Request for Public Nominations for Authors and Scientific/Technical Inputs for the First National Nature Assessment, 80747-80750 [2023-25573]
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while continuing to sustain healthy
migratory game bird populations for
future generations.
2. (NEW) Requests for Consultation
(Tribes/States)—The new regulations in
the final rule under RIN 1018–BF64 (88
FR 60375, September 1, 2023) also may
be applied to the establishment of
migratory game bird hunting regulations
for nontribal members on all lands
within the reservations where Tribes
have full wildlife-management authority
over such hunting, or where the Tribes
and affected States otherwise have
reached agreement over hunting by
nontribal members on non-Indian lands
within the reservation. Tribes usually
have the authority to regulate migratory
game bird hunting by nonmembers on
Indian-owned reservation lands.
The question of jurisdiction is more
complex on reservations that include
lands owned by non-Indians, especially
when the surrounding States have
established or intend to establish
regulations governing migratory game
bird hunting by non-Indians on these
lands. In those cases, we encourage the
Tribes and States to reach agreement on
regulations that would apply throughout
the reservations. When appropriate, we
will consult with a Tribe and State with
the aim of facilitating an accord. We
also will consult jointly with Tribal and
State officials in the affected States
where Tribes may wish to establish
special migratory game bird hunting
regulations for Tribal members on ceded
lands.
It is incumbent upon the Tribe and/
or the State to request consultation. We
will not presume to make a
determination, without being advised by
either a Tribe or a State, that any issue
is or is not worthy of formal
consultation. Tribal and State requests
for consultation with the Service should
be sent to the Service’s Assistant
Director for the Migratory Bird Program.
We note that our guidance on resolving
issues of concern between Tribes and
States on reservations and ceded lands
is the same guidance we provided under
the previous Tribal regulation process.
3. (NEW) Requests for Experimental
Seasons (Tribes)—We will continue to
consult with Tribes that wish to reach
a mutual agreement (memorandum of
understanding (MOU) or similar type of
formal agreement) on conducting shortterm (possibly several years)
experimental hunting seasons using
methods outside of the Federal hunting
methods at 50 CFR 20.21 for onreservation and ceded lands hunting by
Tribal members. The Tribal-memberonly experimental hunting season
would provide data and evaluation
criteria specified in an agreement for
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consideration if a Tribe would like to
make the additional hunting method
operational. Tribes should send such
requests for consultation to the Service’s
Assistant Director for the Migratory Bird
Program at least 9 months before the
season or ceremony regarding hunting
methods outside of the Federal
regulations.
If any individual Tribe wishes to
make these additional experimental
hunting methods operational and the
Service agrees, the Service will conduct
rulemaking (using any data from the
experimental hunting season) to amend
50 CFR part 20 to allow Tribal members
to use these additional hunting
methods.
Starting with the 2023–2024 hunting
season, annual Tribal hunting season
regulations will no longer be published
in the Federal Register, alleviating the
administrative burden to both the
Service and the Tribes of developing
special Tribal migratory bird hunting
regulation proposals, reviewing
proposals, and publishing Tribal
regulations as Federal regulations. This
process would not apply to seasons for
subsistence take of migratory birds in
Alaska.
Title of Collection: Establishment of
Annual Migratory Bird Hunting
Seasons, 50 CFR part 20.
OMB Control Number: 1018–0171.
Form Numbers: None.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State
and Tribal governments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 52 (from State
governments and Territories).
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 78 (from 52 State and U.S.
Territories, as well as 26 additional
reports).
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: Varies from 4 hours to 650
hours, depending on activity.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 11,423.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: Annually.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: None.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
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The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–25558 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
[234D0102DM, DS61200000,
DLSN00000.000000, DX61201]
Request for Public Nominations for
Authors and Scientific/Technical
Inputs for the First National Nature
Assessment
Office of Policy Analysis,
Interior.
ACTION: Request for public nominations.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of the
Interior, on behalf of the U.S. Global
Change Research Program (USGCRP), is
soliciting nominations for authors and
scientific/technical inputs for the First
National Nature Assessment (NNA1).
Refer to the NNA1 Draft Prospectus for
further information on the scope, topics,
and overarching themes for the report.
NNA1 will adhere to the Global Change
Research Act, Information Quality Act,
and Evidence Act requirements for
quality, transparency, and accessibility
as appropriate for a Highly Influential
Scientific Assessment. NNA1 will also
adhere to USGCRP standards and
guidelines requiring it to be a policyneutral and policy-relevant product.
DATES: Nominations should be
submitted via the web address specified
below and must be received by the close
of this notice January 4, 2024. While we
request that scientific/technical inputs
be submitted by the close of this notice,
they will be accepted on an ongoing
basis throughout the development of the
report.
ADDRESSES: Nominations for authors
must be submitted electronically using
a web form accessible via https://
www.globalchange.gov/notices. A short
Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than
four (4) pages must be included.
Scientific/technical inputs should also
be submitted electronically using a web
form accessible via https://www.global
change.gov/notices.
Instructions: Response to this notice
is voluntary. Responses to this notice
may be used by the U.S. Government for
program planning on a non-attribution
basis. The Department of the Interior
therefore requests that no business
SUMMARY:
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proprietary information or copyrighted
information be submitted in response to
this notice. Information relating to
national defense or national security of
the United States of America should not
be submitted in response to the notice.
Please note that the U.S. Government
will not pay for response preparation or
for the use of any information contained
in the response.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Chris Avery, (202) 419–3474, cavery@
usgcrp.gov, U.S. Global Change
Research Program
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S.
Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) was created by Congress in
1990 to ‘‘assist the Nation and the world
to understand, assess, predict, and
respond to human-induced and natural
processes of global change.’’ USGCRP
comprises 14 Federal agencies that work
together to carry out its legislative
mandate. USGCRP is conducting the
First National Nature Assessment
(NNA1) to assess changes in nature as
an aspect of global change. The scope of
NNA1 is to assess the status, observed
trends, and future projections of
America’s lands, waters, wildlife,
biodiversity, and ecosystems and the
benefits they provide, including
connections to the economy, public
health, equity, climate mitigation and
adaptation, and national security.
NNA1 development will be
transparent and inclusive, offering
opportunities for public participation
throughout the process. The
development of NNA1 is overseen by a
Federal Steering Committee (FSC)
comprising representatives from each of
USGCRP’s member agencies. The
production and review processes are
designed to result in a report that is
authoritative, timely, relevant, and
policy neutral; valued by authors and
users; accessible to the widest possible
audience; and fully compliant with the
Global Change Research Act and
pertinent Federal laws and policies. In
August 2023, comments were solicited
through a 45-day request for information
on the draft National Nature Assessment
Prospectus (https://www.federalregister.
gov/documents/2023/08/04/202316794/draft-prospectus-for-the-firstnational-nature-assessment). Comments
received on the draft Prospectus
informed the list of potential topics
included in Section I of the current
request.
Author nominees may be invited to
serve as Chapter Lead Authors, Authors,
or Technical Contributors to NNA1.
Chapter Lead Authors will, with input
and guidance from the Federal Steering
Committee (FSC), establish author teams
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comprising Federal and non-Federal
experts. A Federal Coordinating Lead
Author selected by the FSC will serve as
a liaison between the author team and
Federal agencies. For more information
on author roles, see https://
www.globalchange.gov/nna. Note that
other roles may be developed by the
FSC on an as needed basis as the report
develops.
In addition, this request presents an
opportunity to submit relevant
scientific/technical inputs to inform the
assessment, as well as Indigenous
Knowledge inputs for similar use. This
request also outlines planned
opportunities for the public to engage in
the NNA1 development process.
Additional details and instructions for
submitting nominations for authors and
scientific/technical inputs are available
at https://www.globalchange.gov/
notices. For the responsibilities and
expectations of the different types of
authors and contributors, please see
https://www.globalchange.gov/nna.
All participation in and contributions
to NNA1 will be without compensation
and will be potentially included in the
publicly released NNA. By voluntarily
participating in the NNA1, you
acknowledge the following:
• Participation in NNA1 means
facilitating the development of NNA1,
contributing new work to NNA1, or
contributing pre-existing work for
NNA1. Any such work will be
incorporated into NNA1 at the
discretion of the Federal Government,
including the possibility of
modification, without any
compensation and without redaction
under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) or otherwise.
• All contributions to NNA1 of text
and original figures (those newly
created for NNA1 and not previously
published) will be released under the
Creative Commons 1.0 Universal Public
Domain Dedication (CC0 1.0). Such
contributions will not be protected by
copyright or other intellectual property
rights. Data, algorithms/models, and
software code used to create or support
the creation of text and original figures
will also be publicly released in
connection with NNA1. In some cases,
such data, algorithms/models, and
software code may be subject to
copyright restrictions prohibiting both
their use for commercial purposes and
the creation of derivative works, but any
such restrictions may not prohibit their
use for the purpose of reproducing
results.
• Participants assume all risks
associated with participation in NNA1.
By participating, participants inherently
waive all claims against the Federal
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Government and its related entities,
except for claims based on willful
misconduct, for any injury, death,
damage, or loss of property, revenue, or
profits (whether direct, indirect, or
consequential) arising from
participation in NNA1.
• By participating, participants agree
to indemnify the Federal Government in
the event that it suffers liability or
damages as a result of its use of the
contribution.
Call for Nominations for Authors
Nominations are sought for authors
with pertinent subject matter expertise
or relevant background, including
Indigenous Knowledge holders, in at
least one of the topics delineated below.
Nominees should have a demonstrated
history of expertise and proficiency in at
least one of the topics delineated below.
Nominations are encouraged from all
nongovernmental sectors.
The NNA Federal Steering Committee
recognizes the value of Indigenous
Knowledge that Tribal Nations and
Indigenous peoples have gained and
passed down from generation to
generation and recognizes Indigenous
Knowledge as one of many important
bodies of knowledge that can contribute
to NNA1. The FSC understands that
multiple lines of evidence or ways of
knowing can lead to better-formed
assessments and encourages
nominations of Indigenous Knowledge
holders as Chapter Lead Authors,
Authors, or Technical Contributors.
Submissions must document that
nominees have demonstrated
backgrounds such that they could
contribute to the development of a
robust assessment as subject matter
experts in one or more of the listed
topics. In addition, individuals
interested in being considered for
chapter leadership positions should
have experience with leading
collaborative teams under deadlines.
Authors volunteering to assist in writing
NNA1 are providing an important
service to the United States. Author
roles allow these volunteers to
contribute to the first-ever national
assessment of nature. In addition to
providing an opportunity to inform
policy, participation in NNA1 will
allow authors to expand their
professional networks and visibility,
and to explore opportunities to create
derivative products. The Federal
Government will not provide financial
compensation for these roles. The
Federal Government is expected to
provide travel costs to authors to attend
meetings if requested for NNA1. Formal
acknowledgment will be provided to
each author’s institution.
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Responses to this request for
nominations for authors must be
submitted within 45 days of the opening
of this notice. The nomination forms
can be accessed via https://www.global
change.gov/notices. Interested persons
may nominate themselves or third
parties for these roles, and individuals
may submit multiple nominations.
Each nomination must include (1) the
nominee’s full name, title, institutional
affiliation, and contact information; (2)
the nominee’s area(s) of expertise; (3)
the proposed NNA1 topic(s) (see below)
for which the nominee is qualified; (4)
a short description of the nominee’s
qualifications relative to contributing to
the report; and (5) a current CV
[maximum length four (4) pages].
Nominations with missing
information, or for nominees who do
not meet the eligibility requirements
above, may not be considered.
NNA1 will attempt to address the full
breadth of each topic and seeks a
suitably diverse author pool, including
Indigenous Knowledge holders,
biophysical and social scientists, as well
as traditionally underrepresented
groups. Selection criteria for all author
positions will consider expertise,
disciplinary background, career status,
diversity, and geographic
representation.
Nominees may be invited to serve as
Chapter Lead Authors, Authors, or
Technical Contributors to NNA1.
Persons selected as Chapter Lead
Authors will be informed after the close
of the nominations window. Eligible
nominees not selected as Chapter Lead
Authors will be considered for roles as
Authors or Technical Contributors.
The NNA1 report use-inspired and
knowledge driven and will be organized
around key thematic interests identified
through Federal agency, public, and
Tribal engagement efforts. These themes
are detailed in the draft National Nature
Assessment Prospectus (https://
www.federalregister.gov/documents/
2023/08/04/2023-16794/draftprospectus-for-the-first-national-natureassessment). The NNA1 report will
include, but is not limited to, the
following topics (subject to change):
• Assessment approach of NNA1
• The Status, Trends and Future
Projections of Nature in the U.S.
• Status, Trends and Future
Projections of Drivers of Change of
Nature in the U.S.
• Nature and Equity
• Nature and Human Health and
Wellbeing
• Nature and Its Relationship to
Cultural Heritage
• Nature and Safety and Security
• Nature and the Economy
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NNA1 seeks authors with expertise in
the following areas (subject to change):
• Ecology, evolutionary biology,
genetics, and other conservationrelevant biophysical sciences, including
those with expertise in the status and
trends in biodiversity and ecosystems
(including nutrients), culturally
important species, and climate
adaptation and mitigation.
• Environmental social science
including those with expertise in
anthropology, sociology, geography,
political science, psychology, and
environmental history.
• Changes in nature as they relate to
aspects of domestic safety and security,
including natural hazards,
desertification, changes in populations
of pests and disease, loss of arable land,
and other changes in nature that affect
food and water security, and that
directly or indirectly influence public
safety and patterns of human behavior
and movements.
• Connections between nature and
human health and well-being, including
physical, mental, and public health and
well-being.
• Drivers of change in biodiversity
and ecosystems.
• Economic activities, infrastructure,
and employment that are directly or
indirectly related to nature, including
how changes in nature affect economic
benefits, risks, and opportunities.
• Environmental justice and equity,
including but not limited to topics such
as access to nature and the benefits of
nature, disproportionate impacts of
environmental hazards, and equitable
access to nature-based solutions.
• Data visualization and scientific
graphics.
• Further, authors are welcome to
nominate themselves for topics not
listed above that are consistent with the
scope of NNA1.
Call for Relevant Scientific/Technical
Inputs To Inform NNA1:
Submissions of scientific/technical
inputs are sought for NNA1. Relevant
scientific and/or technical research
studies—including observed, modeled,
and/or projected changes in nature and/
or benefits from nature—are requested.
Scientific/technical inputs that are peerreviewed and published, or accepted for
publication, in journals and/or
government reports are welcome. Please
refer to the NNA1 topics list above to
target submissions. Submissions of
information for cross-cutting topics are
especially encouraged. For best
consideration, please submit by the
close of this notice. Submissions must
be uploaded electronically via the link
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provided at https://www.globalchange.
gov/notices.
The NNA Federal Steering committee
understands that Indigenous Knowledge
may be sensitive, sacred, or belongs to
certain families or clans, and recognizes
concerns of Tribes and Indigenous
Peoples regarding privacy or potential
threats to natural or cultural resources.
As such, the NNA Federal Steering
committee will follow the guidance on
Indigenous Knowledge provided by the
White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy and Council on
Environmental Quality (https://
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/
uploads/2022/12/OSTP-CEQ-IKGuidance.pdf). We welcome discussion
with Indigenous Knowledge holders
regarding the potential benefits and
risks of sharing Indigenous Knowledge,
including the potential for public
release under the Freedom of
Information Act and other public
disclosure obligations. When possible,
the NNA team will collaborate with
Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples
to develop the means for information
sharing that reduces the risk of
disclosure. The NNA team will work
with Tribes and Indigenous Peoples to
facilitate informed decision making.
Notice of Planned Public Engagement
Opportunities For NNA1:
Public engagement has been a priority
for NNA1 with more than 25 public
outreach activities to date. Multiple
future opportunities for public
engagement to inform NNA1 will be
presented throughout the report’s
development. The following planned
public engagement schedule is
presented to notify the public of these
coming opportunities. Note that the
proposed time ranges are tentative and
subject to change based on the timing of
various development stages for NNA.
• Public comment on NNA1
annotated outline (Q2 2024)
• Public engagement workshops and
webinars (Q2 2024 through Q3 2025)
• Public call for Review Editors (Q4
2025)
• Public comment on NNA1 Third
Order Draft (Q3 & Q4 2025)
• National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine peer review
of NNA1 Third Order Draft (Q4 & Q5
2025)
Interested parties are invited to
participate in these public engagement
opportunities to ensure robust public
input to NNA1. Specific dates and
locations for all engagements will be
provided on https://
www.globalchange.gov/notices as they
are determined.
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Members of the public may also sign
up to receive updates through
USGCRP’s bimonthly newsletter at
https://www.globalchange.gov/
newsletter-signup.
Jacob Malcom,
Director, Office of Policy Analysis Office of
Policy, Management, and Budget.
[FR Doc. 2023–25573 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334–63–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[DT64101000.DSB4A0000.T7AC00.214A00;
OMB Control Number 1035–0004]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Individual Indian Money
(IIM) Instructions for Disbursement of
Funds and Change of Address
Bureau of Trust Funds
Administration (BTFA) (formerly
known as Office of the Special Trustee
for American Indians), Office of the
Secretary.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the Bureau of Trust Funds
Administration (BTFA) (formerly
known as The Office of the Special
Trustee for American Indians (OST) are
proposing to renew an information
collection.
SUMMARY:
Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before
December 20, 2023.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments on
this information collection request (ICR)
to the Office of Management and
Budget’s Desk Officer for the
Department of the Interior by email at
OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov; or via
facsimile to (202) 395–5806. Please
provide a copy of your comments to
Nina Alexander, 4400 Masthead NE,
Albuquerque, NM 87109; or by email to
nina_alexander@btfa.gov. Please
reference OMB Control Number 1035–
0004 in the subject line of your
comments.
DATES:
To
request additional information about
this ICR, contact Nina Alexander by
email at nina_alexander@btfa.gov, or by
telephone at (505) 273–1620. You may
also view the ICR at https://
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, we provide the
general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to
comment on new, proposed, revised,
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and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the
impact of our information collection
requirements and minimize the public’s
reporting burden. It also helps the
public understand our information
collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
We are soliciting comments on the
proposed ICR that is described below.
We are especially interested in public
comment addressing the following
issues: (1) is the collection necessary to
the proper functions of the BTFA; (2)
will this information be processed and
used in a timely manner; (3) is the
estimate of burden accurate; (4) how
might the BTFA enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and (5) how might the
BTFA minimize the burden of this
collection on the respondents, including
through the use of information
technology.
A Federal Register notice soliciting
public comments on the information
collection was initially published on
August 30, 2023 (81 FR 15120). No
comments were received from the
public in response to this notice, nor
were comments received in response to
the Paperwork Reduction Act statement
associated with the collection for the
three previous years.
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your
address, phone number, email address,
or other personal identifying
information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire
comment—including your personal
identifying information—may be made
publicly available at any time. While
you can ask us in your comment to
withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: As codified in 25 U.S.C.
4001, The American Indian Trust Fund
Management Reform Act of 1994 (the
Reform Act) makes provisions for the
Bureau of Trust Funds Administration
(BTFA) (formerly known as The Office
of the Special Trustee for American
Indians) to administer trust fund
accounts for individuals and tribes. The
collection of information is required to
facilitate the processing of deposits,
investments, and distribution of monies
held in trust by the U.S. Government
and administered by the BTFA. The
collection of information provides the
information needed to establish
procedures to: Deposit and retrieve
funds from accounts, perform
transactions such as cashing checks,
reporting lost or stolen checks, stopping
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payment of checks, change of address
and general verification for account
activities.
Title of Collection: Individual Indian
Money (IIM) Instructions for
Disbursement of Funds and Change of
Address, 25 CFR 115.
OMB Control Number: 1035–0004.
Form Number: OST–01–004—Trust
Funds for Tribes and Individual
Indians, 25 CFR Party 115.
Type of Review: Renewal of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public:
Individuals/households.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 11,059.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 11,059.
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: 15 minutes.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 2,765 hours.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: One time.
Total Estimated Annual Non-hour
Burden Cost: None.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq).
Jeffrey Parrillo,
Departmental Information Collection
Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023–25593 Filed 11–17–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334–98–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[Docket No. BOEM–2023–0013]
Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf
Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261
Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Interior.
ACTION: Revised final notice of sale.
AGENCY:
On Wednesday, December 20,
2023, the Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management (BOEM) will open and
publicly announce bids received for
blocks offered in the Gulf of Mexico
(GOM) Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease
Sale 261), in accordance with the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA),
as amended, and its implementing
regulations. This revised GOM Lease
Sale 261 Final Notice of Sale (Final
NOS) package contains information
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 222 (Monday, November 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 80747-80750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-25573]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary
[234D0102DM, DS61200000, DLSN00000.000000, DX61201]
Request for Public Nominations for Authors and Scientific/
Technical Inputs for the First National Nature Assessment
AGENCY: Office of Policy Analysis, Interior.
ACTION: Request for public nominations.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior, on behalf of the U.S.
Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), is soliciting nominations for
authors and scientific/technical inputs for the First National Nature
Assessment (NNA1). Refer to the NNA1 Draft Prospectus for further
information on the scope, topics, and overarching themes for the
report. NNA1 will adhere to the Global Change Research Act, Information
Quality Act, and Evidence Act requirements for quality, transparency,
and accessibility as appropriate for a Highly Influential Scientific
Assessment. NNA1 will also adhere to USGCRP standards and guidelines
requiring it to be a policy-neutral and policy-relevant product.
DATES: Nominations should be submitted via the web address specified
below and must be received by the close of this notice January 4, 2024.
While we request that scientific/technical inputs be submitted by the
close of this notice, they will be accepted on an ongoing basis
throughout the development of the report.
ADDRESSES: Nominations for authors must be submitted electronically
using a web form accessible via https://www.globalchange.gov/notices. A
short Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than four (4) pages must be
included. Scientific/technical inputs should also be submitted
electronically using a web form accessible via https://www.globalchange.gov/notices.
Instructions: Response to this notice is voluntary. Responses to
this notice may be used by the U.S. Government for program planning on
a non-attribution basis. The Department of the Interior therefore
requests that no business
[[Page 80748]]
proprietary information or copyrighted information be submitted in
response to this notice. Information relating to national defense or
national security of the United States of America should not be
submitted in response to the notice. Please note that the U.S.
Government will not pay for response preparation or for the use of any
information contained in the response.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Avery, (202) 419-3474,
[email protected], U.S. Global Change Research Program
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Global Change Research Program
(USGCRP) was created by Congress in 1990 to ``assist the Nation and the
world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and
natural processes of global change.'' USGCRP comprises 14 Federal
agencies that work together to carry out its legislative mandate.
USGCRP is conducting the First National Nature Assessment (NNA1) to
assess changes in nature as an aspect of global change. The scope of
NNA1 is to assess the status, observed trends, and future projections
of America's lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems and
the benefits they provide, including connections to the economy, public
health, equity, climate mitigation and adaptation, and national
security.
NNA1 development will be transparent and inclusive, offering
opportunities for public participation throughout the process. The
development of NNA1 is overseen by a Federal Steering Committee (FSC)
comprising representatives from each of USGCRP's member agencies. The
production and review processes are designed to result in a report that
is authoritative, timely, relevant, and policy neutral; valued by
authors and users; accessible to the widest possible audience; and
fully compliant with the Global Change Research Act and pertinent
Federal laws and policies. In August 2023, comments were solicited
through a 45-day request for information on the draft National Nature
Assessment Prospectus (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/04/2023-16794/draft-prospectus-for-the-first-national-nature-assessment). Comments received on the draft Prospectus informed the
list of potential topics included in Section I of the current request.
Author nominees may be invited to serve as Chapter Lead Authors,
Authors, or Technical Contributors to NNA1. Chapter Lead Authors will,
with input and guidance from the Federal Steering Committee (FSC),
establish author teams comprising Federal and non-Federal experts. A
Federal Coordinating Lead Author selected by the FSC will serve as a
liaison between the author team and Federal agencies. For more
information on author roles, see https://www.globalchange.gov/nna. Note
that other roles may be developed by the FSC on an as needed basis as
the report develops.
In addition, this request presents an opportunity to submit
relevant scientific/technical inputs to inform the assessment, as well
as Indigenous Knowledge inputs for similar use. This request also
outlines planned opportunities for the public to engage in the NNA1
development process.
Additional details and instructions for submitting nominations for
authors and scientific/technical inputs are available at https://www.globalchange.gov/notices. For the responsibilities and expectations
of the different types of authors and contributors, please see https://www.globalchange.gov/nna.
All participation in and contributions to NNA1 will be without
compensation and will be potentially included in the publicly released
NNA. By voluntarily participating in the NNA1, you acknowledge the
following:
Participation in NNA1 means facilitating the development
of NNA1, contributing new work to NNA1, or contributing pre-existing
work for NNA1. Any such work will be incorporated into NNA1 at the
discretion of the Federal Government, including the possibility of
modification, without any compensation and without redaction under the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or otherwise.
All contributions to NNA1 of text and original figures
(those newly created for NNA1 and not previously published) will be
released under the Creative Commons 1.0 Universal Public Domain
Dedication (CC0 1.0). Such contributions will not be protected by
copyright or other intellectual property rights. Data, algorithms/
models, and software code used to create or support the creation of
text and original figures will also be publicly released in connection
with NNA1. In some cases, such data, algorithms/models, and software
code may be subject to copyright restrictions prohibiting both their
use for commercial purposes and the creation of derivative works, but
any such restrictions may not prohibit their use for the purpose of
reproducing results.
Participants assume all risks associated with
participation in NNA1. By participating, participants inherently waive
all claims against the Federal Government and its related entities,
except for claims based on willful misconduct, for any injury, death,
damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits (whether direct,
indirect, or consequential) arising from participation in NNA1.
By participating, participants agree to indemnify the
Federal Government in the event that it suffers liability or damages as
a result of its use of the contribution.
Call for Nominations for Authors
Nominations are sought for authors with pertinent subject matter
expertise or relevant background, including Indigenous Knowledge
holders, in at least one of the topics delineated below. Nominees
should have a demonstrated history of expertise and proficiency in at
least one of the topics delineated below. Nominations are encouraged
from all nongovernmental sectors.
The NNA Federal Steering Committee recognizes the value of
Indigenous Knowledge that Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples have
gained and passed down from generation to generation and recognizes
Indigenous Knowledge as one of many important bodies of knowledge that
can contribute to NNA1. The FSC understands that multiple lines of
evidence or ways of knowing can lead to better-formed assessments and
encourages nominations of Indigenous Knowledge holders as Chapter Lead
Authors, Authors, or Technical Contributors.
Submissions must document that nominees have demonstrated
backgrounds such that they could contribute to the development of a
robust assessment as subject matter experts in one or more of the
listed topics. In addition, individuals interested in being considered
for chapter leadership positions should have experience with leading
collaborative teams under deadlines. Authors volunteering to assist in
writing NNA1 are providing an important service to the United States.
Author roles allow these volunteers to contribute to the first-ever
national assessment of nature. In addition to providing an opportunity
to inform policy, participation in NNA1 will allow authors to expand
their professional networks and visibility, and to explore
opportunities to create derivative products. The Federal Government
will not provide financial compensation for these roles. The Federal
Government is expected to provide travel costs to authors to attend
meetings if requested for NNA1. Formal acknowledgment will be provided
to each author's institution.
[[Page 80749]]
Responses to this request for nominations for authors must be
submitted within 45 days of the opening of this notice. The nomination
forms can be accessed via https://www.globalchange.gov/notices.
Interested persons may nominate themselves or third parties for these
roles, and individuals may submit multiple nominations.
Each nomination must include (1) the nominee's full name, title,
institutional affiliation, and contact information; (2) the nominee's
area(s) of expertise; (3) the proposed NNA1 topic(s) (see below) for
which the nominee is qualified; (4) a short description of the
nominee's qualifications relative to contributing to the report; and
(5) a current CV [maximum length four (4) pages].
Nominations with missing information, or for nominees who do not
meet the eligibility requirements above, may not be considered.
NNA1 will attempt to address the full breadth of each topic and
seeks a suitably diverse author pool, including Indigenous Knowledge
holders, biophysical and social scientists, as well as traditionally
underrepresented groups. Selection criteria for all author positions
will consider expertise, disciplinary background, career status,
diversity, and geographic representation.
Nominees may be invited to serve as Chapter Lead Authors, Authors,
or Technical Contributors to NNA1.
Persons selected as Chapter Lead Authors will be informed after the
close of the nominations window. Eligible nominees not selected as
Chapter Lead Authors will be considered for roles as Authors or
Technical Contributors.
The NNA1 report use-inspired and knowledge driven and will be
organized around key thematic interests identified through Federal
agency, public, and Tribal engagement efforts. These themes are
detailed in the draft National Nature Assessment Prospectus (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/04/2023-16794/draft-prospectus-for-the-first-national-nature-assessment). The NNA1 report
will include, but is not limited to, the following topics (subject to
change):
Assessment approach of NNA1
The Status, Trends and Future Projections of Nature in the
U.S.
Status, Trends and Future Projections of Drivers of Change
of Nature in the U.S.
Nature and Equity
Nature and Human Health and Wellbeing
Nature and Its Relationship to Cultural Heritage
Nature and Safety and Security
Nature and the Economy
NNA1 seeks authors with expertise in the following areas (subject
to change):
Ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, and other
conservation-relevant biophysical sciences, including those with
expertise in the status and trends in biodiversity and ecosystems
(including nutrients), culturally important species, and climate
adaptation and mitigation.
Environmental social science including those with
expertise in anthropology, sociology, geography, political science,
psychology, and environmental history.
Changes in nature as they relate to aspects of domestic
safety and security, including natural hazards, desertification,
changes in populations of pests and disease, loss of arable land, and
other changes in nature that affect food and water security, and that
directly or indirectly influence public safety and patterns of human
behavior and movements.
Connections between nature and human health and well-
being, including physical, mental, and public health and well-being.
Drivers of change in biodiversity and ecosystems.
Economic activities, infrastructure, and employment that
are directly or indirectly related to nature, including how changes in
nature affect economic benefits, risks, and opportunities.
Environmental justice and equity, including but not
limited to topics such as access to nature and the benefits of nature,
disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards, and equitable access
to nature-based solutions.
Data visualization and scientific graphics.
Further, authors are welcome to nominate themselves for
topics not listed above that are consistent with the scope of NNA1.
Call for Relevant Scientific/Technical Inputs To Inform NNA1:
Submissions of scientific/technical inputs are sought for NNA1.
Relevant scientific and/or technical research studies--including
observed, modeled, and/or projected changes in nature and/or benefits
from nature--are requested. Scientific/technical inputs that are peer-
reviewed and published, or accepted for publication, in journals and/or
government reports are welcome. Please refer to the NNA1 topics list
above to target submissions. Submissions of information for cross-
cutting topics are especially encouraged. For best consideration,
please submit by the close of this notice. Submissions must be uploaded
electronically via the link provided at https://www.globalchange.gov/notices.
The NNA Federal Steering committee understands that Indigenous
Knowledge may be sensitive, sacred, or belongs to certain families or
clans, and recognizes concerns of Tribes and Indigenous Peoples
regarding privacy or potential threats to natural or cultural
resources. As such, the NNA Federal Steering committee will follow the
guidance on Indigenous Knowledge provided by the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy and Council on Environmental Quality
(https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/OSTP-CEQ-IK-Guidance.pdf). We welcome discussion with Indigenous Knowledge holders
regarding the potential benefits and risks of sharing Indigenous
Knowledge, including the potential for public release under the Freedom
of Information Act and other public disclosure obligations. When
possible, the NNA team will collaborate with Tribal Nations and
Indigenous Peoples to develop the means for information sharing that
reduces the risk of disclosure. The NNA team will work with Tribes and
Indigenous Peoples to facilitate informed decision making.
Notice of Planned Public Engagement Opportunities For NNA1:
Public engagement has been a priority for NNA1 with more than 25
public outreach activities to date. Multiple future opportunities for
public engagement to inform NNA1 will be presented throughout the
report's development. The following planned public engagement schedule
is presented to notify the public of these coming opportunities. Note
that the proposed time ranges are tentative and subject to change based
on the timing of various development stages for NNA.
Public comment on NNA1 annotated outline (Q2 2024)
Public engagement workshops and webinars (Q2 2024 through
Q3 2025)
Public call for Review Editors (Q4 2025)
Public comment on NNA1 Third Order Draft (Q3 & Q4 2025)
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
peer review of NNA1 Third Order Draft (Q4 & Q5 2025)
Interested parties are invited to participate in these public
engagement opportunities to ensure robust public input to NNA1.
Specific dates and locations for all engagements will be provided on
https://www.globalchange.gov/notices as they are determined.
[[Page 80750]]
Members of the public may also sign up to receive updates through
USGCRP's bimonthly newsletter at https://www.globalchange.gov/newsletter-signup.
Jacob Malcom,
Director, Office of Policy Analysis Office of Policy, Management, and
Budget.
[FR Doc. 2023-25573 Filed 11-17-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334-63-P
