All of their data is collected into a huge database at the National Climatic Data Center, which is compiled and manipulated and averaged and studied. Yes, these observers are collecting the data that helps researchers understand long-term climatic change. This program netted the public more per dollar expended than any other government service in the world. That statement is still valid today. It is estimated that their time totals over a million hours per year.
Climatological records get more valuable with time.
The climatological database generated through the efforts of the volunteer Cooperative Weather Observer provides not only the cornerstone of our nation's weather history, but also serves as the primary data for research into global climatic change. There are also length of service certificates that may be issued every 5 years through 50 years. The 10 and 15 year certificates are bronze, the 20 and 25 year are silver, and the 30 through 50 year are gold. 60-year observers and higher will receive a letter signed by the President of the United States. On a local level, the observations received daily around 7AM local time from volunteer observers are fundamental in helping the NWS to protect life and property.