U.S. Census Bureau to Begin Collection of Information on Wildlife Recreation

 On April 1, 2011, U.S. Census Bureau employees will begin the first wave
of data collection for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation from about 53,000 households across the
country.

       Conducted every five years by the Census Bureau, the survey is sponsored
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

       “Participation in this survey is important because the results help us
better manage our natural resources and to understand the demands being put
on our wildlife and their habitat,” said Robert Groves, director of the
Census Bureau. “This is one of the many surveys conducted by the Census
Bureau for other federal agencies.”

       The information collected for this survey focuses on individuals
involved in fishing, hunting and other wildlife-associated recreation, such
as observation, photography and feeding.

       The latest data from the survey show that in 2006, more than 87 million
Americans 16 and older enjoyed some form of wildlife-related recreation and
spent $122 billion in pursuit of these activities.

       The questions ask in which state these activities occurred and focus on
such items as the number of trips taken, duration of trips and expenditures
for food, lodging, transportation and equipment. Federal and state agencies
use this knowledge for conservation efforts and to maintain areas where we
go for outdoor recreational activity.

       Preliminary survey findings will be available in summer of 2012. The
final national report will be issued in the fall of 2012, followed by a
report for each state.

       Data collection will begin April 1, 2011. Respondents will be surveyed
primarily by telephone. Residents will receive a letter from Groves
informing them of the survey. All information collected is kept strictly
confidential and only statistical totals are published.

       The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation has been conducted since 1955 and is one of the oldest and most
comprehensive continuing recreation surveys.

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