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NOTICE: NOTICES

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice and request for comment.

SUBJECT CATEGORY: United States National Arboretum (USNA); Notice of Intent To Renew Information Collection

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 25, 2008.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks comments on the intent of the USNA to renew an information collection that expires September 30, 2008. The information collection serves as a means to collect for certain uses of the facilities, grounds, 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.

SUMMARY: Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Title: Intent to Renew Information Collection.

OMB Number: 05180024, expiration date of approval, September 30, 2008.

Type of Request: To extend an 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 446acre facility, open to the general public for purposes of education and passive recreation. The USNA is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment. The USNA receives approximately 500,000 visitors on the grounds 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 104127 (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 in furtherance of the mission of the USNA. Also, authority was provided to charge 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, conducted on the USNA property,
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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 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 for photography and cinematography on an annual basis.

Estimated Burden per Responses: The estimated completion time for the application is less than 15 minutes.

Estimate of Total Annual Burden on Respondents: The total cost for responding is $2,507 for 109 hours of time at $23 per hour.

Obtaining Permit Requests: In addition to the current process of obtaining the permit requests in person, by mail, and by facsimile (and receiving them back in a like manner), the application for photography and cinematography is available on the USNA Web site (http:// www.usna.usda.gov/Information/facilitiesuse/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 to the Administrative Group, USDA, ARS, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20002.

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 collection on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technology.

Done at Washington, DC, this 14th day of April, 2008. Edward B. Knipling,
Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
[FR Doc. E88552 Filed 41808; 8:45 am]
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