[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 59716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16726]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

 October 4, 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 Industries Data Collection System.
    OMB Control Number: 0596-0010.
    Summary of Collection: The Forest and Range Renewable Resources 
Planning Act of 1974 and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources 
Research Act of 1978 require the Forest Service (FS) to evaluate trends 
in the use of logs and wood chips, to forecast anticipated levels of 
logs and wood chips, and to analyze changes in the harvest of the 
resources. Forest product and other wood-using industries are important 
to state, regional, and national economies. In most southern states, 
the value of rounded timber products is ranked either first or second 
in relation to other major agricultural crops. The importance and value 
of the timber products industry is significant in other regions of the 
United States as well. The FS will collect information using 
questionnaires.
    Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information to 
monitor the types, species, volumes, sources, and prices of the timber 
products harvested throughout the Nation. The data will be used to 
develop specific economic development plans for a new forest-related 
industry in a State and to assist existing industries in identifying 
raw material problems and opportunities. If the information were not 
collected, data would not be available for sub-state, state, regional, 
and national policy makers and program developers to make decisions 
related to the forestland on a scientific basis.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 1,816.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,462.

Forest Service

    Title: Application for Permit, Non-Federal Commercial Use of Roads 
Restricted by Order.
    OMB Control Number: 0596-0016.
    Summary of Collection: The Forest Service (FS) transportation 
system includes approximately 380,000 miles of roads. These roads are 
grouped into five maintenance levels. Level one includes roads, which 
are closed and maintained only to protect the environment. Level of 
maintenance increase to level five, which is maintained for safe 
passenger car use. The roads usually provide the only access to 
commercial products including timber and minerals found on both Federal 
and private lands within and adjacent to National Forests. Annual 
maintenance not performed becomes a backlog that creates a financial 
burden for the FS. To remedy the backlog and pay for needed maintenance 
the FS requires commercial users to apply and pay for a permit to use 
the FS Road System. Maintenance resulting from commercial use is 
accomplished through collection of funds or requiring the commercial 
users to perform the maintenance. The vehicle for this is the Road Use 
Permit. The authority for the Road Use Permit process comes from 36 CFR 
212.5, 36 CFR 212.9 and 36 CFR 261.54 Section 212.9 authorizes the FS 
to develop a road system with private in holders that is mutually 
beneficial to both parties.
    Need and Use of the Information: Persons wishing to haul commercial 
will use form, FS 7700-40. The form provides identifying information 
about the applicant such as, the name; address; and telephone number; 
description of mileage of roads; purpose of use; use schedule; and 
plans for future use. FS will use the information to prepare the 
applicant's permit, to identify the road maintenance that is the direct 
result of the applicant's traffic, to calculate any applicable 
collections for recovery of past Federal investments in roads and 
assure that the requirements are met. Without the Road Use Permit, the 
backlog of maintenance would increase and the FS would have great 
difficulty providing the transportation system necessary to meet our 
mission.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; 
Individuals or households; State, Local or Tribal Government; Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 2000.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 500.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-16726 Filed 10-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P