Exploring Data Collection and Cost Options for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Strategic Priority
AFWA Priorities Identified in AFWA Funding Principles (submitted by ExCom) - National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
Project Description
This study aimed to explore alternative data collection options and costs for the National Survey. Specifically, this project assessed the costs, benefits, and logistical feasibility of having a private firm collect data for the National Survey. The study was proposed based on the understanding that while large federal agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau and USFWS require project budgets in proportion to their considerable resources, smaller private contractors may be able to produce comparable results at a reduced cost.
Additionally, because the Multistate Conservation Grant funds the National Survey Program, investigating ways to conduct it at a lower cost could free up Wildlife and SportFish Restoration Program funding for other vital projects.
The American Sportfishing Association and Responsive Management were awarded a Multistate Conservation Grant to conduct this exploratory study, with the project objectives stated as follows:
- Conduct National Survey data collection in two representative test states.
- Determine average costs for National Survey data collection in two test states and identify potential opportunities for budget reductions.
- Assess the comparability of the results of this pilot study with the 2011 results of the National Survey conducted by the USFWS and U.S. Census Bureau to determine the feasibility of alternative data collection options.
- Develop recommendations for the National Grants Committee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) based on assessing costs and logistical requirements for implementing the National Survey.
Project Facts
- Federal Award Number: F13AP00109
- Organization Name: American Sportfishing Association
- Organization Status: NGO classified as 501(c)(6)
- State: Virginia
- Obligation: $321,000
- Start Date: 01-01-2013
- End Date: 12-31-2014
Results
The project directly addresses NCN 3, to assist state agencies with coordinating and administrating programs and efforts that address important issues facing fish and wildlife conservation. This project aimed to explore cost-effective alternatives to data collection for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The final report compares the results of the 2 test states with those in the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation discusses the pros and cons of the different survey methodologies and discusses the feasibility and logistics of conducting the survey by telephone.
While there are no doubts as to the methodological reliability of the National Survey and its essential utility, ever-tightening budgets and a finite amount ofMultistate Conservation Grant funding to conduct the survey suggest that other options for data collection be explored as a matter of prudence. This exploratory project addresses the costs and benefits of a non-governmental organization collecting data for the National Survey and explores issues of logistical feasibility. While large federal agencies require project budgets in proportion to their considerable resources, smaller private contractors and NGOs may be able to produce comparable results at a reduced cost.
Additionally, because the National Survey is funded by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, investigating ways to conduct it at a lower cost could result in more Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program funding for other pressing projects. See the report for more information.
