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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, announced a second notice about closing the Beattie Gulch Trailhead and McConnell Fishing Access areas in Montana to the discharge of firearms. This notice corrects the mailing address for comments sent by mail and extends the public comment period by another 60 days. The closure aims to protect public health and safety due to the risk posed by firearms near developed facilities and private property. Bow hunting will still be allowed in these areas.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has approved a land management plan amendment for six national forests in Oregon and southeast Washington. This amendment focuses on replacing the previous 21-inch diameter tree standard with a new guideline highlighting the importance of preserving both old and large trees. The decision reflects input from a public comment period and results in no significant environmental impact. James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, signed the final decision, which is now effective immediately.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is seeking nominations for the Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees (SRS RACs). These committees help improve relationships between people who use national forests and provide advice on forest-related projects and funding. The committees will include 15 members who represent different interest groups, serving four-year terms without pay. Interested nominees need to submit a completed application by April 17, 2025, and can find more information on how to apply through the USDA's website.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service have announced the availability of the Records of Decision for a new Resource Management Plan for parts of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. This plan includes immediate changes for BLM lands and amendments for Forest Service lands to enhance management and conservation efforts. The plan was developed with input from the public, state, local, and tribal entities and focuses on protecting the area's natural and cultural resources. Both departments have addressed and resolved protests and concerns from the Governor of Utah regarding the plan.

The Ravalli Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting on February 16 and February 18, 2021. RAC is part of the USDA Forest Service and operates under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, aiming to strengthen collaborative relationships and offer advice on projects and funding. The meeting will involve discussions on project proposals and decisions about funding recommendations. Public participation is encouraged, and individuals wishing to make oral statements should request to be on the agenda in advance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands plans to transfer the remains and an associated ceremonial object of a Native American individual, found in Sioux County, Nebraska, to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. This intent follows the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) guidelines. Claims for the remains and object need to be submitted by January 16, 2026; otherwise, they will be considered unclaimed. Disposition may occur after February 18, 2025, unless competing claims arise, in which case the most suitable claimant will be chosen.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest has decided to withdraw its earlier plan to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Noxious Weed Treatment Project. Instead, they will conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) to check if significant effects exist that would require an EIS. This change was announced by the Forest Service, part of the USDA, and further information can be obtained from Anjel Tomayko, the Forest Environmental Coordinator.

The Black Hills Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), connected with the USDA Forest Service, will hold a virtual meeting on January 28, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. This committee operates under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act to improve collaboration and advise on projects and funding. The public can attend and submit comments, and the committee will review project funding recommendations for Custer, Lawrence, and Pennington Counties under the Secure Rural Schools allocations from 2017 to 2019. For more details or to request accommodations, individuals should contact Kelly Warnke.