Using Web and Mobile-based Applications During NPS Citizen Science Events

Forms and Documents

Document Name	Status

No forms / supporting documents in this ICR. Check IC Document Collections.

IC Document Collections

IC ID	Document Title	Status
234458	General Public Observations (eBird) Other-NPS Citizen Science Registration Webpage	Removed
217620	Citizen Science Projects - General Public Observations Other-NPS Registration Webpage	Modified

ICR Details

OMB Control No: 1024-0275	ICR Reference No: 202602-1024-003
Status: Received in OIRA	Previous ICR Reference No: 202301-1024-001
Agency/Subagency: DOI/NPS	Agency Tracking No:
Title: Using Web and Mobile-based Applications During NPS Citizen Science Events
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular	Date Submitted to OIRA: 03/30/2026

	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	36 Months From Approved	03/31/2026
Responses	112,500	112,500
Time Burden (Hours)	9,375	9,375
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0

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Abstract: 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.

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Authorizing Statute(s): US Code: 15 USC 3724 Name of Law: Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science
   US Code: 54 USC 100702 Name of Law: National Park Service Protection Interpretation and research in System
   US Code: 16 USC 1a-7 Name of Law: National Park Service Organic Act of 1916
  

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	90 FR 56180	12/05/2025
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	91 FR 15629	03/30/2026
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? No

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title	Form No.	Form Name
Citizen Science Projects - General Public Observations
General Public Observations (eBird)

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Request	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	112,500	112,500	0	0	0	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	9,375	9,375	0	0	0	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Increase Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: Yes

Burden Reduction Due to: Miscellaneous Actions

Short Statement: The previous submission included two ICs (iNauturalist and e-bird). Based on experience the program combined the burden into one IC that is intended to cover NPS use of citizen science application not limited to iNatualist or e-bird as previously requested. There is no net change in the burden based on the previously approved request.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $101,554

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     No

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? No

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Common Form ICR:  No

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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:

(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;

(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;

(c) It reduces burden on small entities;

(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;

(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;

(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;

(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:

(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;

(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.

(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and

(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.

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.

Certification Date: 03/30/2026

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