Notices. Notice

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BILLING CODE 4310-55-M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of a 5-Year Review of Ten Listed Northeastern Species AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 5-year review of 10 northeastern species. A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate.

A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the original listing of the species as endangered or threatened. Based on the results of these 5-year reviews, we will make the requisite findings under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the ESA. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must receive your information no later than March 30, 2007.

However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: Submit information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA 01035, to the attention of Ms. Mary Parkin. Information received in response to this notice and review will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the above address. Information may also be sent to *Mary_Parkin@fws.gov* .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary Parkin at the above address or at 617-876-6173. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the ESA 16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), the Service maintains a list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the ESA requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years. Then, on the basis of such reviews under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether or not any species should be removed from the list (delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened or from threatened to endangered.

Delisting a species must be supported by the best scientific and commercial data available and only considered if such data substantiates that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the following reasons:

(1)The species is considered extinct;

(2)the species is considered to be recovered; and/or

(3)the original data available when the species was listed, or the interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal classification would require a separate rulemaking process. The regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the **Federal Register** announcing those species currently under active review. This notice announces our active review of the endangered Maryland darter (Etheostoma sellare), eastern cougar (Puma (=Felis) concolor couguar), Virginia fringed mountain snail (Polygyriscus virginianus), Virginia big-eared bat (Corynorhinus (=Plecotus) townsendii virginianus), Hay's Spring amphipod (Stygobromus hayi), American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus), and Lee County Cave isopod (Lirceus usdagalun), as well as the threatened Knieskern's beaked-rush (Rhyncospora knieskernii), bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), and small whorled pogonia (Isotria medeoloides). Public Solicitation of New Information To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new information from the public, concerned governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any other interested parties concerning the status of the following endangered species since their original listings: The Maryland darter in 1967 (32 FR 4001) with Critical Habitat in 1984 (49 FR 34228-34232); eastern cougar in 1973 (38 FR 14678); Virginia fringed mountain snail in 1978 (43 FR 28932-28935); Virginia big-eared bat in 1979 with Critical Habitat (44 FR 69206-69208); Hay's Spring amphipod in 1982 (47 FR 5425-5427); American burying beetle in 1989 (54 FR 29652-29655); and the Lee County Cave isopod in 1992 (57 FR 54722-54726). In addition, we are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the original listing of the following species as threatened: The Knieskern's beaked-rush in 1991 (56 FR 32978 32983); and bog turtle in 1997 (62 FR 59605-59623); as well as the revised listing of the small whorled pogonia as threatened in 1994 (59 FR 50852-50857). The 5-year review considers the best scientific and commercial data and all new information that has become available since the listing determination or most recent status review. Categories of requested information include:

(A)Species biology, including but not limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics;

(B)habitat conditions, including but not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability;

(C)conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species;

(D)threat status and trends; and

(E)other new information, data, or corrections—including but not limited to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information contained in the list, and improved analytical methods. If you wish to provide information for this 5-year review, you may submit your comments and materials to Ms. Mary Parkin (see ADDRESSES section). Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review, by appointment, during regular business hours (see ADDRESSES section). Individual respondents may request that we withhold their name and/or home address, etc., but if you wish us to consider withholding this information, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. In addition, you must present rationale for withholding this information. This rationale must demonstrate that disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy. Unsupported assertions will not meet this burden. In the absence of exceptional, documentable circumstances, this information will be released. We will always make submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Authority: This document is published under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531). Dated: December 4, 2006. Richard O. Bennett, Regional Director, Northeast Region, Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E7-1315 Filed 1-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability for the McNary and Umatilla National Wildlife Refuges Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment and Notification of Public Open House Meetings AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability and notification of public open house meetings. SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has completed a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for the McNary and Umatilla National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). It is available for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/EA describes the Service's proposal for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years. Draft compatibility determinations for public uses are available for review with the Draft CCP/EA. DATES: Public comments on the Draft CCP/EA are requested by February 23, 2007 (see ADDRESSES for delivery options). Three public open house meetings will be held see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. ADDRESSES: Address comments on the Draft CCP/EA to: Greg Hughes, Project Leader, Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3250 Port of Benton Blvd., Richland, WA 99352; fax

(509)375-0196; or e-mail *FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov.* Please use “McNary/Umatilla CCP” in the subject. Additional information concerning the Refuges can be found on the Internet at *http://www.fws.gov/midcolumbiariver/.* Comments may also be submitted at the public open house meetings see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Hughes, Project Leader,

(509)375-0196. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Draft CCP/EA was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Copies of the Draft CCP/EA on compact diskette are available upon request from the Refuge Complex at phone number

(509)371-9212. Copies of the Draft CCP/EA may be reviewed at the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 3250 Port of Benton Blvd., Richland, WA. The Draft CCP/EA is also available for viewing and downloading on the Internet at *http://www.fws.gov/midcolumbiariver/.* Printed copies will be available for review at the following libraries. 1. Richland Public Library, 955 Northgate Drive, Richland, WA. 2. Hermiston Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Avenue, Hermiston, OR. 3. Walla Walla Public Library, 238 E. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA. 4. Umatilla Public Library, 911 7th St., Umatilla, OR. Habitat management activities proposed in the Draft CCP/EA include improving the conditions of wetland, riparian, mudflat, and shrub-steppe habitats, with emphasis on reducing invasive species; increasing moist soil habitats beneficial for waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland associates; evaluating and, where feasible, enhancing backwater habitats for salmonids; and increasing the amount of grain available for ducks on the Refuges' agricultural lands. Public use management actions proposed in the Draft CCP/EA include expanding and improving trails, signs, and access areas for wildlife observation; improving the quality of upland bird hunting; implementing some minor trades between sanctuary and hunt areas; continuing waterfowl hunting coordination with the States; improving information available to anglers and boaters; expanding the Umatilla Refuge's environmental education program; improving management of horseback riding; eliminating overnight camping at McNary Refuge; and reducing illegal uses. Background Umatilla Refuge encompasses 26,888 acres with units along the Columbia River in both Washington and Oregon. McNary Refuge encompasses approximately 15,894 acres located 30 miles upstream of Umatilla Refuge, near Kennewick, Washington. Habitat types found on both Refuges include shrub-steppe uplands, croplands, woody riparian areas, basalt cliffs, emergent marshes, large marshes, and open water areas of the Columbia River. Several islands are also part of each Refuge. Both Refuges provide important migratory and wintering habitat for numerous bird species especially waterfowl. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the CCP is to provide reasonable, scientifically-grounded guidance for improving the Refuges' shrub-steppe, riparian, wetland, and cliff-talus habitats for the long-term conservation of native plants and animals and migratory birds, while providing high quality public use programs for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The Draft CCP/EA identifies appropriate actions to protect and sustain the cultural and biological features of the river islands, the Refuges' wintering waterfowl populations and habitats, the migratory shorebird populations that use the Refuges, and threatened, endangered, or rare species. Alternatives The Service identified and evaluated four alternatives for managing the McNary and Umatilla Refuges for the next 15 years, including a No Action Alternative (Alternative 4). Brief descriptions of the alternatives follow. *Alternative 1: Emphasize Migratory Waterfowl Management and Consumptive Public Uses.* Under Alternative 1, the Refuges' management focus would be on providing migratory waterfowl with high quality, easily accessible food during both normal and severe winters. This would be accomplished by increasing both crop production and waterfowl food plants. Secure, adequately-sized resting areas would be provided to ensure the health of overwintering and migrating waterfowl. Consumptive public uses such as hunting and fishing would be emphasized, with improvements to facilities and increased opportunities. A State pheasant augmentation/release program would be discontinued, and camping would be discontinued at Madame Dorion Park. Other public uses would continue at approximately their current levels of service. *Alternative 2: Emphasize Migratory Birds, Special Status Species and Wildlife-Dependent Public Uses.* Under Alternative 2, the Service's preferred alternative, the Refuges would focus on managing habitat for all migratory birds, and enhancing populations of targeted special status species and their habitats. Habitats for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, threatened and endangered species, and other native wildlife would be improved. Weed control and reduction, and improving riparian, shrub-steppe, island, and cliff habitats would be emphasized. Wildlife-dependent public uses would also be emphasized, with opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, interpretation, and environmental education maintained or improved from present conditions. A State pheasant augmentation/release program would be discontinued and camping at Madame Dorion Park would be discontinued. Disturbance to island resources would be reduced through implementation of a no-wake zone within 100 feet of Refuge islands. Alternative 2 is the Service's preferred alternative because it best achieves the purpose and need for the CCP while maintaining balance among the varied management needs and programs. Alternative 2 addresses issues and relevant mandates, and is consistent with principles of sound fish and wildlife management. *Alternative 3: Emphasize Native Species Diversity and Nonconsumptive Public Uses.* Under Alternative 3, the Refuges' management focus would be on mimicking natural processes, to maintain, enhance, and, where possible, increase native fish, wildlife, and plant diversity representative of historical conditions in the Lower Columbia River Basin. Emphasis would be placed on improving existing island, riverine, and shrub-steppe habitats and restoring modified and/or degraded habitats to a more native condition. Fewer acres would be managed in croplands. Habitat management would contribute to the recovery of threatened, endangered, or rare species such as salmon, steelhead, and long-billed curlews. Hunting and fishing opportunities would be available at most current sites except pheasant and fish stocking would be eliminated, and fewer acres would be managed to provide waterfowl food. Opportunities for wildlife-dependent nonconsumptive uses would be improved and expanded. Camping would be discontinued at Madame Dorion Park. All island areas would be closed to public access during summer. *Alternative 4: No Action Alternative.* Alternative 4 is the no action alternative as required under NEPA. It provides a baseline from which to compare Alternatives 1, 2, and 3. Under Alternative 4, the Refuges would continue to maintain, and, where feasible, restore habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds, and State and Federally-listed species. Existing public uses would continue. Public Comments Public comments are requested, considered, and incorporated throughout the planning process. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA would be appreciated by February 23, 2007. A previous notice concerning development of this CCP/EA was published in the **Federal Register** on May 24, 2004. Comments on the Draft CCP/EA will be analyzed by the Service and addressed in final planning documents. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record and may be released. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, NEPA regulations, and Service and Department of the Interior policies and procedures. Public Open House Meetings Three Public Open House Meetings will be held to provide people an opportunity to learn more about the alternatives analyzed in the Draft CCP/EA. Public comments will be collected and recorded at the meetings. Meeting dates, times, and locations follow. 1. February 1, 2007, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Riverfront Center, 2 Marine Drive, Boardman, Oregon. 2. February 6, 2007, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., McNary Environmental Education Center, 311 Lake Road, Burbank, Washington. 3. February 8, 2007, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 2525 North 20th Ave., Pasco, Washington. Dated: January 24, 2007. David J. Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. E7-1395 Filed 1-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is preparing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan

(CCP)and Environmental Assessment

(EA)for the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) located in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties of California. The Complex is comprised of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge. This notice advises the public that the Service intends to gather information necessary to prepare a CCP and EA pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The public and other agencies are encouraged to participate in the planning process by sending written comments on management actions that the Service should consider. The Service is also furnishing this notice in compliance with the Service CCP policy to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the CCP and EA. Opportunities for public input will be announced throughout the CCP/EA planning and development process. DATES: To ensure that the Service has adequate time to evaluate and incorporate suggestions and other input into the planning process, comments should be received on or before March 15, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send written comments or requests to be added to the mailing list to the following address: David Bergendorf, Refuge Planner, CA/NV Refuge Planning Office, 2800 Cottage Way, W-1832, Sacramento, California 95825-1846. Written comments may also be faxed to

(916)414-6497, or sent by electronic mail to *david_bergendorf@fws.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Bergendorf, Refuge Planner, at

(916)414-6503 or Eric Nelson, Refuge Manager, at

(707)733-5406. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a CCP for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife, plants and their habitats, the CCP will identify compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public. The recreational opportunities that will receive priority consideration are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The planning process will consider many other elements, including cultural resource protection, environmental effects, and administrative resources. Public input into this planning process is very important. The CCP will provide other agencies and the public with a clear understanding of the desired conditions for the Complex and how the Service will implement management strategies. Comments received will be used to help develop goals and objectives, as well as identify key issues evaluated in the NEPA document. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and may be made available to the public. Opportunities for public participation will occur throughout the process. The Service will send Planning Updates to people who are interested in the CCP process. These mailings will provide information on how to participate in the CCP process. Interested federal, state, and local agencies, organizations, and individuals are invited to provide input. The Service expects to complete the CCP in 2008. Background The nearly 4,000 acre Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located in Humboldt County, consists of several different units within and adjacent to Humboldt Bay and associated watersheds. Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge is an island of nearly 14 acres in size located approximately eighty miles north of Humboldt Bay and approximately one half mile offshore from Crescent City, California. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1971 pursuant to the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715d), the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k-460 K.4) and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742f [a][4]). Lands within the Refuge have been set aside for use as an inviolate sanctuary, and other management purposes, for migratory birds, for incidental fish and wildlife-oriented recreational development, for the protection of natural resources, for the conservation of endangered species or threatened species and for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources. The Lanphere Dunes unit of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge was added to the Refuge Boundary in 1997 for the purpose of conserving fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened species, and plants 16 U.S.C. 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973). Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1981 for the purpose of conserving fish or wildlife which are listed as endangered species or threatened species, and plants 16 U.S.C. 1534 (Endangered Species Act of 1973). The Service anticipates a draft CCP and EA to be available for public review and comment in 2007. Dated: January 23, 2007. Ken McDermond, Acting Manager, CA/NV Operations, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E7-1327 Filed 1-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan

(CCP)and an associated environmental assessment for the Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. The Service is providing this notice to advise other agencies, Tribal Governments, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of the issues and alternatives to include in the CCP and environmental assessment. DATES: We must receive comments on or before March 15, 2007. Public scoping meetings will be held as follows:

(1)Tuesday, February 6, 2007—6 to 8:30 p.m., Shilo Inn Suites Hotel, 2500 Almond Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601.

(2)Wednesday, February 7, 2007—6 to 8:30 p.m., Chiloquin Community Center, 140 1st Ave, Chiloquin, Oregon 97624. ADDRESSES: Send written comments or requests to be added to the mailing list to the following address: Mark Pelz, Refuge Planner, CA/NV Refuge Planning Office, 2800 Cottage Way, W-1832, Sacramento, CA 95825-1846. Written comments may also be faxed to

(916)414-6497, or sent by electronic mail to *fw8plancomments@fws.gov.* Additional information is also available at *http://www.fws.gov/cno/refuges/planning.html.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Pelz, Refuge Planner, at

(916)414-6504 or Carol Damberg, Refuge Manager, at

(541)783-3380. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee *et seq* .), requires the Service to develop a CCP for each National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose for developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife, plants and their habitats, the CCP will identify compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public. The recreational opportunities that will receive priority consideration are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Klamath Marsh Refuge was established in 1958 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 715d). The acquisition boundary approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission included 24,418 acres. Between 1958 and 1980, the Service acquired 16,932 acres. In 1988, the Service expanded the acquisition boundary by 28,584 under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742f(b)(1)) and the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986 (16 U.S.C. 3901(b)). Since this expansion, the Service has acquired 24,508 additional acres. Klamath Marsh Refuge protects a large natural marsh which provides important nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for waterfowl. The surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors. The adjacent pine forests also support diverse wildlife including great gray owl and Rocky Mountain elk. Currently, visitor services are limited to wildlife observation and interpretation along established roads, canoeing during the summer in Wocus Bay, and waterfowl hunting in the southern half of the Refuge during the fall. Comments and concerns received during this scoping process will be used to help identify key issues, develop goals, establish habitat management and public use strategies, and draft management alternatives. Additional opportunities for public participation will occur throughout the planning process, and details about these opportunities will be provided in special mailings, newspaper articles, and other announcements. Involvement and input from interested Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribal governments, organizations, and individuals is encouraged. We expect to have the draft CCP/EA completed and made available for public review in the spring of 2008 and the CCP process completed in late 2008. Dated: January 23, 2007. John Engbring, Acting Manager, CA/NV Operations, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E7-1323 Filed 1-26-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey Annual National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Announcement; Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)Review; Comment Request AGENCY: United States Geological Survey. ACTION: Notice of an extension of an Information Collection (1028-0051). SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request

(ICR)to renew approval of the paperwork requirements for respondents to submit proposals to support research in earthquake hazard assessments and earthquake occurrence under the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended, Pub. L. 95-124, 42 U.S.C. 7701 *et seq* ., that established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of this requirement. DATES: Submit written comments by February 28, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this information collection directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior via OMB e-mail: ( *OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov* ); or by fax

(202)395-6566; identify with (1028-0051). Submit a copy of your comments to the United States Geological Survey, via: • E-mail USGS at *gd-erp-coordinator@usgs.gov* . Use Information Collection Number 1028-0051, in the subject line. • *Fax:* 703-648-6717. Identify with Information Collection Number 1028-0051 • Mail or hand-carry comments to the United States Geological Survey; Earthquake Hazards Program; MS905 National Center; Reston, Virginia 20192. Please reference “Information Collection 1028-0051” in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Lemersal, National Earthquake Hazards Program

(703)648-6716. You may also contact Ms. Lemersal to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the ICR, the announcement for grant applications, and the public law that established the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 1, 2006, a **Federal Register** notice was published (Volume 71, Number 211, pages 64290-64291) providing the public 60 days to comment on this information collection. No responses were received. The public now has a second chance to comment on this information collection. Specific public comments are requested as to: 1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the bureau, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. The accuracy of the bureau's estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 3. The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology. *Title:* Annual National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Announcement. *OMB Control Number:* 1028-0051. *Abstract:* Respondents submit proposals to support research in earthquake hazard assessments and earthquake occurrence. This information will be used as the basis for selection and award of projects meeting the program objectives. Final reports of research findings are required for each funded proposal. *Bureau form number:* None. *Frequency:* Annual proposals, final reports. *Description of respondents and grant recipients:* Educational institutions and profit and non-profit organizations. *Annual applicants:* 250. *Annual grants awarded:* 120 *Annual Burden hours for applicants and final reports for grantees:* 12,300 hours. *Bureau clearance officer:* Fred Travnicek, 703-648-7231. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Lemersal, U.S. Geological Survey, MS905 National Center, Reston, Virginia 20192

(703)648-6716. Dated: January 23, 2007. P. Patrick Leahy, Associate Director for Geology, U.S. Geological Survey. [FR Doc. 07-355 Filed 1-26-06; 8:45 am]

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