1018-bepd_ssb[1]

Supporting Statement B for

Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

OMB Control Number 1018-XXXX

Bald Eagle Post-Delisting Monitoring

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.

The survey design is described in Appendix 1 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2009 Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Contiguous 48 States. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Divisions of Endangered Species and Migratory Birds and State Programs, Midwest Regional Office, Twin Cities, Minnesota. 75 pp., hereafter called the Plan). For the nest list survey, we expect an 80-percent response rate from the 48 contiguous States. For the dual-frame aerial survey, we expect a 90-percent response rate from the 14 States with high density bald eagle strata.

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.

Again, the survey design and required degree of accuracy are described in Appendix 1 of Plan. The Plan shows how the dual-frame design obtained a more accurate estimate than using either the biased State nests or an area survey by themselves, especially when the subject of the survey is rare in statistical terms. Also, the bald eagle is a long-lived species that the Service is surveying over five 5-year periods to detect actual changes rather than every year.

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 use web forms to allow the States to easily update their nest list information online. They can also upload their nest list updates with a comma-delimited text file. The aerial part of the dual-frame survey gives State biologists (observers) a chance to assess the coverage of their State nest lists and to look for new nests in a statistically valid manner. See appendix 2 of the Plan for a description of the survey procedures.

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 Plan provides a description of the pilot study results in Appendix 1 (page 23). We surveyed the bald eagle nests in the Canadian Province of New Brunswick in May 2008. The dual frame estimate of occupied nests was 127 (SE=9). The list nest estimate was only 66 (SE = 8). The new nest area survey added, 59, and the multiple observer estimation added, 2. The dual-frame estimate had a CV of 7. The survey was designed to achieve a CV of 10. We did over sample in some places but did miss critical plots in the Eastern stratum. We calculated the list coverage from all new nests, not just the occupied ones. The list coverage is the percentage of the list estimate over the dual-frame nest estimate and is 56 percent

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.

Mark Otto, Biometrician

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

11510 American Holly Dr

Laurel MD 20708-4002

[email protected]

301-497-5872

John R. Sauer

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

12100 Beech Forest Road

Laurel, MD 20708-4039

[email protected]

301-497-5662

Jim Wortham, Wildlife Biologist

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

11510 American Holly Dr

Laurel MD 20708-4002

[email protected]

301-497-5882