WINTER TRACKING SURVEYS:
​​wolverine tracking project

Tracking surveys are conducted by snowshoe in Mt Hood National Forest. 
Season: December through March
Training Sessions: November
Winter 2020-21 Application due October 31
THANK  YOU
​to everyone who applied for the Winter Tracking Survey 2020-21!
We will announce the tracking teams November 6th.
Most wild animals are difficult to observe, even though they are all around us. By interpreting the footprints and other signs wildlife leave behind, tracking provides a way to unravel their mystery. These surveys tell us not only about the presence of animals but also how they are using and interacting with an environment, which in turn can inform us about the health of the ecosystem.

These surveys provide a place for new and experienced trackers alike to strengthen their skills, get together with like-minded people, and participate in a long-term survey to detect signs of rare forest carnivores. Even if you are new to tracking, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks.

Read more about the Wolverine Tracking Project.

Survey goals

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Measuring coyote tracks
​Our winter snow tracking surveys have two goals:
  • Record data on animal species seen
  • Teach participants about animal tracking, wildlife, and the natural world
Tracking is a skill you can spend your whole lifetime learning and still not know everything. We want to be able to share this ancient art with you, to help you either start or continue down that long road of knowledge. It encompasses knowledge of animal behavior, awareness, ecology, and more. The more you study tracking, the more you realize that everything, in fact, leaves a track of some sort. ​

Group Surveys

New and Experienced Trackers
Group Tracking Surveys are conducted in teams of three Trackers and one trained and experienced Tracking Leader. ​These groups are smaller than other years to help minimize the risk of COVID-19. The small group size also helps to encourage group participation while being large enough to have more eyes on the ground to search for tracks! 

Surveys are typically day-long excursions that arrive to the mountain around 9:00 am, allowing for plenty of time to search for hare, bobcat, coyote, and - if we are lucky - the tracks of some of our Target Species. Most surveys are on Saturdays and Sundays, however we try to schedule at least one weekday trip as well.

A three-part Tracker Training is required of all new participants to learn tracking basics and how to conduct a survey. 
Tracker Training is $35 - the same price as an Annual Membership, and provides you with all the same benefits of membership in addition to learning tracking skills! 

Training Dates for New Survey Participants: November 17, 24, and December 1, 6:30-8:00 pm 
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A group survey inspects hare tracks

Self-organized Surveys

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Trackers follow a ridge as they search for tracks
Experienced Trackers 
New this season, self-organized tracking surveys are conducted by Trackers who have attended Tracker Training and at least two Group Tracking Surveys, who have passed a Tracking Evaluation, and who feel confident in their winter tracking abilities. 

Self-Organized Trackers are welcome to go out tracking whenever they like, although we have certain transects that must be surveyed. We also ask that these trackers do not survey alone, you must be accompanied by at least one other person. One online training on survey protocols will also be provided. ​

Training Date: Nov 12, 6:30-8:00 pm

Requirements

Tracker Requirements - Group Surveys 
​
Everyone is welcome to apply, no experience is necessary. 
​However, you must:
  • ​be able to snowshoe up to 2 miles. This is the equivalent to hiking around 5 miles. If you have never  been on snowshoes before, be aware that it uses different muscles than you might be used to! 
  • be comfortable in various survey conditions for up to six hours, which can involve: rain and/or snow; icy surfaces or deep snow; standing in one place for long periods of time to inspect tracks/trails/sign; and some uphill snowshoeing.
  • provide all required gear and equipment (see below)
  • provide all own transportation
    *Drivers must be comfortable driving in winter conditions, and highway regulations require that 2-wheel drive vehicles carry tire chains. 
  • accurately follow survey protocol
  • agree to Cascadia Wild's COVID-19 Protocols which include: no carpooling with members outside your own household, socially distance, wear a mask, and do not share equipment.
  • attend a three-part training (all online) – if a new participant
  • commit to at least 2 surveys in the season
Children under 18 years of age are welcome as long as they can meet the physical requirements and are accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
Additional Requirements for Self-Organized Trackers: 
​
  • Must have attended Tracker Training with Cascadia Wild
  • Verified participation in at least 2 group tracking surveys
  • Pass an online tracking evaluation
  • Participate in one online protocol training
  • Confidence conducting a tracking survey without the support of a group or Tracking Leader
  • Ability to accurately and thoroughly document encountered tracks and sign and correctly collect, label, and store genetic samples
  • Experience navigating using a GPS or mapping application, paper maps, and a compass
  • Experience and confidence snowshoeing on the mountain in winter conditions
  • Have a friend, family member, colleague, or other person(s) to participate with you in each survey*

*The person(s) accompanying the Tracker on surveys does not need to meet the above qualifications and does not need to apply, but does need to sign a liability waiver. 
All volunteers have the option to receive the Cascadia Wildlife Weekly Newsletter - which includes all the week's best wildlife photos and news - and have access to all of the season's camera photos. 
Volunteers also have access to the data collected throughout the season and receive discounts on select classes, events, and workshops. 

Equipment  required

All Trackers must supply their own equipment, including: 
​
  • Snowshoes
  • Personal gear such as boots, clothing, food and water, and guides
  • Personal safety gear
  • Sno Park permit for each vehicle​ ​
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Trackers must supply their own snowshoes this season
All Self-Organized Trackers must also supply: 
​
  • GPS or mapping application, with the ability to upload tracks and waypoints
  • Camera
  • Ruler
  • Measuring Tape
  • Genetic Sample Collection items: paper bags, disposable gloves, tweezers, lighter, and envelopes
  • Data Sheets 
  • Pencil and clipboard
  • Access to a computer to upload data sheets, GPS files, and photos. 
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Common winter tracking locations
Not sure what to bring? See our packing list for some recommendations! ​

REady to start tracking?

​Group Tracking


If you're new to tracking with Cascadia Wild or if you've tracked with us before and would like the group experience, we invite you to apply! 
​
Due to our smaller group sizes this year, we have can only accept 15-20 Group Trackers. Candidates will be considered based on their ability to meet participant requirements, with consideration for what each participant hopes to gain from the experience.   


​​
Training Dates (new participants):
Nov 17, 24, and Dec 12, 6:30-8:00 pm

Self-Organized Tracking

If you've tracked with Cascadia Wild before, have attended 2 group surveys, and are confident in your abilities to conduct a winter tracking survey, apply to join the self-organized surveys! 

To qualify, you must meet the survey requirements and pass an online, open book evaluation that covers track identifications and basic protocols. We will also provide an online training that covers protocols more in-depth. 
​
The person(s) accompanying you on a survey do not need to apply, but we will need their name and info, and they will need to sign a liability waiver.

Training Date: November 12, 6:30-8:00 pm
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Looking at Mt Hood from Surveyor's Ridge