New ecological research on forest
health and threat of wildfires suggest that prescribed fire and
mechanical thinning are potential methods to address forest issues.
How interested publics view these methods may vary widely. This
study will describe how groups, interested in forest management,
perceive ecological and utilitarian outcomes from prescribed fire
and merchanical thinning. Members of conservation and environmental
groups along with recreational users and nearby residents of US
Forest Service Areas are the study population.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.