Volunteers Requested for Raptor Surveys, Outdoor Opportunities
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CEDAR CITY, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking volunteers for the annual Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS) in southwest Utah. Personnel from RINS will host a volunteer field training course on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at noon. The event will be held at the BLM Cedar City Field Office, located at 176 E. DL Sargent Drive in Cedar City, Utah.
The all-volunteer organization RINS, studies birds of prey that nest throughout Utah’s vast ecosystems, and offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to be involved as “citizen scientists” in a long-term raptor nest monitoring project. The RINS organization collects and manages vital data regarding the nesting ecology of eagles, falcons, hawks, osprey, and owls.
To become a volunteer, contact RINS to attend the training. It is recommended that volunteers have a pair of binoculars, a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, a digital camera, and an email address. The time commitment involves monitoring visits to designated field locations from March through July.
“Through this partnership, we are committed to showing the public a unique way of enjoying their public land, while striving to promote productive and healthy wildlife habitat,” said Conner England, BLM Wildlife Biologist. “Information gathered by RINS volunteers will aid managers in protecting young birds and nest sites.”
Volunteers do not need previous experience or science credentials to participate. Ideal candidates just need to enjoy Utah’s outdoors and have a desire to help these magnificent birds of prey. For more information, visit: http://rins.org/. You can also email info@rins.org; or call 801-554-0807.
For more information, contact Nick Howell at 435-865-3026. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question for the above individual. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.