In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2018
808
0
759
1,515
0
1,354
0
0
0
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 711) requires the Secretary of the Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service) to implement a viable and ongoing program for the protection and conservation of various migratory birds. The North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey is an essential part of the migratory bird management program and provides the data necessary to determine the population status of the woodcock. In addition, the information is vital in assessing the relative changes in the geographic distribution of the woodcock. Federal, State, Provincial, tribal, and local wildlife agencies in the United States and Canada work cooperatively to monitor woodcock populations.
We are reporting a net increase of 49 responses and 161 total burden hours with this submission. There were quite a few changes that caused adjustments in both hour and cost burden since our last ICR submission. Based on the feedback received during our outreach as explained in question 8, we added an additional 5 minutes of training per observer, which increased the average completion time to increase by 0.08 hours. We also have more respondents who enter data electronically, as well as the increase in reporting burden of an additional 8 minutes per respondent (based on our outreach reported in question 8).
We adjusted the Federal salary costs since we no longer have as many federal staff assisting with the survey. We also adjusted the operating costs since most survey materials are now sent back and forth electronically. Office materials to coordinate the survey went up to adjust for inflation and additional office materials needed. U.S. hourly labor costs went up to adjust for cost of living increases as did the benefits percentage by 0.09. Canadian hourly labor costs went down due to the exchange rate adjustment from 2014.
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.