BeaverCount

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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 Yes.  there is some on-line training on our Youtube Channel.   You can also check out this power-point presentation  (upper left-hand corner of the box)

What is a "self assessment"?

ANS.  Everyone, trained and experienced, needs to do a physical self assessment.  Namely, Ask  yourself:  "Can I  snowshoe one -half 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. 

Are there other assessments or checks  we should do?

ANS. Yes.  There are two other checks you should perform any time you expect to be out exploring your watershed.  1) your car:  Extra blankets, tow strap, jumper cables, preserved food such as sardines, and water or soda are  good things to keep in your car duing winter travel.  Check out NHTSA for more tips on winter driving.  Ensure that your vehicle is suitably equipped including good tires, flashlights, roadside reflectors  and water. 

When can we pick up our snowshoes?

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

Are we required to have a team?  

ANS.  You may  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!

What gear should we bring?  

ANS..Follow this link to the page below and view the recommended list of gear.  This gear is not exhaustive and you must understand that it's your responsibility to verify you gear.  We will go over our gear list at the training, but at a minium you must  bring hat, gloves (I prefer mittens), heavy coat, water, and sturdy water-resistant boots.  DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES. 

Where?  ANS: Training will either be at the Cherry Springs Nature Area or the Nordic Center.or the Mink Creek Nordic Center. 

When:  ANS: Jan 2th :  10AM to 2PM.  

What Should I bring? ANS: , Water, snacks, warm clothes, sunglasses, binoculars and insulated footwear.  Footwear includes boots and socks.  

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

How can I htlp at another time.  Say you're into htleping,b ut don't feel comfortable in the cold, windy lands.  You can help in June when we count the 

Why are we censusing beaver?   To better understand the impact of beaver actitivity on the long-term health of your watershed.

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.

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

ANS. Sort of...If you are in a red zone, you must check in by 9:30 AM. Just pick your date and time and respond by email to mike@watershedguardians.org 

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. Zone assignment will depend upon the outcome of your self assessment.  We strongly recommend that trained flat-tailers attend trainingat everythree years.  Guaranteed you will learns something new.

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

What is the lead agency responsible for setting the limits on beaver trapping?

ANS.  Idaho Fish and Game,  Four our region, (V), Dan Garren, Regional Supervisor,  dan.garren@idfg.idaho.gov Zach Lockyer lead biologist azch.lockyer@idfg.idaho.gov  

208-232-4703

Mail:  Idaho Fisng and Game

Region V 

1345 Barton Road

Pocatello, Idaho 83204

• 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.

• 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.

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".

1. Pocket knife or multi-tool such as a Leatherman (tm). Not so heavy as to pull your pants down.
2. Raingear. Rain poncho or 30 gallon plastic trash bag.
3. Trail food. This can include granola, nuts and raisins.  At least 2 granola bars 
4. Flashlight.  Include extra batteries. Put the batteries in reverse to prevent the light from coming on during hiking.
5. Extra Clothing. Include a light jacket, mittens, hat, sweater, wind pants, and non-cotton socks.  
6. First aid kit.  Bandaids, gauze, tape, astringent, antibiotic, lip balm. Materials to treat small scratches and blisters.
7. Sunglasses,  lip balm adn billed hat.
8. Map, compass
9. Fire-starting kit or waterproof  strike anywhere matches and kindling.
10. 2, 1 liter (or quart) bottles of warm water.
11. Signal whistle.

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.

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!

Factors that influence survival:  

1. The Will to survive, 
2. knowledge, 
3. 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.

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.

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

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.  

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