Roadless.org ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our comment submission services to defend the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to protecting America's last wild forests and your privacy. We collect only the minimum information necessary to help you submit effective comments to federal agencies.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
Name: First and last name for comment attribution
Email address: For submission receipts and confirmation
ZIP code: To demonstrate geographic representation
Comment text: Your submitted comments to federal agencies
Communications: Messages you send to us
Automatically Collected Information (With Your Consent)
Anonymous analytics: We use PostHog to collect usage analytics (requires opt-in)
Session ID: Anonymous identifier used for analytics and comment ID
Browser information: Type, version, and settings (anonymous)
Research briefcase data: Facts you save during browsing (stored locally in your browser)
Privacy by Design
All analytics data is completely anonymous. We never connect analytics data to your personal information. The session ID used for analytics is not linked to your name, email, or any other identifying information.
You must opt-in for us to collect any analytics data. Without your explicit consent, no analytics are collected.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
Process comment submissions to federal agencies through official channels
Provide submission receipts and confirmation numbers
Comply with Data.gov API requirements for comment uniqueness validation
Improve our website and comment submission tools (with your consent)
Respond to inquiries and provide technical support
Analyze anonymous usage patterns to enhance user experience (with your consent)
Protect against fraud and ensure genuine public participation
4. Research Briefcase Data
Local Storage
Your Research Briefcase (saved facts) is stored locally in your browser and is never transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to include facts in your comment submission.
5. Comment Storage (Optional)
Anonymous Comment Improvement Program
When you generate a comment, you may choose to help us improve our service by allowing us to save your comment. This is:
Completely optional - requires separate opt-in
Fully anonymous - linked only to your session ID
Never connected to your name, email, or contact information
Used solely to improve comment generation quality
Even if you opt-in to analytics, saving your comment requires a separate opt-in choice.
6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
Federal agencies: Your name, location, and comment text are submitted to USDA/USFS as part of the official public comment process
Data.gov services: Session ID to comply with API terms (no personal information)
Service providers: Third-party processors who assist with website operations
Legal authorities: When required by law or to protect legal rights
Analytics service (PostHog): Anonymous usage data only (no personal information ever shared)
Public Record Notice
Comments submitted to federal agencies become part of the public record and may be published online by the government. Your name and comment text will be publicly accessible through regulations.gov and other official channels.
We do not sell your personal information.
7. Data Retention
Comment data submitted to agencies: Retained as required by federal record-keeping requirements
Personal contact information: Deleted within 90 days after successful comment submission
Anonymous analytics data: Aggregated and retained indefinitely for service improvement
Saved comments (if opted-in): Retained anonymously for quality improvement, linked only to session ID
Research briefcase: Cleared when you close your browser (session storage only)
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
Access: Request information about data collection practices
Opt-out: Decline or withdraw consent for analytics at any time
Delete: Request deletion of any saved comments (identified by session ID)
Object: Opt-out of all optional data processing
Transparency: Understand exactly what data is collected and how it's used
California Residents (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights.
9. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:
Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)
Secure server infrastructure
Limited access controls
Regular security assessments
Anonymous data collection by design
Separation of personal information from analytics data
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.
11. Cookies and Tracking
We use minimal cookies and tracking technologies to:
Maintain your research briefcase during your session
Remember your opt-in preferences
Support PostHog analytics (only if opted-in)
Ensure proper functioning of comment submission tools
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the research briefcase feature.
12. Analytics and PostHog
PostHog Analytics
We use PostHog for anonymous usage analytics to help improve our service. Important points about our analytics:
Opt-in required: Analytics are only collected if you explicitly consent
Completely anonymous: No personal information is ever included
Session-based: Data is linked only to an anonymous session ID
No cross-referencing: Analytics data cannot be connected to your identity
You control your data: You can opt-out at any time
13. Third-Party Links
Our website contains links to federal government websites (regulations.gov, USDA, USFS) and other third-party sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies when visiting these sites.
14. Updates to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.
15. Manage Your Analytics Consent
Your Analytics Preferences
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16. Contact Information
Privacy Questions or Requests
For questions about this privacy policy or to exercise your privacy rights, contact us at: