Socioeconomic Monitoring (SEM) Study of National Park Service Visitors

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status
1024-NEW SEM Supporting Statement A 1-15-25.docx Supporting Statement A	2025-01-16
PLAW-105publ391(SEM) .pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
Management Policies 2006 8.11.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
54USC100702 - System Resource Inventory and Management.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
54 U.S.C. 100701 - Protection, Interpretation, and Research in System.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
GAO 15-84.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
54USC100101.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
1024-SEM (90 FR 6000).pdf Supplementary Document	2025-01-21
1024-NEW SEM Cover letters and reminders 1-23-2023.docx Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
60 day FRN.pdf Supplementary Document	2024-08-22
1024-NEW SEM Supporting Statement B 1-15-25.docx Supporting Statement B	2025-01-16

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
270322	Mail-back/Online Survey Other-Mail-back/electronic Survey	New
270321	Non-Response Survey Other-non-response survey	New
270320	SEM Intercept Survey Other-on-site survey	New

ICR Details

OMB Control No:	ICR Reference No: 202408-1024-001
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No:
Agency/Subagency: DOI/NPS	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Socioeconomic Monitoring (SEM) Study of National Park Service Visitors
Type of Information Collection: New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 01/21/2025

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved
Responses	58,544	0
Time Burden (Hours)	6,852	0
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

---

Abstract: The National Park Service (NPS) Social Science Program is authorized by the National Park Service Protection, Interpretation, and Research in System (54 U.S.C. 100701) to collect information that will improve the ability of the NPS to provide effective management, protection, and interpretation across the Service. However, data is needed to generalize findings across all national park units in the System with regards to visitor experiences, attitudes, and spending behaviors. Current data does not allow for comparison across units or against a regional and nationwide benchmark of information. The proposed collection will provide generalizable results for NPS managers and planners across the System to understand and monitor visitor demographics, economic contribution, services, facilities, and infrastructure investments. Park units will be able to compare their unit data with regional and national-level data to make informed decisions in future planning and management efforts.

---

Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 54 USC 100701 Name of Law: National Park Service and Related Programs: Protection, Interpretation, and Research in the System
   PL: Pub.L. 105 - 391 1693 Name of Law: National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998
   US Code: 54 USC 100702 Name of Law: National Park Service and Related Programs: System Resource Inventory and Management
   US Code: 54 USC 100101 Name of Law: National Park Service and Related Programs: Promotion and Regulation
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

---

Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

---

Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	86 FR 48244	08/27/2021
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	90 FR 6000	01/17/2025
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

---

Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 3

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Mail-back/Online Survey
Non-Response Survey
SEM Intercept Survey

---

ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	58,544	0	0	58,544	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	6,852	0	0	6,852	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: New Collection.

---

Annual Cost to Federal Government: $2,543,686

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

---

Common Form ICR:  No

---

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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 01/21/2025

---