[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 38211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-18080]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


Request for Public Comments on Proposed Information Collection To 
Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act

    The proposed information collection described below will be 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). 
Copies of the proposed collection of information may be obtained by 
contacting the Bureau's clearance officer at the phone number listed 
below. Comments and suggestions on the proposal should be made within 
60 days directly to the Bureau clearance officer, U.S. Geological 
Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, 
Virginia 20192, telephone (703) 648-7313.
    Specific public comments are requested as to:
    1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions on the bureaus, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    2. The accuracy of the bureau's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used;
    3. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and
    4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
    Title: Public knowledge and perception of Black Tailed Prairie Dogs 
in the Midwest region of the United States.
    OMB Approval No: New collection.
    Abstract: The ability to identify knowledge gaps in the public's 
understanding of the issues concerning Black-tailed Prairie Dog 
(Cynomys ludovicianus) is necessary while conservation efforts 
involving this species are in the early planning stages. The object of 
this study is to provide information that is needed to understand the 
complexities of wildlife/human interactions and current land use and 
management practices. Any additional information about this species can 
provide data that can help determine if the species needs to be 
included on the Federal list of threatened and endangered wildlife and 
plants. As a result of rapidly declining populations, increased 
pressure to develop habitats, and controversies about disease vectors 
associated with prairie dog communities attention has focused in the 
past few years on the status of this species. The issue of listing 
Prairie Dog as threatened or endangered species has become a very 
important subject for fish and wildlife managers, political leaders, 
and community groups in a 10 state area of the Midwest (Texas, New 
Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South 
Dakota and Nebraska). Although the subject has achieved wide attention, 
no studies have been conducted that evaluate public knowledge, 
perception, or economic value of prairie dog communities and management 
practices in these area. Understanding public knowledge, perception, 
and values is a vital component of wildlife management. Improved 
understanding will guide future management practices.
    Bureau Form No: None.
    Frequency: One time.
    Description of Respondents: Individual or households.
    Estimated Completion Time: 12 minutes per respondent (approximate).
    Number of Respondents: 2880 (3,600 mail surveys).
    Burden hours: 576 hours. (the burden estimates are based on 12 
minutes to complete each questionnaire and an 80% return rate.)
    All comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Berton 
Lee Lamb, Supervisory Administrative Analyst, 970-226-9314; or Phadrea 
Ponds, Wildlife Biologist, 970-226-9445, U.S. Geological Survey, 
Biological Resources Division, Social, Economic and Institutional 
Analysis Section, 4512 McMurry Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525-3400.
    For Additional Information Please Contact: Phadrea Ponds, (970) 
226-9445, [email protected]
    Bureau clearance officer: John Cordyack (703) 648-7313.

    Dated: July 21, 1999.
Dennis B. Fenn,
Chief Biologist.
[FR Doc. 99-18080 Filed 7-14-99; 8:45 am]
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