Information Collection; Request for Comment; Valuation of Private Forest Ecosystem Services in North Carolina, 69930-69931 [05-22900]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2005 / Notices
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[FR Doc. 05–22821 Filed 11–17–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–05–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Request for
Comment; Valuation of Private Forest
Ecosystem Services in North Carolina
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice; request for comment.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:21 Nov 17, 2005
Jkt 208001
Forest Service is seeking comments
from all interested individuals and
organizations on a new research study
to evaluate the value of the ecosystem
benefits provided by private forests in
North Carolina to residents of that State.
DATES: Comments must be received in
writing on or before January 17, 2006 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 Thomas
P. Holmes, Forestry Sciences Lab,
Southern Research Station, USDA
Forest Service, P.O. Box 12254,
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27709.
Comments also may be submitted via
facsimile to (919) 549–4047 or by e-mail
to: tholmes@fs.fed.us.
The public may inspect comments
received at Forestry Sciences Lab, 3041
Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle
Park, North Carolina, 27709 main
building reception area during normal
business hours. Visitors are encouraged
to call ahead to (919) 549–4000 to
facilitate entry to the building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas P. Holmes, Southern Research
Station, (919) 549–4031. Individuals
who use telecommunication devices for
the deaf may call the Federal Relay
Service at 1–800–877–8339, 24 hours a
day, every day of the year, including
holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Valuation of Private Forest
Ecosystem Services in North Carolina.
OMB Number: 0596–New.
Expiration Date of Approval: N/A.
Type of Request: New.
Abstract: Private forests provide many
benefits to the owners of forest land.
Trees can be sold to mills that produce
lumber or paper products; fuelwood can
be sold or used by landowners; and the
forest landscape may provide
opportunities for landowners to hunt,
fish, go walking, observe wildlife, or
simply enjoy their privacy. In addition
to private benefits, private forests
provide ecosystem services to the
general public. The public ecosystem
services provided by private forests
include supplying clean water,
protecting wildlife habitat, maintaining
populations of a variety of plants, and
providing scenic views. Although
private forest owners supply ecosystem
services that benefit the public,
members of the public usually do not
have to pay for these services. Because
ecosystem services provided by private
forests are usually not bought or sold,
forest landowners do not have an
incentive to produce the amount of
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ecosystem services that the public
demands.
Forest Service and university
researchers will collect information
from residents of North Carolina about
the value of the ecosystem services
provided by private forest landowners
in the State. The data and analyses will
provide information to natural resource
managers on the value of ecosystem
services provided by private forests and
the level of public support for
alternative forestry programs that would
enhance the supply of forest ecosystem
services in the State.
To gather the information, a random
sample of people living in North
Carolina will be contacted by mail and
invited to participate in the study. The
mailing will include a cover letter
describing the purpose of the study, an
information booklet describing current
forest conditions and forest management
practices in North Carolina, and a
questionnaire to determine what the
recipient thinks about forestry issues
and alternative forestry programs in the
State.
The information will be collected by
a university survey research center
using scientific data collection methods.
The information will be analyzed both
by university and Forest Service
researchers. The data and analyses will
be provided to State and federal forest
land managers and decision-makers to
assist their development and
implementation of programs that benefit
forest landowners and the general
public.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The
average annual burden estimated per
respondent is 30 minutes.
Type of Respondents: Respondents
will be a random sample of heads of
households in North Carolina.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: The total number of
respondents per year is 1,500.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: Only one
response per respondent will be
requested.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: The total annual burden
for this information collection,
computed as the number of minutes per
respondent times the number of
respondents, is 750 hours.
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
E:\FR\FM\18NON1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 222 / Friday, November 18, 2005 / Notices
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
request for Office of Management and
Budget approval.
mail should include ‘‘Uwharrie Plan
Revision’’ in the subject line and be sent
to: comments-southern-northcarolina@fs.fed.us. More information on
the UNF and Forest Plan revision
process is available at: https://www.
cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/uwharrie_plan/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ruth Berner, National Forests in North
Carolina, Planning Team Leader, (828)
257–4862.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Uwharrie National Forest is managed as
part of the National Forests in North
Carolina. The original Forest Plan for
the UNF was completed in 1986.
Dated: November 3, 2005.
Ann M. Bartuska,
Deputy Chief for Research & Development.
[FR Doc. 05–22900 Filed 11–17–05; 8:45 am]
Documents Available for Review
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Revision of Land Management Plan for
the Uwharrie National Forest
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of initiation to revise the
Uwharrie National Forest Land
Management Plan.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising
the Land and Resource Management
Plan (hereafter referred to as Forest
Plan) for the Uwharrie National Forest
(UNF). This notice provides:
1. A summary of the need to change
the Forest Plan;
2. Information on how the public can
comment on the need to change, when
those comments are due, and how
comments can be submitted;
3. A list of documents available for
review and how to get them;
4. How the public can participate in
the planning process;
5. Who to contact for more
information.
Revision formally begins with
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register. Many public comments
regarding Forest Plan revision have
already been received at public
meetings and through e-mail.
Additional comments on the need to
change the Forest Plan should be
submitted within 30 days of the date
this notice is published in the Federal
Register.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments
to: Uwharrie Plan Revision, National
Forests in North Carolina, P.O. Box
2750, Asheville, NC 28802. Electronic
DATES:
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15:21 Nov 17, 2005
Jkt 208001
Several reports and draft documents
written over the past few years help
identify how the existing Forest Plan
might need to change to be more useful
in the future. These documents include:
1. Uwharrie National Forest
Recreation Realignment Report (August
2001), hardcopy available by sending a
request to comments-southern-northcarolina@fs.fed.us.
2. Roads Analysis Process Report
Uwharrie National Forest (December
2003), available online at https://
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/roads/
uwharrie_rap.pdf.
3. Uwharrie National Forest
Watershed Analysis Draft Report
(September 2004), hardcopy available
by sending a request to commentssouthern-north-carolina@fs.fed.us.
4. Uwharrie National Forest—A
Strategic View (July 2005, Initial Draft
Comprehensive Evaluation Report),
available online at https://
www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/uwharrie_plan/
, or by requesting a copy.
Need for Change
Growing as a Tourist Destination: As
population in the area grows, local
public lands are increasingly being seen
as a place of relaxation; a quiet, peaceful
retreat. The UNF is the top tourist
destination in Montgomery County, and
one of several popular tourist
destinations in Randolph County. There
may be tourism-related opportunities to
provide more economic benefits to local
communities.
Nature Hikes Becoming More Popular:
Most visitors to the UNF seek a place to
walk, view nature, and perhaps picnic,
swim, or fish. The UNF, with its lake
and river frontage, rolling topography,
and existing road and trail system, is
currently providing a variety of these
opportunities. There may be ways to
make visits more enjoyable, especially
along the Uwharrie Trail and the
Uwharrie River.
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69931
Game Lands Heavily Hunted: Hunting
definitely has a place on the UNF; the
Forest has the highest hunting use per
acre of any North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) game
land. There may be opportunities to
better provide the types of wildlife
habitat that are in short supply on
nearby private land.
Providing Wood Products: Timber
harvested from the UNF helps to meet
increasing American consumer demand
for wood products while at the same
time providing a cost-effective way to
create and maintain wildlife habitat.
Wood products also provide economic
benefits to local communities. There
may be opportunities to change the
amount or type of timber products
offered to the local forest products
industry.
Opportunities To Improve the
Transportation System: There may be
opportunities to improve the existing
UNF road and trail system, to enhance
public access while minimizing visitor
conflicts and resource damage.
Opportunity for Off-Highway
Vehicles: Off-highway vehicles (OHV)
currently have access to a sixteen-mile
trail system. There are few other known
opportunities in the Piedmont for this
type of experience, and demand is
increasing. OHV use on NFS lands is
controversial due to potential resource
impacts and incidents when OHV users
have strayed from the trail system.
There may be opportunities to better
manage the OHV trail system to provide
the desired experience while lessening
impacts to the forest resources.
Interpreting History: Archeological
and historical resources on the UNF
provide a unique opportunity for
current forest visitors to learn about
those who lived here in the past, and at
the same time provide an outdoor
recreation experience. Careful,
innovative planning may ensure that
historically important sites are protected
yet still accessible.
Restoring Native Ecosystems: Existing
UNF ecosystems include native pine
and hardwood communities, but also
include loblolly pine communities on
sites that once supported longleaf pine.
Vegetation management could restore
longleaf pine and other historic plant
communities on appropriate sites.
Using Fire as a Tool: Restoring the
natural role of fire is important in
sustaining some ecosystems such as
longleaf pine and the open woodland
conditions used by a number of rare
plants. Increasing use of prescribed fire
may better maintain these native plant
communities.
Controlling Non-native Invasive
Plants: Controlling non-native invasive
E:\FR\FM\18NON1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 222 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69930-69931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22900]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Request for Comment; Valuation of Private
Forest Ecosystem Services in North Carolina
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice; request for comment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and
organizations on a new research study to evaluate the value of the
ecosystem benefits provided by private forests in North Carolina to
residents of that State.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 17,
2006 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
Thomas P. Holmes, Forestry Sciences Lab, Southern Research Station,
USDA Forest Service, P.O. Box 12254, Research Triangle Park, North
Carolina 27709.
Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to (919) 549-4047 or
by e-mail to: tholmes@fs.fed.us.
The public may inspect comments received at Forestry Sciences Lab,
3041 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, 27709
main building reception area during normal business hours. Visitors are
encouraged to call ahead to (919) 549-4000 to facilitate entry to the
building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas P. Holmes, Southern Research
Station, (919) 549-4031. Individuals who use telecommunication devices
for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, 24
hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Valuation of Private Forest Ecosystem Services in North
Carolina.
OMB Number: 0596-New.
Expiration Date of Approval: N/A.
Type of Request: New.
Abstract: Private forests provide many benefits to the owners of
forest land. Trees can be sold to mills that produce lumber or paper
products; fuelwood can be sold or used by landowners; and the forest
landscape may provide opportunities for landowners to hunt, fish, go
walking, observe wildlife, or simply enjoy their privacy. In addition
to private benefits, private forests provide ecosystem services to the
general public. The public ecosystem services provided by private
forests include supplying clean water, protecting wildlife habitat,
maintaining populations of a variety of plants, and providing scenic
views. Although private forest owners supply ecosystem services that
benefit the public, members of the public usually do not have to pay
for these services. Because ecosystem services provided by private
forests are usually not bought or sold, forest landowners do not have
an incentive to produce the amount of ecosystem services that the
public demands.
Forest Service and university researchers will collect information
from residents of North Carolina about the value of the ecosystem
services provided by private forest landowners in the State. The data
and analyses will provide information to natural resource managers on
the value of ecosystem services provided by private forests and the
level of public support for alternative forestry programs that would
enhance the supply of forest ecosystem services in the State.
To gather the information, a random sample of people living in
North Carolina will be contacted by mail and invited to participate in
the study. The mailing will include a cover letter describing the
purpose of the study, an information booklet describing current forest
conditions and forest management practices in North Carolina, and a
questionnaire to determine what the recipient thinks about forestry
issues and alternative forestry programs in the State.
The information will be collected by a university survey research
center using scientific data collection methods. The information will
be analyzed both by university and Forest Service researchers. The data
and analyses will be provided to State and federal forest land managers
and decision-makers to assist their development and implementation of
programs that benefit forest landowners and the general public.
Estimate of Annual Burden: The average annual burden estimated per
respondent is 30 minutes.
Type of Respondents: Respondents will be a random sample of heads
of households in North Carolina.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: The total number of
respondents per year is 1,500.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: Only one
response per respondent will be requested.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total annual
burden for this information collection, computed as the number of
minutes per respondent times the number of respondents, is 750 hours.
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
[[Page 69931]]
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 request for Office of
Management and Budget approval.
Dated: November 3, 2005.
Ann M. Bartuska,
Deputy Chief for Research & Development.
[FR Doc. 05-22900 Filed 11-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
