Kodiak Refuge: Remote Berry Sampling/Invasive Weed Management

Project NameRemote Berry Sampling/Invasive Weed Management
Project Number424
LocationKodiak Refuge – Karluk Lake, Uganik Lake, Red Lake
DatesJuly 2023, exact dates TBD
DurationUp to 2 weeks
Number of Volunteers Needed1 FILLED
DescriptionVolunteer will assist refuge biologists with annual monitoring of plots set in three remote study sites where data will be collected on the abundance of berries important to brown bear. At one of the study sites (Karluk Lake) we also will spend a couple days surveying and controlling (with herbicide) orange hawkweed. Lodging will be provided; a shared bunkroom for 4 days at Uganik Lake public use cabin; tent camping for 5 days at Red Lake; and the remainder of time at Camp Island bunkhouse (Refuge field administrative headquarters) at Karluk Lake. Kodiak Refuge will also provide housing if overnights are required in Kodiak town, and all meals while in the field. Volunteer will be responsible for their own travel to Kodiak.
Skills NeededVolunteers will need to be current on Basic Aviation Safety, Dunker training, and bear safety training. There are opportunities to take these courses on Kodiak and in Anchorage. Access to berry plots requires good physical condition since we frequently climb part way up mountainsides with loaded 10-15 lb. day packs. You need to be weather hardy, comfortable tent camping and flexible about sharing bunkhouse space. Please address these needed skills in your application. For more information contact Bill Pyle, bill_pyle@fws.gov
ContactBill Pyle, bill_pyle@fws.gov or Erin Strand (907)487-0285; email: erin_strand@fws.gov