Introduction Letter

Dear Visitor of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge,

 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with Utah State University, is gathering information to help the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge provide high-quality bear viewing opportunities for its visitors while protecting the unique habitat and wildlife populations of the Kodiak Refuge. You have been invited to participate in this survey after expressing interest in participation on the card you filled out while in Kodiak. We hope you will help us improve the Kodiak Refuge experience by completing this online questionnaire about your bear viewing experience.

 

Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. However, your response is very important to the quality of the study, as our results must accurately represent the diversity of visitor experiences from a wide range of participants. All information you provide will remain completely confidential. Survey results will be reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only as combined responses from all participants.

 

You will not experience any negative consequences should you decide not to participate in this study.  There is minimal risk associated with participation, and both the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Utah State University have reviewed and approved this research. The survey is being conducted in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (see below). Additionally, if you have questions related to your rights or about any consequences you might experience as a study participant, you may contact the IRB Administrator at (435) 797-0567, or email [email protected].

 

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: OMB has approved this information collection and assigned OMB Control No. 1018-XXXX. We estimate that it will take you about 15 minutes to complete this survey, including time to maintain records, gather information, and complete and submit the survey. You may send comments on the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

This questionnaire is focused on your bear viewing activities and experiences on the Refuge, and ways that your experience may have changed your opinions on a variety of issues related to bears and bear management. To begin the survey, click on the arrow at the bottom right of this screen, and the first question will appear.

 

We sincerely thank you for your interest and your assistance! If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact us.

 

Sincerely,

Hansel Klausner Jacqueline Keating Richard S. Krannich, PhD 

Supervisory Park Ranger Primary Researcher Principle Investigator

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

(907) 487-0248 (907) 487-2600 (435) 797-1241