SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 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 (IC) requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public understand our IC requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format.

As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burdens, we are soliciting comments from the public and other Federal agencies on the proposed ICR described below. We are especially interested in public comments 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 public record. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personally identifiable information—may be publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personally identifiable information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. ( printed page 52321)

Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the Federal agency primarily responsible for managing migratory birds, including bald eagles and golden eagles. Our authority derives primarily from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703-712), which implements migratory bird conventions with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the Russian Federation. As part of this effort, we collect information to determine the eligibility of applicants in certain activities in accordance with the criteria in various Federal wildlife conservation laws and international treaties, including the MBTA and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act; 16 U.S.C. 668-668d).

Regulations implementing these statutes are in Chapter I, Subchapter B of Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which stipulate general and specific requirements that, when met, allow us to issue permits to authorize activities that are otherwise prohibited:

• 50 CFR part 10—General Provisions
• 50 CFR part 13—General Permit Procedures
• 50 CFR part 20—Migratory Bird Hunting
• 50 CFR part 21—Migratory Bird Permits

With this notice, we are submitting four simultaneous ICRs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requesting approval of existing, revised, new, and discontinued ICs associated with the following OMB Control Numbers:

• 1018-0022,Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports — Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, 21, expires 12/31/2026;
• 1018-0146,Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR 21, Subpart D, expires 08/31/2026;
• 1018-NEW1,Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21; and
• 1018-NEW2,Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.

We will request OMB approval of the existing, revised, new, and discontinued ICs as described below:

1. OMB Cont. No. 1018-0022,Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21—

A. Revised Title —We propose to change the title of this collection from “Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 20, 21” to “Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR parts 10, 13, 21”.

B. Monitoring and Reporting —Most permit types require the permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the permit and the permitting program on populations of migratory birds to ensure the program is not causing a population decline that could be avoided.

Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events in the future.

We continually review the application and report forms in this collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will accommodate future electronic permitting.

C. Applications —All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A through D on the applications are the same for all permit types. These sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and address, telephone numbers, tax identification number, and email address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, “General information requirements on applications for permits”, require submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing general information common to the application forms makes filing applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that is unique to the applicant.

Section E of each application collects information specific to the activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information concerning:

• The purpose of the activity;
• The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the activity;
• The applicant's education and experience conducting the activity; and
• The methods used.

For captive-held bird(s), we ask for information about the holding facility, including the size of the enclosures and the material used in construction of the facility. As part of our efforts to reduce the number of questions on application forms, we propose to standardize much of the information contained in Section E of each application form and minimize information collected specific to the activity, as specified above. Section E will continue to include questions to determine:

• The location of records required by statute;
• Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the authorized activity; and,
• Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to receive a permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.

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 and that any birds held in captivity are done so in a healthful and humane manner. Application forms within this collection include:

1. Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit (Form 3-200-9) (Revised)

2. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit (Form 3-200-10b) (Revised)

3. Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Possession of Live and/or Dead and Salvage for Educational Purposes (Form 3-200-10c) (Revised)

4. Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation Permit (Form 3-200-12) (Revised)

5. Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Abatement Activities Using Raptors Permit (Form 3-200-79) (Revised)

This collection also includes the following permit application forms, which the Service proposes to revise and move to other OMB Control Numbers (see below):

• Migratory Bird Import/Export Permit (Form 3-200-6)
• Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting Permit (Form 3-200-7)
• Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit (Form 3-200-8)
• Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Miscellaneous (Form 3-200-10f)
• Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (Form 3-200-13)
• Special Canada Goose Permit (Form 3-200-67)
• Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Utility Permit (Form 3-200-81) ( printed page 52322)
• Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit (Form 3-200-90)

The Service proposes to discontinue Form 3-200-10e, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Game Bird Propagation (see below).

D. Annual Reports —All activities conducted under these regulations require submission of an annual report to the Service. The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their authorization or permit. Annual report forms within this collection include:

1. Waterfowl Sale and Disposal (Form 3-202-2) (Revised)

2. Migratory Bird Rehabilitation (Form 3-202-4) (Revised)

3. Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Possession of Live and/or Dead and Salvage of Migratory Birds for Educational Purposes (Form 3-202-5) (Replaced with Form 3-202-2)

4. Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Game Bird Propagation (Form 3-202-6) (Replaced with Form 3-202-2)

5. Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation (Form 3-202-8) (Replaced with Form 3-202-2)

This collection also includes the following annual report forms, which the Service proposes to move to a new OMB control number (see below):

• Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting (Form 3-202-1)(Revised)
• Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Salvage (Form 3-202-3)(Revised)
• Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Miscellaneous (Form 3-202-7) (Replaced with Form 3-202-1, 3-202-2, or 3-202-3 depending on activity)
• Migratory Bird Depredation (Form 3-202-9)(Replaced with Form 3-202-1)
• Special Canada Goose (Form 3-202-10)(Replaced with Form 3-202-1)
• Avian Injury/Mortality Report (Form 3-202-17)
• Special Double-Crested Cormorant (Form 3-202-56)

E. As-Needed Reports —We use as-needed reports to collect information of individuals that transfer migratory birds between permittees.

1. Migratory Bird and Eagle Acquisition and Transfer Request (Form 3-202-12) (Revised)

2. Notice of Transfer and Sale of Migratory Waterfowl (Form 3-186) (Revised)

The Service proposes to revise and move Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition, to OMB Control Number 1018-NEW2.

F. Miscellaneous Forms —The Federal Raptor Propagation Seamless Band Request (Form 3-2435) is also used in conjunction with the raptor program to order additional bands.

G. Amendments —Permittees may request to amend a permit by the permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing office within 10 calendar days of such change.

H. Recordkeeping Requirements —In addition to the requirements in 50 CFR part 13, persons conducting activities under Special Purpose Permits (50 CFR 21.95) must maintain adequate records and make them available for inspection by Service personnel.

I. Banding Requirements —

1. Special Purpose Permits—Possession of Live Migratory Birds for Educational Purposes (50 CFR 21.95)—All live, captive-bred, migratory game birds must be physically marked.

2. Raptor Propagation Permits (50 CFR 21.85)—All raptors used for propagation must be banded according to the specifications listed in this regulation. In addition, every captive-bred raptor must be banded within 2 weeks of hatching. Information on the raptor, including band number, must be reported to state wildlife officials via paper forms or uploading the information to the Federal 3-186a database.

I. Required Notifications —

1. Rehabilitation Permits (50 CFR 21.76)—All persons conducting activities under this regulation must notify their issuing Migratory Bird Permit Office within 24 hours of acquiring a threatened or endangered migratory bird species, or bald or golden eagle, whether live or dead. Local Service law enforcement office must be notified if there is reason to believe a bird has been poisoned, electrocuted, shot, or otherwise subjected to criminal activity.

2. Raptor Propagation Permits (50 CFR 21.85)—If a person conducting activities under this regulation moves within the State or gets a new mailing address, they must notify us within 30 days. If they move to a new State, within 30 days, they must inform both the former and new (if applicable) Migratory Bird Permit Offices of the address change. If there are new propagation facilities, the permittee must provide information, pictures, and diagrams of them, and the facilities may be inspected in accordance with Federal or State requirements. Thereafter, no mandatory inspections of the facilities will continue.

K. Falconry Program Requirements —We require falconers to maintain basic records on falconry birds in their possession using the Federal 3-186a database or via paper forms submitted to State wildlife officials. Form 3-186a is currently approved under OMB Control Number 1018-0022; however, we propose to transfer this form to a new OMB control number (see below).

L. Revision/Simplification of Report Forms —With this submission, we are proposing to revise/simplify the forms described below (while retaining them in 1018-0022) to reduce burden on respondents:

1. Form 3-202-2, Waterfowl Sale and Disposal. We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-202-2. We propose to retain the form number but update title to “Migratory Bird Live Possession”.

2. Form 3-202-4, Migratory Bird Rehabilitation. We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-202-4.

3. Form 3-202-12, Migratory Bird and Eagle Acquisition and Transfer Request. We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-202-12.

4. Form 3-186, Notice of Transfer and Sale of Migratory Waterfowl. We propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-186. We propose to retain the form number but update title to “Notice of Transfer or Sale of Migratory Waterfowl and Game Bird”.

M. Revisions to Application Forms —With this submission, we propose changes to the following application forms:

1. Form 3-200-9, Waterfowl Sale and Disposal Permit. (New title “ Waterfowl Sale and Disposal and Game Bird Propagation Permit ”). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements. With these changes, we propose to discontinue Form 3-200-10e, as the ICs associated with this form will be combined with Form 3-200-9.

2. Form 3-200-10b, Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit. We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

3. Form 3-200-10c, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Possession of Live and/or Dead and Salvage for Educational Purposes (New title “ Migratory Bird and Eagle Exhibition Permit ”). We are proposing changes to ( printed page 52323) this form to simplify and standardize application requirements. This form is intended for use by applicants that wish to exhibit both migratory birds and eagles.

4. Form 3-200-12, Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation Permit. We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

5. Form 3-200-79, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Abatement Permit. We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

N. Finally, we propose to renew the remaining currently approved ICs in 1018-0022, without change:

1. Notifications—Permit Exceptions (50 CFR 21.12) —General exceptions to permit requirements, imposes recordkeeping requirements for institutions authorized to acquire by gift or purchase, possess, transport, and by gift or sale dispose of lawfully acquired migratory birds or their progeny, parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. We use these records to establish a chain of custody of birds acquired and disposed of by these exempt institutions.

2. Form 3-2435, Federal Raptor Propagation Seamless Band Request —Authorized individuals use Form 3-2435 to conduct raptor propagation, and to mark captive-bred raptors with seamless leg bands in accordance with the conditions of their Federal Raptor Propagation Permit and state wildlife agency regulations. The requestor indicates the required band sizes, verifies serial numbers, and acknowledges the proper use and accountability of assigned Federal bands.

Title of Collection (Revised): Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Live Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0022.

Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-9, 3-200-10b, 3-200-10c, 3-200-12, 3-200-79, 3-202-2, 3-202-4, 3-202-12, 3-186, and 3-2435.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/local/Tribal governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 10,225.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 22,075.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 5 minutes to 260 hours, depending on activity.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 216,474.

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 Non-hour Burden Cost: $245,865 (primarily associated with application processing and administrative fees).

2. OMB Cont. No. 1018-0146, Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR 21, Subpart D —

A. Monitoring and Reporting —Most permit types require the permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the specific permit and the permitting program on populations of birds to ensure the program is not causing a decline that could be avoided.

Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events in the future.

We continually review the application and report forms in this collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will accommodate future electronic permitting.

B. Applications —All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A through D on the applications is the same for all permit types. These sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and address, telephone and fax numbers, tax identification number, and email address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, “General information requirements on applications for permits,” require submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing general information common to the application forms makes filing applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that is unique to the applicant.

Section E of each application collects information specific to the activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information concerning:

1. The purpose of the activity;

2. The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the activity;

3. The applicant's education and experience conducting the activity; and

4. The methods used.

As part of our efforts to reduce the number of questions on application forms, we propose to standardize much of the information contained in Section E of each application form and minimize information collected specific to the activity, as specified above. Section E will continue to include questions to determine:

1. The location of records required by statute;

2. Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the authorized activity; and,

3. Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to receive a permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.

For applications for resolving conflicts with birds using lethal measure for things like damage to property, loss of income, or loss of resources, we require applicants to provide additional recommendation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services (WS), using Permit Review Form (WS-37). The applicant needing to kill birds to resolve conflicts must provide this recommendation to us as part of the application.

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 and that any birds held in captivity are done so in a healthful and humane manner. In instances where birds will be killed, we use the information collected on the application to determine that the birds do not suffer needlessly. This information collection does not currently contain any application forms.

C. Reporting Requirements —Activities conducted under these regulations may require submission of an annual report to the Service. We use these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their authorization or permit. Regulations at 50 CFR part 21 establish depredation and control orders and impose reporting requirements. All persons or entities acting under these ( printed page 52324) orders must provide an annual report using Form 3-2436, Depredation and Control Orders Annual Report, by the date listed in the corresponding regulation. The report collects information such as:

1. Species taken;

2. Number of birds taken;

3. Method of take;

4. Months and years in which the birds were taken;

5. State(s) and county(ies) in which the birds were taken;

6. General purpose of take (such as for the protection of agriculture, human health and safety, property, or natural resources), and

7. Disposition of nontarget species

D. Recordkeeping Requirements —Persons and entities operating under depredation and control orders must keep accurate records, to include those required to complete Forms 3-2436 or other specified annual report forms. The records of any taking must be legibly written or reproducible in English and maintained for 5 years after they have ceased the activity authorized by this order. Persons or entities who reside or are located in the United States and persons or entities conducting commercial activities in the United States who reside or are located outside the United States must maintain records at a location in the United States where the records are available for inspection. The information must be made available during reasonable times (including during actual operations) to any Federal, State, Tribal, or territorial wildlife law enforcement officer if they inquire about the control operations.

E. Amendments —A permittee may request to amend a permit by the permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing office within 10 calendar days of such change.

F. Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species Take Report —If activities conducted under a depredation or control order take a bird of a nontarget species that is federally listed as endangered or threatened, or that is a candidate for listing, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the bird must be delivered to a rehabilitator and must be reported by phone or email to the nearest Service Field Office or Special Agent. Capture and disposition of all nontarget migratory birds must also be reported on the annual report.

G. Required Notifications under 50 CFR Part 21 —

1. § 21.150—Report take of nontarget federally protected migratory birds to the nearest Service Field Office or Special Agent.

2. § 21.153—Each season, before lethal control may be undertaken, the landowner must attempt to use nonlethal control of migratory bird depredation as recommended by the USDA-APHIS-WS. The county agriculture commissioner must confirm that nonlethal measures have been undertaken to control or eliminate the problem prior to the landowner using lethal control.

3. § 21.159—Airports and military airfields or their agents must obtain authorization from landowners for all management activities conducted outside the airport or military airfield's boundaries.

4. § 21.159—Airports and military airfields or their agents operating under this order must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to the Service.

5. § 21.159—To protect certain species from being adversely affected by management actions, airports and military airfields or their agents must contact the Service if control activities are proposed in or around occupied habitats to discuss the proposed activity and ensure that implementation will not adversely affect protected species or their habitat.

6. § 21.159—Information on birds carrying metal leg bands must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-free telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological Survey OMB Control Number 1028-0082).

7. § 21.162—Homeowners' associations and local governments or their agents must obtain landowner consent prior to destroying nests and eggs on private property within the homeowners' association or local government's jurisdiction and comply with all State and local laws and regulations.

8. § 21.162—Registrants operating under this order must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to the Service.

9. § 21.162—To protect certain species from being adversely affected by management actions, registrants must contact the Service if control activities are proposed in or around occupied habitats to discuss the proposed activity and ensure that implementation will not adversely affect protected species or their habitat.

10. § 21.165—Authorized individuals operating under this section must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to the Service.

11. § 21.165—Information on birds carrying metal leg bands must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-free telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological Survey OMB Control Number 1028-0082).

12. § 21.168—Information on birds carrying metal leg bands must be submitted to the Bird Banding Laboratory by means of a toll-free telephone number at 1-800-327-BAND (or 2263) (U.S. Geological Survey OMB Control Number 1028-0082).

13. § 21.168—States and Tribes operating under this order must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to the Service.

14. § 21.168—To protect certain species from being adversely affected by management actions, States and Tribes must contact the Service if control activities are proposed in or around occupied habitats to discuss the proposed activity and ensure that implementation will not adversely affect protected species or their habitat.

15. § 21.171—Authorized individuals operating under this order must immediately report the take of any other species protected under the ESA, the MBTA, or the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act to the nearest Ecological Services office.

16. § 21.174—Authorized individuals operating under this order must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA, or any other bird species protected under the MBTA, to the Service Ecological Services office for the State or location in which the take occurred.

17. § 21.177—Authorized personnel must obtain authorization from landowners prior to conducting management activities authorized by this order.

18. § 21.177—Authorized individuals operating under this order must immediately report the take of any nontarget species protected under the ESA or MBTA within 72 hours of take to the Pacific Region Migratory Bird Permit office in Portland, Oregon. ( printed page 52325)

19. § 21.183—Authorized individuals operating under this section must immediately report the take of any species protected under the ESA to the Service.

H. Access to Depredation and Control Premises (50 CFR 21.150, 21.156, 21.168, 21.180, 21.183) —Persons acting under the authority of these orders must permit at all reasonable times, including during actual operations, any Federal or State game or deputy game agent, warden, protector, or other game law enforcement officer free and unrestricted access over the premises on which such operations have been or are being conducted and must promptly furnish whatever information an officer requires concerning the operation.

I. Canada Geese Nest and Egg Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.162) —In addition to the requirements listed above, landowners operating under this order must:

1. Register with the Service using our web-based registration system ( epermits.fws.gov/​eRCGR) (§ 21.162(d)(1)). Registration includes name of landowner, names of designated agents, location of management activities, and contact information. The registration is valid for 1 year; the registrant must renew the registration each year he or she wishes to take nests and eggs. To renew the registration, the registrant must review the information and certify that it is correct. If any information entered during initial registration has changed, the registrant needs to enter only the revised information. We use this information for enforcement purposes and to contact registrants when there are questions regarding their report information. We uploaded screen shots of the registration website and a copy of the user guide as supplementary documents available at www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain.

2. Complete an annual report summarizing the date (month), numbers, and locations of nests and eggs taken by October 31 (§ 21.162(d)(6)). We use this information to monitor the effectiveness of the program and the cumulative effect of the take of nests and eggs on various subpopulations of resident Canada goose populations in different areas of the country. We distribute reports of the numbers of nests and eggs taken, by State and county, annually to the States, Flyway Councils, and Service biologists for their use in determining allowable take by other methods, including hunting seasons. We now also include this information on the registration website.

J. Agricultural Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.165) —In addition to the requirements listed above:

1. Recordkeeping Requirement (Private Sector Only)—Authorized agricultural producers must:

a. Keep and maintain a log that indicates the date and number of birds killed and the date and number of nests and eggs taken under this authorization;

b. Maintain the log for a period of three years (and records for three previous years of takings at all times thereafter); and

c. Make the log and any related records available to Federal, State, or Tribal wildlife enforcement officers (§ 21.165(d)(8)).

2. Reporting Requirement (States and Tribes Only)—States and Tribes must submit by December 31 an annual report summarizing activities, including the numbers of birds, nests, and eggs taken and county where taken (§ 21.165(d)(10)). We use this information to monitor the resident Canada goose populations in different areas of the country.

K. Conservation Order for Light Geese (50 CFR 21.180) —These regulations require States and Tribes to keep annual records of activities carried out under the authority of the conservation order and submit an annual report summarizing activities conducted under the conservation order on or before September 15 of each year. Specifically, information must be collected on:

1. The number of persons participating in the conservation order;

2. The number of days people participated in the conservation order;

3. The number of light geese shot and retrieved under the conservation order; and

4. The number of light geese shot but not retrieved.

L. Population Control of Resident Canada Geese (50 CFR 21.183) —In addition to the requirements listed above, States and Tribes:

1. May request approval for the population control program. Requests must include a discussion of the State's or Tribe's efforts to address its injurious situations or a discussion of the reasons why the methods authorized by these regulations are not feasible for dealing with, or applicable to, the injurious situations that require further action. Requests must provide detailed information of the injuries that continue, why the authorized methods have not worked, and why methods not utilized could not resolve the injuries (§ 21.183(d)). This information is necessary for us to assess whether or not the program should be authorized.

2. Must keep annual records of activities carried out under the authority of the program. Specifically, information must be collection on:

a. The number of individuals participating in the program;

b. The number of days each individual participated in the program;

c. The total number of resident Canada geese shot and retrieved during the program; and

d. The number of resident Canada geese shot but not retrieved (§ 21.183(d)(7)). We use this information, in conjunction with take under other methods and hunting seasons, to determine cumulative impacts on the various goose populations.

3. Must submit by June 1 an annual report summarizing activities conducted under the program and an assessment of the continuation of injuries (§ 21.183(d)(7)(iv)). We use this information to determine if we should continue to authorize program activities.

4. Must provide by August 1 an annual estimate of the breeding population and distribution of resident Canada geese in their State (§ 21.183(g)). We use this information to monitor the impacts of this program, as well as other authorized activities, on the population and to determine if we should continue to authorize program activities.

With this submission, we are proposing the following revisions to OMB Control Number 1018-0146:

A. Revised Title-- With this submission, we are proposing to update the title of the collection as noted from “Depredation and Control Orders Under 50 CFR 21, Subpart D” to “Wild Take of Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.”

B. We propose to transfer the below listed forms and non-form requirements from OMB Control Number 1018-0022 into this collection (1018-0146):

1. Form 3-200-7, Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

2. Form 3-200-10f, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Miscellaneous (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

3. Form 3-200-13, Migratory Bird Depredation Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

4. Form 3-200-67, Special Canada Goose Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are ( printed page 52326) proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

5. Form 3-200-81, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Utility Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

6. Form 3-200-90, Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit (including automated versions and amendments). We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

7. Form 3-202-1, Migratory Bird and Eagle Scientific Collecting (including automated versions). Amended from its currently approved version. Retain form number but update title to “Migratory Bird Wild Take”.

8. Form 3-202-7, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Miscellaneous (including automated versions). Replace with updated Form 3-202-1, Form 3-202-2, or Form 3-202-3 depending on activity.

9. Form 3-202-9, Migratory Bird Depredation (including automated versions). Replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, “Migratory Bird Wild Take”.

10. Form 3-202-10, Special Canada Goose (including automated versions). Replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, “Migratory Bird Wild Take”.

11. Form 3-202-17, Avian Injury/Mortality Report (including automated versions). We are not proposing any changes to this form.

12. Form 3-202-56, Special Double-Crested Cormorant (including automated versions). We are not proposing any changes to this form.

13. Designation of Subpermittees (Special Double-Crested Cormorant Permit) —States and Tribes may designate subpermittees who must operate under the conditions of the permit. Subpermittees must be at least 18 years of age and can be employees of State and Tribal fish and wildlife agencies, USDA-Wildlife Services employees, and employees of other Federal, State, or Tribal agencies or private companies licensed to conduct wildlife damage abatement. The permittee must provide the Service with the name of any subpermittees who will be conducting activities under their permit.

14. Landowner Notifications —If a State or Tribe must enter private property to access State and Tribal lands or waters where take is approved in their permit, the State or Tribe must obtain authorization from the private property owner.

Title of Collection (Revised): Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Wild Take of Migratory Birds; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.

OMB Control Number: 1018-0146

Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-7, 3-200-10f, 3-200-13, 3-200-67, 3-200-81, 3-200-90, 3-202-1, 3-202-17, 3-202-56, and 3-2436.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/local/Tribal governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 37,655.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 41,326.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 160 hours, depending on activity.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 31,739.

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 Non-hour Burden Cost: $260,100 (primarily associated with application processing and administrative fees).

3. OMB Cont. No. 1018-NEW1, Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21 —With this submission, we will request OMB approval of the following ICs in this new collection (identified as 1018-NEW1):

A. Monitoring and Reporting —Most permit types require the permittee to submit a report of their activities on an annual basis. The Service uses these reports to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their permit. We use the number of birds reported by activity to ascertain the effects of the specific permit and the permitting program on populations of birds to ensure the program is not causing a decline that could be avoided.

Submission of reports is generally on an annual basis, although some are dependent on specific events. Events that result in the death of an unusually large number of birds or federally listed threatened or endangered species or eagles requires the permittee to report such events within 48 hours or as soon as practical. Service biologists use these immediate reports to provide technical assistance to minimize additional take during the existing event and to prevent these events in the future.

We continually review the application and report forms in this collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will accommodate future electronic permitting.

B. Applications —All Service permit applications are in the 3-200 series of forms, each tailored to a specific activity based on the regulatory requirements for specific types of permits. Sections A through D on the applications is the same for all permit types. These sections collect standard identifier information, such as the name and address, telephone and fax numbers, tax identification number, and email address for the applicant. Regulations at 50 CFR 13.12, “General information requirements on applications for permits”, require submission of this information. With this revision, we propose to amend the information contained in Sections A through D. Standardizing general information common to the application forms makes filing applications easier for the public as well as expedites our review of applications. We use this information to establish a permit record that is unique to the applicant.

Section E of each application collects information specific to the activity the applicant wishes to conduct, as well as information concerning:

• The purpose of the activity;
• The type of species and number of bird(s) involved in the activity;
• The applicant's education and experience conducting the activity; and,
• The method used.

As part of our efforts to reduce the number of questions on application forms, we propose to standardize much of the information contained in Section E of each application form and minimize information collected specific to the activity, as specified above. Section E will continue to include questions to determine:

• The location of records required by statute;
• Who, other than the permittee, will be conducting the authorized activity; and,
• Whether the applicant is not otherwise disqualified to receive a permit because of past violations of wildlife statutes.

With this submission, we are also proposing to transfer the below listed forms and ICs, including required notifications, reporting, and recordkeeping, from OMB Control Number 1018-0022 into this collection (1018-NEW1):

C. Transfer of Currently Approved Forms and ICs —

1. Form 3-200-6, Migratory Bird Import/Export Permit —We are proposing changes to this form to ( printed page 52327) simplify and standardize application requirements.

2. Form 3-200-8, Migratory Bird Taxidermy Permit —We are proposing changes to this form to simplify and standardize application requirements.

3. Form 3-202-3, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Salvage —We propose to update the title to “Migratory Bird Specimen Possession” while simplifying and standardizing application requirements. We will retain the form number.

D. Migratory Bird Permit Program Service Manual Chapters —With this submission, we propose to include information collection requirements contained in the currently approved “Migratory Bird Permit Program Handbook” (Handbook) and associated Service Manual chapters at 724 FW 1 (“Overview of Migratory Bird Permitting”) and 724 FW 2 (“Migratory Bird Permits”). The Handbook provides detailed procedures and other operational information to implement the Service Manual chapters in part 724 (“Migratory Bird Permits”) and more generally in part 720 (“Migratory Bird Management”).

Currently approved ICs contained in the Handbook to be transferred to this collection include the following:

1. Renewal procedures associated with the reauthorization of an existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);

2. Reinstatement procedures associated with the reauthorization of an existing permit (with or without changes to the conditions);

3. Discontinuance procedures at the permittee's request to discontinue a valid permit;

4. 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;

5. Fee waiver request process as outlined in 50 CFR 13.11(d)(3)(iii);

6. 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

7. 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).

E. Recordkeeping Requirements —Permittees must keep accurate records of the activities conducted under their permit, including information regarding the migratory bird specimens in their possession. Specific recordkeeping requirements include:

1. § 21.63—Names and addresses of persons from and to whom migratory birds or their parts, nests, or eggs were received or delivered, the number and species of such, and the dates of receipt and delivery.

2. § 21.67—Evidence the bird or birds were lawfully taken and exported from the country of origin. This evidence must include a hunting license and any export documentation required by the country of origin and must be kept with the imported bird or birds permanently. All migratory birds imported into, or exported from, the U.S. and any associated documentation may be inspected by the Service.

F. Required Notifications —

1. § 21.67—If the raptor dies or is lost, the permittee is not required to bring it back, but they must report the loss immediately upon their return to the United States in the manner required by the falconry regulations of the State or Tribe, and according to any conditions on their Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) certificate.

G. Banding Requirements —

1. § 21.63—Taxidermists are not authorized to possess any migratory game birds taken by another by hunting unless they are tagged as required by 50 CFR 20.36. The required tags may be removed during the taxidermy operations but must be retained by the taxidermist with the other records required to be kept and must be reattached to the mounted specimen after mounting. The tag must then remain attached until the mounted specimen is delivered to the owner.

2. § 21.67—Raptors covered under a CITES certificate of ownership issued under 50 CFR part 23 must be identifiable with a seamless band or a permanent, nonreusable, numbered leg band issued by the Service. We may exempt a raptor from banding because of health concerns, but the permittees must provide proof of the exemption from their falconry permitting authority.

H. Amendments —A permittee may request to amend a permit by the permittee, or the Service may amend a permit for just cause upon a written finding of necessity. Amendments comprise changes to the permit authorization or conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, an increase or decrease in the estimated amount of take or changes in ownership of a project. The permittee must apply for amendments to the permit by submitting a description of the modified activity and the changed impacts. These are considered substantive amendments and incur a fee. A permittee is not required to obtain a new permit if there is a change in the legal individual or business name, or in themailing address of the permittee. A permittee is required to notify the issuing office within 10 calendar days of such change. This provision does not authorize any change in location of the conduct of the permitted activity when approval of the location is a qualifying condition of the permit.

Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Possession of Migratory Bird Specimens; 50 CFR parts 10, 13, 21.

OMB Control Number: 1018-NEW1.

Form Numbers: Forms 3-200-6, 3-200-8, and 3-202-3.

Type of Review: New.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/local/Tribal governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 4,428.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 4,428.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 5.3 hours, depending on activity.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 12,427.

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 Non-hour Burden Cost: $330,265 (primarily associated with application processing and administrative fees).

4. OMB Cont. No. 1018-NEW2, Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21 —With this submission, we will request OMB approval of the following ICs in this new collection (identified as 1018-NEW2):

A. Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition Report —Activities conducted under these regulations require submission of forms to the Service. The Service uses Form 3-186a, Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition, to ensure the applicant remains in compliance with the terms of their authorization or permit. We require States to maintain databases of falconers authorized to conduct falconry in their States and require falconers to report transfers of falconry birds using Form 3-186a. We require each State that maintains its own database to ensure that it is compatible with the Service's database. The Service's database continues to track take of birds from the wild by falconers and to maintain records of persons permitted by the States to practice falconry. ( printed page 52328)

We continually review the application and report forms in this collection to clarify the questions asked and the information requested and to be consistent across all applications. This effort focuses on questions frequently misinterpreted or not addressed by applicants to ensure they (a) are easier to understand and complete and (b) will accommodate future electronic permitting.

B. Reporting Requirements —State agencies must require falconers to submit any required Form 3-186a within 10 days to the agency and the Service using the Service's electronic database, unless the agency requested and received from the Service an exception to this requirement. Agencies are responsible for assisting falconers in obtaining and maintaining access to the reporting system. The following actions must be reported:

1. All acquisitions, including but not limited to transfer from another falconer, transfer from a federal permit held by the falconer or someone else, purchase of a captive-bred bird, capture of a wild bird, recapture of an escaped bird, or any other means in which a bird obtained for falconry purposes.

2. All disposals, including but not limited to transfer to another falconer, transfer to a federal permit held by the falconer or someone else, sale of a captive-bred bird, release of a bird to the wild, birds that are lost, stolen, or die, or any other means in which a bird is no longer held under the falconry license.

3. Changes in marking of a bird, including removal of a band, rebanding, microchipping, or other banding or marking activities.

4. Birds injured or killed during capture.

If a raptor is captured that has any other band, research marker, or transmitter attached to it, the band number and all other relevant information must be reported to the Federal Bird Banding Laboratory.

Falconers must report non-target take to the appropriate Service office. Species on the List of Endangered and Threatened Species (50 CFR 17.11) must be reported to the appropriate Ecological Services Field Office. Species on the List of Migratory Birds (50 CFR 10.13) must be reported to the appropriate Migratory Bird Permit Office.

C. Recordkeeping Requirements —We require falconers to maintain basic records on falconry birds in their possession using the Federal 3-186a database or via paper forms submitted to State wildlife officials. Falconers must maintain adequate records documenting the take, transfer, loss, re-banding, or microchipping of each falconry raptor until 5 years after they have transferred the lost bird or it has died. Data from newly acquired falconry birds should be provided within 10 days from the day on which the raptor was taken from the wild. This time requirement may vary per state requirements. Each State may do what they deem appropriate for recordkeeping, as long as those standards are within the sideboards established for Federal falconry regulations.

D. Required Notifications —We require falconers to notify States within 30 days of any change in address or the location of the facilities where birds are held. If a falconer changes residence to a new State, Tribal area, or Federal Territory and take falconry birds with them, they must inform both the former State and the permitting authority of their address change within 30 days of the move (meaning post-move). These records assist State/Federal wildlife agencies in maintaining current information to contact the falconer in a timely manner and to evaluate compliance with State/Federal falconry rules and regulations. In addition, they serve to document a falconer's experience, which determines the falconer's eligibility for advancement though the different falconry permit classes ( i.e., Apprentice, General, and/or Master).

Falconers must also notify Service Law Enforcement at least 3 business days prior to trapping golden eagles in a livestock or wildlife depredation area.

E. Agency Program Review and Approval —To receive Federal approval for a falconry program, a State, Tribe, or Territory agency must apply to the Service and submit relevant documents, including proposed agency falconry regulations or laws, related falconry policy and forms, and a copy of the falconry test administered. The Service will review the materials provided to determine if they meet the standards established in the regulation. If so, the Service will notify the agency and publish a notice in the Federal Register to approve the falconry license. In accordance with 50 CFR 21.82(b)(5), the Service may suspend an approved falconry program at any time if we determine the program has deficiencies. An agency may request recertification by submitting a new certification request and including a description of how the deficiency has been corrected. At this time, 49 States have approved falconry programs.

F. Banding Requirements —Wild birds of the following species must be banded with a Service-approved permanent, nonreusable, numbered band. The band number must be included on any Form 3-186a reports the falconer is required to submit. It is the falconer's responsibility to obtain the band(s) from their agency prior to capturing raptor(s). Some agencies may require other species of wild-caught birds to be banded. Band numbers must be reported along with the acquisition of the bird.

1. American goshawk,

2. Gyrfalcon,

3. Peregrine falcon, and

4. Harris's hawk.

Captive-bred birds of any species must be banded with a Service-approved seamless metal band. If a seamless band must be removed or it is lost, the falconer must within 10 days report it to the Service and request a replacement.

Hybrid raptors of any species, when flown free, must have attached at least two functioning transmitters. If a hybrid raptor escapes, all reasonable efforts must be made to recapture the bird. The Service or agency reserves the right to lethally remove escaped hybrid raptors that cannot be recaptured.

Raptors may be implanted with ISO-compliant microchips. Microchips are in addition to, not in lieu of, other banding and marking requirements.

With this submission, we propose to transfer Form 3-186a, Quarterly Report—Migratory Bird Acquisition and Disposition currently approved in OMB Control Number 1018-0022, to this new collection (1018-NEW2). In addition, we propose to simplify and standardize Form 3-186a.

Title of Collection: Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports—Falconry Standards and Permitting; 50 CFR 10, 13, 21.

OMB Control Number: 1018-NEW2.

Form Numbers: 3-186a.

Type of Review: New.

Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals, businesses, and State/local/Tribal governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 9,443.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 23,123.

Estimated Completion Time per Response: Varies from 15 minutes to 240 hours, depending on activity.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 167,665.

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 Non-hour Burden Cost: None.

5. Additional Revisions Proposed with This Submission: ( printed page 52329)

A. Discontinuation of Reporting Forms to Reduce Burden —

1. Upon OMB approval of the revised forms above, we propose to discontinue the below listed forms. The purposes of the discontinued forms will be covered by the newly simplified form number identified on each line.

a. Form 3-202-5, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Possession of Live and/or Dead and Salvage of Migratory Birds for Educational Purposes (replaced with updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)

b. Form 3-202-6, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Game Bird Propagation (replaced with updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)

c. Form 3-202-7, Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Miscellaneous (replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, Form 3-202-2, or Form 3-202-3 depending on activity)

d. Form 3-202-8, Migratory Bird Raptor Propagation (replaced with updated Form 3-202-2, Migratory Bird Live Possession)

e. Form 3-202-9, Migratory Bird Depredation (replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, Migratory Bird Wild Take)

f. Form 3-202-10, Special Canada Goose (replaced with updated Form 3-202-1, Migratory Bird Wild Take)

B. (NEW) Online Reporting System —We propose to automate all annual reports included in this collection to simplify reporting and to reduce burden.

C. (DISCONTINUE) Migratory Bird Special Purpose—Salvage Permit Form 3-200-10A —We propose to discontinue this form as it is no longer needed. These permits have been converted to regulatory authorizations under 50 CFR 21.16 and no longer require a permit.

Copies of currently approved versions of forms can be located at www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. The public may request copies of the draft forms with proposed changes by submitting a request identifying the specific form(s) requested to the Service Information Collection Clearance Officer using one of the methods identified in ADDRESSES .

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.).

91 FR 52320