216.6—Notice and comment procedures for proposed Manual directives identified for formal public review.
(a)
Where it is determined that substantial public interest or controversy concerning a proposed Manual directive can be expected, the following minimum requirements for notifying the public and giving opportunity to comment on the proposal apply:
(1) National Forest and Ranger District Proposals.
The responsible official shall determine appropriate means of notifying the public. This may include, but is not limited to, legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation or press release. The public shall have a minimum of 30 calendar days to review and comment on the proposal.
(2) Regional, Station, and Area Proposals.
The responsible official shall determine appropriate means of notifying the public. This may include, but is not limited to, notice and summary of the proposal in the Federal Register, legal notice in one or more newspapers of general circulation, or press release. The public shall have a minimum of 30 calendar days to review and comment on the proposal.
(3) National Proposals.
The responsible official shall publish a notice and summary of the proposal in the Federal Register, followed by a minimum of 60 calendar days for public review and comment.
(b)
Agency officials will give direct notice to Federal, State, and local governments and to the public known to be interested in the proposal. Along with the notice, the responsible official shall also provide either a complete proposal or a summary of the proposal for review.
(c)
The responsible Forest Service official may conduct additional public participation activities related to the proposed Manual directive as are deemed appropriate and necessary.
(d)
Comments received from the public shall be analyzed and considered in the formulation and preparation of the final Manual directive.
(e)
The final Manual directive or a summary shall be sent to those who offered comments on the proposed directive and further publicized as deemed appropriate by the responsible official.