DANIEL W. CROCHET, DAVID E. ALLEN, HAROLD R. BEARD, RICHARD W. CHRISTIE, JOHN S. CRANE, WILLARD E. HAYES AND SCOTT D. LAMPRECHT, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, P. O. Box 167, Columbia, South Carolina 29202, USA

In 1996, we mailed a questionnaire to all pond managers who received site visits from Freshwater Fisheries Section (FFS) biologists during 1995. The purpose of the questionnaire was to obtain pond managers' opinions of the FFS technical guidance program and to evaluate those opinions to improve the quality of service delivered. Of 1,250 surveys mailed, 433 were returned, representing every county in the state. The survey indicated that FFS biologists were timely, courteous, attentive, professional and that recommendations were consistent with the needs and abilities of pond managers. The survey also indicated that pond managers would like to have more information included in management recommendations, and would like to have increased follow-up contact for the FFS. Managers want to be present when their pond is inspected. From an internal perspective, the survey revealed a need for individual FFS district biologists to make adjustments to their technical guidance routine for the purpose of standardization. The customer survey is a good tool to use in maintaining contact with constituents for the purpose of improving service.