Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; California Signage Plan: Evaluation of Interpretive Signs

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before October 3, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Seaberry Nachbar, 831-626-1023, seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for a regular submission (new collection). The California Signage Plan is an organized and systematic way to develop and install graphic signs along the California coastline and inland that interpret the natural and cultural resources of a particular location and its connection to the sanctuaries located within California. To date, a strategic approach to evaluating interpretive signs produced by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has not been developed; therefore, NOAA does not know if the messages trying to be conveyed to their audiences are effective. NOAA is proposing to conduct an online and onsite survey of approximately 400 visitors to the locations where signs are currently installed. The questions outlined in the survey examine the public's use of the signs, understanding of the signs' content, understanding and awareness of protected areas/zones and how those messages are portrayed in regulatory signs, demographics of the target audience, interest in alternate sources of interpretive content, perception of the National Marine Sanctuaries identity, and awareness of the national marine sanctuary system.

II. Method of Collection

Half of the respondents will use paper forms completed onsite. Half of the respondents will be asked to complete the survey online.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: None.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (new collection).

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 400.

Estimated Time per Response: 8 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 53 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.