Federal Register #2026-17251

Revision to NEPA Procedures: Timber Salvage Harvest Categorical Exclusion

This notice from the Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, announces a revision to NEPA procedures by establishing a new categorical exclusion (CE) for timber salvage harvest. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - Office of the Secretary - Bureau of Land Management (BLM) referenced for forest management - Purpose: - Revision to NEPA implementing procedures - Establishes a categorical exclusion for timber salvage harvest - Scope of CE: - Applies to harvesting dead or dying trees affected by fire, insects, disease, or drought - Documented in the Department's Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures, Appendix 2 - Notable Requirements: - Design features to minimize environmental impacts - Erosion control - Soil compaction prevention - Invasive species prevention - Riparian area protection - Road decommissioning standards - Evaluation for extraordinary circumstances required before use - No specific OEMs, vendors, products, or purchase quantities mentioned - The CE sets a framework for future salvage actions under NEPA compliance, but does not authorize specific projects

Description

This notice announces a revision to the Department of the Interior's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures by adding a new categorical exclusion (CE) for timber salvage harvest. The CE supports approval of actions to harvest dead or dying trees impacted by disturbances such as fire, insects, disease, or drought. The CE includes specific design features and resource considerations to minimize environmental impacts and requires evaluation for extraordinary circumstances before use. The effective date of this CE is August 24, 2026.

View original listing