[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 210 (Monday, November 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63349-63350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24299]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Request for Comments; Public Perceptions 
of Wildfire Management Within the Southern California Wildland-Urban 
Interface

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and 
organizations on the new information collection, Public Perceptions of 
Wildfire Management within the Southern California Wildland-Urban 
Interface. This study requires administration of a survey to a 
statistical sample of forest proximate residents and visitors.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before January 3, 
2005, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Dr. 
James Absher, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, USDA, 
4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, CA 92507.
    Comments may also be submitted via facsimile to (951) 680-1501 or 
by e-mail to [email protected].
    The public may inspect comments received at the Pacific Southwest 
Research Station, Forest Service, USDA, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, 
Riverside, California, during normal business hours. Visitors are 
encouraged to call ahead to (951) 680-1500 to facilitate entry to the 
building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. James Absher, Pacific Southwest 
Research Station. (951) 680-1559. Individuals who use telecommunication 
devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 
1-800-877-8339 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including 
holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Public Perceptions of Wildfire Management within the 
Southern California Wildland-Urban Interface.
    OMB Number: 0596-New.
    Expiration Date of Approval: N/A.
    Type of Request: New.
    Abstract: Recent wildfires in the Western United States and the 
resultant public response to the devastation caused by them highlight 
the need for understanding the human dimensions of forest and wildfire 
management. Because the impacts of wildland fire

[[Page 63350]]

extend beyond public land boundaries into the private communities lying 
on their periphery, understanding their response to the loss of public 
and private property is important. Public land management agencies need 
a better understanding of local preferences for management options and 
of community needs, particularly from those residing within the 
wildland--urban interface.
    Information will be collected from residents of communities 
adjacent to a National Forest in southern California and from visitors 
to the same National Forest area. The information collected will 
provide forest managers with greater understanding of public attitudes, 
preferences, and behaviors related to the Forest Service's wildland 
fire management, including fire management practices and policies, 
information about respondents' own behaviors related to hazard 
reduction and preparedness, and respondents' knowledge of Forest 
Service fire management programs, such as Firewise.
    Researchers will use two primary methods of data collection: (a) a 
self administered questionnaire mailed to residents in forest proximate 
neighborhoods and (b) an onsite interview with a follow-up mail 
questionnaire. Both interview and questionnaire are voluntary.
    Experts in recreation, social science and fire management from the 
Forest Service and cooperating universities, in consultation with 
National Forest staff, will develop the surveys. The researchers will 
then administer the surveys to a random sample of residents drawn from 
adjacent communities and visitors to the Forest, analyze the 
information and incorporate the results and recommendations into 
reports for use by managers and other researchers. This survey is 
necessary to provide information about residents and visitors' 
perceptions and preferences related to Forest Service fire management 
policy and practice, and will enable the Forest Service to better 
respond to community need.
    Estimate of Annual Burden: 20 minutes per respondent.
    Type of Respondents: Randomly selected individuals that are 
residents living near a southern California National Forest and 
National Forest visitors.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 2,000.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 667 hours.
    Comment is invited on: (1) Whether this 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's 
estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 
and (4) 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 names 
and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. 
Comments will be summarized and included in the submission request 
toward Office of Management and Budget approval.

    Dated: October 19, 2004.
Barbara C. Weber,
Associate Deputy Chief for Research & Development.
[FR Doc. 04-24299 Filed 10-29-04; 8:45 am]
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