[Federal Register: January 15, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 10)] [Notices] [Page 2409] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr15ja98-75] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WO-260-1030-2-24 1A] Request for Emergency Clearance of an Information Collection Relating to Wild Horses and Burros AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces that we have requested emergency approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by January 30, 1998, to collect information relating to certain wild horses and burros. The BLM needs this information to issue title to adopters of wild horses and burros since 1992 who have not yet received title to the animals. We do not anticipate that collecting this information will extend beyond the 180-day maximum permitted by statute. DATES: Comments on the request for emergency clearance should be sent as soon as possible. Comments on the proposed collection must be received by January 30, 1998, to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Mail comments on the request for emergency clearance directly to the Office of Management and Budget, Interior Department Desk Officer (1004-NEW), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Washington, D.C. 20503. Please send a copy of your comments to the Bureau of Land Management Information Clearance Officer (WO-630), 1849 C St., N.W., Mail Stop 401 LS, Washington, D.C. 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carole Smith, (202) 452-0367, from whom a copy of the proposed emergency collection is available. NATURE OF COMMENTS: We specifically request your comments on the proposed collection in relation to the following: (1) Whether the collection of information is necessary for BLM's proper functioning, including whether or not the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of BLM's estimate of the burden of collecting the information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) The quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) How to minimize the burden of collecting the information on those who are to respond, including using the appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Wild, Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of December 15, 1971, as amended, places these animals under BLM's management and protection. BLM must manage these animals so as to achieve and maintain a thriving, natural ecological balance on the public lands. Maintaining the balance requires removing excess animals from the range and offering healthy animals for adoption. These animals go to individuals who are qualified to provide humane care and proper treatment. If these individuals demonstrate proper treatment and care for 1 year, BLM may grant title to not more than four animals per year to these individuals. The regulations at 43 CFR 4750.5 require BLM to issue titles after 1 year to adopters who have held the animals for a year and have complied with all applicable requirements. Since 1992, about 2,500 individuals have adopted about 4,000 horses but do not have title to them. Untitled animals are Federal property and subject to BLM's jurisdiction and oversight. This information collection would assist these adopters in getting title to the animals. The collection would be conducted as follows: BLM would send registered letters to the approximately 2,500 adopters at their addresses of record during the first week of February 1998. Respondents would be asked to verify preprinted information about each horse or burro as accurate or to correct it and would give information about what happened to the horse or burro and where it is currently located. Those individuals who still have their horses would be asked to title them by submitting an application for title. The application requests information about the animal(s) and the adopter's name and address and also requires a certified statement from a veterinarian or other animal professional that the animal or animals were properly cared for and in good health. We expect a 30% to 35% response rate to this mailing. Individuals who did not respond but for whom letters were not returned by the Postal Service would receive a second letter, sent by regular mail. The time for reading the letter and preprinted information, verifying and supplying data and getting a certification as to the health of the animal or animals is estimated at 1 hour, 15 minutes per response. This time includes 45 minutes for the adopter to fill in the required information and 30 minutes for the veterinarian or other applicable individual to search his or her records and certify that the animals were humanely treated and cared for. The BLM needs this information in advance of the time frames required by a regular information collection in order to meet its data needs and to comply with a settlement in Fund for the Animals and Animal Protection League, Inc. v. Shea. The terms of the settlement agreement in this lawsuit require BLM to get OMB approval for two forms relating to maintenance and care and titling of wild horses and burros. The titling effort associated with this collection will assist in meeting the terms and intent of the settlement agreement. Dated: January 9, 1998. Carole Smith, Bureau of Land Management Information Collection Officer. [FR Doc. 98-1011 Filed 1-14-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-84-M