[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 195 (Tuesday, October 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81417-81424]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23216]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Information Collection; Special Use Administration

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency) is requesting comment on 
reapproval and proposed revisions of an approved information collection 
request (ICR), 0596-0082, Special Use Administration.

DATES: Comments on reapproval and the proposed revisions of the ICR 
must be received in writing by December 9, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent to Director, Lands, Minerals, and 
Geology staff, 201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250-1124, or may be 
submitted to https://www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted in 
response to this notice will be available to the public through the 
relevant website and upon request. Therefore, do not include 
confidential information, such as sensitive personal or proprietary 
information. Email addresses associated with comments will be included 
as part of the comment that is made publicly available online.
    The public may inspect the supporting documents for the ICR and 
comments received at the Office of the Director, Lands, Minerals, and 
Geology staff, 1st Floor Southeast, Sidney R. Yates Federal Building, 
201 14th Street SW, Washington, DC, on business days between 8:30 a.m. 
and 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 202-205-0444 to 
facilitate entry into the building. The public may request an 
electronic copy of the supporting documents via return email. Requests 
should be emailed to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0e7d6320687d205d5b5168617c637d4e7b7d6a6f20696178"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="80f3edaee6f3aed3d5dfe6eff2edf3c0f5f3e4e1aee7eff6">[email protected]</span></a>. The ICR, including the 
proposed revisions, is posted at https://usfs-public.box.com/s/bd84lkk0sxeenfoiq9f00eef2wbh8q6t.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sadie Wehunt, National Assistant 
Recreation Special Uses Program Manager, Recreation, Heritage, and 
Volunteer Resources staff, at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e39082878a86cd94868b968d97a396908782cd848c95"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="463527222f236831232e332832063335222768212930">[email protected]</span></a> or 406-249-7894 or 
Nick Szuch, Communications

[[Page 81418]]

Use Specialist, Lands, Minerals, and Geology staff, at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b1dfd8d2d9deddd0c29fc2cbc4d2d9f1c4c2d5d09fd6dec7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="8ae4e3e9e2e5e6ebf9a4f9f0ffe9e2cafff9eeeba4ede5fc">[email protected]</span></a> or 970-589-5231. Individuals who use 
telecommunication devices for the hearing-impaired may call 711 to 
reach the Telecommunications Relay Service, 24 hours a day, every day 
of the year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Special Uses Administration.
    OMB Number: 0596-0082.
    Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2024.
    Type of Request: Reapproval and proposed revisions of an approved 
ICR.
    Abstract: The Forest Service manages approximately 193 million 
acres of Federal lands, known as National Forest System (NFS) lands. 
Several statutes authorize the Forest Service to issue and administer 
special use authorizations for use and occupancy of NFS lands and to 
collect information from the public for those purposes, including but 
not limited to the Organic Administration Act of 1897 (16 U.S.C. 551); 
Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, 
43 U.S.C. 1761-1772); Term Permit Act of March 4, 1915 (16 U.S.C. 497); 
National Forest Ski Area Permit Act (16 U.S.C. 497b); section 28 of the 
Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 185); National Forest Roads and Trails 
Act (FRTA, 16 U.S.C. 532-538); section 7 of the Granger-Thye Act (16 
U.S.C. 480d); Act of May 26, 2000 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6d); Federal Lands 
Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814); Archaeological 
Resources Protection Act of October 31, 1979 (16 U.S.C. 1996); and 
section 111 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 
306121). Forest Service regulations implementing these authorities at 
36 CFR part 251, subpart B, require collection of information, 
including submission of special use applications, execution of special 
use authorization forms, and imposition of terms that require 
submission of information. Uses authorized on NFS lands include a 
variety of activities, facilities, and improvements such as recreation 
residences, apiaries, domestic water supply conveyance systems, road 
rights-of-way, powerline facilities, communications uses, outfitting 
and guiding, campground concessions, resorts, ski areas, and marinas. 
Special use authorization forms are used to authorize these activities, 
facilities, and improvements on NFS lands.
    Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, require 
each special use authorization to contain terms that will carry out the 
purposes of applicable statutes and their implementing regulations; 
minimize damage to scenic and aesthetic values, fish and wildlife 
habitat, and otherwise protect the environment; require compliance with 
applicable air and water quality standards; and require compliance with 
State standards that are more stringent than Federal standards for 
public safety, environmental protection, and siting, construction, 
operation, and maintenance (36 CFR 251.56(a)(1)(i)). In addition, 
Forest Service regulations require each special use authorization to 
contain terms deemed necessary by the Agency to protect Federal 
property and economic interests; efficiently manage the authorized NFS 
lands and adjacent NFS lands; protect other lawful users of the 
authorized NFS lands and adjacent NFS lands; protect lives and 
property; protect the interests of those living in the vicinity of the 
authorized use who rely on the fish, wildlife, and other biotic 
resources of the area for subsistence; require siting to cause the 
least environmental damage, taking into consideration feasibility and 
other relevant factors; and otherwise protect the public interest (36 
CFR 251.56(a)(1)(ii)).
    The Forest Service uses the forms and clauses in this ICR to ensure 
that uses of NFS lands are administered in accordance with applicable 
statutes, regulations, and Agency directives. The information collected 
is used to evaluate applications for special uses, monitor compliance 
with special use authorizations, generate bills for collection of land 
use fees for special use authorizations, create reports for the 
Agency's Special Uses Program, and other matters pertaining to 
administration of special use authorizations.
    There are six categories of information collected by this ICR:
    (1) Information required from applicants to evaluate special use 
applications and issue special use authorizations;
    (2) Information required from holders to administer their special 
use authorization;
    (3) Annual financial information required from holders to determine 
annual land use fees for their special use authorization;
    (4) Information required from holders to prepare and update the 
operating plan for their special use authorization;
    (5) Information required from holders to prepare and update a road 
maintenance plan; and
    (6) Information required from holders to complete compliance 
reports and informational updates.
    The six categories cover the entire ICR, including special use 
application and special use authorization forms; cost recovery 
agreements; prospectus forms; reporting forms; supplemental special use 
authorization clauses in Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, chapter 50; 
and information collected other than through use of a form. These six 
categories demonstrate the complexity of the Special Uses Program and 
the importance of the ICR in administration of the program.

Category 1: The Special Use Application Process

    FS-2700-3a, Request for Revocation of a Special Use Authorization, 
is used to facilitate issuance of a new special use authorization when 
there is a change in ownership of authorized improvements or a change 
in control of the holder of a special use authorization.
    FS-2700-3b, Special Use Permit for Noncommercial Group Use, 
provides information used to evaluate requests to use NFS lands for 
noncommercial gatherings involving 75 or more people, such as a wedding 
or an activity involving the exercise of First Amendment rights, and to 
authorize such requests.
    FS-2700-3c, Special Use Application and Permit for Recreation 
Events, is used to collect information needed to evaluate requests to 
use NFS lands for events involving an entry or participation fee, such 
as an endurance ride, and to authorize such requests.
    FS-2700-3f, Special Use Application and Temporary Permit for 
Outfitting and Guiding, is the form used by the Forest Service to 
collect information and to issue temporary permits to use NFS lands for 
outfitting and guiding.
    FS-2700-10, Technical Data Sheet for Communications Uses, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information on and to 
evaluate the compatibility of communications equipment at a 
communications site to minimize frequency interference and other 
compatibility problems.
    FS-2700-11, Agreement Concerning a Small Business Administration 
Loan for a Holder of a Special Use Permit, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information and to enter into an agreement 
with a holder, a lender, and the U.S. Small Business Administration 
regarding a loan guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
    FS-2700-12, Agreement Concerning a Loan for a Holder of a Special 
Use Authorization, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information and to enter into an agreement with a holder and a lender 
regarding a loan not guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.

[[Page 81419]]

    FS-2700-30, Application for Permit for Archaeological 
Investigations, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information and to evaluate the technical capability and qualifications 
of an applicant to conduct archaeological investigations on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-33, Insurance Endorsement for a Special Use Authorization, 
is the form used by the Forest Service to collect information and to 
name the United States as an additional insured in an insurance policy 
issued to the holder of a special use authorization.
    FS-2700-34, Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye 
Concessions, is the form used by the Forest Service to select the most 
qualified applicant to operate a campground concession through a 
competitive process.
    Prospectuses for other types of uses are developed when there is 
competitive interest to select the most qualified applicant to operate 
other types of concessions.
    FS-2700-40, Assumption of Risk, Waiver of Liability, and Indemnity 
Agreement for Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Missions, is the form 
used by the Forest Service to collect information and to provide for 
assumption of risk, waiver of claims against the United States, and 
indemnification of the United States during good Samaritan search and 
rescue activities.
    FS-6500-24, Financial Statement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information on and to evaluate the financial 
capability of an applicant to undertake the proposed use and to comply 
with the terms of the special use authorization for the proposed use. 
This form is used primarily for applications to operate ski areas, 
resorts, and federally owned campgrounds on NFS lands.
    FS-6500-25, Request for Verification, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to (1) obtain information from a financial institution 
to verify the financial capability of an applicant to undertake the 
proposed use; and (2) comply with the terms of the special use 
authorization for the proposed use. This form is used primarily for 
applications to operate ski areas, resorts, and federally owned 
campgrounds on NFS lands.

Category 2: Special Use Authorizations and Clauses in Directives

    FS-2700-4, Special Use Permit, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to authorize a variety of uses 
on NFS lands not covered by another special use authorization form.
    FS-2700-4b, Forest Road Special Use Permit, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize under FLPMA 
the construction and use of an NFS road, typically to access private 
property within a national forest for commercial purposes such as 
timber hauling or noncommercial purposes such as residential use.
    FS-2700-4c, Private Road Special Use Permit, is the form used by 
the Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize under 
FLPMA the construction and use of a road that is not part of the forest 
transportation system to access nonFederal land, a mining claim, a 
mineral leasing area, or other uses of NFS lands.
    FS-2700-4d, Special Use Permit for a Temporary Road Covered by a 
Cost Share Agreement, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to authorize under FLPMA the construction, 
maintenance, and use of a temporary road on NFS lands covered by a cost 
share agreement to access private property within a national forest for 
commercial purposes, such as timber harvesting.
    FS-2700-4h, Special Use Permit for Campground and Related Granger-
Thye Concessions, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to authorize the operation and maintenance of a 
federally owned campground and related federally owned developed 
recreation sites on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-4h, Appendix C, Special Use Permit for Campground and 
Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement, is 
the form used by the Forest Service to collect information regarding 
the Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, and improvement 
to be performed to offset the annual land use fee for a Campground and 
Related Granger-Thye Concessions Special Use Permit.
    FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Special Use Permit for Campground and 
Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Operation of Federally Owned Drinking 
Water Systems, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information in connection with a campground concessioner's operation of 
a federally owned drinking water system.
    FS-2700-4h, Appendix H, Special Use Permit for Campground and 
Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Claim, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information regarding claims 
for allowable costs for Government maintenance, reconditioning, 
renovation, and improvement for purposes of offsetting the annual land 
use fee for a Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions Special 
Use Permit.
    FS-2700-4i, Special Use Permit for Outfitting and Guiding, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize the use and occupancy of NFS lands to conduct outfitting and 
guiding.
    FS-2700-4i, Appendix H, Special Use Permit for Outfitting and 
Guiding, Annual Stewardship Act Fee Offset Agreement, is the form used 
by the Forest Service to collect information regarding the 
construction, improvement, or maintenance of NFS trails, trailheads, or 
developed sites to be performed to offset the annual land use fee for a 
Special Use Permit for Outfitting and Guiding.
    FS-2700-4i, Appendix I, Special Use Permit for Outfitting and 
Guiding, Annual Stewardship Act Fee Offset claim, is the form used by 
the Forest Service to collect information regarding claims for 
allowable costs for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of 
NFS trails, trailheads, or developed sites to be performed to offset 
the annual land use fee for a Special Use Permit for Outfitting and 
Guiding.
    FS-2700-4j, Powerline Facility Permit for nonFederal Entities, is 
the form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize the use and occupancy of NFS lands by a nonFederal entity 
that owns and operates an electric transmission line and associated 
facilities.
    FS-2700-4m, Special Use Permit for Archaeological Investigations, 
is the form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and 
to authorize an archaeological investigation.
    FS-2700-4 Shawnee, Special Use Permit for Equestrian Outfitting in 
the Shawnee National Forest, is the form used by the Forest Service to 
collect information for and to authorize equestrian outfitting and 
guiding in the Shawnee National Forest.
    FS-2700-5, Term Special Use Permit, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to authorize long-term use of 
NFS lands involving a privately owned facility.
    FS-2700-5a, Term Special Use Permit for Recreation Residences, is 
the form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize a privately owned recreation residence on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-5a Grand Island, Term Special Use Permit for Recreation 
Residences, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for

[[Page 81420]]

and to authorize a privately owned recreation residence in the Grand 
Island Recreation Area.
    FS-2700-5b, Ski Area Term Special Use Permit, is the form used by 
the Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize a ski 
area on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-5c, Resort and Marina Term Special Use Permit, is the form 
used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize 
a resort and marina on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-5d, Special Use Permit, Resort Supplement for Outfitting 
and Guiding, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to authorize outfitting and guiding in connection 
with a commercial public service site on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-9a, Agricultural Irrigation and Livestock Watering System 
Easement, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect information 
for and to grant an easement for an agricultural irrigation or a 
livestock watering system on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-9d, Cost Share Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to authorize under FRTA the 
acquisition, construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use of an 
NFS road that is subject to a cost share agreement. The parties to the 
cost share agreement grant each other easements within the geographic 
area covered by the agreement. A cost share easement is for an NFS road 
and is subject to the cost sharing provisions of the agreement.
    FS-2700-9e, Non-Cost Share Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to authorize under FRTA the 
construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use of a private road 
under a cost share agreement. The parties to the cost share agreement 
grant each other easements within the geographic area covered by the 
agreement. A non-cost share easement is for a private road (rather than 
an NFS road) and is not subject to the cost sharing provisions of the 
agreement.
    FS-2700-9f, Public Road Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to grant an easement under FRTA 
to a public road authority, such as a State or county, to construct and 
maintain a public road that is not part of the Federal Aid Highway 
System.
    FS-2700-9g, Forest Road Easement, is the form is used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to grant an easement under FRTA 
to a party to a cost share agreement or to another nonFederal landowner 
who is cooperating in the acquisition, construction, or maintenance of 
an NFS road. The easement is for acquisition, construction or 
reconstruction, maintenance, and use of an NFS road that is outside the 
scope of a cost share agreement. At the time the easement is granted, 
the grantor and the grantee share the costs of acquisition, 
construction, and reconstruction. After the easement is granted, the 
grantor and the grantee share only the cost of maintenance.
    FS-2700-9h, Private Road Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to grant an easement under FRTA 
to a party to a cost share agreement or to another nonFederal landowner 
who is cooperating in the acquisition, construction, or maintenance of 
an NFS road. The easement is for construction or reconstruction, 
maintenance, and use of a private road that is outside the boundaries 
of a cost share agreement. Since the easement is for a private rather 
than an NFS road, the costs of constructing, reconstructing, and 
maintaining the road are borne by the grantee.
    FS-2700-9i, Forest Road Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to grant an easement under FLPMA 
for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use of an NFS road 
when the grantee is not a party to a cost share agreement for the 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance of an NFS road or when the 
grantee does not meet the requirements for issuance of a forest road 
easement under FRTA.
    FS-2700-9j, Private Road Easement, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to grant an easement under FLPMA 
for construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and use of a private 
road when the grantee is not a party to a cost share agreement for the 
acquisition, construction, and maintenance of an NFS road or when the 
grantee does not meet the requirements for issuance of a private road 
easement under FRTA.
    FS-2700-10b, Communications Use Lease, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize a 
communications use on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-13, Historic Property Lease, is the form used by the Forest 
Service to collect information for and to authorize leasing of an 
historic property under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service.
    FS-2700-14, Lease for Forest Service Administrative Sites, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize leasing of a Forest Service administrative site under the 
Forest Service Facility Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005 or 
section 8623 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm 
Bill).
    FS-2700-14a, Prospectus for Leasing Administrative Sites, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information and to solicit 
applications for a Forest Service administrative site lease under 
section 8623 of the 2018 Farm Bill or the Forest Service Facility 
Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005.
    FS-2700-14b, Lease for Forest Service Administrative Sites, 
Appendix B, In-Kind Consideration Agreement, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information for and to agree to in-kind 
consideration for a Forest Service administrative site lease issued 
under section 8623 of the 2018 Farm Bill.
    FS-2700-14c, Lease for Forest Service Administrative Sites, 
Appendix C, Claim for In-Kind Consideration Costs, is the form used by 
the Forest Service to collect information for and to approve costs 
claimed as in-kind consideration for a Forest Service administrative 
site lease issued under section 8623 of the 2018 Farm Bill.
    FS-2700-23, Amendment of a Special Use Authorization, is the form 
used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to amend a 
special use authorization.
    FS-2700-25, Temporary Special Use Permit, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information for and to authorize use and 
occupancy of 1 year or less on NFS lands.
    FS-2700-26, Category 6 Major Category Cost Recovery Agreement, is 
the form used by the Forest Service to collect information and cost 
recovery fees for a special use application or authorization involving 
over 50 hours to process or monitor.
    FS-2700-26b, Category 5 Cost Recovery Master Agreement, is the form 
used by the Forest Service to collect information and cost recovery 
fees for a special use application or authorization involving multiple 
phases of development or a group of applications or similar 
applications for a specified geographic area.
    FS-2700-27, Notice to Alaska Native Corporations Regarding Upcoming 
Prospectus for Visitor Services, is the form used by the Forest Service 
to collect information for and to provide notice to Alaska Native 
Corporations of the issuance of a prospectus to conduct visitor 
services in Conservation System Units in Alaska. Notification provides 
the Alaska Native Corporations a chance to request designation as a 
most directly

[[Page 81421]]

affected Native Corporation for purposes of competing for the 
opportunity to conduct visitor services.
    FS-2700-31, Powerline Facility Easement, is the form used by the 
Forest Service to collect information for and to grant an easement 
under FLPMA for a powerline facility to a nonFederal entity.
    Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 50, is the directive 
that contains standard clauses that have been approved for use in 
special use authorizations.

Category 3: Financial Information

    FS-2700-7, Annual Gross Revenue for Purposes of Annual Land Use Fee 
Calculation, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to determine annual land use fees based on annual 
gross revenue.
    FS-2700-8, Annual Gross Fixed Assets for Purposes of Annual Land 
Use Fee Calculation, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to determine annual land use fees based on the 
holder's gross fixed assets.
    FS-2700-10a, Facility Owner and Occupant Inventory of 
Communications Uses, is the form used by the Forest Service to collect 
information for and to determine the annual land use fees for a 
communications facility based on the communications uses in or on the 
communications facility.
    FS-2700-19, Annual Land Use Fee Calculation for Concession Permits, 
is the form used by the Forest to collect information for and to 
determine the annual land use fee for commercial recreation special use 
permits under the Graduated Rate Fee System.
    FS-2700-19a, Annual Land Use Fee Calculation for Ski Area Permits, 
is the form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and 
to determine the annual land use fee for ski area permits under the 
National Forest Ski Area Permit Fee Act.
    FS-2700-38, Documentation of Eligibility for Financing by the Rural 
Utilities Service Under the Rural Electrification Act, is the form used 
by the Forest Service to collect information and for the Rural 
Utilities Service to determine eligibility for an exemption from a land 
use fee under the Rural Electrification Act.
    Information is collected by the Forest Service from holders of a 
special use authorization for other purposes in connection with 
administration of their special use authorization. The Forest Service 
collects information from holders of a special use authorization 
regarding various business practices, such as accounting or other 
financial records, typically under the terms of their authorization.

Category 4: Preparing and Updating Operating Plans

    Special use authorizations may contain a clause requiring the 
holder to prepare and update an operating plan governing day-to-day 
operations of the authorized use. The information collected in 
preparing and updating operating plans is used in specifying the 
procedures and policies for conducting the authorized use. Typically, 
operating plans contain daily operating guidelines, fire abatement and 
control procedures, monitoring guidelines, maintenance standards, 
safety and emergency plans, and inspection standards. Operating plans 
are usually necessary for complex operations, commercial uses, and uses 
conducted in environmentally sensitive areas.

Category 5: Preparing and Updating Maintenance Plans

    A permit or easement issued under FLPMA or FRTA may require the 
holder or grantee to submit and update a road maintenance plan or 
information necessary for the preparation of a road maintenance plan. A 
road maintenance plan governs the responsibility of the holder or 
grantee to perform or pay for the holder's or grantee's share of 
maintenance costs for an NFS road.

Category 6: Compliance Reports and Information Updates

    FS-2700-1, Monitoring Report for Special Uses, is the form used by 
the Forest Service to collect information for and to document 
compliance of an authorized use with the governing special use 
authorization.
    FS-2700-6b, Recreation Residence Self-Inspection Report, is the 
form used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
review and record any modifications made to a recreation residence.
    Compliance Reports and Information Updates. Special use 
authorizations may contain a clause requiring the holder to provide the 
Forest Service with compliance reports, other types of reports, and 
other information that is required by Federal law or that is required 
to ensure adequate protection of NFS resources or to address public 
health and safety concerns. Examples of compliance and information 
updates include dam maintenance inspection reports and logs required by 
the Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978 and the National Dam Safety 
Program Act; documentation that authorized facilities passed safety 
inspections; documentation showing that the United States is included 
as an additional insured in an endorsement to an insurance policy 
issued to a holder; notifications involving a change in ownership of 
authorized improvements or a change in control of the holder; and 
documentation of compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 2 burden hours per response.
    Types of Respondents: Individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, 
and Federal and non-Federal governmental entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 80,684.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 77,653 hours.
    Comment is requested on: (1) whether the ICR is necessary for the 
stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the 
Agency, including whether the information will have practical or 
scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the 
burden of the ICR, 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) ways to minimize the burden 
of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    In conjunction with reapproval of the ICR, the Forest Service is 
requesting comment on substantive revisions to the ICR. In particular, 
the Forest Service is requesting comment on 3 proposed new special use 
authorization forms and proposed updates of the following 34 special 
use authorization forms. The Forest Service is not requesting comment 
on any other provisions in these 34 special use authorization forms, 
which are not proposed for revision:

FS-2700-3c
FS-2700-3f
FS-2700-4
FS-2700-4b
FS-2700-4c
FS-2700-4d
FS-2700-4h
FS-2700-4h, Appendix C
FS-2700-4h, Appendix H
FS-2700-4i
FS-2700-4i, Appendix H
FS-2700-4i, Appendix I
FS-2700-4j
FS-2700-4 Shawnee
FS-2700-5
FS-2700-5a
FS-2700-5a Grand Island
FS-2700-5b
FS-2700-5c

[[Page 81422]]

FS-2700-9a
FS-2700-9d
FS-2700-9e
FS-2700-9f
FS-2700-9g
FS-2700-9h
FS- 2700-9i
FS-2700-9j
FS-2700-10b
FS-2700-10c
FS-2700-13
FS-2700-14
FS-2700-14b
FS-2700-25
FS-2700-31

    The following describes the 3 proposed new special use 
authorization forms and the proposed revision or addition of standard 
clauses in the 34 special use authorization forms.

Proposed New Special Use Authorization Forms

    The Forest Service is requesting public comment on 3 proposed new 
special use authorization forms: FS-2700-10d, Communications Use Permit 
for Use and Occupancy of Structures Under the Jurisdiction of the 
Forest Service; FS-2700-4o, Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility Permit; and 
FS-2700-31a, Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility Easement.

FS-2700-10d, Proposed Communications Use Permit for Use and Occupancy 
of Structures Under the Jurisdiction of the Forest Service

    Section 7 of the Granger-Thye Act authorizes the Forest Service to 
issue permits to public or private entities or individuals for the use 
and occupancy of Federally owned structures and other improvements 
under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service and their underlying land. 
This proposed new form would standardize authorization of 
communications uses in or on communications facilities or improvements 
under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service consistent with section 7 
of the Granger-Thye Act and the Agency's implementing regulations and 
directives, thereby enhancing efficiency, consistency, and legal and 
programmatic sufficiency. Currently FS-2700-4, Special Use Permit, 
which is generic, is used for this purpose, and clauses must be added 
as directed in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50. Use of this proposed new form 
would not increase the burden, but rather would shift some of the 
burden associated with use of FS-2700-4 to use of this proposed new 
form.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 2 burden hours per response.
    Type of Respondents: Individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, 
and Federal and nonFederal governmental entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 18 respondents.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 36 hours.
    Comment is requested on (1) whether the collection of information 
associated with the proposed new form is necessary for the stated 
purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical or scientific 
utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
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) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including 
the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

FS-2700-4o, Proposed Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility Permit

    The proposed new form, FS-2700-4o, Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility 
Permit, would standardize issuance of permits for oil and gas pipelines 
and related infrastructure on NFS lands under the Mineral Leasing Act. 
This proposed new form would enhance efficiency, consistency, and legal 
and programmatic sufficiency in authorization of oil and gas 
infrastructure on NFS lands, consistent with the governing statute and 
the Agency's implementing regulations and directives. Currently FS-
2700-4, Special Use Permit, which is generic, is used for this purpose, 
and clauses must be added as directed in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50. Use 
of this proposed new form would not increase the burden, but rather 
would shift some of the burden associated with use of FS-2700-4 to use 
of this proposed new form.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 2 burden hours per response.
    Type of Respondents: Individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, 
and Federal and nonFederal governmental entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 20 respondents.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 40 hours.
    Comment is requested on (1) whether the collection of information 
associated with the proposed new form is necessary for the stated 
purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical or scientific 
utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
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) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including 
the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

FS-2700-31a, Proposed Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility Easement

    The proposed new form, FS-2700-31a, Oil or Gas Pipeline Facility 
Easement, would standardize issuance of easements for oil and gas 
pipelines and related infrastructure on NFS lands under the Mineral 
Leasing Act. This proposed new form would enhance efficiency, 
consistency, and legal and programmatic sufficiency in authorizing oil 
and gas infrastructure on NFS lands, consistent with the governing 
statute and the Agency's implementing regulations and directives. 
Currently FS-2700-4, Special Use Permit, which is generic, is used for 
this purpose, and clauses must be added as directed in FSH 2709.11, 
Chapter 50. Use of this proposed new form would not increase the 
burden, but rather would shift some of the burden associated with use 
of FS-2700-4 to use of this proposed new form.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 2 burden hours per response.
    Type of Respondents: Individuals, businesses, non-profit entities, 
and non-Federal governmental entities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 8 respondents.
    Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 16 hours.
    Comment is requested on (1) whether the collection of information 
associated with the proposed new form is necessary for the stated 
purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, 
including whether the information will have practical or scientific 
utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
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) ways to minimize 
the burden of the

[[Page 81423]]

collection of information on respondents, including the use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

Proposed Revision or Addition of Standard Clauses in Special Use 
Authorization Forms

    The Forest Service is proposing to remove the requirement in FS-
2700-5a, Term Special Use Permit for Recreation Residences, and FS-
2700-5a Grand Island, Term Special Use Permit for Recreation Residences 
in the Grand Island National Recreation Area, to use the authorized 
recreation residence at least 15 days per year. The Forest Service does 
not believe it is necessary or appropriate to require minimum use and 
occupancy of a private, noncommercial recreation residence.
    The Forest Service is also proposing to remove the requirement to 
enter into a Granger-Thye Act fee offset agreement in FS-2700-4h, 
Special Use Permit for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, 
and clause A-20 in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 52.1, and replace 
it with language giving the authorized officer discretion to enter into 
a Granger-Thye Act fee offset agreement.

Required Standard Clauses

    The Forest Service is including clause D-4, the standard Federal 
Survey Monuments, Corners, and Boundary Markers clause; clause X-17, 
the standard Archaeological and Paleontological Discoveries clause; 
clause X-33, the standard Relocation clause; and the standard Native 
American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act clause in special use 
authorization forms that lack those standard clauses. Per FSH 2709.11, 
Chapter 50, these clauses are mandatory in some special use 
authorizations for uses that involve ground disturbance or 
improvements. Adding these clauses to special use authorization forms 
for uses that require the clauses will enhance efficiency, consistency, 
and legal and programmatic sufficiency, consistent with applicable 
directives.
    These 4 standard clauses are being added to the following special 
use authorization forms:

FS-2700-4
FS-2700-4b
FS-2700-4c
FS-2700-4j
FS-2700-4k
FS-2700-5
FS-2700-5a
FS-2700-5a Grand Island
FS-2700-5b
FS-2700-5c
FS-2700-9a
FS-2700-9d
FS-2700-9e
FS-2700-9f
FS-2700-9g
FS-2700-9h
FS-2700-9i
FS-2700-9j
FS-2700-10b
FS-2700-10c
FS-2700-13
FS-2700-14
FS-2700-31

Nonsubstantive Revisions That Do Not Require Public Notice and Comment

Required Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, and Davis-Bacon Act Clauses

    The Forest Service is including the minimum wage and paid sick 
leave clauses in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 52.3, clauses C-5 and 
C-6, in the following 15 special use authorization forms, consistent 
with Executive Orders 14026 and 13706 and their implementing 
regulations. The minimum wage and paid sick leave clauses are being 
added to the following special use authorization forms:

FS-2700-3c
FS-2700-3f
FS-2700-4
FS-2700-4h
FS-2700-4i
FS-2700-4j
FS-2700-4 Shawnee
FS-2700-5
FS-2700-5b
FS-2700-5c
FS-2700-10b
FS-2700-13
FS-2700-14
FS-2700-25
FS-2700-31

    The Forest Service is also adding the Davis-Bacon Act, minimum 
wage, and paid sick leave clause in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 
52.3, clause C-4, to FS-2700-4h, Appendix C; FS-2700-4i, Appendix H; 
and FS-2700-14b, consistent with the Davis-Bacon Act and Executive 
Orders 14026 and 13706 and their implementing regulations.

Lack of Authority To Include Indirect Costs for Subcontract Costs

    The Forest Service is revising FS-2700-4h, Appendix H, Granger-Thye 
Fee Offset Claim, to clarify that while subcontract costs may be 
included in direct costs for purposes of offsetting the annual land use 
fee under section 7 of the Granger-Thye Act, indirect costs may not be 
included for subcontract costs for purposes of the offset per FAR 
52.251-23 unless certain criteria are met, as determined by the Forest 
Service.

Inclusion of Dam Safety Clauses in FS-2700-5b, Term Special Use Permit 
for Ski Areas

    The Forest Service is adding the Dam Safety clauses, clauses B-36 
and B-37, as clause III.T of FS-2700-5b, Ski Area Term Special Use 
Permit. Per FSH 2709.11, Chapter 50, section 52.2, one of these 
clauses, as applicable, must be included in a special use authorization 
that authorizes a dam. Ski areas often have impoundments in the permit 
area for purposes of snowmaking. Including the clauses in FS-2700-5b 
will enhance efficiency, consistency, and legal and programmatic 
sufficiency, consistent with applicable Agency directives.
    Although inclusion of the applicable dam safety clause is required 
in any special use authorization that authorizes a dam, the Forest 
Service believes that the applicable dam safety clause has not 
generally been included in FS-2700-5b when a dam is authorized at a ski 
area. Therefore, the Forest Service is accepting comment on inclusion 
of the dam safety clauses in FS-2700-5b.

Removal of Forms

    The Forest Service is removing the following forms from the ICR. 
These forms are either included in a different ICR or are no longer 
needed for administration of the Special Uses Program.
    The following forms are being removed from the ICR because they 
have been approved for use under a separate ICR, OMB 0596-0081:
    FS-2800-22A, Application for Authorization for Paleontological 
Resources Research or Collection, which is used by the Forest Service 
to collect information for and to evaluate an application for 
paleontological resources research or collection.
    FS-2800-22B, Authorization to Conduct Paleontological Resources 
Research or Collection, which is used by the Forest Service to 
collection information for and to establish stipulations for the 
performance of authorized activities related to paleontological 
resources research or collection.
    FS-2800-22C, Paleontological Investigation Report Form, which is 
used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to complete a 
paleontological investigation report.
    FS-2800-22D, Paleontological Specimen Data Form, which is used by 
the Forest Service to collect information regarding paleontological 
specimens.
    The following special use authorization forms are being removed 
from the ICR because they are no longer needed:

[[Page 81424]]

    Stanislaus FS-2300-1A, Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Permit, which 
is used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize temporary use of the Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River. This use 
is administered under the Forest Service's National Recreation Fee 
Program via the Recreation.gov website.
    Stanislaus FS-2300-1B, Cherry Creek Self-Registration Permit, which 
is used by the Forest Service to collect information for and to 
authorize temporary use of the Cherry Creek River. This use is 
administered under the Forest Service's National Recreation Fee Program 
via the Recreation.gov website.
    FS-2300-3e, Special Use Application and Permit for Government-Owned 
Buildings, which is used by the Forest Service to collect information 
for and to authorize noncommercial use of Federally owned facilities on 
NFS lands. This use is administered under the Forest Service's National 
Recreation Fee Program via the Recreation.gov website.
    FS-2700-4h, Appendix F, Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water 
Systems, duplicates FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Special Use Permit for 
Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Operation of Federally 
Owned Drinking Water Systems.
    Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and 
Certification, is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form, and per IRS 
guidance, this form is exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act.
    Forest Service Manual 2720 and FSH 2709.11, Chapters 10, 40, 50, 
and 90, will be revised as needed to conform with the revisions to the 
ICR.
    All comments received in response to this notice, including names 
and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. 
Comments will be summarized and included in the package submitted to 
the Office of Management and Budget for reapproval of the ICR as 
revised.

    Dated: October 1, 2024.
Jacqueline Emanuel,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2024-23216 Filed 10-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P


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