National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures for the Bureau of Land Management - Proposed Categorical Exclusion for Timber Salvage Harvest
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Department of the Interior is proposing to restore and expand a categorical exclusion (CE) under NEPA for the Bureau of Land Management. The new CE would allow salvage harvesting of dead or dying timber on up to 5,000 acres per project, along with up to 1 mile of permanent road construction. This is an increase from the existing 250-acre CE. The proposal aims to speed up removal of dead trees to reduce wildfire fuel loads, protect public safety, and support rural economies. BLM cites data showing millions of acres burned annually and argues that projects of this scale routinely show no significant environmental impact based on past environmental assessments and Findings of No Significant Impact.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Restores and amends 2020 CE allowing salvage harvest on up to 5,000 acres (increased from existing 250-acre limit)
- Permits up to 1 mile of permanent road construction for salvage operations
- Applies to dead or dying trees impacted by fire, insects, disease, drought or other disturbances
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit written comments on the proposed categorical exclusion revision on or before May 6, 2026
BLM must limit salvage harvest projects under the proposed CE to a maximum of 5,000 acres per project
BLM must limit permanent road construction associated with salvage harvest projects to not exceed 1 mile per project
BLM must apply the categorical exclusion only to salvage harvest of dead or dying trees impacted by biotic or abiotic disturbances
Submit comments electronically through BLM National NEPA Register (https://eplanning.blm.gov, docket DOI-BLM-HQ-2000-2026-0002-OTHER_NEPA) or by mail to Wade Salverson at the Idaho State Office