Volunteers Needed for Raptor Inventory Nest Survey
If you can commit two days a month from March through July, live in Moab Utah and own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit and have an Email address, you can participate in this study.
Online, January 21, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Moab, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management, Utah is seeking volunteers to help conduct the annual Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS) this spring in eastern Utah. Field training by RINS personnel will be provided for all volunteers. If you are interested in participating with RINS, please contact RINS for more information.
RINS offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to become involved as "citizen scientists" in a long-term raptor nest monitoring project. The RINS organization collects and manages vital data regarding the nesting ecology of eagles, falcons, hawks, osprey and owls.
Over the past ten years:
A dedicated group of RINS Volunteers spend an average of 612 days in the field every year. On average, 89 volunteers contribute 8,222 hours and 58,000 miles for the project. RINS volunteers have contributed more than $2,105,000 of dedicated effort* to help conserve birds of prey and their habitats in Utah. Annually, 125 volunteers monitor approximately 1,500 nests over a combined area of northern, central and south-eastern Utah consisting of public and private land. To date, RINS manages over 5,000 nests, adding approximately 215 new nests annually. RINS volunteers also contribute an additional 1,500 hours of administrative work beyond regular fieldwork to manage a smooth operation for RINS and for public outreach. RINS empowers individuals to help federal, state, and local agencies make informed land management decisions.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer do not need previous experience, or science credentials. The requirements are that you enjoy Utah's outdoors and a desire to help the magnificent birds of prey. It is recommended that you own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit, and have an e-mail address. The time commitment involves two field days per month from March through July, monitoring an assigned area.
For more information visit: www.rins.org or call, 801-554-0807.
Volunteers can also send an email to: info@rins.org.
Moab Local BLM Contact: Pam Riddle, (435) 259-2100