This information collection is
associated with regulations implementing the Migratory Bird Treaty
Act (MBTA; 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.). The MBTA implements four
treaties concerning migratory birds that the United States has
signed with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia. Under the treaties,
we must preserve most species of birds in the United States, and
activities involving migratory birds are prohibited except as
authorized by regulation. We collect information concerning
depredation actions taken under 50 CFR 21.43 (authorizes the take
of blackbirds, cowbirds, crows, grackles, and magpies under certain
circumstances) and 50 CFR 21.46 (authorizes the take of scrub jays
and Steller’s jays in Washington and Oregon under certain
circumstances). We collect the information to determine how many
birds of each species are taken each year and whether the control
actions are likely to affect the populations of those species. 50
CFR 21.43(f )(6) requires that when an injured or debilitated bird
of a nontarget species is federally listed as an endangered,
threatened, or candidate species, you must deliver it to a
rehabilitator and report the take to the nearest U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Field Office or Special Agent.
As a result of the proposed
changes explained in question 2 of the Supporting Statement A
(SSA), we are reporting a burden increase of 30,278 annual
responses and 10,678 annual burden hours. We are also reporting a
nonhour cost burden increase of $78,000 associated with the
transfer of 1018-0103 into this collection. For the purpose of
transferring the ICs from 1018-0103 and 1018-0133 into 1018-0146,
we did not make any burden adjustments to the previously approved
burden (see Table 15.1 in the SSA for itemized burden changes based
on previous submission by collection and new ICs).
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.