Ss B (lw)

Supporting Statement for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions

OMB Control Number 1028-0078

North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

Expiration Date: March 31, 2008

Terms of Clearance: None

Specific Instructions

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When Item 17 on the OMB Form 83-I is checked "Yes", the following documentation should be included in the Supporting Statement to the extent that it applies to the methods proposed:

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

Statistical methods are not used in the selection of respondents. Qualified participants (i.e. individual with the ability to identify calling anurans by vocalizations) are found by word-of-mouth, limited advertising, and training by others already qualified. Statistical methods are used in the collection of the anuran calling survey data. The actual response rate in the previous reporting period is: in 2005, 1399 responses, submitted by 489 respondents; in 2006, 1307 responses, submitted by 452 respondents; in 2007, 1325 responses, submitted by 453 respondents. The program is expected to expand its geographic coverage; thus, the estimated annual number of responses for the next reporting period is 1500 responses by 500 respondents.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:

* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,

* Estimation procedure,

* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,

* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

* Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

Routes are established in each participating state using a stratified random design where degree blocks form the basic stratification unit. Within each degree block, route start points and directions are randomly chosen. Then 5-minute listening locations are conducted along each calling survey route. All anurans heard are identified to species and an index to abundance noted.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Respondents voluntarily decide to report; non-response is not an issue. No estimates are made based on the population of respondents.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

No tests of procedures or methods are required for participation, though participating state programs may require respondents to attend training on procedures or methods.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Individuals involved with the data analysis, collection, and design:

1. Bruce Peterjohn, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4038; 301.497.5841.

2. Linda Weir, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4038; 301.497.5932.

3. J. Andrew Royle, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 12100 Beech Forest Road, Laurel, MD 20708-4038; 301.497.5673.

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