Title
Supervisor Ranalli recommending the Board authorize the Chair to sign a letter in support of H.R. 5860 (McClintock) - the "Emergency Forest Restoration Act."
Body
H.R. 5860 will allow the Department of Agriculture (USDA), regarding National Forest System lands, or the Department of the Interior, regarding public lands, to develop and carry out a forest management activity on lands of the department concerned in a state when the activity's primary purpose is to address an insect or disease infestation that has been declared an emergency by the state governor.
With specified exceptions, a categorical exclusion shall be available to USDA or Interior for these purposes.
A "categorical exclusion" is an exception to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for a project or activity relating to the management of National Forest System lands or public lands that would otherwise be considered a major federal action.