[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 70 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 19456]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7565]



[[Page 19456]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Forest Landscape Value and Special Place 
Mapping for National Forest Planning

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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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, Forest Landscape Value 
and Special Place Mapping for National Forest Planning.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before June 9, 2008, 
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. 
Patrick Reed, USDA Forest Service, Regional Social Scientist, Chugach 
National Forest, 3301 C Street, Suite 300, Anchorage, AK 99503.
    Comments may also be submitted via facsimile to (907) 743-9479 or 
by e-mail to [email protected].
    The public may inspect comments received at 3301 C Street, Suite 
300, during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call 
ahead to (907) 743-9571) to facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Patrick Reed, USDA Forest Service, 
(907) 743-9571. 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: Forest Landscape Value and Special Place Mapping for 
National Forest Planning.
    OMB Number: 0596-NEW.
    Type of Request: New.
    Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to augment the public 
participation process for revision of national forest land management 
plans by collecting data about the nature and location of landscape 
values and special places recognized by the public on national forest 
lands. Over the next 3 years, up to 20 national forest units (4-6 units 
per year) will collect the aforementioned information as part of the 
national forest plan revision public participation process. The forest 
plan revision includes determining public desire for use (along with 
suitability of areas for different uses), identification of special 
areas, collaboration with the public, and monitoring for adaptive 
management.
    Primarily using an Internet-based geographic information system 
(GIS), national forests will invite the public to share values 
regarding specific forest landscapes and special places. A comparable 
paper-based option, suitable for use in mail back surveys and focus 
group meetings, may be provided to individuals who do not have access 
to the Internet or as an alternative primary means of collecting data.
    The information will be used in the revision of specific national 
forest plans. Forest planners and managers will use the collected 
information to develop land management plans that are consistent with 
public values, while working within the regulatory framework. The data 
collected would provide Forest Service managers with a new, systematic 
science-based tool for collecting and analyzing public opinion about 
desired forest conditions and use of specific geographic forest 
locations. Survey results will be useful in gauging public support for 
proposed forest management options and in collaborative and 
participatory approaches to planning. While the collection is designed 
to assist with development of forest land management plans under NFMA, 
the information collected could be used in a variety of forest planning 
processes (i.e., travel management and recreation facilities planning) 
and projects.
    The legal authorities supporting the collection of this information 
include the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the 
National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976, and the proposed 2008 
NFMA Planning Rule (36 CFR part 219).
    Estimate of Annual Burden: 20 minutes.
    Type of Respondents: Individuals; state, county, and tribal 
governments; as well as for-profit and non-profit entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 3,500 (average of 3 years).
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,167 (average of 3 
years).

Comment Is Invited

    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.
    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: April 4, 2008.
Charles L. Myers,
Associate Deputy Chief, NFS.
[FR Doc. E8-7565 Filed 4-9-08; 8:45 am]
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