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DNR outlines soft launch and support plan for FP Online application system
Summary
DNR staff said FP Online will move to a soft launch for internal users on June 29, then go live for external proponents after testing; the system will accept paper submissions during transition and includes training, technical support, and a later evaluation to guide a phased paper-to-digital transition.
Catherine Boyd, organizational change management lead for the FP Online project, briefed the board on a multiyear modernization that will let proponents submit forest-practices applications electronically, pay online, and create or upload maps within the system.
Boyd said DNR staff will begin using the system in a soft launch on June 29 so staff can work out workflows and update FAQs before external proponents access the production environment. The public launch may be timed to avoid concurrent changes from new NP rules; paper applications will be accepted for an extended transition period to ensure no interruption in applicants’ ability to submit FPAs. The system is web-based (no separate app), will accept shapefiles or GIS files, and is intended to work on tablets and phones through a browser.
Benefits the team cited include fewer missing forms, auto-populated downstream reports and a master log, improved map quality through online mapping tools, online payments and signatures, and reduced duplicate entry for staff and proponents. Boyd said DNR will provide robust technical support during the transition, and the small-forest-landowner office will give individualized assistance to smaller, less frequent users.
Board members raised questions about app availability, handling of sensitive data (ESA and cultural resources), form refresh rates during testing, and whether the online form currently takes longer in the test sandbox than existing paper processes. Staff committed to follow up on sensitive-data protocols and to provide further information to the board about metrics for adoption and post-launch evaluation.
