Fed. Reg. Notices — Notice

BILLING CODE 4410-10-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-04] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Reporting Requirements Associated With 24 CFR 235.1001 and 24 CFR 203.508(c)—Mortgagees Annual Notification to Mortgagors AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. Mortgagees must inform mortgagors in a yearend statement, of paid interest and disbursed taxes from the escrow account. This information is for state and federal income tax filing purposes. The yearend statement must provide an interest accounting in such a way as to allow the mortgagor to easily identify the amount of any subsidy paid by HUD for FHA “235” loans. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2502-0235) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://hlannwp031.hud.gov/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Reporting Requirements Associated with 24 CFR 235.1001 and 24 CFR 203.508(c)—Mortgagees Annual Notification to Mortgagors. *OMB Approval Number:* 2502-0235. *Form Numbers:* None. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* Mortgagees must inform mortgagors in a yearend statement, of paid interest and disbursed taxes from the escrow account. This information is for state and federal income tax filing purposes. The yearend statement must provide an interest accounting in such a way as to allow the mortgagor to easily identify the amount of any subsidy paid by HUD for FHA “235” loans. *Frequency of Submission:* Annually. Number of respondents Annual responses × Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 438 9,141.2 0.00028 1,143 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 1,143. *Status:* Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-645 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-05] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; 2007 American Housing Survey

(AHS)Covering Both the National (AHS-N) and Metropolitan (AHS-MS) Samples AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. The 2007 AHS is a longitudinal study that provides a periodic measure on the quality, availability, and cost of housing for both the nation (AHS-N) and seven select metropolitan areas (AHS-MS). The study also provides information on demographic and other characteristics of the occupants. Federal and local agencies use AHS data to evaluate housing issues. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2528-0017) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://hlannwp031.hud.gov/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* 2007 American Housing Survey

(AHS)covering both the National(AHS-N) and Metropolitan (AHS-MS) Samples. *OMB Approval Number:* 2528-0017. *Form Numbers:* AHS-26/66, AHS-27, AHS-28/68, AHS-30. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* The 2007 AHS is a longitudinal study that provides a periodic measure on the quality, availability, and cost of housing for both the nation (AHS-N) and seven select metropolitan areas (AHS-MS). The study also provides information on demographic and other characteristics of the occupants. Federal and local agencies use AHS data to evaluate housing issues. *Frequency of Submission:* Biannually, On occasion. Number of respondents Annual responses × Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 75,704 0.85 0.621 40,099 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 40,099. *Status:* Revision of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-646 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-06] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Public Housing, Contracting With Resident-Owned Businesses AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. Eligible resident-owned businesses must submit application information to Housing Agencies

(HAs)to be approved for noncompetitive contracting for work to be performed on public housing sites as an alternative to HUD's otherwise-required competitive procurement procedures. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2577-0161) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://hlannwp031.hud.gov/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Public Housing, Contracting with Resident-Owned Businesses. *OMB Approval Number:* 2577-0161. *Form Numbers:* None. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* Eligible resident-owned businesses must submit application information to Housing Agencies

(HAs)to be approved for noncompetitive contracting for work to be performed on public housing sites as an alternative to HUD's otherwise-required competitive procurement procedures. *Frequency of Submission:* On occasion. *Reporting Burden:* Number of Annual Hours per Burden Number of respondents Annual responses x Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 500 1 17 8,500 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 8,500. *Status:* Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-647 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-07] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Section 32 and Section 5(h) Public Housing Homeownership Program Evaluation AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. The study of the Section 5(H) and Section 32 programs will provide the answer to a number of important questions about the homeownership programs. Information will provide a detailed assessment of the homeownership programs, to identify their strengths and weaknesses. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2577-NEW) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://hlannwp031.hud.gov/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Section 32 and Section 5(h) Public Housing Homeownership Program Evaluation. *OMB Approval Number:* 2577-NEW. *Form Numbers:* None. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* The study of the Section 5(H) and Section 32 programs will provide the answer to a number of important questions about the homeownership programs. Information will provide a detailed assessment of the homeownership programs, to identify their strengths and weaknesses. *Frequency of Submission:* On occasion, Other one-time. Number of respondents Annual responses x Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 590 1 0.88 520 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 520. *Status:* New Collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-649 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-N-08] Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB; Family Report, MTW Family Report AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. Tenant data is collected to understand demographic, family profile, income, and housing information for participants in the Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Section 8 Project Based Certificated, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation, and Moving to Work Demonstration Programs. This data also allows HUD to monitor the performance of programs and the performance of public housing agencies that administer the programs. DATES: *Comments Due Date:* February 20, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2577-0083) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-6974. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lillian Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; e-mail *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* or telephone

(202)708-2374. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Deitzer or from HUD's Web site at *http://hlannwp031.hud.gov/po/i/icbts/collectionsearch.cfm.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:

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

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Family Report, MTW Family Report. *OMB Approval Number:* 2577-0083. *Form Numbers:* HUD-50058; HUD-50058MTW. *Description of the Need for the Information and Its Proposed Use:* Tenant data is collected to understand demographic, family profile, income, and housing information for participants in the Public Housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, Section 8 Project Based Certificated, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation, and Moving to Work Demonstration Programs. This data also allows HUD to monitor the performance of programs and the performance of public housing agencies that administer the programs. *Frequency of Submission:* Quarterly, Monthly, Annually. Number of respondents Annual responses x Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting Burden 4,145 1049 0.534 2,325,589 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 2,325,589. *Status:* Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended. Dated: January 12, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-650 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of the Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (Hybognathus amarus) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for public review of the draft revised Recovery Plan for the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow ( *Hybognathus amarus* ). The Rio Grande silvery minnow currently inhabits the Rio Grande in New Mexico. The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft revised Recovery Plan. DATES: The comment period for this draft revised Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan) closes April 18, 2007. Comments on the Recovery Plan must be received by the closing date to ensure consideration. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the Recovery Plan can obtain a paper or CD copy from the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Coordinator, Southwest Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103; telephone 505/248-6920, facsimile 505/248-6788, e-mail: *Jennifer_Parody@fws.gov.* The Recovery Plan may also be obtained from the Internet at *http://www.fws.gov/endangered* by selecting “Species Search” from the left-side menu bar and entering the species” name in the “Search Species” text box. If you wish to comment on the Recovery Plan, you may submit your comments and materials to the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Coordinator. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Parody, Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Coordinator, at the Albuquerque address above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Restoring an endangered or threatened animal or plant to the point where it is again a secure, self-sustaining member of its ecosystem is a primary goal of the Service's endangered species program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the United States. Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for conservation of species, establish criteria for downlisting or delisting them, and estimate time and cost for implementing the recovery measures needed. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S. C. 1531 et seq.) requires the development of recovery plans for listed species unless such a Plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988, requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will consider all information presented during a public comment period prior to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. The Service and other Federal agencies will also take these comments into account in the course of implementing recovery plans. The document submitted for review is the Recovery Plan for the Rio Grande silvery minnow. Currently, the Rio Grande silvery minnow is believed to occur in a 280 km (174 mi) reach of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, from Cochiti Dam to the headwaters of Elephant Butte Reservoir. Its current habitat is limited to about 7 percent of its former range. The species was listed as federally endangered in 1994 (July 20, 1994, 59 FR 36988). Critical habitat was designated in 2003 (68 FR 8088). Throughout much of its historic range, the decline of the Rio Grande silvery minnow may be attributed in part to destruction and modification of its habitat due to dewatering and diversion of water, water impoundment, and modification of the river (channelization). Competition and predation by introduced non-native species, water quality degradation, and other factors may also have contributed to its decline. The Recovery Plan includes scientific information about the species and provides criteria and actions needed to downlist and delist (recover) the species. Downlisting for the Rio Grande silvery minnow may be considered when three populations (including at least two that are self-sustaining) have been established within the historical range of the species and have been maintained for at least five years. Delisting of the species may be considered when three self-sustaining populations have been established within the historical range of the species and have been maintained for at least ten years. Recovery actions designed to achieve these criteria include:

(1)Develop a thorough knowledge of the Rio Grande silvery minnow's life history, ecology, and behavior, and the current status of its habitat;

(2)restore, protect, and alter habitats as necessary to alleviate threats to the Rio Grande silvery minnow;

(3)ensure the survival of the Rio Grande silvery minnow in its current habitat and reestablish the species in suitable habitats within its historical range;

(4)implement and maintain an adaptive management program so that appropriate research and management activities are implemented in a timely manner to achieve recovery of the Rio Grande silvery minnow; and

(5)design and implement a public awareness and education program. The original Rio Grande Silvery Minnow Recovery Plan was finalized in 1999. The draft revised Recovery Plan differs from the original plan by including:

(1)A Tribal Perspectives document prepared by representatives of six Rio Grande Pueblos;

(2)updated objective and measurable criteria for downlisting and delisting; and,

(3)identification of how the plan's recovery criteria and recovery actions address the five listing factors and specific threats to the species. The Recovery Plan is being submitted for review to all interested parties. Peer review will be conducted concurrent with public review. A peer review plan is posted on the Service's Southwest Region Web site, at: *http://www.fws.gov/southwest/science/peerreview.html.* After consideration of comments received during the public and peer review period, the Recovery Plan will be submitted for final approval. Public Comments Solicited The Service solicits written comments on the Recovery Plan described. All comments received by the date specified above will be considered prior to approval of the final Recovery Plan. Authority The authority for this action is Section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). Dated: November 9, 2006. Christopher T. Jones, Acting Regional Director, Region 2. [FR Doc. E7-610 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WO-320-1990-PB-24 1A] Submission to Office of Management and Budget—Information Collection, OMB Control Number 1004-0194 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interor. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)has submitted a request for an extension of an approved information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for approval. DATES: The OMB is required to respond to this request within 60 days but may respond after 30 days. Submit your comments to OMB at the address below by February 20, 2007 to receive maximum consideration. ADDRESSES: Send comments to the OMB, Interior Department Desk Office (1004-0194), at OMB-OIRA via e-mail *OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov* or via facsimile at

(202)395-6566. Also please send a copy of your comments to BLM via Internet and include your name, address, and ATTN: 1004-0194 in your Internet message to *comments_washington@blm.gov* or via mail to: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Mail Stop 401LS, 1849 C Street, NW., ATTN: Bureau Information Collection Clearance Officer (WO-630), Washington, DC 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You may contact Shirlean Beshir to obtain copies and explanatory material on this information collection at

(202)452-5033. Persons who use a telecommunication device for the deaf

(TDD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)on 1-800-877-8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a wek, to contact Ms. Beshir. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 6, 2006, the BLM published a notice in the **Federal Register** (71 FR 11224) requesting comments on the information collection. The comment period closed on May 5, 2006. The BLM did not receive any comments. We are soliciting comments on the following:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper functioning of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b)The accuracy of our estimates of the information collection burden, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions we use;

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

(d)Ways to minimize the information collection burden 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. *Title:* Surface Management (43 CFR subpart 3809). *OMB Control Number:* 1004-0194. *Abstract:* Under the General Mining Law, a citizen may enter onto public domain lands that are subject to the law to prospect and explore for valuable mineral deposits. They may do so without seeking the government's permission beforehand. The rights to a deposit of a valuable mineral are granted through the act of discovering the mineral deposit. After making a discovery, a prospector may choose to locate and record a mining claim to protect investments in exploration and to have a secure tenure to discovered valuable mineral deposits. Locating a mining claim is not a prerequesite for conducting operations on the public lands, nor is it even a requirement for carrying out mining operations. The BLM uses the regulations at 43 CFR subpart 3809 to govern hardrock mineral exploration and development on the public lands and Federal interests in the lands. The hardrock minerals are subject to the provisions of the 1872 General Mining Law (30 U.S.C. 22, *et seq* ., as amended). BLM collects form and nonform information on surface management activities from mining claimants and operators. *Burden Estimate Per Form:* The following chart lists form and non-form information collection requirements that are submitted quarterly, monthly, on occasion, and annually to the BLM by the private sector. 43 CFR Citation Subpart Forms Number of responses Hours/$ Burden hours Burden/($) Non-Forms: 3809.21/.301 Notice Level 386 32 hr @ 75 12,352 926,400 3809.330 Notice Level Modification 108 32 hr @ 75 3,456 259,200 3809.333 Notice Extension 169 30 minutes @ 75 85 6,253 3809.11/.401 Plan of Operations 54 245 hr @ 90 13,230 1,190,700 EIS 6 4960 hr @ 205 29,760 6,100,800 EA-Standard 16 890 hr @ 90 14,240 1,281,600 EA-Exploration/Simple 35 320 hr @ 70 11,200 784,000 3809.430 Plan Modificaton 96 245 hr @ 90 23,520 2,116,900 EIS 2 4960 hr @ 205 9,920 2,033,600 EA-Standard 29 890 hr @ 90 25,810 2,322,900 EA-Exploration/Simple 62 320 hr @ 70 19,840 1,388,800 Forms: 3809.500 Financial Guarantee 3809-1 67 8 hours @ 40 536 21,440 3809-2 270 8 hours @ 40 2,160 86,400 3809-4 13 8 hours @ 40 104 4,160 3809-4a 10 8 hours @ 40 80 3,200 3809.116 Operator Change 3809-5 46 8 hours @ 40 368 14,720 Total 1,369 166,661 18,537,273 Annual Responses: 1,369. Application Fee Per Response: 0. Annual Burden Hours: 166,661. Dated: January 11, 2007. Ted R. Hudson, Bureau of Land Management, Acting Division Chief Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. 07-164 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am]

Notices. Notice