[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 221 (Thursday, November 14, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58369-58370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-29210]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service


Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for 
Fuelwood and Post Assessment in Selected States

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service announces its intent to request an extension of a 
currently approved information collection. The Forest Service surveys a 
selected number of residential households and logging contractors to 
determine the quantities and types of trees cut for fuelwood and fence 
posts in a given year. This information is used to project demands for 
renewable resources on State and national forests as a source for 
fuelwood and fence posts. The information also helps the Forest Service 
allocate personnel and other resources to help meet these demands.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 13, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: Dennis May, Forest 
Inventory and Analysis, North Central Forest Experiment Station, Forest 
Service, USDA, 1992 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis May, North Central Forest 
Experiment Station, at (612) 649-5132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Description of Information Collection

    The following describes the information collection to be extended:
    Title: Residential Fuelwood and Post Assessment, Any State, Year.
    OMB Number: 0596-0009.
    Expiration Date of Approval: February 28, 1997.
    Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The collected information is used to evaluate the use, by 
residential households and logging contractors, of renewable resources 
on State and national forests for fuelwood and fence posts. This 
information will help the agency project future demands for renewable 
resources to meet fuelwood and fence post needs. The information 
collection supports requirements outlined in the Forest and Rangeland 
Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1600) as amended by 
the Energy Security Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 8701).
    The Forest Inventory and Analysis Work Units at the Northeastern, 
North

[[Page 58370]]

Central, Southern, and Intermountain Experiment Stations of the Forest 
Service will collect information from a sampling of residential and 
logging contractors located within the geographical areas of the 
Stations. The collected information includes the quantities and types 
of trees cut for fuelwood and fence posts in a given year. To collect 
the information, the agency will conduct a survey using telephone 
interview techniques and the standardized questionnaire, Residential 
Fuelwood and Post Assessment, Any State, Year, OMB No. 0596-0009.
    Data gathered in this information collection is not available from 
other sources.
    Estimate of Burden: .07 hours.
    Type of Respondents: Residential households and logging 
contractors.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,940.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 206 hours.
    The agency invites comments on the following: (a) Whether the 
proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the 
information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the 
agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) 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.

Use of Comments

    All comments received in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also 
become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 7, 1996.
Mark A. Reimers,
Acting Chief.
[FR Doc. 96-29210 Filed 11-13-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P