2011-28968. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 3, 2011.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Agricultural Research Service

Title: Use of the Grounds and Facilities as well as Commercial Photography and Cinematography at the U.S. Arboretum.

OMB Control Number: 0518-0024.

Summary of Collection: The mission of the U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) is to conduct research, provide education, and conserve and display trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plans to enhance the environment. The USNA is a 446-acre public facility. The grounds of the USNA are available to the general public for purposes of education and passive recreation. The USNA has many spectacular feature and garden displays which are very popular to visitors and photographers. Section 890(b) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-107 (“FAIR ACT”) provided statutory authorities regarding the USNA. These authorities include the ability to charge fees for temporary use by individuals or groups of USNA facilities and grounds for any purpose consistent with the mission of USNA. Also, the authority was provided to charge fees for the use of the USNA for commercial photography and cinematography.

Need and Use of the Information: USNA officials will collect the information using applications in the form of questionnaires. The collected information is used by USNA to determine if a requestor's needs can be met and the request is consistent with the mission and goals of the USNA uses of the information. If the basic information is not collected, USNA officials will not be able to determine if a requestor's needs are met.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for profit; not-for-profit institutions; individuals or households; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 445.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 223.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.