Project-Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Forest Service is updating how people can raise concerns about projects on national forests before decisions are made. These changes will make the review process faster and simpler, helping everyone understand and participate better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by March 9, 2026—no extra costs, just a smoother way to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Much shorter public comment windows
If you want to comment on a Forest Service environmental assessment (EA), you will have 10 days instead of 30 days. If you want to comment on an environmental impact statement (EIS), you will have 20 days instead of 45 days.
Shorter objection filing deadlines
If you plan to file an objection, objections to a draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) must be filed within 10 days and objections to a draft Record of Decision (ROD) must be filed within 20 days. The rule also states objection periods would not be extended.
Page limits and faster responses for objections
Objections would be limited to 15 pages for EAs and 30 pages for EISs. The responsible official must issue a written objection response of no more than 5 pages within 15 days for EAs or 20 days for EISs after the objection period ends, with no extension allowed.
More projects excluded from objection process
Certain projects would not be subject to the objection process: projects that received no timely, substantive written comments; FONSIs or RODs updated or issued without changing the Agency's finding or decision; projects relying on prior objection or similar review; and projects developed under statutory emergency authorities.
Move notices and responses to USDA website
The Forest Service would stop publishing legal notices in newspapers or the Federal Register and would post notices and objection responses on the USDA website where the EA, EIS, FONSI, or ROD is published. The agency would also stop accepting facsimile submissions and external media and would stop mailing objection responses.
Single streamlined review led by responsible official
The rule eliminates the separate 'reviewing officer' and removes an extra level of review above the responsible official so that the responsible official and their team handle objection review. The objection process will be the same for HFRA and non-HFRA projects except that HFRA projects will not have emergency authority.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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