Information Collection; Forest Landscape Value and Special Place Mapping for National Forest Planning, 16719 [2010-7551]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Forest Service

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 63 (Friday, April 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Page 16719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-7551]


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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 63 / Friday, April 2, 2010 / 
Notices

[[Page 16719]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Forest Landscape Value and Special Place 
Mapping for National Forest Planning

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and 
organizations on the new information collection, Forest Landscape Value 
and Special Place Mapping for National Forest Planning.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before June 1, 2010 
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. 
Patrick Reed, National Human Dimensions Program Social Scientist, USDA 
Forest Service, 3301 C Street, Suite 202, Anchorage, AK 99503.
    Comments may also be submitted by e-mail to preed01@fs.fed.us.
    The public may inspect comments received at 201 14th St., SW., 3CEN 
during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 
202-205-9969 or 202-360-3486 to facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Patrick Reed, USDA Forest Service, 
907-743-9571. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the 
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 
24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Forest Landscape Value and Special Place Mapping for 
National Forest Planning.
    OMB Number: 0596-NEW.
    Type of Request: New.
    Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to augment the public 
participation process for revision of national forest land management 
plans by collecting data about the nature and location of landscape 
values and special places recognized by the public on national forest 
lands. Over the next 3 years, up to 15 national forest units will 
collect the aforementioned information as part of the national forest 
plan revision public participation process. The forest plan revision 
includes determining public desire for use (along with suitability of 
areas for different uses), identification of special areas, 
collaboration with the public, and monitoring for adaptive management.
    Primarily using an Internet-based geographic information system 
(GIS), national forests will invite the public to share values 
regarding specific forest landscapes and special places. A comparable 
paper-based option, suitable for use in mail back surveys and focus 
group meetings, may be provided to individuals who do not have access 
to the Internet or as an alternative primary means of collecting data.
    The information will be used in the revision of specific national 
forest plans. Forest planners and managers will use the collected 
information to develop land management plans that are consistent with 
public values, while working within the regulatory framework. The data 
collected would provide Forest Service managers with a new, systematic 
science-based tool for collecting and analyzing public opinion about 
desired forest conditions and use of specific geographic forest 
locations. Survey results will be useful in gauging public support for 
proposed forest management options and in collaborative and 
participatory approaches to planning. While the collection is designed 
to assist with development of forest land management plans under NFMA, 
the information collected could be used in a variety of forest planning 
processes (i.e., travel management and recreation facilities planning) 
and projects.
    The legal authorities supporting the collection of this information 
include the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the 
National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976, and the proposed 2008 
NFMA Planning Rule (36 CFR part 219).
    Estimate of Annual Burden: 20 minutes.
    Type of Respondents: Individuals; State, county, and tribal 
governments; as well as for-profit and non-profit entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 3,500 (average of 3 years).
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,167 hours (average 
of 3 years).
    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: March 29, 2010.
Gloria Manning,
Associate Deputy Chief, NFS.
[FR Doc. 2010-7551 Filed 4-1-10; 8:45 am]
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