Citizen Survey App

This design conjecture capitalizes on the idea that park and lake visitors can work for ODNR in a soft transactional capacity to help bridge gaps in resources and staffing. A larger obstacle for ODNR is the lack of workforce required to keep frequently updated tabs on various invasive species throughout the year. This concept introduces a smartphone application that allows a registered member to record and report invasive species while they are out at any state park location. The app uses a map system and location finding to let users report various species wherever they are encountered. There are also options to include photographic evidence or even use AI image recognition to help identify species the user may not be aware of.

While the app can help ODNR, there is an opportunity to make the system more appealing to users with incentives. Once a user is registered and has made an adequate number of honest and accurate reports, they can start earning points to use for ODNR rewards, which could include anything ODNR currently offers for purchase, such as hunting and fishing licenses, covering registration fees, or even campground booking charges. Because many of these purchases are non-physical products, they do not burden the department with production, and the cost/reward ratio can be adjusted accordingly so that the system is worthwhile on both ends.

While I believe this concept has true potential, there are absolutely limitations. Tech applications such as this take time to hone, and wireless accessibility out in nature can be an issue. Not everyone in the position to report their sighting may have a connection to execute this through the app. A good number of users will likely not be enticed by the incentives offered, and general misuse of the application is bound to happen before proper measures can be employed. While these are not uncommon development issues, they would absolutely be major obstacles in the process.