Notices. Meeting announcement and request for comments

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BILLING CODE 4184-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Proposed Collection; Comment Request; NIH Leadership Development Programs Evaluation SUMMARY: In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Office of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health

(NIH)will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval. PROPOSED COLLECTION: *Title:* NIH Leadership Development Programs Evaluation. *Type of Information Collection Request* : NEW. *Need and Use of Information Collection* : This evaluation will focus on Leadership Development Programs that are administered at NIH. These programs are integral components in the NIH Human Capital Strategy, submitted to the HHS/Office of the Secretary. NIH has committed to an evaluation of all leadership development programs as part of the Human Capital Strategy. The overarching purpose of evaluating the NIH Leadership Development Programs is to assess the effectiveness of existing programs as analyzed against the needs of the NIH community. The findings of this study will be used to:

(1)Implement recommendations for program: Realignment, modification, retirement, and/or development;

(2)assess the investments in the programs as they relate to the NIH Human Capital Strategy and NIH budget priorities;

(3)improve communication of the programs and promote awareness throughout the NIH community;

(4)identify opportunities for sharing best practices, reducing redundancies, and emphasize trans-NIH and/or IC program impacts;

(5)conduct more effective succession planning to strategically optimize the leadership pipeline; and

(6)integrate recommendations with the current NIH workforce planning initiative. The findings of this study will be used to ensure that programs meet the NIH Human Capital Strategy goals. *Frequency of Response* : On occasion. *Affected Public* : Individuals. *Types of Respondents* : Past program participants, program managers, officials who have selected both graduates and non-graduates from leadership development programs, and key administrative and scientific leaders across a diverse representation of the NIH's 27 Institutes/Centers. The annual reporting burden is as follows: *Estimated Number of Respondents* : 100; *Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent* : 1; and *Average Burden Hours Per Response* : 1. There are no Capital Costs to report. There are no Operating or Maintenance Costs to report. *Request for Comments:* Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following points:

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)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;

(3)Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, contact Debbie Butcher, Acting Director, NIH Training Center, WSDD, OD, NIH, Suite 100, 6120 Executive Blvd., Rockville, MD 20852, or call non-toll-free number 301-435-6755 or E-mail your request, including your address to: *butcherd@od.nih.gov* . *Comments Due Date:* Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication. Dated: June 28, 2006. Debbie Butcher, Acting Director, NIH Training Center, OD, National Institutes of Health. [FR Doc. E6-10726 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Toxicology Program (NTP); Liaison and Scientific Review Office; Meeting of the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors Technical Reports Review Subcommittee AGENCY: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). ACTION: Meeting announcement and request for comments. SUMMARY: Pursuant to Public Law 92-463, notice is hereby given of a meeting of the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors Technical Reports Review Subcommittee (TRR Subcommittee). The primary agenda topic is the peer review of the findings and conclusions presented in five draft NTP Technical Reports of rodent toxicology and carcinogenicity studies in genetically modified mice conducted by the NTP (see Preliminary Agenda below). The TRR Subcommittee meeting is open to the public with time scheduled for oral public comment. The NTP also invites written comments on any draft technical report discussed at the meeting. The TRR Subcommittee deliberations on the draft technical reports will be reported to the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors

(BSC)at a future date. DATES: The TRR Subcommittee meeting will be held on August 28, 2006. All individuals who plan to attend are encouraged to register online by August 14, 2006, at the NTP Web site ( *http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/* select “Calendar of Upcoming Events”). In order to facilitate planning for this meeting, persons wishing to make an oral presentation are asked to notify Dr. Barbara Shane via online registration, phone, or e-mail (see ADDRESSES below) by August 14, 2006, and if possible, to send a copy of the statement or talking points at that time. Written comments on the draft reports are also welcome and should also be received by August 14, 2006, to enable review by the TRR Subcommittee and NTP staff prior to the meeting. Persons needing special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation in order to attend, should contact 919-541-2475 (voice), 919-541-4644 TTY (text telephone), through the Federal TTY Relay System at 800-877-8339, or by e-mail to *niehsoeeo@niehs.nih.gov* . Requests should be made at least 7 days in advance of the event. ADDRESSES: The TRR Subcommittee meeting will be held in the Rodbell Auditorium, Rall Building at the NIEHS, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. A copy of the preliminary agenda, committee roster, and any additional information, when available, will be posted on the NTP Web site ( *http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/* select “Calendar of Upcoming Events”) or provided upon request. Public comments and any other correspondence should be submitted to Dr. Barbara Shane, Executive Secretary for the NTP Board (NTP Liaison and Scientific Review Office, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, MD A3-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; telephone: 919-541-4253, fax: 919-541-0295; or e-mail: *shane@niehs.nih.gov* ). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The primary agenda topic is the peer review of the findings and conclusions of five draft NTP Technical Reports of rodent toxicology and carcinogenicity studies conducted by the NTP (see Preliminary Agenda below) in genetically modified mouse models. The TRR Subcommittee will also provide advice to the NTP on the utility of GMM models for cancer hazard identification. Attendance and Registration The meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to adjournment and is open to the public with attendance limited only by the space available. Individuals who plan to attend are encouraged to register online at the NTP website by August 14, 2006, at *http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/* select “Advisory Boards and Committees” to facilitate access to the NIEHS campus. Please note that a photo ID is required to access the NIEHS campus. The NTP is making plans to videocast the meeting through the Internet at *http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/video.htm.* Availability of Meeting Materials A copy of the preliminary agenda, committee roster, and any additional information, when available, will be posted on the NTP Web site ( *http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/* select “Calendar of Upcoming Events”) or may be requested in hardcopy from the Executive Secretary (see ”ADDRESSES above). Following the meeting, summary minutes will be prepared and made available on the NTP Web site. Request for Comments Public input at this meeting is invited and time is set aside for the presentation of public comments on any draft technical report. Each organization is allowed one time slot per agenda topic. At least 7 minutes will be allotted to each speaker, and if time permits, may be extended to 10 minutes. Registration for oral comments will also be available on-site, although time allowed for presentation by on-site registrants may be less than that for pre-registered speakers and will be determined by the number of persons who register at the meeting. Persons registering to make oral comments are asked, if possible, to send a copy of their statement to Dr. Shane (see ADDRESSES above) by August 14, 2006, to enable review by the TRR Subcommittee and NTP staff prior to the meeting. Written statements can supplement and may expand the oral presentation. If registering on-site and reading from written text, please bring 40 copies of the statement for distribution to the TRR Subcommittee and NTP staff and to supplement the record. Written comments received in response to this notice will be posted on the NTP Web site. Persons submitting written comments should include their name, affiliation, mailing address, phone, fax, e-mail, and sponsoring organization (if any) with the document. Background Information on the NTP Board of Scientific Counselors The NTP Board of Scientific Counselors

(BSC)is a technical advisory body comprised of scientists from the public and private sectors who provide primary scientific oversight to the overall program and its centers. Specifically, the BSC advises the NTP on matters of scientific program content, both present and future, and conducts periodic review of the program for the purposes of determining and advising on the scientific merit of its activities and their overall scientific quality. The TRR Subcommittee is a standing subcommittee of the BSC. BSC members are selected from recognized authorities knowledgeable in fields such as toxicology, pharmacology, pathology, biochemistry, epidemiology, risk assessment, carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, molecular biology, behavioral toxicology and neurotoxicology, immunotoxicology, reproductive toxicology or teratology, and biostatistics. Its members are invited to serve overlapping terms of up to four years. BSC and TRR Subcommittee meetings are held annually or biannually. Dated: June 27, 2006. Samuel H. Wilson, Deputy Director, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. Preliminary Agenda; National Toxicology Program

(NTP)Board of Scientific Counselors Technical Reports Review Subcommittee Meeting; August 28, 2006; Rodbell Auditorium, Rall Building, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC NTP Technical Reports

(TR)Scheduled for Review • GMM 07: Allyl Bromide (CASNR 106-95-6). ○ Chemical intermediate in the manufacture of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. • GMM 09: Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (CASNR 538-75-0). ○ Reagent in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries; stabilizing agent in elastomers, synthetic rubber, and other types of resins. • GMM 08: Benzene (CASNR 71-43-2). ○ Used in the manufacture of medicinal chemicals, dyes, oil, varnishes, and lacquers. • GMM 13: Glycidol (CASNR 556-52-5). ○ Stabilizer in the manufacture of vinyl polymers; additive for oil and synthetic hydraulic fluids. • GMM 12: Phenolphthalein (CASNR 77-09-8). ○ Laboratory reagent; cathartic drug in laxatives. • The utility of genetically modified models for cancer hazard identification. [FR Doc. E6-10728 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Prospective Grant of Exclusive License: (N)-Methanocarba Adenosine Derivative as A3 Receptor Agonists AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is notice, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209(c)(1) and 37 CFR 404.7(a)(1)(i), that the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services, is contemplating the grant of an exclusive license worldwide to practice the invention embodied in: International Patent Application PCT/US2005/031678 filed September 2, 2005 entitled, “(N)-Methanocarba Adenosine Derivative as A3 Receptor Agonists”, to Can-Fite BioPharma, Ltd. having a place of business in Petach-Tikva, Israel. The contemplated exclusive license may be limited to an FDA approvable human therapeutic for cancer, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. The United States of America is the assignee of the patent rights in this invention. DATES: Only written comments and/or application for a license which is received by the NIH Office of Technology Transfer on or before September 8, 2006 will be considered. ADDRESSES: Request for a copy of the patent, inquiries, comments, and other materials relating to the contemplated license should be directed to: Norbert Pontzer, Technology Licensing Specialist, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health, 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852-3804; Telephone: 301-435-5502; Facsimile: 301-402-0220; e-mail: *pontzern@mail.nih.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Researchers have been pursuing compounds that activate or inhibit adenosine A3 receptors because these cell membrane proteins have a wide range of physiological and disease-related effects and are thus considered to be promising drug targets. The adenosine A3 receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors and are found mostly in brain, lung, liver, heart, kidney, and testis. When this receptor is activated moderately, a cytoprotective effect is observed, such as reducing damage to heart cells from lack of oxygen. However, at high levels of stimulation they can cause cell death. Both agonists and antagonists are being tested for therapeutic potential, for example, treatment of cancer, heart conditions, neurological conditions, pain, asthma, inflammation and other immune implications. This invention pertains to highly potent A3 adenosine receptor agonists, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such nucleosides, and a method of use of these nucleosides. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty-bearing and will comply with the terms and conditions of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. The prospective exclusive license may be granted unless, within 60 days from the date of this published Notice, the NIH receives written evidence and argument that establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. Properly filed competing applications for a license filed in response to this notice will be treated as objections to the contemplated license. Comments and objections submitted in response to this notice will not be made available for public inspection, and, to the extent permitted by law, will not be released under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Dated: June 29, 2006. David R. Sadowski, Acting Director, Division of Technology Development and Transfer, Office of Technology Transfer, National Institutes of Health. [FR Doc. E6-10727 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Bureau of Customs and Border Protection [USCBP-2006-0060] Airport and Seaport Inspections User Fee Advisory Committee AGENCY: Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: The Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Airport and Seaport Inspections User Fee Advisory Committee (“Advisory Committee”) will meet in open session. DATES: Tuesday, August 22, 2006, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Conference Room B 1.5-10, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. If you desire to submit comments, they must be submitted by August 8, 2006. Comments must be identified by USCBP-2006-0060 and may be submitted by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • E-mail: *Roberto.M.Williams@dhs.gov* . Include docket number in the subject line of the message. • Mail: Mr. Roberto Williams, Cost Management Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Suite 4.5A, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20229. • Facsimile: 202-344-1818. *Instructions:* All submissions received must include the words “Department of Homeland Security” and the docket number for this action. Comments received will be posted without alteration at *http://www.regulations.gov* , including any personal information provided. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received by the CBP Advisory Committee, go to *http://www.regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Roberto Williams, Cost Management Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Suite 4.5A, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20229, telephone 202-344-1101; facsimile, 202-344-1818; e-mail: *Roberto.M.Williams@dhs.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The fourth meeting of the CBP Advisory Committee will be held at the date, time and location specified above. This notice also announces the expected agenda for the meeting (see below). The Advisory Committee was established pursuant to section 286(k) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at title 8 U.S.C. 1356(k), which references the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 1 *et seq.* ). With the merger of the Immigration and Naturalization Service into the Department of Homeland Security, the Advisory Committee's responsibilities were transferred from the Attorney General to the Commissioner of CBP pursuant to section 1512(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Advisory Committee held its first meeting under the direction of CBP on October 22, 2003 (see 68 FR 56301, September 30, 2003). Among other things, the committee is tasked with advising the CBP Commissioner on issues related to CBP inspection services. This advice includes, but is not limited to, the level and the appropriateness of the following fees assessed for CBP services: the immigration user fee pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1356(d), the customs inspection user fee pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 58c(a)(5), and the agriculture inspection user fee pursuant to 21 U.S.C 136a. This meeting is open to the public. Public participation in the deliberations is welcome; however, please note that matters outside of the scope of this committee will not be discussed. Since seating is limited, all persons attending this meeting must provide notice, preferably by close of business Tuesday, August 8, 2006, to Mr. Roberto Williams, Cost Management Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Suite 4.5A, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20229, telephone 202-344-1101; facsimile 202-344-1818. For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the meeting, contact Mr. Roberto Williams as soon as possible. Draft Agenda 1. Introduction of Committee members and CBP Personnel. 2. Discussion of activities since last meeting held on November 30, 2005. 3. Discussion of operational initiatives and programs. 4. Discussion of workload issues and traffic trends. 5. Discussion of funding levels. 6. Discussion of user fee initiatives. 7. Discussion of specific concerns and questions of Committee members. 8. Discussion of relevant written statements submitted in advance by members of the public. 9. Discussion of Committee administrative issues and scheduling of next meeting. 10. Adjourn. Dated: July 5, 2006. Richard L. Balaban, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Finance, Customs and Border Protection. [FR Doc. E6-10751 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-14-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA-1643-DR] New Hampshire; Amendment No. 3 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of New Hampshire (FEMA-1643-DR), dated May 25, 2006, and related determinations. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 21, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Magda Ruiz, Recovery Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC 20472,

(202)646-2705. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of New Hampshire is hereby amended to include the following area among those areas determined to have been adversely affected by the catastrophe declared a major disaster by the President in his declaration of May 25, 2006: Grafton County for Public Assistance. (The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers

(CFDA)are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund Program; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services Program; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance; 97.048, Individuals and Households Housing; 97.049, Individuals and Households Disaster Housing Operations; 97.050 Individuals and Households Program—Other Needs, 97.036, Public Assistance Grants; 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.) R. David Paulison, Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management and Director of FEMA. [FR Doc. E6-10704 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6718-10-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Moffit, ND AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan

(CCP)and Environmental Assessment

(EA)for the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) is available. This Draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage this Complex for the next 15 years. DATES: This Draft CCP/EA is available to the public for a 30-day review and comment period from the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Submit comments to the addresses listed below. ADDRESSES: Please provide written comments to Bernardo Garza, Planning Team Leader, Division of Planning, Branch of Comprehensive Conservation Planning, Mountain-Prairie Region, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486, or electronically to *bernardo_garza@fws.gov* . A copy of the CCP may be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80228; or downloaded from *http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernardo Garza at 303-236-4377; fax 303-236-4792; or e-mail: *bernardo_garza@fws.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Complex includes Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Slade NWR, Florence Lake NWR and the Long Lake Wetland Management District (WMD), as well as six easement refuges that have already been covered in a separate CCP. Long Lake NWR was established on February 25, 1932, by President Herbert Hoover through Executive Order No. 5808 “* * * as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and wild animals * * *”; and under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “* * * for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” This Refuge encompasses 22,310 acres consisting of approximately 15,000 acres of brackish to saline marsh and lake; 1,000 acres of other wetlands; and approximately 6,000 acres of tame and native grassland, woodland, and cropland. This Refuge serves as an important staging area for migrating sandhill cranes, Canada geese and other waterfowl, shorebirds, and other migratory birds. Endangered whooping cranes often utilize Refuge marshes during spring and fall migrations. Slade NWR was established under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act on October 10, 1944 “* * * for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” This Refuge occupies 3,000 acres of gently rolling prairie dotted by lakes and marshes formed by glacial action. Habitat centers around five semi-permanent lakes and marshes, and fifteen pothole areas totalling over 900 acres of wetlands. Florence Lake NWR was established on May 10, 1939, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through Executive Order No. 8119 “* * * as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife * * *”; and under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “* * * for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” This Refuge is located in northern Burleigh County, approximately 45 miles northwest of Long Lake. The fee portion of the Refuge consists of 976.4 acres of native grassland; 201.9 acres of tame grass; 110.9 acres of seeded native grass; 163.2 acres of wetland; and 16 acres of woodland. It serves as an important migratory bird production area and migrational area. Long Lake WMD was started as part of the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program in the 1950s to save wetlands from various threats, particularly draining. The passage of Public Law 85-585, in August of 1958, amended the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (Duck Stamp Act) of 1934, allowing for acquisition of Waterfowl Production Areas and Easements for Waterfowl Management Rights. This WMD was established with the purpose “* * * to assure the long-term viability of the breeding waterfowl population and production through the acquisition and management of Waterfowl Production Areas, while considering the needs of other migratory birds, threatened and endangered species and other wildlife.” Other purposes for this WMD include those under the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act “* * * as Waterfowl Production Areas subject to all provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act * * * except the inviolate sanctuary provisions * * *”; the Migratory Bird Conservation Act “* * * for any other management purposes, for migratory birds”; and the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act “* * * for conservation purposes.” This Draft CCP/EA identifies and evaluates four alternatives for managing the NWRs and WMD for the next 15 years. Alternative A, the No Action alternative, would have management activities conducted by the Service remaining at current levels. The Service would not develop any new management, restoration, or education programs at the Complex. Current habitat and wildlife practices benefitting migratory species and other wildlife would not be expanded or changed. The staff would perform limited, issue-driven research and only monitor long-term vegetation change. No new funding or staff levels would occur, and programs would follow the same direction, emphasis and intensity as they presently do. The staff would continue to manage the WMD through monitoring and enforcing easements. Alternative B seeks to return to a more natural hydrology by removing water control structures as well as returning all upland habitats to native vegetation. Alternative B restricts public uses and associated infrastructure (e.g., trails, roads, signs) to a “primitive type” of experience. This alternative seeks to protect and/or restore additional native habitats and to develop partnerships while encouraging research that provides the necessary knowledge and data to guide habitat management decisions and activities. Alternative C seeks to maintain existing and develop new water control structures. This alternative targets habitat development to specific resource needs, and it maximizes the expansion and development of public use programs and facilities, and the stocking of game fish in feasible locations. This alternative emphasizes protection and/or restoration of additional wildlife habitats and the development of partnerships as well as encourages research that provides the necessary knowledge and data to guide habitat management decisions and activities. Alternative D, the Proposed Action, seeks to expand the scope and level of efforts of the current management of habitats by incorporating adaptive resource management. The Proposed Action seeks to improve and develop public use facilities to maximize existing and potential wildlife-dependent priority public use opportunities when they are compatible with refuge purposes. This alternative calls for the development of partnerships and the encouragement of research that provides the necessary knowledge and data to guide habitat management decisions and activities, and to protect and/or restore additional wildlife habitats. All four alternatives would continue to protect federally listed species at current levels. The proposed action was selected because it best meets the purposes and goals of the Complex, as well as the goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The proposed action will also benefit federally listed species, shore birds, migrating and nesting waterfowl, and neotropical migrants, as well as enhanced capabilities to deal with botulism episodes. Environmental education and partnerships will result in improved wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. Cultural and historical resources as well as federally listed species will be protected. Opportunities for public input will also be provided at a public meeting to be scheduled soon. Exact dates and times for these public meetings are yet to be determined, but will be announced via local media and a newsletter. All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings ( *e.g.,* names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Dated: May 23, 2006. James J. Slack, Deputy Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO. [FR Doc. E6-10705 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK-910-02-1410-PG] Notice of Availability of Proposed East Alaska Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ) and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1701 *et seq.* ), the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)has prepared a proposed Resource Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement (PRMP/FEIS) for the East Alaska Planning Area. DATES: The BLM Planning Regulations (43 CFR 1610.5-2) state that any person who participated in the planning process, and has an interest which is or may be adversely affected, may protest BLM's approval or amendment of a RMP. You must file a protest within 30 days of the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes their Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . Instructions for filing of protests are described in the Dear Reader letter of the Proposed East Alaska RMP/Final EIS and in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Rogers, BLM Glennallen Field Office, P.O. Box 147 Glennallen, AK 99588,

(907)822-3217, *brogers@ak.blm.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The East Alaska RMP planning area covers 7.1 million acres of BLM-administered lands. The Proposed East Alaska RMP/Final EIS focuses on the principles of multiple use and sustained yield as prescribed by Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA). The Proposed East Alaska RMP/Final EIS considers and analyzes four alternatives, including a No Action and a Preferred Alternative. The alternatives provide for an array of variable levels of commodity production and resource protection and restoration. The alternatives were developed based on extensive public scoping and involvement. There are seven main issues addressed through this planning process. Issue 1, Travel Management, addresses management of access, roads, and the use of off-highway vehicles

(OHV)for various purposes, including recreation, commercial uses, subsistence activities, and the general enjoyment of public lands while protecting natural and cultural resources. Issue 2, Recreation, examines how recreation should be managed to provide a diversity of experiences on BLM-managed lands. The document analyzes what measures are necessary to ensure that a diversity of recreational opportunities is maintained and what level of commercial recreational use is appropriate to maintain a diversity of recreational opportunities. Issue 3, Special Resource Values, focuses on those unique, special values located within the planning area that were identified by resource specialists and the public, and includes discussions on wildlife, fisheries, soil, water, air, vegetation, and consideration of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) to protect special resource values. Issue 4, Lands and Realty, addresses the need to determine the appropriate mix of lands and realty actions needed to provide a balance between land use and resource protection. Special attention is paid to the Slana settlement area, and the establishment of conditions that would make the area available for disposal while considering the effects of disposal on the social and environmental conditions of the area. Issue 5, Vegetation Management, examines management to provide for forest health, personal and commercial wood products, fish and wildlife habitat, and the role of fire. Issue 6, Leasable and Locatable Minerals, addresses the need to determine which areas should be made available for mineral exploration and development. Issue 7, Subsistence/Social and Economic Conditions, examines the need to maintain and protect subsistence opportunities and resources, as well as how the management actions, guidelines, and allowable uses described under the other issues will affect subsistence opportunities and resources. This discussion also addresses social and economic effects. The public involvement and collaboration process included 30 public scoping meetings, 17 alternative development meetings, 7 public meetings on the Draft, and meetings with Native and Village Corporations. The State of Alaska is participating in the planning effort as an informal cooperator. Public Land Order 5150 withdrew land within the planning area to establish the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Utility Corridor. The BLM's preferred alternative is to maintain most of this corridor in Federal ownership, with the exception of 82,500 acres north of Paxson. These 82,500 acres provide less than ten percent of the average annual subsistence harvest taken off of Federal lands. Alternative B of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS proposes the revocation of Public Land Order 5150. This revocation would allow the conveyance of these lands to the State of Alaska. This possibility raised much controversy with the local community and Native groups as it would eliminate 63% of the land area available for federal subsistence hunting in Game Management Unit 13. Approximately 80% of the harvest in Unit 13 is taken from lands within PLO 5150 because of its location within the migration corridor of the Nelchina Caribou Herd and the ease with which it can be accessed from the Richardson Highway. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) section 810 analysis, included as an appendix in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS, concludes that Alternative B has the clear potential to significantly restrict subsistence uses. Seven subsistence hearings were held throughout the planning area to gather public testimony on the impacts of Alternative B on subsistence. BLM hosted a special session of the Southcentral Subsistence Advisory Committee to facilitate the committee hearing testimony and submitting formal comment on the issue before the deadline for public comment. The Draft RMP/EIS considered four ACECs. A significant percentage of the total comments submitted during the 90-day comment period pertained to ACECs. The Proposed RMP/Final EIS identifies one ACEC for designation, the Bering Glacier Research Natural Area

(RNA)which contains 827,000 acres of land. This area encompasses the Bering Glacier and the surrounding glacially influenced landscape. Measures to protect unique ecological values associated with the glacier and glacier forelands include:

(1)OHVs limited to designated trails;

(2)new road and airstrip construction would be permitted only if consistent with the protection of the values identified;

(3)withdrawals prohibiting mineral entry or leasing would be maintained in the western two-thirds of the area;

(4)no FLPMA 302 leases or permits unless associated with research activities;

(5)visitor use limits developed for Special Recreation Permits; and

(6)no heli-recreation activities would be permitted. All comments received on the plan were systematically analyzed and evaluated. Appendix J of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS outlines all substantive comments received and BLM's responses to those comments. Comments on the Draft RMP/EIS received from the public and internal BLM review comments were incorporated into the proposed plan. Public comments resulted in several changes to the preferred alternative and in the addition of clarifying text. A summary of these changes is included at the beginning of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS. The Proposed Plan will help BLM meet its mandate of multiple use and sustained yield and recommends the designation of four new Special Recreation Management Areas (SMRAs) and one Research Natural Area (RNA). Restrictions on uses or activities within the SRMAs and RNA will be limited to those necessary to prevent degradation of the relevant and important values for which an area is designated. Copies of the Proposed East Alaska RMP/Final EIS have been sent to affected Federal, State, and Local Government agencies and to interested parties. Copies of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS are available for public inspection at the BLM Glennallen Field Office located at Mile 186.5 Glenn Highway, Glennallen, Alaska during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. Copies of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS have been sent to individuals, agencies, and groups as requested or as required by regulation or policy. Interested persons may also review the proposed RMP/Final EIS on the Internet at *www.ak.blm.gov/gdo/landplan/index.html* or at one of the following locations in and around the planning area: BLM Anchorage Field Office, Anchorage. BLM Northern District Office, Fairbanks. BLM Alaska State Office, Public Room, Anchorage. Chugach National Forest Service, Cordova. Copper Valley Community Library, Glennallen. Delta Junction Community Library, Delta Junction. Denali Borough Office, Healy. Kenny Lake Community Library, Kenny Lake. Loussac Library, Anchorage. Mat-Su Borough Office, Palmer. National Park Service, Wrangell-St. Elias, Copper Center. National Park Service, Denali, McKinley Village. Noel Wien Library, Fairbanks. North Pole Library, North Pole. Valdez Public Library, Valdez. Yakutat Borough Office, Yakutat. Instructions for filing a protest with the Director of the BLM regarding the Proposed Plan/Final EIS may be found at 43 CFR 1610.5-2. A protest may only raise those issues which were submitted for the record during the planning process. E-mail and faxed protests will not be accepted as valid protests unless the protesting party also provides the original letter by either regular or overnight mail postmarked by the close of the protest period. Under these conditions, BLM will consider the e-mail or faxed protest as an advance copy and it will receive full consideration. If you wish to provide BLM with such advance notification, please direct faxed protests to the attention of the BLM protest coordinator at 202-452-5112, and e-mails to *Brenda_Hudgens-Williams@blm.gov.* Please direct the follow-up letter to the appropriate address provided below. The protest must contain: a. The name, mailing address, telephone number, and interest of the person filing the protest. b. A statement of the part or parts of the plan and the issue or issues being protested. c. A copy of all documents addressing the issue(s) that the protesting party submitted during the planning process or a statement of the date they were discussed for the record. d. A concise statement explaining why the protestor believes the State Director's decision is wrong. All protests must be in writing and mailed to one of the following addresses: Regular Mail: Director (210), Attention: Brenda Williams, P.O. Box 66538, Washington, DC 20035. Overnight Mail: Director (210), Attention: Brenda Williams, 1620 L Street, NW., Suite 1075, Washington, DC 20036. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your protest. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. The Director will promptly render a decision on the protest. The decision will be in writing and will be sent to the protesting party by certified mail, return receipt requested. The decision of the Director is the final decision of the Department of the Interior. Dated: April 6, 2006. Henri Bisson, Alaska State Director. [FR Doc. E6-10785 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service 60-Day Notice of Intention To Request Clearance of Collection of Information; Opportunity for Public Comment AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice and request for comment. SUMMARY: Under provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements, the National park Service

(NPS)invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved information collection (OMB #1024-0125). DATES: Public comments will be accepted on or before September 8, 2006. ADDRESSES: Send comments to Jo A. Pendry, Concession Program Manager, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW., (2410), Washington, DC 20240; e-mail *jo_pendry@nps.gov* ; Phone: 202/513-7144; Fax: 202/371-2090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Submission of Offers in Response to Concession Opportunities. *Bureau Form Number:* None. *OMB Control Number:* 1024-0125. *Expiration Date of Approval:* December 31, 2006. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved information collection. *Description of Need:* The regulations at 36 CFR part 51 primarily implement Title IV of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-391 or the Act), which provides new legislative authority, policies and requirements for the solicitation, award and administration of NPS concession contracts. The regulations require the submission of offers by parties interested in applying for a NPS concession contract. The NPS specifically requests comments on:

(1)The need for the collection of information for the performance of the functions of the agency;

(2)the accuracy of the agency's burden estimates;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and

(4)ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, such as use of automated means of collection of the information. *Frequency of Collection:* On occasion. *Description of Respondents:* Persons or entities seeking a National Park Service concession contract. *Total Annual Responses:* 240. *Estimate of Burden:* Approximately 56 hours per response. *Total Annual Burden Hours:* 76,800. *Total Non-hour Cost Burden:* $1,120,000. Specific requirements regarding the information that must be submitted by offerors in response to a prospectus issued by NPS are contained in sections 403(4), (5), (7), and

(8)of the Act. Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate, ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, or any other aspect of this collection to Jo A. Pendry, Concession Program Manager, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW.,

(2410)Washington, DC 20240. All responses 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: June 27, 2006. Leonard E. Stowe, NPS, Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 06-6069 Filed 7-7-06; 8:45 am]

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