[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 241 (Thursday, December 14, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 78183-78184]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-31894]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


Biological Resources Division Request for Public Comments on 
Information Collection To Be Submitted to OMB for Review Under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act

    The proposal for the 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.
    As required by OMB regulations at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the U.S. 
Geological Survey solicits specific public comments 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

[[Page 78184]]

are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, 
mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
    Title: North American Breeding Bird Survey.
    Current OMB Approval Number: None.
SUMMARY: The North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) is a large-scale 
avian monitoring program used to track the status and trends of North 
American bird populations. The survey consists of over 4100 road-side 
routes of which approximately 2500 U.S. routes are sampled annually. 
Along each route participants record every bird seen or heard during 
50, 3-min point counts. This information will be used by scientists and 
federal, state and local agencies to identify bird populations 
demonstrating significant declines in order to direct conservation and 
research efforts towards those populations before their numbers have 
reached critically low levels. For more information see the web site 
(www.mp2-pwrc.usgs.gov/bbs/).
    Participants are provided with detailed survey instructions, a map 
of the route, a blank survey form, and a postage-paid reply envelope. 
Once the data are submitted, each participant is provided with a report 
summarizing the results from their route.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 2500.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 12,500 hours.
    Affected Public: Primarily U.S. residents.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To obtain copies of the survey, 
contact the Bureau clearance officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 
National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia, 20192, 
telephone (703) 648-7313.

    Dated: December 5, 2000.
Dennis B. Fenn,
Chief Biologist.
[FR Doc. 00-31894 Filed 12-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M