Information Collection; Evaluating Community Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Preferences Concerning Fire and Fuels Management in Southwestern Forest, Woodland and Grassland Ecosystems, 70310-70311 [E8-27587]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 225 / Thursday, November 20, 2008 / Notices
Need and Use of the Information:
APHIS collects information, which
includes the taxpayer identification
number, name, and address and
telephone number to collect fees. The
procedures and the information
requested for the passengers and aircraft
are used to ensure that the correct users
fees are collected and remitted in full in
a timely manner. Without the
information, APHIS would not be able
to ensure substantial compliance with
the statute. Noncompliance with the
statute could result in misappropriation
of public funds and lost revenue to the
Federal Government.
Description of Respondents: Business
or other for-profit; Not-for-profit
institutions; Individuals or households;
Federal Government; State, Local or
Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 245,122.
Frequency of Responses:
Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 11,876.
Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection
Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E8–27606 Filed 11–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service
[Docket No. APHIS–2008–0129]
Public Meetings; National Tuberculosis
Program Listening Sessions
Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are advising the public
that the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service will host a series of
public meetings to provide the public
with an opportunity to offer comments
regarding current challenges and new
approaches for future tuberculosis
control methods and eradication in view
of budgetary constraints.
DATES: The public meetings will be held
in Michigan on December 8, 2008; in
Minnesota on December 10, 2008; in
Texas on December 11, 2008; in
California on December 12, 2008; and in
Washington, DC, on December 16, 2008.
The public meetings will be held from
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., local time. Meeting
registration will be from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
prior to each public meeting.
ADDRESSES: The public meetings will be
held at the following locations:
• Michigan: Holiday Inn South
Convention Center, 6820 South Cedar
Street, Lansing, MI 48911;
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18:26 Nov 19, 2008
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• Minnesota: Hilton Minneapolis,
1001 Marquette Avenue South,
Minneapolis, MN 55403;
• Texas: Hilton Garden Inn Austin
Downtown, 500 North I H 35, Austin,
TX 78701;
• California: Sheraton Grand
Sacramento Hotel, 1230 J Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814; and
• Washington, DC: Washington
Marriott at Metro Center, 775 12th Street
NW, Washington, DC 20005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr.
Alecia L. Naugle, Program Manager,
National Tuberculosis Program, VS,
APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 43,
Riverdale, MD, 20737; (301) 734–6954.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) is
announcing a series of meetings to
discuss its National Tuberculosis (TB)
Program. The meetings are designed to
assemble a wide range of producers and
other stakeholders to discuss current
challenges and potential new
approaches for TB control and
eradication in view of budgetary
constraints. The meetings will be held
in various geographical locations to
facilitate attendance. Participants will
have the opportunity to pose questions
and offer written and oral comments.
Tentative topics and questions for
discussion at the upcoming meetings
include:
1. Regulatory Framework. What is the
role of State statuses in the National TB
Program of the future? Are there other
approaches to establishing movement
restrictions and testing requirements
that more effectively reduce the risk(s)
of disease transmission from affected
herds?
2. Wildlife Issues. How should the risk
of TB associated with disease
transmission in wildlife be mitigated?
3. Biosecurity Issues. How could
producers be encouraged to adopt
management and biosecurity practices
that reduce the risk of transmission of
TB and how could the National TB
Program facilitate producers’ adoption
of these practices?
4. Budget Concerns. What alternatives
exist for funding National TB Program
activities?
5. Future of Indemnities. How should
limited indemnity funds be used to
reduce the risk of continued disease
transmission in affected herds?
6. Import Issues. How should the risk
of transmission of bovine tuberculosis
associated with the importation of live
cattle into the United States be
mitigated?
7. Eradication vs. Control. Is
eradication of TB in domestic livestock
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feasible or is control a more appropriate
program objective given the availability
of program funding?
A list of discussion topics, questions,
and meeting details is also available via
the APHIS Web site at: https://
www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/
hot_issuesa/bovine_tuberculosis/
bovine_tb.shtml.
If you require special
accommodations, such as a sign
language interpreter, please see the
contact the person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Done in Washington, DC, this 14th day of
November 2008.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. E8–27620 Filed 11–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–34–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Evaluating
Community Knowledge, Beliefs,
Attitudes, and Preferences Concerning
Fire and Fuels Management in
Southwestern Forest, Woodland and
Grassland Ecosystems
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice; request for comment.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Forest Service is seeking comments
from all interested individuals and
organizations on the extension with
revision of a currently approved
information collection, Evaluating
Community Knowledge, Beliefs,
Attitudes and Preferences Concerning
Fire and Fuels Management in
Southwestern Forest, Woodland and
Grassland Ecosystems.
DATES: Comments must be received in
writing on or before January 20, 2009 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 Dr. Carol
Raish, USDA Forest Service, Rocky
Mountain Research Station, 333
Broadway, SE., Suite 115, Albuquerque,
New Mexico 87102–3497.
Comments also may be submitted via
facsimile to 505–724–3688 or by e-mail
to: craish@fs.fed.us. The public may
inspect comments received at USDA
Forest Service, Rocky Mountain
Research Station, 333 Broadway, SE.,
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102–3497,
during normal business hours. Visitors
are encouraged to call ahead to 505–
E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 225 / Thursday, November 20, 2008 / Notices
724–3666 to facilitate entry to the
building.
Dr.
Carol Raish, 505–724–3666. Individuals
who use telecommunication devices for
the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339
twenty-four hours a day, every day of
the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Evaluating Community
Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes and
Preferences Concerning Fire and Fuels
Management in Southwestern Forest,
Woodland and Grassland Ecosystems.
OMB Number: 0596–0200.
Expiration Date of Approval: July 31,
2009.
Type of Request: Extension with
revision.
Abstract: Increasingly, experts
recommend fire as a fuels reduction tool
on both public and private lands,
though controversy often inhibits its
use. Insufficient communication and
understanding between land managers
and the public frequently contribute to
these difficulties. In order to design and
implement successful, socially
acceptable fire and fuels management
policies and programs, managers need a
better understanding of the public’s
knowledge, attitudes, and practices
concerning wildfire. Phase I of this
project collected information from
members of the public residing in
Arizona and New Mexico.
Phase I collected information using a
mail survey of households located in
Arizona and New Mexico. The response
rate to the mailed questionnaires
(n=2000) was 25.1 percent. The type of
information collected included:
(1) Attitudes and preferences toward
wildfire and fire management
alternatives for public lands,
(2) Risk reduction behaviors that
homeowners and individuals have
undertaken to minimize wildfire risk,
and
(3) Sources of information regarding
wildfires and wildfire analyzed by
researchers at the Rocky Mountain
Research Station and cooperators.
Proponents now wish to renew this
information collection and implement
Phase II of the project, which will use
the same questionnaire to collect data
from regional experts in fire risk
behavior and mitigation actions. The
plan is to interview 50 experts
individually or in small focus groups
(5–7 participants). Interviews will last
one hour per individual and two hours
per focus group. Interviewers will
emphasize sections A through E of the
approved survey instrument of this
information collection. These sections
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:26 Nov 19, 2008
Jkt 217001
focus on wildfire risk-management
options for reducing risks to
homeowners, the effectiveness of each
option, the responsibilities of the
various parties for risk reduction
actions, and the perceived knowledge of
the homeowners regarding wildfire
risks.
Estimates are that 60 percent of
respondents will consist of State fire
representatives from Arizona and New
Mexico; local government fire officials
at the county and city levels charged
with implementing fire mitigation
programs; and individual members of
the private sector considered wildfire
risk-mitigation experts. The remaining
respondents (40 percent) will be Federal
employees considered experts in this
field: U.S. Forest Service in Region 3 (30
percent), and Bureau of Land
Management and Bureau of Indian
Affairs (10 percent). As the Paperwork
Reduction Act does not regulate
responses provided by Federal
employees, this information collection
request is for the portion of the study
affecting non-Federal entities (State,
county, and city officials, and
individuals).
Researchers will compare results of
the expert interviews with results of the
previously conducted qualitative and
quantitative interviews (Phase I). In
addition, information from Phase II will
assist in development of a more detailed
survey instrument for future research.
Future research will help statistically
verify that there is or is not a
statistically significant variation
between the experts in wildfire
management and homeowners in Region
3. Prior to implementing such a survey,
proponents would return to OMB for
approval.
This information collection provides
information to decision makers,
enhancing understanding of the
similarities and differences between
experts and the public concerning
wildfire mitigation options and
preferences in Arizona and New
Mexico. This information will assist
Forest Service land managers in their
efforts to interact more effectively with
the public and manage the risks
associated with wildland fire. If
managers do not have adequate
information concerning public attitudes
and actions concerning wildfire risk
reduction behaviors (for example,
creating defensible space on their
properties by clearing brush and trees
from a 30-foot area around the
residence), then managers may not make
well-informed decisions concerning
appropriate communication techniques
and needed public education
information.
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70311
Estimate of Annual Burden: 2 hours.
Type of Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Annual Number of
Respondents: 30.
Estimated Annual Number of
Responses per Respondent: One.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Respondents: 60 hours.
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 17, 2008.
Ann Bartuska,
Deputy Chief, Research and Development.
[FR Doc. E8–27587 Filed 11–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
Announcement of Grant Application
Deadlines and Funding Levels
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
Notice of solicitation of
applications.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: USDA Rural Development
administers loan and grant programs
through the Rural Utilities Service.
USDA Rural Development announces
the Public Television Digital Transition
Grant Program application window for
fiscal year (FY) 2009. The FY 2008
funding for the Public Television
Station Digital Transition Grant Program
was approximately $5 million. This
notice is being issued prior to passage
of a final appropriations bill, which may
or may not provide funding for this
program, to allow time to submit
E:\FR\FM\20NON1.SGM
20NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 225 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70310-70311]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-27587]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Information Collection; Evaluating Community Knowledge, Beliefs,
Attitudes, and Preferences Concerning Fire and Fuels Management in
Southwestern Forest, Woodland and Grassland Ecosystems
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 the extension with revision of a currently approved
information collection, Evaluating Community Knowledge, Beliefs,
Attitudes and Preferences Concerning Fire and Fuels Management in
Southwestern Forest, Woodland and Grassland Ecosystems.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 20,
2009 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 Dr.
Carol Raish, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 333
Broadway, SE., Suite 115, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102-3497.
Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 505-724-3688 or by
e-mail to: craish@fs.fed.us. The public may inspect comments received
at USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 333 Broadway,
SE., Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102-3497, during normal business hours.
Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 505-
[[Page 70311]]
724-3666 to facilitate entry to the building.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Carol Raish, 505-724-3666.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 twenty-four
hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Evaluating Community Knowledge, Beliefs, Attitudes and
Preferences Concerning Fire and Fuels Management in Southwestern
Forest, Woodland and Grassland Ecosystems.
OMB Number: 0596-0200.
Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 2009.
Type of Request: Extension with revision.
Abstract: Increasingly, experts recommend fire as a fuels reduction
tool on both public and private lands, though controversy often
inhibits its use. Insufficient communication and understanding between
land managers and the public frequently contribute to these
difficulties. In order to design and implement successful, socially
acceptable fire and fuels management policies and programs, managers
need a better understanding of the public's knowledge, attitudes, and
practices concerning wildfire. Phase I of this project collected
information from members of the public residing in Arizona and New
Mexico.
Phase I collected information using a mail survey of households
located in Arizona and New Mexico. The response rate to the mailed
questionnaires (n=2000) was 25.1 percent. The type of information
collected included:
(1) Attitudes and preferences toward wildfire and fire management
alternatives for public lands,
(2) Risk reduction behaviors that homeowners and individuals have
undertaken to minimize wildfire risk, and
(3) Sources of information regarding wildfires and wildfire
analyzed by researchers at the Rocky Mountain Research Station and
cooperators.
Proponents now wish to renew this information collection and
implement Phase II of the project, which will use the same
questionnaire to collect data from regional experts in fire risk
behavior and mitigation actions. The plan is to interview 50 experts
individually or in small focus groups (5-7 participants). Interviews
will last one hour per individual and two hours per focus group.
Interviewers will emphasize sections A through E of the approved survey
instrument of this information collection. These sections focus on
wildfire risk-management options for reducing risks to homeowners, the
effectiveness of each option, the responsibilities of the various
parties for risk reduction actions, and the perceived knowledge of the
homeowners regarding wildfire risks.
Estimates are that 60 percent of respondents will consist of State
fire representatives from Arizona and New Mexico; local government fire
officials at the county and city levels charged with implementing fire
mitigation programs; and individual members of the private sector
considered wildfire risk-mitigation experts. The remaining respondents
(40 percent) will be Federal employees considered experts in this
field: U.S. Forest Service in Region 3 (30 percent), and Bureau of Land
Management and Bureau of Indian Affairs (10 percent). As the Paperwork
Reduction Act does not regulate responses provided by Federal
employees, this information collection request is for the portion of
the study affecting non-Federal entities (State, county, and city
officials, and individuals).
Researchers will compare results of the expert interviews with
results of the previously conducted qualitative and quantitative
interviews (Phase I). In addition, information from Phase II will
assist in development of a more detailed survey instrument for future
research. Future research will help statistically verify that there is
or is not a statistically significant variation between the experts in
wildfire management and homeowners in Region 3. Prior to implementing
such a survey, proponents would return to OMB for approval.
This information collection provides information to decision
makers, enhancing understanding of the similarities and differences
between experts and the public concerning wildfire mitigation options
and preferences in Arizona and New Mexico. This information will assist
Forest Service land managers in their efforts to interact more
effectively with the public and manage the risks associated with
wildland fire. If managers do not have adequate information concerning
public attitudes and actions concerning wildfire risk reduction
behaviors (for example, creating defensible space on their properties
by clearing brush and trees from a 30-foot area around the residence),
then managers may not make well-informed decisions concerning
appropriate communication techniques and needed public education
information.
Estimate of Annual Burden: 2 hours.
Type of Respondents: Individuals.
Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 30.
Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: One.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 60 hours.
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 17, 2008.
Ann Bartuska,
Deputy Chief, Research and Development.
[FR Doc. E8-27587 Filed 11-19-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
