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 Stellerâs 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.
Population Control Approval Request (Population and Distribution Estimates) 50 CFR §21.61 - Government