Initial Contact - Survey of Rancher Opinions about Wildlife and Jaguar Habitat Management

OMB Control No. 1018-XXXX

Expires: XX/XX/XXXX

Dear ____,

We need your help! As part of a research study contracted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Arizona is asking ranchers across southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico about wildlife management on their lands, about the presence of mountain lions and jaguars in the region, and about proposals—including critical habitat designation and financial incentive programs—to manage habitat for jaguars.

We understand that there are many thoughts and views on this topic, and we would appreciate any help you can give us to learn more about what you think.

To do so, we’re asking for your input through the enclosed survey. It should take about 30 minutes to answer all the questions. Please mail your response using the enclosed stamped and addressed envelope or respond online using the following website and participant code by [Insert date]:

Website:

Participant Code:

We respect your privacy and will not identify your name or ranch publicly in connection with your survey responses. Your response is voluntary and there is no penalty if you elect to not participate. We will follow all legal and ethical guidelines that apply to the conduct of our research.

This survey is just one way we are seeking feedback from you and your peers. Over the next year, we will also hold several workshops throughout southern Arizona. These workshops are an opportunity for you and other ranchers to learn more about habitat

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501), please note the following information. This survey is authorized by the Endangered Species Act. The information that you provide will be used to evaluate the practicality of a payment for ecosystem services program for the benefit of jaguar habitat in southern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. It will also aid in the implementation of jaguar habitat conservation efforts by increasing our knowledge of landowner, rancher, and ranch manager attitudes toward jaguars and jaguar habitat management. It is our policy not to use your name for any other purpose. All names and identifying information will be removed when we compile the results, and only summary information will be reported. Your response is voluntary. We may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to an information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. We estimate that it will take you about 1 minute to read this letter and 30 minutes to read the instructions and complete the survey. You may send comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW (Mail Stop 2042-PDM), Washington D.C. 20240.

incentive programs and the impacts of critical habitat designation for jaguar in the region.

Thanks again for your help with our research!

Sincerely,

Aaron Lien

PhD Student

Arid Lands Resource Sciences

University of Arizona

520-626-9868

[email protected]