Federal Register, Volume 85 Issue 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 26, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52628-52631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-18726]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-HQ-MB-2020-N091; FF07CAFB00-201-FXFR13350700001; OMB Control
Number 1018-0146]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the
Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Depredation
and Control Orders

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an
information collection with revisions.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
September 25, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Please
provide a copy of your comments to the Service Information Collection
Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/PERMA (JAO/
3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803 (mail); or by
email to Info_Coll@fws.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 1018-
0146 in the subject line of your comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at Info_Coll@fws.gov, or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals who are hearing or speech
impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY
assistance. You may also view the information collection request (ICR)
at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), we
provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting
burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
On February 11, 2020, we published in the Federal Register (85 FR
7780) a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this
information collection. We received one comment, which did not address
the information collection requirements. Therefore, no response was
required.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other
Federal agencies on the proposed information collection request (ICR)
that is described below. We are especially interested in public comment
addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this 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) How might the agency 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, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Abstract: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703 et
seq.) implements four treaties concerning migratory birds signed by the
United States with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. These treaties
require that we preserve most U.S. species of birds, and prohibit
activities involving migratory birds, except as authorized by
regulation. Under the MBTA, it is unlawful to take, possess, import,
export, transport, sell, purchase, barter--or offer for sale, purchase,
or barter--migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs, except as
authorized by regulation. This information collection is associated
with our regulations that implement the MBTA. We collect information
concerning depredation actions taken to determine the number of take of
birds of each species each year and whether the control actions are
likely to affect the populations of those species.

Annual Report (FWS Form 3-2436)

Regulations at 50 CFR 21 establish depredation orders and impose
reporting and recordkeeping requirements. All persons or entities
acting under depredation orders must provide an annual report. The
capture and disposition of all non-target migratory birds, including
Endangered, Threatened, or Candidate species must be reported on the
Annual Report. In addition to the name, address, phone number, and
email address of each person or entity operating under the Order, we
collect the following information for each target and non-target
species taken:
Species taken,
Number of birds taken,
Months and years in which the birds were taken,
State(s) and county(ies) in which the birds were taken,
General purpose for which the birds were taken (such as
for protection of agriculture, human health and safety, property, or
natural resources), and
Disposition of non-target species (released, sent to
rehabilitation facilities, etc.).
We use the information to:
Identify the person or entity acting under depredation
orders;
Assess the impact to non-target migratory birds or other
species;
Ensure that agencies and individuals operate in accordance
with the terms, conditions, and purpose of the orders;
Inform us as to whether there are areas in which control
activities are concentrated and might be conducted more efficiently;
and
Help gauge the effectiveness of the following orders in
mitigating order-specific related damages:

[[Page 52629]]

Sec. 21.43--Depredation order for blackbirds, cowbirds, crows,
grackles, and magpies;
Sec. 21.44--Depredation order for horned larks, house finches, and
white-crowned sparrows in California;
Sec. 21.46--Depredation order for depredating California scrub
jays and Steller's jays in Washington and Oregon;
Sec. 21.49--Control order for resident Canada geese at airports
and military airfields;
Sec. 21.50--Depredation order for resident Canada geese nests and
eggs;
Sec. 21.51--Depredation order for resident Canada geese at
agricultural facilities;
Sec. 21.52--Public health control order for resident Canada geese;
Sec. 21.53--Control order for purple swamphens;
Sec. 21.54--Control Order for Muscovy ducks in the United States;
Sec. 21.55--Control order for invasive migratory birds in Hawaii;
Sec. 21.60--Conservation Order for light geese; and
Sec. 21.61--Population control of resident Canada geese.

Recordkeeping Requirements (50 CFR 13.48)

Persons and entities operating under these orders must keep
accurate records to complete Forms 3-436. The records of any taking
must be legibly written or reproducible in English and maintained for 5
years after the persons or entities have ceased the activity authorized
by this Order. Persons or entities who reside or are located in the
United States and persons or entities conducting commercial activities
in the United States who reside or are located outside the United
States must maintain records at a location in the United States where
the records are available for inspection.

Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species Take Report (50 CFR 21)

If attempts to trap any species under a depredation order injure a
bird of a non-target species that is federally listed as endangered or
threatened, or that is a candidate for listing, the bird must be
delivered to a rehabilitator and must be reported by phone or email to
the nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office or Special
Agent. Capture and disposition of all non-target migratory birds must
also be reported on the annual report.

Proposed Revisions

Title Change

To more accurately reflect the purpose of this collection, the
Service is proposing to change the title of this information collection
from ``Depredation Orders Under 50 CFR 21.43 and 21.46'' to
``Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR 21.''

Geese Requirements in 50 CFR Subparts D and E

In addition, we are proposing to merge information collection
requirements associated with the management of geese contained in 50
CFR subparts D and E into OMB Control Number 1018-0146. OMB previously
approved these information collection requirements under two OMB
control numbers:
1018-0103, ``Conservation Order for Light Geese, 50 CFR
21.60'' (exp. 03/31/2021), and
1018-0133, ``Control and Management of Resident Canada
Geese, 50 CFR 20.21, 21.49, 21.50, 21.51, 21.52 and 21.61'' (exp. 06/
30/2022).
We are not proposing any changes to the currently approved
requirements for either collection and are merely transferring the
requirements into 1018-0146. Upon receiving OMB approval of this
submission under 1018-0146, we will discontinue both 1018-0103 and
1018-0133 to avoid a duplication of burden.

FWS Form 3-2436 ``Depredation and Control Orders--Annual Reporting''

Previously, all persons or entities acting under depredation orders
provided information on the annual report via FWS Form 3-202-21-2143,
``Annual Report--Depredation Order for Blackbirds, Cowbirds, Grackles,
Magpies, and Crows'' or FWS Form 3-2500, ``Depredation Order for
Depredating Jays in Washington and Oregon.'' In February 2019, the
Service received OMB approval to pretest FWS Form 3-2436 under the
Department of the Interior ``Fast Track'' generic clearance process
(OMB Control Number 1090-0011). With this submission, in an effort to
streamline submissions and reduce public burden, the Service is
proposing to discontinue FWS Forms 3-202-21-2143 and 3-2500, and use
FWS Form 3-2436, ``Depredation and Control Orders--Annual Reporting''
as the sole annual reporting form.

ePermits

As part of this revision, we will also request OMB approval to
automate FWS Form 3-2436 in the Service's new ``ePermits'' initiative,
an automated system that will allow the agency to move towards a
streamlined permitting and reporting process to improve customer
experience and to reduce public burden. Public burden reduction is a
priority for the Service; the Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife,
and Parks; and senior leadership at the Department of the Interior.
This new system will enhance the user experience by allowing users to
enter data from any device that has internet access, including personal
computers (PCs), tablets, and smartphones.
Title of Collection: Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR
21.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0146.
Form Number: FWS Form 3-2436.
Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: State and Federal wildlife damage
management personnel, farmers, and individuals.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for take reports and annually
for annual reports.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $78,000.

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Number of Average time
Respondent Activity Annual number submissions Total annual per response Total annual
of respondents each responses (hours) burden hours *
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Annual Report--Depredation Order (Form 3-2436) 50 CFR Sec. 21
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 8 1 8 3 24
Recordkeeping............... 1 8
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 8 1 8 3 24
Recordkeeping............... 1 8
Government................................ Reporting................... 11 1 11 3 33
Recordkeeping............... 1 11
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[[Page 52630]]

(NEW) ePermits Annual Report--Depredation Order (Form 3-2436) 50 CFR Sec. 21
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 8 1 8 2.5 20
Recordkeeping............... 1 8
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 8 1 8 2.5 20
Recordkeeping............... 1 8
Government................................ Reporting................... 11 1 11 2.5 28
Recordkeeping............... 1 11
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Report Take--Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species 50 CFR Sec. 21.43, Sec. 21.49-21.55, and Sec. 21.61
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 1 1 1 .75 1
Recordkeeping............... .25 0
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 3 1 3 .75 2
Recordkeeping............... .25 1
Government................................ Reporting................... 3 1 3 .75 2
Recordkeeping............... .25 1
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Conservation Order for Control of Light Geese 50 CFR Sec. 21.60 (From 1018-0103)
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Government................................ Reporting................... 39 1 39 106 4,134
Recordkeeping............... 8 312
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Conservation Order Participants--Provide Information to States 50 CFR Sec. 21.60 (From 1018-0103)
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 21,538 1 21,538 .13333 2,872
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Annual Report--Airport Control Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.49 (From 1018-0133)
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Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 25 1 25 1 25
Recordkeeping............... .5 13
Government................................ Reporting................... 25 1 25 1 25
Recordkeeping............... .5 13
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Initial Registration--Nest & Egg Depredation Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.50 (From 1018-0133)
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 126 1 126 .5 63
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 674 1 674 .5 337
Government................................ Reporting................... 200 1 200 .5 100
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Renew Registration--Nest & Egg Depredation Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.50 (From 1018-0133)
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 374 1 374 0.25 94
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 2,026 1 2,026 0.25 507
Government................................ Reporting................... 600 1 600 0.25 150
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Annual Report--Nest & Egg Depredation Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.50 (From 1018-0133)
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Individuals............................... Reporting................... 500 1 500 .17 85
Recordkeeping............... .08 40
Private Sector............................ Reporting................... 2,700 1 2,700 .17 459
Recordkeeping............... .08 216
Government................................ Reporting................... 800 1 800 .17 136
Recordkeeping............... .08 64
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Recordkeeping--Agricultural Depredation Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.51 (From 1018-0103)
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Private Sector............................ Recordkeeping............... 600 1 600 0.5 300
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Annual Report--Agricultural Depredation Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.51 (From 1018-0133)
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Government................................ Reporting................... 20 1 20 7 140
Recordkeeping............... 1 20
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Annual Report--Public Health Order 50 CFR Sec. 21.52 (From 1018-0133)
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Government................................ Reporting................... 20 1 20 .75 15
Recordkeeping............... .25 5
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Annual Report and Recordkeeping--Population Control Approval Request 50 CFR Sec. 21.61 (From 1018-0133)
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Government................................ Reporting................... 3 1 3 12 36
Recordkeeping............... 12 36
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[[Page 52631]]

Population Control Approval Request (Population and Distribution Estimates) 50 CFR Sec. 21.61 (From 1018-0133)
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Government................................ Reporting................... 3 1 3 160 480
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Totals:............................... ............................ 30,334 .............. 30,334 .............. 10,887
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* Rounded to match ROCIS.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Dated: August 21, 2020.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-18726 Filed 8-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P