E7-9387. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

May 10, 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: Timber Purchasers' Cost and Sales Data.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0017.

Summary of Collection: The Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act of 1960, the Forest Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, and the National Forest Management Act of 1976, authorizes the Forest (FS) to sell forest products and National Forest System timber. FS timber appraisers develop advertised timber sale prices using a transaction evidence method of appraisal. Transaction evidence appraisals begin with an average of past successful bids by timber purchasers for timber for which the stumpage rate has been adjusted for the timber sale and the market conditions at the time. FS will collect cost data through the review of submissions by the timber purchasers both locally and nationally. There are no forms required for the collection of costs and timber sale data.

Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information to verify the minimum rates returned a fair value to the Government and that the transaction system is a reliable approach to valuing timber. The information is also used to assure the accuracy of the transaction evidence system and to develop minimum stumpage rates for small sales or for areas where there is no current sale activity to use for transaction evidence. If the information is not collect, FS does not have a sound check to determine if the value being received from timber sales really reflects the timber's true value.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 20.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 20.

Forest Service

Title: Annual Wildfire Summary Report.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0025.

Summary of Collection: The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (U.S.C. 2101) requires the Forest Service (FS) to collect information about wildfire suppression efforts by State and local fire fighting agencies in order to support specific congressional funding requests for the Forest Service State and Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Program. The program provides supplemental funding for State and local fire fighting agencies. The FS works cooperatively with State and local fire fighting agencies to support their fire suppression efforts. FS will collect information using form FS 3100-8, Annual Wildfire Summary Report.

Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information to determine if the Cooperative Fire Program funds, provided to the State and local fire fighting agencies have been used by State and local agencies to improve their fire suppression capabilities. The information collected will be shared with the public about the importance of the State and Private Cooperative Fire Program. FS would be unable to assess the effectiveness of the State and Private Forestry Cooperative Fire Program if the information provided on FS-3100-8, were not collected.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 56.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 28.

Forest Service

Title: 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart C—Disposal of Mineral Materials.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0081.

Summary of Collection: The Forest Service (FS) is responsible for overseeing the management of National Forest System land. The Multiple-Use Mining Act of 1955 (30 U.S.C. 601, 603, 611-615) gives the FS specific authority to manage the disposal of mineral materials mined from National Forest land. FS uses form FS-2800-9, “Contract for the Sale of Mineral Materials” to collect detailed information on the planned mining and disposal operations as well as a contract for the sale of mineral materials.

Need and Use of the Information: FS will use information collected from the public to ensure that environmental impacts of mineral material disposal are minimized. A review of the operating plan provides the authorized officer the opportunity to determine if the proposed operation is appropriate and consistent with all applicable land management laws and regulations. The information also provides the means of documenting planned operations and the terms and conditions that the FS deems necessary to protect surface resources. If FS did not collect this information, a self-policing situation would exist.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 8,400.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 21,000.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.