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App Privacy Policy

PRIVACY NOTICE

MICHIGAN HERP ATLAS APP PRIVACY NOTICE

Last Updated: June 15, 2026

Thank you for choosing to use the Michigan Herp Atlas mobile application (“App”), operated by Michigan Herp Atlas (“MI Herp Atlas,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal information you share with us.

This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store, and share information when you use the Michigan Herp Atlas App, submit wildlife observations, create an account, or otherwise interact with our services.

By using the App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice.

  1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

Information You Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Username and password
  • Mailing address (optional)
  • Phone number (optional)
  • Wildlife observations and associated notes
  • Photographs and other media you upload
  • Communications with MI Herp Atlas staff

Observation Data

When you submit an observation through the App, we may collect:

  • Species information
  • Date and time of observation
  • Geographic coordinates or location information
  • Habitat descriptions
  • Photographs and supporting documentation
  • Observation notes and comments

Observation records may be reviewed, verified, and incorporated into conservation databases and scientific datasets used for research, conservation planning, and natural resource management.

Information Automatically Collected

When you use the App, we may automatically collect:

  • Device type and operating system
  • App version
  • Device identifiers
  • IP address
  • Usage and diagnostic information
  • Crash reports and performance data

Location Information

With your permission, the App may collect precise GPS location data to support wildlife observation submissions. You may disable location services through your device settings; however, certain App features may not function properly without location access.

Camera and Photo Access

With your permission, the App may access your device camera and photo library to allow you to photograph and upload wildlife observations.

  1. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use collected information to:

  • Create and manage user accounts
  • Process and verify wildlife observations
  • Support conservation, research, and education efforts
  • Improve App functionality and user experience
  • Communicate important updates and announcements
  • Respond to user inquiries
  • Maintain App security and prevent misuse
  • Comply with legal obligations
  1. SHARING OF INFORMATION

We may share information:

  • With conservation partners, researchers, and governmental agencies for scientific and conservation purposes
  • With the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other conservation organizations
  • When required by law or legal process
  • To protect the rights, safety, and security of users or the public

Sensitive species location information may be generalized, obscured, or restricted to protect vulnerable populations.

We do not sell personal information to third parties.

  1. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information and observation records as long as necessary to support conservation, research, scientific documentation, account management, and legal obligations.

Observation records may be retained indefinitely as part of the scientific and conservation record.

  1. DATA SECURITY

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no electronic system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

  1. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS

You may:

  • Review and update account information
  • Request deletion of your account
  • Request access to personal information we maintain about you
  • Manage App permissions through your device settings

Deletion of an account may not remove observation records that have already been incorporated into conservation datasets, research records, or scientific databases.

  1. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY

The App is not directed toward children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate parental consent.

  1. CHANGES TO THIS NOTICE

We may update this Privacy Notice periodically. Updated versions will be posted within the App and on our website. Continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Notice.

  1. CONTACT US

If you have questions regarding this Privacy Notice, please contact:

Michigan Herp Atlas
c/o Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC
5301 Updyke Road
Grass Lake, MI 49240

Email: Staff@HerpRMan.com

  1. REQUESTS TO ACCESS, CORRECT, OR DELETE INFORMATION

To request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, please contact us at Staff@HerpRMan.com.