The Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help with the Wisconsin wolf monitoring program.
The state relies on volunteers to help track wolves and other animals each winter. The DNR encourages people interested in assisting with Wisconsin wildlife management to sign up for one of a number of clinics offered statewide.
Tracking classes focus on medium to large carnivores that inhabit Wisconsin, as well as a few other common mammals. Ecology classes cover the history of wolves in Wisconsin, their biology and ecology, how the DNR monitors the population, and state management and research.
The two classes are required to participate in the wolf monitoring program and to conduct formal surveys as a volunteer tracker.
DNR biologists and volunteers have partnered to provide informative classes focused on aspects of wolf ecology, population biology and field study techniques.
The agency promotes tracking as “a great way to experience the outdoors in winter and make a contribution to natural resource management.”
“DNR staff and volunteers tracked over 17,000 miles last winter searching for wolf, coyote, bobcat and other medium to large carnivore tracks in Wisconsin,” said DNR large carnivore specialist David MacFarland. “It’s a great way to get out and enjoy Wisconsin in the winter while helping the department monitor some of the state’s most interesting wildlife.”
The DNR has additional information on volunteer carnivore tracking, including a list of training classes. Courses are offered beginning in October.
Birding: Andy Cassini will give a presentation titled “Orioles of Montserrat” at the Tuesday meeting of the Noel J. Cutright Bird Club. Cassini is chairman of the Conservation Committee of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology. He is a conservation biologist and ornithologist who recently completed a doctorate in zoology at UW-Madison. His research involves estimating the conservation parameters for the critically endangered Montserrat oriole in the Caribbean. The program will begin at 7 p.m. at the Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Highway Y, Saukville. It is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.riveredge.us or call (800) 287-8098.
Fishing: Jason Brenic will give a presentation titled “Bass fishing on the Mississippi River” at the Tuesday meeting of the Okauchee Fishing Club. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1800 S. 92nd St., West Allis. The fee for non-members is $5. For more information, visit www.ofcfish.com.