37 CWMP 2013-2014 Winter Field Season Report
4) Conduct snow-tracking transect from the starting point (approximately .5 miles).
Transects should maintain a straight line (constant distance of 150m) as far as
permitted by the landscape. Transects should be well flagged. Replace flagging as
needed IF you are SURE that you are on the transect line.
5) Upon reaching the furthest point of the transect (determined by a landmark and/or
with a GPS unit indicating the transect end (see site descriptions above), the team will
have recorded all relevant tracks seen along the transect.
6) On the return leg, your team takes the opportunity to trail Level 1 or 2 species in the
order of our priority list (see Appendix). If there were no level 1 or 2 species trail at
least one Level 3 species. Trailing data should be recorded using the "Trailing
Sequence" on the PDA unit (it can also be recorded manually on a TRAILING DATA
SHEET). The priority is to follow trails towards the highway. It is important to
complete transects on both sides of the highway in a single day, however, and so
teams should take this into account when deciding how long to spend trailing.
Procedure for Tracks: How to Document.
1) Stop your companions and bring tracks to their attention. Stop walking to prevent
destroying tracks.
2) Record data carefully by completing all steps on the Google form on your
smartphone or datasheet.
3) For Level 1 species, or ambiguous tracks that may be a Level 1 animal, document
tracks with measurements, sketches, and photographs. Use the "Target Species data
sheet" for this information.
4) Determine whether the animal is a trailing priority species (See list, Levels 1 and 2).
If so, clearly mark trailable tracks for trailing on your return leg.
5) Mark the tracks as 'done' so a later team will know they have been recorded by your
team. Draw an obvious circle around one or more tracks and leave a large footprint
next to them with your boot or snowshoes.
6) Continue walking transect.
NOTE: For the first set of tracks that you positively identify on each leg of the transect,
photo-document these tracks following the Observer Reliably procedures outlined below.
Procedure for Trailing: How to Document.
Trailing is to be done on the return leg of the transect except in the case of level 1 species
which should be carried out immediately. Attempt to trail at least one animal towards the
