Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Opportunities

Specific Volunteer Opportunities Now Available
Listings of specific Master Hunter volunteer project opportunities will be posted by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and updated on a routine basis.

Do You Have a Master Hunter Related Project for which You Need Volunteer Help?
Make sure your activity corresponds to the pre-approved conservation project guidelines then call Tracy Loveless at (360) 902-8412, tracy.loveless@dfw.wa.gov, to get it posted here.

Statewide Opportunities

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.
  
  Register to assist with non-lethal control of game damage throughout the state. Landowner conflicts involving elk, deer, turkey, and waterfowl routinely occurs at various times of the year. Depending upon the situation, volunteers will provide herding, hazing, fence repair and fence construction services under the direction and guidance of WDFW personnel. Sign up by county, game species, and time of the year by using this link, http://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/herding_hazing/ . Applicants are required to reapply January 1st of each year.

• Department of Natural Resources (DNR) volunteer projects statewide. Contact DNR statewide volunteer coordinator, Christine Redmond, at Christine.Redmond@dnr.wa.gov.

Region 1

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Conboy Lake, and Toppenish National Wildlife Refuges). Reoccurring volunteer projects include: pre-waterfowl hunting season hunt blind preparation (September); waterfowl hunt blind construction and replacement (February thru September); post-waterfowl hunting season cleanup (March); disabled hunter accessibility including trails, boardwalks, and hunting blinds (February thru September); waterfowl hunting trail maintenance (September); and native tree and shrub planting (February thru March). Contact Shannon Ludwig (Shannon_Ludwig@fws.gov) or Lamont Glass (Lamont_Glass@fws.gov) at the Toppenish Headquarters Office at (509)-865-2405. The following web link provides pictures of volunteer activities: http://kenandmyrt.com/volunteers.html

• Volunteer projects available on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) managed lands in the Southeast Region (Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat Counties). Individuals or groups are welcome. Feel free to suggest projects needed in the area. Examples of previous and planned volunteer work include but aren’t limited to the following: cleaning up hunting camp garbage, maintenance of trail drainage structures, installing signs, maintaining signs, green dot road system maintenance, installing gates, and blocking access to non-green dot roads. Contact Greg Mackey for further information greg.mackey@dnr.wa.gov

Region 2

• Call for master hunter volunteers to work shifts during the entire day of Friday, October 30th. We are looking for volunteers to distribute informational fliers and green dot road maps to elk hunters the day prior to the season opener. The fliers will inform and remind hunters that regulations were changed earlier this year and, only true spikes can be harvested without a special permit. Volunteers (2 per location) will be posted along Colockum Pass road in Kittitas county and, Chelan county. The day will be divided into 4 hour shifts starting at 6:00 am and running until 10:00 pm. If interested please contact Anthony Novack by email or telephone (509-925-9323). A schedule will be formalized on the 27th of October.

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Sinlahekin Wildlife Area and Chiliwist Wildlife Area projects. There are 20 different volunteer activities available. Contact Wildlife Area Manager Dale Swedberg at 509-223-3358, swedbdas@dfw.wa.gov . Please note that a bunkhouse is available for volunteers to use, BUT that advance scheduling is definitely required. Volunteers should be able to work independently once given training and orientation. General projects include: Sinlahekin Wildlife Area---- Zachman Gate Installation; Deer Enclosure Fence Rebuild; New Gate Forde Lake Campground Road; Woodshop and Machine shed Painting; Garbage Dumps Cleanup; Fence Removal; Fence Construction and Repair; Guzzler Repair and Rebuild; Loading Dock Construction; Weed Control; Upland Bird Feeder Repair; Road Fence; Construction of Bluebird Nest Boxes; and oheny Basin Road Brushing. Chiliwist Wildlife Area----Weed Control; Fence Removal; Parking Area #2 Fence Removal, Construction, and Signage; Parking Area #3 Fencing and Signage; Loading Dock Construction; and Fence Construction and Repair.

• Volunteer projects available on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) managed lands in the Southeast Region (Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat Counties). Individuals or groups are welcome. Feel free to suggest projects needed in the area. Examples of previous and planned volunteer work include but aren’t limited to the following: cleaning up hunting camp garbage, maintenance of trail drainage structures, installing signs, maintaining signs, green dot road system maintenance, installing gates, and blocking access to non-green dot roads. Contact Greg Mackey for further information greg.mackey@dnr.wa.gov.

Region 3

• Call for master hunter volunteers to work shifts during the entire day of Friday, October 30th. We are looking for volunteers to distribute informational fliers and green dot road maps to elk hunters the day prior to the season opener. The fliers will inform and remind hunters that regulations were changed earlier this year and, only true spikes can be harvested without a special permit. Volunteers (2 per location) will be posted along Colockum Pass road in Kittitas county and, Chelan county. The day will be divided into 4 hour shifts starting at 6:00 am and running until 10:00 pm. If interested please contact Anthony Novack by email or telephone (509-925-9323). A schedule will be formalized on the 27th of October.

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Volunteers are needed to assist a landowner with the construction of an elk fence near Eatonville. This project is being undertaken as part of a cooperative elk fencing agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to control damage. The fence will be built on the weekends of September 12/13 and September 19/20. Work days will begin at 8:00 A.M. and continue through 4:00 P.M.  At least 15 volunteers are needed for each day and it is preferred that volunteers commit to both days of a selected weekend in order to minimize startup preparations. To register please contact Bud Holstie at (253) 875-6233.

  Volunteers should bring any available tools including:

• Work gloves
• Shovels
• Hand tools for brush clearing
• Post-hole diggers
• Tamping bar
• Hammers
• Fencing pliers
• Wire-cutters
• Pick
• Please bring your own lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate weather gear

• Volunteers needed to help facilitate access for special-permit elk hunts near Mt. St. Helens

• Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Conboy Lake, and Toppenish National Wildlife Refuges). Reoccurring volunteer projects include: pre-waterfowl hunting season hunt blind preparation (September); waterfowl hunt blind construction and replacement (February thru September); post-waterfowl hunting season cleanup (March); disabled hunter accessibility including trails, boardwalks, and hunting blinds (February thru September); waterfowl hunting trail maintenance (September); and native tree and shrub planting (February thru March). Contact Shannon Ludwig (Shannon_Ludwig@fws.gov) or Lamont Glass (Lamont_Glass@fws.gov) at the Toppenish Headquarters Office at (509)-865-2405. The following web link provides pictures of volunteer activities: http://kenandmyrt.com/volunteers.html.

• Volunteer projects available on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) managed lands in the Southeast Region (Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat Counties). Individuals or groups are welcome. Feel free to suggest projects needed in the area. Examples of previous and planned volunteer work include but aren’t limited to the following: cleaning up hunting camp garbage, maintenance of trail drainage structures, installing signs, maintaining signs, green dot road system maintenance, installing gates, and blocking access to non-green dot roads. Contact Greg Mackey for further information greg.mackey@dnr.wa.gov .

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Wildlife Program in Region Six, and Check Station Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six as part of their Property Watch Land Access Program. Check stations are a valuable tool for wildlife management, assisting in the collection of biological data-gathering for our deer and elk populations. Volunteer efforts will include attending a training, signup for one or more dates/locations, travel to/from station sites, setup, collect data from hunters and their harvested game, tear down, cleanup, and the completion of forms. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Wildlife Director John Arnold at (360) 520-4330, www.eyesinthewoods.org.

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Property Watch Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six. Eyes In the Woods Directors are collaborating with multiple local conservation/sport organizations, business owners, private landowners, timber companies, WDFW staff, and the media with the goal of opening private lands for outdoor recreational uses, primarily hunting and fishing. Participating volunteers are required to travel to gates/key control locations and stay at said locations during hunting hours. These control locations are designed to detour hunters from active logging areas, open gates and be an information source. Volunteer participation also includes installing signage materials placed at strategic access locations, land cleanup projects, and to act as a deterrent for poaching, dumping, vandalism, and other crimes. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Land Access Director Tony Wells at (360) 480-6689, www.eyesinthewoods.org.

• Yakima Training Center General Project Assistance. A variety of volunteer projects are usually always available. Activities may include fence pulling, installation of posts and signage to protect sensitive habitat areas, control of noxious weeds, planting of shrubs and trees and collection of sagebrush seeds. For more information, and to register, call Brian Knapp at (509) 577-3006.

Region 4

• Volunteers needed for repair work on the "Elk Enclosure" at Mt. Saint Helens. The “Elk Exclosure” is a 1.25 acre fenced experimental plot where elk and deer are being“ excluded” so scientists can measure plant recovery in the absence of browsing and compare it to adjacent unfenced areas. The aging elk exclosure fence was damaged by the weight of heavy snowfall last winter, and may not survive another winter without help from our volunteers! We will pack in tools and materials approximately ¾ mile to the exclosure, replace weathered posts, wire and brace the posts to strengthen the fence before winter.

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Volunteers are needed to assist a landowner with the construction of an elk fence near Eatonville. This project is being undertaken as part of a cooperative elk fencing agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to control damage. The fence will be built on the weekends of September 12/13 and September 19/20. Work days will begin at 8:00 A.M. and continue through 4:00 P.M.  At least 15 volunteers are needed for each day and it is preferred that volunteers commit to both days of a selected weekend in order to minimize startup preparations. To register please contact Bud Holstie at (253) 875-6233.

  Volunteers should bring any available tools including:

• Work gloves
• Shovels
• Hand tools for brush clearing
• Post-hole diggers
• Tamping bar
• Hammers
• Fencing pliers
• Wire-cutters
• Pick
• Please bring your own lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate weather gear

• Volunteers needed to help facilitate access for special-permit elk hunts near Mt. St. Helens

• Volunteers are needed to help mentor kids at the Pellet Gun Range and Snow Shoeing venues during the 2009 Puyallup Fair. The Go Play Outside Association of Washington (GOPAW) and Washington Hunter Education Instructor’s Association (WHEIA) need assistance on the following dates in September: 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. Hours of operation for these activities will be 12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M. with a one hour break for lunch. Free entry passes to the Fair will be provided to volunteers. Please contact either Bonnie Long at (360) 943-6404 or Ike Keating at (253) 631-0914.

• Volunteer projects available on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) managed lands in the Northwest Region. Volunteer Work Parties Throughout the Year: Interested individuals are welcome to join one of these work party events or to sponsor a work event in partnership with DNR. Contact Christ Thomsen or Jim Cahill for further information, specific project dates, and additional volunteer opportunities in the Northwest Region at Christ.Thomsen@dnr.wa.gov or Jim.Cahill@dnr.wa.gov.

• Volunteers are needed to assist with WDFW Vessel Operations Program, including repair, maintenance, and operations participation at the Tumwater Patrol Shop, and in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties. Typical work includes maintenance, general cleaning, bottom sanding, bottom painting, restorations, fabrication work, rigging, wiring, sea trials, crewing/deckhand, transport, and trailer maintenance (brake service, restoration, and repairs). Estimated twenty hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers are needed for grounds maintenance work at the WDFW Tumwater Fish and Wildlife Patrol Shop and Fleet Storage Yard. Typical work will include grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming of shrubs, and litter clean-up. Estimated eight hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers Needed for the Property Watch/Land Access Program. This pilot program targets WDFW Regions 4, 5, and 6. Eyes In The Woods Association Inc. directors are collaborating with multiple local conservation/sport organizations, business owners, private landowners, timber companies, media, and WDFW staff with the goal of opening private lands for outdoor recreational uses, primarily hunting and fishing. Participating volunteers are required to travel to key locations and stay at those locations during hunting hours. Locations are selected to best direct hunters away from active logging areas, provide access to open gates, and provide information to hunters. Volunteer participation also includes installing signs at strategic access locations; land clean up projects, and to act as a deterrent for poaching, dumping, vandalism, and other crimes. For more information or to sign up go to: www.eyesinthewoods.org/boscal/calendar.php or call Tony Wells (360) 480-6689.

• Volunteers with taxidermy experience are needed to refurbish WDFW animal mounts. WDFW has several donated animal mounts that require the skills of a taxidermist to clean and repair. Finished mounts will be displayed at the Natural Resources Headquarters in Olympia. Mounts include a full body deer with a earthquake damaged broken nose, a wood duck box display, and several elk shoulder mounts. The taxidermy work should be finished before the end of calendar year 2009. Please contact John Wisner (360) 586-0347.

Region 5

• Volunteers needed for repair work on the "Elk Enclosure" at Mt. Saint Helens. The “Elk Exclosure” is a 1.25 acre fenced experimental plot where elk and deer are being“ excluded” so scientists can measure plant recovery in the absence of browsing and compare it to adjacent unfenced areas. The aging elk exclosure fence was damaged by the weight of heavy snowfall last winter, and may not survive another winter without help from our volunteers! We will pack in tools and materials approximately ¾ mile to the exclosure, replace weathered posts, wire and brace the posts to strengthen the fence before winter.

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Volunteers are needed to assist a landowner with the construction of an elk fence near Eatonville. This project is being undertaken as part of a cooperative elk fencing agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to control damage. The fence will be built on the weekends of September 12/13 and September 19/20. Work days will begin at 8:00 A.M. and continue through 4:00 P.M.  At least 15 volunteers are needed for each day and it is preferred that volunteers commit to both days of a selected weekend in order to minimize startup preparations. To register please contact Bud Holstie at (253) 875-6233.

  Volunteers should bring any available tools including:

• Work gloves
• Shovels
• Hand tools for brush clearing
• Post-hole diggers
• Tamping bar
• Hammers
• Fencing pliers
• Wire-cutters
• Pick
• Please bring your own lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate weather gear

• Volunteers needed to help facilitate access for special-permit elk hunts near Mt. St. Helens

• Volunteers are needed to help mentor kids at the Pellet Gun Range and Snow Shoeing venues during the 2009 Puyallup Fair. The Go Play Outside Association of Washington (GOPAW) and Washington Hunter Education Instructor’s Association (WHEIA) need assistance on the following dates in September: 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. Hours of operation for these activities will be 12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M. with a one hour break for lunch. Free entry passes to the Fair will be provided to volunteers. Please contact either Bonnie Long at (360) 943-6404 or Ike Keating at (253) 631-0914.

• Assistance at the Bob Oke State Pheasant Farm in Centralia (360-807-6211)

• Get involved in waterfowl habitat restoration work in the Columbia Gorge. Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is looking for volunteers to help restore wetlands and waterways crucial to increasing diminished waterfowl populations. Projects include flagging newly planted trees, mowing/trimming and watering around plants. Gloves, equipment and water provided. Some hand trimming also. General location is on Highway 14 East, just east of Washougal Washington. Get detailed directions at: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/steigerwaldlake/. Contact Orlanda Kleimenhagen at: okleimenhagen@gmail.com or (360) 508-5627.

• Habitat Restoration at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Restoration volunteer work days on the Refuge are open to all. To sign up or get on the Refuge notice list, contact: Lynn Cornelius (360) 887-3883, x 14, lynn_cornelius@fws.gov. Special days can also be arranged for groups.

Unless otherwise noted, for all work days wear waterproof footwear, bring gloves, water, a snack, and dress for our S.W. Washington weather with raingear or sun protection.

Bulrush Removal (+other species): Saturdays and Wednesdays in summer: September 5, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, meet at River S Unit Kiosk. We will pull ricefield bulrush (the number 1 wetland invasive plant threat on the Refuge) and/or other species from fields, bag the plants, haul and load into a truck for removal.

• Volunteer projects available on Department of Natural Resource (DNR) managed lands in the Southeast Region (Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat Counties). Individuals or groups are welcome. Feel free to suggest projects needed in the area. Examples of previous and planned volunteer work include but aren’t limited to the following: cleaning up hunting camp garbage, maintenance of trail drainage structures, installing signs, maintaining signs, green dot road system maintenance, installing gates, and blocking access to non-green dot roads. Contact Greg Mackey for further information greg.mackey@dnr.wa.gov.

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Wildlife Program in Region Six, and Check Station Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six as part of their Property Watch Land Access Program. Check stations are a valuable tool for wildlife management, assisting in the collection of biological data-gathering for our deer and elk populations. Volunteer efforts will include attending a training, signup for one or more dates/locations, travel to/from station sites, setup, collect data from hunters and their harvested game, tear down, cleanup, and the completion of forms. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Wildlife Director John Arnold at (360) 520-4330, www.eyesinthewoods.org.

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Property Watch Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six. Eyes In the Woods Directors are collaborating with multiple local conservation/sport organizations, business owners, private landowners, timber companies, WDFW staff, and the media with the goal of opening private lands for outdoor recreational uses, primarily hunting and fishing. Participating volunteers are required to travel to gates/key control locations and stay at said locations during hunting hours. These control locations are designed to detour hunters from active logging areas, open gates and be an information source. Volunteer participation also includes installing signage materials placed at strategic access locations, land cleanup projects, and to act as a deterrent for poaching, dumping, vandalism, and other crimes. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Land Access Director Tony Wells at (360) 480-6689, www.eyesinthewoods.org.

• Volunteers are needed to assist with WDFW Vessel Operations Program, including repair, maintenance, and operations participation at the Tumwater Patrol Shop, and in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties. Typical work includes maintenance, general cleaning, bottom sanding, bottom painting, restorations, fabrication work, rigging, wiring, sea trials, crewing/deckhand, transport, and trailer maintenance (brake service, restoration, and repairs). Estimated twenty hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers are needed for grounds maintenance work at the WDFW Tumwater Fish and Wildlife Patrol Shop and Fleet Storage Yard. Typical work will include grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming of shrubs, and litter clean-up. Estimated eight hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers with taxidermy experience are needed to refurbish WDFW animal mounts. WDFW has several donated animal mounts that require the skills of a taxidermist to clean and repair. Finished mounts will be displayed at the Natural Resources Headquarters in Olympia. Mounts include a full body deer with a earthquake damaged broken nose, a wood duck box display, and several elk shoulder mounts. The taxidermy work should be finished before the end of calendar year 2009. Please contact John Wisner (360) 586-0347.

Region 6

• Volunteers needed for repair work on the "Elk Enclosure" at Mt. Saint Helens. The “Elk Exclosure” is a 1.25 acre fenced experimental plot where elk and deer are being“ excluded” so scientists can measure plant recovery in the absence of browsing and compare it to adjacent unfenced areas. The aging elk exclosure fence was damaged by the weight of heavy snowfall last winter, and may not survive another winter without help from our volunteers! We will pack in tools and materials approximately ¾ mile to the exclosure, replace weathered posts, wire and brace the posts to strengthen the fence before winter.

• Register to assist with the evaluation of geographic coordinate data for Washington GMU, deer and elk hunting boundaries. Participating certified Master Hunters will be contacted by email with specific instructions on downloading GPS compatible data for all Game Management Units, Deer Areas, and Elk Areas in Washington. There is an anticipated need for about 50 Master Hunters from throughout the state to critique the usability of instructions, the product, and to verify on-the-ground accuracy in their local areas. Interested users should have a degree of proficiency in the use of, and access to a handheld GPS capable of holding map data. Garmin GPS models capable of holding at least 8MB of map data are necessary to take full advantage of this pilot.  The pilot project will last through December 2009. Sign up below by county and hunt areas to be verified by using this link: http//wdfw.wa.gov/geodatapilot/.

• Volunteers are needed to assist a landowner with the construction of an elk fence near Eatonville. This project is being undertaken as part of a cooperative elk fencing agreement with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to control damage. The fence will be built on the weekends of September 12/13 and September 19/20. Work days will begin at 8:00 A.M. and continue through 4:00 P.M.  At least 15 volunteers are needed for each day and it is preferred that volunteers commit to both days of a selected weekend in order to minimize startup preparations. To register please contact Bud Holstie at (253) 875-6233.

  Volunteers should bring any available tools including:

• Work gloves
• Shovels
• Hand tools for brush clearing
• Post-hole diggers
• Tamping bar
• Hammers
• Fencing pliers
• Wire-cutters
• Pick
• Please bring your own lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate weather gear

• Volunteers needed to help facilitate access for special-permit elk hunts near Mt. St. Helens

• Volunteers are needed to help mentor kids at the Pellet Gun Range and Snow Shoeing venues during the 2009 Puyallup Fair. The Go Play Outside Association of Washington (GOPAW) and Washington Hunter Education Instructor’s Association (WHEIA) need assistance on the following dates in September: 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. Hours of operation for these activities will be 12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M. with a one hour break for lunch. Free entry passes to the Fair will be provided to volunteers. Please contact either Bonnie Long at (360) 943-6404 or Ike Keating at (253) 631-0914.

• Get involved in waterfowl habitat restoration work in the Columbia Gorge. Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is looking for volunteers to help restore wetlands and waterways crucial to increasing diminished waterfowl populations. Projects include flagging newly planted trees, mowing/trimming and watering around plants. Gloves, equipment and water provided. Some hand trimming also. General location is on Highway 14 East, just east of Washougal Washington. Get detailed directions at: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/steigerwaldlake/. Contact Orlanda Kleimenhagen at: okleimenhagen@gmail.com or (360) 508-5627.

• Habitat Restoration at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Restoration volunteer work days on the Refuge are open to all. To sign up or get on the Refuge notice list, contact: Lynn Cornelius (360) 887-3883, x 14, lynn_cornelius@fws.gov. Special days can also be arranged for groups.

Unless otherwise noted, for all work days wear waterproof footwear, bring gloves, water, a snack, and dress for our S.W. Washington weather with raingear or sun protection.

Bulrush Removal (+other species): Saturdays and Wednesdays in summer: September 5, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, meet at River S Unit Kiosk. We will pull ricefield bulrush (the number 1 wetland invasive plant threat on the Refuge) and/or other species from fields, bag the plants, haul and load into a truck for removal.

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Wildlife Program in Region Six, and Check Station Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six as part of their Property Watch Land Access Program. Check stations are a valuable tool for wildlife management, assisting in the collection of biological data-gathering for our deer and elk populations. Volunteer efforts will include attending a training, signup for one or more dates/locations, travel to/from station sites, setup, collect data from hunters and their harvested game, tear down, cleanup, and the completion of forms. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Wildlife Director John Arnold at (360) 520-4330, www.eyesinthewoods.org .

• Volunteers are needed for the Eyes In The Woods Property Watch Program in Regions Three, Five, and Six. Eyes In the Woods Directors are collaborating with multiple local conservation/sport organizations, business owners, private landowners, timber companies, WDFW staff, and the media with the goal of opening private lands for outdoor recreational uses, primarily hunting and fishing. Participating volunteers are required to travel to gates/key control locations and stay at said locations during hunting hours. These control locations are designed to detour hunters from active logging areas, open gates and be an information source. Volunteer participation also includes installing signage materials placed at strategic access locations, land cleanup projects, and to act as a deterrent for poaching, dumping, vandalism, and other crimes. For more information or to sign up contact EITW Land Access Director Tony Wells at (360) 480-6689, www.eyesinthewoods.org.

• Volunteers are needed to assist with WDFW Vessel Operations Program, including repair, maintenance, and operations participation at the Tumwater Patrol Shop, and in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties. Typical work includes maintenance, general cleaning, bottom sanding, bottom painting, restorations, fabrication work, rigging, wiring, sea trials, crewing/deckhand, transport, and trailer maintenance (brake service, restoration, and repairs). Estimated twenty hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers are needed for grounds maintenance work at the WDFW Tumwater Fish and Wildlife Patrol Shop and Fleet Storage Yard. Typical work will include grounds maintenance, mowing, trimming of shrubs, and litter clean-up. Estimated eight hours of work per week from June through September 2009. Contact Lt. Dan O’Hagan, daniel.ohagan@dfw.wa.gov, (360) 268-0623, cell: (360) 580-2558.

• Volunteers with taxidermy experience are needed to refurbish WDFW animal mounts. WDFW has several donated animal mounts that require the skills of a taxidermist to clean and repair. Finished mounts will be displayed at the Natural Resources Headquarters in Olympia. Mounts include a full body deer with a earthquake damaged broken nose, a wood duck box display, and several elk shoulder mounts. The taxidermy work should be finished before the end of calendar year 2009. Please contact John Wisner (360) 586-0347.