[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 97 (Friday, May 17, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24915-24916]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12452]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service


Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for 
Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations, Management, 
Evaluation, and Research

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service announces its intent to request an extension of a 
currently approved information collection related to visitor use of 
recreational sites on National Forest System lands.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before July 16, 1996.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: H. Ken Cordell, 
Principal Investigator, Forest Service, USDA, Southern Research 
Station, 320 Green St., Athens, GA 30602.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
H. Ken Cordell, Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Assessment, at (706) 
546-2451.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Description of Information Collection

    The following describes the information collection to be extended:
    Title: Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations, 
Management, Evaluation, and Research.
    OMB Number: 0596-0110.
    Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 1996.
    Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The data collected is evaluated to ensure that the agency 
meets its Continuous Improvement Program and public service goals and 
management objectives. National Forest System land visitors are asked 
to respond to questions that include whether National Forest System 
land recreational sites are accessible to persons with disabilities, 
whether access roads are well maintained and adequate parking is 
available, if grounds and rest rooms are clean and drinking water is 
safe, and whether agency personnel are available to answer questions 
and offer assistance. Also, information is collected that reflects the 
economic impact National Forest System land recreational sites have on 
local and regional communities. There are seven general categories of 
information requests: a CUSTOMER on-site survey, four site-specific 
postage paid mail-in surveys, one expense related postage paid mail-in 
survey, and a CUSTOMER Report Card. Data gathered in this information 
collection is not available from other sources.

Customer On-Site Survey

    Abstract: The CUSTOMER On-Site Survey is a verbal survey 
administered by Forest Service personnel or Forest Service volunteers 
to visitors of recreational sites on National Forest System lands. 
Answers are filled in by the survey administrator. Data collected in 
the CUSTOMER On-Site survey include the location of the interview 
(e.g., roadside, picnic area, boat ramp, etc.), distance traveled to 
the site, duration of stay at the site, purpose of the visit, number of 
people included in the group, helpfulness of agency employees, 
availability of information about the area, and the opportunity to see 
and hear wildlife.
    Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.
    Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System 
lands recreational sites.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Postage Paid Mail-In Surveys

    Abstract: After the CUSTOMER On-Site Survey has been administered 
by Forest Service personnel or volunteers, visitors using recreational 
sites on National Forest System lands are asked to fill out a postage 
paid mail-in survey. Visitors are given only 1 of 4 different site-
specific mail-in surveys used in conjunction with the CUSTOMER On-Site 
Survey. Each survey focuses on a different aspect of the recreational 
site. For example, one survey includes questions about convenience of 
cooking grills, picnic tables, cleanliness of facilities, and adequacy 
of camp sites. Another survey includes questions about the helpfulness 
of agency employees, availability of maps for the area, and whether 
areas are clearly marked. A third survey includes questions about 
walking trails, condition of access roads and availability of parking, 
information about historic sites, or absence of human modifications to 
the visible landscape. The fourth site-specific survey asks questions 
relating to availability and condition of boat ramps and beaches, 
fishing, swimming or water-skiing opportunities, and whether the 
recreational sites are crowded.
    Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.
    Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System 
lands recreational sites.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Postage Paid Mail-In Expense Survey

    Abstract: Visitors at recreational sites on National Forest System 
lands are also given a postage paid mail-in survey related to their 
recreational expenses. They are asked to estimate the dollars they 
spent on recreational equipment and activities and whether the dollars 
were spent at or near the recreational site. The visitors are asked to 
return the survey by mail after completing it.
    Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.
    Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System 
lands recreational sites.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.

[[Page 24916]]

    Estimated number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Report Card

    Abstract: The CUSTOMER Report Card is an on-site survey made 
available to visitors at the recreational site. The purpose of the 
CUSTOMER Report Card is to gather data about the experiences visitors 
have on National Forest System land recreational sites, such as how 
satisfying the visit was and whether the recreational site met the 
visitor's needs. When completed, the surveys are placed in a box 
located at the recreational site for this purpose.
    Estimate of Burden: 5 minutes per response.
    Type of Respondents: 10,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 834 hours.
    The agency invites comments on the following: (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 respondents, including the use of 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.

Use of Comments

    All comments received in response to this notice will be summarized 
and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also 
become a matter of public record.

    Dated: May 13, 1996.
Jack Ward Thomas,
Chief.
[FR Doc. 96-12452 Filed 5-16-96; 8:45 am]
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