Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations, Management, Evaluation, and Research

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection for

Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations, Management,

Evaluation, and Research

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the

Forest Service announces its intent to request an extension of a

currently approved information collection related to visitor use of

recreational sites on National Forest System lands.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing on or before July 16, 1996.

ADDRESSES: All comments should be addressed to: H. Ken Cordell,

Principal Investigator, Forest Service, USDA, Southern Research

Station, 320 Green St., Athens, GA 30602.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

H. Ken Cordell, Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Assessment, at (706)

546-2451.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Description of Information Collection

The following describes the information collection to be extended:

Title: Customer and Use Survey Techniques for Operations,

Management, Evaluation, and Research.

OMB Number: 0596-0110.

Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 1996.

Type of Request: Extension of a previously approved information

collection.

Abstract: The data collected is evaluated to ensure that the agency

meets its Continuous Improvement Program and public service goals and

management objectives. National Forest System land visitors are asked

to respond to questions that include whether National Forest System

land recreational sites are accessible to persons with disabilities,

whether access roads are well maintained and adequate parking is

available, if grounds and rest rooms are clean and drinking water is

safe, and whether agency personnel are available to answer questions

and offer assistance. Also, information is collected that reflects the

economic impact National Forest System land recreational sites have on

local and regional communities. There are seven general categories of

information requests: a CUSTOMER on-site survey, four site-specific

postage paid mail-in surveys, one expense related postage paid mail-in

survey, and a CUSTOMER Report Card. Data gathered in this information

collection is not available from other sources.

Customer On-Site Survey

Abstract: The CUSTOMER On-Site Survey is a verbal survey

administered by Forest Service personnel or Forest Service volunteers

to visitors of recreational sites on National Forest System lands.

Answers are filled in by the survey administrator. Data collected in

the CUSTOMER On-Site survey include the location of the interview

(e.g., roadside, picnic area, boat ramp, etc.), distance traveled to

the site, duration of stay at the site, purpose of the visit, number of

people included in the group, helpfulness of agency employees,

availability of information about the area, and the opportunity to see

and hear wildlife.

Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.

Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System

lands recreational sites.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Postage Paid Mail-In Surveys

Abstract: After the CUSTOMER On-Site Survey has been administered

by Forest Service personnel or volunteers, visitors using recreational

sites on National Forest System lands are asked to fill out a postage

paid mail-in survey. Visitors are given only 1 of 4 different site-

specific mail-in surveys used in conjunction with the CUSTOMER On-Site

Survey. Each survey focuses on a different aspect of the recreational

site. For example, one survey includes questions about convenience of

cooking grills, picnic tables, cleanliness of facilities, and adequacy

of camp sites. Another survey includes questions about the helpfulness

of agency employees, availability of maps for the area, and whether

areas are clearly marked. A third survey includes questions about

walking trails, condition of access roads and availability of parking,

information about historic sites, or absence of human modifications to

the visible landscape. The fourth site-specific survey asks questions

relating to availability and condition of boat ramps and beaches,

fishing, swimming or water-skiing opportunities, and whether the

recreational sites are crowded.

Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.

Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System

lands recreational sites.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Postage Paid Mail-In Expense Survey

Abstract: Visitors at recreational sites on National Forest System

lands are also given a postage paid mail-in survey related to their

recreational expenses. They are asked to estimate the dollars they

spent on recreational equipment and activities and whether the dollars

were spent at or near the recreational site. The visitors are asked to

return the survey by mail after completing it.

Estimate of Burden: 15 minutes per response.

Type of Respondents: Visitors utilizing National Forest System

lands recreational sites.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,000.

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Estimated number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 2,500 hours.

Customer Report Card

Abstract: The CUSTOMER Report Card is an on-site survey made

available to visitors at the recreational site. The purpose of the

CUSTOMER Report Card is to gather data about the experiences visitors

have on National Forest System land recreational sites, such as how

satisfying the visit was and whether the recreational site met the

visitor's needs. When completed, the surveys are placed in a box

located at the recreational site for this purpose.

Estimate of Burden: 5 minutes per response.

Type of Respondents: 10,000.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 834 hours.

The agency invites comments on the following: (a) Whether the

proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper

performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the

information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the

agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of

information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions

used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the

information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the

collection of information on respondents, including the use of

automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection

techniques or other forms of information technology.

Use of Comments

All comments received in response to this notice will be summarized

and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also

become a matter of public record.

Dated: May 13, 1996.

Jack Ward Thomas,

Chief.

[FR Doc. 96-12452 Filed 5-16-96; 8:45 am]

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