[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 82 (Thursday, April 27, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 24710]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10491]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


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

    The proposed information collection described below has been 
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. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information 
collection but may respond after 30 days; therefore, public comments 
should be submitted to OMB within 30 days in order to assure their 
maximum consideration. Comments and suggestions on the proposal should 
be made directly to the Desk Officer for the Interior Department, 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, Washington, DC 20503 and to the Bureau clearance officer, U.S. 
Geological Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, 
Reston, Virginia, 20192, (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 Dogs 
(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 Dogs 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 areas of the Midwest (Texas, New 
Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, 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 areas. 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: 14 minutes per respondent (approximate).
    Number of Respondents: 1,740 (2,900 mail surveys).
    Burden hours: 406 hours. (The burden estimates are based on 14 
minutes to complete each questionnaire and a 60% return rate.)
    For Additional Information Please Contact: Phadrea Ponds, (970) 
226-9445, [email protected].
    Bureau clearance officer: John Cordyack (703) 648-7313.

    Dated: February 18, 2000.
Carol F. Aten,
Acting Chief Biologist.
[FR Doc. 00-10491 Filed 4-26-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M