The National Park Service (NPS) is
requesting approval to use mobile and web-based applications (e.g.,
iNaturalist, eBird, etc.) as a means to record on-site species
observations during NPS sponsored citizen science events.
iNaturalist and eBird are third-party websites that allow the
public to provide observations that include locations, photographs,
and sound. Both of these platforms are currently being used by
visitors in parks. OMB approval will allow parks to sponsor events
and use the tools to collect data during the events.The
participation of citizen scientists via iNaturalist provides
immediate on-site input that is often not available with the
current level of NPS staffing.
US Code:
54
USC 100702 Name of Law: National Park Service Protection
Interpretation and research in System
US Code: 15
USC 3724 Name of Law: Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science
US Code: 16
USC 1a-7 Name of Law: National Park Service Organic Act of
1916
The adjusted net increase is
reflected in our request for an annual increase of 51,250
additional observations and 4,271 respondent burden hours. This
would result in an annual total of 112,500 observations and 9,375
respondent burden hours. The program change for this collection is
based upon the notable success we had using iNaturalist during the
Centennial BioBlitz events. We would now like to request an
increase in the number of annual iNaturalist observations for this
collection as well as add eBird. We did not feel it necessary to
have a separate burden for non-federal scientists. This category
has been removed and the burden for this group is now included in
the estimated burden for iNaturalist and eBird.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.