Tetlin Refuge: Duck Banding and Facility Maintenance

Project Name	Duck Banding and Facility Maintenance
Project Number	408
Location	Upper Tanana / Deadman Lake Campground south of Tok along the Al
Dates	4 or 5 1-week shifts: July 25-Aug 24 (TBD)
Duration	at least 1 week - Sunday night t
Number of Volunteers Needed	1-2 each week for up to 5 weeks
Description	Tetlin Refuge is looking for volunteers to spend one, two, or more weeks (1-2 volunteers at a time) helping out with duck banding projects in the Upper Tanana. The Refuge has been banding dabbling ducks (mostly mallards, pin-tails and green-winged teal) for several years resulting in hundreds of banded ducks that are adding to knowledge of the flyway. Volunteers would travel to banding sites with refuge employees every day and assist with trap construction, baiting, bird handling and note taking. Volunteers will learn about ducks, banding, the Tetlin Refuge and be able to experience working with refuge staff, other volunteers and possibly youth. Duck banding will likely take only half the day so light maintenance chores such as painting will be assigned as time allows. Volunteers would camp at the refuge\'s Deadman Lake Campground near the banding areas. They would have a designated campsite near the boat launch but would need to bring their own tent or camper. Volunteers would have use of the refuge canoes and a supply of firewood. Deadman Lake has northern pike and nearby Hidden Lake has rainbow trout. A Refuge vehicle will be available for all government-related activities. Birding and hiking opportunities are nearby, as well as Tetlin Refuge’s visitor center. Deadman Lake Campground is primitive with no running water, vault toilets, and limited cell service. The Refuge bunkhouse, 20 miles from the campground, will be the closest source for showers, potable water and wifi. There is a dump station but no hookups at Deadman Lake. Volunteers are responsible for their own housing - tent or trailer, food, and transportation to Deadman Lake campground. Any interested volunteer should call Tim at the refuge to find out more about what volunteering would entail. This is the third year Friend volunteers have done this project and all loved the experience. Please read the detailed and enthusiastic report by last year\'s duck banding crew HERE. If you would like to discuss the project with a previous year\'s volunteer, contact us at volunteer@alaskarefugefriends.org. Volunteers must apply to Friends with the on-line volunteer application. Please indicate which week or weeks you would be available for within the time period of July 24-August 25.
Skills Needed	No experience necessary but must be physically capable of the following tasks: lifting up to 25 lbs; walking in waders on soft and uneven ground; riding in a small boat; lifting their arms over their head (to hold netting) and camping in a remote setting without quick access to medical care. The first week will be the most physical as the banding stations are established. Volunteers must also be patient and can follow instructions. Deadman Lake is a small but fairly social campground that attracts a diverse group of Alaska Highway travelers and Alaskans. Being able and willing to discuss duck banding, the refuge and Friends with other campers is a plus.
Contact	Tim Lorenzini: 907-883-9409 (timothy_lorenzini@fws.gov)