[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 8, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 17147-17148] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-9233] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Requested AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In conjunction with new export application procedures, the Forest Service announces its intent to establish new recordkeeping and reporting requirements. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is requesting public comment on the information collection requirements of the draft procedures prior to requesting Office of Management and Budget review and approval of the information collection requirements. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before June 8, 1998. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Bill Wilson, Forest Management, USDA Forest Service, PO Box 21628, Juneau, Alaska 99801-1628. The public may inspect comments at the following office: Forest Management Staff, Room 559E, Federal Building, 709 W. 9th Street, Juneau, Alaska. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Wilson, Forest Management Staff, telephone: (907) 586-7915. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Description of Information Collection Title: Alaska Log Export. OMB Number: Application pending. Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable. Type of Request: This is a new information collection requirement that has not received approval from the Office of Management and Budget. Type of Respondents: Respondents are business or other for-profit entities, including small businesses. Abstract: A purchaser of a National Forest System timber sale contract in Alaska may apply to the Regional Forester for a permit to export Western red cedar, utility logs, and/or chip logs. To strengthen an export application, a purchaser may provide documents to support arguments regarding the absence of an Alaskan market for such species, log grade, or product. This documentation may include a copy of a published advertisement or notice of the logs being available, signed letters from processors declining to purchase the available logs, price offers, or any other evidence demonstrating a lack of market. In addition, if an application is approved, the purchaser will be required to provide the contracting officer with the log scale summaries which document the actual volume of export. The specific information collection includes: Western Red Cedar for Alaska Consumption Purchasers with Western red cedar designated for consumption in Alaska may apply for an export permit to the Pacific Northwest if there is no bona fide Alaska market. Estimate of Burden: 2 hours per response. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 20. Surplus Western Red Cedar Purchasers with Western red cedar designated for consumption in the Pacific Northwest may apply for an export permit to other countries if there [[Page 17148]] is no bona fide Pacific Northwest market. Estimate of Burden: 2 hours per response. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 20. Utility and Pulp Logs Purchasers with utility and pulp logs may apply for an export permit if there is no bona fide Alaska market. Estimate of Burden: 2 hours per response. Estimated Number of Respondents: 20. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 40. Reporting Exports Purchasers must provide the Regional Forester with scale reports to document any volume exported. Estimate of Burden: 1 hour per response. Estimated Number of Respondents: 20. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 20. Comments are Invited The Forest Service invites comments on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Forest Service, including whether the information will have a practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Forest Service's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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 the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Use of Comments All comments, including name and address when provided, will become a matter of public record. Comments received in response to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. Dated: April 3, 1998. Ronald E. Stewart, Acting Associate Chief. [FR Doc. 98-9233 Filed 4-7-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-M