Authorization ID: #AUTH_ID# FS-2700-4 (09/2020)
Contact ID: #HOLDER_ID# OMB 0596-0082
Expiration Date: #EXPIRATION_DATE#
Use Code: #USE_CODE#
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
SPECIAL USE PERMIT
AUTHORITY:
#AUTHORITY_NAME#
<Delete all user notes before printing.>
#HOLDER_NAME# of #HOLDER_ADD_LINE_1#, #HOLDER_ADD_LINE_2#, #HOLDER_ADD_LINE_3#, #HOLDER_CITY#, #HOLDER_STATE# #HOLDER_ZIP# (hereinafter “the holder”) is authorized to use or occupy National Forest System lands in the National Forest or unit of the National Forest System, subject to the terms of this special use permit (permit).
This permit covers #USE_ACRES# acres or #USE_MILES# miles in the #TOWNSHIP_SECT_RANGE# #FIRST_DIVISION# #FIRST_DIV_NAME_NUMBER#, #SECOND_DIVISION# SECOND_DIV_NAME_NUMBER#, #THIRD_DIVISION# #THIRD_DIV_NAME_NUMBER# (“the permit area”), as shown on the map in Appendix A. This and any other appendices to this permit are hereby incorporated into this permit.
This permit is issued for the purpose of:
#PURPOSE#
I. GENERAL TERMS
A. AUTHORITY. This permit is issued pursuant to [name of and cite for authority] and 36 CFR Part 251, Subpart B, as amended, and is subject to their provisions.
B. AUTHORIZED OFFICER. The authorized officer is the Forest or Grassland Supervisor, a District Ranger, or the Station, Institute, or Area Director with delegated authority pursuant to Forest Service Manual 2700.
C. TERM. This permit shall expire at midnight on #EXPIRATION_DATE#. Expiration of this permit shall not require notice, a decision document, or any environmental analysis or other documentation.
D. CONTINUATION OF USE AND OCCUPANCY. This permit is not renewable. Prior to expiration of this permit, the holder may apply for a new permit for the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. Applications for a new permit must be submitted at least 6 months prior to expiration of this permit. Issuance of a new permit is at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. At a minimum, before issuing a new permit, the authorized officer shall ensure that (1) the use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit are consistent with the standards and guidelines in the applicable land management plan; (2) the type of use and occupancy to be authorized by the new permit is the same as the type of use and occupancy authorized by this permit; and (3) the holder is in compliance with all the terms of this permit. The authorized officer may prescribe new terms when a new permit is issued.
E. AMENDMENT. This permit may be amended in whole or in part by the Forest Service when, at the discretion of the authorized officer, such action is deemed necessary or desirable to incorporate new terms that may be required by law, regulation, directive, the applicable land management plan, or projects and activities implementing the land management plan pursuant to 36 CFR Part 218.
F. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS. In exercising the rights and privileges granted by this permit, the holder shall comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy. The Forest Service assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities.
G. NON-EXCLUSIVE USE. The use or occupancy authorized by this permit is not exclusive. The Forest Service reserves the right of access to the permit area, including a continuing right of physical entry to the permit area and the authorized facilities and improvements for inspection, monitoring, or any other purpose consistent with any right or obligation of the United States under any law or regulation. The Forest Service reserves the right to allow others to use the permit area in any way that is not inconsistent with the holder's rights and privileges under this permit, after consultation with all parties involved. Except for any restrictions that the holder and the authorized officer agree are necessary to protect the installation and operation of authorized temporary improvements, the lands and waters covered by this permit shall remain open to the public for all lawful purposes.
H. ASSIGNABILITY. This permit is not assignable or transferable.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE I.I>
<Delete this clause and re-letter the remaining clause in this section if the permit does not authorize the use of privately owned improvements.>
I. TRANSFER OF TITLE TO THE IMPROVEMENTS
1. Notification of Transfer. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when a transfer of title to all or part of the authorized improvements is planned.
2. Transfer of Title. Any transfer of title to the improvements covered by this permit shall result in termination of the permit. The party who acquires title to the improvements must submit an application for a permit. The Forest Service is not obligated to issue a new permit to the party who acquires title to the improvements. The authorized officer shall determine that the applicant meets requirements under applicable federal regulations.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE I.J>
<Delete this clause if the permit is not issued to a business entity.>
J. CHANGE IN CONTROL OF THE BUSINESS ENTITY
1. Notification of Change in Control. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when a change in control of the business entity that holds this permit is planned.
(a) In the case of a corporation, control is an interest, beneficial or otherwise, of sufficient outstanding voting securities or capital of the business so as to permit the exercise of managerial authority over the actions and operations of the corporation or election of a majority of the board of directors of the corporation.
(b) In the case of a partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, or individual entrepreneurship, control is a beneficial ownership of or interest in the entity or its capital so as to permit the exercise of managerial authority over the actions and operations of the entity.
(c) In other circumstances, control is any arrangement under which a third party has the ability to exercise management authority over the actions or operations of the business.
2. Effect of Change in Control. Any change in control of the business entity as defined in paragraph 1 of this clause shall result in termination of this permit. The party acquiring control must submit an application for a special use permit. The Forest Service is not obligated to issue a new permit to the party who acquires control. The authorized officer shall determine whether the applicant meets the requirements established by applicable federal regulations.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE I.K>
<Use this clause only if the permit is issued under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act to a federal entity.>
K. CONVEYANCE OF LANDS COVERED BY THIS PERMIT. The authorized officer shall give the holder at least 90 days prior written notice of any pending conveyance of the lands covered by this permit. With the holder’s consent, the Forest Service may convey the lands covered by this permit without reserving the right-of-way granted by this permit. If the holder does not consent to conveyance without reservation of the right-of-way, the Forest Service may convey the lands covered by this permit only if the lands are subject to the right-of-way granted by this permit.
II. IMPROVEMENTS
A. LIMITATIONS ON USE. Nothing in this permit gives or implies permission to build or maintain any structure or facility or to conduct any activity, unless specifically authorized by this permit. Any use not specifically authorized by this permit must be proposed in accordance with 36 CFR 251.54 or 251.61. Approval of such a proposed use through issuance of a new permit or permit amendment is at the sole discretion of the authorized officer.
B. DRAWINGS. All drawings for development, layout, construction, reconstruction, or alteration of improvements in the permit area, as well as revisions to those drawings, must be prepared by a professional engineer, architect, landscape architect, or other qualified professional acceptable to the authorized officer. These drawings and drawing revisions must have written approval from the authorized officer before they are implemented. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish as-built drawings, maps, or surveys upon completion of the work.
B. CONSTRUCTION. Any construction authorized by this permit shall commence by and shall be completed by .
III. OPERATIONS
A. PERIOD OF USE. Use or occupancy of the permit area shall be exercised at least days each year.
B. CONDITION OF OPERATIONS. The holder shall maintain the authorized improvements and permit area to standards of repair, orderliness, neatness, sanitation, and safety acceptable to the authorized officer and consistent with other provisions of this permit. Standards are subject to periodic change by the authorized officer when deemed necessary to meet statutory, regulatory, or policy requirements or to protect national forest resources.
C. USE OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS AND NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TRAILS. The holder’s use of National Forest System roads and National Forest System trails shall comply with applicable requirements in 36 CFR Part 212, Subpart A; 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A; and orders issued under 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart B. Motor vehicle use shall be consistent with designations made under 36 CFR Part 212, Subpart B, unless specifically provided otherwise in the operating plan. Over-snow vehicle use shall be consistent with designations made under 36 CFR Part 212, Subpart C, unless specifically provided otherwise in the operating plan.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE III.D>
<Include clause III.D in permits that will have an operating plan. Otherwise, delete it, and re-letter the remaining clauses in section III.>
D. OPERATING PLAN. The holder shall prepare and annually revise by [date] an operating plan. The operating plan shall be prepared in consultation with the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative and shall cover all operations authorized by this permit. The operating plan shall outline steps the holder will take to protect public health and safety and the environment and shall include sufficient detail and standards to enable the Forest Service to monitor the holder’s operations for compliance with the terms of this permit. The operating plan shall be submitted by the holder and approved in writing by the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative prior to commencement of operations and shall be attached to this permit as an appendix. Any operating plan revisions shall be submitted by the holder and approved in writing by the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative before they are implemented. The authorized officer may require an annual meeting with the holder to discuss the terms of the permit or operating plan, annual use reports, or other concerns either party may have.
E. MONITORING BY THE FOREST SERVICE. The Forest Service shall monitor the holder's operations and reserves the right to inspect the permit area and authorized facilities and improvements at any time for compliance with the terms of this permit. The holder shall comply with inspection requirements deemed appropriate by the authorized officer. The holder’s obligations under this permit are not contingent upon any duty of the Forest Service to inspect the permit area or authorized facilities or improvements. A failure by the Forest Service or other governmental officials to inspect is not a justification for noncompliance with any of the terms of this permit.
F. CUTTING, DISPOSAL, AND PLANTING OF VEGETATION. This permit does not authorize the cutting of trees, brush, shrubs, and other plants (“vegetation”). Vegetation may be cut, destroyed, or trimmed only after the authorized officer or the authorized officer's designated representative has approved in writing and marked or otherwise identified what may be cut, destroyed, or trimmed. The holder shall notify the authorized officer when approved cutting, destruction, or trimming of vegetation has been completed. The Forest Service shall determine in advance of felling the method of disposal of trees felled in the permit area that meet utilization standards. Disposal may be by sale or without charge per 36 CFR Part 223, as may be most advantageous to the United States. Debris from felling that does not meet utilization standards shall also be disposed of according to methods determined by the Forest Service. Planting of vegetation in the permit area must have prior written approval from the authorized officer.
IV. RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES
A. LEGAL EFFECT OF THE PERMIT. This permit, which is revocable and terminable, is not a contract or a lease, but rather a federal license. The benefits and requirements conferred by this authorization are reviewable solely under the procedures set forth in 36 CFR Part 214 and 5 U.S.C. 704. This permit does not constitute a contract for purposes of the Contract Disputes Act, 41 U.S.C. 601. The permit is not real property, does not convey any interest in real property, and may not be used as collateral for a loan.
B. VALID EXISTING RIGHTS. This permit is subject to all valid existing rights. Valid existing rights include those derived under mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. The United States is not liable to the holder for the exercise of any such right.
C. ABSENCE OF THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARY RIGHTS. The parties to this permit do not intend to confer any rights on any third party as a beneficiary under this permit.
D. NO WARRANTY OF ACCESS, SITE SUITABILITY, OR SERVICES. This permit authorizes the use and occupancy of National Forest System lands by the holder for the purposes identified in this permit. The Forest Service does not make any express or implied warranty of access to the permit area, of the suitability of the permit area for the authorized uses, or for the furnishing of road or trail maintenance, water, fire protection services, search and rescue services, or any other services by a government agency, utility, association, or individual.
<USER NOTES FOR THE REMAINING CLAUSES IN SECTION IV>
<Include the following clauses IV.E through IV.K in permits issued to non-federal entities unless otherwise directed by the user notes. Delete the following clauses IV.E through IV.L for federal entities.>
E. RISK OF LOSS. The holder assumes all risk of loss to the authorized improvements and all risk of loss of use and occupancy of the permit area, in whole or in part, due to public health and safety or environmental hazards. Loss to the authorized improvements and of use and occupancy of the permit area may result from but is not limited to theft, vandalism, fire and any fire-fighting activities (including prescribed burns), environmental contamination, avalanches, rising waters, winds, falling limbs or trees, and other forces of nature. If any authorized improvements are destroyed or substantially damaged, the authorized officer shall conduct an analysis to determine whether the improvements can be safely occupied in the future and whether rebuilding should be allowed. If rebuilding is not allowed, this permit shall terminate. If the authorized officer determines that the permit area cannot be safely occupied due to a public health or safety or environmental hazard, this permit shall terminate. Termination under this clause shall not give rise to any claim for damages, including lost profits and the value of the improvements, by the holder against the Forest Service.
F. DAMAGE TO UNITED STATES PROPERTY. The holder has an affirmative duty to protect from damage the land, property, and other interests of the United States that are associated with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. Damage includes but is not limited to destruction of or damage to National Forest System lands, fire suppression costs, and destruction of or damage to federally owned improvements.
1. The holder shall be liable for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, prevention and control of the spread of invasive species, and the costs of rehabilitation or restoration of natural resources, resulting from the holder’s use and occupancy of the permit area. Compensation shall include but not be limited to the value of resources damaged or destroyed, the costs of restoration, cleanup, or other mitigation, fire suppression or other types of abatement costs, and all administrative, legal (including attorney's fees), and other costs. Such costs may be deducted from a performance bond required under clause IV.J.
2. The holder shall be liable for damage to all roads and trails of the United States caused by use of the holder or the holder's heirs, assignees, agents, employees, or contractors to the same extent as provided under clause IV.F.1, except that liability shall not include reasonable and ordinary wear and tear.
G. HEALTH AND SAFETY. The holder shall take all measures necessary to protect the health and safety of all persons affected by the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder shall promptly abate as completely as possible and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations any physical or mechanical procedure, activity, event, or condition existing or occurring in connection with the authorized use and occupancy during the term of this permit that causes or threatens to cause a hazard to the health or safety of the public or the holder’s employees, agents, or contractors. The holder shall as soon as practicable notify the authorized officer of all serious accidents that occur in connection with these procedures, activities, events, or conditions. The Forest Service has no duty under the terms of this permit to inspect the permit area or operations of the holder for hazardous conditions or compliance with health and safety standards.
H. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
1. Compliance with Environmental Laws. The holder shall in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to those established pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., and the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.
2. Definition of Hazardous Material. For purposes of clause IV.H and section V, "hazardous material" shall mean (a) any hazardous substance under section 101(14) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9601(14); (b) any pollutant or contaminant under section 101(33) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9601(33); (c) any petroleum product or its derivative, including fuel oil, and waste oils; and (d) any hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste, ignitable, reactive or corrosive materials, pollutant, contaminant, element, compound, mixture, solution or substance that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment under any applicable environmental laws.
3. Oil Discharges and Release of Hazardous Materials. The holder shall immediately notify all appropriate response authorities, including the National Response Center and the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative, of any oil discharge or of the release of a hazardous material in the permit area in an amount greater than or equal to its reportable quantity, in accordance with 33 CFR Part 153 and 40 CFR Part 302. For the purposes of this requirement, “oil” is as defined by section 311(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(1). The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative of any release or threatened release of any hazardous material in or near the permit area which may be harmful to public health or welfare or which may adversely affect natural resources on federal lands.
4. Remediation of Release of Hazardous Materials. The holder shall remediate any release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials that occurs in connection with the holder’s activities in the permit area, including activities conducted by the holder's agents, employees, or contractors and regardless of whether those activities are authorized under this permit. The holder shall perform remediation in accordance with applicable law immediately upon discovery of the release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials. The holder shall perform the remediation to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the United States. Upon revocation or termination of this permit, the holder shall deliver the site to the Forest Service in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and free and clear of contamination.
I.
INDEMNIFICATION OF THE UNITED STATES. The
holder shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the United States
for any costs, damages, claims, liabilities, and judgments arising
from past, present, and future acts or omissions of the holder in
connection with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit.
This indemnification provision includes but is not limited to acts
and omissions of the holder or the holder's heirs, assignees, agents,
employees, or contractors in connection with the use and occupancy
authorized by this permit which result in
(1) violations of any
laws and regulations which are now or which may in the future become
applicable;
(2) judgments, claims, demands, penalties, or fees
assessed against the United States; (3) costs, expenses, and damages
incurred by the United States; or (4) the release or threatened
release of any solid waste, hazardous waste, hazardous materials,
pollutant, contaminant, oil in any form, or petroleum product into
the environment. The authorized officer may prescribe terms
that allow the holder to replace, repair, restore, or otherwise
undertake necessary curative actions to mitigate damages in
combination with or as an alternative to monetary indemnification.
J. BONDING. The authorized officer may require the holder to furnish a surety bond or other security for any of the obligations imposed by the terms of this permit or any applicable law, regulation, or order.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSES IV.J.1 THROUGH IV.J.3>
<Delete clauses IV.J.1 through IV.J.3 when a bond is not required.>
1. As a further guarantee of compliance with the terms of this permit, the holder shall deliver and maintain a surety bond or other acceptable security, such as cash deposited and maintained in a federal depository or negotiable securities of the United States, in the amount of #AMOUNT# for [specify obligations covered, e.g., to secure the holder’s obligation to restore the permit area after construction or upon revocation or termination of the permit without issuance of a new permit]. The authorized officer may periodically evaluate the adequacy of the bond or other security and increase or decrease the amount as appropriate. If the bond or other security becomes unsatisfactory to the authorized officer, the holder shall within 30 days of demand furnish a new bond or other security issued by a surety that is solvent and satisfactory to the authorized officer. If the holder fails to meet any of the requirements secured under this clause, money deposited pursuant to this clause shall be retained by the United States to the extent necessary to satisfy the obligations secured under this clause, without prejudice to any other rights and remedies of the United States.
2. The bond shall be released or other security returned 30 days after (a) the authorized officer certifies that the obligations covered by the bond or other security are met and (b) the holder establishes to the satisfaction of the authorized officer that all claims for labor and material for the secured obligations have been paid or released.
3. The holder may be required to obtain additional bonding or security prior to undertaking additional construction or alteration not covered by the bond or other security or when the authorized improvements are to be removed and the permit area restored.
<Include clause IV.K where the authorized use is high risk pursuant to 36 CFR 251.56(d)(2), such as an oil or gas pipeline or a dam with a high hazard assessment classification. Delete clause IV.K where the authorized use is not high risk pursuant to 36 CFR 251.56(d)(2), and re-letter the remaining clause in this section.>
K. STRICT LIABILITY. The holder shall be strictly liable (liable without proof of negligence) to the United States up to the limit specified in 36 CFR 251.56(d)(2), as amended, per occurrence for any injury, loss, or damage arising in tort under this permit. Liability in tort for injury, loss, or damage to the United States exceeding the prescribed amount of strict liability in tort shall be determined under the law of negligence.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE IV.L. RE-LETTER THIS CLAUSE IF NECESSARY.>
<READ ALL USER NOTES BEFORE MAKING A SELECTION.>
<Include clause IV.L in permits that authorize public services or a high-risk use and occupancy pursuant to 36 CFR 251.56(d)(2), such as an oil or gas pipeline or a dam with a high hazard assessment classification. Do not include clause IV.L in permits that do not authorize public services or a high-risk use and occupancy and for which the authorized officer has determined that insurance is not required.>
L. INSURANCE. The holder shall furnish proof of insurance, such as a certificate of insurance, to the authorized officer prior to issuance of this permit and each year thereafter that this permit is in effect. The Forest Service reserves the right to review the insurance policy and require any changes needed to ensure adequate coverage of the United States in connection with the authorized use and occupancy. The holder shall send an authenticated copy of any insurance policy obtained pursuant to this clause to the authorized officer immediately upon issuance of the policy. Any insurance policy obtained by the holder pursuant to this clause shall include the United States as an additional insured in an endorsement to the policy, and the additional insured provision shall provide for insurance coverage for the United States as required under this clause and to the extent of the full limits of insurance available to the holder. The holder shall give 30 days prior written notice to the authorized officer of cancellation of or any modification to the insurance policy. The certificate of insurance, the authenticated copy of the insurance policy, and written notice of cancellation or modification of an insurance policy should be sent to . Minimum amounts of coverage and other insurance requirements are subject to change at the sole discretion of the authorized officer on the anniversary date of this permit.
1. The holder shall have in force liability insurance covering losses [, including those arising from strict liability,] associated with the use or occupancy authorized by this permit arising from personal injury or death and third-party property damage in the minimum amount of $ as a combined single limit per occurrence.
2. Depending on the holder's operations, the Forest Service may require the holder to demonstrate the availability of funds to address any release or threatened release of hazardous materials that may occur in connection with the holder's use or occupancy. Any requirements imposed would be established on a case-by-case basis by the authorized officer based on the degree of environmental risk from the holder's operations. The storage and use of normal maintenance supplies in nominal amounts generally would not trigger financial assurance requirements.
<USER NOTES FOR STATES>
<If the state that has shown that state law limits its liability or obligation to indemnify, follow the direction in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 52.2, clause B-12.>
<USER NOTES FOR FEDERAL ENTITIES>
<When issuing a permit to federal entities, use the following clauses IV.E through IV.G, and delete clauses IV.E through IV.L above.>
E. RISK OF LOSS. The holder assumes all risk of loss to the authorized improvements and all risk of loss of use and occupancy of the permit area, in whole or in part, due to public health and safety or environmental hazards. Loss to the authorized improvements and of use and occupancy of the permit area may result from but is not limited to theft, vandalism, fire and any fire-fighting activities (including prescribed burns), environmental contamination, avalanches, rising waters, winds, falling limbs or trees, and other forces of nature. If any authorized improvements are destroyed or substantially damaged, the authorized officer shall conduct an analysis to determine whether the authorized improvements can be safely occupied in the future and whether rebuilding should be allowed. If rebuilding is not allowed, this permit shall terminate. If the authorized officer determines that the permit area cannot be safely occupied due to a public health or safety or environmental hazard, this permit shall terminate. Termination under this clause shall not give rise to any claim for damages, including lost profits and the value of the improvements, by the holder against the Forest Service.
F. HEALTH AND SAFETY. The holder shall take all measures necessary to protect the health and safety of all persons affected by the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder shall promptly abate as completely as possible and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations any physical or mechanical procedure, activity, event, or condition existing or occurring in connection with the authorized use and occupancy during the term of this permit that causes or threatens to cause a hazard to the health or safety of the public or the holder’s employees, agents, or contractors. The holder shall as soon as practicable notify the authorized officer of all serious accidents that occur in connection with these procedures, activities, events, or conditions. The Forest Service has no duty under the terms of this permit to inspect the permit area or operations of the holder for hazardous conditions or compliance with health and safety standards.
G. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
1. Compliance with Environmental Laws. The holder shall in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including but not limited to those established pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 136 et seq., and the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.
2. Definition of Hazardous Material. For purposes of clause IV.G and section V, "hazardous material" shall mean (a) any hazardous substance under section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601(14); (b) any pollutant or contaminant under section 101(33) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9601(33); (c) any petroleum product or its derivative, including fuel oil, and waste oils; and (d) any hazardous substance, extremely hazardous substance, toxic substance, hazardous waste, ignitable, reactive or corrosive materials, pollutant, contaminant, element, compound, mixture, solution or substance that may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment under any applicable environmental laws.
3. Oil Discharges and Release of Hazardous Materials. The holder shall immediately notify all appropriate response authorities, including the National Response Center and the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative, of any oil discharge or of the release of a hazardous material in the permit area in an amount greater than or equal to its reportable quantity, in accordance with 33 CFR Part 153 and 40 CFR Part 302. For the purposes of this requirement, “oil” is as defined by section 311(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1321(a)(1). The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer or the authorized officer’s designated representative of any release or threatened release of any hazardous material in or near the permit area which may be harmful to public health or welfare or which may adversely affect natural resources on federal lands.
4. Remediation of Release of Hazardous Materials. The holder shall remediate any release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials that occurs in connection with the holder’s activities in the permit area, including activities conducted by the holder's agents, employees, or contractors and regardless of whether those activities are authorized under this permit. The holder shall perform remediation in accordance with applicable law immediately upon discovery of the release, threat of release, or discharge of hazardous materials. The holder shall perform the remediation to the satisfaction of the authorized officer and at no expense to the Forest Service. Upon revocation or termination of this permit, the holder shall deliver the site to the Forest Service in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and free and clear of contamination.
<Include the following clause IV.H only in permits issued to federal entities under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Otherwise, delete the following clause IV.H.>
H. LIABILITY FOR INJURY. As an agency of the United States, the holder is limited by federal law as to the assumption of liability for its acts or omissions. The holder agrees, within its legal limitations and limitations of appropriations, to be responsible for all damages arising from injury to persons or property associated with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder further agrees, to the extent legally permissible, to use its appropriations and resources as required to pay any claims and to repair damage to the federal lands covered by this permit. The Forest Service is exempt from any burdens, other than administrative costs, which may arise in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit.
V. RESOURCE PROTECTION
A. WATER POLLUTION. No waste or by-product shall be discharged into water in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit except in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental and other laws. Storage facilities for materials capable of causing water pollution, if accidentally discharged, shall be located so as to prevent any spillage into waters or channels leading into water except in full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental and other laws.
B. SCENIC VALUES. The holder shall protect the scenic values of the permit area and the adjacent land to the greatest extent possible during construction, operation, and maintenance of the authorized improvements.
C. VANDALISM. The holder shall take reasonable measures to prevent and discourage vandalism and disorderly conduct and when necessary shall contact the appropriate law enforcement officer.
D. PESTICIDE USE
1. Authorized Officer Concurrence. Pesticides may not be used outside of buildings in the permit area to control pests, including undesirable woody and herbaceous vegetation (including aquatic plants), insects, birds, rodents, or fish without prior written concurrence of the authorized officer. Only those products registered or otherwise authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and appropriate State authority for the specific purpose planned shall be authorized for use within areas on National Forest System lands.
2. Pesticide-Use Proposal. Requests for concurrence of any planned uses of pesticides shall be provided in advance using the Pesticide-Use Proposal (form FS-2100-2). Annually the holder shall, on the due date established by the authorized officer, submit requests for any new, or continued, pesticide usage. The Pesticide-Use Proposal shall cover a 12-month period of planned use. The Pesticide-Use Proposal shall be submitted at least 60 days in advance of pesticide application. Information essential for review shall be provided in the form specified. Exceptions to this schedule may be allowed, subject to emergency request and approval, only when unexpected outbreaks of pests require control measures which were not anticipated at the time a Pesticide-Use Proposal was submitted.
3. Safety Plan. Before applying pesticides in the permit area, the holder shall submit to the authorized officer a safety plan that includes, at a minimum, a precise statement of the treatment objectives; a description of the equipment, materials, and supplies to be used, including pesticide formulation, quantities, and application methods; a description of the lines of responsibility for project planning, project monitoring, and after-action review; a description of any necessary interagency coordination; a copy of the current Pesticide-Use Proposal for the permit; a description of the process by which treatment effectiveness will be determined; and a spill plan, communications plan, security plan, and when required by applicable local requirements, a provision for prior notification to sensitive individuals.
4. Reporting. By September 30th annually, the holder shall submit to the authorized officer a written report of each pesticide application project completed during the previous 12-month period. The report shall contain information pertaining to the pesticide application projects as requested by the authorized officer.
5. Labeling, Laws, and Regulations. Label instructions and all applicable laws and regulations shall be strictly followed in the application of pesticides and disposal of excess materials and containers. No pesticide waste, excess materials, or containers shall be disposed of in any area administered by the Forest Service.
E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES. The holder shall immediately notify the authorized officer of any antiquities or other objects of historic or scientific interest, including but not limited to historic or prehistoric ruins, fossils, or artifacts discovered in connection with the use and occupancy authorized by this permit. The holder shall leave these discoveries intact and in place until otherwise directed by the authorized officer.
F. NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION ACT (NAGPRA). In accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3002(d) and 43 CFR 10.4, if the holder inadvertently discovers human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony on National Forest System lands, the holder shall immediately cease work in the area of the discovery and shall leave the discoveries intact and in place. The holder shall follow the applicable NAGPRA protocols for the undertaking provided in the NAGPRA plan of action or the NAGPRA comprehensive agreement; if there are no such agreed-upon protocols, the holder shall as soon as practicable notify the authorized officer of the discovery and shall follow up with written confirmation of the discovery. The activity that resulted in the inadvertent discovery may not resume until 30 days after the authorized officer certifies receipt of the written confirmation, if resumption of the activity is otherwise lawful, or at any time if a NAGPRA plan of action has been executed by the Forest Service following tribal consultation and any preconditions have been met.
G. PROTECTION OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES, SENSITIVE SPECIES, AND SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN AND THEIR HABITAT
1. Threatened and Endangered Species and Their Habitat. The location of sites within the permit area needing special measures for protection of plants or animals listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., as amended, or within designated critical habitat shall be shown on a map in an appendix to this permit and may be shown on the ground. The holder shall take any protective and mitigation measures specified by the authorized officer as necessary and appropriate to avoid or reduce effects on listed species or designated critical habitat affected by the authorized use and occupancy. Discovery by the holder or the Forest Service of other sites within the permit area containing threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat not shown on the map in the appendix shall be promptly reported to the other party and shall be added to the map.
2. Sensitive Species and Species of Conservation Concern and Their Habitat. The location of sites within the permit area needing special measures for protection of plants or animals designated by the Regional Forester as sensitive species or as species of conservation concern pursuant to FSM 2670 shall be shown on a map in an appendix to this permit and may be shown on the ground. The holder shall take any protective and mitigation measures specified by the authorized officer as necessary and appropriate to avoid or reduce effects on sensitive species or species of conservation concern or their habitat affected by the authorized use and occupancy. Discovery by the holder or the Forest Service of other sites within the permit area containing sensitive species or species of conservation concern or their habitat not shown on the map in the appendix shall be promptly reported to the other party and shall be added to the map.
H. CONSENT TO STORE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The holder shall not store any hazardous materials at the site without prior written approval from the authorized officer. This approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the authorized officer provides approval, this permit shall include or, in the case of approval provided after this permit is issued, shall be amended to include specific terms addressing the storage of hazardous materials, including the specific type of materials to be stored, the volume, the type of storage, and a spill or release prevention and control plan. Such terms shall be proposed by the holder and are subject to approval by the authorized officer.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSES V.H.1 THROUGH V.H.4>
<Include clauses V.H.1 through V.H.4 for non-federal entities, and clauses V.H.1, V.H.3 and V.H.4, re-lettered appropriately, for federal entities, when consenting to store hazardous materials. Otherwise, delete all four paragraphs.>
1. If the holder receives consent to store hazardous material, the holder shall identify to the Forest Service any hazardous material to be stored at the site. This identifying information shall be consistent with column (1) of the table of hazardous materials and special provisions enumerated at 49 CFR 172.101 whenever the hazardous material appears in that table. For hazard communication purposes, the holder shall maintain Material Safety Data Sheets for any stored hazardous chemicals, consistent with 29 CFR 1910.1200(c) and (g). In addition, all hazardous materials stored by the holder shall be used, labeled, stored, transported, and disposed of in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Any hazardous material transportation and disposal manifests shall clearly identify the holder as the generator of the hazardous waste.
2. If hazardous materials are used or stored at the site, the authorized officer may require the holder to deliver and maintain a surety bond in accordance with clause IV.J.
3. The holder shall not release any hazardous material onto land or into rivers, streams, impoundments, or natural or artificial channels leading to them. All prudent and safe attempts must be made to contain any release of these materials. The authorized officer in charge may specify specific conditions that must be met, including conditions more stringent than federal, state, and local regulations, to prevent releases and protect natural resources.
4. If the holder uses or stores hazardous materials at the site, upon revocation or termination of this permit the holder shall provide the Forest Service with a report certified by a professional or professionals acceptable to the Forest Service that the permit area is uncontaminated by the presence of hazardous materials and that there has not been a release or discharge of hazardous materials upon the permit area, into surface water at or near the permit area, or into groundwater below the permit area during the term of the permit. If a release or discharge has occurred, the professional or professionals shall document and certify that the release or discharge has been fully remediated and that the permit area is in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
VI. LAND USE FEE AND DEBT COLLECTION
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE VI.A>
<READ ALL USER NOTES BEFORE MAKING A SELECTION.>
<Include the applicable clause VI.A and delete the remaining options for clause VI.A.>
<Include the following clause VI.A when the applicant is exempt from a land use fee. Delete clauses VI.B and VI.C.>
A. LAND USE FEE. The holder is exempt from a land use fee pursuant to 36 CFR 251.57 and Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 30.
<Include the following clause VI.A when the applicant’s land use fee is waived. Document the land use fee waiver in SUDS.>
A. LAND USE FEE. The holder’s land use fee has been waived pursuant to 36 CFR 251.57 and Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 30. The authorized officer reserves the right to review the land use fee waiver determination periodically and to charge all or part of the land use fee if the waiver is no longer appropriate.
<Include the following clause VI.A for organizational camps or uses subject to the Graduated Rate Fee System (GRFS), using the applicable clause or clauses. Delete the bracketed text and brackets.>
A.
LAND USE FEE. [From FSH 2709.11, Chapter
50, insert clause A-16 for organizational camps or clauses
A-1
and A-2 for uses subject to GRFS.]
<Include the following clause VI.A for linear rights-of-way. Calculate the land use fee using the linear right-of-way fee schedule in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 30, section 36.41, exhibits 01 and 02.>
A. LAND USE FEE. Per 42 U.S.C. 15925, the holder shall pay in advance an annual land use fee as determined in accordance with the Per Acre Rent Schedule established by 43 CFR 2806.20. The initial annual land use fee shall be prorated if less than 6 months in the calendar year remain on the date this permit is issued. Otherwise, the holder shall pay the entire initial annual land use fee.
<Include the following clause VI.A for uses for which the land use fee is not indexed (such as many non-linear uses). Calculate the land use fee based on applicable direction in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 30.>
A. LAND USE FEE. The holder shall pay in advance an annual land use fee of $_______.
<Include the following clause VI.A when the permit is issued to an occupant in or on a communications facility under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service.>
A. LAND USE FEE. The holder shall pay in advance an annual land use fee in accordance with the fee schedule for communications uses in Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, Chapter 90. The annual land use fee shall be adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index-Urban (CPI-U).
B. MODIFICATION OF THE LAND USE FEE. The land use fee may be revised whenever necessary to reflect the market value of the authorized use or occupancy or when the fee system used to calculate the land use fee is modified or replaced.
C. LAND USE FEE PAYMENTS
1. Crediting of Payments. Payments shall be credited on the date received by the deposit facility, except that if a payment is received on a non-workday, the payment shall not be credited until the next workday.
2. Disputed Land Use Fees. Land use fees are due and payable by the due date. Disputed land use fees, other than land use fees recalculated pursuant to an audit, must be paid in full. Adjustments will be made if dictated by an administrative appeal decision, a court decision, or settlement terms.
3. Late Payments
(a) Interest. Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717 et seq., interest shall be charged on any land use fee not paid within 30 days from the date it became due. The rate of interest assessed shall be the higher of the Prompt Payment Act rate or the rate of the current value of funds to the United States Treasury (i.e., the Treasury tax and loan account rate), as prescribed and published annually or quarterly by the Secretary of the Treasury in the Federal Register and the Treasury Fiscal Requirements Manual Bulletins. Interest on the principal shall accrue from the date the land use fee is due.
(b) Administrative Costs. If the account becomes delinquent, administrative costs to cover processing and handling the delinquency shall be assessed.
(c) Penalties. A penalty of 6% per annum shall be assessed on the total amount that is more than 90 days delinquent and shall accrue from the same date on which interest charges begin to accrue.
(d) Termination for Nonpayment. This permit shall terminate if the holder fails to pay any land use fee, interest, or any other charges within 90 calendar days of the due date. The holder shall remain responsible for the delinquent charges.
4. Administrative Offset and Credit Reporting. Delinquent land use fees and other charges associated with this permit shall be subject to all rights and remedies afforded the United States pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3711 et seq. and common law. Delinquencies are subject to any or all of the following:
(a) Administrative offset of payments due the holder from the Forest Service.
(b) If in excess of 90 days, referral to the United States Department of the Treasury for appropriate collection action as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3711(g)(1).
(c) Offset by the Secretary of the Treasury of any amount due the holder, as provided by 31 U.S.C. 3720 et seq.
(d) Disclosure to consumer or commercial credit reporting agencies.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE VI.C.5>
<When the annual land use fee is $100 or less, the authorized officer may require consolidated payment of land use fees, i.e., payment of land use fees for more than one year. If the annual land use fee is over $100 and the holder is an individual rather than an entity, the holder has the option to consolidate payment of the land use fee. Under FSH 2709.11, section 32.21, no more than 5 payments may be consolidated. If payment of land use fees is consolidated, include the following clause VI.C.5. Otherwise, delete it.>
5. Consolidated Payment. Payment of annual land use fees for [number up to 5] years shall be consolidated. The first consolidated payment shall be made on [date first full payment is due], when the first full annual land use fee payment is due, and thereafter every [number up to 5 given above] years from [date first full payment is due], until this permit expires.
VII. REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, AND TERMINATION
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE VII.A>
<Include the following clause VII.A in permits issued to federal entities. Delete the remaining clause VII.A and clause VII.B, and re-letter the remaining clauses in section VII.>
A. REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION
1. The authorized officer may not revoke or suspend this permit without the concurrence of the holder.
2. The authorized officer may revoke this permit at the request of the holder. Revocation at the request of the holder must be agreed to in writing by the authorized officer. As a condition of revocation of this permit at the request of the holder, the authorized officer has discretion to impose any terms deemed appropriate as provided for in this permit.
<Include the following clauses VII.A through VII.E in permits that are not issued to federal entities. Delete clause VII.A above.>
A. REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION
1. The authorized officer may revoke or suspend this permit in whole or in part:
(a) For noncompliance with federal, state, or local law;
(b) For noncompliance with the terms of this permit;
(c) For abandonment or other failure of the holder to exercise the privileges granted; or
(d) At the discretion of the authorized officer, for specific and compelling reasons in the public interest.
2. The authorized officer may revoke this permit at the request of the holder. Revocation at the request of the holder must be agreed to in writing by the authorized officer. As a condition of revocation of this permit at the request of the holder, the authorized officer has discretion to impose any terms deemed appropriate as provided for in this permit.
3. Prior to revocation or suspension, other than revocation at the request of the holder under clause VII.A.2 and immediate suspension under clause VII.B, the authorized officer shall give the holder written notice of the grounds for revocation or suspension and a reasonable period, typically not to exceed 90 days, to cure any noncompliance.
B. IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION. The authorized officer may immediately suspend this permit in whole or in part when necessary to protect public health or safety or the environment. The suspension decision shall be in writing. The holder may request an on-site review with the authorized officer’s superior of the adverse conditions prompting the suspension. The authorized officer’s superior shall grant this request within 48 hours. Following the on-site review, the authorized officer’s superior shall promptly affirm, modify, or cancel the suspension.
C. APPEALS AND REMEDIES. Written decisions by the authorized officer relating to administration of this permit are subject to administrative appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part 214, as amended. Revocation or suspension of this permit shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service.
D. TERMINATION. This permit shall terminate when by its terms a fixed or agreed upon condition, event, or time occurs without any action by the authorized officer. Examples include but are not limited to expiration of the permit by its terms on a specified date and, in the case of a permit issued to a business entity, termination upon change of control of the business entity. Termination of this permit shall not require notice, a decision document, or any environmental analysis or other documentation. Termination of this permit is not subject to administrative appeal and shall not give rise to any claim for damages by the holder against the Forest Service.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE VII.E>
<Include the following clause VII.E in permits issued to non-federal entities, and delete the remaining clause VII.E.>
E. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION WITHOUT ISSUANCE OF A NEW PERMIT. Upon revocation or termination of this permit without issuance of a new permit, the holder shall remove all structures and improvements, except those owned by the United States, within a reasonable period prescribed by the authorized officer and shall restore the site to the satisfaction of the authorized officer. If the holder fails to remove all structures and improvements within the prescribed period, they shall become the property of the United States and may be sold, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of without any liability to the United States. However, the holder shall remain liable for all costs associated with their removal, including costs of sale and impoundment, cleanup, and restoration of the site.
<Include the following clause VII.E in permits issued to
federal entities, and delete the remaining
clause VII.E.>
E. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UPON REVOCATION OR TERMINATION WITHOUT ISSUANCE OF A NEW PERMIT. Upon revocation or termination of this permit without issuance of a new permit, the holder shall remove within a reasonable period prescribed by the authorized officer all structures and improvements installed by the holder in the permit area and shall restore the site to the satisfaction of the authorized officer.
F. CONTINUATION OF OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES BEYOND TERMINATION OR REVOCATION. Notwithstanding the termination or revocation of this permit, its terms shall remain in effect and shall be binding on the holder and the holder’s personal representative, successors, and assignees until all the holder’s obligations and liabilities accruing before or as a result of termination or revocation of this permit have been satisfied.
<USER NOTES FOR CLAUSE VII.G>
<Include clause VII.G when the lands authorized for use are withdrawn for hydroelectric power or reclamation purposes, and delete the brackets around the last sentence. Delete the last sentence and the brackets for permits issued to federal entities. Delete clause VII.G if the lands authorized for use are not withdrawn for hydroelectric power or reclamation purposes.>
G.
TERMINATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER OR
RECLAMATION PURPOSES. Any lands covered by this
permit which have been withdrawn for hydroelectric power under the
act of March 3, 1879, or the act of June 25, 1910, or are covered by
an application or license governed by the Federal Power Act of June
10, 1920, are subject at any time to use for the development of
hydroelectric power. Any lands covered by this permit which have
been withdrawn under the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, are
subject at any time to use for reclamation purposes. This permit is
issued with the specific understanding that
(1) the use and
occupancy authorized by this permit shall not interfere with such
development of hydroelectric power or reclamation and that (2) this
permit shall terminate after 90 days written notice when, in the
judgment of the Federal Power Commission, the lands in question are
needed for the development of hydroelectric power or, in the judgment
of the Bureau of Reclamation, the lands in question are needed for
reclamation purposes. The holder shall have 90 days to remove the
authorized improvements. [Termination under this clause shall not
give rise to any claim by the holder against the Federal Power
Commission, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Forest Service, or
hydroelectric power licensees for damages, including lost profits and
damage to improvements, due to such development of hydroelectric
power or reclamation.]
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
A. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. No member of or delegate to Congress or resident commissioner shall benefit from this permit either directly or indirectly, except to the extent the authorized use provides a general benefit to a corporation.
B. CURRENT ADDRESSES. The holder and the Forest Service shall keep each other informed of current mailing addresses, including those necessary for billing and payment of land use fees.
C. SUPERSEDED AUTHORIZATION. This permit supersedes a special use authorization designated #PREV_REISSUE_HOLDER#, #PREV_AUTH_ID#, dated #PREV_REIS_ISSUE_DATE#.
D. SUPERIOR CLAUSES. If there is a conflict between any of the preceding printed clauses and any of the following clauses, the preceding printed clauses shall control.
THIS PERMIT IS ACCEPTED SUBJECT TO ALL ITS TERMS.
BEFORE THIS PERMIT IS ISSUED TO AN ENTITY, DOCUMENTATION MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE AUTHORIZED OFFICER OF THE AUTHORITY OF THE SIGNATORY FOR THE ENTITY TO BIND IT TO THE TERMS OF THIS PERMIT.
ACCEPTED:
___________________________________________________________________________________
[NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF HOLDER, DATE
IF HOLDER IS AN ENTITY]
#HOLDER_NAME#
APPROVED:
___________________________________________________________________________________
#AUTHORIZED OFFICER NAME# DATE
#TITLE#
National Forest
<Attach annual operating plan and any master development plan, maps, and other appendices.>
According
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond, to a collection of
information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The
valid OMB control number for this information collection is
0596-0082. Response to this collection of information is
mandatory. The authority to collect the information is the Organic
Administration Act,
16 U.S.C. 551. The time required to
complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour
per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data
needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TYY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To
file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a
Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a
letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the
complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or
letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: [email protected].
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, govern the confidentiality to be provided for information received by the Forest Service.
Page
File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
Author | Hornstein, Ellen - OGC, Washington, DC |
File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
File Created | 2022-02-18 |