[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 181 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56324-56325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-23875]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


60-Day Notice of Intent To Renew Request for Clearance of 
Information Collection, Backcountry Use Permit, Opportunity for Public 
Comment

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public 
Law 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3507) the National Park Service (NPS) invites 
public comment on a request for renewal of the information collection 
requirements of NPS Standard Form 10-404, Backcountry Use Permit. The 
Permit was initially authorized under OMB Control No. 1024-0022. The 
Backcountry Use Permit is the primary form used to provide access into 
NPS backcountry areas including those areas that require a reservation 
to enter or where use limits are imposed in accordance with other NPS 
regulations. Such permitting enhances hazard warnings, search and 
rescue efforts and resource protection.

DATES: Public comments will be accepted until November 17, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Kym Hall, National Park Service, Ranger 
Activities Division, 1849 C Street NW, Room 7413, Washington, D.C. 
20240. Fax: (202) 208-6756. All responses to this notice will be 
summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) approval.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Or to receive a copy, free of charge, of the 
proposed information collection document (Backcountry Use Permit) 
contact Kym Hall, Regulations Program Manager, at (202) 208-4206 or 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1976, the NPS initiated a backcountry 
registration system in accordance with the regulations found at 36 CFR 
1.5, 1.6 and 2.10. The objective of the backcountry use permit system 
is to provide campers access to backcountry areas of national parks 
with continuing opportunities for solitude, while enhancing resource 
protection and providing a means of disseminating public safety 
messages regarding backcountry travel.
    NPS backcountry program managers, by designating access routes and 
overnight camping locations, can redistribute campers in response to 
user impact, high fire danger, flood or wind hazard, bear activity or 
other situations that may temporarily close a portion of the 
backcountry. The NPS may also use the permit system as a means of 
ensuring that each backcountry user receives up-to-date information on 
backcountry sanitation procedures, food storage, wildlife activity, 
trail conditions and weather projections so that concerns for visitor 
safety are met.
    The Backcountry Use Permit is an extension of the NPS statutory 
authority responsibility to protect the park areas it administers and 
to manage the public use thereof (16 U.S.C., Sections 1 and 3). NPS 
regulations codified in 36 CFR Parts 1 through 7, 12, and 13, are 
designed to implement statutory mandates that provide for resource 
protection and public enjoyment.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 295,339.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 295,339.
    Estimated average burden hours per response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated frequency of response: The collection information must be 
provided each time a visitor or group wants to enter into the park's 
backcountry overnight. Frequency of response will depend on number of 
visits to a park annually.
    Estimated annual reporting burden: 24,612 hours per year.
    The NPS specifically invites public comments as to:
    a. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the 
proper performance of the functions of the Service, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    b. The accuracy of the Service's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used;
    c. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected; and
    d. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including the use of

[[Page 56325]]

appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of 
information technology.

    Dated: September 8, 2000.
Betsey Chittenden,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 00-23875 Filed 9-15-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P