As part of the USGS Ecosystems mission
to assess the status and trends of the Nation's biological
resources, the Alaska Science Center Landbird Program conducts
research on avian populations within Alaska. Beginning in the late
1990s, an outbreak of beak deformities in Black-capped Chickadees
emerged in south central Alaska. USGS scientists launched a study
to understand the scope of this problem and its effect on wild
birds. Since that time, researchers have gathered important
information about the deformities but their cause still remains
unknown. Members of the public provide observation reports of birds
with deformities from around Alaska and other regions of North
America. These reports are very important in that they allow
researchers to determine the geographical distribution and species
affected. Data collection over such a large and remote area would
not be possible without the public’s assistance.
This is a new information
collection. The new burden is a citizen science project using
volunteer effort.
$2,204
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
James Sayer 650 329-4093
jsayer@usgs.gov
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.