Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2005/09/23/05-18991/national-arboretum
Timestamp: 2015-07-05 06:06:27
Document Index: 786220169

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 500', 'art 500', 'art 500', '§ 500', 'art 500', '§ 500', '§ 500', '§ 500', '§ 500']

A Rule by the Agricultural Research Service on
Dates: This rule is effective October 24, 2005.
70 FR 55706
-55711 (6 pages)
0518-AA02
Document Number: 05-18991
Shorter URL: https://federalregister.gov/a/05-18991 Related Topics
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the rules of conduct at the United States National Arboretum (USNA) and the schedule of fees to be charged for certain uses of the facilities, grounds, and services at the USNA.
Subpart A—Conduct on U.S. National Arboreturm Property
Subpart B—Fee Schedule for Certain Uses of National Arboretum Facilities and Grounds
This rule is effective October 24, 2005.
Address all correspondence to Thomas S. Elias, Director, U.S. National Arboretum, BeltsvilleArea, Agricultural Research Service, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002.
Section 890(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Pub. L. 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 included the ability to charge fees for temporary use by individuals or groups of USNA facilities and grounds consistent with the mission of the USNA. In addition, authority was granted to charge fees for the use of the USNA for photography and cinematography. Pursuant to the Act, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) promulgated a fee schedule for the USNA at 7 CFR part 500, subpart B. All rules and regulations noted in 7 CFR part 500, subpart A, Conduct on the U.S. National Arboretum Property, also apply to individuals or groups granted approval to use the facilities and grounds.
A proposed rule revising the USNA fee and conduct rules at 7 CFR part 500 was published for comment on December 20, 2004 (69 FR 75880). One hundred one comments were received from individuals and six organizations. The vast majority of public comments (approximately 96 percent) were received with regards to commercial photography. The majority of commentators asserted that Public Law 106-206, 16 U.S.C. 460l-6d(a), which governs the “lands” administered by the Secretary, supersedes the earlier authority granted the Secretary codified at 20 U.S.C. 196(a) with respect to commercial photography at the USNA. USDA asserts that the controlling authority for charging fees for photography and cinematography at the USNA is found at 20 U.S.C. 196(a)(5) which permits USDA to “charge such fees as the Secretary of Agriculture considers reasonable for the use of the National Arboretum for commercial photography or cinematography.”
Nevertheless, § 500.23 was revised to only charge a fee for the use of the facility and grounds of the USNA for commercial photography or cinematography that use models, sets, or props that are not part of the site's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; take place where members of the public are generally not allowed; or take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely. This action provides a balance both to allow photography and cinematography, yet also allow the USNA the ability to charge fees under prescribed conditions that are consistent with Public Law 106-206 to assure the integrity of the USNA as a public facility.
Further comments by stakeholders that are addressed by revisions in this final rule are as follows: (1) To assure the coverage of potential damage to property and collections, the addition of a refundable deposit for use of the facility or grounds, excluding the classroom, is included. (2) As recommended, the user fee for the Friendship Garden is increased to $1,500 to be comparable to other USNA locations. (3) The prohibition without the prior approval of the USNA Director to distribute materials was reworded. Prior approval by the USNA Director is only required to distribute materials to USNA general public visitors. (4) A clarification on the use of candles at events was made. The use of small candles has been included in the final rule. (5) As requested, the wording regarding receipts has been changed. (6) Concern that the 30-day advance notice for special events is too excessive. A 2-day advanced notice does not provide the USNA with adequate time to prepare sites and assign staff and supervision as needed which includes upfront time to change employee work schedules. However, the advance notice minimum was modified to 15 calendar days. (7) Concern over the exclusion of events on peak weekends and during normal visitation periods. Reference to the exclusion was deleted. (8) Concern that 10 working days for response by USNA is excessive. The response time was modified to a maximum of five working days. (9) Concern that the two weeks advance payment for tours is too lengthy. The advance payment requirement was modified to a one week minimum.
Revisions to the final rule were not made in response to some stakeholder comments because they were deemed not to be in the best interest of the government. These include the following: (1) Desire to automatically waive use fees for stakeholders. Automatically waiving use fees for all events greatly would diminish the financial support to the USNA. (2) Concern that the prior approval to serve beer and wine is unnecessary and unwarranted. Current ARS policy requires prior approval by the USNA Director andBeltsville Area Director for the consumption of beer and wine at the USNA. Departmental regulations as well as Federal Property Management Regulations restrict use of alcohol on Federal property. (3) A request was made to allow raffles at the USNA. Raffles require a permit from the District of Columbia and may reflect a less than positive image of USDA when raffles are held on USDA property. (4) A comment that fees collected will be dedicated, in part, for the maintenance of the particular USNA site that generated the fees. Since the funds generated will be used to maintain the USNA, the more popular facilities will naturally tend to receive more of the funds, but the USNA is not committing to a rigid funding formula. (5) Concern that the fee for use of the courtyard area within the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is too low. The fee is in line with facilities use fees in other institutions and in consideration of the geographical location of the USNA. The fee will be evaluated and reconsidered after the first and second years of facilities use. Fees may be adjusted based upon the demand for this space and the level of maintenance needed to support the facilities use.
Lastly, some stakeholder comments reflect current practices of the USNA and therefore are not addressed in the final rule. These include: (1) Concern about closing the Bonsai and Penjing Museum during normal visitation hours for special events. The current policy is that special events will generally not result in the closing of the Museum to visitors during normal visitation hours; however, special exceptions may be made at the discretion of the USNA Director; (2) Concern over staffing for security during special events. The current practice of the USNA is to provide additional supervision, including additional security staff, as necessary to protect the grounds and assets of the USNA; (3) Concern about protecting and preserving the existing facilities and landscape at the Friendship Garden. Guidelines issued by the USNA for facilities use will help ensure that the quality and condition of the garden displays, collections, and facilities are not compromised.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 7 CFR part 500 is revised as set forth below:
500.9 Photographs for news or advertising.
500.23 Fees for commercial photography and cinematography on grounds.
20 U.S.C. 196(a); sub secs. 2, 4, 5; 40 U.S.C. 121(d); 40 U.S.C. 1315(c).
Subpart A—Conduct on U.S. National Arboreturm Property Back to Top
The rules and regulations in this part apply to the buildings and grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA), Washington, DC, and to all persons entering in or on such property. The Administrator, GeneralServices Administration, has delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture, with authority to further delegate, the authority to make all the needful rules and regulations for the protection of the buildings and grounds of the USNA (34 FR 6406). The Secretary of Agriculture has in turn delegated such authority to the Administrator, Agricultural Research Service (34 FR 7389). The rules and regulations in this part are issued pursuant to such delegations.
(2) Set or maintain any open fire on the property of the USNA; however, the use of small candles may be approved at the discretion of the Director, USNA; or
(3) Apply any type of insecticide or herbicide on the grounds of the USNA, except for USNA employees in the course of their official duties or other persons authorized by the Director, USNA.
(a) The use of loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language; unwarranted loitering, sleeping, or assembly; the creation of any hazard to persons or things; improper disposal of rubbish; spitting; prurient prying; the commission of any obscene or indecent act, or any other unseemly or disorderly conduct; throwing articles of any kind from a building, and climbing upon any part of a building is prohibited.
(b) Except as provided in subpart B of this part, possession of or consumption of intoxicating beverages on USNA property is prohibited.
(4) Campaigning for election to any office; (5) Soliciting and vending for commercial purposes (including, but not limited to, the vending of newspapers and other publications);
(7) Impeding ingress to or egress from the USNA.
(b) Distribution to USNA general public visitors of material such as pamphlets, handbills, and flyers is prohibited without prior approval of the Director, USNA.
§ 500.9 Photographs for news or advertising.
Photographs for news purposes may be taken at the USNA without prior permission. Photographs for advertising and other commercial purposes may be taken, but only with the prior approval of the Director,USNA and fees may be charged pursuant to § 500.23.
Subpart B—Fee Schedule for Certain Uses of National Arboretum Facilities and Grounds Back to Top
The USNA provides tours of the USNA grounds in a 48-passenger tram (accommodating 2 wheelchairs). The fee is as follows: $4.00 per adult, $3.00 per senior citizen or Friend of the National Arboretum, and $2.00 per child under the age 17. Children under 4 sharing a seat with an adult will not be charged. Pre-scheduled tram tours for groups may be arranged for a set fee of $125.00. Additionally, a tour guide may be pre-arranged to provide a non-tram tour for the fee of $50 per hour. Promotional programs offering discounted fees for these programs may be instituted at the discretion of the USNA. Payment for use of the tram is due at the time of ticket purchase. Payment for pre-scheduled tram tours must be made at least one week in advance. Payment for pre-scheduled, non-tram guided tours must be made at least one week in advance of the tour date.
(b) Reservations. (1) Facilities and grounds are available by reservation at the discretion of the Director of the USNA and may be available to individuals or groups for uses that are consistent with the mission of the USNA. Agency initiatives may be granted first priority. Offices and hallways inside secured doors will not be available for use.
(c) Terms and conditions of use. (1) The USNA provides space, water, and electrical hookup when available, and restrooms where available. Users must provide all tents, tables, chairs, trash receptacles, or other property required for the scheduled event. Users must remove all trash from the property at the conclusion of the event. Users must remove all tents, tables and chairs, and other property no later than 5:00 p.m. of the day following the event. The USNA will charge a facility use and break down fee of $500.00 per day for each day following the deadline to remove temporary facilities and equipment. The USNA will not store temporary facilities or equipment for users.
(ii) Refundable Deposit Schedule.
$15,000-10,000
$9,999-5,000
(9) The USNA is a Federal property under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture.
§ 500.23 Fees for commercial photography and cinematography on grounds.
The USNA may charge a fee for the use of the facility or grounds for purposes of commercial photography or cinematography as specified in § 500.24. Facilities and grounds are available for use for commercial photography or cinematography at the discretion of the USNA Director. Requests for use should be made a minimum of two weeks in advance of the required date. The USNA will charge for supervision costs at the rate of $40.00 per hour per security officer, in addition to the fees listed below. The USNA Director may waive fees for photography or cinematography conducted for the purpose of disseminating information to the public regarding the USNA and its mission or for the purpose of First Amendment activity. The USNA will charge a non-refundable application fee of $30 for commercial photography or cinematography activities that use models, sets or props that are not part of the natural, cultural resources, or administrative facilities features of the site; take place where members of the public are generally not allowed; or take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely. If the application is approved and fees will be incurred, the application fee will be applied to the total fee due. No other credits will be given for the application fee. Fee payments for use of facilities or grounds or for commercial photography and cinematography must be made in advance of services being rendered. These payments are to be made in the form of a check or money order.
*Fees include only access to sites; additional security charges may be necessary depending upon the site and the number of people participating.
Entrance Circle, Rose and Knot Garden: Up to 48 seated or 100 standing; cannot be tented. Specialty Garden: Up to 200 standing; may not be tented.
Bonsai Museum International, Pavilion and Upper Courtyard
Per Day Per Half Day
Standard set-up with 40 chairs; includes microphone/lectern, screen, projection stand, two flip charts (no paper), and trashcan.
For personal use only; includes hand-held cameras, recorders and tripods.
$30 $250 plus Supervision
Application Fee Per Half Day
All photography that use models, sets or props that are not part of the site's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or take place where members of the public are generally not allowed; or take place at a location where additional administrative costs are likely.
(a) Unless provided otherwise, all payments due under this subpart must be made by cash, check, or money order (in U.S. funds). Checks and money orders for payment of any fees imposed under this part are to be made payable, in U.S. funds, to the “U.S. National Arboretum.” Upon request, the USNA shall provide receipts to requesters for their records or billing purposes. If the USNA enters into an agreement to allow USNA visitors and users to make payment in the form of a credit card, USNA visitors and users who are assessed user fees may pay those fees with a credit card subject to the terms and conditions of such agreement.
Done at Washington, DC, this 19th day of September, 2005.
[FR Doc. 05-18991 Filed 9-22-05; 8:45 am]