[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 40 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12806-12807]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-4830]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. Geological Survey


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

[[Page 12807]]

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 are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology.
    Title: Visitor knowledge and economic impact at Arapaho National 
Wildlife Refuge, Walden, Colorado.
    OMB Approval No.: New collection.
    Abstract: The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 
1997 requires that all refuges will be managed in accordance with an 
approved Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) which, when implemented, 
will achieve refuge purposes; help fulfill the Refuge System mission; 
maintain and, where appropriate, restore the ecological integrity of 
each refuge and the Refuge System; help achieve the goals of the 
Wilderness Preservation System; and meet other mandates. An underlying 
component of these plans is a strong scientific foundation for 
establishment for refuge objectives, implementation of management 
actions, and quantitative monitoring of progress towards these 
objectives. Few studies have been conducted that evaluate public 
knowledge, perception, or economic value associated with National 
Wildlife Refuges. Information about the existing community, economic, 
and public relations status is a precursor to many of the habitat and 
visitor management decisions. The primary objective of this study is to 
gain sufficient knowledge about refuge visitors. Our second objective 
is to develop and test a set of tools that can be used/repeated at 
other refuges around the country. Understanding public knowledge, 
perception, and values is a vital component of natural resource 
management. Improved understanding will guide future management 
practices.
    Bureau Form No.: None.
    Frequency: One time.
    Description of Respondents: Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge 
visitor or group of visitors.
    Estimated Completion Time: 10 minutes per respondent (approximate).
    Number of Respondents: 400 (575 surveys).
    Burden hours: 67 hours (The burden estimates are based on 10 
minutes to complete each questionnaire and a 70% return rate).
    All comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Phadrea 
Ponds, Wildlife Biologist, 970-226-9445; or Lynne Caughlan, Economist, 
970-226-9384; or Ayeisha Brinson, Wildlife Ecologist, 970-226-9330. 
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].

    Dated: February 16, 2001.
Susan Haseltine,
Chief Scientist for Biology.
[FR Doc. 01-4830 Filed 2-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M