2015-25552. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 1, 2015.

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 and other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by November 6, 2015 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503. Commentors are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. 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: National Woodland Owner Survey.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0078.

Summary of Collection: The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-278 Sec. 3) and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 307 Sec. 3) are the legal authorities for conducting the National Woodland Owner Survey. The National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS) collects information to help answer questions related to the characteristics of the landholdings and landowners, ownership objectives, the supply of timber and non-timber products, forest management practices, climate change, wildfires, invasive species, and delivery of the concerns/constraints perceived by the landowners.

Need and Use of the Information: The NWOS will utilize a mixed-mode survey technique involving cognitive interviews, focus groups, self-administered questionnaires, and telephone interviews. The Forest Service (FS) will use several, interrelated forms: Long, short, state-specific, science modules, corporate, public and urban versions to collect information. Data collected will help FS to determine the opportunities and constraints that private woodland owners typically face; and facilitate planning and implementing forest policies and programs. If the information is not collected the knowledge and understanding of private woodland ownerships and their concerns and activities will be severely limited.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit Institutions; Farms; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 10,281.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (every 5 years).

Total Burden Hours: 4,452.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.