Notice2022-10538
Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Migratory Birds
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 17, 2022
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an existing information collection with revisions.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 95 (Tuesday, May 17, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29872-29874]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-10538]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-HQ-MB-2022-0056; FF09M21200-223-FXMB1231099BPP0; OMB Control
Number 1018-0022]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and
Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports--Migratory Birds
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, we, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an existing
information collection with revisions.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
July 18, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the information collection request
(ICR) by one of the following methods (please reference OMB Control
Number ``1018-0022'' in the subject line of your comment):
<bullet> Internet (preferred): <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056.
<bullet> Email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#41082f272e1e022e2d2d012736326f262e37"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="21684f474e7e624e4d4d614756520f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>.
<bullet> U.S. mail: Service Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Docket No. FWS-HQ-MB-2022-
0056, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), Falls Church, VA 22041-
3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#276e4941487864484b4b6741505409404851"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e9a0878f86b6aa868585a98f9e9ac78e869f">[email protected]</span></a>, or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing
regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 5 CFR 1320, we
provide the general public and other Federal agencies with an
opportunity to comment on new, proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps us assess the impact of our
information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting
burden. It also helps the public understand our information collection
requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again soliciting comments from the public and other
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR that is described below. We are
especially interested in public comment addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of
[[Page 29873]]
public record. Before including your address, phone number, email
address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal
identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's regional migratory
bird permit offices use information that we collect on permit
applications to determine the eligibility of applicants for permits
requested in accordance with the criteria in various Federal wildlife
conservation laws and international treaties, including:
(1) Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.).
(2) Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.).
(3) Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.).
Service regulations implementing these statutes and treaties are in
chapter I, subchapter B of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), parts 10, 13, 20, and 21. These regulations stipulate general
and specific requirements that, when met, allow us to issue permits to
authorize activities that are otherwise prohibited.
Generally, with the exception of forms 3-186 and 3-186a, all
Service migratory bird permit application and report forms are in the
3-200 and 3-202 series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity
based on the requirements for specific types of permits. We collect
standard identifier information for all permits. The information that
we collect on applications and reports is the minimum necessary for us
to determine if the applicant meets/continues to meet issuance
requirements for the particular activity.
In accordance with Federal regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, we collect
standard identifier information for all permit applications, such as:
<bullet> Applicant's full name and address (street address, city,
county, State, and zip code; and mailing address if different from
street address); home and work telephone numbers; and a fax number and
email address (if available), and
--If the applicant resides or is located outside the United States, an
address in the United States, and, if the applicant is applying for
permission to conduct commercial activities, the name and address of
his or her agent that is located in the United States; and
--If the applicant is an individual, the date of birth, occupation, and
any business, agency, organizational, or institutional affiliation
associated with the wildlife or plants to be covered by the license or
permit; or
--If the applicant is a business, corporation, public agency, or
institution, the tax identification number; description of the business
type, corporation, agency, or institution; and the name and title of
the person responsible for the permit (such as president, principal
officer, or director);
<bullet> Location where the requested permitted activity is to
occur or be conducted;
<bullet> Certification containing the following language:
--``I hereby certify that I have read and am familiar with the
regulations contained in title 50, part 13, of the Code of Federal
Regulations and the other applicable parts in subchapter B of chapter I
of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, and I further certify that
the information submitted in this application for a permit is complete
and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that
any false statement herein may subject me to suspension or revocation
of this permit and to the criminal penalties of 18 U.S.C. 1001.''
<bullet> Requested effective date of permit (except where issuance
date is fixed by the part under which the permit is issued);
<bullet> Current date;
<bullet> Signature of the applicant;
<bullet> Such other information as the Director determines relevant
to the processing of the application, including but not limited to
--Information on the environmental effects of the activity consistent
with 40 CFR 1506.5 and Departmental procedures at 516 DM 6, appendix
1.3A; and
--Additional information required on applications for other types of
permits may be found by referring to Table 1 to Paragraph (b) in 50 CFR
13.12.
Standardization of general information common to the application
forms makes the filing of applications easier for the public, as well
as expediting our review of applications. The information that we
collect on applications and reports is the minimum necessary for us to
determine if the applicant meets/continues to meet issuance
requirements for the particular activity.
Proposed Revisions to This Information Collection
With this submission, we are proposing the following revisions to
the existing information collection:
Revisions to Section E in Permit Applications
In 2020, the Service implemented a new automated permit application
called ePermits. The ePermits system allowed the Service to move
towards a streamlined permitting process to reduce the information
collection burden on the public, particularly small businesses. Public
burden reduction is a priority for the Service; the Assistant Secretary
for Fish and Wildlife and Parks; and senior leadership at the
Department of the Interior. The intent of the ePermits system is to
fully automate the permitting process to improve the customer
experience and to reduce time burden on respondents. This system
enhances the user experience by allowing users to enter data from any
device that has internet access, including personal computers, tablets,
and smartphones. It also links the permit applicant to the <a href="http://Pay.gov">Pay.gov</a>
system for payment of the associated permit application fee.
Users of the ePermits system register for and use an account which
will then automatically populate the forms they complete with the
required identification information. The system eliminates the need for
applicants to enter their information multiple times when they apply
for separate permits and reducing burden on the applicant. The account
registration process will also provide private sector users an
opportunity to self-identify as a small business which will enable the
Service to more accurately report burden associated with information
collection requirements placed on them.
At this time, the ePermits system is unable to fully automate
Section E of the permit application process. Section E of each permit
application is customized based on the permit type. We anticipate being
able to begin digitizing Section E on our forms in calendar year 2022.
As a result of challenges with the development of forms within the
ePermits system, we do not have a timeline for full automation of
Section E. We anticipate beginning the digitization of the report forms
contained in this collection by 2023 and believe the digitization of
Section E on application forms should be finalized by fiscal year 2024,
as funding and resources become available.
We do not anticipate changes to the questions within Section E of
each
[[Page 29874]]
application form. We also do not plan to make changes to the annual
report forms contained in this collection. However, we do anticipate
proposing the following changes to certain permit application forms
contained in this collection, to include:
<bullet> Applicants will be able to select the type of business
they manage (for-profit, small business, farm, not-for-profit, or
government entity).
<bullet> Requesting businesses using ePermits provide email
addresses for both the principal officer and the business.
<bullet> The signature block will be replaced by with electronic
submission of the online applications.
<bullet> The ePermits system will also:
--Allow users to apply on behalf of another individual or business as a
new way to identify if a consultant is applying for a client.
--Ask for the name of the authorized individual to include on the
permit and will allow a business to nickname their applications.
--Ask the applicant to identify the location where the majority of the
authorized activities will occur.
--Ask the applicant to identify the physical address of the preparer of
application.
--Ask the applicants to identify if they are tax exempt.
--Prompt applicants to provide their preferred contact method.
--Prompt the applicant to describe changes associated with amendments
or renewals (with changes) of their permit.
--Prompt applicants to opt in or out to release their information for
all applications except migratory bird rehabilitation permits
(businesses are automatically opted in).
--Prompt the applicant to provide a parent permit number, which allows
the ePermits System to direct the user to the correct version of their
permit for renewals or amendments to a permit.
Falconry Program
We propose to modify FWS Form 3-186A to update the field ``USFWS
Band Number'' to say ``USFWS/State/Tribe/Territory band number'' and
''USFWS Permit Number'' to ``USFWS/State/Tribe/Territory permit
number.''
Migratory Bird Permit Program Service Manual Chapters
With this submission, we will seek OMB approval of the Migratory
Bird Permit Program Handbook and associated Service Manual chapters at
724 FW 1 (``Migratory Bird Permits'') and 724 FW 2 (``Migratory Bird
Management''), all of which contain information collections. The
Handbook provides detailed procedures and other operational information
to implement the Service Manual chapters in part 724 and more generally
in part 720.
New and existing information collections contained in the Handbook
requiring OMB approval include the following:
<bullet> Renewal procedures associated with the reauthorization of
an existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);
<bullet> Reinstatement procedures associated with the
reauthorization of an existing permit (with or without changes to the
conditions);
<bullet> Discontinuance procedures at the permittee's request to
discontinue a valid permit;
<bullet> Solicitation of appropriate documentation from entities
authorized to act on behalf of State, local, Tribal, and Federal
government agencies to verify their exempt status for fee exemption
purposes;
<bullet> Fee waiver request process as outlined in 50 CFR
13.11(d)(3)(iii);
<bullet> Requests for reconsideration of a denial, partial denial,
suspension, or revocation of a permit (requiring submission of a
written request with the required information in 50 CFR 13.29(b) within
45 days after the permit decision); and
<bullet> Appeals of reconsideration request decisions (requiring
the permittee submit a written request to the Regional Director (see 50
CFR 13.29(e)) within 45 days of the reconsideration decision).
The public may request copies of any form or document contained in
this information collection by sending a request to the Service
Information Collection Clearance Officer in ADDRESSES, above.
Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications
and Reports--Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, and 21.
OMB Control Number: 1018-0022.
Form Numbers: FWS Forms 3-186, 3-186A, 3-200-6 through 3-200-9, 3-
200-10a through 3-200-10c, 3-200-10e, 3-200-10f, 3-200-12 through 3-
200-13, 3-200-67, 3-200-79, 3-200-81, 3-202-1 through 3-202-10, 3-202-
12, and 3-202-17.
Type of Review: Revision of an existing information collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals; private sector (including
zoological parks, museums, universities, scientists, taxidermists,
businesses, and utilities); and State, local, Tribal, and Federal
governments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 27,980.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 53,510.
Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to
260 hours, depending on activity.
Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 394,967.
Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion for applications; annually or
on occasion for reports.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: $491,050 (primarily
associated with application processing fees).
An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-10538 Filed 5-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.