Volunteer Opportunities
Wildlands Volunteer Corps
Summer 2004
Mission Mountain Whitebark Pine Project: August 8-14
Swan Valley Herp Survey: June 21-26
WHITEBARK PINE PROJECT BACKGROUND
This summer our crew will backpack in to, and set up base camp at, North Hemlock Lake on the east side of the Mission Mountains - in the midst of the 2003 Crazy Horse Fire. Our job will be to monitor levels of white pine blister rust and mountain pine beetle in whitebark pine stands.
Whitebark forests are being devastated by the combined effects of white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle and the lack of fire in the high mountains. Fire suppression efforts in lower elevations have reduced the frequency of fires at high elevation as well, so that sub-alpine fir trees can invade and shade out whitebark seedlings. Once whitebark pines reach maturity, they are generally fire resistant - their thick bark and upswept limbs high off the ground buffer them from all but the most intense flames. However, wildfires quickly kill off the competing sub-alpine firs, paving the way for whitebark seeds to germinate. In this way, wildfires can help restore dwindling whitebark populations.
Remarkably, the Wildlands Volunteer Corps surveyed whitebark forests in the North Hemlock Lake area in 1999, not knowing that 4 years later a wildfire would sweep through the area. Resurveying after the 2003 fires gives us a fantastic opportunity to see what has changed over time in these high elevation forests and specifically what effects the fire may have had.
As a keystone species, whitebark pines provide food for bears, squirrels and birds; provide soil stability on steep mountain slopes; and help regulate snow melt. For more information on these fascinating, valuable, high-elevation forests, visit the web site of the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation at www.whitebarkfound.org
LOGISTICS
NwC provides continuous supervision, lodging and transportation while in the Swan Valley. NwC also provides all group camping equipment for each project. We ask for a $25 contribution toward the cost of food for the week. Volunteers provide their own transportation to and from the work site as well as personal camping equipment such as sleeping bags and backpacks. We can loan some personal camping equipment for students who don't own it.
Students in the past have been able to receive academic credit for their work with the WVC. Arrangements must be made with individual guidance counselors.
Call 754-3185 or for more information or to request an application.
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HERP SURVEY BACKGROUND
Together, amphibians and reptiles are known as "herps" or "herpetofauna." During the Herp Survey, we will explore the wetlands of the Swan Valley as we have done for the past 5 summers, looking specifically for Western Toads and recording information about all other amphibian and reptile species we encounter. We will camp at a comfortable "front-country" site at the confluence of the Swan River and Holland Creek. Each day we will drive to, then hike in to, 3-4 ponds where we will change into hip waders, grab a long-handled dip net and survey the perimeter of the water.
Amphibian populations worldwide have declined over the past decade or two, several to the point of extinction. Western Toads appear to be disappearing in western Montana, which makes it critical to identify breeding sites. Understanding more about where Western Toads breed and live will make it more likely that land managers such as the Forest Service can protect their habitat.
LOGISTICS
NwC provides continuous supervision, lodging and transportation while in the Swan Valley. NwC also provides all group camping equipment for each project. We ask for a $25 contribution towards the cost of food for the week. Volunteers provide their own transportation to and from the work site as well as personal camping equipment such as sleeping bags and backpacks. We can loan some personal camping equipment for students who don't own it.
On the final day of the project, we invite family members to join the crew for a day in the field. This enables parents and others to learn more about the project and help out themselves.
Students in the past have been able to receive academic credit for their work with the WVC. Arrangements must be made with individual guidance counselors.
Call 754-3185 or for more information or to request an application.