Focus Group for Soliciting Feedback on USFWS Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) Programs Communications

OMB Control No. 1090-0011

Expires 10/31/2021

Introduction to Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program manages with effective, targeted grant programs designed to benefit fish and wildlife while capitalizing on recreational opportunities across the country. The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (PR), passed in 1937, and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (DJ), passed in 1950, authorized grant programs that provide funding to States and territories for on-the-ground wildlife and fisheries conservation. The majority of PR funds are spent on acquisition, development, and operation of wildlife management and public use areas involving about 68 million acres. The PR Hunter Education Program trains students on conservation values and safe, responsible use of firearms. Various DJ funded programs address conservation and public recreation needs in fresh, estuarine and marine waters. DJ funds support projects that improve and manage aquatic habitats and fisheries resources, protect coastal wetlands, and provide critical infrastructure for recreational boaters. The DJ funded Aquatic Resources Education Program reaches into classrooms and other environments to teach aquatic conservation principles. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program also provides technical and funding support for programs to recruit and retain hunters and anglers as well as research efforts to determine the motivations and obstacles that impact participation.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program also administers the State Wildlife Grant program which supports a strategic national conservation framework through individual State Wildlife Action Plans. These plans, developed in coordination with government agencies, conservation organizations and the public, are integral to national efforts to effectively address threats to priority habitats and species of greatest conservation need. The core value of all Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs is fostering cooperative partnerships between Federal and State agencies, working alongside hunters, anglers, and other outdoor recreationists, to enhance recreational opportunities while advancing sustainable resource goals.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) to seek comments from key industry partners to achieve greater awareness and understanding of WSFR and to validate messages and strategies in the WSFR communication plan. Your response is voluntary and we will not share your response publicly. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. OMB has reviewed and approved this survey and assigned OMB Control Number 1090-0011.

Estimated Burden Statement: We estimate it will take 20 minutes per respondent (per each of 5 focus group sessions) to participate in this focus group, including time to read instructions and gather information. You may submit comments on any aspect of this information collection to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Madonna L. Baucum. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (BPHC-PPM), 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.