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.
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.