A Fine Day for the Field A Facilitated Discussion Ramona Maraj Carnivore Biologist, Environment Yukon

Developing a Fieldwork Plan  Three of the most important factors in developing a fieldwork plan are  (i) the geography of the project area  (ii) the human resources and  (iii) logistical support available for the survey

Geography of the Project Area  Terrain  Access  Weather  Season Length/Daylight Availability  Satellite Coverage  Human Activity  Sensitive Environmental Features

Human Resources  How many people and where to get them  Competence, experience and qualifications  Ratios of senior to junior or experienced to inexperienced staff  Group members age, competence, fitness and temperament and the suitability of the field activity  Special educational/training or medical needs of fieldworkers

Logistical Support  Routes, modes of transport, and transportation requirements  Fuel availability and caching  Housing, camps, research stations  Quality and suitability of available equipment

Other Considerations  Pilot study or reconnaissance?  Does your work require a permit?  Does your work require an environmental assessment?  Does your work require First Nations approval?  Are there other researchers working in the area?  The local factor – know the people in the place you work, involve locals. (i.e., will someone shoot at your helicopter)

Safety  Safety plan – identifies the hazards and proposes mitigations  Safety equipment  Check-in procedure and search area  Emergency evacuation protocols  Search and rescue  Nearest hospitals or medical facilities  Medical training of staff  Wildlife