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Marbled Murrelet Tree Climber Training and Certification Course
This training course has been developed in accordance with the Pacific Seabird Group Protocol: Use of Tree Climbing In Marbled Murrelet Habitat and Certification Requirements 2010, and in association with the Pacific Seabird Group Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee. This course is intended to prepare arborists and other tree climbing professionals for projects using tree climbing as a tool for managing habitats within the range of the Marbled Murrelet. The goals of the training are to educate participants about the biology and breeding behavior of the Marbled Murrelet and familiarize participants with the important characteristics of Marbled Murrelet nesting habitats and the forest canopy dynamics that influence these arboreal habitats. This training will increase the likelihood that professionals searching for Marbled Murrelet nests will be able to identify nests if they are present and minimize discrepancies in collected data between observers while documenting (recent, historic, active, and unsuccessful) nests. After successful completion of the course, participants will be certified to participate in tree climbing projects using tree climbing as a management tool for projects involving the Marbled Murrelet. This two and one-half day training course will include both classroom and field sessions. The first day of classroom session (July 28th) will focus on Marbled Murrelet biology, breeding behavior, and forest canopy habitat as it affects Marbled Murrelets. The following day (July 29th) will involve an early morning (pre-dawn) audio/visual survey in occupied habitat in order for the participants to have first-hand experience observing Marbled Murrelet flight and behavior in order to better evaluate Marbled Murrelet access conditions when searching potential nest trees. In late September, after the conclusion of the Marbled Murrelet breeding season, the final day of the training (September 26th) will be spent in the field climbing known nest trees with existing nests. Participants will be required to successfully locate known nests on their own and successfully document all the necessary survey data required to complete the "Revised PSG Marbled Murrelet Nest Structure Form." All participants will collectively attend the classroom and the pre-dawn audio/visual survey portions of the training. Each individual participant will select and attend specific appointments for the field evaluations of nest tree searches on September 26th. Qualifications for Participation: All participants need to have sufficient experience climbing mature, coniferous trees and must demonstrate proficiency in the use of so-called "soft" tree climbing techniques. "Soft" tree rigging and access methods minimize adverse impacts to trees. The use of climbing spurs will not be allowed as they can damage the bole of the tree. Such damage can lead to infection by pathogens and result in the premature mortality of trees. All climbers must avoid unnecessarily damaging or degrading epiphyte (arboreal plant) communities and potential nesting substrates, and take precautions to avoid compromising tree health by damaging protective tree tissues (bark) via puncture, abrasion, and/or friction. Previous experience with Marbled Murrelets, either through audio/visual surveys or opportunistic observations are an advantage but are not necessary. Liability Insurance Coverage: general liability insurance coverage of at least one million dollars is required of all participants. Acceptance of applicants will be contingent on receiving proof of such coverage.
Participants are required to bring their own climbing equipment. A list of the minimum required equipment can be found HERE. |
