[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 138 (Monday, July 20, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 38807] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-19215] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Information Collection for the Wildland-Urban Interface Series AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service announces its intent to establish a new information collection. The new collection is necessary to help the Forest Service gain a better understanding of how residents living in urban environments perceive the agency's management of National Forest System lands, how the agency can better meet the recreational needs of residents of all ages who live in urban environments close to National Forest System lands, and how the agency can more effectively disseminate information to urban residents about National Forest System land recreational opportunities. Respondents will be urban residents who live close to and visit National Forest System lands, as well as urban residents who do not visit. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before September 18, 1998. ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: Forest Service, USDA, The Wildland-Urban Interface Project, Pacific Southwest Forest Experiment Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Dr., Riverside, CA 92507. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Patricia Winter, Pacific Southwest Forest Experiment Station, at (909) 680-1557. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Description of Information Collection Title: The Wildland-Urban Interface Series. OMB Number: New. Expiration Date of Approval: New. Type of Request: The following describes a new collection requirement and has not received approval by the Office of Management and Budget. Abstract: Forest Service personnel will analyze the collected data to gain a better understanding of how residents, living in an urban environment close to National Forest System lands, get or receive information about recreational opportunities on these lands; how residents in urban environments perceive the Forest Service's management of the lands; how much residents in urban environments know about and what they think about the agency's policies and regulations governing the lands; and which recreational activities urban residents prefer. Forest Service research scientists and technicians will collect the data. The collected data will include the respondent's gender, age, education, ethnic or racial group affiliation, zip code, primary language, when they last visited an outdoor public recreational area, how many times a year they visit, if they have plans to visit in the near future, the types of activities they participate in while visiting the recreational sites, how they learned about the recreational area, if the area is relaxing or reminds them of other favorite places, if they think the area is accessible for the disabled, and the amenities they prefer, such as informational signs, well-maintained trails, and natural vegetation. Respondents, who have not visited Forest Service managed recreational sites, will be asked their reason for not visiting. This information collection will include mail-in questionnaires, telephone interviews, and face-to-face interviews. Participation will be voluntary. Data gathered in this information collection is not available from other sources. Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes. Type of Respondents: Individuals and groups visiting National Forest System lands, urban residents living in close proximity to the lands, and visitors to outdoor public recreational areas. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,000. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 750 hours. Comments Are Invited The agency invites comments on the following: (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 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, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Use of Comments All comments received in response to this notice, including the name and address when provided, will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Dated: July 14, 1998. Robert Lewis, Jr., Acting Associate Chief. [FR Doc. 98-19215 Filed 7-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P