Letter to PCU 1/27/94
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WASHlNGTON, D.C. 20250
27 JAN 1994
People for Compassion and Understanding
P.O. Box 27217
Washington, D.C. 20038
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for your comment dated October 15, 1993, concerning the proposed
regulations for group use of the national forests and for your request for a meeting to
discuss the proposed rule.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on May 6, 1993, at
Volume 58, Number 86, pages 26940-26946. The proposed rule would revise the
existing rules governing noncommercial group events and noncommercial distribution
of printed material within the National Forest System. These revisions would ensure
that the authorization procedures for these activities comply with First Amendment
requirements of free speech and assembly. The public comment period closed on
August 4, 1993. No individual responses will be made. Comments received by August
4 will be analyzed and included in the publication of the final rule.
My staff informs me that much of the materials you have submitted appear to be
copies of materials submitted during the comment period. Please be assured that I
intend to carefully review any final rule and the substance of timely filed comments.
I must decline your request for a meeting during a rulemaking proceeding. A key
aspect of informal rulemaking is equal opportunity for all to participate. Meeting with
you separately will deny that opportunity to others who have expressed interest by
commenting on the proposed rule.
Thank you for your interest in the management of the national forests.
Sincerely ,
James R. Lyons
Assistant Secretary
Natural Resources and Environment
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