[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 230 (Wednesday, November 29, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 71118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-30387]


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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: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Contractee Perceptions on 
Environmental Benefits and Management.
    OMB Approval No.: New collection.
    Abstract: The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the Nation's 
largest environmental program with enrollment currently over 30 million 
acres. Continuing refinement of conservation and management provisions 
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue to give greater 
importance to wildlife habitat. Program participants who desire to 
renew contracts often are required to improve the quality or 
composition of vegetation on land enrolled in the program. An 
evaluation of contractee perceptions about the validity of these 
requirements will assist USDA in refinement of CRP management and 
conservation policies in the 2002 Farm Bill. Description of contractee 
opinions about personal, local, and regional effects of the program 
will be useful for documentation of environmental and social effects of 
the program.
    Bureau Form No.: None.
    Frequency: One time.
    Description of Respondents: Individual or households.
    Estimated Completion Time: 11.5 minutes per respondent 
(approximate).
    Number of Respondents: 1400.
    Burden hours: 268 hours. (The burden estimates are based on 11.5 
minutes to complete each questionnaire and a 70% return rate.)
    All comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Arthur 
W. Allen, Wildlife Biologist, (970-226-9312), ([email protected]), 
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Social, Economic 
and Institutional Analysis Section, 4512 McMurry Avenue, Fort Collins, 
CO 80525-3400.
    Bureau Clearance Officer: John Cordyack (703) 648-7313.

    Dated: November 14, 2000.
Dennis B. Fenn,
Chief Biologist.
[FR Doc. 00-30387 Filed 11-28-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 41310-Y7-M