ASIS Supporting_Statement_PartB

Visitor Attitudes, Experiences, and Expectations Associated with the Oversand Vehicle Zone and Backcountry Camping

Areas at Assateague Island National Seashore

OMB Control Number XXXX

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When Item 17 on the OMB Form 83-I is checked "Yes", the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

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 respondent universe is all visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore who have purchased an oversand vehicle permit or backcountry permit from Assateague Island National Seashore in 2009.

Survey	Respondent Universe	Sample Size	Response Rate	Estimated Final Responses
Oversand Vehicle Permit Holders	4,510 (FY09)	500	70%	350
Backcountry Permit Holders	572 (FY09)	330	70%	230
Survey Total	5,082 (FY09)	830	70%	580

Because our population of interest is permit holders, the names and addresses of a sample of residents will be drawn from the permit records maintained by Assateague Island National Seashore (ASIS). We will work with ASIS fee and revenue manager to develop a complete list of oversand permit holders and backcountry permits holders for 2009. We will draw a random sample of 500 addresses of oversand vehicle permit holders and 330 addresses from the backcountry permit list, for a total of 830 addresses.

A telephone survey was conducted with a similar universe of respondents from ASIS 2007 permit holders. Results from this survey indicate a high level of interest on the part of the public in this subject area. Also, based on the comments from the 60-day Federal Register Notice, we noted an expressed interest from the public to participate in this survey. Therefore, a relatively high response rate is expected.

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.

The finite backcountry user population of 572 requires approximately 230 returned surveys to obtain a confidence interval of +/- 5% at the 95% confidence level. The finite OSV user population of 4,510 requires approximately 350 returned surveys to obtain a confidence interval of +/- 5% at the 95% confidence level. Assuming a 70% response rate to both surveys, we will need to contact 330 backcountry permit holders and 500 OSV permit holders.

For the sample of OSV permit holders, a random number between 1 and 9 will be selected using a random number generator. With the selected number serving as a starting point, every 9^th case will then be chosen (without replacement) from the list of 4,510 permit holders to obtain a final sample of 500 addresses. Because the list of backcountry permit holders is smaller, the sampling interval for this population will be 2. Using a random start, every other case in this list will be selected (without replacement) to obtain a final sample of 330 addresses.

The questionnaires returned by the OSV and backcountry permit holders will be analyzed separately, rather than combined. For this reason, there is no need to balance the final sample to achieve proportionate representation of each group.

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.

To maximize response rate, we are offering the option to complete the survey online by providing the respondent with a URL that will provide access directly to the online survey instrument requiring a unique identifier that we provide to log in. We will use a multi-phased contact approach, with a follow-up reminder postcard to be mailed to non-respondents 2 weeks after the initial mailing. A second reminder, including a replacement questionnaire, will be sent to the remaining non-respondents 2 weeks after this. The replacement questionnaire will be accompanied by a postage-paid return envelope to the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.

If, as anticipated, the final response rate is below 80%, a random sample of 20 non-respondents in each group will be contacted by telephone and asked two key questions from the survey instruments (Attachment D). Oversand vehicle users will be asked:

1. About how many annual Assateague Island National Seashore Oversand Vehicle Zone permits have you purchased in the last 10 years?

______Permits

2. Please rate your overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your oversand vehicle experience(s) during the past 12 months.

____Highly satisfied

____Satisfied

____Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied

____Unsatisfied

____Highly unsatisfied

Backcountry area users will be asked:

1. About how many annual Assateague Island National Seashore backcountry permits have you purchased in the last 10 years?

_____ Permits

2. Please rate your overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction with your backcountry experience(s) during the past 12 months.

_____Highly satisfied

_____Satisfied

___ _ Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied

_____Unsatisfied

_____ Highly unsatisfied

Statistical tests (e.g., chi-square and t-tests) will be used to determine if non-respondents differ from those who returned the questionnaire. Results will be reported, and the implications of non-response bias (if any) for interpreting the results will be discussed in the report.

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.

Survey questions were derived through previous discussions with NPS staff and public participation practitioners, as well as through telephone survey with 43 total OSV users and backcountry campers (OMB #1024-0224, NPS #05-047). In addition, survey researchers at Indiana University, from the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, and NPS collaborators at Assateague Island National Seashore reviewed several iterations of the draft survey instrument. Finally, comments on the draft survey from Assateague Mobil Sports Fisherman Association, which was pre-tested for burden estimate and clarity with 9 potential respondents.

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.

John Drew, MS, Program Manager, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, provided general oversight in developing the implementation schedule, sampling methods, survey instrument design and methodology.

Erin Noojibail, MA, Program Assistant, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, assisted with designing the survey.

Jeff Bransford, MS, Project Manager, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, will assist in statistical analysis of the information and draft the final report. His telephone number is (812) 856-3870.

Nona Capps, MLS, Project Coordinator, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, will assist in statistical analysis of the information and assist in drafting the final report. Her telephone number is (812) 855-3095.

Dr. James Gramann, NPS Visiting Chief Social Scientist provided additional review of the survey instruments and survey methods. His telephone number is (202) 513-7189.

The Organic Act of 1916

THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ORGANIC ACT OF 1916

Sess. 1. Chap. 408. An Act to Establish a National Park Service, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there is hereby created in the Department of the Interior a service to be called the National Park Service, which shall be under the charge of a director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary and who shall receive a salary of $4,500 per annum. There shall also be appointed by the Secretary the following assistants and employees at the salaries designated: One assistant director, at $2,500 per annum, one chief clerk, at $2,000 per annum; one draftsman, at $1,800 per annum; one messenger, at $600 per annum; and, in addition thereto, such other employees as the Secretary of the Interior shall deem necessary: Provided, That not more than $8,100 annually shall be expended for salaries of experts, assistants, and employees within the District of Columbia not herein specifically enumerated unless previously authorized by law. The service thus established shall promote and regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations hereinafter specified by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks, monuments, and reservations, which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

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