Supporting Statement for OMB 0596-0019
PUBLIC INFORMATION COLLECTION,
VISITOR’S PERMIT & REGISTRATION CARD
2010
A. Justification
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
Statutes and Regulations:
Organic Administration Act (USC 16, 551),
Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-557, Section 4),
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542, Section 10)
Executive Order 11644,
36 CFR, Section 261.57 (Subpart A);
36 CFR, Section 261.58 (Subpart E);
36 CFR 293.3 (Subpart A).
This renewal request is to continue to collect information from National Forest System visitors who are asked to describe the location of their visit and estimated duration of stay. The collection is authorized by the Organic Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 473), the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131), and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271). Every year millions of individuals visit the National Forest System. At many locations, a Visitor’s Permit or Visitor Registration Card is required to: 1) prevent resource damage; 2) preserve the quality of the experience; or 3) for public safety.
The Visitor’s Permit and Visitor Registration collects information about visitor use and helps the Forest Service meet policy directives as well as provide for public uses of the land in a responsible manner. Information gathered on the forms identifies areas most frequently visited, provides the agency with critical information for appropriate stewardship of lands, and provides critical information to search and rescue personnel when locating lost visitors.
The inability to collect this information would result in overuse and site deterioration in some environmentally sensitive areas. Also, the lack of useful and relevant visitor data would hamper Forest Service efforts to provide the public with high quality recreational opportunities. The Forest Service would be required to undertake costly studies to collect similar use data and could be pressed to make management decisions based on insufficient or inaccurate data.
Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
What information will be collected - reported or recorded? (If there are pieces of information that are especially burdensome in the collection, a specific explanation should be provided.)
The Visitor Permit (FS-2300-30) captures the:
Visitor’s name and address,
Area(s) to be visited,
Dates of visit,
Length of stay,
Location of entry and exit points,
Method of travel,
Number of people in the group, and where applicable,
Number of pack and saddle stock (i.e., the number of animals either carrying people or their gear)
Number of dogs
Number of watercraft or vehicles (where allowed)
The Forest Service employee who completes the Visitor’s Permit will note on the permit any special restrictions or important information the visitor should know. The visitor receives a copy of the permit and instructions to keep the permit with them for the duration of the visit.
The Visitor Registration Card (FS-2300-32) asks the visitor to provide:
Name and address,
Area(s) to be visited,
Dates of visit,
Length of stay,
Location of entry and exit points,
Method of travel,
Number of people in the group, and where applicable,
The number of pack and saddle stock (i.e., the number of animals either carrying people or their gear) in the group, or number of watercraft or vehicles
Number of dogs
Number of watercraft or vehicles (where allowed)
The file code for the information collected is 2300, with a retention period of 3 years.
From whom will the information be collected? If there are different respondent categories (e.g., loan applicant versus a bank versus an appraiser), each should be described along with the type of collection activity that applies.
The information is collected from visitors (members of the public) to wilderness and other special management areas that have implemented the Visitor’s Permit or Visitor Registration card to manage and/or monitor use levels and patterns.
What will this information be used for - provide ALL uses?
Information gathered on Visitor Registration Card (FS-2300-32) and Visitor’s Permit (FS-2300-30) helps identify National Forest System wilderness and special management areas most frequently visited, provide the agency with critical information for appropriate stewardship of these lands, and to assist personnel when locating lost visitors.
The Visitor’s Permit is required for entry into some special management areas on National Forest System Lands. Reservations and permit systems control public use in Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, restricted off-road vehicle areas, and campgrounds.
In areas where public use is managed and/or monitored, the Forest Service uses the Visitor’s Permit to: 1) Prevent resource damage, 2) Preserve the quality of the experience, or 3) For public safety. For example, visitor permits help the Agency understand how many people may be using a particular trailhead or portion of a wilderness area. The Agency uses this information to respond to indicators or standards in a management plan.
The personal contact that is involved with issuance of a Visitor’s Permit provides an excellent opportunity for the Forest Service to discuss resource protection, proper camping techniques, fire prevention, safety, and sanitation requirements with the visitor. The permit allows managers to identify heavily used areas and move use to lesser-impacted areas. The permit also provides managers with information useful in locating forest visitors if they do not return from their trip as planned (i.e., aid in search and rescue missions).
The Visitor Registration Card is a voluntary registration card providing Forest Service managers with an inexpensive means of gathering visitor use information without imposing mandatory visitor permit regulations. Similar to the Visitor’s Permit mentioned above, Visitor Registration Cards help the Forest Service understand how many people may be using a particular trailhead or portion of a wilderness area. This information allows the Agency to respond to indicators or standards in a management plan without requiring a mandatory permit system to gather and record this data. Additionally, the Visitor Registration Card provides managers with information useful in locating forest visitors in search and rescue missions if they do not return from their planned trip.
How will the information be collected (e.g., forms, non-forms, electronically, face-to-face, over the phone, over the Internet)? Does the respondent have multiple options for providing the information? If so, what are they?
Forest Service employees complete the Visitor’s Permit at a Forest Service office. Visitors may obtain the permit in person or may call ahead and provide the required information. In some instances, the permit is completed at an un-staffed trailhead and then deposited into a collection container.
The Visitor Registration Card is available at un-staffed locations such as trailheads. Visitors complete the card without Forest Service assistance at the entry location, and deposit the card in an appropriate collection container.
How frequently will the information be collected?
The information collection occurs once per visit from persons who visit wilderness and special management areas that have a permit or registration system in place.
Will the information be shared with any other organizations inside or outside USDA or the government?
The Forest Service does not share the information collected with other organizations inside or outside the government.
If this is an ongoing collection, how have the collection requirements changed over time?
Collection requirements have remained stable since the forms were initially approved with only minor modifications.
Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
The Visitor’s Permit and The Visitor Registration Card provides an efficient means of obtaining the data needed and places the least burden on both the visitor and the Forest Service. The collection of information does not involve the use of automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. One of the primary reasons for use of these forms is to gain information on use levels and patterns; therefore, it is critical that visitors complete the form just prior to entry into the special management area. While it is possible to collect this information electronically in advance of a visit, the quality of the information gathered would suffer considerably.
Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
The Visitor Permit and Registration forms capture data at the time a visitor uses a special area with one of these systems in place, and other sources of this data do not exist. The Forest Service has determined that the information collected on Visitor’s Permits and Visitor Registration Cards for the purposes of managing and/or monitoring visitor use in wilderness and special management areas is not available from other Federal, State, and other governmental and private entities.
If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This information request does not pose a burden to businesses or other small entities. Visitors to National Forest System lands provide the information collected.
Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
The use of the Visitor’s Permits and Visitor Registration Cards is one of the most efficient means of collecting data from visitors. The personal contact generated by issuance of the permit results in improved visitor education and information about proper camping techniques, fire prevention, safety, and sanitation. The Registration Card allows the Forest Service to collect data in remote locations, where it is not feasible to have permanent staffing.
This information collection provides data that assists the Forest Service in preventing visitors from overusing areas, thus causing site deterioration in some environmentally sensitive areas. The Forest Service would have to spend additional funds to undertake special studies to collect use data. Finally, there would insufficient or inaccurate data available on which to base management decisions.
Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:
Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;
Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;
Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;
Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;
In connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study;
Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or
Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
There are no special circumstances. The collection of information is conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.
If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8 (d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
The Forest Service solicited comments on information collection using Visitor’s Permits and Visitor Registration Cards in a Federal Register notice published on November 30, 2009, Volume 74, page 62554. The comment period closed on January 29, 2010. The Forest Service received no public comments.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and record keeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.
The Forest Service consulted the following individuals regarding this information collection:
Brooke Aker
65 Pioneer Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 236-5277
Feedback: “The data entry fields in the two forms look very reasonable. I think the types of data that I would need to fill in are what I would expect. The data field “number of pack and saddle stock” doesn’t seem to be very relevant for use in the New England where I do the bulk of my hiking, but I guess if it doesn’t apply, I just wouldn’t complete the field. I wouldn’t find completing this form to be a bother. I’m glad the Forest Service is collecting this data to improve management of Wilderness.”
Agency response: No action needed.
Chris Hansen
145 Robinson Parkway
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 272-1949
Feedback: “I just completed hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this fall, so seeing these types of forms at trailheads is a common thing for me. I’m not sure why some areas have these forms and others don’t. I don’t mind taking a few minutes to complete the form because I know the data are being used to help manage the people and the impacts they cause. I would also offer that the 3-minute estimate for the time needed to complete the form seems just about right.”
Agency response: No action needed.
Paul Schaberg
Green Mountain Club member
40 Wright Ct.
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 865-3494
Feedback: “I do a lot of hiking and am used to seeing forms such as these. I think the type of information being requested is very reasonable. Also, the time estimate of 3-minutes to complete a form seems to be about right – though perhaps a bit on the liberal side. The one question I would have would be the size of the print that is used – especially when considering the average age of the backcountry visitor these days.”
Agency response: The forms submitted for approval have a larger font size then the version reviewed by Paul.
Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than re-enumeration of contractors or grantees.
The Forest Service does not provide a payment or gift to respondents.
Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
No assurance of confidentiality is provided to visitors completing either form. Request for information are processed in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no information requests in either the Visitor’s Permit or the Visitor Registration Card that pertain to sensitive issues such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters commonly considered private.
Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form.
a) Description of the collection activity
b) Corresponding form number (if applicable)
c) Number of respondents
d) Number of responses annually per respondent,
e) Total annual responses (columns c x d)
f) Estimated hours per response
g) Total annual burden hours (columns e x f)
(a) Description of the Collection Activity |
(b) Form Number |
(c) Number of Respondents |
(d) Number of responses annually per Respondent |
(e) Total annual responses (c x d) |
(f) Estimate of Burden Hours per response |
(g) Total Annual Burden Hours (e x f) |
Visitor’s Permit |
FS 2300-30 |
250,000 |
1 |
250,000 |
.05 hours (3 minutes) |
12,500 |
Visitor Registration Card |
FS 2300-32 |
210,000 |
1 |
210,000 |
.05 hours (3 minutes) |
10,500 |
Totals |
--- |
460,000 |
--- |
460,000 |
--- |
23,000 |
Record keeping burden should be addressed separately and should include columns for:
a) Description of record keeping activity: None
b) Number of record keepers: None
c) Annual hours per record keeper: None
d) Total annual record keeping hours (columns b x c): Zero
Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.
(a) Description of the Collection Activity |
(b) Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents (Hours) |
(c) Estimated Average Income per Hour |
(d) Estimated Cost to Respondents |
Visitor’s Permit |
12,500 |
$15/hour |
$187,500 |
Visitor Registration Card |
10,500 |
$15/hour |
$157,500 |
Totals |
23,000 |
--- |
$345,000 |
Provide estimates of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information, (do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in items 12 and 14). The cost estimates should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component annualized over its expected useful life; and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.
There are no capital operation and maintenance costs.
Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Provide a description of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
The response to this question covers the actual costs the agency will incur as a result of implementing the information collection. The estimate should cover the entire life cycle of the collection and include costs, if applicable, for:
Employee labor and materials for developing, printing, storing forms
Employee labor and materials for developing computer systems, screens, or reports to support the collection
Employee travel costs
Cost of contractor services or other reimbursements to individuals or organizations assisting in the collection of information
Employee labor and materials for collecting the information
Employee labor and materials for analyzing, evaluating, summarizing, and/or reporting on the collected information
Estimated Government Costs
Item |
Employee Labor and Materials for Developing, printing, storing forms |
Employee labor and materials for collecting the information |
Employee labor and materials for analyzing, evaluating, summarizing, and/or reporting on the collected information |
Totals |
Visitor’s Permit |
$9,000 (300,000 forms @ $.03 per form) |
$45,833 (2 min/form X GS-3 wages* X 125,000 forms) |
$12,500 (125,000 forms @ $0.10 / form) |
$ 67,333 |
Visitor Registration Card |
$2,500 (250,000 forms @ $0.01 per form) |
(1 min/form x GS-3 wages* x 105,000 forms) |
(105,000 forms @ $.05 / form) |
$ 27,000 |
Total |
--- |
--- |
--- |
$ 94,333 |
*GS-3: $11 per hour (source OPM: http://www.opm.gov/flsa/oca/10tables/pdf/salhr.pdf).
Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of OMB form 83-I.
This is a revision of a currently approved collection. There is an annual increase in the hour burden. This is due to a projected increase in visitors who will report through a Visitor’s Permit or Visitor Registration Card (from 386,400 to 460,000 respondents), primarily resulting from increased use of the approved OMB form by Forest Service units.
For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.
Individual National Forests use the information collected for local management purposes. No aggregation of data occurs. There are no plans for a centralized tabulation and publication. Estimates of national and regional wilderness visitation estimates are generated by the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program.
If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
The Forest Service requests approval to reproduce these forms without the expiration date. The rationale being the forms are dispersed to extreme isolated areas of the country where the reprinting and redistribution of forms and disposal of unused and outdated forms results in wasting funds, labor, and natural resources. If the form were to change in a future reauthorization, direction will be issued to the field to discontinue use of the previous forms.
Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in item 19, "Certification Requirement for Paperwork Reduction Act."
There are no exceptions to the certification statement.
(This information collection does not employ statistical methods.)
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | DRAFT |
| Author | PCxx |
| Last Modified By | cmwoolley |
| File Modified | 2010-02-23 |
| File Created | 2010-02-23 |