This subpart implements provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.) that became effective upon enactment or as otherwise specified in the Act. As of September 8, 1995, this subpart applies to unprocessed timber originating from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States that requires domestic processing. Except as provided later in this paragraph, this subpart applies to all unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States acquired from timber sale contracts awarded on or after August 20, 1990. The rules regarding substitution at § 223.162 of subpart D apply to unprocessed timber acquired from timber sale contracts awarded between August 20, 1990, and September 8, 1995, as provided in § 490(a)(2)(A) of the Act. The rules regarding reporting the acquisition and disposition of unprocessed Federal timber at § 223.193 of this subpart apply to all transfers of unprocessed Federal timber originating from National Forest System lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States regardless of timber sale contract award date.

The following definitions apply to the provisions of this subpart:

Acquire means to come into possession of, whether directly or indirectly, through a sale, trade, exchange, or other transaction. The term “acquisition” means the act of acquiring. The terms “acquire” and “purchase” are synonymous and are used interchangeably.

Act means the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-382, 104 Stat. 714-726; 16 U.S.C. 620-620j).

Area of operations refers to the geographic area within which logs from any origin have neither been exported nor transported to an area where export occurs. The area of operations will be determined for individual Forest Service Administrative Units or groups of Administrative Units by the Regional Foresters of Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4 on an as-needed basis, and used as part of the criteria for evaluating requests to waive the identifying and marking requirements for unprocessed Federal logs.

Cants or Flitches are synonymous, and mean trees or portions of trees, sawn on one or more sides, intended for remanufacture into other products elsewhere.

Civil penalties:

Willful disregard means a person knew or showed reckless disregard for the matter of whether the person's conduct is prohibited by the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, 16 U.S.C. 620, et seq. with regard to the prohibition against exporting unprocessed Federal timber (including causing unprocessed timber to be exported).

Willfully means a person knew or showed reckless disregard for the matter of whether the person's conduct is prohibited by the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, 16 U.S.C. et seq., or regulations issued under the Act, even though such violation may not have caused the export of unprocessed Federal timber in violation of the Act.

Disregard means to ignore, overlook, or fail to observe any provision of the Act or a regulation issued under this Act, even though such violation may not have caused the export of unprocessed Federal timber in violation of the Act.

Should have known means committing an act that a reasonable person in the timber industry would have known violates a provision of the Act or regulations issued under the Act, even though the violation may not have caused the export of unprocessed Federal timber in violation of the Act.

Each violation refers to any violation under the Act or its implementing regulations with regard to a single act, which includes but is not limited to a single marking (or lack thereof) on a single log, the export of a single log, or a single entry on a document.

Export means transporting, or causing to be transported, either directly or through another party, unprocessed timber to a foreign country. Export occurs:

(1) On the date that a person enters into an agreement to sell, trade, exchange or otherwise convey such timber to a person for delivery to a foreign country;

(2) When unprocessed timber is placed in an export facility in preparation (sorting, bundling, container loading etc.) for shipment outside the United States; or,

(3) When unprocessed timber is placed on board an ocean-going vessel, rail car, or other conveyance destined for a foreign country.

Federal lands means lands that are owned by the United States west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States, but do not include any land the title to which is;

(1) Held in trust by the United States for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual;

(2) Held by any Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation; or

(3) Held by any Native Corporation as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).

Finished products means products from trees, portions of trees or other roundwood products processed to standards and specifications intended for end product use.

Fiscal year means the Federal fiscal year beginning October 1, and ending the following September 30.

Gross value means the total value a person received from the transfer of unprocessed Federal timber involved in a violation, before production, delivery, agent fees, overhead, or other costs are removed.

Hammer brand refers to an identifying mark or brand composed of numbers, letters, characters, or a combination of numbers, letters, or characters permanently attached to a hammer, or other similar striking tool. The hammer brand must make a legible imprint of the brand in the end of a log when struck.

Highway yellow paint refers to an oil base or equivalent yellow paint of lasting quality comparable to the yellow paint used to mark highways.

Log refers to an unprocessed portion of a tree that is transported to a manufacturing facility or other location for processing, transferring to another person, or exporting. “Logs” is synonymous with “timber”.

Manufacturing facility means a permanently located processing plant used to convert unprocessed timber into products.

Non-manufacturer means a person who does not own or operate a manufacturing facility.

Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity and includes any subsidiary, subcontractor, parent company, and business affiliates. Persons are affiliates of each other when either directly or indirectly, one person controls or has the power to control the other or a third party or parties control or have the power to control both. In determining whether or not affiliation exists, consideration shall be given to all appropriate factors, including but not limited to common ownership, common management, common facilities, and contractual relationships.

Private lands means lands, located west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States held or owned by a person. Such term does not include Federal lands or public lands, or any land the title to which is;

(1) Held in trust by the United States for the benefit of any Indian tribe or individual;

(2) Held by any Indian tribe or individual subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation; or

(3) Held by any Native Corporation as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).

Processed means timber processed into products listed in § 223.187 of these regulations.

Purchase has the same meaning as acquire. The terms are used interchangeably.

Same geographic and economic area means the land within the boundaries of an approved sourcing area.

Sourcing area means the geographic area approved by the Secretary which includes a person's timber manufacturing facility and the private and Federal lands from which the person acquires or intends to acquire unprocessed timber to supply such manufacturing facility; a sourcing area must be geographically and economically separate from any area from which that person harvests for export any unprocessed timber originating from private lands.

Substitution occurs when:

(1) A person acquires, directly or indirectly, unprocessed timber from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and engages in exporting or selling for export, unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the same geographic and economic area; or

(2) A person acquires, directly or indirectly, unprocessed timber from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and, during the preceding 24-month period, exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands; or

(3) A person exports or sells for export, unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the same geographic and economic area in the same calendar year that the person has unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in the person's possession or under contract; or

(4) A person purchases, directly or indirectly, unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands if such person sells or otherwise transfers unprocessed timber that originates from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and that requires domestic processing, to a third party if that third party or successive parties export that unprocessed private timber. A third party or successive parties who acquire such unprocessed timber that originates from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and that requires domestic processing may not export such timber.

Transaction means an arrangement involving the transfer of unprocessed timber.

Transaction statement is a signed copy of one of the transaction reporting forms in 36 CFR 223.193 and 223.194.

Transfer means to pass title, sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise convey unprocessed timber to another person.

Unprocessed timber means trees or portions of trees or other roundwood not processed to standards and specifications suitable for end product use and intended for remanufacture. Unprocessed timber does not include products intended for remanufacture that meet the criteria listed in § 223.187(a) (2) or (3). For the purposes of reporting and identifying under §§ 223.193, 223.194 and 223.195, unprocessed timber also means timber products listed in § 223.187 of these regulations, and other timber products including house logs that are part of a structure kit, that are indistinguishable from other unprocessed timber.

(a) All species except western red cedar. Unprocessed timber, as defined in § 223.186 of this Subpart, does not include timber processed into any one of the following:

(1) Lumber or construction timbers, except western red cedar, meeting current American Lumber Standards Grades or Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau Export R or N list grades, sawn on 4 sides, not intended for remanufacture. To determine whether such lumber or construction timbers meet this grade and intended use standard, the shipper of record must have in its possession for each shipment or order, and available for inspection upon the request of the Forest Service:

(i) A legible copy of a lumber inspection certificate certified by a lumber inspection/grading organization generally recognized by the industry as setting a selling standard; and,

(ii) A statement by the manufacturer certifying under the penalties provided in section 492 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 620d) and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001) that the products in the shipment or order are intended to be used as shipped, are manufactured into products, or processed into pulp, and are not to be manufactured into other products. The certification statements shall be made in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section. The certification statements in paragraph (b) of this section are not required if the lumber or construction timbers described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or the pulpwood bolts described in paragraph (a)(8) of this section otherwise may be exported without regard to an intent to remanufacture or process into pulp. For instance, because the timber originates from private land from which timber may be exported.

(2) Lumber, construction timbers, or cants for remanufacture, except western red cedar, meeting current American Lumber Standards Grades or Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau Export R or N list clear grades, sawn on 4 sides, not to exceed 12 inches (30.5 cm) thick. To determine whether such lumber, timbers, or cants meet this grading standard, the shipper of record must have in its possession for each shipment or order and available for inspection, upon the request of the Forest Service, a legible copy of a lumber inspection certificate certified by a lumber inspection/grading organization generally recognized by the industry as setting a selling standard.

(3) Lumber, construction timbers, or cants for remanufacture, except western red cedar, that do not meet the grades referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section and are sawn on 4 sides, with wane less than 1/4 of any face, not exceeding 8 3/4 inches (22.2 cm) thick.

(4) Chips, pulp, or pulp products.

(5) Veneer or plywood.

(6) Poles, posts, or piling cut or treated with preservatives for use as such.

(7) Shakes or shingles.

(8) Aspen or other pulpwood bolts, not exceeding 100 inches in length, exported for processing into pulp. Shippers of record of such pulpwood bolts must have in their possession, and available for inspection upon request of the Forest Service, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, a manufacturer's certificate that such bolts are intended for processing into pulp.

(9) Pulp logs or cull logs processed at domestic pulp mills, domestic chip plants, or other domestic operations for the purpose of conversion of logs into chips.

(b) Export product certifications. (1) Manufacturers of lumber or construction timbers described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and pulpwood bolts described in paragraph (a)(8) of this section, shall certify to the following statements:

(2) Lumber or construction timbers; “I certify that the products in the shipment identified by my shipping order number ____ dated ____, are manufactured in accordance with the attached order from (buyer) of (address), numbered ____ and dated ____, are intended to be used as shipped and are not to be remanufactured into other products. I make this certification with full knowledge and understanding of the export and substitution restrictions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620 et seq.) (Act) and its implementing regulations. I fully understand that exporting unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands or unprocessed timber from private lands which is required to be processed domestically is a violation of this Act, its implementing regulations, and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001), and may subject me to the penalties and remedies provided for such violations.”

(3) Pulpwood bolts. “I certify that the pulpwood bolts in the shipment identified by my shipping order number ____ dated ____, are manufactured in accordance with the attached order from (buyer) of (address), numbered ____ and dated ____, are intended to be processed into pulp and are not to be remanufactured into other products. I make this certification with full knowledge and understanding of the export and substitution restrictions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.) (Act) and its implementing regulations. I fully understand that exporting unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands or unprocessed timber from private lands which is required to be processed domestically is a violation of this Act, its implementing regulations, and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001), and may subject me to the penalties and remedies provided for such violations.”

(4) Signatory procedures. Certificates shall be on company letterhead, and signed by the person manufacturing the shipment. In the case of a corporation, the certificates must be signed by a person authorized, in writing, by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 36 Cspan 223.187(b)(4), to sign the certificates in 36 Cspan 223.187(b) on behalf of the corporation.

(5) Chief Executive Officer Authorization. The authorization by the Chief Executive Officer shall be on company letterhead, shall be notarized, and shall read as follows:

(6) Exporters of other timber products originating from Federal lands not specifically listed in § 223.187 which may develop export markets in the future may also require similar certification statements. Such statements will be provided by the Forest Service.

(c) Western red cedar. Unprocessed western red cedar timber does not include manufactured lumber authorized for export under license by the Department of Commerce, and lumber from private lands processed to standards established in the lumber grading rules of the American Lumber Standards Association or the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau, or timber processed into any of the following products:

(1) Lumber of American Lumber Standards Grades of Number 3 dimension or better, or Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau Export R-List Grades of Number 3 common or better, with a maximum cross section of 2,000 square centimeters (310 square inches) for any individual piece of processed western red cedar, regardless of grade. To determine whether such lumber meets these established standards, grades and size restrictions, the shipper of record must have in its possession for each shipment, and available for inspection upon the request of the Forest Service, a legible copy of a lumber inspection certificate certified by a lumber inspection/grading organization generally recognized by the industry as setting a selling standard. Export restrictions governing western red cedar timber harvested from Federal, State or other public lands are found in 7(i) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 as amended (50 U.S.C. appendix 2406(i)), and implementing regulations at 15 Cspan 777.7.

(2) Chips, pulp, and pulp products;

(3) Veneer and plywood;

(4) Poles, posts, pilings cut or treated with preservatives for use as such and not intended to be further processed; and

(5) Shakes and shingles.

(d) Finished Products. Shippers of record of products manufactured from unprocessed western red cedar originating from Federal lands, acquired by the manufacturer under the exemption from the prohibition against indirect substitution at § 223.189(e)(1), must have in their possession for each shipment a certificate from the manufacturer that such products are finished products as defined in § 223.186 of this subpart. The certification statement shall read as follows:

(1) “I certify that the products in the shipment identified by my shipping order number ___, dated ___, are manufactured in accordance with the attached order from __ (buyer) __ of ___ (address) ___, numbered __ and dated ___, are intended for end product use. I understand that only western red cedar products that are finished products are exempt from the prohibition against indirect substitution in the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620b(b)(1)) and its implementing regulations. I make this certification with full knowledge and understanding of the export and substitution restrictions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.) (Act) and its implementing regulations. I fully acknowledge and understand that to acquire western red cedar under the indirect substitution exemption in 16 U.S.C. 620b(b)(1) for purposes other than domestic processing into finished products will be a violation of this Act, its implementing regulations, and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001) and may subject me to the penalties and remedies provided for such violation.”

(2) Signatory procedures. Certificates shall be on company letterhead, and signed by the person manufacturing the shipment. In the case of a corporation, the certificate must be signed by a person authorized, in writing, by the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 36 Cspan 223.187(d)(3), to sign the certificate in 36 Cspan 223.187(d)(1) on behalf of the corporation.

(3) Chief Executive Officer Authorization. The authorization by the Chief Executive Officer shall be on company letterhead, shall be notarized, and shall read as follows:

No person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States may export such timber from the United States, or sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise convey such timber to any other person for the purpose of exporting such timber from the United States. This prohibition does not apply to specific quantities of grades and species of such unprocessed Federal timber that the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.

(a) Direct substitution prohibition. Except as otherwise provided by this section:

(1) No person may purchase directly from any department or agency of the United States unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States if:

(i) Such person acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and engages in exporting or selling for export, unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the same geographic and economic area; or

(ii) Such person has, during the preceding 24-month period, exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands.

(2) No person may export or sell for export, unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the same geographic and economic area in the same calendar year that the person has unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in the person's possession or under contract.

(3) No person may purchase unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands if such person sells or otherwise transfers unprocessed timber that originates from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and that requires domestic processing, to a third party if that third party or successive parties export that unprocessed private timber. A third party or successive parties who acquire such unprocessed timber that originates from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States and that requires domestic processing may not export such timber.

(4) The prohibitions in paragraphs (a) (1)-(3) of this section shall not apply to specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber which the Secretary of Agriculture has determined to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.

(b) Exemptions. (1) Pursuant to section 490(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 620b), all persons who applied for a sourcing area by December 20, 1990, in accordance with § 223.190 of this subpart, were exempt from the prohibitions against substitution, in accordance with § 223.189(a)(1) of this subpart, until such time that the approving official approved or disapproved the application.

(2) Pursuant to Section 490(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 620b), an exemption to the prohibition in § 223.189(a)(1)(B) of this subpart is provided to:

(i) A person with a historic export quota who submitted a certification in accordance with § 223.189 (c) and (d) of this subpart; and

(ii) A non-manufacturer who submitted a certification in accordance with § 223.192 of this subpart.

(3) Pursuant to § 490(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 620b), the prohibitions against direct substitution in § 223.189(a) (1) and (2) of this subpart do not apply to a person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands within an approved sourcing area, does not export unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the approved sourcing area while the approval is in effect, and, if applicable, received a waiver of the prohibition against exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the sourcing area during the preceding 24 months, in accordance with § 223.189 (f) and (g) of this subpart.

(c) Historic export quota exemption. The prohibition against the purchase of Federal timber for a person who has exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands, within the preceding 24-month period, shall not apply to a person with a historic export quota approved by the Secretary and who has been exporting unprocessed private timber in accordance with the log export and substitution regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture at 36 CFR part 223, subpart D, in effect before August 20, 1990, if:

(1) That person certified in writing to the Regional Forester of the Region administering the historic export quota, on or before November 20, 1990, that the person would cease exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands on or before February 20, 1991, and

(2) The exporting ceased in accordance with such certification.

(d) Application for historic export quota exemption. To obtain an exemption from the prohibition against export within the preceding 24-month period for purchasing Federal timber based on an approved historic export quota described in paragraph (c) of this section, a person must have applied in writing to the applicable Regional Forester on or before November 20, 1990. The certificate must have been notarized. The application was required to be on company letterhead and must have included:

(1) An agreement to retain records of all transactions involving acquisition and disposition of unprocessed timber from both private and Federal lands within the area(s) involved in the certification, for a period of three (3) years beginning November 20, 1990, and to make such records available for inspection upon the request of the Regional Forester, or other official to whom such authority has been delegated.

(2) A signed certification which reads as follows:

(3) The certification must have been signed by the person making such certification or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer.

(e) Indirect substitution prohibition. No person may purchase from any other person unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States if such person would be prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section from purchasing such timber directly from a Department or agency of the United States, pursuant to § 490(b) of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.). The prohibition in this paragraph does not apply to the following:

(1) To the acquisition of western red cedar, which is domestically processed into finished products.

(2) To a person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands within an approved sourcing area, does not export unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the approved sourcing area while the approval is in effect, and, if applicable, receives a waiver of the prohibition against exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the sourcing area during the preceding 24 months in accordance with § 223.189 (f) and (g) of this subpart.

(3) To the limited amount of unprocessed National Forest System timber within Washington State that is exempt from the prohibition against indirect substitution, pursuant to § 223.203.

(f) Waiver within a sourcing area. The prohibitions in § 223.189(a) (1) and (2) against direct and indirect acquisition of unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands do not apply if:

(1) A person acquires such timber from within an approved sourcing area located west of the 100th meridian in the 48 contiguous States;

(2) Has not exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands located within the approved sourcing area during the preceding 24 months;

(3) Does not export such private timber from within the approved sourcing area during the period the sourcing area is in effect; and

(4) Does not export such private timber during any calendar year in the same geographic and economic area that unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States is under contract or in possession, if the sourcing area is no longer in effect, pursuant to the definition of substitution in 36 CFR 223.186.

(5) The appropriate Regional Forester could waive, in writing, the prohibition against export within the preceding 24-month period for any person who certified in writing, on or before November 20, 1990, that on or before February 20, 1991, that person would cease exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the approved sourcing area for a period of not less than three (3) years. Signatories of this certificate who received an approved sourcing area, like all holders of sourcing areas, are subject to the prohibition against exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the sourcing area boundaries, pursuant to this paragraph.

(g) Application for waiver within a sourcing area. To obtain a waiver of the prohibition against export within the preceding 24-month period for purchasing Federal timber described in paragraph (f) of this section, a person must have submitted a request for waiver, in writing, to the Regional Forester of the region in which the manufacturing facility being sourced is located, which must have been received by the Regional Forester on or before November 20, 1990, and which must have been signed by the person making such request or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer. The request for waiver must be notarized and, in the case of a corporation, with its corporate seal affixed. The request shall be on company letterhead with its corporate seal affixed and must include:

(1) An agreement to retain records of all transactions involving acquisition and disposition of unprocessed timber from both private and Federal lands within the area(s) involved in the waiver request, for a period of three (3) years beginning November 20, 1990, and to make such records available for inspection upon the request of the Regional Forester, or other official to whom such authority has been delegated.

(2) A signed certification statement which reads as follows:

(a) Subject to the restrictions described in § 223.189 of this subpart and, except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a person who owns or operates a manufacturing facility and who exports unprocessed timber originating from private lands may apply for a sourcing area in accordance with the procedures of this section. However, an owner/operator of a manufacturing facility who exports unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands may not possess or acquire unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands unless the acquisition is within an approved sourcing area. A person who intends to acquire or become affiliated with a manufacturing facility that processes Federal timber and who is an exporter may apply for a sourcing area. Written proof of the intent to acquire or affiliate must be included in the sourcing area application, signed by the applicant and the person or, in the case of a corporation, the Chief Executive Officer, whose company the applicant intends to acquire or affiliate with. This certification must be on letterhead and must be notarized. A sourcing area application that the Secretary determines would be approved will be granted tentative approval pending final notification by the applicant of acquisition of or affiliation with the manufacturing facility. The tentative approval of the sourcing area will lapse unless the acquisition or affiliation occurs within 30 days of the tentative approval of the sourcing area. A sourcing area is not valid until final approval of the sourcing area. The direct substitution prohibition did not apply to a person who applied for a sourcing area on or before December 20, 1990. A request for modification of an existing sourcing area shall trigger a review pursuant to the procedures and restrictions in § 223.191(e).

(b) As provided in the Act, a person who has requested an exemption or waiver of the prohibition against export within the preceding 24-month period, pursuant to § 223.189 of this subpart, must have applied for the desired sourcing area on or before December 20, 1990.

(c) Applications. Sourcing area applications shall include:

(1) A map of sufficient scale and detail to clearly show:

(i) The applicant's desired sourcing area boundary. This boundary will include both the private and Federal lands from which the applicant intends to acquire unprocessed timber for sourcing its manufacturing facilities;

(ii) The location of the timber manufacturing facilities owned or operated by the applicant within the proposed sourcing area where the person intends to process timber originating from Federal land;

(iii) The location of private lands within and outside the desired sourcing area where the person has, within the 24 months immediately preceding the date of the application, acquired unprocessed timber originating from private land which was exported, sold, traded, exchanged, or otherwise conveyed to another person for the purpose of exporting such timber;

(2) A list of other persons with timber manufacturing facilities located within the same general vicinity as the applicant's facilities;

(3) Any other information the applicant may believe is appropriate to support approval of the requested sourcing area; and

(4) A statement signed by the person certifying under the penalties provided in Section 492 of this Act (16 U.S.C. 620d) and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001) that the information provided in support of the application is true, complete, and accurate to the best of the applicant's knowledge. The statement shall read as follows:

(d) Confidential information. Applications are not considered confidential. However, if a person does submit confidential information as part of an application, the information should be marked confidential. Information so marked will be afforded the rights and protection provided under the Freedom of Information Act.

(e) Where to submit the application. A sourcing area applicant shall send the application to the Office of Administrative Law Judges and shall, simultaneously, send a copy of the sourcing area application to the Forest Service Regional Forester of the region in which the manufacturing facility being sourced is located. Where the sourcing area application will cover purchases from more than one agency, application is to be made to the agency from which the applicant expects to purchase the preponderance of its Federal timber. The sourcing area applicant must also send a complete copy of the application to each agency concerned. The lead agency shall make the decision in consultation with, and upon co-signature of, the other agencies concerned.

(f) Signatory procedures. Sourcing area applications must be signed by the person making the request, or in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer, and must be notarized. The application shall be on company letterhead.

(g) The sourcing area application and review process will be conducted pursuant to the Rules of Practice Governing the Adjudication of Sourcing Area Applications and Formal Review of Sourcing Areas Pursuant to the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.), found at 7 CFR part 1, subpart M.

(h) A final decision on a sourcing area application or a formal sourcing area review will be issued within four (4) months of the receipt of the application or initiation of the review.

(i) The following criteria must be met for sourcing area approval:

(1) The Administrative Law Judge, or, on appeal, the Judicial Officer must find that the proposed sourcing area is geographically and economically separate from any area that the applicant harvests or expects to harvest for export any unprocessed timber originating from private lands. In making such a finding, the Administrative Law Judge, or, on appeal, the Judicial Officer shall consider the timber purchasing patterns of the applicant on private and Federal lands equally with those of other persons in the same local vicinity and the relative similarity of such purchasing patterns.

(2) The “same local vicinity” will normally be manufacturing facilities located within 30 miles of the community where the applicant's manufacturing facility is located, but may include more distant communities if manufacturing facilities in those communities depend on the same source of timber and have similar purchasing patterns.

(3) The relative similarity of purchasing patterns of other mills shall be determined by considering the location and similarity of unprocessed timber being acquired by those facilities.

(4) Lines defining the geographic area shall be based on major natural and cultural features, including, but not limited to, prominent ridge systems, main roads or highways, rivers, political subdivisions, and not characterized by random lines.

(j) Comments. Persons may submit comments on sourcing area applications pursuant to the Rules of Practice Governing the Adjudication of Sourcing Area Applications and Formal Review of Sourcing Areas Pursuant to the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.), found at 7 CFR part 1, subpart M. Persons submitting a comment must certify at the end of the comment, but before the signature, to the following: “I certify that the information provided by me is true and accurate, to the best of my knowledge, and I understand that failure to provide true and accurate information could be violation of the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001).”

(k) Transporting or causing to be transported unprocessed private timber from outside of a sourcing area into a sourcing area by the holder of the sourcing area is prohibited as a violation of the sourcing area boundary. Such violation will cause a review of the sourcing area, and could subject the sourcing area holder to the penalties and remedies for violations of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, 16 U.S.C. 620, et seq., and its implementing regulations.

(l) A person with an approved sourcing area may relinquish the sourcing area at any time provided the person certifies to the following:

The certificate must be signed by the person making such certification or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer; must be on company letterhead; and must be notarized.

(m) A sourcing area is in effect until it is relinquished by the sourcing area holder, or is disapproved upon review of the sourcing area.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an applicant whose sourcing area application was submitted by December 20, 1990, and was disapproved could either phase out of purchasing Federal timber or phase out of exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the sourcing area that would have been approved, as follows:

(1) Phase-out of Federal timber purchasing. The applicant could purchase, in the 9-month period after receiving the application disapproval, unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in the disapproved sourcing area, in an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the annual average of such person's purchases of unprocessed Federal timber in such area during the 5 full fiscal years immediately prior to the date of submission of the application. In the 6-month period immediately following the 9-month period, such person could purchase not more than 25 percent of such annual average, after which time the prohibitions against direct substitution, set forth in § 223.189 of this subpart, shall apply; or

(2) Phase-out of private timber exporting. The applicant could continue to purchase unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands within the disapproved sourcing area without being subject to the phase-out of Federal timber purchasing procedures described in paragraph (a) of this section, if the following requirements were met:

(i) The applicant certified to the Regional Forester or the approving official to whom such authority has been delegated, within 90 days after receiving the disapproval decision, as follows:

(A) An applicant that has exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands from the geographic area that would have been approved provided a signed certification that reads as follows:

(B) An applicant who has not exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands from the geographic area that the Secretary would have approved provided a signed certification that reads as follows:

(ii) Each certification statement set forth in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section must have been signed by the person making such certification or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer; must have been on company letterhead; must have been notarized; and must have had a corporate seal attached.

(iii) The person signing such certification set forth in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) of this section must have provided to the Regional Forester the annual volume of timber exported by that person during the five (5) full fiscal years immediately preceding submission of the application, originating from private lands in the geographic area for which the application would have been approved.

(iv) When the applicant submitted the certificate, the area the Secretary would have approved, as shown on the sourcing area map provided by the Secretary, became an approved sourcing area. If the certificate was not submitted, the sourcing area that would have been approved did not become an approved sourcing area.

(3) The phase-out of Federal timber purchasing and the phase-out of private timber exporting procedures provided by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section do not apply to persons submitting sourcing area applications after December 20, 1990, or to persons requesting review of disapproved sourcing areas.

(b) Limits on purchases and exports. (1) During the 15-month period following disapproval of a sourcing area, a person who elects to phase-out of private timber exporting as described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, may not:

(i) Purchase more than 125 percent of the person's annual average purchases of unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands within the person's disapproved sourcing area during the five (5) full fiscal years immediately prior to submission of the application; and,

(ii) Export unprocessed timber originating from private lands in the geographic area determined by the approving official for which the application would have been approved, in amounts that exceed 125 percent of the annual average of that person's exports of unprocessed timber from such private land during the five (5) full years immediately prior to submission of the application.

(2) At the conclusion of the 15-month export phase-out period, the prohibition against exporting private timber originating from within the area shall be in full force and effect as long as the sourcing area remains approved, pursuant to this subpart F of this part 223.

(c) Presentation of map to applicant whose sourcing area is disapproved. The area determined by the deciding official that would have been approved shall be drawn on a map and presented to the applicant by the deciding official with the notice of disapproval of the application.

(d) Effect of prior certification to cease exporting. An applicant's previous certification to cease exporting beginning February 20, 1991, for a period of three (3) years from within the disapproved sourcing area pursuant to paragraphs (f) and (g) in § 223.189 of this subpart shall remain in full force and effect for persons with approved and disapproved sourcing areas.

(e) Review process and frequency. (1) Approved sourcing areas shall be reviewed not less often than every five (5) years. A tentative date for a review shall be included in the Administrative Law Judge's, or, on appeal, the Judicial Officer's determination or stated in writing by the Regional Forester following the determination. At least 60 days prior to the tentative review date, the Regional Forester or other such reviewing official shall notify the person holding the sourcing area of the pending review, publish notice of such review in newspapers of general circulation within the sourcing area, and invite comments, to be received no later than 30 days from the date of the notice, from all interested persons, including the person holding the sourcing area. For 10 working days following the comment period, any person submitting a written comment and the person with the sourcing area may review the comments. If there is disagreement among the persons who submitted written comments regarding the proper sourcing area, the reviewing official shall convene an informal meeting convenient to the persons that all interested persons may attend. If an agreement cannot be reached among the persons, formal administrative adjudication shall occur. The Administrative Law Judge, or, on appeal, the Judicial Officer shall, on the record and after opportunity for a hearing, approve or disapprove the sourcing area being reviewed, pursuant to the Rules of Practice Governing the Adjudication of Sourcing Area Applications and Formal Review of Sourcing Areas Pursuant to the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.), found at 7 CFR part 1, subpart M.

(2) Disapproved sourcing areas shall be reviewed using the process described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section upon resubmission of an application, provided the applicant has accepted the area the Secretary would have approved as a sourcing area pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(3) The Department reserves the right to schedule a review, at the request of the Forest Service or the person holding the sourcing area, at any time prior to the scheduled tentative review date, with 60 days notice.

(4) Sourcing areas being reviewed shall continue in full force and effect pending the final review determination.

(f) Reporting and record keeping procedures. The reporting and record keeping procedures in this section constitute information collection requirements as defined in 5 CFR part 1320. These requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned clearance number 0596-0115.

(a) Persons who do not own or operate a manufacturing facility (non-manufacturer) are not eligible to apply for or be granted a sourcing area.

(b) The prohibition against the purchase of Federal timber for a person who has exported unprocessed timber originating from private lands within the preceding 24-month period shall not apply, if the person certified in writing to the Regional Forester of the region(s) in which the person purchases National Forest System timber by November 20, 1990, that the person would cease exporting unprocessed timber originating from private lands by February 20, 1991, for a period of three (3) years, and the exporting did cease in accordance with such certification.

(c) To obtain an exemption from the prohibition against export within the preceding 24-month period for purchasing Federal timber described in § 223.189 (a) and (b) of this subpart, a person must have applied in writing to the applicable Regional Forester on or before November 20, 1990. The application was required to be on company letterhead and, in the case of a corporation, with its corporate seal affixed, and must have included:

(1) An agreement to retain records of all transactions involving acquisition and disposition of unprocessed timber from both private and Federal lands within the area(s) involved in the certification, for a period of three (3) years beginning November 20, 1990, and to make such records available for inspection upon the request of the Regional Forester, or other official to whom such authority has been delegated.

(2) A signed certification which reads as follows:

(3) The certification must have been signed by the person making such certification or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer. The certificate must have been notarized.

(a) Annual report. Each person who directly or indirectly acquires or possesses unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands located west of the 100th meridian in the 48 contiguous States shall submit an annual report on a form provided by the Forest Service on the acquisition and disposition of such timber. Such report shall be on a calendar year basis and shall be sent to the Regional Forester, or other official to whom such authority is delegated, who administers the National Forest System lands from which the majority of timber originated, not later than March 1 of each year, beginning March 1, 1997. The form shall include:

(1) A summary for the calendar year listing, by company, from whom the timber was acquired; the date of acquisition; the origin of National Forest System timber acquired; the sale name; the contract number(s); brand registration number(s) of brands registered by a state or agency or a pictorial representation of sale brand(s) if brands not registered by a state or agency; to whom the timber was sold, transferred or otherwise conveyed to another person; and the date of disposal;

(2) An accounting by origin, in net board feet Scribner or cubic feet, of the volume of National Forest System timber acquired, the volume domestically processed by the purchaser or affiliates, and the volume sold or transferred for domestic processing;

(3) The volume by species of National Forest System surplus species timber acquired and exported or sold for export;

(4) The volume (MBF Net Scribner or cubic) of the unprocessed timber originating from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States that was exported, and

(5) A certificate stating that:

(i) The certifier has read and understands the form;

(ii) The certifier is eligible to acquire unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in accordance with the Act;

(iii) The information supplied is a true, accurate, current, and complete statement of the receipt and disposition of unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands to the best of the certifier's knowledge;

(iv) The certifier agrees to retain a copy of the form and records of all transactions involving unprocessed Federal timber and to make such records available for inspection upon request of an authorized official of the United States for three (3) years from the date of disposal by manufacture or transfer; and

(v) The certifier acknowledges that failure to report completely and accurately the receipt and disposition of timber will subject the certifier to the penalties and remedies in the Act and the penalties in the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001).

(6) The information provided is presumed to be not confidential, unless specifically marked confidential, in which case confidentiality will be evaluated under applicable laws.

(b) Transfer of unprocessed National Forest System timber. Each person who transfers to another person unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands shall undertake the following:

(1) Before completing such transfer, provide to such other person a written notice of origin, species, estimated volume or actual volume if the transfer is based on log scale volume, from whom acquired, sale name, contract number, and log brand of unprocessed National Forest System timber being transferred on a form provided by the Forest Service;

(2) Before completing such transfer, certify that the information supplied is a true, accurate, current, and complete statement to the best of his or her knowledge. As part of the certification, the certifier shall:

(i) Agree to send a signed copy of the form required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section within 10 calendar days of such transfer, which shall include all notices, acknowledgments, and agreements, required by this section, to the appropriate Regional Forester who administers the National Forest System lands from which this timber originates, or other official to whom such authority is delegated, and to retain a copy for the certifier's records;

(ii) Acknowledge that the transfer of unprocessed Federal timber to a person for export or to a person who may not purchase timber directly from the Federal government is a violation of the Act;

(iii) Agree to obtain full completed notice of origin form from the transferee;

(iv) Agree to retain records of all transactions involving unprocessed Federal timber for a period of three (3) years from the date of transfer and to make all records involving log transactions available to an appropriate Federal official upon request. Records include all forms and certificates required by these regulations;

(v) Acknowledge that failure to report completely and accurately the receipt and disposition and/or transfer of unprocessed National Forest System timber will subject the certifier to the penalties and remedies in the Act (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.) and the penalties in the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001); and

(vi) Certify that he or she has read and understands the form.

(3) Before completing such transfer, obtain from the person acquiring such timber on the same form provided by the Forest Service.

(i) An agreement to retain for a period of three (3) years from date of transfer the records of all sales, exchanges, or other disposition of such timber, and make such records available for inspection upon the request of an authorized official of the United States;

(ii) An agreement to allow Federal officials access to log storage and processing facilities for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the Act and implementing regulations;

(iii) An agreement to maintain and/or replace all brands and paint identifying the Federal origin of each piece of unprocessed Federal timber as described in § 223.195;

(iv) An agreement to submit, by March 1, the annual report required in § 223.193(a);

(v) An agreement to submit a completed notice of origin form for the Federal timber received and to receive an agreement to comply with the Act and regulations in such form if the person transfers any or all of the timber listed in the document;

(vi) An acknowledgment of the prohibition against acquiring unprocessed Federal timber from a person who is prohibited by the Act from purchasing the timber directly from the United States;

(vii) An acknowledgment of the prohibitions against exporting unprocessed Federal timber and against acquiring such timber in substitution for unprocessed private timber west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States;

(viii) A declaration of its business size and manufacturing classification, as defined under the Small Business Administration Regulations at 13 CFR part 121; and

(ix) A certificate stating that the certifier has read and understands the form; is eligible to acquire unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in accordance with the Act; has been notified that some or all of the unprocessed timber included in this transfer is subject to export and substitution restrictions; supplied information is a true, accurate, current, and complete statement of the receipt and disposition of the unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands to the best of the certifier's knowledge; and acknowledges that failure to report completely and accurately the transfer of unprocessed Federal timber will subject the certifier to the penalties and remedies in the Act (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.) and the penalties in the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001). The information provided is presumed to be not confidential, unless specifically marked confidential, in which case confidentiality will be evaluated under applicable laws.

(4) Except as otherwise provided by law, a person who transfers unprocessed Federal timber to another person and meets all notice, certification, acknowledgment, reporting and record keeping requirements contained in this section shall be relieved from further liability for such timber pursuant to the Act.

(a) Notice of domestic processing requirement. Each person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands located west of the 100th meridian in the 48 contiguous States, and who also possesses or acquires unprocessed timber from private lands located west of the 100th meridian in the 48 contiguous States that requires domestic processing, including unprocessed timber originating within an approved sourcing area, and in turn sells, trades or otherwise conveys such unprocessed private timber to another person, must include a statement notifying the person acquiring the unprocessed private timber that such private timber must be domestically processed. Unprocessed timber originating from private lands located outside of a sourcing area may be transferred by the holder of the sourcing area, or by persons acquiring such unprocessed timber who are eligible to export such timber, without including such a statement.

(b) The notification statement, pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, shall accompany each transaction involving unprocessed private timber that requires domestic processing. The statement shall be on a form provided by the Forest Service or a legible copy of such form.

(1) On such form, described in paragraph (b) of this section, the person transferring the timber shall:

(i) Give notice to the person receiving the unprocessed private timber that exporting that timber would violate the Act and its implementing regulations;

(ii) Give notice to the person receiving the unprocessed private timber that the timber has been identified for domestic manufacturing by a spot of highway yellow paint on each log end that must be retained on the timber;

(iii) Agree to send a signed copy of the transaction statement to the Regional Forester within 10 calendar days of the transaction;

(iv) Agree to retain records of all transactions involving the acquisition and disposition of unprocessed timber for a period of three (3) years from the date of disposal by manufacturing or transfer and to make such records available for inspection upon the request of an authorized official of the United States;

(v) Acknowledge that failure to completely and accurately report and identify unprocessed timber is a violation of the Act, and regulations issued under the Act, and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001); and

(vi) Certify that the form has been read and understood.

(2) On such form, described in paragraph (b), the person acquiring the timber shall:

(i) Acknowledge receipt of the notice of requirement to domestically process timber originating from private land;

(ii) Certify that a statement pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) will be included in any subsequent transaction documents;

(iii) Agree to maintain yellow paint markings on each log end until the timber is domestically processed or transferred;

(iv) Agree to retain records of all transactions involving the acquisition and disposition of unprocessed timber for a period of three (3) years from the date of disposal by manufacturing or transfer and to make such records available for inspection upon the request of an authorized official of the United States;

(v) Agree to send a signed copy of the transaction statement to the Regional Forester within 10 calendar days of the transaction;

(vi) Agree to allow authorized officials access to log storage and processing facilities for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the Act and its implementing regulations;

(vii) Acknowledge that failure to comply with the domestic manufacturing requirements for unprocessed timber or failure to notify subsequent persons of this requirement may subject the certifier to the civil penalties and administrative remedies provided in the Act and regulations issued under the Act;

(viii) Acknowledge that failure to completely and accurately report and identify unprocessed timber is a violation of the Act, and regulations issued under the Act, and the False Statements Act (18 U.S.C. 1001); and

(ix) Certify that the form has been read and understood.

(c) Except as otherwise provided by law, a person who transfers unprocessed private timber to another person and meets all notice, certification, acknowledgement, distribution, reporting and record keeping requirements contained in this section shall be relieved from further liability for such timber with regard to the export and substitution restrictions pursuant to the Act.

(a) Highway yellow paint. The use of highway yellow paint on unprocessed logs west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States shall be reserved for identifying logs requiring domestic manufacturing.

(b) Preserving identification. All identifying marks placed on an unprocessed log to identify the National Forest System origin of that log and/or to identify the log as requiring domestic processing shall be retained on the log until the log is domestically processed. If the identifying marks are lost, removed, or become unreadable, they shall be replaced. If the log is cut into two or more segments, each segment shall be identified in the same manner as the original log.

(1) A generic log hammer brand, known as a “catch brand”, used to identify ownership, may be used to replace lost, removed, unreadable or otherwise missing brands where such use is authorized by the Regional Forester and approved by the Contracting Officer. Use of such a catch brand on a log or log segment will signify Federal origin.

(2) The requirement to preserve identification of log pieces shall not apply to logs cut into two or more segments as a part of the mill in-feed process immediately before processing. Log segments that are returned to or placed in storage must be marked on both ends with yellow paint.

(c) National Forest System logs. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, all unprocessed logs originating from National Forest System timber sales west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States shall, before being removed from the timber sale area, be marked on each end as follows:

(1) Painted on each end with a spot of highway yellow paint not less than three square inches in size; and,

(2) Branded on each end with a hammer brand approved for use by the Forest Supervisor of the National Forest from which the logs originate. The brand pattern may not be used to mark logs from any other source for a period of 24 months after all logs have been removed from the sale area and until such brand pattern is released in writing by the Forest Supervisor.

(d) Private logs. All unprocessed logs originating from private lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States that require domestic manufacturing pursuant to § 223.194 of this subpart, shall be painted on each end with a spot of highway yellow paint not less than three (3) square inches in size before removal from the harvest area. If private logs are acquired by a person who may not export such logs, the logs must be marked by the person acquiring the logs at the time of the acquisition.

(e) Waiver of painting requirements. The log painting requirements pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (d) of this section may be waived if the Chief of the Forest Service determines that alternate methods for identifying logs required to be domestically processed are equal to or better than the procedures required herein.

(f) Waiver of branding requirements. Regional Foresters may waive the branding requirements pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section as follows:

(1) Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4. On an individual timber sale basis, all or a portion of the branding requirements pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be waived, if:

(i) Unprocessed logs from any origin are not known to have been exported by any person from the person's area of operations within the previous 5; years.

(ii) The person certifies as follows:

(iii) The person otherwise complies with the regulations relating to transfers of logs between persons.

(iv) If the Regional Forester determines that unprocessed logs from my origin are being exported, or are known to have been exported within the previous 5 years, by any person from the person's area of operations, the Regional Forester shall revoke the waiver.

(2) Regions 5 and 6. On an individual timber sale basis, the branding requirement pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of this section may be waived for logs ten (10) inches or less in diameter inside bark on the large end may be waived if:

(i) One end of each log is branded;

(ii) The person certifies as follows:

(iii) The purchaser otherwise complies with the regulations relating to transfers of logs between persons.

(iv) If the Regional Forester determines that logs ten (10) inches or less in diameter inside bark on the large end are being exported in the Region, the Regional Forester shall revoke the waiver.

(3) The Chief of the Forest Service may authorize the testing of alternative methods of branding for consideration in future amendment of these regulations. Such alternative methods and logs marked under those methods shall be closely monitored.

(a) Exporting Federal timber. If the Secretary of Agriculture finds, on the record and after providing an opportunity for a hearing, that a person, with willful disregard for the prohibition in the Act exporting unprocessed Federal timber, exported or caused to be exported unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands in violation of the Act, the Secretary may assess against such person a civil penalty of not more than $500,000 for each violation, or 3 times the gross value of the unprocessed timber involved in the violation, whichever amount is greater.

(b) Other violations. If the Secretary of Agriculture finds, on the record and after providing an opportunity for a hearing, that a person has violated any provision of the Act, or any regulation issued under the Act relating to National Forest System lands, even though that the violation may not have caused the export of unprocessed Federal timber in violation of such Act, the Secretary may:

(1) Assess against such person a civil penalty of not more than $500,000, if the Secretary determines that the person committed such violation willfully;

(2) Assess against such person a civil penalty of not more than $75,000 for each violation, if the Secretary determines that the person committed such violation in disregard of such provision or regulation; or

(3) Assess against such person a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for each violation, if the Secretary determines that the person should have known that the action constituted a violation.

(c) Penalties not exclusive and judicial review. A penalty assessed under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall not be exclusive of any other penalty provided by law, and shall be subject to review in an appropriate United States district court.

Adjudicatory procedures for hearing alleged violations of this Act and its implementing regulations and assessing penalties shall be conducted under the rules of practice governing formal adjudicatory proceedings instituted by the Secretary. Such procedures are found at 7 CFR 1.130, et seq.

In addition to possible debarment action provided under subpart C of this part, the Chief of the Forest Service, or other official to whom such authority is delegated, may cancel any timber sale contract entered into with a person found to have violated the Act or regulations issued under the Act. Such a finding shall constitute a serious violation of contract terms pursuant to § 223.116(a)(1) of this part.

The Regional Foresters may enter into agreements to cooperate with the Department of the Interior, the Department of Defense, and other Federal, State and local agencies for monitoring, surveillance and enforcing the Act.

(a) Determinations that specific quantities of grades and species are surplus to domestic manufacturing needs and withdrawals of such determinations shall be made in accordance with title 5, United States Code, section 553.

(b) Review of a determination shall be made at least once in every 3-year period. Notice of such review shall be published in the Federal Register. The public shall have no less than 30 days to submit comments on the review.

(c) Alaska yellow cedar and Port Orford cedar, which the Secretary of Agriculture found to be surplus to domestic processing needs pursuant to 36 CFR 223.163, the rules in effect before August 20, 1990, shall continue in that status until new determinations are published.

Unprocessed timber from National Forest System lands in Alaska may not be exported from the United States or shipped to other States without prior approval of the Regional Forester. This requirement is necessary to ensure the development and continued existence of adequate wood processing capacity in Alaska for the sustained utilization of timber from the National Forests which are geographically isolated from other processing facilities. In determining whether consent will be given for the export of timber, consideration will be given to, among other things, whether such export will:

(a) Permit more complete utilization on areas being logged primarily for local manufacture,

(b) Prevent loss or serious deterioration of logs unsalable locally because of an unforeseen loss of market,

(c) Permit the salvage of timber damaged by wind, insects, fire or other catastrophe,

(d) Bring into use a minor species of little importance to local industrial development, or

(e) Provide material required to meet urgent and unusual needs of the Nation. (16 U.S.C. 472a; 16 U.S.C. 551; 16 U.S.C. 616)

(a) The procedures in §§ 223.189 and 223.192, and some of the procedures in § 223.190 were approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned Control Number 0596-0114 upon issuance of the interim rule. Control Number 0596-0114 has been reapproved by OMB for use through May 31, 1997. OMB approved the information collection requirements in §§ 223.191 and 223.203 for use through August 31, 1995, and assigned them Control Number 0596-0115. OMB approved the information collection requirements in §§ 223.48 and 223.87 for use through March 31, 1997 and assigned them Control Number 0596-0021; the information collection requirements in §§ 223.48 and 223.87 have been revised. OMB Control Numbers 0596-0114, 0596-0115, and 0596-0021 have been consolidated under OMB Control Number 0596-0114.

(b) The application and reporting procedures in §§ 223.187, 223.193, 223.194, 223.195, and some of the procedures in § 223.190 of this final rule contain new record keeping and reporting requirements as defined in 5 CFR part 1320 and, therefore, impose additional paperwork burdens on the affected public. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved these requirements, and assigned them Control Number 0596-0114.

(a) Exception limits. A limited amount of unprocessed National Forest System timber originating from within Washington State could have been acquired by a person otherwise covered by the prohibition against indirect substitution, pursuant to § 490(b) of the Act and § 223.189(e) of this subpart.

(1) The amount of such unprocessed timber was limited to whichever is less:

(i) The higher of the applicant's actual purchase receipts for unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands within Washington State or the Department's records, during fiscal years 1988, 1989, and 1990, divided by 3; or

(ii) 15 million board feet.

(2) Such limit shall not exceed such person's proportionate share of 50 million board feet.

(b) Application, review and approval process. To obtain a share of the 50 million board feet exempted from the prohibition against indirect substitution in section 490(b) of the Act, a person must have submitted an application. Applications were required to include at least the following:

(1) The amount of volume exception being requested, in thousand board feet (MBF);

(2) A signed certification that reads as follows:

(3) The application listed under this section must have been signed by the person making such application or, in the case of a corporation, by its Chief Executive Officer. The application must have been on the company's letterhead and must have been notarized.

(4) The application made under this section must have been mailed to the Regional Forester in Portland, Oregon, no later than January 8, 1992. Applicants were notified of the approving official's decision by letter. If approved, the amount of the exception becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

(5) Prospective applicants could review Department records upon request prior to the deadline for submitting applications. An applicant could voluntarily submit information documenting the amount of purchases of unprocessed timber originating from National Forest System lands within Washington State. The Department then determined which amount is higher, verified by either the Department's records or the applicant's records. The Department then determined the applicant's portion of the 50 million board feet by determining the lesser of the amount verified by the records or 15 million board feet. Applicants could submit the information documenting the amount of purchases in the following manner:

(i) Actual receipts for purchasing unprocessed timber from National Forest System lands within Washington State; or

(ii) A statement by a certified public accountant of:

(A) A summary by fiscal year for 1988, 1989 and 1990 of the applicant's acquisitions of timber originating from National Forest System lands in the State of Washington, listing total volume for each of the three fiscal years; and

(B) The average volume for the three fiscal years. The volumes to be reported were the harvest volumes, except in the case of open sales. Advertised volumes had to be reported for open sales.

(C) The certified public accountant must have certified to the following:

(D) The certified public accountant's statement and certification must have been on the accountant's company letterhead, must have been notarized, and must have accompanied the applicant's application.

(c) Selling and trading rights. The purchase limit right obtained under this rule may be sold, traded, or otherwise exchanged with any other person subject to the following conditions:

(1) Such rights may not be sold, traded, or otherwise exchanged to persons already in possession of such rights:

(2) Any person selling, trading, or exchanging any or all of the rights obtained under this rule shall advise the Regional Forester of the amount being traded and the name(s) of the person(s) acquiring such rights within 15 days of the transaction; and

(3) No person may have or acquire more than 15 million board feet in one fiscal year.

(d) Information collection. The application procedures in this section constitute information collection requirements as defined in 5 CFR part 1320. These requirements have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget and assigned clearance number 0596-0114.

(e) Persons with approved shares. The application period for shares of the indirect substitution exception for acquiring unprocessed timber originating from National Forest Systems lands within the State of Washington closed on January 8, 1992. Persons with approved shares are responsible for monitoring and controlling their acquisitions of National Forest System timber originating from within the State of Washington to assure approved share amounts are not exceeded in any Federal fiscal year. Unused portions of annual shares may not be “banked” for use in future fiscal years. The acquisition of such National Forest System timber must be reported to the Forest Service in accordance with § 223.193 of this subpart. The following shares are approved as of September 8, 1995:

(1) Cavenham Forest Industries, Portland, OR, 1,048,000 board feet.

(2) Weyerhauser, Tacoma, WA, 15,000,000 board feet.