[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 208 (Friday, October 28, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65233-65237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-23491]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056; FF09M21200-223-FXMB1231099BPP0; OMB 
Control Number 1018-0022]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and 
Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--Migratory Birds

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of information collection; revision of proposed changes; 
comment period reopening.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, on May 17, 
2022, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice 
announcing that we are proposing to renew an existing information 
collection with revisions. The notice opened a public comment period, 
which closed on July 18, 2022. Because we have additional proposed 
changes, we are now republishing the notice and reopening the comment 
period.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
December 27, 2022.

ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the information collection request 
(ICR) by one of the following methods (please reference OMB Control 
Number ``1018-0022'' in the subject line of your comment):
     Internet (preferred): https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056.
     Email: [email protected].
     U.S. mail: Service Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at [email protected], or by 
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are 
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay 
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay 
services offered within their country to make international calls to 
the point-of-contact in the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995 (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing 
regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 5 CFR 1320, 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 May 17, 2022, we published a notice announcing that we are 
proposing to renew an existing information collection with revisions 
(87 FR 29872). The notice opened a public comment period, which closed 
on July 18, 2022. Because we have additional proposed changes, we are 
now republishing the notice in full and reopening the comment period. 
Our final determination will take into consideration all written 
comments and any additional information we receive during both comment 
periods.
    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 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

[[Page 65234]]

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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's regional migratory 
bird permit offices use information that we collect on permit 
applications to determine the eligibility of applicants for permits 
requested in accordance with the criteria in various Federal wildlife 
conservation laws and international treaties, including:
    (1) Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.).
    (2) Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.).
    (3) Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.).
    Service regulations implementing these statutes and treaties are in 
chapter I, subchapter B of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), parts 10, 13, 20, and 21. These regulations stipulate general 
and specific requirements that, when met, allow us to issue permits to 
authorize activities that are otherwise prohibited.
    Generally, with the exception of forms 3-186 and 3-186a, all 
Service migratory bird permit application and report forms are in the 
3-200 and 3-202 series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity 
based on the requirements for specific types of permits. We collect 
standard identifier information for all permits. The information that 
we collect on applications and reports is the minimum necessary for us 
to determine if the applicant meets/continues to meet issuance 
requirements for the particular activity.
    In accordance with Federal regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, we collect 
standard identifier information for all permit applications, such as:
     Applicant's full name and address (street address, city, 
county, State, and zip code; and mailing address if different from 
street address); home and work telephone numbers; and a fax number and 
email address (if available), and

--If the applicant resides or is located outside the United States, an 
address in the United States, and, if the applicant is applying for 
permission to conduct commercial activities, the name and address of 
his or her agent that is located in the United States; and
--If the applicant is an individual, the date of birth, occupation, and 
any business, agency, organizational, or institutional affiliation 
associated with the wildlife or plants to be covered by the license or 
permit; or
--If the applicant is a business, corporation, public agency, or 
institution, the tax identification number; description of the business 
type, corporation, agency, or institution; and the name and title of 
the person responsible for the permit (such as president, principal 
officer, or director);

     Location where the requested permitted activity is to 
occur or be conducted;
     Certification containing the following language:

--``I hereby certify that I have read and am familiar with the 
regulations contained in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal 
Regulations and the other applicable parts in subchapter B of chapter I 
of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and I further certify that 
the information submitted in this application for a permit is complete 
and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that 
any false statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation 
of this permit and to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001.''

     Requested effective date of permit (except where issuance 
date is fixed by the part under which the permit is issued);
     Current date;
     Signature of the applicant;
     Such other information as the Director determines relevant 
to the processing of the application, including but not limited to

--Information on the environmental effects of the activity consistent 
with 40 CFR 1506.5 and Departmental procedures at 516 DM 6, appendix 
1.3A; and
--Additional information required on applications for other types of 
permits may be found by referring to table 1 to paragraph (b) in 50 CFR 
13.12.

    Standardization of general information common to the application 
forms makes the filing of applications easier for the public, as well 
as expediting our review of applications. The information that we 
collect on applications and reports is the minimum necessary for us to 
determine whether the applicant meets/continues to meet issuance 
requirements for the particular activity.

Proposed Revisions to This Information Collection

    With this submission, we are proposing the following revisions to 
the existing information collection:

Revisions to Section E in Permit Applications

    In 2020, the Service implemented a new automated permit application 
called ePermits. The ePermits system allowed the Service to move 
towards a streamlined permitting process to reduce the information 
collection burden on the public, particularly small businesses. Public 
burden reduction is a priority for the Service; the Assistant Secretary 
for Fish and Wildlife and Parks; and senior leadership at the 
Department of the Interior. The ePermits system will fully automate the 
permitting process to improve the customer experience and to reduce 
time burden on respondents. This system enhances the user experience by 
allowing users to enter data from any device that has internet access, 
including personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. It also links 
the permit applicant to the Pay.gov system for payment of the 
associated permit application fee.
    A user of the ePermits system registers for and uses an account 
which will then automatically populate the forms they complete with the 
required identification information. The system eliminates the need for 
the applicant to enter their information multiple times when they apply 
for multiple permits, thereby reducing burden on the applicant. The 
account registration process will also provide private sector users an 
opportunity to self-identify as a small business, which will enable the 
Service to more accurately report burden associated with information 
collection requirements placed on them.

[[Page 65235]]

    At this time, the ePermits system is unable to fully automate 
Section E of the permit application process. Section E of each permit 
application is customized based on the permit type. We anticipate being 
able to begin digitizing Section E on our forms in calendar year 2022. 
As a result of challenges with the development of forms within the 
ePermits system, we do not have a timeline for full automation of 
Section E. We anticipate beginning the digitization of the report forms 
contained in this collection by 2023 and believe the digitization of 
Section E on application forms should be finalized by fiscal year 2024, 
as funding and resources become available.
    We propose the following changes to certain permit application 
forms contained in this collection via the ePermits system, to include 
the following:
     Applicants will be able to select the type of business 
they manage (for-profit, small business, farm, not-for-profit, or 
government entity).
     Requesting businesses using ePermits will be asked to 
provide email addresses for both the principal officer and the 
business.
     The signature block will be replaced by with electronic 
submission of the online applications.
    The updates to the ePermits system will also:
     Allow users to apply on behalf of another individual or 
business as a new way to identify if a consultant is applying for a 
client.
     Ask for the name of the authorized individual to include 
on the permit.
     Allow a business to nickname their applications.
     Ask the applicant to identify the location where the 
majority of the authorized activities will occur.
     Ask the applicant to identify the physical address of the 
preparer of application.
     Ask the applicants to identify if they are tax exempt.
     Prompt applicants to provide their preferred contact 
method.
     Prompt the applicant to describe changes associated with 
amendments or renewals (with changes) of their permit.
     Prompt applicants to opt in or out of releasing their 
information for all applications except migratory bird rehabilitation 
permits (businesses are automatically opted in).
     Prompt the applicant to provide a parent permit number, 
which allows the ePermits System to direct the user to the correct 
version of their permit for renewals or amendments to a permit.
    In addition to the ePermits changes listed above, we propose the 
below listed changes to the questions within Section E of four 
application forms in this collection:

3-200-10b: Migratory Bird Rehabilitation

     Question 1:

--Update the species group list to a previous version of this list that 
better aligns with the terminology the Service uses to group species: 
eagles, raptors, songbirds, seabirds, waterbirds, waterfowl.
--Add levels of care to the species request (restricted, limited, and 
unlimited).

     General:

--Clarify that the permit will authorize species groups (eagles, 
raptors, songbirds, seabirds, waterbirds, waterfowl) and level of care 
(restricted, limited, and unlimited), and that the questions must be 
answered sufficiently to make determinations for each of the species/
care levels requested.
--Add clarifying language for subpermittees, in particular, falconers. 
as subpermittees.

3-200-7: Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting

     Add a question regarding whether institutional animal care 
and use committee (IACUC) approval is required. If Yes, provide your 
approval or copy of your application.

3-200-8: Migratory Bird Taxidermy

     Add a yes/no check box to indicate whether there are any 
subpermittees.
     Rephrase question 4 to clarify subpermittee names.

3-200-13: Migratory Bird Depredation

     Question 8:

--Modify the questions to clarify that this applies if you are applying 
on behalf of an airport. Request the dates of the Hazard Management 
Plan (WHMP) or Bird Air Strike Hazard (BASH) plan; request the FAA and 
USDA-WS review dates of the plan; and state that the applicant may be 
required to submit a copy of the plan(s).

     General: Add a new question as follows: Is the applicant 
operating under an existing NEPA document? If yes, include the title of 
document, status (draft/final), and date(s) published. The applicant 
may be required to submit a copy of the document.
    In addition to the form-specific updates listed above, we propose 
to update Section E on all of the application forms to indicate which 
questions are required for renewal.
    We also propose the following changes to the below listed report 
forms in this collection:

3-202-9: Migratory Bird Depredation

     In the reporting table header, the following changes are 
being proposed:

--Remove the words ``(required)'' from the header ``County.''
--Update ``Month Taken'' to ``Date''.
--Update ``Birds Relocated'' to ``Birds Captured''.
--Add directions for reporting birds captured to be consistent with the 
2004 Policy Memo.

3-202-17: USFWS Bird and Bat Injury and Mortality Reporting System 
(Excel Sheet) and the Injury and Mortality Reporting System

    The Service is revising Form 3-202-17 as a result of a close review 
and enhancement of the Injury and Mortality Reporting (IMR) system, 
which bases the information it collects on the fields and information 
collected in Form 3-202-17. The changes are expected to result in an 
overall burden reduction to the public and an overall improved user 
experience as a result of the net reduction in fields and the 
streamlining and update of both the Excel form and IMR user interface. 
Creation of a project record prior to logging injury/mortality records 
will now be optional, which should reduce the burden for some users.
    We propose the following changes to the form and system, including 
fields being removed, overall system improvements, and field additions:
     Removal of 26 fields from the form:

--Primary Contact Name (required).
--Primary Contact Title (required).
--Event Observed? (required).
--Other Species or Species Type (required if other two species options 
weren't populated).
--FWS Project Consultation Number.
--How Aged.
--Other Aging Method.
--Nearby Features.
--Other How Identified.
--Other Location Accuracy.
--Probable Cause.
--Probable Cause Details.
--Suspected Cause.
--Suspected Cause Details.
--Other Disposition.
--Wing Chord.
--Hallux.
--Culmen.
--Tarsus.
--Footpad.
--Weather Conditions.
--Temperature.
--Wind Speed.
--Barometric Pressure.

[[Page 65236]]

--Humidity.
--Wind Direction.

     System modifications to streamlining actions and added 
efficiency for IMR system users:

--More intuitive user interface--The new IMR interface will be more 
user-friendly and instructive.
--Improved bulk record uploading capabilities--The IMR bulk upload 
graphic user interface will be simplified to reflect the changes taking 
place on the IMR form. The bulk upload process itself will also be made 
more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly.
--Improvements to ability of users to give others access to records--
Users will be able share records with other IMR users, as they 
currently do. However, a new ``view-only'' role will be added so that 
users can allow individuals to see their records, but not modify them.
--Consolidation of ID fields--USGS Band Number, FWS Toe Tag ID, Local 
Specimen Number, and Has Telemetry Tag? fields will be consolidated 
into one field that allows users to ``Add an ID Type'', which will 
allow users to associate multiple ID types and information about those 
ID types (e.g., the ID number) with a single record.
--Ability to take certain actions on multiple records (e.g., bulk 
associate records with a particular project or permit). This new 
feature will enable this functionality and make managing records and 
information much easier and more efficient for users.
--Ability to bulk upload documents--Currently, IMR users cannot bulk 
upload documents. This feature will be a time saver for users that have 
a large number of documents they would like to associate with a project 
or record.
     Adding 14 fields to the form:

--Project Location (conditionally required)--This field will be added 
to the Project record form and only required if a user chooses to 
create a Project record with which to associate their injury/mortality 
records.
--Record Type (required)--Users will indicate whether the record is 
associated with an Injury, Mortality, Nest Removal, or Nest Relocation. 
The answer to this question will refine the subsequent form questions 
so the user answers only the questions relevant to the selection made.
--Reporting an Eagle Record? (required)--If the answer is ``Yes'', the 
user workflow is simplified to be eagle-specific.
--Number of Nests (required)--This field will be revealed only if Nest 
Removal or Nest Relocation is chosen for ``Record Type'' field.
--Species Known? (required)--If the answer is ``No'', the user workflow 
is simplified to only allow species categories rather than individual 
species names.
--Company--If new contacts are added, users will have the option of 
specifying the company with which they are associated.
--Species Notes.
--Date Relocated or Removed--This field is revealed only if ``Nest 
Removal'' or ``Nest Relocation'' is chosen for the ``Record Type'' 
field.
--Possible Cause.
--Possible Cause Details.
--In Search Plot?
--Hazard Azimuth.
--Hazard Distance.
--Nearest Turbine ID.

Falconry Program

    We propose to modify Form 3-186A to update the field ``USFWS Band 
Number'' to say ``USFWS/State/Tribe/Territory band number'' and ''USFWS 
Permit Number'' to say ``USFWS/State/Tribe/Territory permit number.''

Migratory Bird Permit Program Service Manual Chapters

    With this submission, we will seek OMB approval of the Migratory 
Bird Permit Program Handbook (Handbook) and associated Service Manual 
chapters at 724 FW 1 (``Migratory Bird Permits'') and 724 FW 2 
(``Migratory Bird Management''), all of which contain references to 
information collections. The Handbook provides detailed procedures and 
other operational information to implement the Service Manual chapters 
in part 724 and more generally in part 720.
    New and existing information collections contained in the Handbook 
requiring OMB approval include the following:
     Renewal procedures associated with the reauthorization of 
an existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);
     Reinstatement procedures associated with the 
reauthorization of an existing permit (with or without changes to the 
conditions);
     Discontinuance procedures at the permittee's request to 
discontinue a valid permit;
     Solicitation of appropriate documentation from entities 
authorized to act on behalf of State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
government agencies to verify their exempt status for fee-exemption 
purposes;
     Fee waiver request process as outlined in 50 CFR 
13.11(d)(3)(iii);
     Requests for reconsideration of a denial, partial denial, 
suspension, or revocation of a permit (requiring submission of a 
written request with the required information in 50 CFR 13.29(b) within 
45 days after the permit decision); and
     Appeals of reconsideration request decisions (requiring 
the permittee submit a written request to the Regional Director (see 50 
CFR 13.29(e)) within 45 days of the reconsideration decision).

Consolidation of Information Collections Contained in OMB Control No. 
1018-0175, ``Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and 
Reports--Special Double-Crested Cormorants; 50 CFR 21'' Into OMB 
Control No. 1018-0022

    With this submission, we will request OMB approval to consolidate 
the following information collections currently approved under OMB 
Control No. 1018-0175 (expires 1/31/2024, viewable at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewICR?ref_nbr=202010-1018-003) into 
information collection 1018-0022:
     FWS Form 3-200-90, Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit 
Application (and amendments, as appropriate)--This permit is available 
only to State or Tribal fish and wildlife agencies responsible for 
migratory bird management on lands and in waters managed by those 
agencies within their jurisdictions. Under this permit, the Service 
authorizes State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies to conduct 
lethal take to reduce conflicts involving depredation at State- and 
Tribal-owned or operated aquaculture facilities (including hatcheries); 
impacts to health and human safety; impacts to threatened and 
endangered species (as listed under the ESA and listed species 
identified in State- or Tribal-specific legislation as threatened or 
endangered) or those listed as species of greatest conservation need in 
State wildlife action plans; damage to State- or Tribal-owned property 
and assets; and depredations of wild and publicly stocked fish managed 
by State fish and wildlife agencies or federally recognized Tribes and 
accessible to the public or all Tribal members. Take activities to 
prevent depredation on aquatic species of greatest conservation need 
may occur only in natural or public waters.
    Any State or Tribal fish and wildlife agency wishing to obtain a 
permit must submit to the appropriate Regional Director Form 3-200-90, 
containing the general information and certification required by 50 CFR 
13.12(a). These annual permits, managed by calendar year, allow for 
alignment with permit

[[Page 65237]]

processing cycles and the need to evaluate allocation at the beginning 
of a calendar year. Section E of each application collects information 
specific to the activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as 
information concerning:
    (1) A brief description of the State's or Tribe's double-crested 
cormorant conflicts, including physical location(s) and type of 
conflict;
    (2) A detailed description of the nonlethal methods (i.e., active 
hazing, passive hazing, habitat management, and changes in management 
practices) that the applicant has and/or will implement, and how 
activities will address one or more of the issues;
    (3) The requested annual take of double-crested cormorants by life-
stage, including eggs and nests;
    (4) A description of long-term plans to eliminate or significantly 
reduce continued need to take double-crested cormorants;
    (5) A statement indicating that the State or Tribe will inform and 
brief all employees and subpermittees of the requirements of these 
regulations and permit conditions;
    (6) A list of all subpermittees who may conduct activities under 
the special double-crested cormorant permit, including their names, 
addresses, and telephone numbers; and
    (7) The name and telephone number of the individual in your agency 
who will oversee the double-crested cormorant management activities 
authorized under the permit.
     FWS Form 3-202-56, Annual Report--Special Double-Crested 
Cormorant--In conjunction with issuance of the special double-crested 
cormorant permit, the Service requires that the permittee submit Form 
3-202-56 detailing activities, including the date, numbers, and 
locations and life stages of birds, eggs, and nests taken and nonlethal 
techniques utilized, by January 31 for activities conducted during the 
preceding calendar year. We collect the following information via Form 
3-202-56 to ensure that the applicant remains in compliance with the 
terms of their permit:
    (1) Permittee contact information, permit number, permit calendar 
year, and permit report due date;
    (2) Description of non-lethal techniques utilized;
    (3) Month and location of activity;
    (4) Purpose;
    (5) Numbers of birds killed, nests oiled, and/or nests destroyed;
    (6) Final Disposition (what they did with the birds, eggs, 
carcasses [e.g., buried; incinerated; euthanized and donated]); and
    (7) Take of non-target bird species, including numbers of birds.
     Recordkeeping--Any State or Tribal agency, when exercising 
the privileges of this permit, must keep records of all activities, 
including those of subpermittees, carried out under the authority of 
the special permit.
     Landowner Notifications--If a State or Tribe must enter 
private property to access State and Tribal lands or waters where take 
is approved in their permit, the State or Tribe must obtain 
authorization from the private property owner.
    The public may request copies of any form or document contained in 
this information collection by sending a request to the Service 
Information Collection Clearance Officer in ADDRESSES, above.
    Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications 
and Reports--Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, and 21.
    OMB Control Number: 1018-0022.
    Form Numbers: FWS Forms 3-186, 3-186A, 3-200-6 through 3-200-9, 3-
200-10a through 3-200-10c, 3-200-10e, 3-200-10f, 3-200-12 through 3-
200-13, 3-200-67, 3-200-79, 3-200-81, 3-202-1 through 3-202-10, 3-202-
12, 3-202-17, 3-200-90, and 3-202-56.
    Type of Review: Revision of an existing information collection.
    Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals; private sector (including 
zoological parks, museums, universities, scientists, taxidermists, 
businesses, and utilities); and State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
governments.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
    Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or 
on occasion for reports.
    Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $491,050 (primarily 
associated with application processing fees in OMB Control No. 1018-
0022).

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                                            Average         Average
                                          number  of      number  of     Average completion time     Estimated
            OMB control No.                 annual          annual            per response         annual burden
                                          respondents      responses                                   hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1018-0022.............................          27,980          53,510  Varies from 15 minutes           394,967
                                                                         to 260 hours.
1018-0175.............................             711             711  Varies from 1 minute to            4,598
                                                                         17 hours.
                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Totals............................          28,691          54,221  ........................         399,565
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.).

Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-23491 Filed 10-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P