[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 49 (Friday, March 12, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 11832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-5629]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Request for Comments; Publication Comment 
Cards

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service announces its intention to extend an information 
collection. The Southern Research Station disseminates research 
publications to individuals, institutions, organizations, and interest 
groups. Information is collected from those who receive the scientific 
research publications. The collected information enables the Forest 
Service to assess the value to the customer of these publications.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received in writing on or before 
May 11, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be sent to 
Communications Office, Southern Research Station, Forest Service, USDA, 
P.O. Box 2680, Asheville, NC 28802.
    Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to (828) 257-4838 or 
by e-mail to [email protected].
    The public may inspect comments received at the Southern Research 
Station, 200 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, North Carolina. Visitors 
are encouraged to call ahead to (828) 257-4838 to facilitate entry into 
the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Carlson, Communications 
Office, (828)257-4849. Individuals who use telecommunication devices 
for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-
877-8339 twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, including 
holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Publication Comment Card.
    OMB Number: 0596-0163.
    Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 2004.
    Type of Request: Extension.
    Abstract: Executive Order 12862, issued September 11, 1993, 
directed Federal agencies to change the way they do business, to reform 
their management practices, and to provide service to the public that 
matches or exceeds the best service available in the private sector. In 
response to this Executive Order, the Forest Service Southern Research 
Station developed a ``Publication Comment Card'' for inclusion when 
distributing scientific research publications.
    Since the early 1920's, Forest Service scientists have published 
the results of their studies about national forests and forest 
resources and products, in addition to their conclusions about the 
dynamics of natural timber stands and plantations, watershed and 
wildlife management, and recreational activities. These studies have 
provided long-term data that have become increasingly valuable to 
landowners and others involved in natural resource and land management. 
Data from the Publication Comment Cards help Forest Service research 
stations determine if publications meet customers' expectations and 
address customers' needs. The collected information also helps 
scientists and authors provide relevant information on effective, 
efficient, responsible land management in the United States.
    Forest Service research personnel enclose Publication Comment Cards 
when providing publications to recipients in person or by mail. Public 
Comment Cards and most research station publications also are made 
available via the Internet. Public Comment Cards include the following 
statements that will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being 
``Strongly Agree'' and 5 being ``Strongly Disagree.''
    1. The information is what I expected, based on the title and 
abstract.
    2. This publication is well organized.
    3. The content is presented clearly.
    4. The technical subject matter was explained sufficiently to meet 
my needs.
    5. The graphics (photographs, tables, charts) were helpful.
    6. This research information is useful to me.
    7. I will continue to request Research Station publications.
    Respondents complete Publication Comment Cards and return them in 
person or mail them back to the Forest Service via surface mail or 
electronically via the Internet.
    Data gathered in this information collection are not available from 
other sources.
    Estimate of Burden: 5 minutes.
    Type of respondents: Respondents include citizens of the United 
States and of other countries; landowners or land lessees; timber and 
other forest-product customers; research scientists; forestry 
consultants; educators, librarians, and historians; representatives of 
other Federal, State, county, or local government agencies and 
representatives of foreign governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 22,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,833 hours.
    Comment is invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper 
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the 
information will have practical or scientific utility; (b) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including the use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

Use of Comments

    All comments received in response to this notice, including name 
and address when provided, will become a matter of public record and 
will be available for public inspection and copying. Comments will be 
summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and 
Budget approval.

    Dated: March 5, 2004.
Ann M. Bartuska,
Deputy Chief for Research & Development.
[FR Doc. 04-5629 Filed 3-11-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P