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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53397-53398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21847]

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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2011 / 
Notices

[[Page 53397]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service

Notice of Intent To Renew Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and Request for Comment.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) seeks comments on the intent of the 
United States National Arboretum (USNA) to renew an information 
collection that expires December 31, 2011. The information collection 
serves as a means to collect fees for certain uses of the facilities 
and grounds, and for programs and services. This includes fees for use 
of the grounds and facilities, as well as for commercial photography 
and cinematography. Fees generated will be used to defray USNA expenses 
or to promote the missions of the USNA.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by October 25, 2011 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     E-mail: colien.hefferan@ars.usda.gov.
     Fax: 202-245-4514.
     Mail: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, Beltsville Area, 
Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, 
DC 20002.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Director, U.S. National Arboretum, 
Beltsville Area, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, 
NE., Washington, DC 20002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Use of Grounds and Facilities as well as Commercial 
Photography and Cinematography.
    OMB Number: 0518-0032.
    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 446-acre facility, open to the general public for purposes of 
education and passive recreation. The USNA receives approximately 
550,000 visitors on the ground each year. Many garden clubs and 
societies utilize the USNA grounds to showcase their activities. The 
USNA is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors 
in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.
    Section 890(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform 
Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127 (20 U.S.C. 196), 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 reasonable fees for temporary use by individuals 
or groups of USNA facilities and grounds for any purpose consistent 
with the mission of the USNA. The Secretary also has the authority to 
charge reasonable fees for tram tours and for the use of the USNA for 
commercial photography and cinematography. All rules and regulations 
noted in 7 CFR 500, subpart 2A, will apply to individuals or groups 
granted approval to use the facilities and grounds. In order to 
administer the use of the USNA facilities and to determine if the 
requested use is 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 the purpose the 
USNA facilities are to be used. Applications are available in hard copy 
format as well as electronic format on the USNA Web site http://www.usna.usda.gov. Completed permit requests are received in person, by 
mail, and by facsimile.
    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

    Estimated Number of Responses: The USNA estimates 420 requests for 
the use of facilities and 25 requests for photography and 
cinematography. For each request, an e-mail is forwarded to the curator 
asking permission to use the facility. Once confirmation is received 
from the curator a reservation is placed on the calendar. A letter is 
written to the requestor confirming the use of the facility. There are 
times when a form is returned to the requestor and/or a follow-up 
telephone conversation may be necessary to request additional 
information. Each request takes approximately 30 minutes to process.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for 
responding is approximately $5,146 for 222.5 hours of time at $23 per 
hour.
    Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of 
obtaining and submitting the permit requests in person, by mail, and by 
facsimile, the application for photography and cinematography is 
available on the USNA Web site: http://www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilities/photographyapp.pdf. The application for the use of 
facilities will be available on the Web site by the end of the calendar 
year. Completed permit requests can be submitted in person or by mail 
to the Administrative Office, USDA, ARS, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 
New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002. Permit requests can also be 
faxed to 202-447-2811.
    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 
collection of information, 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 
the collection on those who are to respond, including through the use 
of appropriate automated,

[[Page 53398]]

electronic, mechanical, or other technical collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.

    Dated: August 8, 2011.
Edward Knipling,
Administrator, ARS.
[FR Doc. 2011-21847 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-03-P
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