1028-0078_Supporting_Statement_A_7-21-2011

Supporting Statement A

North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

OMB Control Number 1028-0078

Terms of Clearance: None

General Instructions

A completed Supporting Statement A 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 below. If an item is not applicable, provide a brief explanation. When the question “Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," then a Supporting Statement B must be completed. OMB reserves the right to require the submission of additional information with respect to any request for approval.

Specific Instructions

Justification

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection.

The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) collects anuran (frog and toad) population data for eastern and central United States. These data will be used by scientists and federal, state and local agencies to identify anuran populations demonstrating significant declines in order to direct conservation and research efforts towards those species before their numbers have reached critically low levels. This is part of the USGS responsibility to conduct investigations, disseminate information, and protect the nation’s wildlife resources in accordance with Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1934 (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C 742 et seq.), Fish and Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 753a), National Climate Program Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 2901, 2908) and Global Change Research Act of 1990(15 U.S.C. 2921, 2953).

2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose 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.

The data are to be used to track anuran population status and trends. Data will be used, along with other indicators, to assess anuran species management priorities in the eastern and central United States. Partnering state government agencies plan to use the data to assess anuran state management priorities. In addition researchers, educators, and the general public may use these data to define research goals and/or to learn more about anuran distributions and population fluctuations. Data are collected in the field by volunteer observers on forms provided by the partner organizations.

Justification of Questions

Question Item
Name and Contact Information	This information is needed to main the USGS database of respondents and to contact the respondent in the event that additional information is needed.
Comments	This space is used to allow the respondent to provide feedback about the field conditions or any information above and beyond what is not on the form
Observer Information	Used to cross check and verify the respondent’s name on each copy of the data sheets
Route Name and Number	Used to identify data collection sites
Survey date	Used to know when the data was collected
Window Number	This number corresponds to a coded time span/period of data collection
Data start and end time	This information is used to determine the times of and duration of data collection (military time is used)
Wind and Sky	Used to determine environmental conditions during the survey. The respondent will use the tables on page one of the form to accurately and systematically assess the environmental conditions.
Days since last rainfall	This is an optional response field. The respondents will estimate their responses based upon personal experiences and weather radar. This information is used to determine environmental conditions during the survey.
Stop Level Information	Start/End time: Used to know times and duration of observation Air Temperature: Respondents will use thermometers to record ambient air temperatures (C or F) during data collection periods. Noise Factor: Respondent will indicate if background noises affected their ability to hear frog calls. Time out: Used to indicate a break in listening periods. Species List: Respondents will record identified species based on known call sounds or breeding vocalizations.
Stop Number	For columns 1-10 the respondent will use the amphibian calling index on page one to indicate the level of call activity observed for the given species
Moon or moonlight visible	The respondent will indicate whether they were able to observe the moon or moonlight at that location. Specific environmental factors affect frog behavior.
Snow cover	Respondent will indicate if snow cover is on the ground during the observation period. For sampling dates early in the season, snow cover may impact the number of species present that have begun breeding.
Number of cars that passed	Used for the respondent to indicate the number of cars during the listening period. This is another benchmark for ambient noise and disturbance.
Insert Sampling Window or mailing address here	This box is used by state partners to provide respondents sampling dates for their states or mailing address to return completed data sheets
For Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, Vermont Virginia, West Virginia, New York – respondents only	The following 3 data fields specific for this group: • Time when you left home • Time when you returned home • Round trip mileage We need the above information to document volunteer contributions to the survey effort. This data is very important, as it counts as ‘matching dollars’ for a research grant that will provide funds for analyzing our data.

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.

Data collection in the field uses paper as a format compatible with volunteer observers who are geographically dispersed. After initial data collection in the field, submission is electronically via an Internet-accessible system. Volunteers may enter the data or send the paper copies to their state coordinator for submission.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.

No other group gathers this type of anuran information at this scale. The Frogwatch USA project is somewhat similar, but it lacks the scientific sampling design and regional coordination, which reduces the utility of its data for trend information.

5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.

This information does not affect small businesses or other small entities.

6. Describe the consequence 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.

Not collecting this information will leave the federal government and its partner agencies unable to characterize rates of change of many anuran populations and unable to explore causes of these declines.

7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner:

* requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly;

* requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it;

* requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document;

* requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records, for more than three years;

* 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;

* requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;

* 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; or

* 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.

This request contains no special circumstances that would require this information collection to be conducted in a manner that is inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

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.

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.

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every three 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.

On March 14, 2011, a 60-day Federal Register notice (76 FR 13658) was published announcing this information collection. Public comments were solicited for 60 days ending May 13, 2011. We did not receive any public comments in response to that notice.

In addition to our Federal Register notice, we solicited comments from four NAAMP Coordinators to provide feedback about the clarity of instruction and the estimated time for observers to complete data collection. The individuals provided comments concerning the structure and approximate length of time it would take to complete the survey; they recommended additional respondent groups to participate in the collection; they also concurred with our estimated burden time to complete the survey to be about 3 hours.

• Jeff Hall, North Carolina NAAMP Coordinator, North Carolina Wildlife Commission, 405 Lancelot Drive, Greenville, North Carolina 27858. Phone: 252.917.1683.

• Kate Kelly, Missouri NAAMP Coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation. 2901 W. Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180. Phone: 573.522.4115 x 3607.

• Sarabeth Klue, Indiana NAAMP Coordinator, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 555 E. Miller Drive, Bloomington, Indiana 47401. Phone: 812.334.1137.

• Eran Kilpatrick, South Carolina NAAMP Coordinator, University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, 807 Hampton Street, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488. Phone: 843.549.6314.

9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No payments or gifts are given to respondents by the federal government.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Names and contact information (e.g., email address) will be maintained for the purpose of follow-up contact to clarify responses. Our primary purpose for collecting contact information is to follow-up with the respondents to verify the submission as a valid and reliable entry and to invite participation in the subsequent field seasons. Respondent names or e-mail addresses will not appear in any of our reports.

The records for this collection will be maintained in accordance to Privacy Act System of Records identified as Computer Registration System. (INTERIOR/USGS-20) published at 74 FR 23430 (May 19, 2009).

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.

No questions of a sensitive nature are asked.

12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information. The statement should:

* 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.

* If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens.

* 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 under “Annual Cost to Federal Government.”

Burden estimate is based upon the time to collect and enter data from NAAMP calling survey routes. Each calling survey takes approximately 3 hours to collect data (on the form) and enter data via the Internet. A calling survey route is typically surveyed three times per year. Each route may have one to three respondents per year, depending on whether the same individual conducts all the surveys for the year. The annual number of respondents will vary, but the average total number of respondents was 560.

The total burden for this collection is estimated to be 5,100 hours (1700 responses x 3 hours per response = 5,100 burden hours). From 2008-2010, the average number of respondents was 560 with average number of responses of 1700.

Three hours per survey is an estimate based on drive time to/from survey site (80 minutes) and the average time to conduct collect the data and complete the datasheet (98 minutes). This is calculated as: 98 minutes + 80 minutes = 178 minutes, and rounded up to 3 hours. The drive time would depend on factors such as traffic, distance from the person’s home or work to the survey location, etc. This information is not part of the data collection, but is estimated through a consultation with a sample of respondents at 80 minutes (40 minutes to and from the survey route). The 98 minutes for data collection and completion of datasheet, is the average from data collected in 2008 to 2010.

Table 1 Estimate of Annual Burden Hours

Private Individual	Responses	Completion Time (hours)	Burden Hours
Completing survey	1,700	3	5,100

We estimate the total dollar value of the annual burden hours for this collection to be $149,277 (rounded). We arrived at this figure by multiplying the estimated burden hours for individuals by $29.27. This wage figure includes the multiplier for benefits and is based on the National Compensation Survey: Occupational Wages in the United States published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupation and Wages, BLS news release USDL-11-0849) for Employer Costs for Employee Compensation—March 2011 (accessed on July 19, 2011 at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf).

Table 2 Estimated Dollar Value of Respondent Annual Burden Hours

Respondents	Hourly Pay Rate	Hourly Rate Including Benefits (1.4 x hourly pay rate)	Total Annual Burden Hours	Total Annualized Cost
Individuals	$20.91	$29.27	5,100	$149,277

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual non-hour cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected in item 12.)

* The cost estimate should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up 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 for form processing). 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.

Each respondent is responsible for the one-time purchase of a thermometer (approximately $15) needed to record air temperature data during data collection. The average number of new participants was 174 individuals per year during 2008-2010; therefore, the annual start-up costs would be $2,610 ($15 x 174). Because the respondents must travel to reach the survey site we have estimated mileage costs by using the travel reimbursement rate for federal employees (50 cents per mile) this cost is multiplied by the approximate distance of a calling survey route (15 miles), for a total of $7.50 per survey.

Table 3 Operational Expenses and Estimated Costs

Annual Operational Expenses	Estimated Cost
Mileage Cost per Response	$12,750
($0.50 x 15 miles = $7.50) ($7.50 x1,700 responses = $12,750)
Thermometer (for new participants)	$2,610
($15 x 174 = 2,610)
Total	$15,360

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.

The total estimated cost to the Federal Government for processing and reviewing information received as a result of this collection is $215,514. This includes the estimated annual operational expenses of $15,360 (Table 3 above) and $200,154 of Federal employee salaries and benefits (see Table 4 below). Table 4 below shows Federal staff and grade levels performing various tasks associated with this information collection. We used the Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2011-DCB (http://www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/pdf/dcb_h.pdf) to determine the hourly rate. We multiplied the hourly rate by 1.5 to account for benefits (as implied by the BLS news release USDL-10-10-0774).

Table 4 Federal Employee Salaries and Benefits

Federal Position	Grade/ Step	Hourly Rate	Hourly Rate incl. benefits (1.5 x hourly pay rate)	Estimated time spent by Federal Employees (annualized hours)	Estimated Federal employee salary/benefit annualized costs
Wildlife Biologist	GS- 12/4	$39.46	$59.19	1872	$110,804
IT Specialist programmer / database manager	GS-13/7	$51.19	$76.79	1040	$79,862
Research Statistician (Biology)	GS-15-3	$63.25	$94.88	100	$9,488
Total					$200,154

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments in hour or cost burden.

This submission requests an adjustment increase of 200 additional annual responses totaling 600 additional burden hours. This adjustment is due to the increased number of volunteers and states involved in the surveys. The difference represents the results of where we fine-tuned the number of respondents based on our experience in administering this collection along with the types of respondent feedback, discussions, and interactions as described in our answer to item 8 above. The cost adjustment for this collection is based on the increased number of respondents and the estimate of new respondents purchasing thermometers for data sampling, resulting in a cost burden increase of $3,860.

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.

Data are available for download from the program’s website. The first trend analysis for multiple states was published (Weir et al., 2009). Periodic publication of results is planned, with the next analysis scheduled to begin in fall of 2011. When these analyses and other analyses are completed, summary reports will be published in scientific journals at periodic intervals and presentations made at scientific conferences, as appropriate. A webpage for reporting analytical results is planned.

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.

We will display the OMB control number and expiration date on each form in this collection.

18. Explain each exception to the topics of the certification statement identified in "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."

There are no exceptions to the certification statement.

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