Information Collection; Request for Comment; Whole Enchilada Trail: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019, 54701-54702 [2018-23827]

Download as PDF 54701 Notices Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 211 Wednesday, October 31, 2018 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Information Collection; Request for Comment; Whole Enchilada Trail: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019 Forest Service, USDA. Notice, request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: 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; Whole Enchilada Trail: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019. DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before December 31, 2018 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 Zachary Lowe, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 386, Moab, Utah 84532. Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 435– 636–7737 or by email to: zklowe@ fs.fed.us. The public may inspect comments received at Moab Ranger District, 62 E 100 North, Moab, Utah 84532 during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 435–259– 7155 to facilitate an appointment and entry to the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zachary Lowe: Natural Resource Specialist—Recreation. Moab Ranger District, 62 E 100 North, Moab, Utah 435–636–3335. Individuals who use 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: The Whole Enchilada Trail: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Oct 30, 2018 Jkt 247001 OMB Number: 0596–New. Expiration Date of Approval: N/A. Type of Request: New. Abstract: The Moab Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, in southeastern Utah (Region 4) is looking to amend a 2013 Needs Assessment for Recreation Special Uses. In order to increase commercial use on the Whole Enchilada trail, the 2013 Needs Assessment requires the Moab Ranger District to conduct a recreational carrying capacity study, of which the Whole Enchilada: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019, is an integral part of that study. Furthermore, the requested information collection will provide baseline data of use and public perception that will help with future management on this increasingly popular trail. The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93–278 Sec. 3), et al., authorizes the collection. The Whole Enchilada is a multi-trail system that spans over 30 miles, descends more than 7000’ in elevation, and traverses diverse ecosystems which are managed by two separate, yet cooperating governmental agencies— U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The popularity and subsequent use of this trail has dramatically increased on all sections of the trail. Thus, natural resource protection and maintaining positive user experiences needs to be, not only assessed, but become a priority management objective, especially for the Moab Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The data will be collected via traditional paper survey to be conducted at certain trail heads and exit points along the Whole Enchilada trail system. The survey is designed to be completed on site. However, there will be a mailin option available for those willing but unable to complete the survey on site. The survey consists of 5 pages with 20 questions. There will be tables and chairs set up at trailheads and exits to aid in survey completion. The surveys will be administered by the survey author, Zachary Lowe, by other USFS employees, and volunteers. The survey is scheduled to take place during the peak season of use on the trail system which is mid-September to mid-October of 2019. This survey is intended for use PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 only in 2019 and not for subsequent years nor on any other trails on National Forest System (NFS) or BLM lands. The survey seeks public input, specifically trial users, about the Whole Enchilada trail on NFS lands. The 20 questions have several formats such as multiple choice, binary (yes/no), openended, and likert scales (i.e.,1–5 satisfaction scale). The survey is intended for any user of the group willing to take the survey. The targeted user groups include: Individuals, commercially-guided individuals, special use permittees (i.e., outfitters and guides, shuttle companies), nongovernmental entities (i.e., trail work organizations, user-group organizations, and/or environmental groups), and other non-Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) affiliated individuals or groups (i.e., other stakeholders and partners). The survey asks for user type (hiker, biker, et al.), user experience levels (beginner, intermediate, et al.), user age and user sex. Access information— specific trailhead, mode of transport to trail heads, access road conditions, quantity of access—is also asked. Survey takers are asked to describe conditions of Forest Service trails and facilities as well as describe their experience and satisfaction on the Whole Enchilada. These questions ask users to rate the acceptability of the trail, facilities, overall use and management of trails, other user groups, user encounters and/or conflicts, perceptions of crowding. Several questions ask about acceptance of potential Forest Service actions to protect resources and provide the best user experience such as additional fees, increased Forest Service presence/ patrols, increased trail work, restricted commercial use, increased commercial use, limitations on user type, and other use related issues. The data and information will be complied and analyzed by the author of the survey. All collected data will be run through different statistical analyses by the author and volunteer statisticians to acquire useful and beneficial information about the trail. This data will be used in and presented as part of a recreational carrying capacity study for the Whole Enchilada trail system. The survey will help gauge the public’s perception of conditions of trails, facilities, usage and Forest Service E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1 amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 54702 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 211 / Wednesday, October 31, 2018 / Notices managerial actions. The data collected from the public, in concert with the carrying capacity study, will help determine future management objectives and actions related to the Whole Enchilada trail system. If the survey were not to occur, vital stakeholder information would be absent from the recreation carrying capacity study and would be incomplete for all intents and purposes. Without the survey, the subsequent carrying capacity study would be incomplete and lacking baseline data including public perceptions about use and conditions. The aforementioned 2013 Needs Assessment that requires the Manti-La Sal National Forest to conduct a carrying capacity study, and by proxy, a public survey, would be unmet and the Forest Service could not potentially increase commercial use on the Whole Enchilada trail system. This trail has seen increased use and popularity in the last decade and current management standards may be inadequate for natural resource protection and public demand/ access to this trail system. Estimate of Annual Burden: Each survey will take anywhere from 15–20 minutes to complete fully. Type of Respondents: Public individuals: Trail users (hikers, bikers, etc.), outfitter and guides (commercially using the trail), and local business owners (whom use the trail). Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 1,000 Maximum for one year in 2019. Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 20,000 minutes. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:06 Oct 30, 2018 Jkt 247001 request for Office of Management and Budget approval. Dated: October 18, 2018. Gregory C. Smith, Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2018–23827 Filed 10–30–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Payette National Forest; Idaho; Granite Meadows Project Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Payette National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document the potential effects of the Granite Meadows Project. The Granite Meadows Project is located north of New Meadows, Idaho and north and west of McCall, Idaho on the Boise Meridian, within Adams, Valley and Idaho Counties. The analysis will evaluate and disclose the effects of implementing treatments on the National Forest to meet the purpose and need for the project. Proposed treatments include timber harvest, thinning, prescribed fire, road treatments and road decommissioning, watershed improvement and restoration treatments, and recreation improvements. Coordination with existing permittees on grazing schedules would also be included to meet the purpose and need related to fuels reduction. SUMMARY: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by December 17, 2018. The draft EIS is expected in late July 2019, and the final EIS is expected in December 2019. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Keith Lannom, Forest Supervisor, 500 N Mission Street, Building 2, McCall, Idaho 83638. Comments may also be sent via facsimile to 208–634–0744. Comments may also be submitted through the Granite Meadows Project web page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=54029. To submit comments using the web form select ‘‘Comment/Object on Project’’ under ‘‘Get Connected’’ on the right panel of the project’s web page. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Phelps, New Meadows District Ranger, 208–347–0300, ephelps@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Additional project information is available on the project page of the Payette National Forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=54029. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Granite Meadows Project area totals approximately 83,000 acres, and includes approximately 70,000 acres of National Forest System (NFS) lands within the New Meadows and McCall Ranger Districts on the Payette National Forest. Additionally, the project area includes approximately 7,000 acres of state land and 6,000 acres of private land, where proposed treatments would be covered under the Wyden Authority (Wyden Amendment, Section 323(A) of the Department of Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 as included in Pub. L. 105–277, Div. A, Section 101(e) as amended by Pub. L. 111–11, Section 3001). Actions proposed for use under the Wyden Authority would meet the intent and requirements of state and federal laws for actions on private and/or state lands. The project is located in the Hard Creek, Hartsell Creek-North Fork Payette River, Elk Creek-Little Salmon River, Lower Meadows Valley-Little Salmon River, Round Valley Creek-Little Salmon River, Sixmile Creek-Little Salmon River, Box Creek-North Fork Payette River, Fisher Creek, and Payette Lake subwatersheds with the Little Salmon and North Fork of the Payette subbasins. Purpose and Need for Action The Granite Meadows project is a landscape-scale effort to improve conditions across multiple resource areas. The need for the project is based on the difference between the existing and desired conditions. The desired conditions for this project are based upon the Payette Forest Plan (USDA Forest Service 2003), and the Watershed Condition Framework (USDA Forest Service 2011). There is a need to increase the diversity and resilience of the landscape with an emphasis on promoting early seral and fire resistent species (e.g., ponderosa pine and western larch), and improving watershed function and integrity. There is also a need to reduce the threat of unnaturally high wildfire intensity, especially in areas adjacent to communities. Additionally, there is a need to address the potential for user conflict and improve forest user safety, and effectively manage areas experiencing detrimental impacts from dispersed or unauthorized recreation. There is also a need for economic E:\FR\FM\31OCN1.SGM 31OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 211 (Wednesday, October 31, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54701-54702]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23827]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 211 / Wednesday, October 31, 2018 / 
Notices

[[Page 54701]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Request for Comment; Whole Enchilada 
Trail: Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019

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 new information collection; Whole Enchilada Trail: 
Conditions, User Experience & Comment Survey 2019.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before December 31, 
2018 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 
Zachary Lowe, Forest Service, USDA, P.O. Box 386, Moab, Utah 84532. 
Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 435-636-7737 or by 
email to: [email protected].
    The public may inspect comments received at Moab Ranger District, 
62 E 100 North, Moab, Utah 84532 during normal business hours. Visitors 
are encouraged to call ahead to 435-259-7155 to facilitate an 
appointment and entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zachary Lowe: Natural Resource 
Specialist--Recreation. Moab Ranger District, 62 E 100 North, Moab, 
Utah 435-636-3335. Individuals who use 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: The Whole Enchilada Trail: Conditions, User Experience & 
Comment Survey 2019.
    OMB Number: 0596-New.
    Expiration Date of Approval: N/A.
    Type of Request: New.
    Abstract: The Moab Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National 
Forest, in southeastern Utah (Region 4) is looking to amend a 2013 
Needs Assessment for Recreation Special Uses. In order to increase 
commercial use on the Whole Enchilada trail, the 2013 Needs Assessment 
requires the Moab Ranger District to conduct a recreational carrying 
capacity study, of which the Whole Enchilada: Conditions, User 
Experience & Comment Survey 2019, is an integral part of that study. 
Furthermore, the requested information collection will provide baseline 
data of use and public perception that will help with future management 
on this increasingly popular trail. The Forest and Rangeland Renewable 
Resources Planning Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-278 Sec. 3), et al., 
authorizes the collection.
    The Whole Enchilada is a multi-trail system that spans over 30 
miles, descends more than 7000' in elevation, and traverses diverse 
ecosystems which are managed by two separate, yet cooperating 
governmental agencies--U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 
and the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 
The popularity and subsequent use of this trail has dramatically 
increased on all sections of the trail. Thus, natural resource 
protection and maintaining positive user experiences needs to be, not 
only assessed, but become a priority management objective, especially 
for the Moab Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
    The data will be collected via traditional paper survey to be 
conducted at certain trail heads and exit points along the Whole 
Enchilada trail system. The survey is designed to be completed on site. 
However, there will be a mail-in option available for those willing but 
unable to complete the survey on site. The survey consists of 5 pages 
with 20 questions. There will be tables and chairs set up at trailheads 
and exits to aid in survey completion. The surveys will be administered 
by the survey author, Zachary Lowe, by other USFS employees, and 
volunteers. The survey is scheduled to take place during the peak 
season of use on the trail system which is mid-September to mid-October 
of 2019. This survey is intended for use only in 2019 and not for 
subsequent years nor on any other trails on National Forest System 
(NFS) or BLM lands.
    The survey seeks public input, specifically trial users, about the 
Whole Enchilada trail on NFS lands. The 20 questions have several 
formats such as multiple choice, binary (yes/no), open-ended, and 
likert scales (i.e.,1-5 satisfaction scale). The survey is intended for 
any user of the group willing to take the survey. The targeted user 
groups include: Individuals, commercially-guided individuals, special 
use permittees (i.e., outfitters and guides, shuttle companies), non-
governmental entities (i.e., trail work organizations, user-group 
organizations, and/or environmental groups), and other non-Forest 
Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) affiliated individuals or 
groups (i.e., other stakeholders and partners).
    The survey asks for user type (hiker, biker, et al.), user 
experience levels (beginner, intermediate, et al.), user age and user 
sex. Access information--specific trailhead, mode of transport to trail 
heads, access road conditions, quantity of access--is also asked. 
Survey takers are asked to describe conditions of Forest Service trails 
and facilities as well as describe their experience and satisfaction on 
the Whole Enchilada. These questions ask users to rate the 
acceptability of the trail, facilities, overall use and management of 
trails, other user groups, user encounters and/or conflicts, 
perceptions of crowding. Several questions ask about acceptance of 
potential Forest Service actions to protect resources and provide the 
best user experience such as additional fees, increased Forest Service 
presence/patrols, increased trail work, restricted commercial use, 
increased commercial use, limitations on user type, and other use 
related issues.
    The data and information will be complied and analyzed by the 
author of the survey. All collected data will be run through different 
statistical analyses by the author and volunteer statisticians to 
acquire useful and beneficial information about the trail. This data 
will be used in and presented as part of a recreational carrying 
capacity study for the Whole Enchilada trail system. The survey will 
help gauge the public's perception of conditions of trails, facilities, 
usage and Forest Service

[[Page 54702]]

managerial actions. The data collected from the public, in concert with 
the carrying capacity study, will help determine future management 
objectives and actions related to the Whole Enchilada trail system.
    If the survey were not to occur, vital stakeholder information 
would be absent from the recreation carrying capacity study and would 
be incomplete for all intents and purposes. Without the survey, the 
subsequent carrying capacity study would be incomplete and lacking 
baseline data including public perceptions about use and conditions. 
The aforementioned 2013 Needs Assessment that requires the Manti-La Sal 
National Forest to conduct a carrying capacity study, and by proxy, a 
public survey, would be unmet and the Forest Service could not 
potentially increase commercial use on the Whole Enchilada trail 
system. This trail has seen increased use and popularity in the last 
decade and current management standards may be inadequate for natural 
resource protection and public demand/access to this trail system.
    Estimate of Annual Burden: Each survey will take anywhere from 15-
20 minutes to complete fully.
    Type of Respondents: Public individuals: Trail users (hikers, 
bikers, etc.), outfitter and guides (commercially using the trail), and 
local business owners (whom use the trail).
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 1,000 Maximum for one year 
in 2019.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 20,000 minutes.
    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 request for Office of 
Management and Budget approval.

    Dated: October 18, 2018.
Gregory C. Smith,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2018-23827 Filed 10-30-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

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