Federal Register: October 1, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 189)

DOCID: fr01oc09-29 FR Doc E9-23638

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

NOTICE: NOTICES

DOCID: fr01oc09-29

DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice; request for comment.

SUBJECT CATEGORY:

Information Collection; Forest Industries and Residential Fuelwood and Post Data Collection Systems

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before November 30, 2009 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

DOCUMENT SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the renewal of a currently approved information collection, Forest Industries and Residential Fuelwood and Post Data Collection Systems. This will combine the Forest Industries Data Collection System (OMB Number: 05960010) and the Residential Fuelwood and Post Assessment in Selected States (OMB Number: 05960009, expired).

SUMMARY:

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Title: Forest Industries and Residential Fuelwood and Post Data Collection Systems.

OMB Number: 05960010.

Expiration Date of Approval: December 31, 2009.

Type of Request: Renewal.

Abstract: The Forest and Range Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 require the Forest Service to evaluate trends in the use of logs and wood chips, to forecast anticipated levels of logs and wood chips, and to analyze changes in the harvest of these resources from National Forest System lands. To collect this information, Forest Service personnel use three questionnaires, which respondents return in self addressed, postage prepaid envelopes.

Pulpwood Received Questionnaire: Forest Service personnel use this questionnaire to collect and evaluate information from pulp and composite panel mills in order to monitor the volume, types, species, sources, and prices of timber products harvested throughout the Nation. The data collected will be used to provide essential information about the current use of the Nation's timber resources for pulpwood industrial products and is not available from other sources.

Logs and Other Roundwood Received Questionnaire: This questionnaire is used by Forest Service personnel to collect and evaluate information from primary woodusing mills, including small, parttime mills, as well as large corporate entities. Primary woodusing mills are facilities that use harvested wood in log or chip form, such as sawlogs, veneer logs, pulpwood, and pulp chips, to manufacture a secondary product, such as lumber or paper. Forest Service personnel evaluate the information collected and use it to monitor the volume types, species, sources, and prices of timber products harvested throughout the Nation.

Residential Fuelwood and Post Questionnaire: Forest Service personnel use this questionnaire to collect and evaluate information from residential households and logging contractors in order to monitor the volume, types, species, sources of fuelwood and posts harvested for residential use, as well as the types of burning facilities in the State. The collected information will enable land managers to determine what timber to sell for use as fuelwood or fence posts, how well the local forested land will meet the demand for these timber products, and how to project future demands on these renewable natural resources. Logs and other Pulpwood received roundwood received Residential fuelwood and post questionnaire questionnaire questionnaire Estimate of annual burden hours. 30 minutes (0.5)... 50 minutes (0.84). 10 minutes (0.17). Type of respondents............. Primary users of Primary users of Residential households and logging industrial industrial contractors. pulpwood. roundwood products. Estimated annual number of 188................ 1628.............. 1500. respondents.
Estimated annual number of 1.................. 1................. 1. responses per respondent.
Estimated total annual burden 94 hours........... 1368 hours........ 255 hours. hours on respondents.

Comment Is Invited

Comment is invited on: (1) Whether this collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the submission request toward Office of Management and Budget approval.

Dated: September 24, 2009.
William J. Lange,
Acting Deputy Chief, Research & Development.
[FR Doc. E923638 Filed 93009; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 341011P

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Ronald Piva, Northern Research Station, at 6516495150. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
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Service (FRS) at 18008778339 twentyfour hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.