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 Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service 7 CFR Part 610
 AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
 ACTION: Standard operating procedures for State Technical Committees.
 SUMMARY: Section 1261(b)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Act) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to develop standard operating procedures to standardize the operations of State Technical Committees. NRCS published an interim final rule for State Technical Committees, 7 CFR part 610, in the 
                        **Federal Register**
                         on November 25, 2008, that states NRCS will incorporate standard operating procedures for State Technical Committees into its directives system and provide public notice of those procedures. NRCS seeks public comment on this document that includes the current NRCS standard operating procedures as set forth in the NRCS directives system.
 DATES: *Comment Date:*
                         Submit comments on or before June 8, 2009.
 ADDRESSES: You may send comments using any of the following methods: *Government-wide rulemaking Web site:*
                         Go to 
                        *http://regulations.gov*
                         and follow the instructions for sending comments electronically.
                    *Mail:*
                         Conservation Technical Assistance Programs Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 6015 South Building, Washington, DC 20250-2890.
                    *Fax:*
                         (202) 720-2998
                    *Hand Delivery:*
                         Room 6015 of the USDA South Office Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Please ask the guard at the entrance to the South Building to call (202) 720-8851 in order to be escorted into the building.
                    This notice may be accessed via Internet. Users can access the NRCS homepage at *http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/​;*
                         select the Farm Bill link from the menu. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andree DuVarney, Branch Chief, Conservation Technical Assistance, Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box 2890, Room 6015—South Building, Washington, DC 20013-2890; telephone: (202) 720-1510; fax: (202) 720-2998; or e-mail: 
                        *STC2008@wdc.usda.gov*, Attn: State Technical Committees.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  Background NRCS establishes its policies and procedures through its directives system. The NRCS national policy for State Technical Committees, including standard operating procedures, can be accessed through the NRCS directives system at: 
                    *http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/​*. In particular, the standard operating procedures for the State Technical Committees can be found in the Programs Manual (440), Part 501, Subpart B of the NRCS Directives System. NRCS has reprinted the current standard operating procedures in this notice. NRCS reserves the right to update its policy on State Technical Committees, including standard operating procedures, without further 
                    **Federal Register**
                     notice. State Technical Committee Standard Operating Procedures Part 501 Subpart B—State Technical Committees 501.10 Overview of State Technical Committees (a) Introduction The Secretary is required to establish a technical committee in each State to advise on the implementation and technical aspects of natural resource conservation programs and activities under Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (the 1985 Act), as amended. (b) Statutory Authority Sections 1261 and 1262 of the 1985 Act, as amended, establish the State Technical Committees and define their legal roles and responsibilities. (c) Delegation of Responsibility to NRCS The Secretary delegated responsibility for establishing technical committees to NRCS. Although the State Conservationist chairs the committee, State Technical Committees may be used in an advisory capacity by other USDA agencies. (d) Exemption From the Federal Advisory Committee Act Section 1262 of the 1985 Act, as amended, exempts State Technical Committees and Local Working Groups (Part 501.14) from the Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements. 501.11 Roles and Responsibilities of State Technical Committees (a) Introduction State Technical Committees provide information, analysis, and recommendations to appropriate officials of USDA who are charged with implementing and establishing priorities and criteria for natural resources conservation activities and programs under Title XII of the 1985 Act, as amended. Although State Technical Committees are advisory in nature and have no implementation or enforcement authority, USDA gives strong consideration to the State Technical Committees' recommendations. (b) Roles and Responsibilities Related to All Programs Each State Technical Committee will provide information, analysis, and recommendations for the following programs and initiatives, as needed and where applicable: Agricultural Water Enhancement Program
                Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative
                Conservation Compliance
                Conservation Innovation Grants
                Conservation Reserve Program( print page 15674)
                Conservation Security Program
                Conservation Stewardship Program
                Conservation of Private Grazing Land
                Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative
                Environmental Quality Incentives Program
                Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
                Grassland Reserve Program
                Grassroots Source Water Protection Program
                Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
                Great Lakes Basin Program
                Technical Service Providers
                Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program
                Wetlands Reserve Program
                Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (c) Example Recommendations Such recommendations may include, but are not limited to: Priority natural resource concerns in the State;
                Criteria for priority watersheds for programmatic focus;
                Appropriate mix of conservation programs and practices to address natural resource concerns, including coordination with relevant State and Tribal programs;
                Cost-share rates as applied in payment schedules for conservation practices;
                Techniques for outreach to historically underserved citizens;
                Criteria to be used in ranking program applications;
                Conservation practice standards; and
                Innovative conservation practices and approaches. (d) Review of Local Working Groups Annually, the State Technical Committees will review whether Local Working Groups are addressing State priorities and criteria for ranking program applications. (e) Role of the State Conservationist The State Conservationist will: Chair the committee;
                Ensure representation of all interests, to the extent practicable:
                Give strong consideration to the committee's advice on NRCS programs, initiatives, and activities;
                Call and provide notice of public meetings;
                Follow the Standard Operating Procedures; and
                Provide other USDA agencies with recommendations from the State Technical Committee for programs under their purview. 501.12 State Technical Committee Membership (a) Introduction Each State Technical Committee will be composed of agricultural producers, owners/operators of nonindustrial private forest land, and other professionals that represent a variety of interests and disciplines in the soil, water, wetland, plant, and wildlife sciences. (b) Composition The State Technical Committee for each State shall include representatives from among the following: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA;
                Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA;
                FSA State Committee, USDA;
                Forest Service, USDA;
                National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA;
                Each of the Federally recognized American Indian Tribal Governments and Alaskan Native Corporations encompassing 100,000 acres or more in the State;
                Association of soil and water conservation districts;
                State departments and agencies within the State, including the: 1. Agricultural agency; 2. Fish and wildlife agency; 3. Forestry agency; 4. Soil and water conservation agency; and 5. Water resources agency. Agricultural producers representing the variety of crops and livestock or poultry raised within the State;
                Owners of nonindustrial private forest land;
                Nonprofit organizations, within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with demonstrable conservation expertise and experience working with agricultural producers in the State; and
                Agribusiness. (c) Other Members The State Conservationist will invite other Federal agencies and persons knowledgeable about economic and environmental impacts of conservation techniques and programs to participate, as needed. (d) Ensuring Diversity To ensure that recommendations of the State Technical Committee take into account the needs of diverse groups served by USDA, membership will include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent the conservation and related technical concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including, but not limited to, the following: Minorities;
                Women;
                Persons with disabilities; and
                Socially and economically disadvantaged groups. 501.13 Specialized Subcommittees of State Technical Committees (a) Introduction In some situations, specialized subcommittees composed of State Technical Committee members may be needed to analyze and refine specific issues. The State Conservationist may assemble certain committee members, including members of Local Working Groups and other experts, to discuss, examine, and focus on a particular technical or programmatic topic, or combination of such. (b) Public Involvement Specialized subcommittees are open to the public and may seek public participation, but they are not required to do so. Recommendations of specialized subcommittees will be presented in general sessions of State Technical Committees, where the public is notified and invited to attend. (c) Examples of Specialized Subcommittees The following are examples of specialized subcommittees: Examples of specialized subcommittees
Program or topic
TaskEnvironmental Quality Incentives Program Ranking Criteria Subcommittee
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Provide input to develop State ranking criteria and make recommendations to the State Technical Committee.State Forestry Subcommittee
All programs
Provide recommendations to the State Technical Committee on forestry conservation practices and payment rates to be supported in conservation programs.( print page 15675)Conservation Easement Geographic Rate Subcommittee
Wetlands Reserve Program and Grassland Reserve Program
Develop recommendations for the Geographic Area Rate Cap and present it to the State Technical Committee.Payment Schedule Subcommittee
All cost-sharing programs
Provide recommendations for practices and payment rates for conservation programs that support program objectives and State and local priorities.State Wildlife Subcommittee
Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)
Provide recommendations (to the State Technical Committee) for the State WHIP plan that incorporates priorities of the State comprehensive wildlife action plan and similar plans and initiatives.Priority Watershed Subcommittee
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative
Recommend priority watersheds for focusing funding for effective use of available resources.
 501.14 Standard Operating Procedures for State Technical Committees (a) Organization and Function The State Conservationist will serve as the Chairperson of the State Technical Committee. State Technical Committees will be used to provide information, analysis, and recommendations to NRCS and other USDA agencies responsible for natural resource conservation activities and programs under Title XII of the 1985 Act, as amended. (b) Membership Individuals or groups wanting to become a member on a State Technical Committee within a specific State may submit to the State Conservationist a request that explains their interest and outlines their credentials for becoming a member of the State Technical Committee. Decisions of the State Conservationist concerning membership on the committee are final and not appealable. The State Conservationist will respond to requests for State Technical Committee membership in writing within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 60 days. State Technical Committee membership will be posted on the NRCS State Web site. (c) Meeting Scheduling The State Technical Committee should meet at least twice a year at a time and place designated by the State Conservationist. Other meetings may be held at the discretion of the State Conservationist. Meetings will be called by the State Conservationist whenever it is the opinion of the State Conservationist that there is business that should be brought before the committee for action. Any USDA agency, however, can make a request of the State Conservationist for a meeting. (d) Public Notification State Technical Committee and subcommittee meetings are open to the public. The State Conservationist will provide public notice of and allow public attendance at all State Technical Committee meetings. The State Conservationist will publish a meeting notice at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting. Notification may exceed the 14 calendar-day minimum where State open meeting laws exist and require a longer notification period. The minimum 14 calendar-day notice requirement may be waived in the case of exceptional conditions, as determined by the State Conservationist. The State Conservationist will publish this meeting notice in one or more widely available newspaper(s), including recommended Tribal publications, to achieve statewide and Tribal notification. The meeting notice will also be posted to the NRCS State Web site. The meeting notice will include meeting time, location, agenda items, and point of contact. (e) Meeting Content The State Conservationist will prepare a meeting agenda and provide it to the committee members at least 14 calendar days prior to a scheduled meeting. Additional background materials may be provided before the meeting at the discretion of the State Conservationist. The minimum 14 calendar-day requirement may be waived in the case of exceptional conditions, as determined by the State Conservationist. Additional agenda items will be considered if submitted in writing to the State Conservationist at least 5 working days prior to the meeting. The State Conservationist may amend the agenda prior to the meeting without notice to the State Technical Committee, or at the meeting based on suggestions from participating members. The agenda will be posted to the NRCS State Web site. (f) Public Participation Individuals attending State Technical Committee meetings will be given the opportunity to address the committee and present their opinions and recommendations. While presenters are encouraged to provide written copies of their comments, they are not required to do so. State Conservationists are encouraged to request written comments on agenda items from all members of the State Technical Committee whether they are in attendance at the meeting or not. Subsequent to the meeting, if the State Conservationist determines that additional comments and recommendations are needed on specific topics, the State Conservationist will mail a request for written comments to all members of the State Technical Committee within 7 calendar days of the meeting. The letter will fully explain the nature of the request for information and provide at least 14 calendar days for a response. Comments received will be summarized and presented at the next State Technical Committee meeting and will be directly posted on the NRCS State Web site. If time allows, opportunity to discuss non-agenda items will be provided at the end of the meeting. (g) Conducting Business The meetings will be conducted as an open discussion among members. Discussion will focus on the programs and activities identified in Section 501.11(b). All recommendations will be considered. The following guidelines will govern meeting discussions: (1) The State Conservationist or his or her designee will lead the discussion. (2) Only one person may speak at a time. Every participant should have an opportunity to speak. The State 
                    ( print page 15676)
                    Conservationist or his or her designee is responsible for recognizing speakers. (3) State Technical Committees are advisory in nature and all recommendations are considered. Members may be polled, but voting on issues is not appropriate. (4) The State Conservationist, in consultation with those members present, may establish time limits for discussion on individual agenda items. (5) The State Conservationist will defer to the next meeting those agenda items not covered because of time limits. (h) Record of Meetings Summaries for all State Technical Committee meetings will be available within 30 calendar days of the committee meeting and distributed to committee members. The summaries will be filed at the appropriate NRCS State office and posted to the NRCS State Web site. (i) Response to State Technical Committee Recommendations The State Conservationist will inform the State Technical Committee as to the decisions made in response to all State Technical Committee recommendations within 90 days. This notification will be made in writing to all State Technical Committee members and posted to the NRCS State Web site. 501.15 Local Working Groups (a) Introduction Local Working Groups are composed of agricultural producers, owners/operators of nonindustrial private forest land, professionals representing agricultural and natural resource interests, and individuals representing a variety of disciplines in the soil, water, wetland, plant, forestry, and wildlife sciences who are familiar with agricultural and natural resource issues in the local community. (b) Role of Local Working Groups Local Working Groups provide recommendations to the District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist) and the State Conservationist on local natural resource priorities and criteria for conservation activities and programs listed in Section 501.11(b). (c) Membership Local Working Group membership should be diverse and focus on agricultural interests and natural resource issues existing in the local community. Membership should include agricultural producers representing the variety of crops and livestock and/or poultry raised within the local area; owners of nonindustrial private forest land, as appropriate; representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and representatives of governmental agencies carrying out agricultural and natural resource conservation programs and activities. To ensure that recommendations of the Local Working Group take into account the needs of diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent the conservation and related technical concerns of particular historically underserved groups and individuals including, but not limited to, the following: Minorities;
                Women;
                Persons with disabilities; and
                Socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Individuals or groups wanting to become a member of a Local Working Group may submit to the Local Working Group Chairperson and the NRCS District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist), a request that explains their interest and outlines their credentials for becoming a member of the Local Working Group. The District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist) will assist the soil and water conservation district in making decisions concerning membership of the group. (d) Local Working Groups Relationship to State Technical Committees Local Working Groups may provide input and recommendations to the State Technical Committee. 501.16 Standard Operating Procedures for Local Working Groups (a) Organization and Function Local Working Groups are to provide recommendations on local natural resource priorities and criteria for USDA conservation activities and programs. Local Working Groups are normally chaired by the appropriate soil and water conservation district (SWCD). In the event the SWCD is not able, or does not choose to chair the Local Working Group, NRCS' District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist) will be responsible for those duties. (b) Meeting Scheduling The Local Working Group should meet at least once each year at a time and place designated by the Chairperson unless otherwise agreed to by the members of the Local Working Group. Other meetings may be held at the discretion of the Chairperson. Meetings will be called by the Chairperson whenever it is determined that there is business that should be brought before the Local Working Group. (c) Public Notification Local Working Group meetings are open to the public. Public notice of Local Working Group meetings should be provided at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting. Notification will need to exceed the 14 calendar-day minimum where State open meeting laws exist and require a longer notification period. The minimum 14 calendar-day notice requirement may be waived in the case of exceptional conditions, as determined by the Chairperson or NRCS District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist). The public notice of Local Working Group meetings will include the time, place, and agenda items for the meeting. (d) Meeting Information Agendas and information will be provided to the Local Working Group members at least 14 calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. The District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist) will assist the Local Working Group Chairperson, as requested, in preparing meeting agendas and necessary background information for meetings. The minimum 14 calendar-day notice requirement may be waived in the case of exceptional conditions, as determined by the Chairperson or NRCS District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist). (e) Public Participation Individuals attending the Local Working Group meetings will be given the opportunity to address the Local Working Group. Opportunity to address non-agenda items will be provided if time allows at the end of the meeting. Presenters are encouraged to provide written records of their comments to the Chairperson at the time of the presentation but are not required to do so. Written comments may be accepted if provided to the Chairperson no later than 14 calendar days after a meeting. (f) Conducting Business The meetings will be conducted as an open discussion among members. Discussion will focus on identifying local natural resource concerns that can be treated using programs and activities identified in Section 501.11(b). All recommendations will be considered.
                    ( print page 15677) The following guidelines will govern meeting discussions: (1) The Chairperson will lead the discussion. (2) Only one person may speak at a time. Every participant should have an opportunity to speak. The Chairperson or his or her designee is responsible for recognizing speakers. (3) The Chairperson, in consultation with those members present, may establish time limits for discussion on individual agenda items. (4) The Chairperson will defer to the next meeting those agenda items not covered because of time limits. (g) Record of Meetings Summaries for all Local Working Group meetings will be available within 30 calendar days of the meeting, and will be filed at the appropriate local NRCS office. (h) Input to State Technical Committee Local Working Group recommendations are to be submitted to State Technical Committee Chairperson and/or the District Conservationist (or Designated Conservationist), as appropriate, within 14 calendar days after a meeting. Signed on 1st day of April 2009, in Washington, DC. Dave White, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.


[FR Doc. E9-7771 Filed 4-6-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE