Mail and telephone surveys

ATTACHMENT 8
Advance Letter

John Smith
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
Dear
We need your help to learn what the public thinks about protecting Steller sea lions . The
population of Steller sea lions has declined over the last several decades. The federal government
currently provides a number of protections to Steller sea lions, and is considering what more, if
anything, to do to protect them. Even though you may not be familiar with this issue, your
opinion matters. Government actions to protect Steller sea lions affect all U.S. households
through federal government spending.
In the next few days, you will receive a survey in the mail, with pictures and questions about
seals and sea lions. The survey does not require any special knowledge.
We know your time is valuable. You will find $10 included with your survey as a small
token of our appreciation for your participation. Your household is part of a small number of
households across the country scientifically selected to help. To make sure we hear from a true
cross-section of households, we need to hear from you.
This survey is being conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a U.S.
government agency charged with making decisions about Steller sea lion management activities.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

Dan Lew
Project Director
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Letter with First Mailing of Survey

John Smith
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345
Dear
Enclosed is the questionnaire I wrote to you about last week.
We need your help to learn what the public thinks about protecting Steller sea lions . The
population of Steller sea lions has declined over the last several decades. The federal government
is consid ering what more, if anything, to do to protect them.
Even though you may not be familiar with this issue, your opinion matters . Any government
actions to protect Steller sea lions will affect all U.S. households through federal government
spending. Your household is one of only a select few from across the country scientifically
selected to provide opinions to be considered along with information from scientists and
planners. To keep costs low and to make sure we hear from a true cross-section of the public, we
need to hear from you.
Your questionnaire should be completed by either the male or female head of your household.
The survey takes most people about 20 minutes to complete, sometimes more, sometimes less.
The survey does not require any special kno wledge – we just ask that you consider each question
and respond with your own opinion.
Your name and address will be kept separate from your responses. Only your responses will be
provided to the researchers for analysis. The identification number on the back of the survey is
there so that , a survey firm hired to assist us, can check your name off when
the questionnaire is returned. If you have any questions, please call tollfree at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.
Thank you for your help, and please remember to complete all the questions.

Sincerely,
Dan Lew
Project Director
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Reminder Postcard

Last week a questionnaire was mailed to you seeking your opinions about the Steller Sea lion, a
species protected under the Endangered Species Act.
If you have already completed and returned the questionnaire, please accept our sincere thanks.
If you have not completed and returned the survey, we ask that you do so today.
It is very important that we hear from you. You are one of a small number of households
across the country selected to give your opinions on this matter. Your response will help shape
decisions about federal government actions and spending on this topic. However, a high rate of
participation is required to include public opinion from the questionnaire in these decisions.
If you need another copy of the questionnaire, please call , a survey firmed
hired to assist us, at 1-800-xxx-xxxx and a questionnaire will be mailed to you today.
Thank you for your help.

Dan Lew
Project Director
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration