Federal Register #2026-06603

BLM Proposes NEPA Revision for Timber Salvage Harvests

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the Interior Department, is proposing revisions to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures: - The revision focuses on restoring and amending a categorical exclusion (CE) for timber salvage harvests - Allows salvage harvesting of dead and dying trees on areas up to 5,000 acres under defined conditions - Activities covered include cutting, yarding, removal, chipping/grinding, pile burning, underburning, and seeding/planting to restore native species - No specific OEMs or vendors are identified, as this is a policy update, not a procurement - Key requirements include: - Restrictions on new road construction and requirements for erosion control - Measures to prevent invasive species and protect water quality - Environmental safeguards through required design features and evaluation for extraordinary circumstances - The revision aims to enable more timely and effective salvage operations to reduce wildfire fuel loads, protect public safety, and support rural economies, while maintaining environmental protections

Description

This notice proposes a revision to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The revision aims to restore and amend a previously finalized categorical exclusion (CE) for timber salvage harvest, allowing salvage harvesting of dead and dying trees on larger areas up to 5,000 acres under specified conditions. The proposed CE is intended to enable more timely and effective salvage operations to reduce wildfire fuel loads, protect public safety, and contribute to rural economies, while ensuring environmental protections through required design features and evaluations for extraordinary circumstances.

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