NEWS RELEASE - US Forest Service announces final rule on restoration of soil and water resources

By: USDA - Forest Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2013 – The U.S. Forest Service today published in the Federal Register a final rule improving the agency’s ability to restore lands affected by roads, trails, structures such as levees, culverts and drainage tiles and disturbance events such as floods and hurricanes.

Three National Environmental Policy Act categorical exclusions will be used when restoring uplands, wetlands, floodplains and riparian systems to their natural conditions by removing levees and other structures, removing debris and sediment following disturbance events and restoring lands occupied by roads and trails. Through these more efficient processes, the Forest Service will speed the pace of restoration efforts and stimulate rural economies by creating jobs.

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