The Backcountry Use Permit (NPS Form
10-404A) is the primary form used to implement a backcountry
reservation system and provide access into backcountry zones where
registration is required or limits are imposed in accordance with
regulations. The Backcountry Use Permit is an extension of the NPS'
statutory authority and responsibility to protect the park areas it
administers and to manage public use. The objectives of the permit
system are to ensure: (1) requests by backcountry users are
evaluated by park managers in accordance with applicable statutes
and NPS regulations; (2) use of consistent standards and permitting
criteria throughout the agency; and (3) to the extent possible, use
a single permitting document. The backcountry use permit system
provides users access to backcountry areas of national parks while
enhancing resource protection and providing a means of
disseminating public safety messages regarding backcountry travel,
issuing hazard warnings, conducting search and rescue efforts, and
providing resource protection. By designating access routes and
overnight camping locations, NPS backcountry program managers can
redistribute users in response to high fire danger; snow, water or
wind hazard; bear activity; and other situations that may
temporarily close a portion of the backcountry. The NPS also uses
the permit system as a means of ensuring backcountry users receive
up-to-date information on backcountry sanitation procedures, food
storage procedures, wildlife activity, trail conditions, and
weather forecasts so NPS concerns for visitor safety are
met.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.