Justification





Justification for an Information Collection under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance (OMB Control No. 0596-0236)



(February 2021)



Introduction: Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance Submission, OMB Control Number 0596-0236



The Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance is intended to help Federal Land Management Agencies (FLMAs) measure visitors’ transportation-related experiences in order to improve on any transportation-related issues or problems and to promote planning across land units, regionally and nationally.

A brief overview of the steps involved in submitting an Information Collection Request (ICR) is provided below. For more detailed information, along with a list of bureau/office contacts, please see the Best Practices and Guidance document developed specifically for this generic clearance.

(See: http://volpe-public-lands.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/flma_lrtp_cvts/documents/Guidance_FLMA_CVTSproject.pdf).

1. If more than one bureau/office (e.g., FWS and BLM) is collaborating on an IC, the partners must select a “lead” bureau/office to spearhead the effort, along with a contact person from the lead bureau/office.

2. The Information Collection Clearance Officer (ICCO) from the lead bureau/office must review the ICR and provide feedback to the lead bureau/office contact.

3. After the ICCO review has been completed (including a review by the DOI Information Collection Clearance Coordinator), the ICCO must forward the ICR to the USDA Forest Service and copy the FLMA Generic Clearance Coordinator ([email protected]

4. After the Forest Service ICCO review, the USDA Departmental Clearance Officer submits the ICR to the OMB desk officer for the Forest Service via ROCIS.

5. The OMB desk officer reviews the ICR and provides comments. The lead bureau/office revises the ICR as necessary. Upon approval by OMB, a Notice of Action is issued.

Instructions for Completing the Justification Form

1. Information Collection (IC) Title/Date Submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service, Office of Regulatory and Management Services: Insert title for the proposed IC (e.g., survey, focus group, comment card, etc.). Insert date that the expedited approval package will be submitted to Forest Service. Reminder: Please submit the package through the lead bureau/office Information Collection Clearance Officer and copy the FLMA Generic Clearance Coordinator.

2. Lead Bureau/Office: Insert the name of the lead bureau/office conducting the survey.

3. Abstract: Summarize the proposed study with an abstract not to exceed 150 words.

4. Bureau/Office Point of Contact Information: Complete the bureau/office contact information. Forest Service will communicate with OMB initially and then direct them to the point of contact listed here (and to the IC Clearance Officer listed in #6 below) throughout the remainder of the approval process. Forest Service should be included on any correspondence pertaining to this IC.

5. Principal Investigator (PI) Conducting the IC: Complete information about the PI who will be conducting the IC, if different than Point of Contact listed in #4. Otherwise note: Same as #4.

6. Lead bureau/office IC Clearance Officer Reviewing the IC: Provide the name and contact information for the ICCO from the lead bureau/office who reviewed the IC.

7. IC Dates: List the time period in which the IC will be conducted, including specific starting and ending dates. The starting date should be at least 45 days after the submission date. The request for expedited approval, and submission of a complete and accurate approval package, must be made at least 45 calendar days prior to the first day the PI wishes to begin the IC.

8. Type of IC Instrument: Check the type(s) of information collection instrument(s) that will be used. If other, please explain.

9. Data Collection Instrument: Explain how the data collection method and instrument (e.g., survey, interview guides, discussion guides, etc.) were developed. With whom did you consult during the development? Who were the social science and/or statistical experts who reviewed the instruments? How did you address any concerns raised or improvements suggested? Did you pretest the data collection instrument? If yes, how did you address any concerns raised or improvements suggested? (Note: A description of any pre-testing and peer review of the methods and/or instrument is highly recommended.)

10. Which of the six topic areas from the Compendium of Questions will be addressed in your IC? Check all that apply. For each question in your survey (or discussion guide or comment card), please indicate the Compendium Topic Area and the unique question identifier from the Compendium. For any questions that are not taken from the Compendium, please indicate “NEW” in the table.

Sample table:

Survey Question Number	Compendium Topic Area	Compendium Question Identifier
Q1	#1- Respondent characteristics	GROUP1
Q2	#1- Respondent characteristics	VHIS7
Q3	#2 Traveler Information	TINFO1
Q4	#2 Traveler Information	NEW
Etc.

11. Methodology: Explain how the IC will be conducted. Provide a description of the methodology including: (a) The population of interest (b) How will the users/visitors be sampled? (if fewer than all users/visitors will be surveyed); (c) What percentage of users/visitors asked to participate will respond, and (d) What actions are planned to increase the response rate? If statistics are generated, this description must be specific and include each of the following:

- The respondent universe,

- The sampling plan and all sampling procedures;

- How the instrument will be administered;

- Expected response rate and confidence levels; and

- Strategies for dealing with potential non-response bias.

Note: Web-based surveys are not an acceptable method of sampling a broad population. If a survey is completely web-based, it must be limited to services provided by the web site. However, it is appropriate to use web-based surveys in combination with other methods, such as an in person intercept.

12. Total Number of Initial Contacts and Expected Number of Respondents: Provide an estimated total number of initial contacts and the total number of expected respondents.

13. Estimated Time to Complete Initial Contact and Time to Complete Survey Instrument: Estimate the time to complete the initial contact and the time to complete the information collection (e.g., survey, comment card, focus group, etc.)(in minutes).

14. Total Burden Hours: Provide the total number of burden hours. The total burden hours should account for the amount of time required to instruct the respondents and the amount of time required for the respondent to complete the survey (or other data collection mechanism).

15. Reporting Plan: Provide a brief description of the reporting plan for the data being collected.

16. Justification, Purpose and Use: Provide a brief justification for the information collection, its purpose, goals, and use (including utility to managers). Specifically, describe how data will be tabulated and what statistical techniques will be used to generalize the results to the entire user population. Describe how data from the survey will be used. Describe how you will acknowledge any limitations related to the data, particularly in cases where we obtain a lower than anticipated response rate. Note whether or not the information collection is intended to measure a Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance measure.

Instructions for Checklist

Review the checklist to ensure you have met the requirements for submission and that your approval package includes the required items.

Instructions for Certification Form:

Complete the Form and include the names of those who certify that the Justification Form meets the requirements of the generic clearance (OMB control number 0596-0236).

Justification for Submission under Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance (OMB Control Number 0596-0236)

U.S. Department of Agriculture-Forest Service Office of Regulatory and Management Services

Forest Service Tracking Number: (for internal use only)

			Date Submitted to Forest Service/USDA:	10 February, 2021
1.	IC Title:	Salmon River Transportation and Recreation Survey to support user Wild and Scenic River capacity determination, planning, and management
2.	Bureau/Office:	USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station



3.

Abstract: (not to exceed 150 words) The National Wild & Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 to preserve-- for the enjoyment of present and future generations-- the free-flowing conditions of rivers in the U.S. that have outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values. Each designated river is required to have a Comprehensive River Management Plan and a set ‘user capacity’. The need to address user capacity is explicit in the 1982 Secretarial Guidelines (47 FR 39453) and a 2008 court decision related to the Merced River in Yosemite National Park (Friends of Yosemite Valley v. Kempthorne, 520 F.3d 1024 2008). Although public input is required as part of the plan development process, this data can be difficult to obtain on a timely basis. The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and the University of Montana will collaborate to gather important information from the public on visitor use and user information for the Salmon River to directly support the required user capacity determination and river’s overarching Comprehensive River Management Plan.

4.

Bureau/Office Point of Contact Information

First Name:

Chris

Last Name:

Armatas

Title:

Research Social Scientist

Bureau/Office:

Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Rocky Mountain Research Station

Street Address:

790 E. Beckwith Ave.

City:

Missoula

State:

Montana

Zip code:

59801

Phone:

315-481-7917 (telework cell)

Fax:

Email:

[email protected]

5.

Principal Investigator (PI) Information [If different from #4]

First Name:

Same as #4

Last Name:

Title:

Bureau/Office:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip code:

Phone:

Fax:

Email:

6.

Lead agency IC Clearance Officer Reviewing the IC:

First Name

Last Name

Title

Phone

Email

7.

IC Dates

(mm/dd/yyyy)

to

(mm/dd/yyyy)

06/15/2021

to

11/30/2021

8.

Type of Information Collection Instrument (Check ALL that Apply)

_x Intercept

__Telephone

_ Mail

_X_Electronic

__Interviews

__Focus Groups

__Comment Cards

__Other

Explain: The intended implementation method is intercept, or face-to-face contact on-site, where the participant will be given the option to complete the survey in paper hardcopy, or verbally with the research technician who will administer the survey to the participant. If conditions related to COVID prevent our ability to conduct intercept surveys in close contact, we will use contactless methods to administer the survey at a distance of at least six feet. For example, we will provide hard copy surveys by passing them off at a safe distance, or we will maintain at least six feet of distance why verbally conveying the survey.

9. Instrument and Method Development:

Who assisted in development of the methodology, questionnaire and/or statistics? Describe any pre-testing and/or peer review that was conducted. How were improvements integrated?

The survey and methods were developed by University cooperators, Dr. Jenn Thomsen, Iree Wheeler, and Jaclyn Rushing of the University of Montana, and the Forest Service PI, Dr. Chris Armatas, a Research Social Scientist with responsibility for supporting agency efforts on Wild & Scenic River planning. Emphasis was on developing a survey that could support both the user capacity determination, as well as broader planning and management needs (e.g., protecting and enhancing outstandingly remarkable values). Direct input related to the survey instrument was gathered from managers and planners with the Forest Service at the national (Washington Office of Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers), regional (region 4), and forest (Salmon Challis NF) level and from Washington Office Research and Development. This input was in the form of in-person meetings and discussion prior to survey development, as well as over the phone and email following the development of the initial draft. The input was meant to ensure that the questions both supported their planning needs and were likely to resonate with the local population. Feedback resulted in several changes to the survey. Statistical analysis planning will be conducted by the university cooperators with input from agency scientists and a Station Statistician (Dr. Scott Baggett, RMRS).

10. Which of the six areas from the Compendium of Questions will be addressed in your IC? (Check all that apply). .

xTopic Area #1: Respondent Characteristics

xTopic Area #2: Traveler Information

xTopic Area #3: Trip Behaviors

Topic Area #4: Transportation Use and Travel Related Conditions

xTopic Area #5: Assessment of Visitor Experience

xTopic Area #6: Economic Impact and Visitor Spending/Costs

FLMA Cross-Referenced Questions
Survey Question Number	Compendium Topic Area	Compendium Question Identifier
Q1	#1- Respondent Characteristics	VHIS10
Q2	#3- Trip Behaviors	TACT3 (adapted to site with focus on primary activity)
Q3	#3- Trip Behaviors	TDUR7
Q4	#3- Trip Behaviors	TRANUSE17
Q5	#3- Trip Behaviors	TRANUSE27
Q5a	#3- Trip Behaviors	TRANUSE27 (amended to ask location of put-in for boating trip)
Q5b	#3- Trip Behaviors	TRANUSE27 (amended to ask location of take-out for boating trip)
Q5c	#3- Trip Behaviors	TRANUSE27A
Q6	#1- Respondent Characteristics	KNOW9 (adapted to site)
Q7	#1- Respondent Characteristics	KNOW5 (adapted to site)
Q8	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	RESPRO2 (adapted to site)
Q9	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	EVALBOAT2 (adapted to site)
Q10	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	EVAL27 (adapted to site social conditions)
Q11	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	SOUND10 (adapted to site social conditions; adapted to be broader than soundscapes)
Q12	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	EVALBOAT14 (adapted to site; broadened to asked about people (not just boats) and broadened to include trip change (not just stop boating).
Q12a	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	CROWD16 (adapted to site and to flow with previous question)
Q13	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	EVAL27 (adapted to site environmental conditions)
Q14	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	SOUND10 (adapted to site environmental conditions)
Q15	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	EVAL25 (adapted to site focus on facilities)
Q16	#5- Assessment of Visitor Experience	MGMTPREF5 (adapted to site focus on management actions)
Q17		MGMTPREF4 (adapted to site)
Q18		NEW (understanding of trust – drawn from National Park Service programmatic clearance OMB approval 1024-0224)
Q18a		NEW (open ended explanation follow-up. Managers asked for this, as it can help them adjust their approach potentially)
Q19	#1- Respondent Characteristics	GEN1
Q20	#1- Respondent Characteristics	AGE1
Q21	#1- Respondent Characteristics	GROUP10
Q22	#1- Respondent Characteristics	RES1 (simplified to ask only for zip code)
Q23	#1- Respondent Characteristics	ETH/RACE1
Q24	#1- Respondent Characteristics	ETH/RACE2
Q25	#6 - Economic Impact and Visitor Spending/Costs	ECON10 (adapted to site)
Q25a	#6 - Economic Impact and Visitor Spending/Costs	ECON18 (adapted to site)
Q26	#1- Respondent Characteristics	INC1
Q27		NEW (open ended general comments or recommendations for managers and planners)

In addition, for each question in your survey instrument (or discussion guide, comment card, etc), please indicate the Compendium Topic Area and the unique question identifier from the Compendium. If the question is not taken from the Compendium, indicate “NEW”. See the instructions for a sample table.

11. Methodology:

(Use as much space as needed; if necessary include additional explanation on separate page).

1. Population (i.e., Respondent Universe)

Salmon River corridor visitors between North Fork and Corn Creek (henceforth, River), age 18 or above, is the population of interest. While the respondent universe includes all corridor visitors (e.g., those driving for pleasure, camping at designated sites at river access sites), monitoring data (Oppler et al. 2021) and discussions with managers and planners highlights two main user groups that constitute the majority of use within the River corridor: (1) river floaters during the summer season (roughly June through August, depending on flow) and; (2) boating-based and shore-based anglers targeting Steelhead Salmon (October through November, depending on weather). Therefore, our population is, more specifically, river users during the summer and fall seasons. While the exact size of the river user population is unknown, camera monitoring during June, July, and August of 2020 found a river floating population of nearly 7,000. With the addition of non-floating users and fall anglers, it is estimated that the river user population for a summer and fall season is about 10,000 users. The monitoring data for the Salmon River between North Fork and Corn Creek collected in 2020 is baseline data, therefore, it is challenging to know how (and if) the COVID-19 pandemic influenced use levels.

Oppler, G., J. Thomsen, C.A. Armatas, L. Miller, and I. Wheeler. 2021. Salmon Wild and Scenic River: 2020 River Use Report. The University of Montana, Missoula: MT.

2. Sampling Plan/Procedure

Following Needham and Vaske (2008), for most recreation and human dimensions studies, a sample size of 370 is often considered adequate for generalizing to a population of 10,000 with a 95% confidence level.

Visitors will be contacted at three access points (Cove Creek, Corn Creek and Spring Creek) along the river, which constitute the three highest use access points (following ranking based on use levels determined by camera monitoring during the Summer of 2020). For each access point, visitors exiting the river, using the day-use area, and those at campsites will be targeted. Given the available survey administration resources (time, budget), the lowest use areas of the corridor will not be targeted. The camera monitoring on the river from June through August of 2020 (Oppler et al. 2021), at the three upstream locations of the target river stretch, show an average of between one and six people per day. The camera traps captured no people on several days at these low use locations. The perspectives of these floaters could be captured if they continue to float to the lower take outs.

The sampling plan includes weekday and weekend visitors during the summer to ensure that proportionate numbers of them will be represented in the sample. Between June and August, we will target at least one weekday per week (with potentially additional weekdays during the busier weeks in July and early August) for a total of approximately 12-15 sampling days. During this time, we will also aim to sample both Saturday and Sunday during the weekends, and if resources allow, we will deploy multiple people on the same day at different sites for a total of approximately 24-28 sampling days. In the fall (September through November), due to available resources, and the expectation that use levels during the week are quite low, sampling will only occur on weekends. If resources can be acquired, limited weekday sampling during the fall may occur.

All people who reach one of three access points to the river during pre-selected heterogeneous sampling clusters, based on weekday, weekends and time strata, will be asked to participate in the study. Based on camera monitoring, those higher use weekday and weekend times will be targeted.

In order to select a representative sample of visitors, data collectors will be stationed at three different access points along the river: Spring Creek Campground at mile marker 15.5, Cove Creek Boat Ramp at mile marker 25.5, and Corn Creek Campground at mile marker 45.5. Based on monitoring data, each access point will be sampled at varying levels during the data collection period to obtain the best representation of use throughout the season.

Adult users at these access points will be chosen as participants for this study. Two techniques will be used to obtain a valid sample of users. First, a stratification technique will be used to ensure that the results will be representative of weekday and weekend users. We will also sample weekend users twice as much as weekday users, since they represent the larger strata. While it is known from the camera data that weekend use is actually more than double that of weekday use, we are allocating a significant amount of our survey resources to weekday sampling to ensure an adequate number of responses from that strata. However, to make population inferences with results, camera monitoring data will be used to determine the correct weighting proportions for the weekend versus weekday strata.

Secondly, we will use a quota system to accurately represent the distribution of use at each of the three access points (Figure 1). If the quota is not obtained on any one of the predetermined days and locations, data collectors will be asked to return and fill it as soon as possible (replacing it with the same day of the week, if possible).

The initial plan is to distribute approximately 740 questionnaires to visitors, with the intention of receiving a minimum of 370 completed and usable returns (50% minimum response rate).

HIGHER USE LOWER USE

COVE CREEK CORN CREEK SPRING CREEK TOTAL

W-E 246 148 99 493

33.33% 20% 13.33% 66.67%

WD 124 74 49 247

16.67% 10% 6.67% 33.33%

TOTAL 370 222 148 740

50% 30% 20% 100%

Note: W-E = week-end; WD = weekday

Oppler, G., J. Thomsen, C.A. Armatas, L. Miller, and I. Wheeler. 2021. Salmon Wild and Scenic River: 2020 River Use Report. The University of Montana, Missoula: MT.

Needham, M.D., and J.J. Vaske. 2008. “Survey Implementation, Sampling, and Weighting Data.” In Survey Research and Analysis: Applications in Parks, Recreation and Human Dimensions., edited by J.J. Vaske, 658. State College, Pennsylvania: Venture Publishing, Inc.

3. Instrument Administration

Visitors exiting the river, or using the day-use area will be asked if they would like to participate in the study. Additionally, the surveyor will walk around to the campsites during different times when campers are generally present (i.e, in the evening, and an hour prior to checkout time), to ask for participation. If consent is granted, visitors will be given a hard copy of the survey to be completed on-site, or survey technicians will administer the survey orally with the use of a tablet (respondents will be given flashcards to facilitate (and speed up) the responses to the multi-item rating questions. Two questions will be used to allow for testing for non-response bias (group size and primary activity/user type). In order to ensure inclusivity of those with potential hearing, visual, or mobility impairments, we will provide several options for survey administration. For those with hearing impairments, the survey will be available for reading; for those with visual impairments, a survey technician will administer the survey orally (either in person on-site, or at a future time over the phone); for those who may have mobility impairments, the survey technician will record answers for the participant (either in person on-site, or at a future time over the phone).

If conditions related to COVID prevent our ability to conduct intercept surveys in close contact, we will use contactless methods to administer the survey at a distance of at least six feet. For example, we will provide hard copy surveys by passing them off at a safe distance, or we will maintain at least six feet of distance why verbally conveying the survey.

4. Expected Response Rate and Confidence Levels

We are targeting a response rate of 65%, though a higher response rate is desired. However, if a response rate of 50% is attained (with a sample size of 370), then we expect to be able to generalize to the population with a 95% confidence level (Needham and Vaske,2008).

Needham, M.D., and J.J. Vaske. 2008. “Survey Implementation, Sampling, and Weighting Data.” In Survey Research and Analysis: Applications in Parks, Recreation and Human Dimensions., edited by J.J. Vaske, 658. State College, Pennsylvania: Venture Publishing, Inc.

5. Strategies for dealing with potential non-response bias

Face-to-face contacts have been found to increase response rates for surveys, thus that is the method selected here. Given the logistics of running shuttles and rigging up following a trip on the Salmon River, we anticipate that many potential participants will be amenable to completing the survey on-site during this down time. That is, upon completion of a float trip, there is generally downtime as some people break down the gear, and spend time driving to get a vehicle.

Based on on-site data collected, we will test for non-response bias. The assessment of potential non-response bias will be evaluated by comparing the distributions of on-site surveys with those data from people who returned their surveys. Specifically, Chi-square tests of homogeneity of proportions will be used to compare on-site items with returned survey responses in order to detect and quantify non-response bias (Agresti, 2013).

Agresti, A. (2013) Categorical Data Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, 3rd Ed., New Jersey.

12.

Total Number of Initial Contacts and Expected Number of Respondents

There will a planned contact number of 740 visitors over the full sample period, with a minimum expected 370 usable responses (50% response minimum target). We expect as many as 370 non-respondents.

13.

Estimated Time to Complete Initial Contact and Time to Complete Instrument

Initial contact plus completion of survey – 25 minutes (0.42 hours)

Refuse participation: 2 minutes (0.03 hours)

14.

Total Burden Hours

Estimated annual burden hours for respondents: 154 hours

Estimated annual burden hours for non-respondents: 12.3 hours

Total annual burden hours: 166.3 hours

15. Reporting Plan: A full descriptive report will be provided to the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Region 4 Wilderness Wild and Scenic River manager, and the Washington Office Program for Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers. The report will be posted on the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute website. A publication for archiving of data will be published within one year of completion of data collection. The cooperators and the PI will pursue publications in scientific journals, and deliver presentations at river planning-focused conferences and meetings to maximize the benefits of learning. The data will be presented to river managers in a way that facilitates the integration of the findings into the Salmon River plan. For example, the researchers will draw attention to the results that highlight respondents perspectives of use levels, as well as social perspectives around important considerations for comprehensive river plans such as facilities management and infrastructure maintenance.

16. Justification, Purpose, and Use:
IC Justification and Purpose	The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) of 1968 requires the federal agencies to meet requirements for regular agency planning processes to provide management direction. Each component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System is administered so as to protect and enhance the values that caused it to be included in the System, without limiting other uses that do not substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of these values. Management plans may establish varying degrees of intensity for its protection and development, based on the special attributes of the area. Determining a ‘user capacity’, or the level of users or types of use that do not degrade river values, is a legal and administrative policy requirement, and making such a determination requires understanding of public values. Additionally, in order to develop a comprehensive management plan that reflects the purpose of protecting the values specified in the legislative designation and assuring enjoyment of these values, a survey of visitor preferences and experiences is prescribed to support planning on this river.
IC Goals	To develop understanding of visitors using the Wild and Scenic Salmon River for outdoor recreation and their visits and preferences, and obtain input for management planning by understanding how visitors evaluate both social and environmental conditions. Some items of importance to obtain information about visitors and their trips include: methods of transportation and services used to access the river activities they participate in & participation rates attitudes toward development of land and facilities perceptions of environmental quality perceptions of social condition quality, e.g., visitor behaviors, numbers and impacts influence of use levels and physical impacts on user capacities demographic information, including age, residence, past experience on the river, relevance of the river to them adequacy of parking and other access and transportation facilities and services
How will the results be used (e.g., utility to Managers)?	It is expected that the results will provide input to making river and adjacent lands management decisions over the next 10 years, primarily through the determination of user capacity and the future development of an updated Comprehensive River Management Plan. Additionally, the results will enhance and inform communications related to planning and training, interaction with commercial service providers and local communities, and other day to day decisions for protection of the resource and the values associated with the river.
How will the data be tabulated and analyzed? What statistical techniques will be used to generalize the results to the entire customer population? How will limitations on use of data be handled? If the survey results in a lower than anticipated response rate, how will you address this when reporting the results? (Use as much space as needed; if necessary include additional explanation on separate page). Most analysis methods will be descriptive, which will include tallying percentages, frequencies, modes and either medians or means (the survey includes nominal, ordinal and interval, as well as ratio measures). We plan to conduct analysis that will be especially useful to managers and planners. In addition, generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) will be used to target specific survey responses. With these models, you can target specific questions as hypotheses and statistically assess differences between groups. Limitations on use of data will be fully acknowledged in verbal and written communication to the managers and planners on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Non-response bias, if found to be an issue, will be clearly stated. Similarly, if our anticipated response rate is not met, the implications of this (e.g., missing viewpoints, statistical significance of variables) will be clearly stated in a limitations section of our final report.
Is this survey intended to measure a Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) performance measure? If so, please include an excerpt from the appropriate document. (Use as much space as needed; if necessary include additional explanation on separate page). No

Checklist for Submitting a Request to Use USDA-Forest Service Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance

X All questions in the survey instrument are within the scope of one of the USDA-Forest Service Generic Clearance topic areas (see Compendium of Questions).



X The approval package is being submitted to the Forest Service Office of Regulatory and Management Services at least 45 days prior to the first day the PI wishes to administer the IC to the public.



X [IF SURVEY] A qualified statistician has reviewed and approved your request.



• Your bureau/office Information Collection Clearance Officer has reviewed and approved the approval package.

• When you forward the approval package to USDA Forest Service, copy the FLMA Generic Clearance Coordinator



The approval package includes:

x A completed Justification

x A signed Certification Form

x A copy of the survey instrument

x Other supporting materials, such as:

• X Cover letters to accompany mail-back questionnaires

• X Introductory scripts for initial contact of respondents

• X Necessary Paperwork Reduction Act compliance language

• X Follow-up letters/reminders sent to respondents



The survey methodology presented in the Justification includes a specific description of:

x The respondent universe

x The sampling plan and all sampling procedures, including how respondents will be selected

x How the instrument will be administered

x Expected response rate and confidence levels

• x Strategies for dealing with potential non-response bias

X A description of any pre-testing and peer review of the methods and/or the instrument is highly recommended.

X The burden hours reported in the Justification include the number of burden hours associated with the initial contact of all individuals in the sample (i.e., including refusals), if applicable, and the number of burden hours associated with individuals expected to complete the survey instrument.

X The package is properly formatted (Word) and submitted to the Office of Regulatory and Management Services electronically. 

Certification Form for Submission Under OMB Control Number 0596-0236

This form should only be used if you are submitting a collection of information for approval under the USDA-Forest Service Federal Lands Transportation Generic Clearance.

If the collection does not satisfy the requirements of the Generic Clearance, you should follow the regular PRA clearance procedures described in 5 CFR 1320.

Bureau/Office USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute
IC Title (Please be specific) Salmon River Transportation and Recreation Survey to support user Wild and Scenic River capacity determination, planning, and management
Estimated Number Contacts Respondents			Time per Response Contacts Respondents		Respondents – 0.42 hours Non-respondents – 0.03 hours
740 contacts 370 respondents			Total Burden Hours Contacts Respondents ----------------- Total		166.3 annual burden hours total 740 Contacts Respondents – 154 hours Non-respondents – 12.3 hours
Bureau/Office Contact (who can best answer questions about content of the submission):
Name	Chris Armatas			Phone	(315) 481-7917
Certification: The collection of information requested by this submission meets the requirements of OMB control number 0596-0236
Bureau/Office Qualified Statistician L. Scott Baggett, Supervisory Statistician, USFS, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fort Collins, CO						DATE 11/13/2020
Bureau/Office Information Collection Clearance Officer						DATE
Forest Service, Office of Regulatory and Management Services						DATE

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