CitSci Fund Michelle Tamez Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Coordinator

Transcription

1 Hear an echo? Mute your computer speakers. CitSci Fund Michelle Tamez Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Coordinator Ecosystem Management Coordination U.S. Forest Service, Washington Office October 4, 2017 United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service *This webinar is recorded

2 Agenda Introducing the Citizen Science Competitive Funding Program Introduction by Chris Frisbee, Deputy Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, USFS Washington Office CitSci Fund Overview by Michelle Tamez, USFS Citizen Science and Crowdsourcing Coordinator Q&A 2

3 Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Community of Practice (FSCCS) o Network o Learn from colleagues and partners o Get connected to resources and information o Be inspired to develop new projects or expand existing citizen science and crowdsourcing projects Daniel Silvas Michelle Tamez Tricia Suchodolski 3

4 Chris Frisbee Deputy Director Ecosystem Management Coordination USFS - Washington Office 4

5 Purpose of the CitSci Fund EMC is offering competitive funds for collaborative citizen science projects to: Inspire new and promote existing citizen science projects in the Forest Service Demonstrate the value of citizen science for delivering Agency mission results. Specifically: Increased collection and analysis of usable data and information Enhanced collaboration between units, partners and the public Model a learning organization approach that will benefit others interested in citizen science 5

6 Citizen science definition 1 A form of open collaboration in which individuals or organizations participate as volunteers in the scientific process Form research questions Create and refine project design Collect and analyze data Interpret results Develop technologies and applications Make discoveries Solve problems Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Act 6

7 To expand and strengthen the practice of citizen science in agency programs Citizen Science Action Plan 7

8 Projects that address USFS objectives 1. Develop projects with a genuine scientific/management outcome or goal 2. Provide meaningful public engagement, learning opportunities, and follow up 3. Proactively engage youth, minority, and/or low-income communities 4. Establish, strengthen, and sustain strategic partnerships and collaboration 5. Manage for data quality, apply open data principles, and seek opportunities for data sharing 6. Utilize innovative applications and technologies 8

9 Project criteria Open to all USFS units and partners Any topic: biological, social, cultural, economic, etc. Two categories: 1) Data gathering OR 2) Classification/problem solving Duration of 6 months or longer Projects should take place on National Forest System lands, or data must be used to meet a Forest Service information need. Have a genuine scientific/management outcome and address two or more of the USFS objectives (see slide 8) Demonstrate meaningful volunteer engagement/collaboration 9

10 Project outcomes Participate as part of a learning journey cohort Refine the project plan using the Citizen Science Toolkit Meet regularly with other Project Leads Share best practices with the national community of practice Submit a mid-year and end of year evaluation including next steps Report accomplishments in the appropriate USFS reporting database 10

11 WO support Provide funds Support national communications and volunteer recruitment via the Forest Service webpage, social media and other outlets Provide policy expertise and support for projects Manage learning journey cohort meetings and collate feedback and best practices to include in the Citizen Science Toolkit Develop guidance and policy where appropriate based on the needs shared by projects 11

12 Funding FY 18 $100,000 from Ecosystem Management Coordination staff Up to $25,000/project USFS Project Lead and Partner Project Lead An agreement must be in place so the partner can receive the funds In most cases the partner will contribute a 20% match Funds should be leveraged with other USFS funding, partner funds or grants 12

13 Action Proposal process open Target Date Late October/ Early November 2017 Project proposals due January 31, 2018 Timeline (Subject to change) Project selections announced February 16, 2018 Project Leads submit refined project plans and funds dispersed March/April 2018 Project implementation begins 2018 /2019 Mid-way progress report Final report due 6 months from funds dispersal One year from funds dispersal 13

14 Forest Service citizen science webpage Crowdsourcing and citizen science federal catalog More information Forest Service Crowdsourcing and Citizen Science Community of Practice (internal site) us: Sign up for more information: 14

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