Crayfish Survey Volunteer Duties
Summary: Seeking citizens interested in collecting and preserving crayfish for a UW/WDNR research project during summer 2008.
Project Background: Since the summer of 2004 citizens have assisted with collection of crayfish for an ongoing research study about the effects of the invasive rusty crayfish on native crayfish in water bodies across Wisconsin. Citizens collect crayfish using legal fishing methods, then preserve them and deliver them to a local drop off site (often a regional WDNR Service Center or local Nature Center). At their chosen field locations, citizens also collect a variety of water quality parameters (such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity).
In the fall, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison collect the crayfish from the drop off locations and identify the crayfish during the winter months. Citizens are provided results of the type of crayfish found at their monitoring sites and the data are compiled for use in an ongoing project about Aquatic Invasive Species by Dr. Jake VanderZanden and researcher Jeff Maxted.
Participants will be provided with all equipment needed to conduct the monitoring either at the training session or it will be available to be borrowed from a local project host.
Volunteer Monitor Responsibilities: Volunteers who participate in this crayfish monitoring survey must:
- Attend a 3 hour training session to be held in July or August on a weekday evening or weekend day in an area local to the volunteers.
- Sample at least one location (of your choice) following the training and before September 30, 2008.
- Turn in preserved crayfish and completed data sheet to local drop off station by October 5, 2008.
- Purchase a Wisconsin fishing license.
- Purchase bait for trap as needed (some may be provided at training).
Volunteer qualifications:
- No science background is needed, training will be provided to those who are interested and able to meet the defined responsibilities
- Ability to walk along river banks and enter the water to access a monitoring site
- Enjoyment of the outdoors
- Concern for the community and its environment
Contacts:
Kris Stepenuck
Citizen Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator
608.265.3887 or 608.264.8948
kris.stepenuck@ces.uwex.edu
Laura Herman
Citizen Lake Monitoring Network Educator
715.346.3989
Laura.Herman@uwsp.edu