1018-0143 SSB final

Supporting Statement B for

Paperwork Reduction Act Submission

Bald Eagle Post-Delisting Monitoring

OMB Control Number 1018-0143

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 must 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 has 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 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 achieved a response rate of over 60 percent in 2009 with an approximately 86-percent response rate from high-density bald eagle States. We have worked through some communication and logistical challenges in 2009; therefore, for purposes of estimating the burden we have assumed a 100 percent response rate for the 2014 survey.

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 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 nonresponse. 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 electronic submission and e-mail to allow the States to easily update their nest list information online. 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 Service, in collaboration with several States and USGS, conducted a series of pilot studies in Maine, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, and Missouri between 2004 and 2006 (see Appendix 1 in the Plan for specific details). The States that participated in the pilot studies represented a variety of geographic areas and a range of comprehensiveness of nest lists, allowing the Service to test the effectiveness of the survey design now used for the bald eagle post-delisting surveys. The pilot studies generally confirmed the effectiveness of the dual-frame approach for meeting the bald eagle post-delisting survey goals, but also helped refine sampling design, survey protocols, and analysis procedures.

Additionally, the Service surveyed bald eagle nests in the Canadian Province of New Brunswick in May 2008 using the dual-frame survey design. The results met the designated statistical goals and allowed estimation of the actual number of occupied nests (as opposed to relying on the proportion of known list nests that are occupied as an index with potential biases). The survey analysis also provided valuable information about assumptions relating to the variation in the number of total nests represented by a State’s nest list. This is of particular importance when determining the level of sampling effort required to meet survey goals.

There is no additional independent testing of methods scheduled for the next survey period; however, modifications and improvements to survey methods (where appropriate) are always under consideration if they offer improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the survey without negatively affecting the comparability of the data or survey goals.

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.

Individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design:

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

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