36 C.F.R. § 228.100 – Scope and applicability.

(a) Scope. This subpart sets forth the rules and procedures by which the Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture will carry out its statutory responsibilities for the conservation of surface resources associated with oil and gas leasing on National Forest System lands, for approving surface use requirements related to exploration and development on National Forest System lands, for inspecting surface-disturbing operations on such leases, and for enforcing surface use and reclamation requirements. This subpart also establishes requirements for lessees and/or operators to minimize, mitigate, or prevent unnecessary or unreasonable impacts on National Forest System lands and resources.
(b) Applicability. The rules of this subpart apply to National Forest System lands subject to Federal oil and gas leases, and to operations that are conducted within such leases. The regulations in this subpart do not apply to the development of non-Federal oil and gas interests pursuant to reserved and outstanding rights.
(c) Applicability of other rules. Other rules that apply are:
1. (1) Application requirements for proposing oil or gas wells, along with the procedures the Federal agencies follow for approving oil and gas wells, certain subsequent well operations, and abandonment, are established in the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management joint rule, Onshore Oil and Gas Order Number 1, now codified in 43 CFR part 3170, subpart 3171.
2. (2) The Bureau of Land Management regulations at 43 CFR parts 3160 and 3170, and Bureau of Land Management-issued Notices to Lessees and Operators also apply to oil and gas leasing and operations on National Forest System lands, where applicable.
3. (3) Surface uses associated with oil and gas activities that are conducted on National Forest System lands outside a lease or agreement are subject to Forest Service authorization under regulations set forth elsewhere in this chapter, including but not limited to the regulations set forth in 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, and 36 CFR part 261.