Sec. 8315. Categorical exclusion to improve or restore National Forest System lands or public land or reduce the risk of wildfire
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Forest management activities described in subsection
(b)are a category of actions hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4332 ). The category of forest management activities designated under this section for a categorical exclusion are forest management activities described in paragraph
(2)that are carried out by the Secretary concerned on National Forest System lands or public lands where the primary purpose of such activity is to improve or restore such lands or reduce the risk of wildfire on those lands. The following forest management activities may be carried out pursuant to the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a): Removal of juniper trees, medusahead rye, conifer trees, piñon pine trees, cheatgrass, and other noxious or invasive weeds specified on Federal or State noxious weeds lists through late-season livestock grazing, targeted livestock grazing, prescribed burns, and mechanical treatments. Performance of hazardous fuels management. Creation of fuel and fire breaks. Modification of existing fences in order to distribute livestock and help improve wildlife habitat. Stream restoration and erosion control, including the installation of erosion control devices. Construction of new and maintenance of permanent infrastructure, including stock ponds, water catchments, and water spring boxes used to benefit livestock and improve wildlife habitat. Performance of soil treatments, native and non-native seeding, and planting of and transplanting sagebrush, grass, forb, shrub, and other species. Use of herbicides, so long as the Secretary concerned determines that the activity is otherwise conducted consistently with agency procedures, including any forest plan applicable to the area covered by the activity. On and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection
(a)in accordance with this section. A forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion established under subsection
(a)may not contain treatment units exceeding a total of 6,000 acres. In this section: The term hazardous fuels management means any vegetation management activities that reduce the risk of wildfire. The term late-season grazing means grazing activities that occur after both the invasive species and native perennial species have completed their current-year annual growth cycle until new plant growth begins to appear in the following year. The term targeted livestock grazing means grazing used for purposes of hazardous fuels management.
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Sec. 8315
Categorical exclusion to improve or restore National Forest System lands or public land or reduce the risk of wildfire
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