Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ArcGIS Online (AGOL) Platform
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to talk to people about how they use computers to look at maps for helping animals and nature, and they need ideas on doing this without making it too hard for everyone involved.
Summary AI
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to their ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. This platform helps the Service manage and share geographic data for projects concerning endangered species, migratory bird conservation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and more. They invite comments on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden of this information collection. The submission deadline for comments is May 20, 2025.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a currently approved information collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
In a recent release from the Federal Register, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its intention to renew a collection of information related to the ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. This initiative is pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which seeks to streamline government paperwork to alleviate the burden on the public. The AGOL platform is crucial for managing and disseminating geographic data for various conservation projects. Those interested in providing feedback are encouraged to submit comments by May 20, 2025.
General Summary
The document outlines the need to continue gathering data via the AGOL platform. This geographic information system (GIS) tool supports various Service projects by facilitating the collection, management, and sharing of geospatial data. The data helps with numerous conservation efforts, such as monitoring endangered species, conducting migratory bird surveys, and managing the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Service is seeking input on the collection's necessity and accuracy, as well as suggestions for reducing the data collection burden on respondents.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable concern is the absence of concrete examples illustrating the past utility and necessity of the collected data. By not providing specific projects or outcomes, the document potentially undermines its justification for the data collection. Moreover, there is an implicit privacy issue as personal identifying information in public comments might not be guaranteed confidentiality, raising concerns about data privacy for those participating in the feedback process.
The document also lacks a clear quantification of the burden placed on respondents in terms of time and resources. While it provides a qualitative overview, precise estimates could highlight potential challenges more effectively. Additionally, the document does not explore alternative, possibly more efficient, methods of data collection which could further ease the respondent burden.
Public Impact
This information collection renewal could have broad implications for the general public, particularly those involved in environmental conservation and management. By streamlining data collection processes, such efforts could theoretically lead to more effective conservation strategies and a healthier ecosystem overall. However, without clear communication on how public input will be protected and efficiently managed, there could be reluctance to participate in the feedback process.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For state, local, and tribal governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, this renewal could bring about both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, efficient data collection through the AGOL platform can facilitate more informed decision-making and collaborative conservation projects. On the other hand, without well-defined costs and burdens, these entities might face unforeseen expenses and resource demands.
Conclusion
The proposed renewal of information collection for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s AGOL platform has the potential to significantly enhance geospatial data management for conservation. However, balancing the need for comprehensive data with the responsibility to minimize respondent burden and protect participant privacy remains crucial. Stakeholders and the general public alike would benefit from clearer clarifications and assurances in these areas. Providing detailed examples, quantifying burdens, and ensuring robust privacy measures could enhance public confidence and participation, contributing to more effective conservation outcomes.
Issues
• The document provides several categories of data that will be collected but lacks specific examples of projects or areas where this data has been used in the past to demonstrate its necessity and utility.
• The document mentions the potential public availability of personal identifying information shared in comments, which could raise privacy concerns.
• While there is a clear explanation of the type of information collected, the potential burden on respondents, especially in terms of the time or resources required to gather and submit this information, is not clearly quantified.
• The language used in the document, especially concerning the laws and acts, could be complex for respondents unfamiliar with the specific legal terminology.
• No alternative approaches to data collection are discussed, such as more efficient technologies or methods that could further minimize respondent burden.
• There is a lack of clarification on how the effectiveness of the data collection will be evaluated in reducing paperwork and respondent burden as stated as a goal.
• The potential cost implications for state, local, and Tribal governments participating in these data collections are not addressed in the document.