[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 81 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Page 22368]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9769]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Management and 
Oversight of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 28, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Erica Seiden, (301) 563-1172 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA; 16 U.S.C. 1461 et 
seq.) provides for the designation of estuarine research reserves 
representative of various regions and estuarine types in the United 
States to provide opportunities for long-term research, education and 
interpretation. During the site selection and designation process, 
information is collected from states in order to prepare a management 
plan and environmental impact statement. Designated reserves apply 
annually for operations funds by submitting a work plan; subsequently 
progress reports are required every six months for the duration of the 
award. Each reserve compiles an ecological characterization or site 
profile to describe the biological and physical environment of the 
reserve, research to date and research gaps. A competitive research 
program provides an opportunity for two researchers to focus their work 
at each reserve. The reserves are evaluated every three years, per 
section 312 of the Act, and revise their management plans every five 
years. This information is required to ensure that reserves are 
adhering to regulations and that the purpose for which they were 
designated is maintained.

II. Method of Collection

    Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper 
submissions. Methods of submittal include e-mail of electronic forms, 
and mail or facsimile transmission of paper forms.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0121.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Non-profit institutions; State, local, or tribal 
government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 85.
    Estimated Time per Response: Management Plan, 1,800 hours; Site 
Profile, 1,800 hours; Award application, 8 hours; Award reports, 5 
hours; Designations, 2,000 hours; NEPA documentation, 40 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 14,370.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,000 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: April 22, 2010.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2010-9769 Filed 4-27-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-08-P