(a) General.
(1) Each special use authorization must contain:
(i) Terms and conditions which will:
(A) Carry out the purposes of applicable statutes and rules and regulations issued thereunder;
(B) Minimize damage to scenic and esthetic values and fish and wildlife habitat and otherwise protect the environment;
(C) Require compliance with applicable air and water quality standards established by or pursuant to applicable Federal or State law; and
(D) Require compliance with State standards for public health and safety, environmental protection, and siting, construction, operation, and maintenance if those standards are more stringent than applicable Federal standards.
(ii) Such terms and conditions as the authorized officer deems necessary to:
(A) Protect Federal property and economic interests;
(B) Manage efficiently the lands subject to the use and adjacent thereto;
(C) Protect other lawful users of the lands adjacent to or occupied by such use;
(D) Protect lives and property;
(E) Protect the interests of individuals living in the general area of the use who rely on the fish, wildlife, and other biotic resources of the area for subsistence purposes;
(F) Require siting to cause the least damage to the environment, taking into consideration feasibility and other relevant factors; and
(G) Otherwise protect the public interest.
The Department is making explicit its preexisting understanding of § 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) of this subpart in the context of authorizing noncommercial group uses of National Forest System lands. Section 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) provides that each special use authorization shall contain such terms and conditions as the authorized officer deems necessary to otherwise protect the public interest. In the context of noncommercial group uses, the Forest Service interprets the term “public interest” found in § 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) to refer to the three public interests identified by the Forest Service on August 30, 1995. These public interests include the protection of resources and improvements on National Forest System lands, the allocation of space among potential or existing uses and activities, and public health and safety concerns. Under this construction, § 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) allows the Forest Service to impose terms and conditions that are not specifically addressed in § 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(A)-(F) but only those that further these public interests. The Forest Service shall implement and enforce § 251.56(a)(1)(ii)(G) in accordance with this interpretation.
(2) Authorizations for use of National Forest System lands may be conditioned to require State, county, or other Federal agency licenses, permits, certificates, or other approval documents, such as a Federal Communication Commission license, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license, a State water right, or a county building permit.
(b) Duration and renewability -
(1) Requirements. If appropriate, each special use authorization will specify its duration and renewability. The duration shall be no longer than the authorized officer determines to be necessary to accomplish the purpose of the authorization and to be reasonable in light of all circumstances concerning the use, including
(i) Resource management direction contained in land management and other plans;
(ii) Public benefits provided;
(iii) Cost and life expectancy of the authorized facilities;
(iv) Financial arrangements for the project; and
(v) The life expectancy of associated facilities, licenses, etc. Except for special use authorizations issued under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986, authorizations exceeding 30 years shall provide for revision of terms and conditions at specified intervals to reflect changing times and conditions.
(2) Ski area permits.
(i) For authorizations issued under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986, the authorized officer normally shall issue a ski area authorization for 40 years, if, upon consideration of information submitted by the applicant, the authorized officer finds that the ski area development meets the following standards:
(A) In the case of an existing permit holder, existing on-site investment is of sufficient magnitude to justify authorization for 40 years;
(B) In the case of an existing permit holder, existing investment of capital is in ski-related facilities;
(C) Planned investment capital is directly related to development of ski area facilities and is not for financing regular, ongoing operation and maintenance costs;
(D) Ski facilities requiring long-term investment are, or will be, located predominately on land authorized under a permit;
(E) The number and magnitude of planned facilities, as detailed in a Master Development Plan, clearly require long-term financing and/or operation;
(F) The United States is not the owner of the principal facilities within the authorized ski area.
(ii) A term of less than 40 years shall be authorized for a ski area when the applicant requests a shorter term or when, in the authorized officer's discretion:
(A) Analysis of the information submitted by the applicant indicates that a shorter term is sufficient for financing of the ski area;
(B) The ski area development, whether existing or proposed, does not meet the standards of paragraph (2)(i)(A) through (F) of this section; or
(C) A 40-year authorization would be inconsistent with the approved forest land and resource management plan governing the area (36 CFR part 219).
(c) Preconstruction approvals. Forest Service approval of location, design and plans (or standards, if appropriate) of all developments within the authorized area will be required prior to construction.
(d) Liability. Holders shall pay the United States for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, in accordance with existing Federal and State laws.
(1) Holders shall also indemnify the United States for any and all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, the United States may suffer as a result of claims, demands, losses, or judgments caused by the holder's use or occupancy.
(2) Holders of special use authorizations for high risk use and occupancy, such as, but not limited to, powerlines and oil and gas pipelines, shall be held liable for all injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, caused by the holder's use or occupancy, without regard to the holder's negligence, provided that maximum liability shall be specified in the special use authorization as determined by a risk assessment, prepared in accordance with established agency procedures, but shall not exceed $1,000,000 for any one occurrence. Liability for injury, loss, or damage, including fire suppression costs, in excess of the specified maximum shall be determined by the laws governing ordinary negligence of the jurisdiction in which the damage or injury occurred.
(e) Bonding. An authorized officer may require the holder of a special use authorization for other than a noncommercial group use to furnish a bond or other security to secure all or any of the obligations imposed by the terms of the authorization or by any applicable law, regulation or order.
(f) Special terms and conditions -
(1) Public service enterprises. Special use permits authorizing the operation of public service enterprises shall require that the permittee charge reasonable rates and furnish such services as may be necessary in the public interest, except where such rates and services are regulated by Federal, State or municipal agencies having jurisdiction.
(2) Common carriers. Oil and gas pipelines and related facilities authorized under section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, 41 Stat. 449, as amended (30 U.S.C. 185), shall be constructed, operated and maintained as common carriers. The owners or operators of pipelines shall accept, convey, transport, or purchase without discrimination all oil or gas delivered to the pipeline without regard to whether such oil or gas was produced on Federal or nonfederal lands. In the case of oil or gas produced from Federal lands or from the resources on the Federal lands in the vicinity of the pipeline, the Secretary may, after a full hearing with due notice thereof to interested parties and a proper finding of facts, determine the proportionate amounts to be accepted, conveyed, transported, or purchased. The common carrier provisions of this section shall not apply to any natural gas pipeline operated
(i) by any person subject to regulation under the Natural Gas Act, 52 Stat. 821, as amended, (15 U.S.C. 717) or
(ii) by any public utility subject to regulation by a State or municipal regulatory agency having jurisdiction to regulate the rates and charges for the sale of natural gas to consumers within the State or municipality. Where natural gas not subject to State regulatory or conservation laws governing its purchase by pipeline companies is offered for sale, each pipeline company shall purchase, without discrimination, any such natural gas produced in the vicinity of the pipeline.
(g) Conversion of Ski Area Authorizations.
(1) The Forest Service shall request that all existing permit holders convert existing authorizations for ski areas to a new authorization issued pursuant to the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act.
(2) Any current holder of a ski area permit who wishes to convert an existing permit to one issued pursuant to the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act must submit a written request for the new authorization to the authorized officer.
(3) With the consent of the holder, the authorized officer shall convert the authorization if:
(i) The holder is in compliance with the existing authorization;
(ii) All fees currently due under the existing authorization are paid in full; and
(iii) Any proposed modifications of terms and conditions of the existing authorization included in a request for conversion meet the standards of paragraphs (2)(i) (A) through (F) of this section and the relevant requirements of this subpart.
(4) A holder retains the right to decline a new authorization offered pursuant to this paragraph and to continue to operate under the terms of the existing permit. However, pursuant to the rules at § 251.61 of this subpart, major modifications of existing permits shall require conversion to a permit issued under the authority of the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act, unless the holder provides compelling justification for retaining the existing permit.
(h) Operating plans and agreements. An operating plan or agreement consistent with this paragraph (h) is required for new and reauthorized powerline facilities on National Forest System lands.
(1) Use of operating plans. Operating plans, rather than agreements, are required for powerline facilities that are subject to the mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization and that sold more than 1,000,000 megawatt hours of electric energy for purposes other than resale during each of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding March 23, 2018.
(2) Use of operating agreements. Powerline facilities that are not subject to the mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization and/or that sold less than or equal to 1,000,000 megawatt hours of electric energy for purposes other than resale during each of the 3 calendar years immediately preceding March 23, 2018, may be subject to an agreement, instead of an operating plan. Powerline facilities that are not subject to an agreement must be subject to an operating plan.
(3) Existing operating plans and lack of an operating plan. The authorized officer shall determine, in consultation with the owner or operator of a powerline facility, whether the existing operating plan for that powerline facility is consistent with paragraph (h) of this section and shall notify the owner or operator of that determination. Within 18 months of the date of notification that the existing operating plan is inconsistent with paragraph (h) of this section, the owner or operator shall modify the existing operating plan to be consistent with paragraph (h) of this section or, if eligible, shall prepare a proposed operating agreement and shall submit the proposed modified operating plan or proposed operating agreement to the authorized officer for review and approval. Existing operating plans that are consistent with paragraph (h) of this section do not have to be submitted for reapproval by the authorized officer. If an owner or operator does not have an operating plan, within 18 months of the date of notification from the authorized officer that a proposed operating plan or agreement must be submitted, the owner or operator shall submit to the authorized officer a proposed operating plan or agreement consistent with paragraph (h) of this section for review and approval. The authorized officer shall provide notification of the requirement to submit a proposed modified operating plan or a proposed operating plan or agreement no later than September 30, 2026. The authorized officer has the discretion to determine the sequence of notification, based on factors enumerated in implementing Forest Service directives.
(4) Development of proposed operating plans and agreements. Owners and operators may develop a proposed operating plan or agreement on their own or in consultation with the authorized officer.
(5) Content of operating plans and agreements. At a minimum, operating plans and agreements shall:
(i) Identify the powerline facility covered by the operating plan or agreement (hereinafter “covered line”);
(ii) Consider preexisting operating plans and agreements for the covered line;
(iii) Address coordination between the owner or operator and the Forest Service and specify their points of contact;
(iv) Describe the vegetation management, inspection, and operation and maintenance methods that may be used to comply with all applicable law, including fire safety requirements and reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization (owners and operators subject to mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization or superseding standards may use those standards as part of their operating plan); the applicable land management plan; environmental compliance; resource protection; fire control; routine, non-routine, and emergency maintenance of the covered line; and road and trail construction, reconstruction, and maintenance in support of the covered line;
(v) Identify best management practices for vegetation management; the applicable minimum vegetation clearance distance; procedures for designating, marking, and removing or pruning hazard trees and other vegetation; and road and trail standards and best management practices;
(vi) Address the types of activities that shall be allowed by the owner or operator upon approval of the operating plan or agreement by the authorized officer without additional prior written approval as a new, changed, or additional use or area under 36 CFR 251.61, including routine vegetation management and routine maintenance, and those activities that shall require additional prior written approval from the authorized officer as a new, changed, or additional use or area under 36 CFR 251.61, including but not limited to non-routine maintenance and construction of roads and trails in support of the covered line;
(vii) Specify timeframes for:
(A) The owner or operator to notify the authorized officer of routine, non-routine, and emergency maintenance of the covered line and routine and emergency vegetation management for the covered line;
(B) The owner or operator to request approval from the authorized officer of non-routine maintenance of and routine vegetation management for the covered line; and
(C) The authorized officer to respond to a request by the owner or operator for approval of non-routine maintenance of and routine vegetation management for the covered line;
(viii) Include the following procedures with regard to whether authorized officer approval is required for vegetation management:
(A) Routine vegetation management. Routine vegetation management must have prior written approval from the authorized officer, unless all 3 of the following conditions are met:
(1) The owner or operator has submitted a request for approval to the authorized officer in accordance with the specified timeframe in the approved operating plan or agreement;
(2) The proposed routine vegetation management is covered by approval of a proposed operating plan or agreement or by subsequent case-by-case environmental analysis and consultation; and
(3) The authorized officer has failed to respond to the request in accordance with the specified timeframe in the approved operating plan or agreement.
(B) Emergency vegetation management. Emergency vegetation management does not require prior written approval from the authorized officer. The owner or operator shall notify the authorized officer by email of the location and type of emergency vegetation management as soon as practicable, but no later than 24 hours after completion. Within 30 days of completion, the owner or operator shall submit to the authorized officer a written report detailing at a minimum the location, type, and scope of emergency vegetation management conducted, the reason it was conducted, the methods used to conduct it, and the resulting benefit;
(ix) Include the following procedures for modification of an approved operating plan or agreement:
(A) The authorized officer shall give the owner or operator of the covered line prior notice of any changed conditions that warrant a modification of the approved operating plan or agreement;
(B) The authorized officer shall give the owner or operator an opportunity to submit a proposed modification of the approved operating plan or agreement, consistent with the procedures described in paragraph (h)(6) of this section, to address the changed conditions;
(C) The authorized officer shall consider the proposed modification consistent with the procedures described in paragraph (h)(6) of this section; and
(D) The owner or operator may continue to implement the approved operating plan or agreement to the extent it does not directly and adversely affect the conditions prompting the modification; and
(x) For agreements only, reflect the relative financial resources of the owner or operator of the covered line compared to other owners or operators of a powerline facility.
(6) Review and approval of proposed operating plans and agreements. Proposed operating plans and agreements shall be submitted to the authorized officer for review and approval in writing before they are implemented. Proposed operating plans and agreements shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with procedures developed jointly by the Forest Service and the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, which shall be consistent with applicable law. These procedures shall:
(i) Provide that a proposed operating plan or agreement or proposed modification to an approved operating plan or agreement shall be approved, to the maximum extent practicable, within 120 days from the date the proposed operating plan or agreement or proposed modification was received by the authorized officer, with the understanding that such factors as the number of proposed operating plans and agreements under review by an authorized officer and the number of powerline facilities covered under a single operating plan or agreement may affect the practicability of approving a proposed operating plan or agreement within 120 days from the date of receipt; and
(ii) Specify a timeframe for submission of applicable Agency comments on a proposed operating plan or agreement.
(7) Review and expiration of approved operating plans and agreements. At least every 10 years from the approval date of an operating plan or agreement, the owner or operator shall review and, as necessary or appropriate, propose updates to the operating plan or agreement to ensure consistency with changed conditions. Proposed updates to an approved operating plan or agreement that are deemed significant by the authorized officer shall be treated as proposed modifications and shall be submitted by the owner or operator for review and approval by the authorized officer in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (h)(6) of this section. Proposed updates that are deemed non-significant by the authorized officer may be made by written agreement of the owner or operator and the authorized officer. Upon expiration of a special use authorization for a powerline facility, the owner or operator shall prepare a new proposed operating plan or agreement, either solely or in consultation with the authorized officer, and shall submit it to the authorized officer for review and approval in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (h)(6) of this section.
(8) Reporting of requests and responses to requests for routine vegetation management. The Forest Service shall annually report on its website requests for approval of routine vegetation management pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(viii)(A) of this section and responses to those requests.
(9) Strict Liability.
(i) Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(2) of this section, strict liability in tort may not be imposed on an owner or operator for injury or damages resulting from the authorized officer's unreasonably withholding or delaying approval of an operating plan or agreement or unreasonably failing to adhere to an applicable schedule in an approved operating plan or agreement.
(ii) Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(2) of this section, for 10 years from March 23, 2018, strict liability in tort for injury or damages resulting from activities conducted by an owner or operator under an approved agreement may not exceed $500,000 per incident.
(10) Forest Service directives. To enhance the reliability of the electric grid and to reduce the threat of wildfire damage to, and wildfire caused by vegetation-related conditions within or on, powerline facility rights-of-way and by hazard trees on abutting National Forest System lands, the Forest Service shall issue and periodically update directives in its directive system (36 CFR 200.4) to ensure that provisions are appropriately developed and implemented for powerline facility vegetation management, powerline facility inspection, and operation and maintenance of powerline facility rights-of-way. The directives shall:
(i) Be developed in consultation with owners;
(ii) Be compatible with mandatory reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization;
(iii) Consider all applicable law, including fire safety and electrical system reliability requirements, such as reliability standards established by the Electric Reliability Organization;
(iv) Consider the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding on Vegetation Management for Powerline Rights-of-Way Among the Edison Electric Institute, Utility Arborist Association, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and any successor memorandum of understanding;
(v) Seek to minimize the need for case-by-case approvals for routine vegetation management (including hazard tree felling and pruning), powerline facility inspection, and operation and maintenance of powerline facilities; and
(vi) Provide for prompt and timely review of requests to conduct routine vegetation management.
[45 FR 38327, June 6, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 46895, Nov. 29, 1984; 54 FR 22594, May 25, 1989; 60 FR 45294, Aug. 30, 1995; 63 FR 65967, Nov. 30, 1998; 64 FR 48960, Sept. 9, 1999; 85 FR 41393, July 10, 2020; 85 FR 48476, Aug. 11, 2020; 87 FR 7950, Feb. 11, 2022]