| Project Name | Lemming Study |
| Project Number | 242 |
| Location | Barrow, AK |
| Dates | June 15-30 (tentative) |
| Duration | 2 weeks (approximate) |
| Number of Volunteers Needed | 3 |
| Description | The Barrow Field Office, with support from Fairbanks and the Arctic LCC, is proposing to conduct the second year of a mark-recapture study on lemmings this summer. The project will involve biologists and middle and high school students and aims to gather quantitative information on this keystone species and it's relation to nesting Steller's eiders in the Barrow area. At the same time, this study provides local students the opportunity to develop scientific skills and a better understanding of the landscape and ecosystem in which they live. By encouraging youth participation we hope to connect students with nature and foster an interest in biology as a career path.
To help reduce the costs of this study we are soliciting for field assistance from within Region 7. We are currently looking for 3 people to assist with June field work near Barrow. Tentative dates are June 15th - June 30th, 2012. The project will cover the costs of travel, food, and a volunteer per diem (if the person is not a Service employee). Lodging and local transportation will also be provided. |
| Skills Needed | Current bear awareness training required. ATV/UTV training is desirable and firearms training is a plus, especially those that qualify as designated shooters. Interested parties should have a positive attitude, be physically fit, and capable of working long hours in inclement weather, often with little sleep. Experience with small mammal handling is also recommended but not required. |
| Audience Age | Teens (middle and high school) |
| Contact | Kaiti Ott, Wildlife Biologist 456-0276 kaithryn_ott@fws.gov |