Snowy Plover Surveyor Training Program

The purpose of this program is to provide training to various individuals who might perform Snowy Plover surveys. Since the listing of the Snowy Plover, only those individuals covered under a Recovery Permit are authorized to enter known breeding colonies and/or to locate and monitor nests. The workshop that I conduct can be the first step towards application for a permit, or inclusion on an existing permit.

This program is designed in accordance with suggestions outlined in a Minimum Training Requirements Necessary For Conducting Western Snowy Plover and California Least Tern Studies and Breeding Surveys established by the Ventura Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Topics covered included:

1. Distribution, migration, feeding habits, calls and behavior of breeding and wintering Snowy Plovers
2. Identification of Snowy Plovers and other common beach shorebirds
3. Survey techniques and protocols
4. The local status of Snowy Plovers
5. Regulatory status of Snowy Plover
6. Special conditions of recovery permits

The morning classroom session will include lecture and discussion, and a slide presentation. The afternoon will be spent at Clam Beach where we will review and practice survey techniques.

The cost of this session will be $100 per participant. Advanced enrollment is required. The session will be limited to 15 participants, with the possibility of another session later in the season if warranted. Minimum enrollment is 5 people.

For more information, contact Ron LeValley at Mad River Biologists.