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Forest Service policy is to comply with all State requirements for protection of water 

 quality in the same manner and to the same extent as a nongovernmental entity. In most 

 States, we have developed and implemented working agreements. Under these 

 agreements, the Forest Service is responsible for implementing State nonpoint-source water 

 quality programs on the National Forests. Through review of proposed Forest Service 

 programs and monitoring of activities, the States are assured that Forest Service programs 

 meet State nonpoint source water quality requirements. 



USDA and EPA have been operating with the understanding that, as watersheds are 

 identified for treatment, critical areas and sources will be identified, land management 

 prescriptions identified and a schedule set for implementation. The time frame for 

 implementation will vary with size and complexity of the treatment. Water quality 

 standards should be used to identify problem areas and to measure the effectiveness of land 

 management prescriptions. 



At the end of the implementation period, if water quality standards are not met, an 

 evaluation should be made to determine (1) if the level of treatment applied was adequate 

 but the system has not been given enough time to respond; or (2) if additional treatment is 

 needed. If it is determined that additional treatment is needed, the process would be 

 repeated. 



Implementation of management measures in impaired and threatened areas could be based 

 on site specific plans as an alternative to National management measures, if the plans are 

 effective in controlling nonpoint-source pollution. Conservation or management measures 

 should be designed to specifically address the identified water quality problems. 



Future farm bill programs need to be responsive to the natural resource and environmental 



