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provide a tangible, low-cost way to engage citizens in wildlife monitoring and conservation. Together, our network
of volunteers and cameras provides invaluable data on the presence of rare and sensitive species. Some of our
camera installations also include devices for collecting hair samples.
STUDY AREA
In 2017, we concentrated our study area in two distinct landscapes – the Cascade Mountains in Washington and
the transboundary Kettle River Mountain Range of northeast Washington and southern British Columbia,
including the Rossland Range in B.C. Within the Cascade Mountains, we have divided the study area into three
regions:
1. Washington's North Cascades: North of Interstate-90 (North Cascades)
2. I-90 Corridor: Between Snoqualmie Pass and Easton along I-90
Washington's South Cascades: South of I-90 (South Cascades)
SURVEY AREA SELECTION
At the beginning of each season, we select and prioritize monitoring survey areas in collaboration with project
partners and our Advisory Council. Survey areas are initially selected based on target species and core habitat
with consideration of equipment inventory as well as staff and volunteer capacity. Our list of survey areas goes
through numerous iterations as we discuss priorities and capacity with our Advisory Council. The finalized list of
survey areas serves as a guide for volunteer recruitment.
Each survey area is chosen for a particular target species based on our monitoring objectives for the year (Figure
1). Our project staff works with specific advisers from our Advisory Council to develop survey area descriptions
that include the purpose of the survey area, special considerations, and general information that our volunteers
use to help select specific installation locations and camera trap design within the general survey area they are
charged with monitoring.
(Washington: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1996).
