Parks Service Apps Keep Citizen Scientists Rolling in Parks
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Park Service wants to keep using web and mobile apps to help people join citizen science events in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by April 29, 2026, but no one has raised concerns so far. This renewal won’t cost extra or change how you participate, just keeps the fun and learning going smoothly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
NPS Keeps Using Science Apps
You may be asked to use mobile or web apps (for example: iNaturalist, eBird, Geoforms, PictureThis, Nature ID) during National Park Service (NPS) sponsored citizen science events. The NPS is renewing approval (OMB Control Number 1024-0275) to collect these observations so parks can substantiate sightings of plants, wildlife, and invertebrates.
Short Volunteer Time Burden
If you participate, each submission is estimated to take about 5 minutes. The NPS estimates 75,000 annual respondents making 112,500 responses for a total of 9,375 annual burden hours; participation is voluntary and the notice lists "Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None."
Your Data Shared with Parks and Scientists
Information you submit through these apps will be immediately available to all parks and others interested in species identification and advancing knowledge of the natural world. The NPS says using these apps will help increase understanding of biodiversity within the park system.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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