FR 2021-04001

The document is a notice from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), part of the Interior Department, regarding their proposal to renew an information collection activity. This proposal falls under the jurisdiction of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The focus of the information collection is the management and protection of wild horses and burros, specifically concerning individuals who are interested in adopting or purchasing these animals. The BLM seeks public comment on this proposal by March 29, 2021.

General Summary

The notice outlines the need to collect information from individuals to ensure that those interested in adopting or purchasing wild horses and burros are qualified to do so. This information collection helps the BLM perform its responsibilities effectively, ensuring proper care and management of these animals. The document invites public comments to refine and enhance this process, suggesting that the BLM values feedback to minimize the reporting burden on individuals.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the notice:

1. Clarity and Accessibility: The document could benefit from clearer explanations about what specific data is being collected and its necessity for the agency's functions. The technical language around legal references may also be challenging for the general public to understand without broader context.

2. Transparency and Privacy: While the document does mention that comments become a matter of public record, it also notes that personal information may not be withheld from public view despite requests. This lack of guaranteed privacy might discourage some potential commenters from participating.

3. OMB Control Number: The notice references an OMB control number but does not explain its significance. Clarifying this could aid in understanding the importance of the information collection and its official status.

Impact on the General Public

For the general public, this document signifies the BLM's ongoing efforts to ensure responsible handling of wild horses and burros. By involving the public through comments, the BLM promotes civic engagement. However, the technical nature of the document might hinder full understanding or discourage participation due to privacy concerns.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved, such as those interested in adopting or purchasing wild horses and burros, the notice is critical. It affects how these processes are managed and what requirements must be met. Positively, it reflects a structured process and an opportunity for stakeholder feedback to improve practices. On the downside, unclear guidelines and potential privacy risks in commenting might deter participation or compliance.

Overall, the document seeks to balance bureaucratic necessities with public engagement, yet improvements in clarity and privacy assurances could enhance its effectiveness and reception.

In reviewing the Federal Register document, the primary financial reference is the "Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost" of $2,400. This amount reflects the costs that are not dependent on time spent completing the paperwork required by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This type of financial allocation typically covers expenses that might include materials, postage, or any other non-hourly costs associated with the collection of information from respondents.

It is evident that the financial impact on respondents seems minimal when considering the overall scope of federal information collection activities. The $2,400 nonhour burden cost suggests that the agency has effectively streamlined their processes to avoid imposing substantial financial burdens on those who are interested in adopting, purchasing, fostering, or training wild horses and burros.

Regarding the issues identified, there might be some confusion or concern over the unspecified details about how this $2,400 cost is broken down or managed within the agency. While it is a relatively small amount, transparency in financial management is crucial for maintaining public trust. An explicit breakdown could potentially alleviate concerns related to transparency, as mentioned in the issues.

Moreover, potential respondents might be deterred by the technical language and lack of clarity on financial implications, emphasizing the need for clearer communication on financial matters. The document leaves room for improvement by providing additional information on what constitutes the nonhour burden cost and reassuring the public about budget allocations, ensuring clear understanding and transparency in government spending practices.

Nonetheless, the financial aspects discussed in the document are quite minimal and straightforward, aligning with the government's efforts to reduce the burden on the public while fulfilling statutory information requirements.