Extension of Certain Timber Sale Contracts; Finding of Substantial Overriding Public Interest

Résumé

On November 2, 2006, the Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment determined there is substantial overriding public interest in extending certain National Forest System timber sale contracts for up to one year, subject to a maximum total contract length of 10 years. Pursuant to the November 2, 2006, finding, timber sale contracts awarded prior to January 1, 2006, are eligible for extension and deferral of periodic payment due dates for up to one year. Contracts that are in breach, have been or are currently eligible to be extended under market related contract term addition contract provisions, or salvage sale contracts that were sold with the objective of harvesting deteriorating timber are not eligible for extension pursuant to the November 2, 2006, finding. To receive an extension, purchasers must make a written request to the appropriate Contracting Officer. Purchasers also must agree to release the Forest Service from all claims and liability if a contract extended pursuant to the November 2, 2006, finding is suspended, modified or terminated in the future. The intended effect of the substantial overriding public interest finding and contract