95-31022. Information Collection for Public Involvement Research Study

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 245 (Thursday, December 21, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66252-66253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-31022]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service


Information Collection for Public Involvement Research Study

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Forest Service announces its intent to request approval of an 
information collection related to the research of public involvement 
programs on National Forest System lands.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Comments must be received in writing on or before 
February 20, 1996.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: Christine Overdevest, 
Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Research Staff, Southern Forest 
Experiment Station, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christine Overdevest, Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Research Staff, 
at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The social science community has evaluated the character, quality, 
and success of the Forest Service's Public Involvement activities since 
the passage of the National Forest Management Act (NFMA); however, no 
studies have been conducted at the ranger district-level of the agency. 
In order to meet the information needs of the Wayah Ranger District on 
the Nantahala National Forest, a survey study has been commissioned to 
obtain information on how non-participants differ from participants in 
the district's Public Involvement process. This survey is a one-time 
information collection by the Forest Service and the University of 
Georgia Department of Sociology.

Description of Forms

    The following information describes the forms to be approved:
    Titles: Public Involvement Participant Survey. Public Involvement 
Non-Participant Survey.
    OMB Number: Application pending.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: New Approval.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to be 15 minutes per response.
    Type of Respondents: Random sample of community members of 
Franklin, North Carolina; participants involved in planning process for 
the district.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 436.
    Estimated Number of Responses per respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on respondents: 109 hours.
    Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed 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 the burden of the 
proposed collection of information including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) 

[[Page 66253]]
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 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.

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: December 15, 1995.
David G. Unger,
Associate Chief.
[FR Doc. 95-31022 Filed 12-20-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M