(a) This part sets forth the process that the Forest Service will use to ensure adequate notice and an opportunity for comment from the public, Tribal, State and local governments, and other Federal agencies with respect to the formulation in Forest Service directives of standards, criteria, and guidelines applicable to Forest Service programs. Nothing in this Part restricts the Forest Service from providing additional public participation opportunities, including public hearings, where appropriate.

(b) This part applies to the formulation in Forest Service directives of standards, criteria, and guidelines applicable to Forest Service programs. This part does not apply to Forest Service directives pertaining to law enforcement and investigations; personnel matters; procurement; administrative support activities such as budget and finance; business operations; and activities undertaken by the Forest Service on behalf of other Federal agencies. To the extent that any other part in this chapter of the Code of Federal Regulations requires greater opportunities for the public to participate with respect to policymaking or the issuance of directives than are required by this part, the other Part shall be controlling.

Directive means the contents of the Forest Service Manual and Forest Service Handbooks issued as described at 36 CFR 200.4(c).

(a) Prior to issuing a final directive subject to this part, the Forest Service shall:

(1) Provide notice to the public of a proposed directive or interim directive and provide an opportunity to submit comments during a comment period of not less than 30 days in accordance with the requirements this section; and,

(2) Review, consider and respond to timely comments received.

(b) Notices required by paragraph (a) of this section shall:

(1) Be published on a schedule for proposed directives and interim directives maintained by the Forest Service in a centralized repository on the Forest Service website.

(2) Provide a physical mailing address and an internet address or similar online resource for submitting comments.

(c) Notices of final directives shall be published on a schedule on the Forest Service website.

Upon a finding of good cause that an exigency exists, an interim directive may be effective in advance of providing notice and an opportunity for public comment. As described in § 216.3, opportunity will be given for public comment before the interim directive is made final. The basis for the determination that good cause exists for the issuance of an interim directive shall be published at the time the directive is issued.