supporting_statement_part_b firepronecommunities 2011

The Supporting Statement for OMB 0596-0186

Perceptions of Risk, Trust, Responsibility, and Management Preferences Among

Fire-prone Communities in the Western United States

August 2011

The Supporting Statement for OMB 0596-0186

Perceptions of risk, trust, responsibility, and management preferences among fire-prone communities in the Western United States

August 2011

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.

A number of pre-existing groups in community areas actively involve residents, including fire safe councils, interpretive groups, volunteer groups, and community-based groups. A purposive sample will be gathered from the community areas, utilizing key-contact and snowball approaches linked to the pre-existing groups. In addition, in an attempt to locate seasonal residents (an important subgroup to include in this particular study) additional efforts will be employed as needed and appropriate to the specific forest locations selected each year of collection. Focus group size will average 10 to 12 members per group, not to exceed 200 participants total per year in respect of the overall burden estimate.

In order to select the urban-proximate national forest each year we will examine:

• Proximity to a large metropolitan area and classification as an urban-national forest in the Western United States

• Multiple communities surrounded by the urban-proximate national forest

• Recent history of wildfires on forest and continuing elevated risk

• Support and interest in findings of National Forest management contacts for specific forest

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

• Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection: Stratification is not inherent in the chosen methodology. Careful tracking of group type or other source of contact leading to individual participation will be employed (and reported as appropriate) when results of the study are documented/presented.

• Estimation procedure: No estimation procedure employed.

• Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification: The sampling approaches are adequate, given the desire to obtain in-depth descriptive and quantitative information from participants. The assumption is that the information is representative of focus group participants, providing a glimpse of the styles and ranges of thinking within the fire-prone communities.

• Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures: There are no unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures.

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

A reduction in burden would preclude management’s need for the flexibility necessary to respond to specific forest community information. The proponent will ensure that the information is necessary as a precursor to selection of the each year’s forest and surrounding community.

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.

Anticipation is that the collected information will result in data that provides in-depth insights into the views, attitudes, and opinions of the participants.

To maximize response rates, the proponent will work with pre-existing groups in the communities of interest to contact and gain participation. The proponent will make a special effort to locate groups that attract seasonal residents, in order to ensure such residents are included among participants (as requested by comments from post-submission reviewers).

Generally, response rates on individual questionnaires used previously in focus group sessions have been high. Given people voluntarily attend the discussion sessions; the participants’ willingness to participate is implicit in the scheduling and participation process. The proponent expects a higher degree of interest in participation due to the recent emphasis on fire and fire risk in these communities. This study requires participation by highly motivated individuals, given the time involved for the focus group and the lack of compensation. Fire is a topic of significant interest to these community residents and we expect a positive response.

3. 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.

See attached survey and focus group protocol:

• Survey.doc

• Focus_group_protocol.doc

The “individually-answered” survey covers a variety of areas related to fire and fire management that will be of interest to community residents. The focus group session allows for in-depth discussion among attendees of key areas related to fire risk and fire management on national forests proximate to the selected communities.

3. 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.

The following individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of the design:

• Haiganoush Preisler, Research Statistician (Statistical Scientist), Pacific SW Research Station

The data collection and analysis will be overseen by:

• Dr. Patricia Winter, Research Social Scientist, USDA Forest Service

• Focus group transcriptions: Contractor

• Analytical and contact support provided by: The Pacific Southwest Research Station technical support team including David Olson, Social Science Analyst

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