[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 187 (Friday, September 26, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57869-57870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-22837]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


U.S. National Arboretum; Notice of Intent To Renew Information 
Collection

AGENCY: U.S. National Arboretum (USNA), 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 U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) to renew an information 
collection that expires February 28, 2015. The information collection 
serves as a means to collect for certain use of the facilities, 
grounds, programs and services. This includes fees for educational 
programs and workshops and 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 on this notice must be received by November 25, 2014 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Email: [email protected].
     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: Use of the Grounds and Facilities as Well As Commercial 
Photography and Cinematography.
    OMB Number: 0518-0024
    Expiration Date: 3 years from date of approval.
    Type of Request: Renewal of 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 
550,000 visitors on the grounds each year. Many garden clubs and 
societies utilize the USNA grounds to showcase their activities. The 
USNA is a national

[[Page 57870]]

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 include 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 part 500, subpart 2A, conducted on the USNA 
property 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 (PDF fillable) on the 
USNA Web site 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 230 requests for 
the use of facilities, 54 for photography and cinematography and 1,606 
educational programs and workshops on an annual basis.
    Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for 
responding is $7,250 for 305 hours of time at $23.77 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: 
www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilities/photographyapp.pdf.
    The PDF fillable application for the use of facilities is available 
on the Web site and can be submitted electronically to USNA. Completed 
hard copies of permit requests can be submitted to the Administrative 
Office, 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.

    Dated: September 15, 2014.
Chavonda Jacobs-Young,
Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2014-22837 Filed 9-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P