Federal Register. The
intended effect is to coordinate prevention of the spread of
undesirable weeds on federal lands in Montana.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing by March 26, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Regional Forester, Forest Service,
USDA, P.O. Box 7669, Missoula, MT 59807.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Olivarez, Forest and Rangeland Staff, Northern Region, Forest
Service, (406) 329-3621.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Noxious weeds are a serious problem in the
western United States. Species like Leafy Spurge, Spotted Knapweed,
Musk Thistle, Purple Loosestrife, and others are alien to the United
States and have no natural enemies to keep their populations in
balance. Consequently, these undesirable weeds invade healthy
ecosystems, displace native vegetation, reduce species diversity, and
destroy wildlife habitat. Widespread infestations lead to soil erosion
and stream sedimentation. Furthermore, noxious weed invasions weaken
reforestation efforts, reduce forage for domestic and wild ungulates,
occasionally irritate public land users by aggravating allergies and
other ailments, and threaten federally protected plants and animals.
To curb the spread of noxious weeds, a growing number of Western
states have jointly developed noxious weed-free forage certification
standards and, in cooperation with various Federal, State and county
agencies, have passed weed control laws. Because hay and other forage
products containing noxious weed seed are part of the infestation
problem, Montana has developed a hay inspection, certification, and
identification process; participates in a regional inspection,
certification, and identification process; and encourages forage
producers to grow products free of noxious weed seeds.
Pursuant to 36 CFR Sec. 261.50, the Regional Forester may issue
orders to close or restrict uses on National Forest System lands. If
adopted, this proposed requirement to close National Forest System
lands to users who do not use a certified weed-free forage or similar
product would result 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. As a result of cooperative efforts between the
State, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Montana State Office, BLM is proposing a similar standard requirement
for all public lands under its jurisdiction. The BLM proposal appears
in a separate notice in this issue of today's Federal Register.
The Forest Service invites written comment and suggestions on this
proposal, which will be considered prior to adoption of a final policy
and issuance of a closure order. Notice of the final decision will be
published in the Federal Register.
Dated: March 11, 1997.
Kathleen A. McAllister,
Deputy Regional Forester, R-1.
[FR Doc. 97-7754 Filed 3-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
