[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 187 (Friday, September 26, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57869-57870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22837]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
U.S. National Arboretum; Notice of Intent To Renew Information
Collection
AGENCY: U.S. National Arboretum (USNA), 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 U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) to renew an information
collection that expires February 28, 2015. The information collection
serves as a means to collect for certain use of the facilities,
grounds, programs and services. This includes fees for educational
programs and workshops and 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 November 25, 2014 to
be assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
Email: [email protected].
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 the Grounds and Facilities as Well As Commercial
Photography and Cinematography.
OMB Number: 0518-0024
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 is a national center for
public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and
aesthetically pleasing environment. The USNA receives approximately
550,000 visitors on the grounds each year. Many garden clubs and
societies utilize the USNA grounds to showcase their activities. The
USNA is a national
[[Page 57870]]
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 include 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 part 500, subpart 2A, conducted on the USNA
property 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 (PDF fillable) on the
USNA Web site 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 230 requests for
the use of facilities, 54 for photography and cinematography and 1,606
educational programs and workshops on an annual basis.
Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for
responding is $7,250 for 305 hours of time at $23.77 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:
www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilities/photographyapp.pdf.
The PDF fillable application for the use of facilities is available
on the Web site and can be submitted electronically to USNA. Completed
hard copies of permit requests can be submitted to the Administrative
Office, 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.
Dated: September 15, 2014.
Chavonda Jacobs-Young,
Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2014-22837 Filed 9-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P