Request for Modification of Timber Sales Contract

A decision was requested as to whether a claim filed under a timber sale contract could be paid when there were no compensating advantages to the Government. The claim had first been denied by the Regional Forester, then granted by the Board of Forest Appeals, subsequently denied by the Chief, Forest Service, and, finally, denied by the Secretary of Agriculture. Under the appeal regulations of the Forest Service, the decision of the Secretary of Agriculture is the final administrative determination provided by for such claims, and it would be inappropriate for GAO to review the decision of the Secretary.