The Backcountry-Wilderness Use Permit
Application (NPS Form 10-404) and Backcountry/Wilderness Use Permit
Hangtag (NPS Form 10-404A) are the primary forms 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/Wilderness
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/wilderness 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/wilderness use permit
system provides users access to backcountry/wilderness areas of
national parks while enhancing resource protection and providing a
means of disseminating public safety messages regarding
backcountry/wilderness travel, issuing hazard warnings, conducting
search and rescue efforts, and providing resource protection. By
designating access routes and overnight camping locations, NPS
backcountry/wilderness 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/wilderness. The NPS also uses the permit system
as a means of ensuring backcountry/wilderness users receive
up-to-date information on backcountry/wilderness sanitation
procedures, food storage procedures, wildlife activity, trail
conditions, and weather forecasts so NPS concerns for visitor
safety are met.
US Code:
54
USC 100101 Name of Law: The NPS Organic Act
We are reporting a burden
increase of 34,200 responses and 11,809 hours. This is primarily
attributed to a 12% increase in the number of annual applications
for backcountry/wilderness since the last reporting cycle. We are
reporting an increased cost to the government of $288,346. This is
primary attributed to a 12% increase in the number of applications
received and needing to be processed compared to the last reporting
cycle. It is also due to the addition of supervisory support which
was not accounted for in previous submissions. Previous submissions
reflected the use of a single combined instrument that met the
purposes of the application and the permit hangtag. This submission
includes two instruments, the application for the permit and the
permit hangtag. Both are completed and processed separately. This
is a significant revision.
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.