Uncle Sam Wants Your Thoughts on Woodsy Owl Merch
Published Date: 6/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture wants your thoughts on collecting info about using the Woodsy Owl symbol for commercial purposes. If you’re a business or group that uses this symbol, these changes could affect you. You’ve got until July 27, 2026, to share your comments—so don’t miss out on shaping the rules without any new fees or costs right now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
License and Royalty Requirement for Woodsy Owl
If you are a business or nonprofit that uses the Woodsy Owl symbol or slogan for profit, you must seek approval under 36 CFR part 272 and the Forest Service may collect royalty fees. The rule says commercial use includes reproducing the symbol on items (T‑shirts, mugs, pins, figurines, ornaments, stickers, toys) and using the image or slogan in motion pictures, TV, magazines, books, and other for‑profit products. The information collection is assigned OMB Control Number 0596-0087.
Information Collection and Reporting Burden
Applicants for a Woodsy Owl license must provide information (tenure of business or nonprofit, current or planned products, physical location, projected sales volume, and marketing plans) so the Forest Service can decide on licenses and associated royalty fees. The collection involves recordkeeping and quarterly reporting; the notice estimates 35 respondents and a total of 52 burden hours for the collection.
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