FR 2021-01464

The document titled "Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request" details a proposal by the Department of Agriculture that has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This submission falls under the purview of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, indicating that the department seeks to collect feedback from the public regarding the necessity, accuracy, and clarity of their information collection processes.

General Summary

The primary focus of this request is to gather input on the information collection practices related to Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) and their programs. Specifically, the document outlines how agencies like the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and others plan to collect data to improve transportation and recreation services on federal lands. Public comments are encouraged and considered important to ensure that the data collection practices are efficient and beneficial.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several notable issues arise from the document:

• Lack of Methodological Details: The document does not provide clear information on the methodologies used to estimate the burden on respondents. Without these details, it is challenging to assess the validity of the estimates.

• Design and Execution of Data Collection Tools: While the document mentions surveys, focus groups, and interviews, it does not specify how these tools will be designed to minimize the burden on members of the public who participate.

• Technological Techniques: There is insufficient information on the specific technological tools or techniques intended to be used to reduce the burden on respondents.

• Previous Discontinuation: The document does not explain why this information collection was discontinued previously, or what changes have been made to address past concerns before seeking reinstatement.

• Scope of Respondents: The role of different respondent groups, such as businesses and not-for-profit organizations, and their contributions to data on transportation and recreation services is not clearly articulated.

• Complexity of Agency Roles: The document lists several FLMAs but does not clarify the specific roles each agency plays in the information collection process. This can be confusing for the general public to understand how each agency is involved.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this document signifies an opportunity to influence the department's approach to collecting information on federal land use. Public involvement could ensure that the information gathering is pertinent and that it fosters better management of federal lands. However, without a clear understanding of the methodologies and the role of various stakeholders, the public may find it challenging to provide meaningful feedback.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as respondents from federal, state, and local governments, as well as businesses and not-for-profits, the implications of the document are significant. They are called upon to contribute to a process that directly affects how federal lands are managed and how resources are allocated for transportation and recreational services. Positively, this presents an opportunity for stakeholders to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency on federal lands. On the downside, the potential for increased administrative burden, if methodologies are not optimized, could pose challenges.

In conclusion, while the document aims to engage a wide audience and improve federal land services, it could benefit from more detailed and clearer communication regarding methodologies, respondent roles, and technological strategies to truly minimize burdens and maximize utility.