[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 18, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51492-51493]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-13347]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Research Service
Notice of Intent To Renew Information Collection
AGENCY: National Arboretum, Agricultural Research Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comment.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks comments on
the U.S. National Arboretum's (USNA) intent to renew an information
collection that expires December 31, 2024. The information collection
serves to collect fees for certain uses of the facilities, grounds,
programs, and services. This includes fees for educational programs and
workshops, and for use of the grounds and facilities for commercial
photography and cinematography. Fees will be used to promote the
mission and defray expenses of the USNA.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by August 31, 2024, to
be assured of consideration.
ADDRESSES:
Email: [email protected].
Mail: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, Northeast Area,
Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC
20002
Hand Delivery/Courier: Director, U.S. National Arboretum,
Northeast 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 451-acre facility open to the public for purposes of education and
passive recreation. The USNA is a national center for public education
and research that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and aesthetically
pleasing environment. The USNA receives more than 700,000 visitors on
the grounds each year. Many garden clubs and societies utilize the USNA
grounds to showcase their activities.
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 the use of the USNA for
commercial photography and cinematography. All rules and regulations
noted in 7 CFR part 500, subpart 2A, will apply to individuals or
groups granted approval to use USNA facilities and grounds. In order to
administer the use of the USNA facilities and to determine if the
requested use are 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.
[[Page 51493]]
Applications are available in electronic format (PDF fillable) on the
USNA website https://www.usna.usda.gov/. Completed permit requests are
received in person or electronically.
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: 850 hours.
Estimated Number of Responses: The USNA estimates 200 requests for
the use of facilities, 150 for photography and cinematography, and 500
for educational programs and workshops on an annual basis.
Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for
responding is $6,445.13 for 212.5 hours of time at $30.33 per hour.
Obtaining Permit Requests: The PDF fillable application for the use
of facilities is available on the USNA website and can be submitted
electronically to USNA: https://www.usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/USNA_Facilities_Use_Form.pdf.
The application for photography and cinematography is available on
the USNA website and can be submitted electronically: https://usna.usda.gov/assets/images/as_pdf_image/Photography-Videography_Application_March_2023.pdf.
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
information collection, 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.
Nora Lapitan,
Acting Associate Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2024-13347 Filed 6-17-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P