supplemental_statement_B

The Supporting Statement for OMB 0596-0171

Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of Livestock Ranching

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sam­pling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corre­sponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the uni­verse as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The research universe for the study consists of the approximately 600 Forest Service grazing permittees of the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests. All permittees are being contacted and invited to take part in the study. In lieu of sampling the population, all permittees will be given the opportunity to respond and participate. We are inviting all permittees to participate in order to maximize the number of potential responses from this relatively small universe of respondents. We send each permittee an introductory letter describing the project, and promptly call each permittee to set up a time and place to administer the questionnaire at the convenience of the permittee. These measures also are designed to maximize response rate.

In addition, we met with Forest Service range personnel from both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, officers of the two statewide grazing associations, and locally knowledgeable permittees from both forests to disseminate knowledge about the project and encourage participation. Although it is difficult to estimate the expected response rate, we anticipate a response at or near 75% because of the measures we are taking to maximize response rate and because of interest in the project. (We administer the questionnaire district by district. So far, our collections have a response rate range from 65%-78%.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

• Estimation procedure,

• Degree of accuracy needed for the pur­pose described in the justification,

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

• Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

No sampling techniques are used (See B. 1). All permittees from the two forests are asked to participate in an interview consisting of a personally administered questionnaire. The information collection is a one-time occurrence under OMB clearance 0596-0171 and the renewal being requested.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sam­pling, a special justification must be provid­ed for any collection that will not yield "reli­able" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

We are using various strategies to maximize the response rate. We are inviting all permittees to participate in order to maximize the number of potential responses from this relatively small group of respondents. We send each permittee an introductory letter describing the project, and promptly call each permittee to set up a time and place to administer the questionnaire at the convenience of the permittee. In addition, we met with Forest Service range personnel from both the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, officers of the two statewide grazing associations, and locally knowledgeable permittees from both forests to disseminate knowledge about the project and encourage participation. The researchers attended grazing association meetings to discuss the project and answer questions. This type of personal approach was recommended by the permittees, by forest range staff, and by other social researchers who have worked in the area, as well as by our experience with the pilot study (OMB 0596-0144, retired).

We used the pilot study to refine questions used for the data collection and address issues of comprehensibility, clarity, relevance, and internal consistency, as well as reliability. The major thrust of the data collection is qualitative and descriptive and provides much-needed contemporary information to land managers on the role and importance of livestock ranching in maintaining the culture and traditions of the mainly Hispanic grazing permittees of northern New Mexico. Collected information will be used as an educational tool for land managers and members of the public. It will be incorporated into the social assessment sections of forest plans, forest plan revisions, and grazing allotment plans and revisions in the region.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separate­ly or in combination with the main collection of information.

The pilot study (OMB 0596-0144, retired) was used to refine the research design, methods, techniques, questions, and discussion topics used in this larger project, as discussed in B. 3 and in other sections of this form. The questionnaire was shortened by two pages from the pilot study questionnaire. Unclear questions were reworded and redundant questions were deleted. This information was derived from participants during administration of the pilot study questionnaire. Administration of the current questionnaire has shown the efficacy of the revisions.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Rudy King (970-498-1240), Rocky Mountain Research Station Biometrician, is the consulting statistician for this information collection and this project. The survey will be conducted and collected data will be analyzed by Carol Raish (505-724-3666), Research Social Scientist, and Alice M. McSweeney (505-724-3677), Social Science Analyst, of the Rocky Mountain Research Station, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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