[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50547-50548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21431]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Geological Survey


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

    A request to reinstate 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 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 of the bureaus, including whether 
the information will have practical utility;
    2. The accuracy of the Bureau estimate of the burden of the 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used;

[[Page 50548]]

    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: North American Bird Banding Program--Encounter Database.
    Previous OMB Approval Number: 1018-0005.
    Summary: The North American Bird Banding Program receives reports 
of banded birds (encounters) from the public via a 1-800 telephone 
number, web site forms, and letters. These reports are submitted 
voluntarily at the volition of the reporter. The information that is 
collected (band number, type of bird, where and when it was found, how 
found) is computerized and utilized by state, provincial, federal and 
private agencies as well as by both U.S. and Canadian researchers. The 
data on waterfowl and other game birds are one part of the data set 
used to help managers set hunting regulations. All data are utilized by 
both private and public agencies and individuals for management and 
conservation studies. Also, avian researchers throughout North America 
utilize these data in many of their studies as well as in many 
publications on avian topics. All persons reporting a band encounter 
receive a Certificate of Appreciation giving them information on type 
of bird, when and where was banded and who banded. For further 
information on the North American Banding Program and the Encounter 
Database see our Web site (http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl).
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 85,000.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 7,083.
    Affected Public: Primarily U.S. and Canadian citizens. Some 
citizens of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Middle America, 
South America, Europe, Asia.
    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 or see the Web site at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl.

    Dated: August 11, 2003.
Ken Williams,
Acting Associate Director for Biology.
[FR Doc. 03-21431 Filed 8-20-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-Y7-M