Forest Service sweeps away 25-year-old timber credit cobwebs
Published Date: 10/7/2026
Rule
Summary
The Forest Service is cleaning up old rules about timber sale credits that ended back in 1999. This update removes outdated regulations that no longer apply, so the rules are clearer and simpler. If you’re involved in timber sales on National Forest lands, nothing changes for you now, but the new rule kicks in on November 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Obsolete purchaser-credit rules removed
The Forest Service is removing regulatory sections 223.42, 223.43, 223.44, 223.45, and 223.62 because the authority to use purchaser credit ended on April 1, 1999. The final rule that removes these sections becomes effective November 5, 2026.
No direct economic effect on small businesses
The agency states this final rule will not have any direct effect on small entities, will not impose recordkeeping requirements, and will not affect small entities' cash flow or ability to remain in the market. These determinations are made under the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Purchaser credit barred for new contracts since 1999
The Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Appropriations Act of 1999 prohibited use of purchaser credit in new timber sale contracts after April 1, 1999. The final rule reflects that statutory repeal by removing implementing regulatory provisions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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