to lend advice on access and locations for initial set up. Winter always provides a
challenge to our camera stations as conditions change quickly.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT FIELD SEASON
Interstate 90 Tracking and Trailing
1. Data Collection: All of the project's current handheld computers will be retired.
Rather than replacing these devices, an online service allowing teams to enter data
through any smartphone will be set up for the next field season. Cellular service is
ubiquitous on project transects for most carriers. This system will have at least two
added benefits. All data will be automatically backed up online, and team leaders
will be able to access the database from home via computer to add data collected
on paper in the event of a device failure in the field.
2. Hyak Transect: Research will be conducted on the feasibility of either adding a new
transect along the interstate west of the construction zone at Snoqualmie Pass
proper or replacing the current Hyak/Silver Fir transect.
3. Trainings: In order to ensure that returning volunteers have the opportunity to
participate in subsequent years, a period of time for returning volunteers to sign up
for trainings will be provided prior to opening up registration to new volunteers.
This helps ensure that the project has the most experienced people in the field
during the field season. Similarly, we will see that the roster created for the winter
training includes information on whether participants are new or returning, better
preparing trainers for training sessions.
4. Transect Flagging: This field season, we arranged for the first team leader on each
transect to be familiar enough with that transect to renew flagging for subsequent
team leaders' use. This system of flagging maintenance worked very well and will
be repeated in future seasons.
5. Weatherproof Field Guides: For the next field season we'll print more copies of the
field guides for the study area.
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CWMP 2012-2013 Winter Field Season Report
