In order to provide structure and consistency in methodology and information delivery across such a
large volunteer monitoring force, protocols have been established for the program that go under annual
review. See Appendix B for a sample protocol from the 2012 season. These protocols are supported by
volunteer trainings, additional research information, and a volunteer resource webpage7.
We use a species priority list that aims to categorize species in order of their significance to our project.
This categorization assists in establishing the importance of timely communication of results from the
field during our remote camera season, while providing trailing direction as well during our
snowtracking season. The species priority list that we use in our Spring-Fall efforts is adapted from our
winter snow tracking program which is heavily focused along Interstate 90 and therefore less likely to
encounter the more elusive species that our spring-fall remote cameras may detect. All Level 1 species
detected at a remote camera site during the season are reported immediately to project staff for
confirmation and further communications. The priority listing for our 2012 season was:
Level 1
Grizzly Bear
Fisher
Lynx
Wolf
Wolverine
Level 2
Cougar
Marten
Moose
Mountain Goat
Red Fox
Marmot
Level 3
Black Bear
Columbian Black-Tailed Deer
Mule Deer
Bobcat
Coyote
Elk
Raccoon
Miscellaneous
7
See volunteer resource webpage here: http://www.conservationnw.org/what-we-do/northcascades/resourcespage-for-wildlife-monitoring-volunteers
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