Site
Alligator
Ridge
Boulder
Creek
Buck Creek
HunterSpringdale
Salmo Priest
Trout Creek
Target
Species
Wolf
Black Bear
Bobcat
Coyote
x
x
x
Black Tail
Deer
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Wolf
Wolf
Wolf
x
x
Wolf
x
x
Wolf
x
x
Elk
Misc.
cow
Table 15. N.E. Washington sites with recorded level 3 species
V.
Recommendations for Future Monitoring
Each year we reflect on lessons learned from the past season to guide our planning and execution of
future seasons of the monitoring program. Input from volunteers, project advisors, and staff helps to
compile recommendations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of upcoming work.
Recommendations at the close of the 2012 spring-fall season include:
•
Continue to seek additional funding from grant sources in order to grow program. Funding
needs include purchasing more field equipment; including but not limited to additional cameras
as well as more sophisticated GIS mapping software to share our results with the public and
agencies in a more compelling manner.
•
Reach out to colleges, universities, and wilderness schools in our state to expand our volunteer
pool and provide opportunities to students interested in the fields of biology and conservation.
•
Expand our winter monitoring program with emphasis on detection of species that may be
easier to track and attract to our sites during this season including wolverine, wolves outside of
known pack areas, and lynx. This seasonal expansion also allows us to utilize baited stations as
required per our protocols when there is less risk of disturbance to bears.
•
Increase communication with our team leaders and volunteers to address needs and concerns in
the field, and to build relationships with our new volunteers and reinforce relationships with
long-time volunteers.
•
Pair new volunteers with experienced wildlife monitors to ensure consistency in our program
and provide new learning opportunities for all involved.
25
