215.1—Purpose and scope.
(a) Purpose.
The rules of this part have two purposes. First, this part establishes a process by which the public receives notice and is provided an opportunity to comment on proposed actions for projects and activities implementing a land and resource management plan prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. Second, this part establishes an appeal process and identifies the decisions that may be appealed, who may appeal those decisions, the responsibilities of the participants in an appeal, and the procedures that apply for the prompt disposition of the appeal.
(b) Scope.
The notice of proposed actions and opportunity to comment provides an opportunity for the public to provide meaningful input prior to the decision on projects and activities implementing land and resource management plans. The rules of this part complement, but do not replace, numerous other opportunities to participate in and influence the agency's project and activity planning, such as those provided by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) implementing regulations and procedures at 40 CFR parts 1500-1508, the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) implementing regulations at part 219, and the pertinent requirements at part 216 regarding notice and comment for certain Forest Service Manual (FSM) directives. The appeal process is available to those who submit substantive comments during the comment period. Appeal disposition constitutes the final administrative determination of the United States Department of Agriculture. Throughout this part, references to decisions which affect an authorized use or occupancy of National Forest System lands and meet all other applicable requirements of this part, are subject to appeal by the holders of such authorizations under either this part or part 251, subpart C, but not under both parts. In addition, certain other parties meeting requirements of § 251.86 may also be eligible to appeal projects under either this part or part 251, subpart C, but not under both parts.