Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) and Junior Duck Stamp Contests
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants people's thoughts on their duck art contests, where adults and kids can draw ducks to help save nature. They are planning to keep running these contests in the same way and are asking for feedback to make sure it's easy and helpful for everyone involved.
Summary AI
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to renew its information collection process for the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests without any changes. These programs, which began in the 1930s and 1990s respectively, help preserve habitats and promote conservation education through art contests that allow participants to submit duck-themed artwork. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is open to adults, while the Junior Duck Stamp Contest is for students in kindergarten to grade 12, and both programs have contributed significantly to wildlife habitat conservation efforts. The Service is requesting public comments on the collection process to ensure it minimizes burdens and serves its intended purpose.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection without change.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Overview
The document from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces a proposal to renew the information collection process for the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests. These contests, which have historical significance dating back to the 1930s and 1990s, play a crucial role in waterfowl habitat conservation and environmental education through art. The Federal Duck Stamp Contest is aimed at adults, while the Junior Duck Stamp Contest engages students from kindergarten through high school. Both programs have contributed significantly to wildlife conservation efforts and have encouraged public participation through artistic expression.
Key Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document's presentation and content:
Mailing Costs: The estimated annual mailing cost of $11,000 for the Junior Duck Stamp Contest submissions lacks a detailed breakdown. It is not clear how this figure was determined, and further exploration might be needed to evaluate if cost-saving approaches, such as bulk mailing, are optimally being used.
Cost Breakdown: The document lists an overall estimated nonhour burden cost, particularly concerning mailing and entry fees, without providing itemized costs. This lack of transparency might make it difficult to assess whether these expenses are reasonable and necessary.
Language Accessibility: The text is heavily formal and filled with legalistic terminology, which could be challenging for the general public to fully comprehend. This might limit public engagement, particularly in understanding procedural processes such as those associated with the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Language Translation: While the document mentions translating forms for the Junior Duck Stamp Contest into other languages, it fails to specify which languages have been prioritized and how these translations effectively cater to the needs of non-English speakers.
Rights Agreement: The brief mention of the "Display, Participation & Reproduction Rights Agreement" in the entry requirements for the Duck Stamp Contest could benefit from additional explanation. More context and a clearer description of the terms might aid participants in understanding their rights and obligations.
Public Impact
Broadly, the renewal of this information collection process is intended to ensure these contests continue to contribute positively to wildlife conservation and public education. They support habitats crucial to a diverse array of species, including many endangered ones, and nurture environmental stewardship through artistic endeavors.
Impact on Stakeholders
Contest Participants: Artists, conservationists, and educators are the primary stakeholders directly impacted by this document. For artists, the contests offer an opportunity to gain national recognition and contribute to significant conservation efforts. However, the undefined costs and rights agreements could deter potential participants due to perceived barriers or uncertainties.
Educational Institutions: Schools that participate in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest benefit from unique educational content that combines art with science. However, the complexity of the document's language and the unclear explanation of cost structures may hinder widespread involvement.
Conservation Community: The conservation community benefits indirectly as the contests support habitat preservation through generated funds and foster public awareness. Yet, any inefficiencies or lack of clarity in the information collection and submission processes could limit the program's effectiveness.
In summary, while the document supports an important conservation and education program, refinements in communication and transparency could enhance understanding and participation across targeted audiences.
Financial Assessment
One key aspect of this Federal Register document is the financial references surrounding the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp Contests. These stamps and contests are notable not just for their artistic and conservation contributions but also for their financial implications.
Duck Stamp Financial Summary
The document highlights that approximately 1.5 million Duck Stamps are sold each year, which has cumulatively generated over $1.2 billion dedicated to preserving more than 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat in the United States. This substantial revenue underscores the Duck Stamp Program's success and its critical role in conservation efforts across the nation.
For the contest itself, there is a total estimated annual nonhour burden cost of $39,000. This cost is associated with entry fees and mailing costs. Specifically, $28,000 is derived from annual entry fees of $125 plus an average of $15 for mailing costs for each of the estimated 200 submissions to the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. These costs indicate the monetary engagement required by entrants and suggest a structured process supporting the contest's seamless operation.
Junior Duck Stamp Financial Aspects
Proceeds from the Junior Duck Stamp, priced at $5, have generated over $1.25 million. These funds have been effectively allocated towards recognition, incentives, and scholarships for participating students, teachers, and schools. This aspect of the program highlights a significant educational investment, fostering interest in wildlife art and conservation among the youth.
An annual estimate of $11,000 covers the mailing costs associated with submissions to the Junior Duck Stamp Contest. This cost merits further examination, as bulk mail methods, usually employed by schools, are already mentioned as a cost-reduction measure. The exact derivation of these mailing costs remains unclear, presenting an identified issue where further transparency and optimization could benefit stakeholders.
Financial References and Associated Issues
The document touches on several financial concerns, especially regarding how costs, such as mailing and entry fees, are presented. The lack of detailed breakdowns or clarity on the derivation of these costs limits a comprehensive understanding of their necessity and efficiency. Moreover, the formal language used in the financial discussions may not be easily accessible to the general public, which can hinder full engagement and feedback from those affected by these costs.
In conclusion, while the financial details provided align with the procedural requirements and support for the contests, there is room for enhancing clarity and transparency. This could potentially improve stakeholder engagement and participation in commenting on financial and operational efficiencies.
Issues
• The document mentions estimated mailing costs of $11,000 annually for the Junior Duck Stamp Contest submissions, but it's unclear how this figure was derived or whether the cost-saving measures, like bulk mailing, could be further optimized.
• The expression of estimated annual nonhour burden cost, especially for mailing costs and entry fees, lacks detailed breakdown or justification, which could help in assessing the necessity and efficiency of these costs.
• The use of overly formal and legalistic language in the document might be inaccessible for the general public, particularly for sections discussing the Paperwork Reduction Act or other legal and regulatory frameworks.
• The document notes that student entry forms for the Junior Duck Stamp Contest may include translations in other languages yet does not specify which languages or how the translations meet the needs of non-English speakers.
• The description of the 'Display, Participation & Reproduction Rights Agreement' in the Duck Stamp Contest section is terse and might be clearer if it included more context or simplified explanations of the terms involved.