Information Collection: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean, 19681-19682 [2018-09544]

Download as PDF amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / Notices Independence Ave. SW, Whitten Bldg., 501–A, Washington, DC 20250; by Fax: (202) 720–1058; or by email: Abigail.Cruz@osec.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions should be directed to the CNAFR Contact Person: Abby Cruz, Designated Federal Officer and Senior Policy Advisor for the Office of Tribal Relations, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Whitten Bldg., 501–A, Washington, DC 20250; by Fax: (202) 720–1058; or by email: Abigail.Cruz@osec.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended (5 U.S.C. App. 2), USDA established an advisory council for Native American farmers and ranchers. The CNAFR is a discretionary advisory committee established under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, in furtherance of the Keepseagle v. Perdue settlement agreement that was granted final approval by the District Court for the District of Columbia on April 28, 2011. The CNAFR will operate under the provisions of the FACA and report to the Secretary of Agriculture. The purpose of the CNAFR is (1) to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs; (2) to transmit recommendations concerning any changes to USDA regulations or internal guidance or other measures that would eliminate barriers to program participation for Native American farmers and ranchers; (3) to examine methods of maximizing the number of new farming and ranching opportunities created by USDA programs through enhanced extension and financial literacy services; (4) to examine methods of encouraging intergovernmental cooperation to mitigate the effects of land tenure and probate issues on the delivery of USDA programs; (5) to evaluate other methods of creating new farming or ranching opportunities for Native American producers; and (6) to address other related issues as deemed appropriate. The Secretary of Agriculture selected a diverse group of members representing a broad spectrum of persons interested in providing solutions to the challenges of the aforementioned purposes. Equal opportunity practices were considered in all appointments to the CNAFR in accordance with USDA policies. The Secretary selected the members in December 2016. Interested persons may present views, orally or in writing, on issues relating to agenda topics before the CNAFR. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 May 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 Written submissions may be submitted to the CNAFR Contact Person on or before June 12, 2018. Oral presentations from the public will be heard at approximately 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 20, 2018. Individuals interested in making formal oral presentations should also notify the CNAFR Contact Person and submit a brief statement of the general nature of the issue they wish to present and the names, tribal affiliations, and addresses of proposed participants by June 12, 2018. All oral presentations will be given three (3) to five (5) minutes depending on the number of participants. The OTR will also make the agenda available to the public via the OTR website (https://www.usda.gov/ tribalrelations) no later than 10 business days before the meeting and at the meeting. The minutes from the meeting will be posted on the OTR website. OTR welcomes the attendance of the public at the CNAFR meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Abby Cruz at least 10 business days in advance of the meeting. Dated: April 23, 2018. Linda Cronin, Acting Director, Office of Tribal Relations. [FR Doc. 2018–09505 Filed 5–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3420–AG–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Information Collection: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean Forest Service, USDA. Emergency Clearance Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is submitting a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval under the emergency processing procedures for a new information collection request, Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean, and is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations. DATES: Comments on this proposal for emergency review must be received in writing on or before June 4, 2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19681 received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. The USDA Forest Service is requesting OMB to take action by May 9, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this information collection should be addressed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for the USDA Forest Service, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503, or sent via electronic mail to: oira_ submissions@omb.eop.gov or via facsimile to 202–395–5806. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be made to Kathleen McGinley, Social Scientist, USDA Forest Service, by electronic mail to kmcginley@ fs.fed.us, via facsimile 919–513–2978, or phone 919–513–3331. 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: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean. OMB Number: 0596–NEW. Expiration Date of Approval: New. Type of Request: New request for emergency review and clearance. Abstract: In September 2017, two major hurricanes passed through the Caribbean, causing catastrophic damage to communities, infrastructure, farms, and forests across Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and many neighboring islands, significantly compromising local livelihoods, food security, and economic stability throughout the region. To date, there is limited information on the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, particularly in terms of agricultural and forestry systems and the people who depend on them, and likewise, limited information about the effectiveness of related conservation practices or mitigation and adaptation strategies. Such information is critical to the design and implementation of ongoing recovery work and to longer-term resilience efforts in the U.S. Caribbean and in other regions affected by hurricanes or other major disturbances. USDA, Forest Service seeks review and approval under the emergency processing procedures from Office of Management and Budget to collect information about the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on agriculture, forestry, and rural communities in the U.S. Caribbean and the internal and external factors that E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1 19682 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / Notices amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES affected their vulnerabilities or resilience. This information is essential to the Department of Agriculture’s mandate to support agriculture and natural resources that are productive, sustainable, and provide benefits for the American public under the Rural Development Policy Act of 1980, and to Forest Service’s mandate to provide expert advice and conduct research on the management of forests outside the National Forest system through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. Additionally, the importance of gathering, analyzing, and sharing this type of information is reflected in the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as amended, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978. Information will be collected through focus groups and interviews with participants selected purposively in line with the collection objectives. This collection will generate scientificallybased, up-to-date information that can be used to inform ongoing posthurricane recovery efforts and related risk reduction and mitigation and adaptation strategies by USDA, Forest Service, other Federal agencies, local government, civil society, and the private sector. Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Private Sector Businesses, Non-Profit/Governmental Organizations, State/Local Government. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours for Respondents and Non-Respondents for Six Month Emergency Approval Period: 376 hours. Estimated Annual Number of Respondents for Six Month Emergency Approval Period: 220 (120 focus group participants; 100 interview respondents). Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 response/ respondent is anticipated. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 May 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. USDA Forest Service will consider the comments received and amend the information collection as appropriate. All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Dated: April 16, 2018. Carlos Rodriguez-Franco, Deputy Chief, Research & Development. [FR Doc. 2018–09544 Filed 5–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests; Colorado; Revision of the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests Forest Service, USDA. Notice to extend the public scoping period for the notice of intent to revise the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison Land and Resource Management Plan and to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests are revising their Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) and will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the revised Forest Plan. A Notice of Intent for this project was published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2018 and initiated the scoping comment period. This comment period has been extended by thirty days until June 2, 2018 to provide additional time for review and feedback. The GMUG has published the initial scoping material, as well as other helpful resources, on its website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gmug/ forestplan. SUMMARY: Comments on the notice of intent that published on April 3, 2018 at 83 FR 14243 concerning the scoping material must be received by June 2, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gmug/ forestplan_comments, via email to gmugforestplan@fs.fed.us, by post to GMUG National Forests, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, 2250 S Main St., Delta, CO, 81416, or via facsimile to 970–874–6698. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received by visiting the public reading room online at https:// www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gmug/forestplan_ readingroom. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Forest Plan Revision Team Leader Samantha Staley at (970) 874–6666 or Assistant Forest Planner Brittany Duffy at (970) 874–6649, or via email to gmugforestplan@fs.fed.us. Additional information concerning the planning process can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gmug/ forestplan. Dated: April 20, 2018. Chris French, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2018–09548 Filed 5–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Economic Development Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Economic Development Administration (EDA or the Agency), Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on a proposed extension of an information collection request approved through September 30, 2018, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 3, 2018. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via email at PRAcomments@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to David Ives, Senior Program Analyst, Performance and National Programs Division, Room 71030, Economic Development Administration, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via email at dives@eda.gov). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19681-19682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09544]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of 
Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Emergency Clearance Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service is submitting a request to the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for review and approval under the emergency processing 
procedures for a new information collection request, Post-Hurricane 
Research and Assessment of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Communities 
in the U.S. Caribbean, and is seeking comments from all interested 
individuals and organizations.

DATES: Comments on this proposal for emergency review must be received 
in writing on or before June 4, 2018 to be assured of consideration. 
Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent 
practicable. The USDA Forest Service is requesting OMB to take action 
by May 9, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this information collection should be 
addressed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for the USDA Forest Service, 
725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503, or sent via electronic mail 
to: [email protected] or via facsimile to 202-395-5806.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information 
should be made to Kathleen McGinley, Social Scientist, USDA Forest 
Service, by electronic mail to [email protected], via facsimile 919-
513-2978, or phone 919-513-3331. 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: Post-Hurricane Research and Assessment of Agriculture, 
Forestry, and Rural Communities in the U.S. Caribbean.
    OMB Number: 0596-NEW.
    Expiration Date of Approval: New.
    Type of Request: New request for emergency review and clearance.
    Abstract: In September 2017, two major hurricanes passed through 
the Caribbean, causing catastrophic damage to communities, 
infrastructure, farms, and forests across Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and many neighboring islands, significantly compromising local 
livelihoods, food security, and economic stability throughout the 
region. To date, there is limited information on the impacts of 
Hurricanes Irma and Maria, particularly in terms of agricultural and 
forestry systems and the people who depend on them, and likewise, 
limited information about the effectiveness of related conservation 
practices or mitigation and adaptation strategies. Such information is 
critical to the design and implementation of ongoing recovery work and 
to longer-term resilience efforts in the U.S. Caribbean and in other 
regions affected by hurricanes or other major disturbances.
    USDA, Forest Service seeks review and approval under the emergency 
processing procedures from Office of Management and Budget to collect 
information about the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on 
agriculture, forestry, and rural communities in the U.S. Caribbean and 
the internal and external factors that

[[Page 19682]]

affected their vulnerabilities or resilience. This information is 
essential to the Department of Agriculture's mandate to support 
agriculture and natural resources that are productive, sustainable, and 
provide benefits for the American public under the Rural Development 
Policy Act of 1980, and to Forest Service's mandate to provide expert 
advice and conduct research on the management of forests outside the 
National Forest system through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act 
of 1978. Additionally, the importance of gathering, analyzing, and 
sharing this type of information is reflected in the National 
Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977, as 
amended, and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act 
of 1978.
    Information will be collected through focus groups and interviews 
with participants selected purposively in line with the collection 
objectives. This collection will generate scientifically-based, up-to-
date information that can be used to inform ongoing post-hurricane 
recovery efforts and related risk reduction and mitigation and 
adaptation strategies by USDA, Forest Service, other Federal agencies, 
local government, civil society, and the private sector.
    Affected Public: Individuals and Households, Private Sector 
Businesses, Non-Profit/Governmental Organizations, State/Local 
Government.
    Estimated Annualized Burden Hours for Respondents and Non-
Respondents for Six Month Emergency Approval Period: 376 hours.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents for Six Month Emergency 
Approval Period: 220 (120 focus group participants; 100 interview 
respondents).
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 response/
respondent is anticipated.

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. USDA Forest Service will consider the comments received and 
amend the information collection as appropriate. All comments received 
in response to this notice, including names and addresses when 
provided, will be a matter of public record.

    Dated: April 16, 2018.
Carlos Rodriguez-Franco,
Deputy Chief, Research & Development.
[FR Doc. 2018-09544 Filed 5-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

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