[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38524-38528]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-12602]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-HQ-MB-2023-N038; FF09M21200-234-FXMB1231099BPP0; OMB Control 
Number 1018-0022]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit 
Applications and Reports--Migratory Birds

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 
existing information collection, with revisions.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
July 13, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be submitted within 30 days of 
publication of this notice at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting 
``Currently under 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 (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803 (mail); or by email to [email protected]. Please reference ``1018-
0022'' in the subject line of your comments.

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 (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations in 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 5 CFR 1320, all information 
collections require approval under the PRA. We may not conduct or 
sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
    On May 17, 2022, we published in the Federal Register (87 FR 29872) 
a notice of our intent to request that OMB approve this information 
collection. In that notice, we solicited comments for 60 days, ending 
on July 18, 2022. In a continued effort to increase public awareness 
of, and participation in, our public commenting processes associated 
with information collection requests, the Service also published the 
Federal Register notice on Regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056) to provide the public with an additional method to submit 
comments (in addition to the typical [email protected] email and U.S. 
mail submission methods). We received the following comments in 
response to that notice:
    Comment 1: Electronic comment received May 17, 2022, via 
Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056-0002) from Jean Publiee.
    Agency Response to Comment 1: The commenter did not address the 
information collection requirements. No response is required.
    Comment 2: Anonymous electronic comment received July 18, 2022, via 
Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056-0003).
    Agency Response to Comment 2: The commenter did not address the 
information collection requirements. No response is required.
    Comment 3: Electronic comment received July 18, 2022 via 
Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056-0004) from Laura Bies, on behalf 
of the Ornithological Council. The commenter explained that their 
organization works with many individuals that must secure Migratory 
Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 
Given this, ensuring that the process of applying for, renewing, and 
amending MBTA permits is efficient and predictable is of the utmost 
concern to the commenter. They commented about slow response times on 
permit processing and helpdesk inquiries and encouraged the agency to 
continue working to reduce processing times, including hiring and 
training additional permit staff, as needed. In addition, they urged 
the agency to move forward quickly with digitization of section E in 
the ePermits system. They also expressed that while the official policy 
allows permittees to continue their work without their renewal in hand 
if they submit a renewal request 30 days or more before permit 
expiration, they will feel more confident if they have written evidence 
of this from the agency. Another concern of the commenter was regarding 
internal USFWS guidance that resulted in regional permit offices 
requiring that MBTA permits for import/export list each individual 
shipment in detail.
    Agency Response to Comment 3: We shared these comments with the 
permits and ePermits teams who are already working to address many of 
the commenter's concerns. Between a recent influx of funding to improve 
the ePermits system and a push to hire more

[[Page 38525]]

staff, we expect that wait times for permits and responses will 
continue to decrease significantly over the next few years. Regarding 
the comment about the written evidence of the authorization to continue 
activities if submitting the request 30 days or more before your permit 
expires, we are sending that language out with the automatic renewal 
notice generated by the ePermits system (sent 60 days before your 
permit expiration date). If the permittee wishes to print this out and 
keep it with their permit, along with evidence of their renewal 
submission date (e.g., a screenshot of the permittee's dashboard 
showing they submitted their renewal application during the 30-day 
window), this should be sufficient to demonstrate the permittee's 
authority to continue their activities legally, should that come into 
question.
    Comments regarding the import/export permits were referred to the 
Service's International Affairs (IA) program for a response in the 
Supporting Statement for their collection, since those comments pertain 
to an IA permit and process. A copy of the International Affairs 
program response to that concern is as follows:
    ``We are pleased to see that the commenter is in support of our 
ePermits system with the acknowledgement that we continue to build and 
improve the system. We continue to work to improve our responsiveness 
to our customers' questions. For Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA; 16 
U.S.C. 4901-4916) permits, the Service's position is that this 
exemption is only allowed for those specimens that are accessioned into 
a museum or scientific institution's collection. Specimens that are 
subject to collection under a researcher's activities and are not 
accessioned into an institution's collection would not be eligible for 
this exemption and the researcher should apply for the necessary import 
permits.
    Migratory birds require authorization to import and export under 
the MBTA; bald and golden eagles require authorization to import and 
export under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA; 16 U.S.C. 
668 et seq). Some of those migratory birds are listed under the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora (CITES) and by association, the WBCA. Museums or scientific 
institutions that hold a Certificate for Scientific Exchange (COSE) may 
continue to use this certificate for activities that involve specimens 
that are accessioned into a museum or scientific institution's 
collection as they always have done. This certificate authorizes 
activities under the WBCA as well. As conditioned on this certificate, 
activities under the MBTA and BGEPA are not authorized and require 
separate permits exclusive from the CITES/WBCA portion of their 
activities. Those permits are issued by the Regional Directors through 
the Migratory Bird Permit Offices. The COSE certificate only requires 
that the institution's assigned code and the foreign institution's 
assigned code must appear on the Customs Declaration label over the 
name of the sending official. Specimens that are subject to collection 
under a researcher's activities and are not accessioned into an 
institution's collection would not be able to use the COSE and the 
researcher should apply for the necessary import or export permits 
under CITEs and the WBCA.
    For CITES permit endorsements, Resolution Conf. 12.3 (Rev CoP19) 
provides that ``export permits and re-export certificates be endorsed, 
with quantity, signature, and stamp, by an inspecting official, such as 
Customs, in the export endorsement block of the document. If the export 
document has not been endorsed at the time of export, the Management 
Authority of the importing country should liaise with the exporting 
country's Management Authority, considering any extenuating 
circumstances or documents, to determine the acceptability of the 
document''. As this is a regulatory requirement and recommendation 
under a CITES resolution, the commenter has continued to experience 
barriers to obtaining the required endorsements; consequently, they 
submitted a petition requesting we eliminate this requirement from our 
regulations. These regulations are currently being updated at this time 
and may address the Ornithological Society's concerns. For application 
Form 3-200-47, based on our discussion above, this change would 
preclude researchers that obtain dead specimens that are not 
accessioned into a museum or scientific institution no means of 
applying for a permit. Therefore, we will not make this change.''
    On October 28, 2022, we published in the Federal Register (87 FR 
65233) a notice to extend the comment period for this renewal. In that 
notice, we solicited comments for an additional 60 days, ending on 
December 27, 2022. In a continued effort to increase public awareness 
of, and participation in, our public commenting processes associated 
with information collection requests, the Service also published the 
Federal Register notice on Regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056) to provide the public with an additional method to submit 
comments (in addition to the typical [email protected] email and U.S. 
mail submission methods). We received the following comments in 
response to that notice:
    Comment 4: Electronic comment received October 29, 2022, via 
Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056-0006) from Jean Publiee. The 
commenter did not address the information collection requirements.
    Agency Response to Comment 4: The commenter did not address the 
information collection requirements. No response is required.
    Comment 5: Anonymous electronic comment received December 26, 2022, 
via Regulations.gov (FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056-0007). The commenter did not 
address the information collection requirements.
    Agency Response to Comment 5: The commenter did not address the 
information collection requirements. No response is required.
    As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent 
burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies 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.
    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. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone 
number, email address, or other personal

[[Page 38526]]

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 8; 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 
intent of the ePermits system is to 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.
    Users of the ePermits system register for and use an account which 
will then automatically populate the forms they complete with the 
required identification information. The system eliminates the need for 
applicants to enter their information multiple times when they apply 
for separate 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.
    Section E of each permit application is customized based on the 
permit type.
    At this time, the ePermits system is unable to fully automate 
section E of the permit application process. 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. However, we 
anticipate beginning the digitization of the report forms contained in 
this collection during 2023 and believe that the digitization of 
section E on application forms should be finalized by fiscal year 2024, 
as funding and resources become available.
    We do not anticipate changes to the questions within section E of 
each application form. We also do not plan to make changes to the 
annual report forms contained in this collection. However, we do 
anticipate proposing the following changes to certain permit 
application forms contained in this collection, to include:
     Applicants will be able to select the type of business 
they manage (for-profit,

[[Page 38527]]

small business, farm, not-for-profit, or government entity).
     Requesting businesses using ePermits 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 application.
     The ePermits system will also:

--Allow a user 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 and 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 applicant to identify if they are tax exempt.
--Prompt the applicant to provide their preferred contact method.
--Prompt the applicant to describe changes associated with amendments 
or renewals (with changes) of their permit.
--Prompt the applicant 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.

    Falconry Program--We propose to modify FWS Form 3-186A to update 
the field ``USFWS Band Number'' to say ``USFWS/State/Tribe/Territory 
band number'' and to update the field ''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 (``Overview of Migratory Bird Permitting'') and 724 FW 2 
(``Migratory Bird Permits''), all of which contain information 
collections. The Handbook provides detailed procedures and other 
operational information to implement the Service Manual chapters in 
part 724 (``Migratory Bird Permits'') and more generally in part 720 
(``Migratory Bird Management'').
    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).
    Information Collection Requirements for Double Crested Cormorants--
With this submission, we are proposing to merge the currently approved 
information collections from OMB Cont. No. 1018-0175, ``Federal Fish 
and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--Special Double-Crested 
Cormorants; 50 CFR 21'' (exp. 01/31/2024), into this collection. We 
will discontinue 1018-0175 upon OMB approval of this submission. The 
following information collection requirements are being transferred:

FWS Form 3-200-90, Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit Application 
(and Amendments, as Appropriate)

    This new permit would be 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 would authorize 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 Endangered Species Act 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 FWS Form 3-200-90, ``Federal Fish and Wildlife 
Permit Application Form--Special Double-Crested Cormorant,'' to the 
appropriate Regional Director, containing the general information and 
certification required by 50 CFR 13.12(a). All Service permit 
applications are in the 3-200 series of forms, each tailored to a 
specific activity based on the regulatory requirements for specific 
types of permits. Sections A through D on the applications are the same 
for all permit types. These sections collect standard identifier 
information, such as the name and address, telephone and fax numbers, 
tax identification number, and email address for the applicant. 
Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, ``General information requirements on 
applications for permits,'' require submission of this information. 
Standardizing general information common to the application forms makes 
filing of applications easier for the public as well as expedites our 
review of applications. We use this information to establish a permit 
record that is unique to the applicant. These annual permits, managed 
by calendar year, allow for alignment with permit 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 locations and types 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 implemented or will implement, and 
how these 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;

[[Page 38528]]

    (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 the 
applicant's 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, we will require the permittee submit Form 3-202-56, 
``Annual Report--Special Double-Crested Cormorant,'' 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. 
The Service will require an annual report by the State or Tribe prior 
to any permit renewal. We will collect the following information via 
Form 3-202-56 to ensure 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 birds 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.
    Designation of Subpermittees--States and Tribes may designate 
subpermittees who must operate under the conditions of the permit. 
Subpermittees must be at least 18 years of age and can be employees of 
State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture-Wildlife Services employees, and employees of other 
Federal, State, or Tribal agencies or private companies licensed to 
conduct wildlife damage abatement. The permittee must provide the 
Service with the name of any subpermittees who will be conducting 
activities under their 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 (new), and 3-202-56 (new).
    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, and Tribal 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: $639,715 (primarily 
associated with application processing fees in OMB Control No. 1018-
0022).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Average number  Average number                               Estimated
            OMB control No.                of annual       of annual     Average completion time   annual burden
                                          respondents      responses          per response             hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1018-0022.............................          30,578          56,058  Varies from 15 minutes           404,463
                                                                         to 260 hours.
1018-0175.............................             700             700  Varies from 1 minute to            4,563
                                                                         17 hours.
                                       --------------------------------                          ---------------
    Totals............................          31,278          56,758  ........................         409,026
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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. 2023-12602 Filed 6-12-23; 8:45 am]
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