USDA ADOPTS FINAL RULE TO REGULATE PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2006--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is adopting as a final rule--with one change--an interim rule amending pine shoot beetle regulations concerning the importation of host material into the United States from Canada. This rule harmonizes U.S. regulations for trade in these host materials with regulations already in place in Canada.

Under this rule, pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist of pine bark or have pine bark attached, must meet certain requirements regarding documentation, treatment, handling and utilization before they can enter the United States. A written permit is required for the importation of all restricted pine articles, except seed. APHIS is, however, removing the import permit requirement for nonpropagative materials that are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate or a certificate of movement and origin.

This action is necessary to help prevent the introduction and spread of the pine shoot beetle into noninfested areas of the United States. The pine shoot beetle currently infests portions of the northeastern United States.

The pine shoot beetle is a vector of several pine tree diseases that can cause economic losses to timber, Christmas tree and nursery industries. This pest tunnels into the center of pine shoots causing stunted and distorted growth.

Notice of this final rule is published in the Sept. 29 Federal Register and became effective upon publication. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register are available on the Internet, go the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov, select “Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service” from the agency drop-down menu; then click on “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select APHIS-2004-0015 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically.