Archives

2006

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Dec

Control of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Public Meetings
Federal Register: December 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 246)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Veterinary Services program will host four public meetings to present current information about the outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) and actions taken to prevent the spread of this fish disease, and to discuss issues concerning possible regulation of VHS by the Agency.

Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations
Federal Register: Dec 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 244)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.
SUMMARY: We are extending the comment period for our proposed rule that would establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Feb 1, 2007.

Environmental Impact Statement; Genetically Engineered Fruit Fly and Pink Bollworm
Federal Register: Dec 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 243)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and proposed scope of study.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service intends to prepare an environmental impact statement relative to the proposed use of genetically engineered fruit flies and pink bollworm in certain plant pest control programs. This notice identifies potential issues and alternatives that will be studied in the environmental impact statement, requests public comment to further delineate the scope of the issues and alternatives, and provides notice of public meetings.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Feb 20, 2007.

Importation of Fruits and Vegetables
Federal Register: Dec 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 242)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations to list a number of fruits and vegetables from certain parts of the world as eligible, under specified conditions, for importation into the United States. Some of the fruits and vegetables are already eligible for importation under permit, but are not specifically listed in the regulations. All of the fruits and vegetables, as a condition of entry, will be inspected and subject to treatment at the port of first arrival as may be required by an inspector. In addition, some of the fruits and vegetables will be required to meet other special conditions. In one case, we are adding a systems approach that will provide an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation. These actions will provide the United States with additional types and sources of fruits and vegetables while continuing to protect against the introduction of quarantine pests through imported fruits and vegetables. EFFECTIVE DATE: Dec 18, 2006.

Request for Information; Potential Sites for a Sterile Fruit Fly Production Facility or Potential Alternate Sources of Sterile Fruit Flies
Federal Register: Dec 1, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 231)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is exploring options for the construction of a multispecies exotic fruit fly facility and/or the privatization of sterile fly production to provide backup capacity for our sterile fruit fly programs and emergency needs. APHIS recognizes the need to maintain a backup for sterile fruit fly production to respond to emergency outbreaks when they occur, and to ensure current preventive release programs in California, Florida, and Texas remain effective. In this notice, we are soliciting the submission of information from interested persons regarding potential sites for the production of sterile fruit flies or alternate sources of those flies.
DATES: We will consider all submissions of information that we receive on or before Jan 2, 2007.

Nov

Karnal Bunt; Regulated Areas
Federal Register: Nov 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 225)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to remove certain areas or fields in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, AZ, and Archer, Baylor, Knox, McCulloch, San Saba, Throckmorton, and Young Counties, TX, from the list of regulated areas based on our determination that those fields or areas meet our criteria for release from regulation. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that are no longer necessary.
DATES: This interim rule became effective Nov 16, 2006. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jan 22, 2007.

Oriental Fruit Fly; Add a Portion of San Bernardino County, CA, to the List of Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Nov 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 222)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Oriental fruit fly regulations by adding a portion of San Bernardino County, CA, to the list of quarantined areas and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. We are also amending the definitions of the terms core area and day degrees and adding jujube (Ziziphus spp.) to the list of articles regulated for Oriental fruit fly. These actions are necessary to prevent the artificial spread of Oriental fruit fly to noninfested areas of the United States and to update the regulations to reflect current science and practices.
DATES: This interim rule is effective Nov 17, 2006. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jan 16, 2007.

Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas; Addition of Areas in Virginia
Federal Register: Nov 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 222)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
USDA. ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the gypsy moth regulations by adding the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Craig, Giles, and Roanoke in Virginia to the list of generally infested areas based on the detection of infestations of gypsy moth in those areas. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the gypsy moth to noninfested areas of the United States.
DATES: This interim rule is effective Nov 17, 2006. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jan 16, 2007.

Evaluating the Invasive Potential of Imported Plants; Electronic Public Discussion
Federal Register: Nov 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 218)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of electronic public discussion.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hosting an electronic public discussion on methods that can be used to evaluate the potential of imported plants to become invasive species if they are introduced into the United States. Any interested person can register for the electronic discussion, which will allow participants to upload files and interact with other participants and with APHIS staff.
DATES: The electronic public discussion will be held from Nov 27, 2006 to Jan 26, 2007.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions, Identification of Ruminants and Processing and Importation of Commodities
Federal Register: Nov 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 217)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period.
SUMMARY: We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would remove several restrictions regarding the identification of animals and the processing of ruminant materials from BSE minimal-risk regions, as well as BSE-based restrictions on gelatin derived from bovine hides. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Nov 24, 2006.

Evaluating the Invasive Potential of Imported Plants; Electronic Public Discussion
Federal Register: Nov 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 218)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of electronic public discussion.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hosting an electronic public discussion on methods that can be used to evaluate the potential of imported plants to become invasive species if they are introduced into the United States. Any interested person can register for the electronic discussion, which will allow participants to upload files and interact with other participants and with APHIS staff.
DATES: The electronic public discussion will be held from Nov 27, 2006 to Jan 26, 2007.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions, Identification of Ruminants and Processing and Importation of Commodities
Federal Register: Nov 9, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 217)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period.
SUMMARY: We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would remove several restrictions regarding the identification of animals and the processing of ruminant materials from BSE minimal-risk regions, as well as BSE-based restrictions on gelatin derived from bovine hides. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Nov 24, 2006.

Potential Revision of Mandatory Ballast Water Management Reporting Requirements
Federal Register: Nov 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 216)
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice; request for public comments.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard requests public comments on our current ballast water management reporting and recordkeeping requirements. To provide additional opportunity for public comment, public meetings will be held in the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. All stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to submit comments to the docket and to attend a public meeting in or near their region.
DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before Mar 16, 2007.

Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations Correction
Federal Register: Nov 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 213)

Chronic Wasting Disease Herd Certification Program and Interstate Movement of Farmed or Captive Deer, Elk, and Moose; Petitions and Request for Comments
Federal Register: Nov 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 213)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of receipt of petitions and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received three petitions requesting that we delay implementation of, and reconsider provisions in, a recent final rule establishing a herd certification program and interstate movement restrictions for cervids to control the spread of chronic wasting disease. We are soliciting public comments on the petitions and the potential impacts of the actions they recommend.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Dec 4, 2006.

Oct

Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations
Federal Register: Oct 31, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 210)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States. The proposed regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jan 2, 2007.

Draft Management and Control Plan for Asian Carps in the United States
Federal Register: Oct 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 205)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the draft "Management and Control Plan for Asian Carps in the United States."' This draft document was prepared by the Asian Carp Working Group of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. We are seeking public comments on this draft document. Comments received will be considered during the preparation of the final national management and control plan, which will guide cooperative and integrated management of Asian carps in the United States.
DATES: Submit your comments on the draft "Management and Control Plan for Asian Carps in the United States" by Dec 26, 2006.

Exotic Fruit Fly Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2006-2010
Federal Register: Oct 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 205)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a final Exotic Fruit Fly Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2006 through 2010 and is making it available for review. The final strategic plan has been updated in response to the comments we received on the draft strategic plan.

Change in Disease Status of Namibia With Regard to Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Rinderpest
Federal Register: Oct 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 205)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations to add Namibia, except the portion of the country north of the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF), to the list of regions that are considered free of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and to add the entire country to the list of regions that are considered free of rinderpest.
DATES: Effective Date: Nov 24, 2006.

Draft National Management and Control Plan for the New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)
Federal Register: Oct 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 202)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the draft "National Management and Control Plan for the New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum).'' The draft was prepared by the New Zealand Mudsnail Working Group of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. We are seeking public comments on this draft document. Comments received will be considered during the preparation of the final national management and control plan, which will guide cooperative and integrated management of Zealand mudsnails in the United States.
DATES: Submit your comments on the draft "National Management and Control Plan for the New Zealand Mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)" by Dec 4, 2006.

Imported Fire Ant; Addition of Counties in Arkansas and Tennessee to the List of Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Oct 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 201)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the imported fire ant regulations by designating as quarantined areas all of 2 counties in Arkansas and all or portions of 21 counties in Tennessee. As a result of that action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ant to noninfested areas of the United States.
DATES: Effective on Oct 18, 2006, we are adopting as a final rule the interim rule that was published at 71 FR 42246-42249 on Jul 26, 2006.

International Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standard-Setting Activities
Federal Register: Oct 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 198)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
SUMMARY: In accordance with legislation implementing the results of the Uruguay Round of negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, we are informing the public of international standard- setting activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention, and the North American Plant Protection Organization, and we are soliciting public comment on the standards to be considered.

Asian Longhorned Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Oct 11, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 196)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Asian longhorned beetle regulations by expanding the boundaries of the quarantined areas in New Jersey and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from these areas. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the Asian longhorned beetle to noninfested areas of the United States.
DATES: This interim rule was effective Oct 4, 2006. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Dec 11, 2006.

Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii
Federal Register: Oct 11, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 196)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to remove vapor heat treatment as an approved treatment for bell pepper, eggplant, Italian squash, and tomato moved interstate from Hawaii. This action is necessary because these four commodities can serve as hosts for the solanum fruit fly, which has been detected in Hawaii. Vapor heat treatment is not an approved treatment for that pest. We are also proposing to provide for the use of irradiation as an approved treatment for all Capsicum spp. (peppers) and Curcurbita spp. (squash) moved interstate from Hawaii. This action would relieve unnecessary restrictions on the interstate movement of peppers and squash and allow a greater variety of Capsicum spp. and Curcurbita spp. to be moved interstate from Hawaii.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Dec 11, 2006.

Noxious Weeds; South African Ragwort and Madagascar Ragwort
Federal Register: Oct 5, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 193)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the noxious weed and imported seed regulations by adding South African ragwort (Senecio inaequidens DC.) and Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis Poir.) to the list of terrestrial noxious weeds and to the list of seeds with no tolerances applicable to their introduction. That action was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of these noxious weeds into the United States.

Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Oct 3, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 191)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the pine shoot beetle regulations by adding counties in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio to the list of quarantined areas. In addition, we are designating the States of Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, in their entirety, as quarantined areas based on their decision not to enforce intrastrate movement restrictions. Finally, we are adding the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island, in their entirety, to the list of quarantined areas based on projections of the natural spread of pine shoot beetle that make it reasonable to believe that the pest is present in those States. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.

Emerald Ash Borer; Quarantined Areas; Michigan
Federal Register: Oct 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 190)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the emerald ash borer regulations by adding areas in Michigan to the list of areas quarantined because of emerald ash borer. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer from infested areas in the State of Michigan into noninfested areas of the United States.

Sep

Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada
Federal Register: Sep 29, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 189)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, with one change, an interim rule that amended the regulations by restricting the importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States from Canada. Under the regulations established by the interim rule, as amended by this document, pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist of pine bark or have pine bark attached, must meet certain requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from Canada. The interim rule was necessary to help prevent the introduction and spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.

Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup
Federal Register: Sep 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 188)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a meeting of the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup (Workgroup). The Workgroup's purpose is to provide, in an advisory capacity, recommendations and advice on research and implementation of sea lamprey control techniques alternative to lampricide that are technically feasible, cost effective, and environmentally safe. Primary objectives of the meeting will be to identify research initiatives that may enhance alternative sea lamprey control techniques, and to explore the significance of larval sea lamprey populations that occur in delta habitats rather than stream habitats. The meeting is open to the public.

Notice of Availability of the Draft South Florida and Caribbean Parks Exotic Plant Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Federal Register: Sep 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 187)
AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Draft South Florida and Caribbean Parks Exotic Plant Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, Biscayne National Park, Florida, Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, Everglades National Park, Florida, Buck Island Reef National Monument, Virgin Islands, Christiansted National Historic Site, Virgin Islands, Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve, Virgin Islands, and Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands.

Japanese Beetle; Addition of Iowa to the List of Quarantined States
Federal Register: Sep 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 187)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Japanese beetle quarantine and regulations by adding the State of Iowa to the list of quarantined States. That action was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of Japanese beetle into noninfested areas of the United States.

Importation of Table Grapes From Namibia
Federal Register: Sep 21, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 183)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the United States of fresh table grapes from Namibia under certain conditions. As a condition of entry, the grapes must undergo cold treatment and fumigation with methyl bromide and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the commodity has been inspected and found free of the specified pests. In addition, the grapes will also be subject to inspection at the port of first arrival. This action allows for the importation of grapes from Namibia into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly; Remove Portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Clara Counties, CA, From the List of Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Sep 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 177)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Mediterranean fruit fly regulations by removing portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Clara Counties, CA, from the list of quarantined areas and by removing restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas. This action is necessary to relieve restrictions that are no longer needed to prevent the spread of Mediterranean fruit fly into noninfested areas of the United States. We have determined that the Mediterranean fruit fly has been eradicated from these portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Clara Counties, CA, and that the quarantine and restrictions are no longer necessary. These portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Clara Counties, CA, were the last remaining areas in California quarantined for Mediterranean fruit fly. Therefore, as a result of this action, there are no longer any areas in the continental United States quarantined for the Mediterranean fruit fly.

Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas; Addition of Counties in Ohio and West Virginia
Federal Register: Sep 12, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 176)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the gypsy moth regulations by adding Delaware and Franklin Counties in Ohio and Monroe County in West Virginia to the list of generally infested areas based on the detection of infestations of gypsy moth in those counties. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the gypsy moth to noninfested States.

Asian Longhorned Beetle; Addition and Removal of Quarantined Areas in New Jersey
Federal Register: Sep 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 174)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations by adding a portion of Middlesex and Union Counties, NJ, to the list of quarantined areas and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas. The interim rule also removed the areas within Hudson County, NJ, from the list of quarantined areas and removed restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas. These actions were necessary, respectively, to prevent the artificial spread of the Asian longhorned beetle to noninfested areas of the United States and to remove quarantine restrictions that were no longer necessary.

Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas; Wisconsin
Federal Register: Sep 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 174)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the pine shoot beetle regulations by designating the State of Wisconsin, in its entirety, as a quarantined area based on the detection of new pine shoot beetle infested areas in the State, as well as its decision to no longer enforce intrastate movement restrictions. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.

Injurious Wildlife Species; Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Largescale Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi)
Federal Register: Sep 5, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 171)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of availability of environmental documents.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add all forms (diploid and triploid) of live silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), gametes, eggs, and hybrids; and all forms (diploid and triploid) of live largescale silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi), gametes, eggs, and hybrids to the list of injurious fish, mollusks, and crustaceans under the Lacey Act. This listing would have the effect of prohibiting the importation and interstate transportation of any live animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of the silver carp and largescale silver carp, without a permit in limited circumstances. The best available information indicates that this action is necessary to protect the interests of human beings, and wildlife and wildlife resources, from the purposeful or accidental introduction and subsequent establishment of silver carp and largescale silver carp populations in ecosystems of the United States.

Aug

Great Lakes Ballast Water Conference and Regional Waterways Management Forum
Federal Register: Aug 31, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 169)
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of conference and meeting.
SUMMARY: The Great Lakes Regional Waterways Management Forum will sponsor a conference on ballast water issues on September 27, 2006, and will hold a meeting the following day to address waterways management issues in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. The conference and meeting are open to the public, but registration is required for the conference due to limited seating.

Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas; Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
Federal Register: Aug 31, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 169)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Adoption of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the gypsy moth regulations by adding one county in Ohio, one county in West Virginia, and two counties in Wisconsin to the list of generally infested areas based on the detection of infestations of gypsy moth in those counties. As a result of the interim rule, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the gypsy moth to noninfested States.

Emerald Ash Borer; Quarantined Areas; Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio
Federal Register: Aug 30, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 168)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the emerald ash borer regulations by adding areas in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to the list of areas quarantined because of emerald ash borer. As a result of the interim rule, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer from infested areas in the States of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio into noninfested areas of the United States.

Importation of Tomatoes From Certain Central American Countries
Federal Register: Aug 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 166)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations governing the importation of fruits and vegetables in order to allow pink and red tomatoes grown in approved registered production sites in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama to be imported into the United States. The conditions to which the importation of tomatoes will be subject, including trapping, pre-harvest inspection, and shipping procedures, are designed to prevent the introduction of quarantine pests into the United States. This action will allow for the importation of pink and red tomatoes from those countries in Central America while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests into the United States.

Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Federal Register: Aug 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 164)
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given of meetings of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the National Invasive Species Council, as authorized by Executive Order 13112, on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control and minimizing the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause.
DATES: Meeting of Invasive Species Advisory Committee: Tuesday, Sep 12, 2006, through Wednesday, Sep 13, 2006; beginning at approximately 8 a.m., and ending at approximately 5 p.m. each day.
ADDRESSES: Hotel Washington, 515 15th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20004. Meeting will be held both days in the Washington Room.

Interstate Movement of Garbage From Hawaii; Municipal Solid Waste
Federal Register: Aug 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 163)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations pertaining to certain garbage to provide for the interstate movement of garbage from Hawaii subject to measures designed to protect against the dissemination of plant pests into noninfested areas of the continental United States. We are amending these regulations upon request in order to provide the State of Hawaii with additional waste disposal options, and after determining that the action is highly unlikely to result in the introduction and dissemination of plant or animal pests or diseases into the continental United States from Hawaii. We are also making other amendments to the garbage regulations to clarify their intent and make them easier to understand.

Untreated Oranges, Tangerines, and Grapefruit From Mexico Transiting the United States to Foreign Countries
Federal Register: Aug 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 163)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations to allow untreated oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit from Mexico to be moved overland by truck or rail to Corpus Christi and Houston, TX, for export to another country by water. We are taking this action in response to requests by the port authorities of Corpus Christi and Houston, TX. We are also requiring that untreated oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit from Mexico transiting the United States for export to another country be shipped in sealed, refrigerated containers and insect-proof packaging and via routes that avoid citrus production areas. We are taking this action to provide additional protection against the possible introduction of fruit flies via untreated oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit from Mexico that transit the United States.

Final Environmental Impact Statement/Non-Native Deer Management Plan Point Reyes National Seashore; Marin County, CA
Federal Register: Aug 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 159)
AGENCY: National Park Service, DOI.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500-1508), the national Park Service, Department of the Interior has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) identifying and evaluating five alternatives for a Non-Native Deer Management Plan for Point Reyes National Seashore administered lands. When approved, the plan will guide the NPS in managing the herds of non-native deer over the next two decades on all lands administered by Point Reyes National Seashore. Through the FEIS, the potential impacts of a "no action" alternative and four "action" alternatives are assessed and, where appropriate, mitigation measures are applied to reduce the intensity of the potential effect or to avoid the potential effect. Five other preliminary alternatives were considered but rejected because they did not achieve the objectives of the non-native deer management plan or were infeasible.

Migratory Bird Hunting and Permits; Regulations for Managing Resident Canada Goose Populations
Federal Register: Aug 10, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 154)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule and notice of record of decision.
SUMMARY: In recent years, the numbers of Canada geese that nest and/or reside predominantly within the conterminous United States (resident Canada geese) have undergone dramatic growth to levels that are increasingly coming into conflict with people and human activities and causing personal and public property damage, as well as public health concerns, in many parts of the country. In February 2002, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or "`we") completed a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on resident Canada goose management. In August 2003, we published a proposed rule to establish regulations to implement the DEIS proposed action, Alternative F. In November 2005, the notice of availability for a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published, followed by a 30-day public review period. This final rule sets forth regulations for implementing the FEIS preferred alternative, Alternative F, which would authorize State wildlife agencies, private landowners, and airports to conduct (or allow) indirect and/or direct population control management activities, including the take of birds, on resident Canada goose populations. The Record of Decision (ROD) is also published here.
DATES: This final rule will go into effect on Sep 11, 2006.

Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida
Federal Register: Aug 1, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 147)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the citrus canker regulations to list the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and to amend the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no longer being carried out as an objective. We are also amending the regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate export. These changes are necessary in light of the Department's determination that the established eradication program was no longer a scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.

Jul

Imported Fire Ant; Addition of Counties in Arkansas and Tennessee to the List of Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Jul 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 143)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the imported fire ant regulations by designating as quarantined areas all of 2 counties in Arkansas and all or portions of 21 counties in Tennessee. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ant to noninfested areas of the United States.

Importation of Fruit From Thailand
Federal Register: Jul 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 143)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the United States of litchi, longan, mango, mangosteen, pineapple, and rambutan from Thailand. As a condition of entry, these fruits would have to be grown in production areas that are registered with and monitored by the national plant protection organization of Thailand, treated with irradiation in Thailand at a dose of 400 gray for plant pests of the class Insecta, except pupae and adults of the order Leipdoptera, and subject to inspection. The fruits would also have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the fruit had been treated with irradiation in Thailand. In the case of litchi, the additional declaration would also state that the fruit had been inspected and found to be free of Peronophythora litchii, a fungal pest of litchi. This action would allow for the importation of litchi, longan, mango, mangosteen, pineapple, and rambutan from Thailand into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests into the United States.

Asian Longhorned Beetle; Removal of Quarantined Area in Illinois
Federal Register: Jul 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 138)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Asian longhorned beetle regulations by removing the Oz Park area in Cook County, IL, from the list of quarantined areas and removing restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas. We have determined that the Asian longhorned beetle no longer presents a risk of spread from that area and that the quarantine and restrictions are no longer necessary. With this change, there are no longer any areas in Illinois that are quarantined because of the Asian longhorned beetle.

Gypsy Moth; Regulated Articles
Federal Register: Jul 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 138)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the gypsy moth regulations by removing restrictions on the interstate movement of wood chips, which do not pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding restrictions on the movement and importation of bark and bark products, which pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses. In addition, we are extending by 2 months the period during which regulated articles originating outside of any generally infested area must be safeguarded from infestation in order to be eligible for interstate movement directly through any generally infested area without a certificate or permit. These changes are necessary to update the provisions in the regulations to ensure consistent actions by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, our cooperators, and industry in order to limit the artificial spread of gypsy moth.

Add Denmark to the List of Regions Free of Exotic Newcastle Disease
Federal Register: Jul 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 129)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations to add Denmark to the list of regions considered free of exotic Newcastle disease. This final rule follows an interim rule that removed Denmark from that list due to an outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease in that region. A recent risk analysis indicated that Denmark now meets our requirements for recognition as a region free of exotic Newcastle disease. This rule relieves certain restrictions on the importation of carcasses, parts or products of carcasses, and eggs (other than hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, and other birds from Denmark into the United States.

Importation of Shelled Garden Peas From Kenya
Federal Register: July 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 129)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation of shelled garden peas from Kenya into the continental United States. In order to be eligible for importation, the peas would have to be shelled, washed, and inspected and accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service. This action would allow for the importation of shelled peas from Kenya into the continental United States while continuing to protect against the introduction of quarantine pests.

Jun

Plant Protection and Quarantine Export-Related Services and Procedures
Federal Register: Jun 29, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 125)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides, among other things, certain technical services to businesses and individuals to help them successfully export live plants or plant products. This notice provides information concerning trade-related international agreements and organizations and details PPQ's role in facilitating the export of plants and plant products from the United States.

Japanese Beetle; Addition of Iowa to the List of Quarantined States
Federal Register: Jun 21, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 119)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Japanese beetle quarantine and regulations to add the State of Iowa to the list of quarantined States. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of Japanese beetle into noninfested areas of the United States.

Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order to Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Djibouti
Federal Register: Jun 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 118)
AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird- derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/[H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Noxious Weeds; South African Ragwort and Madagascar Ragwort
Federal Register: Jun 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 118)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the noxious weed and imported seed regulations by adding South African ragwort (Senecio inaequidens DC.) and Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis Poir.) to the list of terrestrial noxious weeds and to the list of seeds with no tolerances applicable to their introduction. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of these noxious weeds into the United States.

Notice of Request for Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Certification Program for Imported Articles of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. To Prevent Introduction of Potato Brown Rot
Federal Register: Jun 16, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 116)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Extension of approval of an information collection; comment request.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's intention to request an extension of approval of an information collection associated with regulations for a certification program for imported articles of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. to prevent the introduction of potato brown rot.

Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock
Federal Register: Jun 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 110)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the citrus canker regulations to establish provisions under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of these funds will reduce the economic effects on commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.

Importation of Fruits and Vegetables; Untreated Citrus From Mexico
Federal Register: Jun 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 110)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to provide for the importation of untreated citrus (grapefruit, sweet oranges, and tangerines) from Mexico for processing under certain conditions. We believe the conditions under which untreated citrus from Mexico will be allowed importation to be sufficient for safeguarding fruit that are moving from Mexico to Texas. This action will relieve unnecessary restrictions while continuing to protect against the introduction of quarantine pests through imported fruits.

May

Interstate Movement of Garbage From Hawaii; Municipal Solid Waste
Federal Register: May 31, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 104)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period.
SUMMARY: We are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule that would amend the regulations pertaining to certain garbage to provide for the interstate movement of garbage from Hawaii subject to measures designed to protect against the dissemination of plant pests into noninfested areas of the continental United States. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

Notice of Proposed Native Plant Material Policy, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2070
Federal Register: May 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 102)
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of proposed directive; request for comment.
SUMMARY: The Forest Service is proposing to establish a new directive to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2070 for native plant materials, which will provide direction for the use, growth, development, and storage of native plant materials. A copy of the proposed directive is available here (PDF | 294 KB) . Public comment is invited and will be considered in development of the final directive.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing by Jul 25, 2006.

Availability of a Draft Pest Risk Assessment for Hass Avocados From Peru
Federal Register: May 25, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 101)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that a draft pest risk assessment has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to a proposed rule currently under consideration that would allow the importation into the continental United States of fresh Hass avocados from Peru. We are making this draft pest risk assessment available to the public for review and comment.

Phytosanitary Certificates for Fruits and Vegetables Imported in Passenger Baggage; Availability of a Risk Assessment
Federal Register: May 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 100)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of risk assessment and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a risk assessment relative to a previously published proposal to require imported fruits and vegetables to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. The risk assessment considers the plant pest risks associated with fruits and vegetables imported in passenger baggage and the probable impact of phytosanitary certification requirements. We are considering adopting only the proposed requirements that pertain to fruits and vegetables imported in air passenger baggage. We are making the risk assessment available to the public for review and comment.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jul 24, 2006.

Emerald Ash Borer; Quarantined Areas; Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio
Federal Register: May 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 100)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the emerald ash borer regulations by adding areas in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to the list of areas quarantined because of emerald ash borer. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer from infested areas in the States of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio into noninfested areas of the United States.

Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas; Wisconsin
Federal Register: May 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 100)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the pine shoot beetle regulations by designating the State of Wisconsin, in its entirety, as a quarantined area based on the detection of new pine shoot beetle infested areas in the State, as well as its decision to no longer enforce intrastate movement restrictions. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.

Importation of Baby Corn and Baby Carrots From Zambia
Federal Register: May 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 100)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the continental United States of fresh, dehusked immature (baby) sweet corn and fresh baby carrots from Zambia. As a condition of entry, both commodities will be subject to inspection at the port of first arrival and will have to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the commodity has been inspected and found free of the quarantine pest listed on the certificate. This action will allow for the importation of Zambian baby corn and baby carrots into the United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Old World Climbing Fern
Federal Register: May 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 99)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum. The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a nonindigenous gall mite, Floracarus perrepae, for the biological control of Old World climbing fern in Florida. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.

Notice of Meeting of the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup
Federal Register: May 23, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 99)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup. The purpose of the Workgroup is to provide, in an advisory capacity, recommendations and advice on research and implementation of sea lamprey control techniques alternative to lampricide, if they are found to be technically feasible, cost effective, and environmentally safe. Primary objectives of the meeting will include a review of Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, discussion of the Workgroup's mission, discussion of workgroup operating procedures, and an overview of recent developments in alternative sea lamprey control technology. The meeting is open to the public.

Importation of Peppers From the Republic of Korea
Federal Register: May 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 98)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation into the continental United States of peppers from the Republic of Korea under certain conditions. As a condition of entry, the peppers will have to be grown in approved insect-proof, pest-free greenhouses and packed in pest-exclusionary packinghouses. In addition, the peppers will have to be safeguarded against pest infestation during their movement from the production site to the packinghouse and from the packinghouse to the continental United States. This action will allow for the importation of peppers from the Republic of Korea into the continental United States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests.

Add Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine To List of Regions In Which Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H5N1 is Considered To Exist
Federal Register: May 18, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 96)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products by adding Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine to the list of regions in which highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 is considered to exist. We took that action because there have been outbreaks of HPAI subtype H5N1 in those countries. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the introduction of HPAI subtype H5N1 into the United States.

Healthy Forests Reserve Program
Federal Register: May 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 95)
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comments.
SUMMARY: Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Act) (Pub. L. 108-148) authorizes the establishment of the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP). The purpose of this program is to assist landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to: Promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species; improve biodiversity; and enhance carbon sequestration. This interim final rule sets forth how NRCS will implement HFRP to meet the statutory objectives of the program.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service; Availability of Petition and Environmental Assessment for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Plum Genetically Engineered for Resistance to Plum Pox
Federal Register: May 16, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 94)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has received a petition from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service seeking a determination of nonregulated status for plum designated as transformation event C5, which has been genetically engineered to resist infection by plum pox virus (PPV). The petition has been submitted in accordance with our regulations concerning the introduction of certain genetically engineered organisms and products. In accordance with those regulations, we are soliciting public comments on whether this plum presents a plant pest risk. We are also making available for public comment an environmental assessment for the proposed determination of nonregulated status.

Availability of an Evaluation of Asymptomatic Citrus Fruit as a Pathway for the Introduction of Citrus Canker Disease
Federal Register: May 8, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 88)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability; extension of comment period.
SUMMARY: We are extending the comment period for our scientific evaluation titled, "Evaluation of asymptomatic citrus fruit (Citrus spp.) as a pathway for the introduction of citrus canker disease (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri).'' This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

Ballast Water Treatment Technology and Analysis Methods
Federal Register: May 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 84)
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Request for public comments.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard seeks public assistance in gathering information regarding the status of research and development of ballast water management systems and analytical technologies/methods used in testing ballast water management systems. The Coast Guard may then provide this information to the 55th Session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 55) to inform the Committee during the review of the status of the development of ballast water management systems. Our specific interest is in ballast water management systems that have been rigorously tested both in land-based test platforms and on board ships. We are also interested in technologies/methods for rapid detection, enumeration, and determination of organism viabilities in ballast water.

Citrus From Peru
Federal Register: May 1, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 83)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation, under certain conditions, of fresh commercial citrus fruit (grapefruit, limes, mandarin oranges or tangerines, sweet oranges, and tangelos) from approved areas of Peru into the United States. Based on the evidence in a recent pest risk analysis, we believe these articles can be safely imported from Peru, provided certain conditions are met. This action will provide for the importation of citrus from Peru into the United States while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of plant pests.

Apr

Gypsy Moth Generally Infested Areas; Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
Federal Register: Apr 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 82)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are amending the gypsy moth regulations by adding one county in Ohio, one county in West Virginia, and two counties in Wisconsin to the list of generally infested areas based on the detection of infestations of gypsy moth in those counties. As a result of this action, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas will be restricted. This action is necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the gypsy moth to noninfested States.

Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations; Proposed Rule
Federal Register: Apr 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 81)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule and notice of public hearings.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to revise and reorganize the regulations pertaining to the importation of fruits and vegetables to consolidate requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and references, update the regulations that apply to importations into territories under U.S. administration, and make various editorial and nonsubstantive changes to regulations to make them easier to use...

Exotic Animal Importation, Sale, and Distribution Discussions; Notice of Public Meeting
Federal Register: Apr 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 76)
AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services.
ACTION: Notice of public meeting.
SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting on the subject of the importation, sale, and distribution of exotic animals. The purpose of the meeting is to gather information and discuss issues and concerns related to infectious disease threats associated with the importation, sale, and distribution of exotic animals.

Nominations for the Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Extension of Deadline for Nomination Submissions
Federal Register: Apr 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 75)
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, National Invasive Species Council, Interior.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the interdepartmental National Invasive Species Council, proposes to appoint new members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC). The Secretary of the Interior, acting as administrative lead, is extending the deadline for submission of nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the ISAC.

Interstate Movement of Garbage From Hawaii; Municipal Solid Waste
Federal Register: Apr 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 75)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend the regulations pertaining to certain garbage to provide for the interstate movement of garbage from Hawaii subject to measures designed to protect against the dissemination of plant pests into noninfested areas of the continental United States. We are proposing this action upon request in order to provide the State of Hawaii with additional waste disposal options, and after determining that the action would not result in the introduction of plant or animal pests or diseases into the continental United States from Hawaii. We are also proposing to make other amendments to the garbage regulations to clarify their intent and make them easier to understand.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meeting
Federal Register: Apr 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 75)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
SUMMARY: This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Burkina Faso
Federal Register: Apr 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 75)
AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird- derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Amendment of February 4, 2004, Order To Embargo Birds and Bird Products Imported From Pakistan
Federal Register: Apr 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 75)
AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
SUMMARY: On February 4, 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an order to ban immediately the import of all birds (Class: Aves) from specified countries, subject to limited exemptions for returning pet birds of U.S. origin and certain processed bird- derived products. HHS/CDC took this step because birds from these countries potentially can infect humans with avian influenza (influenza A/ [H5N1]). The February 4, 2004, order complemented a similar action taken at the same time by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Ballast Water Reporting by Foreign-flag Vessels Bound for the Great Lakes
Federal Register: Apr 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 73)
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces this notice as clarification of the ballast water reporting requirements for foreign-flag vessels bound for the Great Lakes from outside the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates
Federal Register: Apr 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 71)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the nursery stock regulations to allow the importation of small lots of seed under an import permit with specific conditions, as an alternative to the current phytosanitary certificate requirement. This change is necessary because several entities that import small lots of seed--individual importers, scientists, horticultural societies, arboreta, and small businesses--have had difficulty obtaining the necessary certificates and have been adversely affected by the phytosanitary certificate requirement. The change makes it feasible for those entities to import small lots of seed and ensures prompt and consistent service for such importers while continuing to protect against the introduction of plant pests into the United States and providing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service with necessary information about the quality, quantity, and diversity of the imported material.

Availability of an Evaluation of Asymptomatic Citrus Fruit as a Pathway for the Introduction of Citrus Canker Disease
Federal Register: Apr 6, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 66)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a document titled, "Evaluation of asymptomatic citrus fruit (Citrus spp.) as a pathway for the introduction of citrus canker disease (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri).'' The evaluation concludes that it is highly unlikely that citrus canker could be introduced on asymptomatic, commercially produced citrus fruit that has been treated with disinfectant dips and subject to other mitigations. We are making the evaluation available to the public for review and comment.

Aquatic Snails; Permit Requirements for Importation and Interstate Movement
Federal Register: Apr 5, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 65)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Policy statement.
SUMMARY: This document gives notice that we intend to begin consistently and routinely requiring that a permit must accompany all aquatic snails that are imported into the United States or that are moving interstate. We also intend to consistently require that shipments of aquatic snails, as with all other plant pests imported under permit, be subject to inspection and to begin routinely and consistently inspecting shipments of aquatic supplies or plants that may contain aquatic snails. This action is necessary in order to prevent the importation or interstate movement of certain species of aquatic snails which, if released into the environment, can become destructive agricultural pests.

Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act
Federal Register: Apr 4, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 64) AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to amend our domestic quarantine regulations to establish a process by which a State or political subdivision of a State could request approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on the movement in interstate commerce of specific articles that are in addition to the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant Protection Act provides that States or political subdivisions of States may make such special need requests, but there are currently no procedures in place for their submission or consideration. This action would establish a process by which States may make a special need request.
DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before Jun 5, 2006.

Mar

Importation of Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus in Growing Media From the Netherlands and Denmark
Federal Register: Mar 31, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 62)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations governing the importation of plants and plant products by adding Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis spp.) from the Netherlands and Denmark to the list of plants that may be imported in an approved growing medium subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements. We are taking this action in response to requests from the Netherlands and Denmark and after determining that Christmas cactus and Easter cactus established in growing media can be imported without resulting in the introduction into the United States or the dissemination within the United States of a plant pest or noxious weed. This change will allow Christmas cactus and Easter cactus established in growing media to be imported into the United States from the Netherlands and Denmark under certain conditions.

Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006
Federal Register: Mar 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 58)
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Notice; availability of grant funds.
SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published two omnibus notices announcing an availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2006.

Exotic Newcastle Disease; Quarantine Restrictions
Federal Register: Mar 27, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 58)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We are proposing to make several changes to the exotic Newcastle disease domestic quarantine regulations, including adding an option for the movement of pet birds; adding restrictions on the interstate movement of live ratites out of quarantined areas; harmonizing the domestic and foreign regulations regarding the movement of dressed carcasses of dead birds and dead poultry, including one change to the importation regulations; providing for the use of alternative procedures for treating manure and litter and for composting; and adding an additional surveillance period after the conditions for removing quarantine are met before quarantine is removed. We have concluded that these proposed changes are necessary based on our experiences during the eradication programs for the 2002- 2003 outbreaks of exotic Newcastle disease in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. In the event of an exotic Newcastle disease outbreak, these changes would help to ensure that exotic Newcastle disease does not spread from quarantined areas and that exotic Newcastle disease is eradicated within quarantined areas.

Emerald Ash Borer; Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Mar 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 57)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rules as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, three interim rules regarding emerald ash borer (EAB). The first interim rule established regulations restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from areas quarantined because of EAB and designated 13 counties in Michigan as quarantined areas. The second and third interim rules amended the regulations by adding areas in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to the list of areas quarantined because of EAB. As a result of those actions, the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas is restricted. The interim rules were necessary to prevent the artificial spread of EAB from infested areas in the States of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio into noninfested areas of the United States.

Pine Shoot Beetle; Interstate Movement of Pine Bark Products From Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Mar 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 53)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the pine shoot beetle regulations to allow pine bark products to be moved interstate from quarantined areas during the shoot feeding stage (July 1 through October 31) of the pine shoot beetle's life cycle without treatment. We are making this change because pine shoot beetles are not present in pine bark products during that stage. We are also establishing a management method to allow pine bark products to be moved interstate from quarantined areas during the overwintering stage (November 1 through March 31) and spring flight stage (April 1 through June 30) of the pine shoot beetle's life cycle. This action relieves restrictions on the interstate movement of pine bark products from quarantined areas during 4 months of the year and provides for the use of a management method as an alternative to fumigation with methyl bromide for pine bark products moved interstate from quarantined areas during the rest of the year.

Emerald Ash Borer; Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Mar 16, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 51)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the emerald ash borer regulations by adding areas in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to the list of areas quarantined because of emerald ash borer. As a result of the interim rule, the interstate movement of regulated articles from those areas is restricted. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the artificial spread of the emerald ash borer from infested areas in the States of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio into noninfested areas of the United States.

Pine Shoot Beetle; Additions to Quarantined Areas
Federal Register: Mar 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 49)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the pine shoot beetle regulations by adding counties in Illinois, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to the list of quarantined areas. In addition, the interim rule designated the States of New Hampshire and Vermont, in their entirety, as quarantined areas based on their decision to no longer enforce intrastate movement restrictions. The interim rule was necessary to prevent the spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States.

Karnal Bunt; Criteria for Releasing Fields From Regulation
Federal Register: Mar 14, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 49)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations regarding the requirements that must be met in order for a field or area to be removed from the list of regulated areas. The changes will allow a field to qualify for release after 5 cumulative years of specified management practices, rather than 5 consecutive years as the regulations have provided, and reorganize the manner in which those management practices are described. These changes will clarify the existing regulations and provide growers in regulated areas with greater flexibility in their planting decisions.

Revised Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Gypsy Moth Management in the United States: A Cooperative Approach
Federal Register: Mar 13, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 48)
AGENCIES: Forest Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of Revision; request for comment.
SUMMARY: On Aprl 29, 2004 (69 FR 23492), the Forest Service published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Gypsy Moth Management in the United States: a Cooperative Approach. The Forest Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are revising the expected dates for filing the Draft and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

Karnal Bunt; Addition and Removal of Regulated Areas in Arizona
Federal Register: Mar 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 44)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Karnal bunt regulations by adding certain areas in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, AZ, to the list of regulated areas and by removing certain areas or fields in Maricopa County, AZ, from the list of regulated areas. Those actions were necessary to prevent the spread of Karnal bunt into noninfected areas of the United States and to relieve restrictions on certain areas that were no longer necessary.

Importation of Peppers From Certain Central American Countries
Federal Register: Mar 7, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 44)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations governing the importation of fruits and vegetables in order to allow certain types of peppers grown in approved registered production sites in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to be imported, under certain conditions, into the United States without treatment. The conditions to which the importation of peppers will be subject, including trapping, pre-harvest inspection, and shipping procedures, are designed to prevent the introduction of quarantine pests into the United States. This action will allow for the importation of peppers from those countries in Central America while continuing to provide protection against the introduction of quarantine pests into the United States.

Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Request for Nominations
Federal Register: Mar 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 41)
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, National Invasive Species Council, Interior.
ACTION: Request for nominations for the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the interdepartmental National Invasive Species Council, proposes to appoint new members to the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC). The Secretary of the Interior, acting as administrative lead, is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the ISAC.
DATES: Nominations must be postmarked by Apr 17, 2006.

Invasive Species Advisory Committee
Federal Register: Mar 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 41)
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, notice is hereby given of meetings of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide advice to the National Invasive Species Council, as authorized by Executive Order 13112, on a broad array of issues related to preventing the introduction of invasive species and providing for their control and minimizing the economic, ecological, and human health impacts that invasive species cause. The Council is Co-chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of Commerce. The duty of the Council is to provide national leadership regarding invasive species issues. The purpose of a meeting on April 27-28, 2006 is to convene the full Advisory Committee and to discuss implementation of action items outlined in the National Invasive Species Management Plan, which was finalized on Jan 18, 2001.
DATES: Meeting of Invasive Species Advisory Committee: Thursday, Apr 27, 2006, through Friday, Apr 28, 2006; beginning at approximately 8 a.m., and ending at approximately 5 p.m. each day.

Workshop: Approval for Experimental Shipboard Installation
Federal Register: March 1, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 40) Ballast Water Treatment System
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of workshop.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is announcing a workshop for interested and affected parties regarding changes to the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) for ballast water treatment systems. Our goal in this program is to facilitate the development of effective ballast water treatment (BWT) technologies, through rigorous evaluations of prototype systems under shipboard conditions. This will create more options for vessel owners seeking alternatives to ballast water exchange for use in meeting the ballast water management (BWM) requirements established by the Coast Guard. To aid in the development of applications to STEP, the Coast Guard will hold a workshop to expand public awareness of STEP and present recent changes to the guidance materials on applications. We encourage all interested and/or affected stakeholders to attend the workshop.
DATES: The STEP workshop will be on March 21st, 2006, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Feb

Draft Exotic Fruit Fly Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2006-2010
Federal Register: Feb 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 33)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.
SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a draft Exotic Fruit Fly Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2006 through 2010. We are making this draft strategic plan available to the public for review and comment.

Oriental Fruit Fly; Removal of Quarantined Area
Federal Register: Feb 16, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 32)
AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Affirmation of interim rule as final rule.
SUMMARY: We are adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that amended the Oriental fruit fly regulations by removing a portion of Los Angeles County, CA, from the list of quarantined areas and removing restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from that area. The interim rule was necessary to relieve restrictions that were no longer needed to prevent th