[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 77 (Monday, April 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21303-21304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8552]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


United States National Arboretum (USNA); Notice of Intent To 
Renew Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service; USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks comments on the 
intent of the USNA to renew an information collection that expires 
September 30, 2008. The information collection serves as a means to 
collect for certain uses of the facilities, grounds, and services. This 
includes fees for use of the grounds and facilities, as well as for 
commercial photography and cinematography. Fees generated will be used 
to defray USNA expenses or to promote the missions of the USNA.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 25, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by [docket number and/or 
RIN Number ------] by any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments. E-mail: [email protected]. 
Include [docket number and/or RIN Number------] in the subject line of 
text. Fax: 202-245-4514.
    Mail: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, Beltsville Area, 
Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002.
    Hand Delivery/Courier: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, 
Beltsville Area, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Intent to Renew Information Collection.
    OMB Number: 0518-0024, expiration date of approval, September 30, 
2008.
    Type of Request: To extend an approved information collection.
    Abstract: The mission of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) is to 
serve the public need for scientific research, education, and gardens 
that conserve and showcase plants to enhance the environment. The USNA 
is a 446-acre facility, open to the general public for purposes of 
education and passive recreation. The USNA is a national center for 
public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and 
aesthetically pleasing environment. The USNA receives approximately 
500,000 visitors on the grounds each year. Many garden clubs and 
societies utilize the USNA grounds to showcase their activities. The 
USNA is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors 
in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.
    Section 890(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform 
Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127 (1996 Act), expanded the authorities of 
the Secretary of Agriculture to charge reasonable fees for the use of 
USNA facilities and grounds. These authorities included the ability to 
charge fees for temporary use by individuals or groups of USNA 
facilities and grounds in furtherance of the mission of the USNA. Also, 
authority was provided to charge fees for tram tours and for the use of 
the USNA for commercial photography and cinematography. All rules and 
regulations noted in 7 CFR 500, subpart 2A, conducted on the USNA 
property,

[[Page 21304]]

will apply to individuals or groups granted approval to use the 
facilities and grounds. In order to administer the use of the USNA 
facilities and to determine if the requested use is consistent with the 
mission of the USNA, it is necessary for the USNA to obtain information 
from the requestor. Each request will require the completion of an 
application and submission of an application fee. The application is 
simple and requires only information readily available to the 
requestor. The requestor is asked to indicate by whom and for what 
purpose the USNA facilities are to be used. Applications are available 
in hard copy format as well as electronic format on the USNA Web site 
(http://www.usna.usda.gov). Completed permit requests are received in 
person, by mail, and by facsimile.
    Paperwork Reduction Act: In accordance with the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) regulations (5 CFR part 1320) implementing 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements that will be 
imposed will be submitted to OMB for approval. These requirements will 
not become effective prior to OMB approval.
    Estimate of Burden:
    Estimated Number of Responses: The USNA estimates 420 requests for 
the use of facilities and 25 for photography and cinematography on an 
annual basis.
    Estimated Burden per Responses: The estimated completion time for 
the application is less than 15 minutes.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for 
responding is $2,507 for 109 hours of time at $23 per hour.
    Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of 
obtaining the permit requests in person, by mail, and by facsimile (and 
receiving them back in a like manner), the application for photography 
and cinematography is available on the USNA Web site (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilitiesuse/photographyapp.pdf). The 
application for the use of facilities will be available on the Web site 
by the end of the calendar year. Completed permit requests can be 
submitted to the Administrative Group, USDA, ARS, U.S. National 
Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
    Comments: Comments are invited on whether the proposed collection 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; 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; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity 
of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of 
collection on those who are to respond, including through the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technology.

    Done at Washington, DC, this 14th day of April, 2008.
Edward B. Knipling,
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-8552 Filed 4-18-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P