National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR) Pre-screener Test

FHW-QW2 Attachment 7

Household Address

City, State Zip code

Dear Resident:

Your household has been selected to participate in an important study associated with the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). About two weeks ago, we mailed a letter to your address and asked that a member of your household complete the survey online. We have not yet received your response. We are writing again because we need your help.

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts this survey for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whose mission includes working with the states and other federal agencies to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The data collected in the FHWAR are used to evaluate federal and state programs that manage wildlife populations and assist wildlife-related recreationists. The survey results also help to identify the impact of environmental disasters such as the recent oil spills on our Nation’s wildlife resources.

We selected your address, not you personally, as part of a scientifically-designed survey. Your household represents hundreds of other households in your state. Although your participation is voluntary, it is deeply encouraged. We cannot substitute another household in your place. Even if no one in your household participates in wildlife-related activities, it is important that you complete this survey. Your answers will be kept completely confidential.

Please complete the survey online by following the two easy steps listed below:

1. Go to https://respond.census/fhwar

2. Enter the following information on the opening screen:

Login ID:

Password:

Or if you prefer, you may complete the enclosed paper questionnaire and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.

You can help us keep our costs down and help the Fish and Wildlife Service better manage our Nation’s natural resources by completing the survey within the next two weeks.

If you have any questions about the study or the questionnaire, please contact the Census Bureau at [email protected] or call our toll-free number at 1-___-___-____.

On the back of this letter are answers to questions that study participants ask most frequently.

Thank you for your cooperation. The Census Bureau and the Fish and Wildlife Service appreciate your help.

Sincerely,

Thomas L. Mesenbourg, Jr.

Senior Advisor Performing the Duties of the Director

U.S. Census Bureau

Enclosure

What is this study all about?

The Fish and Wildlife Service is charged with the overall federal responsibility for the Nation’s fish and wildlife resources. Its mission is to assure the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish and wildlife for the continuing benefit of the American people. To assist in carrying out its responsibilities, the Fish and Wildlife Service has sponsored national surveys of fishing and hunting at about five-year intervals since 1955. The survey is authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000.

How will the information be used?

The Census Bureau is developing tools to improve survey procedures. These tools will help keep future costs down and enrich our sampling procedures and data collection methods.

Why can’t you select someone else?

Your answers are very important to this study because your household was selected to represent many other households. It would cost too much and take too long to question all of the households in the country. We cannot substitute another address for your household because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. The study’s success depends on your voluntary participation.

How long will it take to fill out the questionnaire?

We estimate that it will take approximately 5 minutes to complete the questionnaire. If you have any comments or suggestions about this survey, please send them to: the Paperwork Project ____-____, U.S. Census Bureau, 4600 Silver Hill Road 3K138, Washington, DC 20233, or email comments to [email protected]; use paperwork project 0607-XXXX as the subject. An agency cannot conduct, sponsor, or require a response to a collection of information unless the collection displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval number. The OMB approval number for this survey is ____-____ and the expiration date is ________________, 20__.

What confidential protection do I have?

We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, United States Code, Section 8. Section 9 of the law requires us to keep all information about you and your household strictly confidential. We may use the information only for statistical purposes. Every Census Bureau employee takes an oath and is subject to a jail penalty, a fine, or both if he or she discloses any information that would identify an individual.