Vernal and Price, Utah—The Bureau of Land Management of Utah is asking for volunteers to help conduct the annual Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS) this spring in northeastern and central Utah. Field training by RINS personnel will be provided for all volunteers.
RINS offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to become involved as “citizen scientists” in a long-term raptor nest monitoring project. The RINS organization collects and manages vital data regarding the nesting ecology of eagles, falcons, hawks, osprey and owls.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer do not need previous experience or scientific credentials. The requirements are that you enjoy Utah’s outdoors and a desire to help these magnificent birds of prey. It is recommended that you own a pair of binoculars, a GPS unit, a digital camera and have an email address. The time commitment involves two field days per month from March through July to monitor an assigned area.
For more information visit www.rins.org or call, (801) 554-0807. Volunteers can also send an email to info@rins.org.
For local information concerning raptor nesting surveys, please contact Brandon McDonald, Vernal Field Office, at (435) 781-4449 or Jared Reese, Price Field Office, at (435) 636-3624.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. In fiscal year 2014, the BLM generated $5.2 billion in receipts from public lands.