JustificationStatementPartA revised

Supporting Statement for Paper Work Reduction Act Submission
OMB Control Number 1006 – XXXX
Recreation Visitor Use Surveys
Bureau of Reclamation
General Instructions
A Supporting Statement, including the text of the notice to the public required by 5 CFR
1320.5(a) (i) (iv) and its actual or estimated date of publication in the Federal Register, must
accompany each request for approval of a collection of information. The Supporting Statement
must be prepared in the format described below, and must contain the information specified in
Section A below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When Item 17 of the
OMB Form 83-I is checked “Yes”, Section B of the Supporting Statement must be completed.
OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any
request for approval.
Specific Instructions

A.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify
any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of
the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the
collection of information.
The Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for recreation development at all of its reservoirs.
Presently there are 300 designated recreation areas on Reclamation lands within the 17 Western
States hosting almost 90 million visitors annually. Visitation is increasing at an average rate of
1.2 million visitors per year, and more than 100 million people are projected to visit Reclamation
recreation areas by the early 21st century.
Recreation on Reclamation lands is primarily controlled by specific project authorizations and
two other pieces of legislation. These two pieces of legislation are the Federal Water Projects
Recreation Act of 1965, Public Law 89-72, as amended by the Reclamation Recreation Act of
1992, Public Law 102-575.
Section 2802 of the Act of 1992 recognizes that there is a Federal responsibility to provide
opportunities for public recreation at Federal water projects. Further, this section states that
some provisions of Public Law 89-72 are outdated because of increases in demand for outdoor
recreation and changes in the economic climate for recreation managing entities. The section
grants Federal authority to expand existing recreation facilities to meet public need and demand.
To comply with this legislation, Reclamation must be able to respond to emerging trends,
changes in the demographic profile of users, changing values, needs, wants, and desires, and
emerging conflicts between user groups. Statistically valid and up-to-date data derived from the
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user constituencies is essential to developing and providing recreation programs relevant to
today’s visitor.
Section 2805 of the same legislation authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), acting
through the Commissioner of Reclamation, to develop, maintain, and revise resource
management plans to provide for the development, use, conservation, protection, enhancement,
and management of resources on Reclamation lands. Public input from users of Reclamation
lands and waters is now more essential than ever as many traditional water uses are being
converted to other beneficial uses. Traditional beneficiaries of Reclamation water such as
agriculture and hydropower users now have to share western water with:
•

Municipal and industrial users adjacent to major urban population centers (e.g., Los
Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Albuquerque, and along the front range of Colorado and
Utah.)

•

Western Indian Tribes to fulfill Tribal Trust Assets and to meet Federal Indian Trust
responsibilities.

•

Endangered species to comply with the Endangered Species Act.

It is also important to note that Federal land management agencies cannot expect to receive
substantial increases in their respective recreation budgets in the immediate future. Therefore, it
is prudent to accurately identify the immediate needs and desires of the public so that limited
funding can be targeted to provide facilities and recreational opportunities that can benefit the
public the most. Reclamation will rely on the results of these surveys to help determine where
those limited dollars will be allocated.
Data gathered through use of the requested information collections will also aid Reclamation
recreation planners, economists, and social analysts. Each year, Reclamation prepares numerous
environmental impact statements and environmental assessments required to analyze proposed
projects impacting the water, land and associated facilities at its water projects. Accurate, up-todate data are critical to working with and responding to the concerns and requirements levied by
numerous constituencies and stakeholders. Accurate visitor use data, recreation expenditure, and
economic benefit valuation are also essential for developing sound economic projections used to
evaluate project impacts, the viability of project alternatives, and affects upon the local, regional,
and national economy. Additionally, the recreation economic questions posed in the various
surveys provide data for measuring regional and national economic benefits and costs consistent
with the Regional Economic Development and National Economic Development accounts
described in the “Economic Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related
Land Resources Implementation Studies” (P&Gs). These P&Gs, which were approved by the
Water Resources Council and the President in March 1983, apply to economic evaluation studies
of the major Federal water resource agencies. Additionally, information gathered with the
surveys will be used to address Environmental Justice concerns as part of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance process.
The following considerations also make this collection of information necessary.

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The National Recreation Lakes Study Commission identified five key recommendations for
agencies managing Federal lakes. One key recommendation related to the need to identify and
close the gap between recreation needs and services by “conducting assessments at Federal lakes
to determine customer needs, infrastructure and facility needs, and natural resource capabilities.”
In order to fulfill this responsibility, Reclamation must collect data from respective user groups
to better understand the needs and desires of the public. In turn, this data will allow Reclamation
to respond to those needs and desires by providing appropriate facilities, services, and
opportunities.
On December 8, 2004, the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), Public Law 108447, was passed. The Act gave Reclamation and several other Federal land management
agencies authority to, among other things, charge and retain certain recreation fees for use of
Federal recreation lands and waters. Subsequent to the passage of Public Law 108-447, the
Department of the Interior (DOI) established Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
performance measures in its 2007 – 2012 Strategic Plan that would be used to assess public
satisfaction with REA (i.e., percent of customers satisfied with the value for the fees paid) and to
document how much of the fee receipts were used by DOI agencies to collect such fees. It
should be noted that one of DOI’s end primary recreation goals is to improve the quality and
diversity of recreation experiences and visitor enjoyment of DOI lands. A DOI performance
measure for assessing the outcome of this goal is to determine the percent of visitors satisfied
with the quality of their experience. In order to assess public satisfaction that addresses the
performance measures and goals, appropriate recreation-related surveys will have to be
conducted by Reclamation.
Currently, Reclamation conducts surveys on an individual basis throughout the 17 Western
States. OMB approval of this information collection will improve the approval process and
ensure that pertinent data can be collected and analyzed in a timely manner and more efficiently
across all Reclamation recreation areas.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purposes the information is to be used. Except for
a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received
from the current collection. [Be specific. If this collection is a form or a questionnaire,
every question needs to be justified.].
Data obtained from these surveys will have application to the overall recreation effort expended
throughout Reclamation. From the highest level in the organization to the field unit responsible
for day-to-day operations and maintenance, Reclamation recreation planners and managers will
use these data to help formulate decisions regarding where to plan and develop facilities,
services, and opportunities while concentrating financial and personnel resources to produce the
highest level of public service. Additionally, the data will be used to evaluate the actual use,
management effectiveness, and user satisfaction of Reclamation’s recreation programs.
The survey data will also help ensure accurate reporting of visitor usage of Reclamation facilities
and lands. Visitor use reporting is important as actual use figures are used to allocate national
resources. This ensures that budgetary resources are equitably allocated where needed.

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The surveys contained in this information collection request will primarily be administered in
conjunction with the preparation of special studies and reports. Information obtained from these
types of questions are helpful in completing particular sections of Resource Management Plans,
Recreation Needs Assessments, Recreation Demand and User Preference Reports, and NEPA
compliance documents (Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments).
Occasionally, the surveys will be administered solely to determine a single recreation
management strategy that can be implemented to enhance the recreation experience and the user
satisfaction with a recreation site. Information will also be used to meet GPRA requirements and
address Performance Assessment Rating Tool (PART) items.
Reclamation recreation and economic planners, as well as social analysts, use the visitor use data
to develop analyses of recreation use and resources related to larger scope environmental impact
statements and environmental assessments required to analyze proposed Federal actions at its
water projects. Accurate data are critical to working with and responding to the concerns and
requirements levied by numerous constituencies and stakeholders. As noted above, accurate
visitor use, recreation expenditure, and economic benefit valuation data are also essential for
developing sound economic projections used to evaluate project impacts, the viability of project
alternatives, and impacts to the local, regional, and national economy. These data are consistent
with regional economic impact and cost benefit analysis procedures espoused in the P&Gs used
by Federal water resource agencies.
Note: Question justifications are attached as a separate document.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other
forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and
the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any
consideration of using information technology to reduce burden [and specifically how this
collection meets GPEA requirements.].
Improved information technology will be used whenever possible to reduce the burden on the
public. While the information will be gathered primarily through intercept interviews conducted
by trained surveyors, occasional use of mail-back questionnaires will also be used. Names,
addresses, and telephone numbers will not be used in anyway. Once collected, data will be
stored and analyzed using personal computers.
Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) Compliance
Intercept interviews will be the most often used method of data collection. It is not practicable to
have the survey instruments in electronic format for the following reasons:
•

On-site interviews are usually conducted at recreation sites in remote areas, outside,
where the respondents will generally not have access to automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological equipment.

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•

Most information collections will be conducted at recreation sites by Reclamation field
units scattered throughout the 17 Western States. Generally, each field unit will only
administer the collection once, making automation less practical. Surveys will be
conducted for a limited period of time at each site.

It should be noted that when collections are administered through the use of focus groups,
telephone interviews, or mail questionnaires, data will be entered directly into computers which
will then be used to facilitate the data analysis using a statistical software package. Posting
information collections on the internet for respondent use will also be explored on a case-by-case
basis as the need for a specific survey becomes known.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information
already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purpose described in Item 2
above.
Use of the requested surveys will not duplicate other surveys by Reclamation or other State or
Federal agencies on lands under the jurisdiction of Reclamation. Other entities are conducting
surveys but are not collecting useful information pertaining specifically to Reclamation
recreation, lands, facilities, and services.
Reclamation Outdoor Recreation Planners, Social Analysts, and Economists are constantly
communicating with other local, State, and Federal agency personnel so that any data collections
usable for Reclamation purposes may be acquired and incorporated into Reclamation programs.
Reclamation recognizes that it is much more cost effective, hence preferable, to obtain relevant
data from other sources if available, than to further burden the public and Reclamation resources
with duplicative efforts. Whenever possible, Reclamation will endeavor to obtain usable
secondary data rather than implement a survey.
In August 2006, Reclamation received OMB approval for the Recreation Use Data Report, OMB
Control No. 1006-0002. This report is for use by Reclamation recreation personnel and in no
way relates to the requested information collections.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5
of OMB Form 83-I), describe any methods used to minimize burden.
The proposed collection of information will not have a significant impact on small businesses or
other entities. Some of the surveys, especially those pertaining to recreation services on public
lands, may require surveying small businesses such as concessionaires or outfitters and guides.
Efforts will be made to lessen the impact to businesses. Specifically, such actions will include
(1) pre-survey contacts to determine the most advantageous time such surveys can be conducted;
(2) distribution of pre-survey materials to inform the entities what information will be needed to
expedite the survey process; and (3) assistance from experienced and trained staff to complete
necessary questionnaires. It should be noted that small businesses, as well as Reclamation, will
benefit from the Government’s increased responsiveness to their needs as well as obtaining
information usable in their marketing and business programs.

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6. Describe the consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not
conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to
reducing burden.
Without this information collection, Reclamation will be limited in its ability to determine the
kind and quality of recreation services and experiences customers want, their level of
satisfaction, or ways to improve recreation facilities and experiences within Reclamationadministered areas in a fiscally responsible manner. Specifically, the Reclamation offices
participating in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act program will not be able to
administer the Fee Survey and, therefore, would be hindered in its ability to comply with the
GPRA and PART performance measures established by the Federal government as part of the
President’s Management Agenda. Recreation planners and managers will not be able to
effectively respond to changing use patterns, advances in recreational equipment technology, and
visitor demographics. This will lead to less effective resource protection strategies as well as a
decrease in visitor satisfaction with the overall recreation experience.
In addition, Reclamation Outdoor Recreation Planners, Economists, and Social Analysts would
not have current and accurate data supporting recreational studies and analyses conducted as part
of environmental impact statements or environmental assessments. Many of these environmental
studies are controversial due to competing demands for natural resources. Flawed or inaccurate
data can lead to the unnecessary expenditure of additional budgetary and personnel resources as
the data are susceptible to attack and questioning by adversarial or opposing constituencies.
Justifying and defending questionable, inaccurate, and out-of-date data is a waste of time,
resources, and Federal dollars. Also, without up-to-date and creditable data, the evaluation of
project alternatives, and impacts to the local, regional, and national economy would be difficult,
if not impossible, and could lead to inaccurate policy formulation or alternative selection that in
turn could lead to negative consequences for local, regional, and national economies.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be
conducted in a manner:
7a.
Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than
quarterly.
We would not require respondents to report information more often than quarterly.
7b.
Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information
in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it.
Information collections will be obtained through random intercept interviews; therefore, written
responses will be collected in fewer than 30 days.
7c.
Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any
document.
Respondents will only be asked to return the original of the survey instrument.

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7d.
Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government
contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years.
Respondents will not be required to keep records associated with this information collection.
7e.
In connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and
reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study.
Results of the proposed information collections will be generalized only to the universe of the
individuals participating in the study.
7f.
Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and
approved by OMB.
The proposed information collection will not use a statistical data classification that has not been
reviewed and approved by OMB.
7g.
That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority
established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security
policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data
with other agencies for compatible confidential use.
All collected data will be available for use by other agencies or organizations. Additionally, the
proposed data collections, while assuring respondents anonymity, do not pledge confidentiality.
7h.
Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secrets, or other confidential
information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect
the information’s confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
The proposed information collections do not request information from respondents that can be
considered proprietary or trade secrets.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in
the Federal Register of the agency’s notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting
comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public
comments received in response to that notice [and in response to the PRA statement
associated with the collection over the past three years] and describe actions taken by the
agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and
hour burden.
A Federal Register notice was published on March 5, 2007 (72 FR 9775), soliciting comments
on Reclamation’s planned visitor information collection. No comments were received from the
public regarding Reclamation’s information collection. However, the United States Coast Guard
and the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association requested copies of the survey instruments
and some background information, but no comments were received from either entity.

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8a.
Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on
the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and
recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be
recorded, disclosed, or reported. [Please list names, titles, addresses, and phone numbers of
persons contacted.
The questionnaires will be administered at Reclamation recreation sites throughout the 17
Western States on an as needed basis. The exact locations and the information needed pertaining
to a particular area are not known at this time. Therefore, prior to implementing a particular
survey at the field level, field offices will investigate the availability of existing data that could
fulfill Reclamation’s needs. If information is not available, Reclamation will proceed with
administering the survey. In addition to the experts consulted by the Corp of Engineers (COE) in
its OMB information collection request and later described in Section B, question 5, Reclamation
recently secured the services of Dr. Glenn Haas, Dr. Marcella Wells, and Dr. Robert Aukerman
of Aukerman and Haas and Associates, LLC to review all surveys and provide feedback on the
clarity of the questions, relevance, and format of the survey questionnaires. Dr. Haas and
Aukerman are Professor’s Emeritus at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado in the
field of recreation and tourism. Dr. Wells is a former professor at Colorado State University in
the field of recreation and tourism specializing in interpretive planning.
Dr. Robert Aukerman
729 Duke Square
Fort Collins, CO. 80525
970-484-2028
Dr. Glenn Haas
P.O. Box 105
Como, CO 80432
970-691-2641
Dr. Marcella Wells
3403 Green Wing Court
Fort Collins CO 80524
970-498-9350
8b.
Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained
or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years – even if the
collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be
circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances
should be explained.
This is a first time survey collection that is being conducted. Since this is a one-time, voluntary
survey of visitors who may visit one of Reclamation’s recreation areas on any given day during
their visit, it is not practical to have any type of prior consultation. The survey collections will
be conducted by qualified and trained surveyors. Reclamation will not be collecting any
individual identifiers of respondents (i.e., names, addresses, telephones numbers etc.) that would

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allow Reclamation to contact respondents in the future as a follow-up to this information
collection.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
There are no plans to provide any payment or gift to respondents. Talking with experts in
planning and administering surveys at public recreation sites, it has been learned that
remuneration is not necessary to generate customer participation and suggestions.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
All respondents will be assured anonymity and that response to any or all questions is voluntary.
A statement to this effect will be printed on the questionnaires or verbally expressed in the
introductory remarks of surveyors. Additionally, none of the information collections contain
individual identifiers that can be tracked back to the responder.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the
questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be
given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to
obtain their consent.
Information considered to be of a private or sensitive nature will not be asked as part of this
information collection. Names, addresses, and telephones numbers will not be asked for or used.
If respondents mail a completed survey to Reclamation, any identifiers (name, address, or
telephone numbers of respondents) will be destroyed after the survey information is entered into
the data base for analysis.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information
12a.
Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden,
and an explanation of how the burden was estimated. Unless directed to do so, agencies
should not conduct special surveys to obtain information on which to base hour burden
estimates. Consultation with a sample (fewer than 10) of potential respondents is desirable.
If the hour burden on respondents is expected to vary widely because of differences in
activity, size, or complexity, show the range of estimated hour burden, and explain the
reasons for the variance. Generally, estimates should not include burden hours for
customary and usual business practices.
Reclamation will use its own employees, camp hosts, rangers, volunteers, and entrance gate
attendants to administer the survey to recreationists. In certain instances, paid consultants will
be used to administer the survey instruments. The goal is to have the surveyors hand out the
appropriate number of surveys with the expectation that the frequency of response will be no less

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than 80 percent. The time needed for a respondent to complete a survey ranges from 10 to 25
minutes. The time estimates in minutes were based on in-house testing and experience in
administering similar types of recreation surveys containing a similar number of survey
questions.
Note: Upon further internal testing of survey response time per individual survey instrument,
deletion of some questions in certain surveys, combining some questions in certain surveys, and
the addition of some demographic/user profile questions to most of the surveys, Reclamation has
revised the response time for 7 of the surveys listed in the 60-day Federal Register Notice (72 FR
9775, Mar. 5, 2007). The Marina Survey has been changed from 10 minutes to 15 minutes; the
Reservoir Preferred Water Level Survey response time has been changed from 15 minutes to 20
minutes; the Recreation Activities Survey has been changed from 15 minutes to 20 minutes; the
Recreation Development Survey has been reduced from 15 minutes to 10 minutes; the Water
Level Impacts on Recreation Boating Use Survey has been changed from 10 minutes to 15
minutes; the Lake/River Visit Expenditure Survey was reduced from 15 to 10 minutes; and the
River Recreation Quality Survey has been decreased from 20 minutes to 15 minutes. These
changes resulted in an increase in the overall annual hour burden for respondents from 2,013 to
2,059. The number of respondents per survey will range from 278 to 400 and ultimately depend
on the number of times the survey will be administered per year.
In addition, after further discussions with OMB, Reclamation has revised several surveys by
rewording certain questions to provide clarity, deleting some questions that were determined to
not be relevant, splitting certain questions that were determined to be to long, deleting some of
the demographic/background questions, and reformatting certain questions to prevent straight
lining. However, the length of time to complete those revised surveys remained the same;
therefore, the total burden hours did not change from the 2,059.
The goal is to hand out the surveys at each location and encourage the respondents to complete
the surveys and hand it back to the surveyor immediately upon completion. When this is not
possible, the surveyor will collect the completed survey later the same day for those individuals
or groups who are camping or participating in other recreation activities in the area. However,
some respondents may ask to keep the survey, fill it out, and then return it in a postage paid
envelope to Reclamation at a later date. This is why we have chosen the rather low response rate
of at least 80 percent. The response rate is anticipated to be higher than 80 percent since the
surveyor will be on-site to hand out and collect completed surveys.
If the maximum numbers of surveys are conducted in any one year, the annual burden hours for
respondents will be 2,059 (refer to table below for respondents). Multiplying the estimated time
for a response by the number of respondents, divided by 60 minutes, yields the total number of
burden hours for each survey in any given year. Note: the number of respondents takes into
consideration the fact that a survey will be administered more than once on an annual basis. For
example, Reclamation will collect 278 Marina Surveys for each survey collection and it is
anticipated that the survey will be administered two times during the reporting year; therefore,
the total number of respondents annually is calculated at 556 (i.e., 278 x 2 = 556). In addition,
for the purpose of this OMB information collection request, it is assumed that the average
visitation to each area is 30,000 and that 278 completed surveys will have to be collected to

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achieve a 90 percent confidence level. The actual number of respondents and burden hours for a
given survey will have to be calculated and depends on which reservoir, river, or land area is
being surveyed and the actual visitation. Exception: Because of the significance of measuring
the percent of user satisfaction with the value of the fees paid, the Fee Survey has been
calculated at a 95 percent confidence level based on an annual visitation of 700,000 visits per
year based on Reclamation’s Recreation Use Data Report (database that tracts yearly visitation).
The Fee Survey will be administered annually at one Reclamation site only.
To accurately determine the actual burden hours to the public, the burden hours for nonrespondents has also been calculated at 15 hours. Refer to the table below for non-respondents.
Note: As stated above and further explained in Part B, the frequency of response will be no less
than 80%. This means that 20 % of those individuals contacted will refuse to fill out the survey.
As an example, in order to get 278 responses to a certain survey, 348 surveys will have to be
distributed to the public. This further means that 70 individuals will refuse to fill out the survey.
Non-respondent burden hours for all surveys have been calculated the same way as for
respondents.
The burden hours for respondents who will participate in field testing have also been calculated
Refer to the table below for respondent burden hours for field testing. Reclamation believes that
the Reservoir Preferred Water Level Survey, River Instream Flow Survey, and the Water Level
Impacts on Recreation Boating User Survey will need to be field tested prior to administering the
survey to the public. Field testing of each of these three surveys will occur only one time during
the 3-year OMB approval period. Reclamation will use the final reformatted and field tested
survey Reclamation-wide, as appropriate, but will not exceed the approved number of times the
survey will be administered within Reclamation. Reclamation will field test each of the three
surveys by asking 20 individuals to complete the survey. Refer to Section 4, Part B of this
package for specifics regarding the pre-testing of surveys. The burden hours for respondents
participating in field testing has been calculated the same way as for respondents and nonrespondents.
The total annual burden hours for both respondents, non-respondents, and respondents who field
test surveys is rounded to 2,092.

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12b. If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden
estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burden in item 13 of OMB Form 83-I.
The following table summarizes the anticipated respondent annual hour burden by survey
instrument for each year over the 3-year OMB approval period.
ESTIMATE OF ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN FOR “RESPONDENTS” FOR EACH
SURVEY FORM COVERING THE 3-YEAR OMB APPROVAL PERIOD
Survey Instrument
Marina Survey
Campground Survey
River Instream Flow Survey
Reservoir Preferred Water Level
Survey
Lake/River Visit Expenditure
Survey
Recreation Activities Survey
Recreation Management Survey
Recreation Fee Survey
Recreation Development Survey
Water Level Impacts on
Recreation Boating Use
River Recreation Quality Survey
Customized Surveys
Totals

Burden
Estimate
Per Survey
(in minutes)

Number of
Surveys
(times/yr.)

Number of
Respondents
per Survey

Total
Estimated
Number of
Respondents

Total
Annual
Hour
Burden

15
25
20

2
2
2

278
278
278

556
556
556

139
232
185

20

2

278

556

185

10

2

278

556

93

20
15
10
10

2
2
1
2

278
278
400
278

556
556
400
556

185
139
67
93

15

2

278

556

139

15
20

2
5

278
278

556
1,390
7,350

139
463
2,059

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The following table summarizes the anticipated non-respondent annual hour burden by survey
instrument for each year over a 3-year OMB approval period.
ESTIMATE OF ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN FOR “NON-RESPONDENTS” FOR EACH
SURVEY FORM COVERING THE 3-YEAR OMB APPROVAL PERIOD
Survey Instrument
Marina Survey
Campground Survey
River Instream Flow Survey
Reservoir Preferred Water Level
Survey
Lake/River Visit Expenditure
Survey
Recreation Activities Survey
Recreation Management Survey
Recreation Fee Survey
Recreation Development Survey
Water Level Impacts on
Recreation Boating Use
River Recreation Quality Survey
Customized Surveys
Totals

Burden
Estimate
Per Survey
(in seconds)

Number of
Surveys
(times/yr.)

Number of
NonRespondents
per Survey

Total Annual
Hour Burden

70
70
70

Total
Estimated
Number of
NonRespondents
140
140
140

30
30
30

2
2
2

30

2

70

140

1.17

30

2

70

140

1.17

30
30
30
30

2
2
1
2

70
70
100
70

140
140
100
140

1.17
1.17
.83
1.17

30

2

70

140

1.17

30
30

2
5

70
70

140
350
1,850

1.17
2.92
15 (rounded)

1.17
1.17
1.17

The following table summarizes the anticipated respondent annual hour burden for surveys that
will be field tested.
ESTIMATE OF THE ANNUAL HOUR BURDEN FOR RESPONDENTS FOR
EACH SURVEY THAT WILL BE FIELD TESTED
Survey Instrument
River Instream Flow Survey
Reservoir Preferred Water Level
Survey
Water Level Impacts on
Recreation Boating Use
Totals

Burden
Estimate
Per Survey
(in minutes)
20

Number of
Surveys
(times/yr.)

Number of
Respondents
per Survey

Total Annual
Hour Burden

1

20

6.7

20

1

20

6.7

15

1

20

5.0

60

18 (rounded)

12c. Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for
collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories. The cost
of contracting out or paying outside parties for information collection activities should not
be included here. Instead, this cost should be included in Item 14.

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The weighted average annual hour burden per response for respondents is 17 minutes rounded
up from 16.8 minutes (0.28 hours). The average annual cost per response is $7.39. This is based
on the 2006 Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics) mean hourly wage of $26.38 for
all workers in the United States regardless of occupation or geographic location (Note: 2006
data is the most current available). The mean hourly wage of $26.38 includes the hourly wage of
$18.84 plus $7.54 for benefits using a factor of 1.4 for benefits (source for hourly wage is
http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#b00-0000 ) (source for 1.4 factor was supplied by
the Department of the Interior to provide consistency throughout the Department). The annual
cost per response of $7.39 was calculated by multiplying 0.28 by $26.38. The total annualized
cost to respondents is $54,316 (2,059 hours multiplied by $26.38). The total annualized cost for
non-respondents is $395.70 (15 hours multiplied by $26.38). The average annual hour burden
for respondents participating in field testing is $475 (18 hours multiplied by $26.38). Therefore,
the total annualized cost to the public is $55,186.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual [non-hour] cost burden to respondents or
record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of
any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
13a.

Provide an estimate of the total annual [non-hour] cost burden to respondents or
record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost
of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and startup cost component (annualized over its expected useful life) and (b) a total operation
and maintenance and purchase of services component. The estimates should take
into account costs associated with generating, maintaining, and disclosing or
providing the information [including filing fees paid]. Include descriptions of
methods used to estimate major cost factors including system and technology
acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, the discount rate(s), and the
time period over which costs will be incurred. Capital and start-up costs include,
among other items, preparations for collecting information such as purchasing
computers and software; monitoring, sampling, drilling and testing equipment; and
record storage facilities.
* If cost estimates are expected to vary widely, agencies should present ranges of cost
burdens and explain the reasons for the variance. The cost of purchasing or
contracting out information collection services should be a part of this cost burden
estimate. In developing cost burden estimates, agencies may consult with a sample
of respondents (fewer than 10), utilize the 60-day pre-OMB submission public
comment process and use existing economic or regulatory impact analysis associated
with the rulemaking containing the information collection, as appropriate.
* Generally, estimates should not include purchases of equipment or services, or
portions thereof, made: (1) prior to October 1, 1995, (2) to achieve regulatory
compliance with requirements not associated with the information collection, (3) for
reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the government, or
(4) as part of customary and usual business or private practices.

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(a) The total capital and start-up cost is $0.00. Reclamation will not require any
purchase of equipment or allocation of records storage space in conducting these surveys.
(b) The total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component costs
associated with the customer surveys are $0.00. Reclamation does not charge a filing fee
for survey responses.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a
description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of
hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff),
and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of
information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a
single table.
Item
Data collection

Travel and per diem (assumed that sites are
located far enough from field office to collect
per diem)
Data entry, processing, analysis and report of
findings
Management review

Field Testing – Salary, per diem, and analysis
Miscellaneous expenses (printing, postage,
etc.)

Costs
264 hours per survey @ GS-7 pay scale of
$23.39/hour = $6,175 per survey; 26 surveys
per year x $6,175 = $160,550 total labor.
33 days total per survey (22 days @ ¾ per
diem and 11 days regular per diem or 22 x
$29.25 = $644 and 11 x $109 = $1,199; $644
+ $1,199 = $1,843 per survey x 26 surveys =
$47,918 Note: Salary for 33 days is covered
above.
26 surveys per year x 5 days @ GS-7 pay
scale; 26 x 40 hrs. x $23.39 = $24,326
26 surveys per year x 2 days @ GS-13, Step 1
pay scale with no locality adjustment and
adjusted for benefits; 16 hrs x 26 surveys x
$41.70 = $20,517
Data collection 3 days @ $6,175 per survey
and travel and per diem @ $1,843 per survey
($18,525 + $5,529 = $24,054
$26 surveys per year x $1,000/survey =
$26,000

TOTAL

$303,365

The actual estimated annualized cost per survey is $10,742 ($279,311 ÷ 26 surveys per year).
Labor costs were calculated using the 2008 GS-7, Step 1 pay scale of $23.39 per hour and the
2008, GS-13, Step 1 pay scale of $49.32 per hour. Hourly rates for both have been adjusted for
benefits by using a factor of 1.5. Per diem costs were calculated at the 2008 CONUS destination
rate of $70 for lodging and $39 for meals and incidental expenses per day. Surveyors will be
paid ¾ per diem for the first and last day of each trip for meals and incidental expenses and the
regular rate for lodging and meals for the remaining days. No rental car or airline fare is

15

included in annualized cost because the site will typically be within driving distance of the field
office and a government vehicle will be used.

15. Explain the reason for any program change or adjustment reported in Item 13 or 14 of
the OMB 83-I.
This is a program change and a one-time survey collection effort for field offices to administer
surveys on an as needed basis.
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for
tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used.
Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of
the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
The proposed surveys will be scheduled to coincide with program data needs and special studies
as the need arises. As the need for surveys is responsive to the data needs of program managers
and special studies, it is not possible to provide a definitive schedule at this time. In general, the
surveys will be administered throughout the 3-year period for which authorization is being
requested. However, it is anticipated that most surveys will be administered during the summer
recreation season (i.e., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend). Publication of
the results of the user surveys will occur in conjunction with publication of environmental impact
statements, resource management plans, special recreation studies, or other documents
documenting program planning and analysis efforts.
In most instances, any data that summarizes the responses to the survey questionnaires will
become an integral part of a resource management plan or environmental document, or a special
study as an appendix. Once the reports are finalized, they will be distributed to interested
citizens; public and private organizations; state, local, and Federal agencies; and libraries in the
immediate area being surveyed. During the preparation of the above-mentioned documents,
mailing lists are prepared and maintained throughout the process. These documents are sent to
those individuals, groups, or entities that request them. Often times the reports or studies are
placed on area office individual websites for public viewing. If the surveys are to be
administered for internal purposes only (i.e., strictly for decision-making purposes by managers),
the survey results may or may not be made available to the public through the process described
above. For internal purposes, a small report will be produced that summarizes the results of the
survey collection for managers to review and make decisions. Under no circumstances will
micro data be released to the public. All data will be summarized and the micro data showing
means, averages, and standard deviations etc. will not become part of any released public
document. In addition, Reclamation will not release any data that is so small that it could be
used to uniquely identify a particular person or place.
Reclamation would not disclose any information that would be protected under the Privacy Act.
The responsible parties dealing with maintaining data and information would be the Project
Manager of the survey collections, as well as Area Managers and Public Affairs Officers of the

16

offices responsible for administering the survey and preparing individual reports, documents, and
studies. The Privacy Act Officer would ensure that protected information is not released to the
public.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
The expiration date and OMB approval number will be displayed on all surveys.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19,
“Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission,” of OMB Form 83-I.
There are no exceptions to the list of topics in item 19 of the Paperwork Reduction Act
submission.

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