The Human Dimensions Branch (HD Branch) of the Natural Resource Program Center, on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we), requests a programmatic clearance to enable the Service to more efficiently and effectively conduct research through standard social science methods (public surveys, focus groups, and interviews, and other information collections). Data from collections undertaken through this proposed programmatic clearance would provide information for agency management, planning, and monitoring and evaluating the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) and other Service program efforts generally, and the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program and the National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Survey, specifically.
As part of the Serviceâs Refuge System, the HD Branch examines the complex relationships between people and the wildlife and habitats the Refuge System protects. In the Service, both biological and social sciences inform landscape-scale management of wildlife and their habitats. We offer decision-makers scientifically based information on social systems for conservation planning, design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Building a connected conservation community ensures continued protection of wildlife resources for the American people.
Monitoring and evaluating activities of the Refuge System and other programs of the Service are essential components of the Strategic Habitat Conservation adaptive management cycle where social science contributions are important in identifying gaps in knowledge, generating information and tools to answer questions, and informing and refining decision-making. This approach includes systematically gauging the perspectives and opinions of visitors, community residents, and other stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and focus groups. A programmatic clearance presents a more streamlined approach to complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).
US Code:
16 USC 668dd-668ee
Name of Law: National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act
US Code:
31 USC 1101
Name of Law: Government Performance and Results Act of 1993
EO: EO 13707 Name/Subject of EO: Using Behavioral Science Insights to Better Service the American People
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
1018-New Programmatic 30-day FRN 10232020 85FR67558.pdf
1018-New FWS Programmatic SSA Updated 06262020.docx
Form 3-2140 Prog Clearance Form Updated 06262020.docm
Focus Groups/In-person Interviews