[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]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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