BeaverCount

Get involved with your watershed. Check out our M.A.R.S. program for chance to help!

Watershed Guardians PO Box 634 Pocatello, ID 83204US

(208) 232-0825

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help make our watershed watershed resilient

ISU's Outdoor Leadership

Twelve years and counting

For 12 years, Watershed Guardians has mentored, supported, trained and provided scholarships to ISU Outdoor Leadership students. It has been a wonderful experience for them and us. We will continue to support them in achieving their natural future. To help us help them, visit our donate page and specify "ISU-OL" in your donation. In the meantime, please enjoy some of the pictures of past ISU-OL students "on the job".in the slide show below.

FAQs:

Some basic answers to questions

1. We are supposed to form our own teams--is that correct? I think I have three other people who want to join me.

ANS. Yes. They will have to be trained, however. Also, you will want to arrange transportation. If they are in your pod, you may car-pool. Otherwise, you will want to arrange separate rides. Please indicate all of the members of your team on the registration form.

Will there be on-line training?

ANS No. We do not have a fully developed on-line training at this time. We will post some training materials in the sections below.

What is a "self assessment"?

ANS. Everyone, trained and experienced, needs to do a physical self assessment. Namely, Ask yourself: "Can I snowshoe one mile with an incline of 150 ft without feeling uncomfortable, stress, shortness of breath or any pain?" If you have any doubt, consult your doctor. Anyone who is a new volunteer must to do a physical assessment on 1/30 at 10 AM.

Is there also a separate self-assessment?

ANS. Yes. Check your gear, including your vehicle. Ensure that you have the right gear, clothing, equipment and understanding about the event. Ensure that your vehicle is suitably equipped , including good tires. The physical assessment is so important that our volunteers need to understand the physical demands required for even the simple zones.

When can we pick up our snowshoes?

ANS. Pick up your snowshoes the evening before your training date or the evening before you plan to snowshoe.

Are we required to have a team?

ANS. You MUST count with no fewer than 2 team members and 3 or more is preferred. If you do not have a team, we can put you in a team. Meet new friends!

Do we pick our own day/time to do the BeaverCount during that week from 1/28 to 2/4?

ANS. Yes. Just pick your date and time and respond by email to mike@watershedguardians.org IMPORTANT: Since we're not using our "chit system" we are tracking volunteers with text. Please text 2082320825 when you leave the valley and when you return.

Are you assigning where we do our count?

ANS. Zones will be on a first come, first serve basis, with up to three teams per zone allowed.

How/when will we get that info?

ANS. You may select your zone by number or give a general description of that zone as soon as possible and we will sign you up. If you don't hear anything call back at 2082320825

The basics

Some basic answers to questions

Where? ANS: Training at the Cherry Springs Nature Area. If the parking lot is not plowed or open, we'll meet at the Mink Creek Nodic Center.

When: ANS: Jan 28th : 12PM to 4PM. On Jan 29th, training starts at 10AM and goes through 2PM.

What Should I bring? ANS: , Water, snacks warm clothes, snacks and good footwear. Footwear means shoes and socks.

How do I register? ANS: Register below. If you need snowshoes, indicate that on the registration.

Why are we censusing or "counting" beaver in the winter? ANS: Because beaver remain active throughout the winter and folks need something to do in the winter, outside.

minimum gear requirements

Winter Clothing

Long-sleeved, non-cotton shirt or sweater. Wool is preferred.
Warm shirt. Not cotton
Sweater. Non-cotton.
Long underwear, non-cotton.
Hiking boots. Rubber boots such as Muck boots, or Sorrells are best.
Extra wool socks.
Insulated parka or coat with hood.
Non-cotton stocking hat.
Non cotton mittens
Rain gear such as poncho or rain shell.

What We provide

Winter Clothing

Snowshoes
Poles
High Vis vests (for road count zones)
Log sheet
Fliers (Beaver Factoids to hand out).
Maps 2 per team
Fuel cards (ISU Students only, please)
Logistical Support

Do you have snowshoes? Poles? Bring them! That helps save us costs that we can use for other purchases/projects.

REQUIRED GEAR

Winter Clothing

Where did this gear list come from?

What follows is a list from the The Boy Scouts' of America (BSA) Scouting Hand book. "Basic Essentials". These are required prior to embarking on the Count. We have added an 11th item that we feel important and we require that volunteers have the requisite clothing listed in "Winter Clothing".

Pocket knife or multi-tool such as a Leatherman (tm). Not so heavy as to pull your pants down.
Raingear. Rain poncho or 30 gallon plastic trash bag.
Trail food. This can include granola, nuts and raisins. At least 2 granola bars
Flashlight. Include extra batteries. Put the batteries in reverse to prevent the light from coming on during hiking.
Extra Clothing. Include a light jacket, mittens, hat, sweater, wind pants, and non-cotton socks.
First aid kit. Bandaids, gauze, tape, astringent, antibiotic, lip balm. Materials to treat small scratches and blisters.
Sunglasses, lip balm adn billed hat.
Map, compass
Fire-starting kit or waterproof strike anywhere matches and kindling.
2, 1 liter (or quart) bottles of warm water.
Signal whistle.

Where did this gear list come from?

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

Where did this gear list come from?

REQUIRED:

This list is taken from the Boy Scouts of America Scouting Handbook. It has been recommended the world over for the minimum requirements for outdoor adventures.

The basic consideration

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

You are being asked to transport yourself on a windy, winter road to a destination that will likely have snow or ice on the road. Only pull over in designated, plowed parking lots. If you get stuck, stay in your car Put the flashers on. Wear bright clothing.

Cell phone service is sketchy.

Once you reach the creek, be careful not to get too close to the edge, The banks can be soft and unstable. It can be very difficult to extract yourself from the pond. It may be easier to remove your shoes.

You may also choose to travel through the brush. Be mindful of your eyes that you don't smack the person in the eye behind you. Wear sunglasses or safety glasses.

Your poles are like a second set of legs, They can help you climb, navigate through the brush, keep you upright and could help keep wild animals away. Use them!

Wildlife may be in the area. Do not interact with the wildlife any more than is necessary.

You may also run into hikers, skiers or fishermen. If the opportunity presents itself, explain what you are doing.

Thank you for helping us help them help us!

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

Factors that influence survival:

The Will to survive,
knowledge,
equipment-

Remember, technology fails. Most of survival depends upon you remaining calm and using your knowledge:

Enemies of survival: Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, boredom, loneliness and unwillingness to stay put
Factors that influence survival: Will to survive, knowledge, equipment.
Fitness. We give you the opportunity to test your physical abilities. It is up to you to decide when to quit. Do not over-exert yourself.

Do not underestimate the importance of staying hydrated. You can help with this by hauling warm water in your spare socks. As you drink the warm water, you can replenish it with snow and double the amount of water available.

COVID 19 Strategy

We managed to make it through CoVID (mostly), so wer are not being as restricitveabouht gathering. That said, boht riders and drivers, please use respect and precautions when riding with your car pool.

Car pooling is encouraged.

Wear a mask if requested.
Keep 6 feet apart from others.
Wash/Sanitize your hands .often.
Beaver count training
Self-assessment
We still have team names and best picture contest.
Everyone must register. (See below).
As always, we will have an alternate date in case weather dictates. The alternate date is February 11th, 2021.

Why not cotton?

COVID 19 Strategy

Cotton is what is known as hydro-phillic or water loving. Moisture from the outside or from your body accumulates in the cotton and it loses what little insulating properties it has. In some cold conditions, it is deadly. Don't bring it, don't wear it. This includes shirts, Levis and socks. Wool is best and polypropylene is second best.

Maps

COVID 19 Strategy

Maps

We will use two different USGS maps for this count. They are included below. These maps are "Pocatello South" and "Clifton Creek". They are below

Beavercount

BeaverCount

BeaverCount is Watershed Guardians' annual census of beaver activity in the Portneuf Watershed. We train volunteers in winter preparedness and how to identify beaver signs or spoor. We use the data collected to identify population trends that could reveal a collapse or near collapse of beaver population, and possibly prevent their demise.

Key facts

You must have been trained prior to joining the Count. This will be completed by January 30th and includes the physical self assessment 1 mile snowshoe hike.
You must be in good physical condition.
You must work with at least one partner.
You must register (see below).

We'll have more on this later! Check back for more details!

Summary of the Mink Creek BeaverCount

Location: Mink Creek Basin, Bannock County, Idaho.

Specific Name: South Fork, Main Stem Mink Creek

Stream length: 8.2 miles

8.3 miles

Total length: 10.5 miles Includes Bull Canyon

Management: USFS Westside Ranger District, Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Idaho Fish and Game, Region V, Dan Garren Regional Supervisor

Beaver Trapping: Currently restricted to 5 animals per year

Miles censused: 9.0

We have seen increased pressure in this area due to both regulated and un-regulated uses. Competing uses include grazing, irrigation and target shooting. We have petitioned the Idaho Fish and Game to close this area to trapping for the past two (four years) comment periods.

Photo Gallery

This was a little fellow we named "Tom Sawyer" He was trapped two years ago.(Gretchen Vanek)

Like a Swiss wood carver, the beaver peels the birch in smooth, single slices. We think we may be able to age the beaver by the cut-marks. Can you think of how?

Beaver Lodge on the SF Mink (ca 2018, photo: (Unknown)

You'll need a good pair of snowshoes to participate in BeaverCount. The newer shoes (not these) feature quick release bindings!

There are many options to travel to census zones. On this amazing day, the South Fork road was perfect for fat-tire biking! (Bruce Padian)

Never walk on thin ice! (Mike Settell)

help make our watershed watershed resilient

BeaverCount 2023 is completed!. Thank you to all of the teams!

Upload your Pictures

Upload up to 8 pictures from you adventures!

The good news: All zones were counted. The bad news: The fewest number of beaver clusters in 11 years.

ISU's Outdoor Leadership

Twelve years and counting

Maps, etc

Zone Descriptions

FAQs:

Some basic answers to questions

Some basic answers to questions

Some basic answers to questions

The basics

Some basic answers to questions

Some basic answers to questions

Register here

BeaverCount Registration

Watershed Guardians

minimum gear requirements

Winter Clothing

Winter Clothing

Winter Clothing

What We provide

Winter Clothing

Winter Clothing

REQUIRED GEAR

Winter Clothing

Where did this gear list come from?

Where did this gear list come from?

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

Where did this gear list come from?

The basic consideration

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

"When technology fails in the wilderness and you have no skills, you are going to die"--Mike Doyle,

COVID 19 Strategy

COVID 19 Strategy

COVID 19 Strategy

Why not cotton?

COVID 19 Strategy

COVID 19 Strategy

Maps

COVID 19 Strategy

Maps

Beavercount

BeaverCount

Summary of the Mink Creek BeaverCount

Map for Flat-tailers. Use "All Zones Rev2021.pdf"

Release forms

Photo Gallery