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. 

# Notices Federal Register 

### 53397

Vol. 76, No. 166

Friday, August 26, 2011

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Agricultural Research Service**

**Notice of Intent To Renew Information Collection** 

**AGENCY :**  Agricultural Research Service,
USDA.

**ACTION :**  Notice and Request for
Comment.

**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,


### 53398 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2011 / Notices

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**

**DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE**

**Economic Research Service**

**Notice of Intent To Request New Information Collection** 

**AGENCY :**  Economic Research Service,
USDA.

**ACTION :**  Notice and request for

comments.

**SUMMARY :**  In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to send comments regarding any aspect of this proposed information collection. This is a new collection for the Rural Establishment Innovation Survey.

**DATES :**  Written comments on this notice must be received on or before October 25, 2011 to be assured of consideration.

**ADDRESSES :**  Address all comments concerning this notice to Tim Wojan, Resource and Rural Economics Division, Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1800 M St., NW., Room N4110, Washington, DC 20036–5801. Comments may also be submitted via fax to the attention of Tim Wojan at 202–694–5756 or via e-mail to twojan@ers.usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to http:// www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically.

All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Economic Research Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 1800 M St., NW., Room N4110, Washington,
DC 20036–5801.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments and replies will be a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) 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; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  For further information contact Tim Wojan at the address in the preamble. Tel. 202–

694–5419.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 

Title: Rural Establishment Innovation Survey.

OMB Number: 0536–XXXX. Expiration Date: Three years from the date of approval.

Type of Request: New collection. Abstract: This survey of business establishments, funded through USDA’s Rural Development Mission Area, will be conducted over a 6-month period with up to 30,000 respondents to collect information on rural tradable business sectors such as manufacturing and professional services. This information will contribute to a better understanding of how rural businesses and their communities are dealing with the increasing competitive pressures and opportunities associated with the spread of new information technologies through our economy and the business and community characteristics associated with effective response to these pressures and opportunities. This information is critical to the Rural Development Mission Area’s aim of creating jobs, developing new markets and increasing competitiveness for rural businesses and communities.

The information to be collected by the Rural Establishment Innovation Survey is necessary to understand: (1) The adoption of innovative practices and their contribution to firm productivity; (2) the availability and use of local and regional assets (such as workforce education, local financial institutions, strong local business and other economic associations, and transportation infrastructure) and the association of these assets with successful adjustment; and (3) the extent and importance of participation in Federal, State and local programs designed to promote rural business vitality and growth. This need is made more urgent by increased international competition in goods and some service markets, particularly from low labor cost countries. The traditional cost advantage of domestic rural establishments has been significantly eroded by these developments, requiring emphasis on new products, new processes, new marketing channels and improved customer service. A thorough understanding of the viability of the rural business sector requires collecting information on the capability for innovation.

As the first collection of information devoted specifically to innovation in rural business establishments, the proposed survey will complement other Federal efforts in gauging innovative activity in the private sector. Information on formal research and development (R&D) activities is collected by the National Science Foundation using the Business R&D and Innovation Survey. While some of this formal research and development activity takes place in nonmetropolitan counties, it is anticipated that the great majority of rural innovation occurs less through the creation of new patentable products than through the adoption of new practices and niche marketing. The emphasis of the proposed collection will be on understanding the process of innovation in business establishments as opposed to measuring R&D inputs.

Another difference between this and other Federal surveys on innovative activity will be the focus on constraints to innovation stemming from nonmetropolitan locations. Information on the availability of skilled workers and the ability to recruit managers and professionals will inform possible human capital impediments to innovation. Information on access to credit needed for business formation and development will allow for assessing financing impediments to innovation. Information on the availability of broadband Internet service and how this capability affects business strategy will allow assessing infrastructure impediments to innovation. Information on interaction with suppliers, customers, competitors, business associations and other local institutions providing real services to the establishment will inform the importance of regional clusters to innovation.

The survey will collect data from about 30,000 business establishments in tradable sectors that will include mining, manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, finance and insurance, professional/scientific/technical services, arts, and management of businesses. Only businesses with 5 or more employees will be included in the sample. While the focus of the survey will be on establishments in nonmetropolitan counties,