ST. GEORGE — The Bureau of Land Management’s Utah State Office is calling for community involvement in the Raptor Inventory Nest Survey (RINS).
This is a unique opportunity to participate in a critical citizen science project focused on the state’s raptors, including eagles, hawks, falcons, osprey and owls, according to a BLM news release.
Through the RINS programs, citizens help collect data on these birds of prey, including identifying their presence and nesting behaviors. The data collected is crucial for the management and protection of these species in Utah.
Volunteers for this project do not need a scientific background. The program is open to anyone with a love for Utah’s natural landscapes, especially remote areas, and a commitment to conserving raptors. The key requirement is a willingness to engage in this important environmental initiative, the news release said.
Training workshops for prospective volunteers are scheduled for February and March. These sessions will provide the necessary skills for identifying raptor nests and collecting vital data.
Participants are encouraged to have binoculars, GPS unit, digital camera and an active email address. The commitment involves regular monitoring visits to an assigned area from March through July.
For more information on the workshop locations, timings, and training details, interested individuals are encouraged to contact RINS at 801-554-0807 or via email at [email protected].
Click here for dditional information about the Raptor Inventory Nest Survey.