Seeking Volunteers to Collect Observational Data on Boater Behavior for Pilot Study

As part of a pilot project conducted by the Anoka County Parks and the Anoka Conservation District with funding from the MN DNR, volunteers are needed to collect observational data on boater behavior regarding preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species at Anoka County boat launches. Volunteers will be asked to observe boaters entering and exiting boat launches and record their observations on a data collection worksheet provided to them. This data will then be compiled and used to compare the behavior of boaters prior to and after installation of new boat cleaning equipment at the studied boat launches. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about how they can be involved.

Requirements:

• Ability to travel to boat launches throughout Anoka County.
• Ability to sit outside for 1+ hours.
• Ability to send a scan or photograph of your data worksheet via email or text.
• Some familiarity with preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is helpful, but not required. Training will be provided.

Time Commitment:

• Timing of volunteering is flexible and dependent on your availability. Weekends, early mornings, and evenings are preferred, but not required.
• A minimum of 1 hour volunteering is requested. There is no maximum number of hours one can volunteer.
• The most urgent need for volunteers is between September 1^st, 2020 and October 31^st, 2020, but there will be additional opportunities to volunteer from May 2021 through October 2021.

COVID-19 Safety Considerations:

• This opportunity is entirely outdoors and does not require contact with any other people. If contact with others does occur while volunteering, wearing a mask is recommended.
• Training will be conducted entirely over email, phone, or video conference.

Interested volunteers should contact Emily Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about how they can be involved.