E7-2148. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 5, 2007.

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.

Forest Service

Title: Operating Plans.

Omb Control Number: 0596-0086.

Summary of Collection: The National Forest Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 472a (14)(c) (Act) requires timber sale operating plans on timber sales that exceed 2 years in length. The regulations at 36 CFR 223.32 have a similar requirement. The operating plans are collected within 60 days of award of timber sale contracts and annually thereafter until harvest is complete. Timber sale purchasers may submit the required information in the form of a chart or letter using surface mail, electronic mail, or via facsimile. The information is based on the timber sale purchaser's business plan.

Need and Use of the Information: Forest Service (FS) will collect information to determine eligibility for additional contract time. There is no prescribed format for the collection of the information. FS officials may have contractors submit operating plans on form FS-2400-67 or in a format chosen by the contractor. In addition, the information is used to plan the agency timber sale contract administration workload and to meet other contract obligations. The information collected includes planned periods and methods of anticipated major activities, including, road construction, timber harvesting, and completion of other contract requirements.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 2,500.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 15,200.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.