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Building off a program that began in 2012 in cooperation with the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is looking to recruit volunteers to be Watershed Stewards for the 2013 visitor season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
If you are someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, consider yourself to be a “people person” , and find yourself with some extra time on your hands, then signing up to be a Watershed Steward may be the perfect opportunity for you! We are looking for individuals to spend 4 hour shifts at some of the busiest Upper Delaware River boat launches and access points like Lackawaxen, PA, Skinners Falls, NY, or Ten Mile River, NY performing visual inspections of boats, canoes, kayaks, and other craft entering and exiting the water to ensure that aquatic invasive species such as didymo (also known as rock snot) or water chestnut are not clinging to the vessels. Watershed Stewards stationed at these access points will also be able to play a part in stopping the introduction and transport of invasive species by fishing tackle, footwear, and boat trailers by conducting visual inspections, interviewing water body users, and encouraging them to properly clean all equipment before using it on another body of water.
Equally important to a successful Watershed Stewards program is the public education aspect of it. Stewards will play a role in helping to inform the public of invasive species issues and how they can actively help by taking part in spread prevention. All volunteers will be required to attend a mandatory training which will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at PPL’s Environmental Learning Center located at 126 PPL Drive in Hawley, PA. This day long training will familiarize volunteers with the Watershed Stewards Manual, get them acquainted with aquatic invasive species that threaten our region through hands on identification, and train them in how to talk to river users and conduct a boat inspection. Lunch will be generously provided by CRISP.
Volunteer efforts will be focused on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays which are the days that see peek visitor use throughout the summer months. All volunteers will be signed up as official National Park Service Volunteers, will receive a shirt and ball cap to wear when on duty as a Watershed Steward, and be rewarded with plenty of fresh air and scenic views while spending their summer outdoors in the Upper Delaware River Valley. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer please contact Jamie Myers at (570) 729-7842. Please rsvp for the May 31st training by May 24th.
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