US Forest Service Categorical Exclusions for Soil and Water Restoration Activities

These categorical exclusions will allow the Forest Service to more efficiently analyze and document the potential environmental effects of soil and water restoration projects that are intended to: (1) restore the flow of waters into natural channels and floodplains by removing water control structures, such as dams, levees, dikes, ditches, culverts, pipes, and drainage tiles; (2) restore lands and habitat to pre-disturbance conditions, to the extent practicable, by removing debris, sediment, and hazardous conditions following disturbance events; and (3) restore lands occupied by roads and trails, excluding National Forest System roads and National Forest System trails, to natural conditions.