[Federal Register: April 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 77)]
[Notices]
[Page 21303-21304]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ap08-33]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Research Service
United States National Arboretum (USNA); Notice of Intent To
Renew Information Collection
AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service; USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comment.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks comments on the
intent of the USNA to renew an information collection that expires
September 30, 2008. The information collection serves as a means to
collect for certain uses of the facilities, grounds, and services. This
includes fees for use of the grounds and facilities, as well as for
commercial photography and cinematography. Fees generated will be used
to defray USNA expenses or to promote the missions of the USNA.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 25, 2008.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by [docket number and/or
RIN Number ------] by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: tom.elias@ars.usda.gov.
Include [docket number and/or RIN Number------] in the subject line of
text. Fax: 202-245-4514.
Mail: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, Beltsville Area,
Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington,
DC 20002.
Hand Delivery/Courier: Director, U.S. National Arboretum,
Beltsville Area, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue,
NE., Washington, DC 20002.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Intent to Renew Information Collection.
OMB Number: 0518-0024, expiration date of approval, September 30,
2008.
Type of Request: To extend an approved information collection.
Abstract: The mission of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) is to
serve the public need for scientific research, education, and gardens
that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment. The USNA
is a 446-acre facility, open to the general public for purposes of
education and passive recreation. The USNA is a national center for
public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and
aesthetically pleasing environment. The USNA receives approximately
500,000 visitors on the grounds each year. Many garden clubs and
societies utilize the USNA grounds to showcase their activities. The
USNA is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors
in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Section 890(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127 (1996 Act), expanded the authorities of
the Secretary of Agriculture to charge reasonable fees for the use of
USNA facilities and grounds. These authorities included the ability to
charge fees for temporary use by individuals or groups of USNA
facilities and grounds in furtherance of the mission of the USNA. Also,
authority was provided to charge fees for tram tours and for the use of
the USNA for commercial photography and cinematography. All rules and
regulations noted in 7 CFR 500, subpart 2A, conducted on the USNA
property,
[[Page 21304]]
will apply to individuals or groups granted approval to use the
facilities and grounds. In order to administer the use of the USNA
facilities and to determine if the requested use is consistent with the
mission of the USNA, it is necessary for the USNA to obtain information
from the requestor. Each request will require the completion of an
application and submission of an application fee. The application is
simple and requires only information readily available to the
requestor. The requestor is asked to indicate by whom and for what
purpose the USNA facilities are to be used. Applications are available
in hard copy format as well as electronic format on the USNA Web site
(http://www.usna.usda.gov). Completed permit requests are received in
person, by mail, and by facsimile.
Paperwork Reduction Act: In accordance with the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) regulations (5 CFR part 1320) implementing
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the
information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will be
imposed will be submitted to OMB for approval. These requirements will
not become effective prior to OMB approval.
Estimate of Burden:
Estimated Number of Responses: The USNA estimates 420 requests for
the use of facilities and 25 for photography and cinematography on an
annual basis.
Estimated Burden per Responses: The estimated completion time for
the application is less than 15 minutes.
Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for
responding is $2,507 for 109 hours of time at $23 per hour.
Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of
obtaining the permit requests in person, by mail, and by facsimile (and
receiving them back in a like manner), the application for photography
and cinematography is available on the USNA Web site (http://
www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilitiesuse/photographyapp.pdf). The
application for the use of facilities will be available on the Web site
by the end of the calendar year. Completed permit requests can be
submitted to the Administrative Group, USDA, ARS, U.S. National
Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
Comments: Comments are invited on whether the proposed collection
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility; the
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity
of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of
collection on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technology.
Done at Washington, DC, this 14th day of April, 2008.
Edward B. Knipling,
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
[FR Doc. E8-8552 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P