[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25811-25812]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6558]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 26, 2006.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for 
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy 
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to 
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Forest Service

    Title: Forest Land Enhancement Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0596-0168.
    Summary of Collection: The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) 
is authorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 
(Pub. L. 107-711) through an amendment to the Cooperative Forestry 
Assistance Act (16 U.S.C. 2103). The goals of FLEP are to: (1) Enhance 
the productivity of timber, fish and wildlife habitat, soil and water 
quality, wetland, recreational resources and aesthetic values of 
private non-industrial private forestland; and (2) establish, manage, 
maintain, enhance, and restore such forests. The act requires 
establishing a grants program to achieve sustainable forestry; assist 
owners of non-industrial private forestlands to more actively manage 
these lands and related resources; and encourage such owners to use 
State, Federal, and private sector resource management expertise, 
financial assistance and educational programs. Through FLEP, States can 
cost-share up

[[Page 25812]]

to 75% to implement eligible forest management practices on non-
industrial private forest ownerships. In order to be eligible for cost-
share, landowners must have a forest management plan that has been 
approved by their State forester.
    Need and Use of the Information: The Forest Service (FS) will 
collect information to describe how the program will be implemented in 
each State. The plans must (1) Describe how the State will allocate 
FLEP funding among the four major categories of administration, 
resource management expertise, education, and financial assistance; (2) 
describe how cost-share funds shall be made available to eligible 
participants; (3) describe ownership and acreage limitations; (4) 
define what constitutes a forest management plan; (5) identify 
landowner payment limitations; (6) identify eligible cost-share 
practices; (7) describe how funds may be distributed to participants; 
and (8) describe program application and reimbursement processes. If 
these information collection requirements were not implemented, it 
would be virtually impossible to provide proper Federal oversight for 
the new program.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; 
Individuals or households; Farms.
    Number of Respondents: 16,659.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Semi-annually; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 66,516.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-6558 Filed 5-1-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P