[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53397-53398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21847]
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Notices
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings,
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents
appearing in this section.
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2011 /
Notices
[[Page 53397]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Research Service
Notice of Intent To Renew Information Collection
AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and Request for Comment.
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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks comments on the intent of the
United States National Arboretum (USNA) to renew an information
collection that expires December 31, 2011. The information collection
serves as a means to collect fees for certain uses of the facilities
and grounds, and for programs 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 on this notice must be received by October 25, 2011 to
be assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
E-mail: colien.hefferan@ars.usda.gov.
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: Use of Grounds and Facilities as well as Commercial
Photography and Cinematography.
OMB Number: 0518-0032.
Expiration Date: 3 years from date of approval.
Type of Request: Renewal of 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 receives approximately
550,000 visitors on the ground 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 (20 U.S.C. 196), expanded the
authorities of the Secretary of Agriculture to charge reasonable fees
for the use of USNA facilities and grounds. These authorities include
the ability to charge reasonable fees for temporary use by individuals
or groups of USNA facilities and grounds for any purpose consistent
with the mission of the USNA. The Secretary also has the authority to
charge reasonable 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, 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 the 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 requests for photography and
cinematography. For each request, an e-mail is forwarded to the curator
asking permission to use the facility. Once confirmation is received
from the curator a reservation is placed on the calendar. A letter is
written to the requestor confirming the use of the facility. There are
times when a form is returned to the requestor and/or a follow-up
telephone conversation may be necessary to request additional
information. Each request takes approximately 30 minutes to process.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for
responding is approximately $5,146 for 222.5 hours of time at $23 per
hour.
Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of
obtaining and submitting the permit requests in person, by mail, and by
facsimile, the application for photography and cinematography is
available on the USNA Web site: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilities/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 in person or by mail
to the Administrative Office, USDA, ARS, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501
New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002. Permit requests can also be
faxed to 202-447-2811.
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
the collection on those who are to respond, including through the use
of appropriate automated,
[[Page 53398]]
electronic, mechanical, or other technical collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
Dated: August 8, 2011.
Edward Knipling,
Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2011-21847 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P