[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 227 (Monday, November 26, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70413-70414]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28511]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Flathead and McKenzie Rivers and McKenzie
National Recreational Trail Visitor Surveys
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and
organizations on an extension with no revisions of a currently approved
information collection, Flathead Wild and Scenic River Visitor Survey
and McKenzie River Visitor Survey.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 25,
2013 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date
will be considered to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Matt
Peterson, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service,
Willamette National Forest, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite D, Springfield,
OR 97477. Comments also may be submitted via email to:
[email protected] The public may inspect comments received at USDA
Forest Service, Willamette National Forest, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite
D, Springfield, OR, during normal business hours. Visitors are
encouraged to call ahead to 541-225-6421 to facilitate entry to the
building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Flathead--Colter Pence, Flathead
National Forests, 406-387-3949 and Willamette--Matt Peterson,
Willamette National Forest, 541-225-6421. Individuals who use
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
Service (FRS) at 800-877-8339, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.,
[[Page 70414]]
Eastern Standard time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Flathead Wild and Scenic River
Visitor Survey and McKenzie River Visitor Survey.
OMB Number: 0596-0229.
Expiration Date of Approval: 04/30/2013.
Type of Request: Extension with no revision of a currently approved
information collection
Abstract: The Flathead and Willamette National Forests are
proposing to continue implementation of an information collection from
forest visitors who are recreating on or near the Flathead Wild and
Scenic River, McKenzie Wild and Scenic River, or McKenzie National
Recreational Trail. Because of the differences in the issues on each
River and the need for different information, two separate surveys will
be administered for the Flathead and Willamette Rivers though the
methodology for collection will be essentially identical.
The visitor survey will support development of the Flathead
Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP), implementation of the
exiting Upper McKenzie River Management Plan, and will provide needed
information for managers to protect and enhance the outstandingly
remarkable values for which the Flathead and McKenzie Rivers were
designated. In addition, the survey proposed will help managers
identify the most important indicators to monitor over the life of the
plan, determine if any thresholds are being approached, and if
management action may need to occur.
Information will continue to be collected from visitors who are
recreating on or near the Flathead and McKenzie Rivers and McKenzie
National Recreational Trail by in-person, written surveys which will be
administered by Forest Service or National Park Service (Flathead)
employees, volunteers, or study cooperators to randomly selected
visitors. Surveys will ask visitors to provide information about their
trip and activities, environmental and social conditions that may alter
the quality of their recreational experience, and their attitudes
toward different existing and potential recreation management policies
and practices. Visitors' responses are voluntary and anonymous.
Data will be entered into an Excel database. Once data entry has
been completed and validated, the hardcopy questionnaires will be
discarded. Data will be imported into SPSS (Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences) for analysis. The database will be maintained at the
respective National Forest to be used for development of subsequent
management plans and direction.
Collecting thoughts from the public on how these areas should be
managed and consideration of their interests and priorities is a
critical component to developing a fair and balanced management plan
and strategy. Without the public's involvement, a plan has the risk of
being biased and ineffective.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The survey is expected to take 20
minutes to complete.
Type of Respondents: National Forest and National Park (Flathead)
visitors (adults, age 16 and older) who are recreating on or near the
Flathead or McKenzie Rivers or the McKenzie National Recreational
Trail.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 1000 (Willamette) and 1200
(Flathead).
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: One response
per respondent.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 333 hours
(Willamette) and 400 hours (Flathead).
Comment is Invited
Comment is invited on: (1) Whether this collection of information
is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including whether the information will have
practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's
estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
All comments received in response to this notice, including names
and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record.
Comments will be summarized and included in the submission request
toward Office of Management and Budget approval.
Dated: November 5, 2012.
James M. Pena,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2012-28511 Filed 11-23-12; 8:45 am]
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