USGS Renewal of Information Collection for Alaska Bird Beak Deformity Observations
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking to renew an existing information collection program under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. This renewal pertains to public observation reports of birds exhibiting beak deformities, with a primary focus on Alaska but also covering other regions of North America. The program is part of ongoing scientific research into a documented phenomenon known as avian keratin disorder, which causes abnormal beak growth in wild birds — particularly affecting chickadees, crows, and other resident species in Alaska. Public citizen reports serve as a key data source for USGS researchers tracking the geographic spread and prevalence of this condition. Members of the general public who observe birds with visible beak deformities are encouraged to submit reports, which may include descriptions, locations, photographs, and species identification. This crowdsourced observation data supplements field research conducted by USGS scientists. The PRA renewal process requires USGS to publicly announce the continuation of this data collection and solicit comments on the burden and utility of the information gathered, before receiving approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- USGS is renewing (not creating) an existing PRA-approved information collection — continuity of an established program
- Collection covers beak deformity observations from Alaska as primary focus, extended to other North American regions
- Public reporting mechanism remains open to any member of the public who observes affected birds
+ 2 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
USGS must publicly announce the continuation of the bird beak deformity information collection program before receiving OMB approval
USGS must solicit public comments on the burden and utility of the information collected in the bird observation program
USGS must obtain Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the renewed information collection before continuing the program
Members of the public submitting bird observation reports must include descriptions, locations, photographs, and species identification when reporting birds with visible beak deformities
USGS must comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 procedures for renewing the information collection