0596-0106 Supporting Statement A_v05022016

The 2016 Supporting Statement for OMB 0596-0106

Recreation Fee and Wilderness Program Administration

Justification

1. 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.

Every year millions of people visit America’s National Forests (NF) and Grasslands to enjoy the recreational opportunities they provide or experience the solitude and challenge offered by wilderness and other special management areas. At some locations visited, the public is required to obtain a permit for use and/or pay a fee. These permits help the Forest Service (FS) meet policy direction as well as provide for public uses of the land in a responsible manner.

The information collected by them assists FS personnel in improving facilities and services, managing recreation areas and activities, preventing resource damage, preserving high quality outdoor experiences, and providing visitor safety. These forms have and continue to help the Agency meet resource objectives and visitor needs.

Forest Service is authorized to collect this information under the following Statutes and Regulations:

• Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814);

• 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); and

• 36 CFR 293.3 (Subpart A).

2. 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.

1. 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.)

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a – Recreation Fee Envelopes: Information collected includes the amount enclosed in the envelope, date in and date out, number of days paid, time and date of purchase, visitor’s vehicle model and license number, visitor’s home zip-code, number in party, campsite number (if applicable), other charges (if applicable), visitor’s Interagency Senior/Access Pass or Golden Age/Access Pass Number (if applicable), site name, camp site type: single campsite or group campsite (if applicable), campsite number (if applicable), and the number in group. The FS-2300-26a collects the same information as FS-2300-26; FS-2300-26a is a colored envelope and used at some locations to differentiate day use fees from overnight fees.

FS-2300-30 – Visitor’s Permit: Information collected includes 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, and number of watercraft or vehicles (where allowed). The FS 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. Information gathered on the form 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.

FS-2300-32 – Visitor Registration: Information collected includes 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) in the group, or number of watercraft or vehicles, number of dogs, and number of watercraft or vehicles (where allowed). Information gathered on the form 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.

FS-2300-43 – Permit for Short-Term, Non-Commercial Use of Government-Owned Cabins and Lookouts: Information collected is used to record contact information including name, address, and telephone number; requested dates of occupancy; party size and additional items if applicable, such as number of pack animals and/or snowmobiles. Information ensures that the NFs have the ability to successfully schedule use and communicate with renters in the event of emergencies or schedule changes.

FS-2300-47 – National Recreation Application: Information collected includes the applicant’s name, address, phone number and email address, location and activity type, date and time of requested use, itinerary, number in party, entry and exit points, day or overnight use, method of travel (if applicable), group organization or event name (if applicable), group leader name and contact information (if applicable), vehicle or boat registration and license number and state of issue (if applicable), type and number of boats, stock or off-highway vehicles (if applicable), and assessed fee and method of payment (if applicable). The information collected is used to communicate with interested parties as to the success of their application, issue a permit (if applicable), and collect a fee associated with the permit (if applicable) for a desired activity and/or area.

FS-2300-48 – National Recreation Permit: Information collected includes the group or individual’s name, responsible person’s signature, address, phone number, date of permit, method of travel, license number and description of vehicle and tow type, payment method and amount, number and types of water craft (if applicable), number in a group at a cabin or campsite (if applicable), number and type of off-highway vehicles or other vehicles, and number and type of other use (if applicable). The information collected is used to ensure visitors have paid a required recreation fee for an area or activity.

2. 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 on FS-2300-26, FS-2300-26a, FS-2300-43, FS-2300-47 and FS-2300-48 is collected from visitors (members of the public) to recreation fee sites and areas.

The information on FS-2300-30 and FS-2300-32 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.

3. What will this information be used for - provide ALL uses?

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a: Information collected via this form will be used to ensure recreation fee compliance by collection agents, forest protection officers, and federal law enforcement agents. This is done by cross-checking and verifying that the vehicle model and license plate number left on a payment stub in the windshield of a vehicle matches the information on the payment envelope. Previously, zip code and optional information may have been recorded and retained by NF recreation staff and used to monitor NF visitation patterns; however, the FS now uses the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program to monitor visitation in a standardized manner across the country.

FS-2300-30: The information gathered using this form assists in the management of special areas on National Forest System (NFS) lands by helping identify wilderness and special management areas most frequently visited, providing the agency with critical information for appropriate stewardship of these lands, and assisting personnel when locating lost visitors. The Visitor’s Permit is required for entry into some special management areas on NFS Lands. Reservations and permit systems control public use in some Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, restricted off-road vehicle areas, and campgrounds. In areas where public use is managed and/or monitored, the FS uses the Visitor’s Permit to: prevent resource damage, preserve the quality of the experience, or 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 FS 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 NF visitors if they do not return from their trip as planned (i.e., aid in search and rescue missions).

FS-2300-32: This voluntary registration card provides FS managers 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 FS 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 by identifying areas that are being heavily used without requiring a mandatory permit system to gather and record this data. Managers can then prepare restoration and monitoring plans to reflect where use is occurring, and, in extreme cases, develop plans to move use to lesser impacted areas. The Visitor Registration Card also provides managers with information useful in locating forest visitors if they do not return from their trip as planned.

FS-2300-43: The information gathered using this form is used by NFs to schedule short-term occupancy of government owned facilities. Information may be used to communicate with renters in the event of emergencies (e.g. fires) or other scheduling difficulties. Previously, zip code and optional information may have been recorded and retained by NF recreation staff and used to monitor NF visitation patterns; however, the FS now uses the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program to monitor visitation in a standardized manner across the country.

FS-2300-47: The information gathered using this form will be used by NFs and/or reservation agents to manage the application process. Information may be used to communicate with applicants as to the success of their application. This form may also serve as permit for successful applicants.

FS-2300-48: The information gathered using this form will be used by NFs and/or reservation agents to authorize use or activities at specific recreation sites or areas. Information may be used to communicate with permit holders in the event of emergencies (e.g. fires) or other scheduling difficulties.

4. 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?

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a: Information will be collected using the fee envelope where individuals place their payment. This information is manually completed by visitors. This is the only option for collection of the information.

FS-2300-30: Information will be collected by FS employees who complete the form at a FS 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.

FS-2300-32: Information will be collected on the form that is manually completed by visitors without FS assistance at the entry location. The card is deposited in an appropriate collection container.

FS-2300-43: Information will be collected on a form that has been either manually or electronically completed by individuals.

FS-2300-47: Information will be collected on a form that has been completed by individuals. The form may be printed out and completed by hand, or completed electronically, printed, and submitted.

FS-2300-48: Information will be collected on a form that has been completed by individuals. The form may be printed out and completed by hand, or completed electronically, printed, and submitted.

5. How frequently will the information be collected?

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a: Each time an individual visits and pays a daily recreation fee or an overnight camping fee.

FS-2300-30: Each time an individual visits a wilderness or special management area that has a permit or registration system in place.

FS-2300-32: Each time an individual visits a wilderness or special management area that has a permit or registration system in place.

FS-2300-43: Each time an individual applies to rent a government-owned facility that is not available through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

FS-2300-47: Each time an individual applies for a recreation permit.

FS-2300-48: Each time an individual is authorized to use a specific facility or area, or participates in a specific activity at a specific facility that is managed under a permit system.

6. Will the information be shared with any other organizations inside or outside USDA or the government?

The FS does not share the information collected with other organizations inside or outside the government.

7. If this is an ongoing collection, how have the collection requirements changed over time?

Collection requirements for FS-2300-26, FS-2300-26a, FS-2300-30, FS-2300-32, FS-2300-43, FS-2300-47, and FS-2300-48 have remained stable since the forms were initially approved and have experienced only minor modifications.

3. 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 standardized forms provide the most efficient means of obtaining the data in a readily usable format and place the least burden on both visitor and FS.

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a: information is collected at the recreation site. Currently, there is no feasible way to collect the required information by electronic means.

FS-2300-30 and FS-2300-32: information is collected at a FS office or at the entry point of a special management area. It does not involve the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology as 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 may be possible to collect this information electronically in advance of a visit, the quality of the information gathered would suffer considerably.

FS-2300-43: form will be completed either manually or electronically by individuals wishing to rent government-owned cabins and lookouts for non-commercial, short term use that are not available through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS).

FS-2300-47 and FS-2300-48: form will be completed either manually or electronically by individuals wishing to secure authorization to use specific facilities or areas, or participate in specific activities on Federal lands and waters that are not available through the NRRS.

4. 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 information collected is unique to the FS and the individual interested in accessing a special management area with a permit or registration system in place, using a recreation fee site or a government-owned cabin or lookout, or applying for and securing authorization to use a specific facility or area, or participating in a specific activity on NFS Lands. There is no similar information that is already available to be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2.

5. If the collection of information im­pacts small businesses or other small entities describe any methods used to mini­mize burden.

This collection of information will not impact small businesses or other small entities. Visitors to NFS Lands provide the information collected.

6. 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.

If this collection is not authorized, the FS will not be able to:

1. Verify who has paid a recreation fee;

2. Manage the recreation application and permit process for facilities and activities outside the NRRS;

3. Successfully manage recreation and wilderness programs;

4. Appropriately schedule rentals of facilities;

5. Communicate unanticipated schedule changes;

6. Rent government owned facilities to the public;

7. Monitor visitation rates in special management areas to prevent overuse and site deterioration in environmentally sensitive areas; and

8. Continue to provide high quality recreational experiences based on relevant visitor data.

7. 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;

Due to the nature of the permits, respondents routinely apply for them fewer than 30 days ahead of the time of issuance and use.

• 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 other special circumstances. The collection of information is conducted in a manner consistent with the guidelines in 5 CFR 1320.6.

8. 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 Federal Register Notice (FRN) was published on December 30, 2015, (Federal Register, Vol. 80, No. 250, Page 81507). FS received 1 comment from the public in response to this FRN, the comment questioned the use of the FLREA authorization for Special Recreation Permit Fees and addressed the cost or hour burden of these forms.

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 FS consulted the following individuals regarding this information collection:

David Ballenger, Recreation Permit and Fee Manager

Bureau of Land Management, 20 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

“The forms are straightforward and easy to complete.  They strike a good balance between collecting the needed basic information without asking for anything extra, and the estimated times to complete them look spot on.  Visitors have shown a willingness to provide basic information such as this when it is tied to the activity or site of use, and these forms do a good job of tailoring the questions to the recreation users’ situation.”

Zach Miller

University of Montana, College of Forestry and Conservation, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

1. Are the instructions understandable?

“Overall, the instructions were very understandable. I had two comments. The first is that for form FS-2300-26: I am not sure what “other fees” (number 8) would be. If it is clear that the people filling out these forms would know what these “other fees” are, ignore this comment. However, if it is not clear, you may want to give examples or specify what these other fees may be. Second comment is for form FS-2300-43: it is specified that you would like the number of people in the group and number of stock as well, but then the form just says “boats” and “over-snow vehicles.” I am assuming you still want a number, so I would be consistent and say “number of boats”, etc. If you don’t want a number, give them a YES/NO to answer.”

2. Is the information we’re asking for on the forms seem reasonable for the activity to be engaged in?

“Absolutely. I see no reason why any of this information would not be reasonable.”

3. Is our estimate of the amount of time it takes to complete the forms accurate?

“I think that for forms FS-2300-43, FS-2300-47, and FS-2300-48; the time estimate is too long. I think 10 minutes is more reasonable for these forms.”

4. Any other comments on these forms?

“No other comments.”

Richard Blackmon, 4414 Spanker Court #4A, Fort Myers, FL 33919

1. Are the instructions understandable?

“Yes.”

2. Is the information we’re asking for on the forms seem reasonable for the activity to be engaged in?

“Yes.”

3. Is our estimate of the amount of time it takes to complete the forms accurate?

Table 1

Form	Time estimate	Opinion	Explanation
FS-2300-26 FS-2300-26a	3 minutes	Good
FS-2300-30	3 minutes	Good for user with experience in area	Many users or groups may adjust plans of trip due to weather, conditions, or accidents.  Users new to area or inexperience will need assistance and additional time to complete this form: 15 minutes or more.
FS-2300-32	3 minutes	Good for user with experience in area	Many users or groups may adjust plans of trip due to weather, conditions, or accidents.  Users new to area or inexperience will need assistance and additional time to complete this form: 15 Minutes or more.
FS-2300-43	15 minutes	Most under 10 minutes	Form is easy to understand and fill out.
FS-2300-47	15 minutes	Most under 10 minutes	Form is very well laid out and easy to understand.
FS-2300-48	15 minutes	Most under 10 minutes	Form is very well laid out and easy to understand.

4. Any other comments on these forms?

“Just those listed in the table under number 3.”

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than re-enumeration of contractors or grantees.

The FS does not provide a payment or gift to respondents.

10. 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 any of the forms.

FS-2300-26, FS-2300-26a, FS-2300-30, FS-2300-32 and FS-2300-43: no information covered by a Privacy Act System of Records, Personally Identifiable Information, or other confidential information covered by a statute, regulation, or agency policy will be collected.

FS-2300-30, FS-2300-32, FS-2300-43, FS-2300-47, and FS-2300-48: personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, emails and vehicle registration information will be secured and maintained in accordance with the system of records, NRRS USDA/FS-55.

Records will be retained and disposed of in accordance with the appropriate General Records Schedules of the National Archives and Records Administration.

11. 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.

This kind of information is not requested or needed, nor provided to the Agency by individuals using recreation fee sites.

12. 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.

This renewal submission reflects 2,228,000 respondents, 2,228,000 responses and 119,000 burden hours.

• 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.

1. 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; and g) Total annual burden hours (columns e x f)

Table 2

(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)
Recreation Fee Permit Envelope	FS-2300- 26 FS-2300-26a	1,750,000	1	1,750,000	.05 (3 minutes)	87,500 hours
Visitor’s Permit	FS-2300-30	265,000	1	265,000	.05 (3 minutes)	13,250 hours
Visitor Registration Card	FS-2300-32	175,000	1	175,000	.05 (3 minutes)	8,750 hours
Rules of Occupancy for Short-Term, Non-commercial Use of Government Facilities	FS-2300-43	500	1	500	0.25 (15 minutes)	125 hours
National Recreation Application	FS-2300-47	7,500	1	7,500	0.25 (15 minutes)	1,875 hours
National Recreation Permit	FS-2300-48	30,000	1	30,000	0.25 (15 minutes)	7,500 hours
Totals	---	2,228,000	---	2,228,000	---	119,000 hours

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a: The number of respondents was determined by counting the number of envelopes ordered/used annually for 2014 and 2015. There has been a slight decrease in the number of envelopes needed since 2009; this decrease may be attributed to an increase in facilities and activities being made available to reserve through the NRRS. Fee envelopes are not used as a method of paying for facilities and activities available through NRRS. In addition, day use passes are available to purchase online and print locally in some regions. This may also contribute to the decrease in the number of envelopes used.

FS-2300-30 and FS-2300-32: The FS does not centrally produce, collect, or analyze the Visitors Permit and Visitor Registration Card, leaving that task up to the individual NFs that decide to use the forms, so actual use numbers are not available and must be estimated. For FS-2300-30, there are currently 53 different wilderness areas, or portions of wilderness areas, that have either quota-based permit or mandatory, non-limiting permits. These wildernesses are estimated to average 5,000 visitors annually; resulting with an estimate of 265,000 respondents annually. For FS-2300-32, there are currently 70 different wilderness areas that have voluntary self-registration systems.  These wildernesses are estimated to average 2,500 visitors annually, resulting with an estimate of 175,000 respondents annually.

FS-2300-43: Reservations and permits for the vast majority of FS cabins and lookouts available to rent by the public are managed through the NRRS. Because this service is available, use of the FS-2300-43 has remained steady from the previous information collection.

FS-2300-47: The number of respondents was determined by interviewing Recreation Program Managers who have facilities, areas, or activities that are not available through the NRRS and totaling their estimates of the number of applications received each year.

FS-2300-48: Reservations and permits for the vast majority of FS facilities and areas are available to rent by the public through the NRRS. The number of respondents was determined by interviewing recreation program managers who have facilities, areas, or activities that are not available through the NRRS because the permit area is not a fee area.

• 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.

Table 3

(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
FS-2300-26 & FS-2300-26a: Recreation Fee Permit Envelope	87,500	$23	$2,012,500
FS-2300-30: Visitor’s Permit	13,250	$23	$304,750
FS-2300-32: Visitor Registration Card	8,750	$23	$201,250
FS-2300-43: Rules of Occupancy for Short-Term, Non-Commercial Use of Government Facilities	125	$23	$2,875
FS-2300-47: National Recreation Application	1,875	$23	$43,125
FS-2300-48: National Recreation Permit	7,500	$23	$172,500
Totals	119,000	---	$2,737,000

*From the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2014, the average hourly rate for all occupations was $22.71, rounded to $23. (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#00-0000). Recreation fee sites and special management areas are visited by individuals from geographical areas across the county. The national mean average is the best value to use with the above table.

13. 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.

14. 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

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a are produced by a contractor: cost 0.057 per envelope to print and the FS printed 1.75 million envelopes: total cost was $99,062.75.

Table 4

Item	Contractor cost for printing forms	Employee labor and materials for developing, printing, distributing, and 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
FS-2300-26 FS-2300-26a	$99,063	786 hours x GS-9 wages	0	0	$122,588
		$23,525
FS-2300-30	0	350,000 forms x $0.03 per form	1 min/form x 265,000 forms x GS-5 wages	1 min/form x 132,500 forms x GS-7 wages	$151,811
		$10,500	$87,273	$54,038
FS-2300-32	0	300,000 forms x $0.01 per form	1 min/form x 175,000 forms x GS-5 wages	1 min/form x 87,500 forms x GS-7 wages	$96,318
		$3,000	$57,633	$35,685
FS-2300-43	0	500 forms x $0.03 per form	3 min/form x 500 forms x GS-5 wages	1 min/form x 500 forms x GS-7 wages	$713
		$15	$494	$204
FS-2300-47	0	7,500 forms x $0.05 per form	1 min/form x 7,500 forms x GS-5 wages	1 min/form x 7,500 forms x GS-7 wages	$5,904
		$375	$2,470	$3,059
FS-2300-48	0	30,000 forms x $0.05 per form	3 min/form x 30,000 forms x GS-5 wages	1 min/form x 30,000 forms x GS-7 wages	$43,375
		$1,500	$29,640	$12,235
Total	$99,063	$ 38,915	$177,510	$105,221	$420,709

*OPM Salary Tables: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2015/GS_h.pdf

GS-5/5: $15.20 x 1.3 (cost to government) = $19.76/hour; GS-7/5: $18.82 x 1.3 (cost to government) = $24.47/hour; and GS-9/5: $23.02 x 1.3 (cost to government) = $29.93/hour.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in items 13 or 14 of OMB form 83-I.

This is an extension of a currently approved collection. There is a decrease of 155,600 responses for a total of 2,228,000 responses and a decrease of 7,780 hours for a total of 119,000 burden hours. The changes in hour burden and cost are described below:

Table 5

Item	Hour Burden Change	Cost Change	Reason for Change
FS-2300-26 FS-2300-26a	-3,905	+$1,568	The number of fee envelopes printed has decreased over the past 4 years by approximately 100,000: due to the increase in the number of facilities and services available through the NRRS, which does not use an envelope to collect fees as the purchase of day use permits is online. The increase in the cost can likely be attributed to the increase in the estimated average income per hour by $1 between 2012 and 2015.
FS-2300-30	-500	-$11,500	Slight decrease in the number of wildernesses with mandatory permit systems.
FS-2300-32	-3,375	-$77,625	Significant decrease in the number of wildernesses with voluntary self-registration systems.
FS-2300-43	0	+ $125	Reservations and permits for the vast majority of FS cabins and lookouts available to rent by the public are managed through the NRRS. Because this service is available, use of the FS-2300-43 has remained steady from the previous information collection. Increase in the cost can be attributed to the $1/hour increase in the estimated average income per hour.
FS-2300-47	0	+ $1,875	Discussions with Regional Recreation Managers indicate there has been no change in the use of the national recreation application. Increase in the cost can be attributed to the $1/hour increase in the estimated average income per hour.
FS-2300-48	0	+ $7,590	Discussions with Regional Recreation Managers indicate there has been no change in the use of the national recreation permit. Increase in the cost can be attributed to the $1/hour increase in the estimated average income per hour.
Total	-7,780	-$77,967

FS-2300-43, FS-2400-47, and FS-2300-48: no change of burden.

FS-2300-26 and FS-2300-26a, FS-2300-30, and FS-2300-32: the hour burden has decreased significantly by 3,905, 500, and 3,375 hours, respectively. The decrease in hour burden is 7,780 hours, the new hour burden is 119,000 hours and the cost burden has decreased by $77,967.

16. For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.

There are no plans to publish the results of this information collection for statistical use.

17. 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 FS requested and was exempted from displaying the OMB expiration date on past Paperwork Reduction Act submissions. The primary reason for the request in those submissions was the additional expense of redistributing thousands of new forms when the information collection expires though the form remains valid for use. Additionally, individuals may confuse OMB’s expiration date with the expiration date of the permit. Some respondents in the past have also confused FS’s date that indicates when a form was last revised. Therefore, we are requesting approval to not display the OMB expiration date on all forms covered by this information collection extension request.

18. 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. The agency is able to certify compliance with all provisions under item 19 of OMB form 83-I.

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