use of volunteers in riparian · 2019. 5. 31. · use of volunteers in riparian habitat restoration...

Ed PapenbergSusan Werner

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

November 30, 2011

Use of Volunteers

in Restoration

HabitatRiparian

Idaho Fish and Game adheres to all applicable state and federal laws and regulations related to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender, disability or veteran’s status. If you feel you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility of Idaho Fish and Game, or if you desire further information, please write to: Idaho Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise, ID 83707 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Assistance, Mailstop: MBSP-4020, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203, Telephone: (703) 358-2156. This publication will be made available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact the Department of Fish and Game for assistance.

• Supported by funds from the Idaho Department of Lands in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.

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Costs associated with this publication are available from IDFG in accordance with Section 60-202, Idaho Code. rcb-BOC 11-2011 50/41918.

Use of Volunteers in Riparian Habitat Restoration 3

INTRODUCTION

This manual focuses on planning and implementing riparian habitat projects in Idaho. Using volunteers for project implementation is discussed extensively. Those experienced with riparian restoration

will find useful information for incorporating volunteers into projects. Readers who work with volunteers but lack restoration experience will find tools to begin research into completing riparian restoration projects.

The appendices provide references to many documents that have been written about riparian habitat restoration as well as plant lists, agency contacts, suggestions of appropriate forms and other information that will be needed during project planning. This section will provide details that are needed to successfully complete a riparian restoration project.

Many professionals contributed to this manual. We would like to thank Pam Elkovich, Mary Dudley, Bruce Ackerman, Don Kemner, Ann Moser, Chris Murphy, Mark Fleming, Renai Brogdon and Kathy Cousins for their valuable contributions.

4 Use of Volunteers in Riparian Habitat Restoration


ContentsChapter 1 Planning Riparian Restoration 7 Plan the Project 7 Brainstorm Goals and Objectives 8 Work Out a Schedule 8 Develop a Budget 8 Policies, Procedures, and Protocols 8 Obtain Permits 9 Projects with a Pond or Lake on Public Land 9 Equipment Considerations 10 Plant Materials 10 Monitoring and Maintenance Chapter 2 Project Implementation 12 The Basics of Volunteers 15 Volunteer Administration 16 Recruiting Volunteers 17 Methods of Recruiting 17 Recruitment Tools 18 What to Tell Potential Volunteers at First Contact 18 Follow-up Contact 18 Other Considerations 19 Project Day 19 Greeting, Sign-In, and Briefing 19 Safety 19 Offer the Volunteer Something Tangible 20 Make It Fun 20 Show Appreciation 20 Training/Instruction 21 Supervise - Step Back for the Big Picture 21 Volunteer Evaluations Chapter 3 Follow Up 22 Site Maintenance and Monitoring 22 Project Reporting 23 Future Restoration Goals References 24-25 Appendix A 26 Potential Collaborators Appendix B 28 Using Beavers to Restore Riparian Habitat Appendix C 29 Use of Exclusionary Fencing in Riparian Restoration Appendix D 30 Project Planning - Print and Web Resources


Appendix E 31 Agencies for Permitting Appendix F 34 Tools and Techniques Appendix G 35 Riparian Plant Materials Appendix H 36 Plant Species Commonly Used in Northern Idaho Riparian Restoration Projects Appendix I 39-50 Sample Spreadsheets for Organizing Volunteers Appendix J 51 Volunteer Coordination Appendix K 52 Potential Volunteer Groups Appendix L 54 Sample Press Release for Recruiting Volunteers Appendix M 55 Sample Training Outline/Lesson Plan Appendix N 57 Sample Press Release for Recognizing Volunteers/Project Accomplishment Appendix O 58 Developing a Group of Expert Volunteers


Chapter 1

Planning Riparian Restoration

Anyone thinking about riparian restoration has visited a piece of property that could function better ecologically. Initial conversations with the landowner,

whether private or public, need to include a vision for the future of the property. Explore what the landowner ultimately sees as the preferred use of the property. Is the primary focus fish and wildlife habitat with a fully functioning riparian system? As a follow-up, a site visit will allow exploration of whether or not current conditions on the property meet the vision of the landowner.

Local experts can help determine what barriers there are to meeting the vision for the property. This helps to identify the need for restoration at the site (FISRWG 1998; Hoag 1997). Collaboration with experts can help determine the extent of necessary projects.(For a list of potential collaborators in Idaho, see Appendix A). Their advice will provide guidance for the magnitude of the project: can goals be accomplished with a series of simple projects? Or is a more complex effort needed? Every stream, creek and river is unique and on-the-ground assessment is needed to determine the most effective restoration techniques. Successful restoration projects sometimes occur only after a series of trials over a period of years.

Plan the ProjectBegin planning a long time in advance. At the very least, begin to identify the site and list the project goals six months to a year in advance. If plans are already in place for riparian restoration, a shorter time might suffice.

Of primary importance is determining whether goals can be accomplished with one project or if there needs to be a longer-term program with multiple projects. Even for one restoration site, the work may take a series of smaller projects.Take this into account when planning, budgeting, and recruiting volunteers.

Brainstorm Goals and ObjectivesBefore designing a project, an understanding of the techniques used in riparian restoration in Idaho is necessary. Most riparian projects are undertaken to address a combination of site needs, and a variety of restoration techniques can be used to address those needs (Bentrup and Hoag 1998; Carlson et al. 1995; FISRWG 1998). The most basic restoration goals can be categorized as:

1. Streambank Stabilization: Erosion control or stream channel alteration may be the biggest need, or one of several. Bio-engineering tools and techniques, including the introduction of beavers, are useful ways to address these problems (Bentrup and Hoag 1998). Exclusionary fencing of herbivores may be all that is necessary to address these issues. A detailed discussion of using beaver in stream improvement projects can be found in Appendix B. Appendix C is a discussion of exclusionary fencing as a restoration tool.

2. Water Quality: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality maintains a list of streams where water quality is impaired. This list is named after a section of the Clean Water Act and known as the “state 303d list.” This list should be consulted to determine what pollutants are impairing water quality. More than one type of treatment may be necessary. It is generally addressed through revegetation of the site, and could include erosion control and bio-engineering techniques (Carlson et al. 1995; FISRWG 1998).

Pole plantings.

Restoration project area on Round Creek.


3. Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Habitat improvement is also addressed through revegetation using specific plant materials to address identified habitat needs. Bio-engineering techniques may be used to help protect the materials you install in a habitat project (Carlson et al. 1995; FISRWG 1998). Beaver may be introduced to create both fish and wildlife habitat. Exclusionary fencing may be necessary to encourage site revegetation. New plantings might also require protection from beaver to become established. In-stream structures may be used to enhance stream complexity for fish habitat.

Research is critical to the success of the project. Consult Appendix D to find excellent texts which can help identify restoration goals. Working with experts, partners, and collaborators on this process is critical. Get experience by attending a workshop to learn riparian restoration techniques. Many of the organizations and agencies listed as potential partners in Appendix A also host instructional workshops. To learn about these opportunities, talk to contacts within the organization and ask for advice. In the absence of a workshop, ask an expert partner to spend some time with you in the field to help with developing a restoration strategy.

Make a list of restoration objectives. Recognize that this may change depending on budget, other resources, and the availability of volunteers. This list should have achievable restoration objectives ranging from simple and low-cost to complex and expensive. All ideas should match the needs of the site and of the landowners and should fall within the guidelines of accepted restoration practices.

Work Out a ScheduleThe schedule will depend on restoration goals. However, begin by deciding on a one-time, short-term project or multiple projects over the long term.

With a calendar, sketch out a timeline for planning including securing funding, obtaining permits, recruiting volunteers,and conducting field work and follow-up processes. Benefit from the experience of others by discussing the timeline with someone who has undertaken a similar project. Avoid any projects during high spring flows. Be familiar with the optimal times for plantings. For example, some plants do best when moved during dormancy. Build in time for bad weather, permit processes, and unforeseen circumstances. Overly optimistic timelines could result in implementation failure.

Develop a BudgetAll riparian restoration projects cost money. Collaboration with partners will stretch any direct funding. Partners can contribute directly to the project by providing cash, cost-saving infrastructure, or volunteer labor.

During planning, consider who will accomplish the goals. This is a serious and important consideration. If goals are primarily about restoration and the project is simple, it will be most efficient to accomplish it with a day in the field with existing staff.

Using volunteers can save money, but consider the costs of tools, materials such as plants and fencing, food for work days and other supplies. If plans include using a large group of volunteers, or school groups, consider including the rental of a portable toilet into the budget. Consider all the possible expenses, and plan for emergencies with a buffer. A well-planned budget with attention to detail will help with requesting funds from partners.

Policies, Procedures, and ProtocolsPlanning a riparian restoration project means complying with all policies, protocols, and legal requirements that pertain to both riparian restoration and to working with volunteers. Both non-profit organizations and government agencies may have policies which provide guidance for both habitat restoration and the use of volunteers. Planning for compliance with these policies from the inception of the project will help to ensure success. Policies may affect budget, volunteer work, liability, project implementation, and monitoring.

Obtain PermitsLaws protecting water on both public and private lands require permits for most riparian restoration projects. Never make the assumption that a permit is not necessary.

Most riparian restoration projects must be approved by the governing agency and permits are required before work can take place. Before alterations to any ditch, canal, stream, river, pond, lake, or wetland begin, investigate the permitting requirements. If collaborating with a land management agency, the staff will often complete the necessary paperwork as part of their contribution to the project.

The following outline is a description of the riparian restoration permitting process. Specific requirements will be outlined by the appropriate agency. Consult Appendix E for agency contact information.

The permitting process for the typical riparian restoration project follows:

1. Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR): For any alteration of the stream channel within the mean-high-water mark, IDWR must be involved. Contact staff at the nearest regional office, describe what you wish to do, and ask how to begin the permitting process. IDWR staff will assist with application for an Idaho Stream Channel Alteration Permit. Once this permit is obtained, the next step is project compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.


2. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ): DEQ examines project plans and issues certificates of compliance under Section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act.

3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE staff determines whether the project is on a legally defined “navigable waterway.” If so, a 404 permit, as required to comply with Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act is required. A Joint Permit Application (one form) can be submitted to both the IDWR and the USACE to cover the Idaho Stream Channel Alteration Permit, the 401 certification and the 404 permit. The USACE will send the application to DEQ to obtain a 401 Certification.

4. Idaho Department of Fish and Game Department (IDFG): Contact the nearest IDFG office for a permit to transplant beaver from one place to another.

Determine who owns the beds and banks of the waterway and riparian area you wish to restore. State ownership is not always obvious.

Projects with a Pond or Lake on Public Land

1. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL): Contact the nearest IDL office; describe the project and its location. Staff will assist with direction on securing necessary permits if the state claims ownership.

2. Federal agencies (such as the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service): Contact the nearest agency office; describe the project and its location. Staff will assist with direction on obtaining the necessary approval.

Equipment Considerations The reference materials in Appendix F provide details of the tools needed for chosen restoration techniques. Fortunately, most riparian restoration objectives can be addressed using basic hand tools. This is especially helpful when working with volunteers.

The most useful tools for riparian projects include:

1. Shovels/hand trowels 2. Loppers/pruners 3. Pulaski tools 4. Hand crosscut saws 5. Rubber mallets or dead-blow hammers 6. Plastic buckets 7. Spray paint 8. Twine 9. Wooden stakes10. Rebar11. Rubber boots/waders12. First aid equipment13. Backpack water bladder14. Chicken wire15. Wire cutters16. Non-galvanized soft wire17. Gloves18. Gripples19. Duckbills20. Cables21. Sledge hammer22. Portable toilet23. Waterjet stinger

Waterjet Stinger.

Equipment for riparian restoration project.


Plant MaterialsReferences in Appendix G will help select appropriate plant materials within the constraints of budget and availability. Planning ahead is critical. It may take a grower months or even a year or more to provide stock that meets project goals. Large plants, such as the five gallon size, may take three to five years to grow. Consider using two or three nurseries as sources of plant materials to ensure diversity of stock.

Successful riparian projects can be accomplished using local willows. As the listed references will explain, willows can be used to provide bio-engineering structure as well as habitat; and they’re easy to use by volunteers.

Here is a list of plant materials commonly used in riparian projects in southern Idaho. This is not an all-inclusive list. It is important to use species that already live in the area. All are suitable for use on a volunteer project:

Woody Plants (Trees and Shrubs)

1. Booth Willow – Salix boothii 2. Coyote Willow – Salix exigua 3. Chokecherry – Prunus virginiana 4. Golden Currant – Ribes aureum 5. Black Cottonwood – Populus balsamifera ssp

trichocarpa 6. Redosier Dogwood – Cornus sericea 7. Woods’ Rose – Rosa woodsii 8. Mountain Alder - Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia 9. Black Hawthorn - Crataegus douglasii10. Water Birch - Betula occidentalis11. Quaking Aspen - Populus tremuloides12. Englemann Spruce - Picea englemannii13. Ponderosa Pine - Pinus ponderosa14. Other willow species - Salix lasiandra, Salix

geyeriana, Salix bebbiana

Herbaceous Plants (Grasses, Rushes, and Sedges)

1. Beaked Sedge – Carex utriculata2. Nebraska Sedge – Carex nebrascensis3. Baltic Rush – Juncus balticus4. Common Spikerush – Eleocharis palustris5. Hardstem Bulrush – Scirpus acutus6. Threesquare (or American) Bulrush –

Scirpus pungens7. Broadleaf Cattail – Typha latifolia

Sources: (Bentrup and Hoag 1998; Hoag 1997; Hoag and Zierke 1998; Hoag et al. 2007; Hoag et al. 2008)

A list of plant species commonly used in the northern parts of Idaho follows. Comments are provided on the appropriate planting sites for each species in Appendix H.

Above High Water

1. Mountain Alder - Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia 2. Water Birch – Betula occidentalis 3. Redosier Dogwood – Cornus sericea 4. Black Hawthorn – Crataegus douglasii 5. Lodgepole Pine – Pinus contorta 6. Black Cottonwood – Populus balsamifera ssp.

trichocarpa 7. Nootka Rose – Rosa nutkana 8. Woods’ Rose – Rosa woodsii 9. Bebb Willow – Salix bebbiana10. Rose Spirea – Spiraea douglasii11. Common Snowberry – Symphoricarpos albus12. Western Red Cedar – Thuja plicata13. Spike Bentgrass – Agrostis exarata

Island Margin or Shallow Water (to six inches deep)

1. Spike Bentgrass – Agrostis exarata 2. Northern Water Plantain – Alisma triviale 3. American Sloughgrass – Beckmannia

sygizachne 4. Water Sedge – Carex aquatilis 5. Beaked Sedge – Carex utriculata 6. Tufted Hairgrass – Deschampsia cespitosa 7. Common Spikerush – Eleocharis palustris 8. Common Rush – Juncus effusus 9. Woolgrass – Scirpus cyperinus10. Panicled Bulrush – Scirpus microcarpus11. Rose Spirea – Spiraea douglasii

Deeper Water (between six and eighteen inches deep)

1. Northern Water Plantain – Alisma triviale2. Common Spikerush – Eleocharis palustris3. Water Knotweed – Polygonum amphibium4. Broadfruit Bur-reed – Sparganium eurycarpum5. Broadleaf Arrowhead – Sagittaria latifolia6. Broadleaf Cattail – Typha latifolia

Monitoring and Maintenance

Create a plan for monitoring and maintaining the project. For the best results, begin the monitoring process before any on-the-ground project implementation occurs.

Monitoring before and after the project provides managers with quantifiable data that can be used to evaluate whether goals and objectives were achieved. The level of monitoring and analyses implemented by resource managers varies; many resource managers consider all of the natural resource components at the project site when evaluating riparian projects. This approach provides a more comprehensive assessment of the site, but also requires more time and resources to collect and evaluate the data.


The following table lists evaluation criteria for the objectives outlined earlier in this manual:

Project Objective Evaluation CriteriaStabilize Streambank Channel cross-sections,

flood stage surveys, rates of erosion, longitudinal profile, and aerial photography interpretation.

Improve Aquatic Habitat Water depth and velocities, percentage of over-hanging cover, increases in large woody debris, shading, stream temperatures, bed material composition, and population assessments for fish and invertebrates.

Improve Riparian Habitat Percentage of vegetative cover, species diversity, species densities, survival of plantings, size and age-class distribution, and wildlife use.

Improve Water Quality Temperature, pH level, conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration, nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations, and turbidity.

(Adapted from Briggs 1996)

Any number of techniques can be devised and employed to measure these criteria. Some are fairly specific and are outlined in riparian restoration texts. Detailed methodology and information about monitoring and maintenance can be found in several texts listed in Appendix D and also in the references (Platts et al. 1987; Bentrup and Hoag 1998; Briggs 1996). Appendix I-8 gives an example of a stem count worksheet that is used in riparian habitat monitoring.

The easiest way to get an overall sense of the changes taking place at the project site is to create photo plots. Take multiple photos of the site and of the techniques used from various angles and locations over time. This will provide a good sense of the changes at the site. Photos are also an excellent means for conveying those changes (and accomplishments) to others. Staking the photo point sites and recording their GPS locations will allow repeatability to compare conditions over the years. Appendix I-7 provides a form that may be useful for photo documentation. Landowners also appreciate photos of restoration progress.

Pole plantings painted for visibility.


Volunteers listening to project briefing.

Chapter 2Project

ImplementationThe Basics of Volunteers

There are many excellent reasons to work with volunteers. Sometimes staffing needs exceed the available personnel. Goals may extend beyond the basics of restoration. Some common reasons for working with volunteers on riparian restoration projects are:

1. Building Community Relationships: Employing volunteers on a habitat project is an effective means of building relationships within the community. Shared work experiences facilitate personal introductions, conversations, and companionship. The fact that participants are working together toward a common goal means that everyone shares some common values. Work experience, or “sweat equity,” promotes a sense of investment in fish, wildlife, and landscape resources. A shared experience also provides tremendous exposure for the project, which can help with future recruiting and fund-raising efforts. Finally, a well-managed volunteer project presents a lasting, positive public image for landowners, public agencies and private organizations.

2. Education: Volunteer restoration projects are an excellent venue for educating people about the landowner’s goals, fish, wildlife, habitat, and landscapes, as well as the organization and program missions.

3. Budget Considerations: Labor is often the most significant cost associated with restoration projects. The use of volunteers could translate into big savings for a project or program, especially since many riparian restoration techniques employ hand-tools and require minimal training or experience. This could make the difference in whether a project can be attempted with limited funds. However, employing volunteers may not always translate into substantial savings. The number of paid employees involved in training and supervising could offset the savings gained through the use of volunteers. Volunteers could, in fact, add costs in the short-term (say, a single project), but pay off in the long-term (multiple projects over time). Failure to consider costs associated with volunteers could cause budget overruns.

Project managers have used volunteers to successfully implement the following techniques to improve stream habitat. Sources of more detailed technique descriptions are found in Appendix D.

1. Pole Plantings: This is the simplest method for erosion control, re-vegetation, and creation of fish and wildlife habitat. Cuttings from willows and cottonwoods, when properly planted, will take root in stream banks (Bentrup and Hoag 1998; Hoag 2007). Both the harvesting and installation process can be accomplished by volunteers using simple hand tools such as pruning loppers and mallets. Success can

be increased by using a specialized tool known as a stinger, which is a probe designed to make a deep hole for inserting cuttings into permanently moist soil (Hoag et al. 2001; Hoag and Ogle 2008). Stingers are expensive power tools which require training to operate safely. A portable version, known as the waterjet stinger, has been used by trained and well-supervised volunteers (Hoag et al. 2001).

Pole plantings.


Staff and volunteers use a waterjet stinger to plant willows.

Container stock ready to plant.

2. Vertical Bundles: Vertical bundles are a simple variation of pole plantings which work well where soils make poles difficult to insert with the tools available. Cottonwood and willow cuttings can be bundled, tied, and buried in shallow trenches. This is a very simple method which can be performed by supervised volunteers using basic hand tools. The size and placement of the bundles can be varied to suit the site (Hoag and Ogle 2008; Hoag 2009).

3. Bare-root or Container Stock Plantings: Woody shrubs, grasses, sedges, and rushes can be propagated in greenhouses as bare-root or containerized seedlings, or harvested as plugs from

wetland sites and replanted (Hoag 2003). Harvesting wild wetland plants can be accomplished with volunteers at considerable savings, but requires some attention to detail. Be mindful of sensitive and threatened or endangered wetland plants. Having a trained plant expert on site may be helpful. Purchasing container stock adds to costs. Volunteers can simply and effectively plant either type.

4. Wetland Sod: Sodmats consisting of wetland plants, especially sedges and rushes can be used to help with erosion control and to establish wetland plants (Hoag 2008). They can be harvested from existing wetlands or purchased commercially. Harvesting natural sod sometimes requires heavy equipment. Commercial wetland sod can be customized to include specific plant combinations, but can be quite expensive. Installation of either type is relatively simple and can be accomplished by properly supervised and equipped volunteers.

5. Brush Revetments: A revetment is a facing of some material that protects a stream bank or shoreline from erosion. A revetment made of natural materials such as brush can help slow currents and protect newly installed plant materials downstream (Bentrup and Hoag 1998). This process is more complicated and requires more tools, supplies, and equipment than most other planting techniques. However, it can be accomplished with motivated and trained adult volunteers.

6. Introduction of Beavers: Beavers have been used as a tool to enhance and manage water resources and riparian habitat. See Appendix B for a more detailed discussion of the translocation of beavers into riparian ecosystems.

7. Fencing: Appropriate livestock grazing management may be all that is necessary to address riparian restoration needs. However, in some cases, exclusion of herbivores may be necessary to protect new plants from grazing animals. Appendix C provides more details about the use of fencing in riparian habitat restoration.

8. Willow Barbs: Live willow bundles can be secured into the stream bank to jut out into the water to act like a rock barb. These bundles are cabled and anchored into the substrate.

When planning a restoration project with volunteers, consider the tasks that need to be accomplished. Recruiting people with critical knowledge and skills is essential for the successful completion of the restoration project.

Ponder this analogy: Imagine inviting a group of people to play a game. If the game is Tic-Tac-Toe, just about anyone can play the game. If it’s a board game, more people are needed, the rules will be consulted, your guests will be staying longer,


and snacks are in order. But if the game is golf, specialized equipment, a golf course, and knowledgeable players are needed. Without experienced golfers, the host will need to plan to spend time teaching both skills and rules of the game. In fact, a complete golf game may not be played the first time out with novices.

Fortunately, there are some effective basic restoration methods which volunteers of all ages can accomplish. For example, cutting willow poles and driving them into a stream bank with mallets can be accomplished by almost all volunteers. Before beginning to recruit volunteers, consider the following.

1. Tools: What tools will volunteers need? Are they basic hand tools which can be safely used by youths? Or are power tools needed requiring experienced adult volunteers? Is the project a long way from bathroom facilities? Would rental of a portable toilet be appropriate?

2. Timing: When do you want to do the work? What time of year is optimal? How long will it take? How many project days are planned? These factors will be of great importance to the volunteer recruiter and to volunteers.

3. Labor Needs: How many people are needed? Are there ways to accommodate a larger than expected group? Are there ways to simplify tasks if not enough people volunteer?

4. Plant Materials: Willows are a great material for volunteer restoration projects; they’re easily obtained, inexpensive, versatile, and can be handled by volunteers with a minimum of training. However, potted plants are also great for volunteers to transplant. They require minimal tools and instruction.

5. Monitoring and Maintenance: Will volunteers participate in the monitoring and maintaining the site? Monitoring skills may suggest a specific group to target for recruitment.

Successful volunteer projects consider not only the needs of the project, but also the needs of the volunteer. Appendix J provides some excellent resources to consult while coordinating volunteer projects.

1. Become a Volunteer: One of the best ways to learn what motivates a person to volunteer is to be a volunteer. Consider volunteering on a project with a leader who has a record of successful native riparian habitat restoration. Record details from these experiences about volunteerism, recruiting, and supervising volunteers.

2. Set Goals for Volunteers: It is essential to consider what motivates people to volunteer and to set goals to honor those motivations. This could include education, socialization, public service hours required for school, fulfilling community service obligations, or

team-building. These goals can be a by-product of the project, but meeting volunteer needs is a priority.

As an example, if education is a goal, plan the education component of the project. Put together a basic instructional outline related to riparian restoration. See Appendix M for a sample training outline. Refine the lesson plan with input from educational professionals. Teaching basic lessons about fish and wildlife, habitat, botany, restoration, site history, landowner goals and relations, or any other related topic will make participation meaningful for the volunteer who is motivated by learning new things.

3. Match the Volunteers to the Project: Volunteers need to be able to use the appropriate tools safely, be physically able to undertake assignments, take direction, dress appropriately, and commit for the duration of the project. The project coordinator should expect the volunteer to do the work with guidance.

4. Consider Training: Providing training is essential. Training and project tasks can take place in the same day if tasks are simple. But if the restoration involves multiple projects with complex tasks, a long-term crew may be needed. In this case, the first project day can be devoted primarily to training. Hands-on training will benefit volunteers; just make sure training is the primary focus. In some cases, volunteers may be able or willing to participate in a training workshop prior to actual restoration work.

5. Consider Safety and Liability: It is critical to follow organizational policy regarding volunteers. Projects must address volunteer safety and responsibility. Understand the organization’s safety and liability policies as they apply to volunteers, and how those policies apply to your project. For example, does the organization extend insurance coverage to volunteers? If so, what steps need to be taken to comply with the terms of that coverage? Does the agency have constraints on what a volunteer should be asked to do?

Project safety starts with planning; consider the tools, the techniques, and the features of the site. Consider the potential weather and the proximity to water. Consider who is volunteering. Consider the skill levels of all participants. Create a plan that accounts for the safety of all participants at all times. Have an appropriate number of supervisors and adequate safety equipment (such as first-aid supplies and gloves) on site. It’s better to avoid mishap than deal with the consequences.


VOLUNTEER ADMINISTRATION

Gathering and organizing information about volunteers are indispensable steps in coordination and should begin prior to contacting the first potential volunteer. If appropriate, incorporate agency protocols for enlisting volunteers. Additional information about any specialized skills or training a recruited volunteer has may help to match specific skills with project tasks.

Prior to contacting volunteers, develop a recruiting spreadsheet (See example in Appendix I-1). Recommended information includes:

1. Name and contact information for potential volunteer groups.

2. Name and contact information of individual volunteers.

3. Individual volunteer birth date (if required by organization policy - may depend on volunteer assignment).

4. Names of collaborating organizations and their contact information.

5. Media outlets with contact information.

6. A place for notes. Keep basic notes on conversations with potential volunteers. Include their interests and availability. Clearly indicate details when a volunteer commits to a project.

If required, assemble required liability waivers or volunteer agreements. Anticipate any questions that may be asked so volunteers are provided with accurate information.

Regardless of whether or not there are formal policies for the use of volunteers in place, be prepared for injuries, broken equipment and other problems in the field. On-site safety must be the first priority.

Develop a basic project report form (See example in Appendix I-2) to track volunteer participation for each project.

1. Project date and location.

2. Hourly contributions of each individual volunteer and of volunteer groups. (Appendix I-6 is an example of a volunteer time sheet.)

3. An estimate of the value (in dollars/hr) of each hour contributed, and a total of that contribution for each project. (Appendix I-5)

4. An estimate of the value of material contributions of volunteers or groups, including vehicle mileage, meals, and any donated tools and materials.

5. Some basic information about project accomplishments for each project. This allows a comparison of volunteer hours with the amount of work completed (i.e., 10 volunteers planted willows on ½ mile of stream bank in 6 hours, etc.). It will also help showcase their efforts in media releases, future project proposals, matching grants, and in volunteer recognition efforts.

6. Project expenses including vehicle mileage costs, tools and plant materials purchased, meals provided, and salaries for project supervisors. Include any donations of materials.

7. Notes about any injuries, equipment failures, or other problems.

A record of volunteer participation is essential for project follow-up and will help with future recruiting efforts This information may be needed to document the contribution of volunteers as in-kind match for outside funding sources. Specific grant requirements should be reflected in the report form. Furthermore, documentation of past accomplishments may be crucial to seeking and securing future funding sources.

Create a sign in form or volunteer agreement (See example in Appendix I-3). This should include:

1. A place for individual volunteers to print and sign their names.

2. A contact name and phone number in case of emergency.

3. A place for a parent to sign for a youth under 18 years of age if required by managing organization.

4. A place for group leaders to sign in, as well as for them to collect printed names and signatures of the individuals in their groups. (Appendix I-4)

5. A place for volunteers to record private vehicle mileage associated with the project.

6. If a liability waiver is required, include a place to note whether this was done.


Recruiting Volunteers

Determine the number and types of volunteers needed to accomplish the riparian restoration project. Consider the following questions when thinking about the types of volunteers you might be looking for:

1. What type of time commitment is required? Will work be on weekends, weekdays, or both?

2. Is this a single project or multiple projects over a longer time?

3. What training is provided? Is the training on-site?

4. Are advanced skills required?

5. Is a specific skill set necessary, or can novices with a small amount of training accomplish the tasks?

6. What sort of physical abilities are required for project work?

7. Are education and community relationships primary project goals? What type or size of group would be appropriate for these other goals?

Answers to these questions will help determine the best approach to recruiting.

Potential volunteers can be found just about everywhere. Some volunteers commit as individuals, and some as part of a group.

1. Individuals: Some volunteer on their own or with their families. These volunteers typically learn about opportunities from a newspaper article, television spot, website, or word-of-mouth. Communicate with your own friends and co-workers to fill the ranks for small projects. Consider recruiting individuals for a small, committed team for multiple projects or a large project requiring multiple people. Use several different recruiting methods to reach individuals waiting to be asked to assist.

2. Groups: Volunteers can come from organized groups such as schools, church groups, youth groups, scouts, 4-H or other clubs, civic groups, chambers of commerce, businesses, conservation groups, and sportsman’s groups, etc. Motivations may include a requirement to perform public service, a common interest in conservation, or both. Recruiting through the media will help group leaders learn about volunteer opportunities. Direct contact of group leaders is also an effective recruitment tool. Appendix K includes a detailed list of Idaho groups that might be interested in volunteering on habitat projects.

Project leader recruiting volunteers.


Methods of RecruitingBefore beginning to recruit volunteers, consider collaborating with one or more partners. There are numerous agencies and organizations in Idaho who already conduct riparian restoration projects. Many of those groups also use volunteers on a regular basis in order to accomplish their restoration goals. Partnering would allow sharing of interested volunteers.

Begin recruiting by writing a broad message about the volunteer needs for the project. It is essential that potential volunteers understand the importance of conservation projects and the lasting impact of restoration. Help the potential volunteer make the connection between project outcomes and personal values. Emphasize the importance of volunteers in landscape conservation. Also include the information volunteers will need before they make a commitment. Get feedback on messages from project partners and friends before sending out.

Allow time for volunteer recruitment. Consider the schedules of volunteers. Advance notice is critical to busy people. Leaders of groups need even more advance notice to recruit from their membership. Consider that many group newsletters have deadlines one or two months in advance. Two months prior to the date is not too early to begin. Reach out to larger audiences first. A month before the project, begin making follow-up contacts and recruiting individuals. Start a recruiting conversation with a general description of the project, the basic time frame, and a call for help. Call again later to gauge interest and provide details.

Recruitment Tools1. Print/Television Media: Draft a simple press

release. Work with a good editor and provide the press release to the staff of local newspapers and television stations. (For a sample press release, see Appendix L)

2. Electronic Media: Work with your webmaster to recruit online. Both print media and television releases usually appear online. Use social media options such as Twitter and Facebook.

3. Word of Mouth: Get the word out to everyone who might be interested.

4. Phone Calls: Create and maintain a list of contacts. Call every single contact on that list, starting with group contacts and then moving to individuals. Make detailed notes and follow-up as necessary.

5. Presentations: Schools, clubs, scout troops, chambers of commerce, and other organizations are always on the lookout for speakers. Prepare a basic talk that can be delivered in 10 to 20 minutes. Introduce yourself, your organization, and the project. Connect the project with the mission of the group. Include specific volunteer needs such as what needs to be done, when it will be done, how many people are needed, and who to contact.

6. Posters: Develop a poster than can be placed in post offices, stores or other venues.

7. Advertise FUN! Be enthusiastic and personable when speaking with volunteers on the phone or in person. When people are deciding whether they want to donate their time, a positive response is more likely if they believe they’ll enjoy themselves. Advertising the fun aspect of a project also helps reassure potential volunteers who lack confidence in their skills.

8. Conservation Organizations: Many organizations are looking for hands-on projects for their members. These organizations may be willing to distribute information about an event to their membership as an opportunity for people to get involved.

9. Church Groups: Many churches are now organizing service projects for their members to get involved in their communities.

Volunteer and staff trimming pole planting.


What to Tell Potential Volunteers at First Contact

1. WHAT: Describe the restoration project in general and goals for the project day. If goals include education, describe what participants will learn. This will be especially important to school groups, scouts, and clubs.

2. WHY: Explain the importance of riparian restoration projects both in general and specifically.

3. HOW: Tell potential volunteers the sort of tasks to be performed, the time commitment needed, and in what sort of environment they’ll be working. Advise what requirements there are for the tasks (clothing, shoes, gloves, tools, food, water, restrooms, etc).

4. WHERE: Let potential volunteers know the approximate location of the project site. Include transportation details. Do not provide directions to the site or the precise meeting location at this stage! This helps to ensure that you know how many people will assist on your project day.

5. WHEN: Provide potential volunteers information about the general timeline (which month, weekend vs. weekday) without the exact date. In fact, their response may steer you towards a date. If a volunteer needs a date and it has been set, provide it. Do not provide the precise meeting time at this stage.

6. WHAT: Develop Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet. This will ensure that each volunteer receives the same information.

7. OTHER INFORMATION: Set an RSVP date and make sure it’s at least a week prior to the project to give you a planning buffer. If the availability of tools, transportation, or the nature of the project limits volunteer participation, discuss this with recruits. Factors which could cause project cancellation such as inclement weather, or insufficient participation, should be conveyed to recruited volunteers.

Follow-up Contact1. WHAT, WHY, HOW: As the date approaches,

remind volunteers about the importance of the project and what tasks will be performed. Reiterate basic logistical information, especially what volunteers will need to bring and how long the project will last.

2. WHERE and WHEN: Provide a detailed meeting location and time for those volunteers who commit to the project. Include a map and directions.

Obtaining a firm commitment from volunteers is essential to a well-planned volunteer project. A project leader must know who is coming. This process can also help the project leader remind groups or individuals about the project prior to the date.

If your potential volunteers have all the necessary information without providing a firm commitment, the project leader will not know how many people will assist with the project. This takes away the planning advantage and can lead to confusion if there is inadequate transportation, tools, or food to accommodate the group. Or the leader may be faced with not having adequate staff to complete the day’s work. While not everyone who commits will show up, typically 60% to 80% of recruited volunteers will arrive at the site.

Other ConsiderationsRepeat Volunteers

Recruiting is a time-consuming process. If recruited volunteers have a good experience, they are more likely to volunteer for a similar project in the future and bring others. The proven, trained volunteer will be invaluable to future projects. The key to retention is meeting the needs of the volunteer. A successful coordinator should remain flexible, show appreciation, and make the project fun.

“Other” Volunteer Contributions

Volunteers will ask about providing their own tools (like shovels and rakes). If the restoration techniques are basic and the budget is limited, consider asking volunteers to provide tools. Clearly communicate what the work will entail and discuss risks of breaking or misplacing tools. Labeling tools with volunteer names and keeping tools within a work group reduces risks associated with use of personal equipment. Have a clearly defined process should a tool be inadvertently broken or lost.

Volunteers are usually willing to provide food. Some may be willing to provide food or transportation for others. Some groups or businesses have volunteered to provide hot lunches, snacks, portable restrooms, bus service, and tools to other volunteers who perform riparian restoration work.

Recruit a Good Photographer

Each project needs to be documented with photographs. Keeping a visual record is an important part of project monitoring. Photos should include pictures of the project, with before and after shots, pictures of all participants working, and pictures of all tasks. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of volunteers working together, and finish off with a good group shot. Photographs can

Project photographer.


Examples of equipment.

help with future volunteer recruitment and grant applications, and can be used in “thank you” letters to the project volunteers. Label the photographs with names and activity descriptions, organize them appropriately, and save them to a computer or disk. Share digital photos with the project volunteers. If digital photos are taken, be sure to back up the photos. If you are going to distribute photos publicly, obtain a photo release from the adult volunteer, or legal guardian or parent of a minor volunteer.

Taking photographs of a volunteer project is a separate task. Find a talented volunteer to take photos. Provide a camera, along with direction about desired images. Instruct the photographer to take as many pictures of all aspects of the project as possible. An accomplished photographer may prefer to use his own camera. Discuss ownership of project photos during the recruitment process. If the project is organized by a government entity, the photographs typically cannot be privately owned.

PROJECT DAYGreeting, Sign-In, and Briefing It is absolutely essential to greet each volunteer as he or she arrives. Have all paperwork attached to a clipboard with a pen. Establish a place for volunteer check-in. This can be as simple as a truck tailgate or a table. Make sure it is a visible and obvious check-in location. Each person needs to be updated with current information as soon as they arrive. Make introductions, welcome and thank the volunteer! Have everyone sign-in, and review the forms before you begin training.

At the check-in, provide some basic information including any changes in plans. Help the volunteers find restrooms, water and food, and emergency equipment. Provide information about what to expect in the next few minutes. An example might be: “Once all ten participants have arrived, we’ll meet here and I’ll talk about what we’re going to do today.” At this briefing, provide as many details as possible about the work day.

During the briefing, ensure that safety is covered thoroughly. Never forget that each person’s safety is the highest priority. A successful project is injury-free! After all, your goals should include that every participant has a positive experience and would return for more if asked.

SafetyAlways have a first-aid kit on hand, and let everyone know where it is. Someone at the project site should have a good working knowledge of basic first aid and be certified in CPR. Ensure that there is an emergency contact number for the local emergency medical system (EMS) with the first-aid equipment. Have snacks, water, and extra clothing available. Assume that one or more of the volunteers will have forgotten food, water, gloves, boots, or appropriate clothing. In hot weather, make sure that volunteers are staying hydrated. Provide plenty of cold water and take water breaks. When it comes to safety and comfort, it’s better to “have it and not need it” than to “need it and not have it!”

The potential for an accident should be taken seriously. Do not assume that everyone in the group knows how to use basic tools. Make sure that there is a demonstration of the use of each tool. Consider safety during each step of the process, and never become complacent. Communicate the importance of safety to all participants (staff, volunteers, everyone) and let them know what to do in the event of illness or injury. Be sure your training is thorough and explain precautions even if they seem obvious.

Offer the Volunteer Something TangibleThe volunteer coordinator serves as the host for the day. Provide hot drinks, cold drinks, snacks, or lunch. Make each volunteer feel welcome at the project site. Consider providing work gloves. If the budget allows, or if the crew will work on multiple projects, consider providing t-shirts with project-specific artwork. This helps volunteers feel a sense of belonging and can also serve as a token of appreciation.

Sign-in and briefing.


Project leader demonstrating technique to volunteers.

Make it FunPut on a smile before the first volunteer arrives; keep smiling until after the last one leaves. Let little things slide and have a good time at every juncture. Help the volunteers feel good about their accomplishments.

Show AppreciationThis is perhaps the most important thing to remember when working with volunteers. Express your appreciation throughout the process. It starts when contacting potential volunteers, but it becomes crucially important in the field. Remind people of the importance of their contribution. Remember that they are donating something very precious: their time. Don’t take that for granted and make sure each volunteer feels appreciated.

Extending your thanks is showing appreciation. But make sure to say the word, “Thanks!” Thank your volunteers when they arrive, thank them again during the day, and thank them when they leave. Thank their parents, too, at the end of the day.

Training/Instruction

1. Before the Project Day: Decide What volunteers will need to know and How it will be taught. Practice with a friend so you can try out your instructional methods.

2. On the Project Day: Give an overview of the goals and purpose for the project. After thanking the volunteers, remind them why the project is important and what you hope to accomplish. Volunteers will perform better if they approach their task with a fresh understanding of the need for the project and the importance of their contribution. (For a sample training agenda see Appendix M)

3. Give an Overview of the Plan for the Day: Give everyone a verbal outline for the day. Let them know how work groups will be organized, what tasks need to be accomplished, what supervision will be provided, and how long the work day will last. Remind volunteers to take breaks as needed. Point out the location of restroom facilities, food, water, and first-aid and safety supplies.

4. Demonstrate Each Procedure: With small groups, this can be done at the initial project briefing; with larger groups, delegate this task to the crew leaders. Training becomes less effective as the group size increases. Precisely demonstrate each task from beginning to end. This needs to include an actual demonstration. Don’t take anything for granted here. Even the simplest tasks should be demonstrated step-by-step. Answer field questions, and then have the volunteers practice the task. Be sure you explain the reasons for each step of each task. Remember safety here!

5. Organize Individuals into Crews and Make Assignments: Supervise the process of forming crews. Give each crew a specific assignment. Be sure to assign volunteers to the job which is most appropriate. Think about their abilities and their interests. The most experienced person can serve as a crew leader.

6. Quality Control: This may be delegated to the crew leader. Decide what level of quality is acceptable on the project. Volunteer experience varies. While volunteers are capable of high-quality work, proper supervision helps achieve that standard. Be thorough in training. Then observe volunteers

Advertise fun!


Taking a break.

at work. As they begin their tasks, give positive feedback about their techniques. Give praise, but don’t be afraid to help them improve; most will appreciate your effort since they want to do good work. Emphasize Quality Over Quantity! The success of riparian restoration projects can depend on the details; if each component is handled with care, the entire project will be better off.

Supervise - Step Back for the Big PictureThe role of the coordinator varies. Some supervise by working alongside the volunteers; others step back to take in “the big picture.” Which you choose will depend on your leadership style, the size and type of your project, and the number and type of volunteers.

1. Project Size: If the project is small, you can supervise and work at the same time. Larger projects, or projects that cover a larger area, might require the supervisor to step back and direct things. The supervisor must ensure the volunteers are getting what they need across the project site, and not just in one area.

2. Volunteers: Similarly, you can probably supervise small groups while working side by side. Be part of the group, do the work, and have fun. This is especially true when your volunteers are adults who need less direct supervision. Large groups or youth groups may require that the supervisor take more of a project-coordination role. Younger volunteers need more supervision and education; and of course, safety is the first concern.

3. Crews: It may be helpful to organize large groups into crews, each with its own crew leader. Crew leaders (or co-leaders) can provide training and supervision for smaller groups of up to 10 or 15 volunteers, while the site supervisor checks in with each crew. The key to success with this method is to enlist the right people to be crew leaders. If your restoration techniques are simple, a willing volunteer could fill this role. However with more complex projects, it is more important that crew leaders have some prior experience or training. Perhaps other staff or trained volunteers could take those responsibilities. Regardless of the situation, good communication throughout the project is critical.

4. Work Alongside Each Volunteer or Group: It is important to connect with each of the volunteers during the day. Express appreciation, make new connections, or maintain relationships with the volunteers. One suggestion for doing this is to move around the site with tools in hand and do a little work here and there, while talking with your volunteers.

5. Retention: While circulating among the volunteers, spend some time discussing volunteer motivations. Ensure the project serves the needs of the volunteers as much as it does the riparian habitat improvement. Projects need to meet volunteer expectations as much as possible. You may need to set aside some time to focus on meeting expectations, especially if your volunteers are teachers and students. A positive experience goes a long way towards meeting these expectations.

Volunteer EvaluationsConsider methods for getting feedback from volunteers. This could be informal conversations or a specific paper form for feedback. Gather input about the quality of the project and the quality of the volunteer experience.

Critique

It will be important to evaluate the project in terms of its restoration goals as well as your success in working with volunteers. Be sure to include others in this evaluation process, including professionals, partners, and volunteers. This information will help with planning future projects. Write down key points for future consideration shortly after the project.


Site Maintenance and Monitoring On each site visit, work should be inspected and maintained (Bentrup and Hoag 1998). Assume that something will need to be repaired, so have appropriate tools and staff. Monitoring can be a work outing. Plan to spend at least a day maintaining the project after each high-water season.

Project Reporting

Complete any necessary paperwork for your agency or organization and the funding agency. Complete the project report form developed during the planning process.

Thanking each volunteer is the most important task to complete.

It is absolutely essential to express your appreciation to volunteers for their contributions. Consider gestures that will make individuals and groups feel appreciated. Use more than one for each volunteer. Some peoples are happy to participate and have a positive experience; others want a t-shirt to “show off” their participation. Some may need a letter of recommendation verifying the service they’ve completed.

Here are some methods for recognizing, rewarding, and thanking volunteers for their service:

1. Use of Media: A letter of thanks in the local newspaper is easy and a great way to express gratitude. Keep it brief, but mention the project, the accomplishments of the volunteers, and how important it was. Also mention volunteers by individual or group name. (For a sample press release, see Appendix N)

2. Cards: Sending thank-you cards to individuals and group leaders is a nice reminder that you appreciate their efforts. If you intend to recruit volunteers for other projects, have cards printed with some nice artwork appropriate to your project or program. For example, artwork for riparian restoration volunteers could show fish or streams.

Chapter 3Follow Up

3. Letters: Letters of thanks and acknowledgement are appreciated by volunteers, but they may be quite useful to them as well. If you’re working with a school group, a letter of thanks to the teacher and students is a good idea. Also consider sending a letter of recognition to the school principal or appropriate administrator, praising the teachers for their participation. Be sure to copy the teacher on the letter; any teacher or professional leader would be happy to have such a letter added to their permanent employment record. Similarly, you may offer to write a letter of

Volunteer recognition through the media.


recommendation to a young person for inclusion in a job or college application packet. Your comments could have lasting practical implications, so consider whether your volunteers may benefit from a well-written letter.

4. Banquets: This might be more appropriate if you’re going to coordinate a long-term program using volunteers, but it’s worth consideration. An annual recognition banquet or picnic is a great way to remind your volunteers that they are part of a special group, while thanking them for their contribution. Often you can find creative sources of funding for these events, especially if you’re representing an agency or organization. Just make sure the focus of your banquet is two-fold: it should serve to thank your volunteers, and it should also be a social gathering where you can come closer as a group.

5. Tokens of Appreciation: If you have available funding, it is a great idea to have t-shirts, hats or patches printed with an appropriate scene or logo to distribute to your volunteers. This is especially true if they are committed to multiple restoration projects over the long term. A well-designed t-shirt then becomes a uniform of sorts and identifies the wearer as the member of a team connected with the program. Using the word “team” or “team member” in the design will make the point.

Communicate about the outcome of the project with others that were involved. Collaboration between these diverse groups and individuals is essential to the success of your project. Their motivations and needs differ from those of your volunteers. However, it is important to connect with them on a personal level and let them know you value the partnership and are grateful for a successful project.

Future Restoration GoalsIt is time to start planning future projects using what you’ve learned. Consider everything that went into your project, including planning and recruiting, and incorporate that into your current planning. Again this is something that should involve your partners, but also review and/or seek feedback from your volunteers.

Consider the following:

1. What are your future restoration goals for the sites where you worked this year?

2. Do you have restoration goals for other sites and, if so, what are they?

3. Are your partners willing to collaborate on future projects?

4. Are there potential new partners out there to approach?

5. Which volunteers are likely to participate in the future?

6. What is the skill level of your individual volunteers and your pool of volunteers as a whole (now that they’ve had some project experience)?

7. How much and what type of work can you expect to accomplish on future projects?

8. Are there any volunteer groups you hadn’t contacted but would like to?

9. Would a group of volunteers with expertise in riparian restoration techniques be useful? Appendix O has suggestions for the development of a group of volunteers with expertise in riparian restoration.


References

Bentrup, G., and J.C. Hoag. 1998. The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide: User’s Guide for Natural Streambank Stabilization Techniques in the Arid and Semi-arid Great Basin and Intermountain West. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID.

Briggs, M.K. 1996. Riparian Ecosystem Recovery in Arid Lands. University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ.

Carlson, J.R., G.L. Conaway, J.L. Gibbs, and J.C. Hoag. 1995. Design Criteria for Revegetation in Riparian Zones of the Intermountain Area. USDA NRCS Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No.9, Aberdeen, ID.

Charpentier, P. 2010. Restoring Human-Nature: The Benefits of Participating in Ecological Restoration. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID.

FISRWG. 1998. Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices. By the Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG) (15 Federal agencies of the US government). GPO Item No. 0120-A; Superintendent of Documents No. A 57.6/2:EN 3/PT.653. ISBN-0-934213-59-3.

Hoag, J.C. 1997. Planning a Project: Selection and Acquisition of Woody and Herbaceous Plant Species and Materials for Riparian Corridor, Shoreline, and Wetland Restoration and Enhancement. USDA NRCS Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No.2, Aberdeen, ID.

Hoag, J.C. 2003. Harvesting, Propagating, and Planting Wetland Plants. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No. 13, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C. 2007. How to Plant Willows and Cottonwoods for Riparian Restoration. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No.23, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C. 2008. Wetland Sodmats. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No. 22, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C. 2009. Vertical Bundles: A Streambank Bioengineering Treatment to Establish Willows and Dogwoods on Streambanks. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No. 53, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C., and D. Ogle. 2008. The Stinger: A Tool to Plant Unrooted Hardwood Cuttings. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No. 6, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C., and M. Zierke. 1998. A Reference Guide for the Collection and Use of Ten Common Wetland Plants of the Great Basin and Intermountain West. USDA NRCS Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No.13, Aberdeen, ID.

Hoag, J.C., N. Melvin, and D. Tilley. 2007. Wetland Plants: Their Function, Adaptation, and Relationship to Water Levels. USDA NRCS Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 21, Aberdeen, ID.

Hoag, J.C., B. Simonson, B. Cornforth, and L. St. John. 2001. Waterjet Stinger: A Tool to Plant Dormant Unrooted Cuttings of Willow, Cottonwood, Dogwood, and Other Species. USDA NRCS Plant Materials Technical Note No. 39, Boise, ID.

Hoag, J.C., D. Tilley, D. Darris, and K. Pendergrass. 2008. Field Guide for the Identification and Use of Common Riparian Woody Plants of the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest Regions. USDA NRCS Aberdeen, ID.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2011. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Webpage (http://www.pca.state.mn.us/, 2011).

Olson, R., and W.A. Hubert. 1994. Beaver: Water Resources and Riparian Habitat Manager. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY.

Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute. 2008. Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute Webpage, “Plants for Wetland Restoration on the Palouse” (http://www.pcei.org/, 2008).

Plants for a Future. 2011. Plants For A Future Webpage (http://www.pfaf.org/user/default.aspx, 2011).

Platts, W.S., C.L. Armour, G.D. Booth, M. Bryant, J.L. Bufford, P. Cuplin, S. Jensen, G.W. Lienkaemper, G.W. Minshall, S.T. Monsen, R.L. Nelson, J.R. Sedell, and J.S. Tuhy. 1987. Methods for Evaluating Riparian Habitats with Applications to Management. General Technical Report INT-221, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Ogden, UT.


Planting a tree.

Smith, B., and D. Pritchard. 1992. Riparian Area Management. Technical Reference 1737-6, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Denver, CO.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. U.S. Forest Service. 2011. U.S. Forest Service Webpage (http://www.fs.fed.us/, 2011).

U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. 2002. Plant Guide: Wood’s Rose. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2011). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS. 2011. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 2011). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

U.S. Department of the Interior. 1989. Fencing. BLM Manual Handbook H-1741-1. Bureau of Land Management.

Wood River Resource Conservation and Development District (WRRC & D). 1989. Using Beaver to Improve Riparian Areas. Wood River RC & D, Gooding, ID. (Pamphlet)

WTU Herbarium Image Collection. 2011. Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. (http://biology.burke.washington.edu/herbarium/imagecollection.php, 2011).

Wyoming Game and Fish Department. 2004. Fencing Guidelines for Wildlife, Habitat Extension Bulletin Number 53. Revised Version. Cheyenne, Wyoming.


Appendix A

Some of the best projects are collaborative efforts. Find a group with similar goals. Some groups are already working on riparian restoration. State and federal government agencies have expertise in restoration projects, and administer the public lands on which project sites might occur. Many of the following agencies have used volunteers to complete a variety of restoration projects in Idaho.

1. Idaho Department of Fish & Game works extensively with volunteers on riparian restoration projects. The volunteer program in the Southwest Region (Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, etc.) has great information, including information on techniques, available on their River Menders website.

River Menders website: http://rivermenders.net

More specific information about their use of willow weavings can be viewed at:

http://rivermenders.net/netcenter/restechniques/willoweave.html

All IDFG regions employ volunteers in their work, and some regularly perform riparian restoration projects. Here is a link to the IDFG volunteer webpage:

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/about/volunteer/

IDFG Region 1, Panhandle2885 W. Kathleen Ave.Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815(208) 769-1414

IDFG Region 2, Clearwater3316 16th St.Lewiston, ID 83501(208) 799-5010

IDFG Region 3, Southwest (McCall Office)555 Deinhard LaneMcCall, ID 83638(208) 634-8137

IDFG Region 3, Southwest (Volunteer Office)109 W. 44th St.Garden City, ID 83714(208) 327-7095

IDFG Region 3, Southwest ( Nampa Office)3101 S. Powerline Rd.Nampa, ID 83686(208) 465-8465

IDFG Region 4, Magic Valley324 S. 417 East, Suite #1 Jerome, ID 83338(208) 324-4359

Potential Collaborators

IDFG Region 5, Southeast1345 Barton Rd.Pocatello, ID 83204(208) 232-4703

IDFG Region 6, Upper Snake4279 Commerce CircleIdaho Falls, ID 83401 (208) 525-7290

IDFG Region 7, Salmon99 Hwy. 93 N. Salmon, ID 83467(208) 756-2271

2. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers most public lands in southern Idaho. If work is planned on these lands, BLM must be involved. BLM staff members possess a wealth of knowledge on all facets of habitat projects, and are valuable project planning partners.

BLM (Idaho) Directory Webpage:http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/info/directory.html

BLM Boise District (Includes Bruneau, Four Rivers, and Owyhee Field Offices)3948 Development AveBoise, ID 83705(208) 384-3300

BLM Coeur d’Alene District (Includes Coeur d’ Alene and Cotttonwood Field Offices)3815 Schreiber WayCoeur d’Alene, ID 83815(208) 769-5000

BLM Twin Falls District (Includes Burley, Jarbidge, and Shoshone Field Offices)2536 Kimberly RoadTwin Falls, ID 83301(208) 735-2060

BLM Idaho Falls District (Includes Challis, Pocatello, Salmon, and Upper Snake Field Offices)1405 Hollipark DriveIdaho Falls, ID 83401(208) 524-7500


3. The Forest Service (USFS), like the BLM, administers a great deal of public land in Idaho. Contact the appropriate office if your project is on Forest lands. Staff expertise may prove invaluable.

National Forests in Idaho:http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/map/state_list.shtml#Idaho

USFS Boise National Forest (Includes Cascade, Emmett, Idaho City, Lowman, and Mountain Home Ranger Districts) 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200Boise, ID 83709(208) 373-4100

USFS Caribou-Targhee National Forest (Includes Dubois, Ashton/Island Park, Teton Basin, Palisades, Soda Springs, Montpelier, and Westside Ranger Districts) 1405 Hollipark DriveIdaho Falls, ID 83401(208) 524-7500

USFS Clearwater National Forest (Includes Lochsa, North Fork, Palouse, and Powell Ranger Districts)12730 Highway 12Orofino, Idaho 83544(208)-476-4541

USFS Idaho Panhandle National Forests (Includes Bonner’s Ferry, Coeur d’ Alene River, Priest Lake, Sandpoint, and St. Joe River Ranger Districts)3815 Schreiber WayCoeur d’Alene, ID 83815(208) 765-7223

USFS Payette National Forest (Includes Council, Krassel, McCall, New Meadows, Payette, and Weiser Ranger Districts)800 West Lakeside AveMcCall, ID 83638-3602(208) 634-0700

USFS Nez Perce National Forest (Includes Clearwater, Moose Creek, Red River, and Salmon Ranger Districts)104 Airport RoadGrangeville, ID 83530(208)-983-1950

USFS Salmon-Challis National Forest (Includes Challis-Yankee Fork, Leadore, Lost River, Middle Fork, North Fork, and Salmon-Cobalt Ranger Districts)1206 S. Challis StreetSalmon, ID 83467(208) 756-5100

USFS Sawtooth National Forest (Includes Fairfield, Ketchum, and Minidoka Ranger Districts)2647 Kimberly Road EastTwin Falls, ID 83301-7976(208) 737-3200

4. Idaho Department of Lands administers most of the land owned by the state of Idaho. For a project on IDL Lands consult your nearest Supervisory Area office. Listings for those offices are in the permitting section below.

Idaho Dept of Lands:http://www.idl.idaho.gov/areas.htm

5. Other Groups might be interested in collaboration on a riparian restoration project. Consider the following types of organizations as potential collaborators:

Conservation Groups – Groups such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. You may know of other interested partners.

Local/Regional Land Trusts – Land trusts exist in most regions in Idaho. These groups may have projects underway, or may have potential project sites to consider. Furthermore, their staff members may be interested in helping with projects at other sites in their area of operations.

Sage-grouse Local Working Groups (LWGs) – These groups are a coalition of concerned citizens, landowners, and agency staff who come together to discuss issues, support projects, and develop management plans for sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitat across Idaho. Sage-grouse LWGs have supported riparian projects and members have participated in volunteer conservation programs in the past.

More information, including contacts, about sage-grouse local working groups:

Idaho Department of Fish & GameP.O. Box 25Boise, ID 83707(208) 334-2920http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/plans/sage_grouse/

Private Landowners – Any of these agencies may be able to connect you with landowners who are interested in riparian improvement. Also, landowners who are interested in conservation practices might wish to participate in nearby projects as well.


Beavers play an important role in many riparian ecosystems, and have been used as a tool to enhance and manage water resources and riparian habitat. A successful relocation of beavers may move a site along a continuum of restoration benchmarks. The benefits of beaver introduction and management can include:

1. Elevation of water tables to enhance vegetation.

2. Reduction of stream velocity and erosion.

3. Improvement of water quality through vegetative processes.

4. Improvement of water storage and stabilization of stream flows.

5. Enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat.

6. Increased forage and shelter production for livestock and wildlife.

7. Improved aesthetics.

Sources: (Olson and Hubert 1994; Wood River RC & D 1989)

However, relocation and introduction of beavers is a complex undertaking, and requires a great deal of up-front planning and collaboration. Several issues must be considered and addressed before any steps are taken to relocate beavers to a new area:

1. Compliance: First, it’s important to know and adhere to all state and local laws which pertain to trapping and relocating beavers.

2. Expertise: State wildlife agencies MUST be partners in these efforts if they are to be lawful, but also to increase the chance of success. Trappers involved in relocation must be highly experienced as well.

3. Collaboration: Beavers, by engineering their environment and altering the course of succession, can potentially cause significant damage to property at or adjacent to the planned introduction site. Furthermore dispersal is common, so neighboring landowners need to be consulted and included in the planning process. Buy-in from all potentially affected parties is crucial!

4. Site Suitability: Beavers require access to adequate supplies of willow and aspen for food and dam/lodge construction. Furthermore, beavers are strictly territorial. Introduction sites cannot be too close to existing beaver populations or to the home colony. Appropriate livestock management may be necessary to maintain riparian habitat for long-term persistence of the beaver population.

5. Timing and Precision of Relocation: Beaver relocation should take place during dam-building season, which is late summer/early fall. This allows adequate time for the animals to build structures and secure enough food for winter, while diminishing the likelihood of desertion. Furthermore it is optimal to relocate an entire colony or at least a breeding pair, to prevent dispersal of individuals. Again, an experienced trapper is essential to accomplishing these tasks.

6. Management Plans: Beavers are amazing engineers, and have the potential to become a costly nuisance for property owners. In the process of their life cycle, it is common for beavers to kill ornamental or desirable vegetation, plug culverts, cause substantial flooding, and dig unwanted canals and burrows. In anticipation, a contingency for the removal of beavers and the protection of property must be considered.

Sources: (Olson and Hubert 1994; Wood River RC & D 1989)

Employing Volunteers in Beaver Introduction

Due to the complexity involved, relocation of beavers must be performed by experienced trappers in conjunction with state wildlife agencies. However, volunteers are well-suited to several tasks associated with beaver introductions. Some examples are:

1. Site Preparation: Sites which have adequate food supply, but lack larger trees necessary for dam/lodge building, can be supplemented. Stockpiling aspen poles which are 4 to 5 inches in diameter and 4 to 8 feet long within 100 feet of the stream can provide beavers with the necessary materials until vegetation naturally reaches sufficient size. Furthermore, volunteers can install fencing if necessary to manage livestock near introduction sites. See Appendix C.

2. Monitoring: Volunteers can play a crucial role in monitoring beaver introduction sites and recording changes over time.

3. Management: Volunteers can provide labor when necessary to address nuisance issues, such as plugged culverts.

Summary

If habitat components are available, the introduction of beavers to a riparian site could enhance the riparian ecosystem. As with all restoration projects, planning is paramount. Beavers represent a long-term commitment to address long-term restoration goals.

Appendix BUsing Beavers to Restore

Riparian Habitat


The majority of this manual focuses on using volunteers in bio-engineered riparian restoration projects. There are circumstances where only the use of barrier fencing to manage or remove grazing will restore the functionality of riparian ecosystems. When grazing is managed or excluded, isolated stands of riparian vegetation can serve as the seed source for restoration areas. Birds and rodents may carry seeds and plant material which aids in recovery. As in the use of other techniques mentioned in this manual, consultation with local experts will assist project managers in determining the potential effectiveness of riparian fencing or grazing management in riparian areas.

In areas with heavy livestock or wildlife use, fencing of riparian areas will help to ensure their recovery. Combined with effective grazing management systems, riparian fencing can help to manage sediment loads. Using a combination of approaches will ensure a healthier ecosystem throughout the entire drainage.

Each stream project is unique. Deciding what type of fence to use requires an analysis of the terrain, climate, and type of riparian system. The types of wildlife and livestock use, and human activities need to be considered. In areas with heavy use by elk, it may be appropriate to exclude elk from the riparian area. If this is the case, the constructed fence will need to be much different from a fence necessary to exclude cattle. If wildlife access is desired, a wildlife-friendly fence is needed. If human access is routine in the area, construction of styles should be considered. Budget considerations may drive the choice of fencing materials. Seek assistance from someone who has expertise in riparian fencing!

Fencing may be made from hardware cloth, chicken wire, net sheep wire, barbed or smooth wire on steel, wood or fiberglass posts, pole top, post and rail, buck and pole, solar electric, or high-voltage (5,000-volt) electric fencing. Natural materials,

such as downed timber, and physical features, such as gullies, canyons, and cliffs, can be used to manage access. (Smith and Pritchard, 1992). Any fencing that is constructed needs to meet livestock and wildlife standards. This may include the use of smooth wire as the bottom wire, and a maximum height for the top wire. A good source of information for construction of fences is the 1989 Bureau of Land Management fence handbook. Additional information on construction of wildlife-friendly fencing is contained in the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Extension Bulletin Number 53 revised in 2004.

As discussed elsewhere in this manual, maintenance of riparian restoration projects is ongoing. In order to preserve their integrity, fences must be maintained. Fences in areas with extensive livestock or elk use, or fences across drainages tend to need significant maintenance. Installation of electric fences is relatively easy but these fences require frequent checking to ensure that they are continuously grounded. Spring flooding can cause extensive damage to riparian fencing. It is important to consider maintenance time and costs when planning a riparian fencing project. It may be that with design modifications, maintenance needs can be reduced.

As an example, the installation of off-stream sources of water such as spring development or water catchments, provide both livestock and elk a source of drinking water. This reduces pushing of the fences along a riparian area. Additionally, in some areas, it is appropriate to provide breaks in riparian fencing to allow grazers access to streams for drinking.

Volunteers can be used in the construction of fences and off-stream water sources. These projects are relatively complex and require that project supervisors are experienced in fencing. Planning the entire project as well as each work day is essential for success. The project supervisor must be able to explain work details to each volunteer.

Appendix CUse of Exclusionary Fencing

in Riparian Restoration


Appendix DProject Planning

Print ResourcesStream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices. Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG - 15 Federal agencies of the US government). GPO Item No. 0120-A; SuDocs No. A 57.6/2:EN 3/PT.653. ISBN-0-934213-59-3.

To order a copy of this handbook, call 1-888-526-3227. Refer to document No. NEH – 653

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/?ss=16&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb1043244&navid=140100000000000&pnavid=140000000000000&position=Not Yet Determined.Html&ttype=detailfull&pname=Federal Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook (NEH-653) | NRCS

The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide. Bentrup, G. and J.C. Hoag. 1998. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. May 1998. 151p. (ID# 116). (PDF; 3,083K)

This guide is perhaps the single most useful resource available for riparian restoration in southern Idaho, in any format. It covers the basics of project planning, tools, techniques, and plant materials selection. It also contains a very useful appendix, including a basic riparian plant identification guide.

Web ResourcesUnited States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series:

USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Aberdeen Plant Materials Center puts out a wealth of publications which are useful for restoration projects. They include field guides for use and identifications of plants, information on handling plant materials, and riparian restoration guides which cover planning, techniques, monitoring, etc. Some are technical notes, others are part of a wetland project series, and others are stand-alone publications. A list (with links) can be viewed at:

http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/idpmc/publications.html#TN

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 2: Planning a Project. Hoag, J.C. 1997. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Dec. 1997. 13p. (ID# 1055) (PDF; 32 KB)

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 9: Design Criteria for Revegetation in Riparian Zones of the Intermountain Area. Carlson, J.R., G.L. Conaway, J.L. Gibbs, and J.C. Hoag. 1995. USDA- NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Aug. 1995. 12p. (ID# 392) (PDF; 33 KB)

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 11: Getting a “Bang for your Buck” on your next wetland project. Sellers, M., and J.C. Hoag. 1998. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Jan. 1998. 5p. (ID# 2648) (PDF; 17 KB)

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 15: Costs and Considerations of Streambank Bioengineering Treatments. Hoag, J.C. 2000. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Jul. 2000. 8p. (ID# 1069) (PDF; 860 KB)


The addresses and websites were current as of the publication date. However, these may change over time so it will be necessary to confirm contacts when securing permits. The information below should provide the basis for beginning the permitting process.

1. Idaho Department of Water Resources is the best place to start in order to secure the proper permits. If working in a stream, you’ll need to describe the project you propose and inquire about a Stream Channel Alteration Permit.

IDWR Regions and Contact Info Webpage:http://www.idwr.idaho.gov/contact/contact.htm

IDWR Stream Channel Alteration Permit (includes forms to download, etc):http://www.idwr.idaho.gov/WaterManagement/StreamsDams/Streams/AlterationPermit/AlterationPermit.htm

IDWR State Office322 East Front StreetPO Box 83720Boise, Idaho 83720-0098(208) 287-4800

IDWR Western Regional Office2735 Airport WayBoise, ID 83705-5082(208) 334-2190

IDWR Northern Regional Office7600 Mineral Drive, Suite 100Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815-7763(208) 762-2800

IDWR Southern Regional Office1341 Fillmore Street, Suite 200Twin Falls, ID 83301-3380(208) 736-3033

IDWR Eastern Regional Office900 North Skyline Drive, Suite AIdaho Falls, ID 83402-1718(208) 525-7161

2. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is the agency which needs to certify compliance with Sect. 401 of the Clean Water Act.

DEQ Regions and Contact Info Webpage:http://www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices-issues.aspx

DEQ permitting page:http://www.deq.idaho.gov/permitting.aspx

DEQ Boise Regional Office1445 N. Orchard Boise, ID 83706 (208) 373-0550

DEQ Coeur d’Alene Regional Office2110 Ironwood Pkwy. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (208) 769-1422

DEQ Idaho Falls Regional Office900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (208) 528-2650

DEQ Lewiston Regional Office1118 “F” Street Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 799-4370

DEQ Pocatello Regional Office444 Hospital Way, #300 Pocatello, ID 83201 (208) 236-6160

DEQ Twin Falls Regional Office1363 Fillmore Street Twin Falls, ID 83301 (208) 736-2190

Appendix EAgencies for Permitting


3. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will need to permit your project if it alters a navigable waterway. Furthermore, USACE can help you determine the mean high water mark at your stream site, which will also guide your permitting process.

USACE Walla Walla District Office201 North Third AvenueWalla Walla, WA. 99362-1876http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/

For further contact info, including phone numbers:http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/comm/contacts/default.html

USACE Walla Walla District, Boise Outreach OfficeSuite 255A 720 Park Boulevard Boise, ID 83712 (208) 345-2264

USACE Walla Walla DistrictRegulatory Field OfficeIdaho Panhandle National Forest Building3815 Schreiber WayCoeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814 208-765-7256

USACE Walla Walla DistrictRegulatory Field Office900 North Skyline Dr, Suite AIdaho Falls, ID 84402(208) 522-1645

http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/boise/outreach.html

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Field Guide to Finding High Water Mark in Arid Westhttp://www.spk.usace.army.mil/organizations/cespk-co/regulatory/pdf/Arid-West-OHWM.pdf

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Info on Water Quality Permits, Sections 401 and 404 of Clean Water Acthttp://www.nww.usace.army.mil/html/offices/op/rf/water_qual_cert.asp

4. Idaho Department of Lands will need to assist you if you’re looking at a lake/pond project on public land, or any project on IDL land.

IDL Contact Info Webpage:http://www.idl.idaho.gov/areas.htm

North Operations

Priest Lake Supervisory Area (Coolin) 4053 Cavanaugh Bay RoadCoolin ID 83821 (208) 443-2516 Kootenai Valley Supervisory Area (Bonners Ferry)6327 Main StreetBonners Ferry ID 83805 (208) 267-5577 Pend Oreille Supervisory Area (Sandpoint) 2550 Highway 2 WestSandpoint ID 83864-7305 (208) 263-5104 Mica Supervisory Area (Coeur d’Alene) 3258 West Industrial LoopCoeur d’Alene ID 83815 (208) 769-1577 Cataldo Supervisory Area (Kingston) 80 Hilltop Overpass RoadKingston ID 83839 (208) 682-4611 St. Joe Supervisory Area (St. Maries)1806 Main AvenueSt. Maries ID 83861 (208) 245-4551 Ponderosa Supervisory Area (Deary) 3130 Highway 3Deary ID 83823 (208) 877-1121

South Operations Clearwater Supervisory Area (Orofino) 10230 Highway 12Orofino ID 83544(208) 476-4587 Maggie Creek Supervisory Area (Kamiah) 913 Third StreetKamiah ID 83536 (208) 935-2141 Craig Mountain Supervisory Area (Craigmont) PO Box 68014 East LorahamaCraigmont ID 83523 (208) 924-5571


Volunteer being honored at banquet.

Payette Lakes Supervisory Area (McCall)555 Deinhard LaneMcCall ID 83638 (208) 634-7125 Southwest Supervisory Area (Boise) 8355 West State StreetBoise ID 83714 (208) 334-3488 South Central Supervisory Area (Jerome) 324 South 417 East, Suite 2Jerome ID 83338 (208) 324-2561 Eastern Supervisory Area (Idaho Falls) 3563 Ririe HighwayIdaho Falls ID 83401 (208) 525-7167

IDL Southwest Supervisory Area 8355 West State StreetBoise, ID 83714(208) 334-3488

IDL South Central Supervisory Area 324 South 417 East, Suite 2Jerome, ID 83338(208) 324-2561

IDL Eastern Supervisory Area3563 Ririe HighwayIdaho Falls, ID 83401(208) 5285-7167


This manual doesn’t cover details about restoration tools and techniques. Here are some useful resources:

Print Resources:Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices. Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG - 15 Federal agencies of the US government). GPO Item No. 0120-A; SuDocs No. A 57.6/2:EN 3/PT.653. ISBN-0-934213-59-3. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/stream_restoration/

To order a copy of this handbook, call 1-888-526-3227. Refer to document No. NEH – 653

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/?ss=16&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=stelprdb1043244&navid=140100000000000&pnavid=140000000000000&position=Not Yet Determined.Html&ttype=detailfull&pname=Federal Stream Corridor Restoration Handbook (NEH-653) | NRCS

The Practical Streambank Bioengineering Guide. Bentrup, G. and J.C. Hoag. 1998. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. May 1998. 151p. (ID# 116) (PDF; 3,083K)

Web Resources:United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Technical Notes:

Technical Note No. 6 - The Stinger: A Tool to Plant Unrooted Hardwood Cuttings. Hoag, J.C., and D. Ogle. 2008. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Technical Note 6. 12p. (ID# 8088) (PDF; 785 KB)

Technical Note No. 13 - Harvesting, Propagating, and Planting Wetland Plants. Hoag, J.C. 2003. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Boise, ID. ID-Technical Note 13, Dec. 2003. 11p. (ID# 5160) (PDF; 858 KB)

Technical Note No. 22 - Wetland Sodmats. Hoag, J.C. 2008. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Technical Note 22. 5p. (ID# 8293) (PDF; 256 KB)

Technical Note No. 23 - How to Plant Willows and Cottonwoods for Riparian Restoration. Hoag, J.C. 2007. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Technical Note 23 revision 1/2007. 22p. (ID# 7064) (PDF; 1.7 MB)

Technical Note 38 - Users Guide to the Description, Propagation, and Establishment of Wetland Plant Species and Grasses for Riparian Areas in the Intermountain West. Hoag, J.C., S.K. Wyman, G. Bentrup, L. Holzworth, D.G. Ogle, J. Carleton, F. Berg, and B. Leinard. 2001. USDA- NRCS, Boise, ID and Bozeman, MT. ID-Technical Note 38 and MT-Technical Note 38, Feb. 2001. 46p. (ID# 1090) (PDF; 6.3 MB)

Technical Note 39 - Waterjet Stinger - A Tool to Plant Dormant Unrooted Cuttings of Willows, Cottonwoods, Dogwoods, and other Species. Hoag, J.C., B. Simonson, B. Cornforth, and L. St. John. 2001. USDA-NRCS, Boise, ID. ID-Technical Note 39, Feb. 2001. 13p. (ID# 1083) (PDF; 2.5 MB)

Technical Note No. 53 - Vertical Bundles: a streambank bioengineering treatment to establish willows and dogwoods on streambanks. Hoag, JC. 2010. Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. January 11, 2010. 6p. (ID# 9299) (PDF; 1,036k)

Appendix FTools and Techniques


Appendix GRiparian Plant Materials

Print ResourcesField Guide for the Identification and Use of Common Riparian Woody Plants of the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest Regions. (PDF; 9.8 MB) Hoag, J.C., D. Tilley, D. Darris, and K. Pendergrass. 2008. USDA-NRCS Plant Materials Programs of Idaho and Oregon, Aberdeen, ID. February 2008. 196p. (ID# 7969)

Streamside Planting Guide for the Mores Creek, Grimes Creek, and Middle Fork Boise River Watersheds. Murphy, Chris. In preparation. Idaho Fish and Game. Boise, Idaho

Web Resources

USDA NRCS PLANTS Database. One of the best resources for information on native plants is online at the PLANTS database. You can find exhaustive information on every native plant species you might encounter:

http://plants.usda.gov/java/

USDA NRCS Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series:

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 13: A reference guide for the collection and use of ten common wetland plants of the Great Basin and Intermountain West. Hoag, J.C., and M. Zierke. 1998. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Feb. 1998. 13p. (ID# 1078) (PDF; 359 KB)

Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 19: Simple Identification Key to Common Willows and Cottonwoods of the Intermountain West. Hoag, JC. 2005. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Riparian/Wetland Information Series 19, May 2005. 16p. (ID# 6107) (PDF; 1.2 MB)

Wetland Plants: Their Function, Adaptation, and Relationship to Water Levels. Hoag, J.C., N. Melvin, and D. Tilley. 2007. USDA-NRCS Aberdeen Plant Materials Center, Aberdeen, ID. Riparian/Wetland Project Information Series No. 21. 15p. (ID# 7242) (PDF; 1.7 MB)


Appendix HPlant Species Commonly Used in Northern Idaho

Riparian Restoration Projects

Above high water mark:

Alnus incana (gray alder) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Dominant large shrub in local scrub-shrub wetlands. Gray alder provides variety of wildlife food sources. It grows best in very moist soil and has a high flood tolerance. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Betula occidentalis (water birch) FACW Rationale/Characteristics: Common tree/shrub in local broadleaf forested wetlands and scrub-shrub wetlands. Plants have variety of wildlife uses. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Cornus sericea (redosier dogwood) FACW Rationale/Characteristics: Redosier dogwood is very common in the scrub-shrub wetlands along the Pack River. Many species of wildlife eat the berries or browse provided by redosier dogwood. It grows in soil that are saturated at least part of the year, but it is not tolerant of long-term root saturation. It is common on the edges of lakes, ponds, within wetlands, and along streams. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Crataegus douglasii (Douglas hawthorn) FACRationale/Characteristics: Common large shrub in local scrub-shrub wetlands. Black hawthorn provides abundant food and cover for birds and browse for deer. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) FACRationale/Characteristics: Lodgepole pine is found on existing islands within Pack River Delta. Will provide quick reforestation of higher ground on the constructed islands. Plants are commercially available. Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa (black cottonwood) FACRationale/Characteristics: Dominant tree in local broadleaf forested wetlands. Black cottonwood provides food and cover for wide variety of wildlife. Crowns and cavities provide nesting opportunities. It is fast growing and easy to establish. Black cottonwood grows on alluvial sites and in riparian habitats. Planting will provide jump on natural recruitment. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Rosa nutkana (bristly Nootka rose) FAC or Rosa woodsii (Woods’ rose) FACURationale/Characteristics: The Nootka rose and Woods’ rose are the common roses in local wetlands. The fruits are eaten by many species of wildlife and the plants are browsed by big game. Their rhizomes provide effective erosion control. Woods’ rose is common as a pioneer on disturbed sites. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Woods’ Rose Plant Guide.

Salix bebbiana (Bebb willow) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Bebb willow is the most common willow in local scrub-shrub wetlands. It provides good browse and cover for wildlife. Bebb willow is frequently found in swamps, lakes, and on the borders of streams. It is fast growing but short-lived. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Spiraea douglasii (rose spirea) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Rose spirea is often dominant in local scrub-shrub wetlands; particularly where there is shallow, standing water for much of the growing season. It is typically found in swamps, lake margins, and damp meadows. Big game browse rose spirea. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: National Plants Database and Burke Museum Website.

Symphoricarpos albus (common snowberry) FACURationale/Characteristics: Snowberry is a common and sometimes dominate shrub in local broadleaf forested wetlands. It is an important browse for wildlife and provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals. Snowberry grows successfully in both upland and wetland situations. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

Thuja plicata (western red cedar) FACRationale/Characteristics: Dominant tree in local conifer forested wetlands and common tree in broadleaf forested wetlands. Western red cedar is a major source of winter browse. It is adapted to swamps and other poorly drained locations. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.


Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Spike bentgrass is a native grass found in the area. It has been suggested to help exclude Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass). It is adapted to a broad range of habitats. It is found on disturbed sites and in established meadows and riparian habitats. Recommend this plant be seeded with other grasses across the created islands and around the island margins to help restrict Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy) and reed canarygrass. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: NRCS Plant Fact Sheet.

Island margin/shallow water (0-6 inches):

Agrostis exarata (spike bentgrass) FACWSee above.

Alisma triviale (northern water plantain) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Northern water plantain is found in local marshes. Waterfowl eat its achenes and tubers. It provides cover for fish and amphibians. It prefers shallow water but tolerates up to 20 inches. Local commercial availability is unknown. Source of information: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.

Beckmannia syzigachne (American sloughgrass) OBLRationale/Characteristics: American sloughgrass is an annual (or short-lived perennial) grass) that grows in marshy flats and wet meadows. Waterfowl readily eat the seeds of American sloughgrass. Recommend seeding this plant along the margin of the created islands to help with short-term erosion while other plants are becoming established. Carex aquatilis (water sedge) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Water sedge is a native sedge found in shallow water. It has an extensive root system recommended for erosion control. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage and U.S. Forest Service webpage.

Carex rostrata (beaked sedge) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Beaked sedge is a local, native sedge commonly found in perennially wet areas. It is frost tolerant. Beaked sedge communities have low species diversity. The dense rhizomes prevent other species from invading. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage and US Forest Service Plant Data Sheet.

Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hairgrass) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Tufted hairgrass is a native grass found in the area. It tolerates a wide range of moisture conditions but is most often found at the margin between marsh and meadow. Recommend seeding this plant along the margin of the created islands. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage.

Eleocharis palustris (common spikerush) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Common spikerush is found within local emergent wetlands. It grows on sites that are permanently or seasonally inundated. It can thrive in water up to 39 inches according to some references and 6 inches according to others. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage and NRCS Plant Guide and Plant Fact Sheet.

Juncus effusus (common rush) FACWRationale/Characteristics: Common rush is found within local emergent wetlands. A wide range of birds and mammals use Juncus species for food. Dense stands provide cover for fish and amphibians. Pattern of water level fluctuations may not be appropriate for this species. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage and NRCS Plant Guide and Fact Sheet.

Scirpus cyperinus (woolgrass) OBL Rationale/Rationale/Characteristics: Woolgrass is found within local emergent wetlands. It is not normally a dominant species but has individuals scattered throughout an area. It is seldom found in more than a few inches of water. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage and NRCS Plant Guide.

Scirpus microcarpus (panicled bulrush) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Panicled bulrush is widespread in local emergent wetlands. Seeds, rhizomes, and shoots are eaten by waterfowl and muskrats. Prefers sites that are wet all but a few months of the year. It is a fast-growing species that has worked well at stream restoration sites. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute webpage.

Spiraea douglasii (rose spirea) FACWSee above.


Deeper water (6-18 inches):

Alisma triviale (northern water plantain) OBLSee above.

Eleocharis palustris (common spikerush) OBLSee above.

Polygonum amphibium (water knotweed) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Water knotweed is commonly found in area wetlands. It grows in water up to 10 feet deep and is hardy to about -25o

Celsius. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Plants for a Future website.

Sparganium eurycarpum (broadfruit bur-reed) OBL or Sparganium angustifolium (narrowleaf bur-reed) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Bur-reed is found in local emergent wetlands. It is found in the muddy or shallow water of swamps and ponds. Sparganium eurycarpum is available commercially. Source of information: NCRS Plant Guides.

Sagittaria latifolia (broadleaf arrowhead) OBLRationale/Characteristics: Broadleaf arrowhead is found in area wetlands. It is commonly used for restoration projects. It grows in water less than 20 inches. Plants are commercially available. Source of information: Abstract for article in Restoration Ecology.

Typha latifolia (broadleaf cattail) OBLRationale/Characteristics: The broadleaf cattail is a dominant species in local emergent wetlands. Cattails tolerate perennial flooding and drawdown cycles. Cattails ability to clone allow them to spread rapidly. Plants are available commercially. Source of information: NRCS Plant Guide.

The National Plants Database uses wetland indicator codes for plants listed in the database.

FACW - facultative wetland plant species

FAC - facultative plant species

FACU - facultative upland plant species

OBL - an obligate wetland plant species

Watering fun!


Appendix I-1Sample Spreadsheets for Organizing Volunteers

APPENDIX I1- VOLUNTEER SIGN UPPROJECT: DATEGROUP TYPE LAST NAME FIRST NAME GROUP NAME ADDRESS LINE 1 CITY ST ZIP CODE HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CELL PHONE EMAIL # VOLS. NOTES

APPENDIX I1 - VOLUNTEER GROUP SIGN UP

GROUP TYPE LAST NAME FIRST NAME GROUP NAME ADDRESS LINE 1 CITY ST ZIP CODE HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CELL PHONE EMAIL # VOLS. NOTES

APPENDIX I1 - RECRUITING BY DATE

GROUP TYPE LAST NAME FIRST NAME GROUP NAME ADDRESS LINE 1 CITY ST ZIP CODE HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CELL PHONE EMAIL # VOLS. NOTES

Appendix I-1 Recruiting Checklist

VolunteerReservist

4-HAgency

Conservation OrganizationMediaSchoolScouts

Sports ClubYouth Group

Other

Appendix I-1 Volunteer Sign Up

Appendix I-1 Volunteer Group Sign Up

Appendix I-1 Recruiting by Date


Appendix I-2Project Report Form

APPENDIX I2 – PROJECT REPORT FORM

VolunteerProject Report

Project:

Region/Bureau: Project Leader:

Location: Date

Project Accomplishments:

IDFG Personnel:

IDFG Reservists:

Cooperating Agency Personnel:

Volunteer Group(s):

Estimated Voluntary Assistance No. of Volunteers:

No. of Reservists:

Total No. of Project Volunteers:

Job Category: # Hours: x hourly $ Value = Estimated Value

Volunteers: $

$

Reservists: $

$

Total Hours: Total: $

Donated Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: Donor: Estimated Value $

$

$

$

Total: $

Total Estimated Monetary Value of Project: $

Would this project have been done at this time without volunteers? Yes No


Volunteer Application &Service Agreement

Name (Last, First, Middle) ___________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: Street/ P.O. Box _____________________________________________________________

City ______________________ State _________________ Zip ___________________

Are you over the age of 16? _______

Telephone: (Home) ______________________________ (Work) ____________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Please specify any physical limitations that may influence your volunteer work: _________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Agreement by VolunteerI offer and agree to volunteer my services without compensation in wages to assist the Idaho Department of Fishand Game (IDFG) in accordance with the following understandings:

● Although this volunteer service will not confer on me the status of a State employee while acting within thescope of this Agreement, I will be deemed to be as if I were a State employee for purposes of the following:

__State Tort Claims Act, which protects a State employee from liability for injury or damage to others while the employee is acting within the scope of his or her duties, and:

__ State Workers’ Compensation Act, which authorizes compensation for work-related injury.

● I am at least 18 years old (or if I am less than 18, my parent or guardian consents to this Agreement bysignature below).

● I understand that Volunteer projects will frequently be out of doors and that I will need to be in a physicalcondition adequate for normal outdoor physical activities. I will notify the Volunteer Coordinator of anysignificant change in my ability to do outdoor work. If special skills are required for a project, I will betrained therein before being assigned to that project.

● If I or my minor daughter/son drive my personal vehicle to and from a volunteer project, I certify that thevehicle is properly insured as required by Idaho state law.

Signature of Volunteer _____________________________________ Date ____________________________

Signature of Parent or Guardian ______________________________ Date ____________________________(If Volunteer is under 18)

Name (print) _____________________________________________ Relationship to Volunteer ___________

Person to Notify in an Emergency ____________________________ Relationship to Volunteer ___________

Address _________________________________ City _______________ State _____________ Zip ______

Telephone: (Home) (Work) __________________________

Comments: _______________________________________________________________________________

Special Skills: _____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________

Appendix I-3Volunteer Service Agreement


Appendix I-4Group Volunteer Services

Page 1

APPENDIX I4: GROUP VOLUNTEER SERVICES AGREEMENTRev. 02/07

Group Volunteer Services Agreement

Name of Sponsoring Group or Organization:

Telephone: Address: (include Zip Code)

Liaison Person for Day-to-Day Operations:


Person to Notify In An Emergency:


Project Description (include specifically what volunteers will do):

IDFG Project Leader:

Agreement by Organization or Group: We offer and agree to volunteer our services without compensation in wages to accomplish the work described above to assist the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) in its authorized activities, in accordance with the following understandings:

We, including our participating Volunteers, will contribute our services without compensation in wages.

This volunteer service will not confer the status of State employee on any participating Volunteers, except that while acting within the scope of this Agreement, they will probably be deemed to be as if they were State employees for purposes of the:

State Tort Claims Act, which protects State employees from liability for injury or damage to others while employees are acting within the scope of their duties; and

State Workers’ Compensation Act, which authorizes compensation for work-related injury.

Each of our participants is at least 18 years old (or if any are under 18, a parent or guardian of each consent to this Agreement as shown by his or her signature on attachment(s) to this Agreement.

We will provide IDFG with each participating Volunteer’s name, phone number, address. Each participant has certified, or before commencing work will certify, that he or she (1) has been informed of the health and physical condition requirements for doing the work and project location including altitude; and (2) knows of no physical condition or limitation that may adversely affect his or her ability to do this work. We will supervise our participants’ day-to-day work.

The IDFG endeavors to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its volunteers and to protect the public and public property from injury or damage. Volunteers will be trained and expected to use safety equipment.

If we drive our personal vehicles to and from a volunteer project, we certify that the vehicles are properly insured as required by Idaho state law.

Signature of representative of organization or group:

Date Name Title

(over)


Appendix I-4Group Volunteer Services

Page 2APPENDIX I4: GROUP VOLUNTEER SERVICES AGREEMENTRev. 02/07

Project Volunteers

Name Phone:

Address: City State Zip

Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:


Name Phone:



Watering new plants.

Appendix I-5Volunteer Contribution Summary

APPENDIX I5 - VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTION SUMMARY

START DATE END DATE PROJECT VOL NAME # HRS VOL/HRS HRLY RATE VOL $ MILEAGE $0 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.000 $0.00 $0.00

TOTALS 0 0 $0.00 $0.00AVERAGES #DIV/0! 0.0 #DIV/0!


APPENDIX I6 – VOLUNTEER TIME SEET

VOLUNTEER TIMESHEET NAME: _____________________________ PROJECT: ________________________________

BEGINNING DATE: ___________________ END DATE: _________________________

Please use this form to record your volunteer hours and material donations. Include time spent preparing for projects, traveling to and from project sites, and completing projects. Also record the mileage on your personal vehicle when used for project purposes, as well as the costs of any donated materials used for your project.

DATE # OF VOL

# OF HRS

IDFGOffice PROJECT TASKS MILEAGE

SUBTOTAL PAGE ONE SUBTOTAL

DONATED MATERIALS: Please list any donated materials and their costs:

MATERIALS USED EST. COST

Upon project completion, please return this timesheet to:

Regional Volunteer Coordinator Idaho Dept. of Fish & Game 324 South 417 East Jerome, ID 83338 (208) 324-4359 THANK YOU!

Appendix I-6Volunteer Timesheet Page 1


Appendix I-6Volunteer Timesheet Page 2APPENDIX I6 – VOLUNTEER TIME SEET

DATE # OF VOL

# OF HRS

IDFGOffice PROJECT TASKS MILEAGE

SUBTOTAL PAGE TWO SUBTOTAL

TOTAL GRAND TOTAL


Appendix I4 – Photo Plot Checklist

WILLOW PLANTING PHOTO PLOT CHECKLIST

PROJECT LOCATION: ____________________________________ PROJECT DATE: _______________________

OBSERVER(S): _______________________________________OBSERVATION DATE: _____________________

* CHECK CAMERA BATTERIES/BATTERY CHARGE BEFORE LEAVING OFFICE!!!

BEGIN AT FIRST MARKER AND CONTINUE SEQUENTIALLY. Record LOCATION WAYPOINT in WGS 84 (Datum), LAT/LONG, DECIMAL/DEGREES. Hold COMPASS AGAINST TORSO and TURN BODY to DETERMINE ASPECT. Use Canon PowerShot digital camera, SELECT “AUTO” SETTING. At EACH PHOTO LOCATION, determine 1 to 2 ASPECTS for taking photos. At EACH ASPECT, take TWO PHOTOS:

o ONE PHOTO at WIDE ANGLE. o ONE PHOTO at FULL ZOOM.

PREVIEW EACH PHOTO as you go and DELETE UNDESIRABLE PHOTOS. RECORD PHOTO NUMBER found on PREVIEW SCREEN for each photo.

PHOTO LOCATION 1: LOCATION NAME: __________________________________________________

WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________

ASPECT (Degrees): ______________ PHOTO # 1: __________________ PHOTO # 2: _____________________



WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________




WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________



Appendix I-7Photo Plot Checklist Page 1


Appendix I4 – Photo Plot Checklist PHOTO LOCATION 4: LOCATION NAME: __________________________________________________

WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________




WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________




WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________




WAYPOINT: _______________________________________________________________________________



NOTES:

Appendix I-7Photo Plot Checklist Page 2


Appendix I5 – STEM COUNT WORKSHEET

WILLOW PLANTING STEM COUNT WORKSHEET:

PROJECT LOCATION: _________________________________________ PROJECT DATE: _________________

OBSERVER(S): ____________________________________________OBSERVATION DATE: ______________

TRANSECT START WAYPOINT: ________________________________________________________________

TRANSECT END WAYPOINT: __________________________________________________________________

Record WAYPOINTS in WGS 84 (Datum), LAT/LONG, DECIMAL/DEGREES. Pace transect/planting line and observe willow poles (randomly selected OR previously marked)

every 20 meters, no more than 200 meters per worksheet – record any remaining poles on new transect/worksheet.

MEASUREMENTS ON LIVE POLES ONLY.

POLE

NUMBER LOCATION

NOTES LIVE/MORT

(L/M)?

BUDS/LEAVES PRESENT

(Y/N)?

# STEMS

HEIGHT (INCHES)

LONGEST STEM

(INCHES)

Appendix I-8Stem Count Worksheet Page 1


Appendix I5 – STEM COUNT WORKSHEET

SUBTOTAL

#L: #Y:

POLE

NUMBER LOCATION

NOTES LIVE/MORT

(L/M)?

BUDS/LEAVES PRESENT

(Y/N)?

# STEMS

HEIGHT (INCHES)

LONGEST STEM

(INCHES)

TOTALS

#L: #Y:

NOTES:

Appendix I-8Stem Count Worksheet Page 2


There’s a wealth of information on working with volunteers. Most resources which discuss volunteerism focus on a model which is very different from habitat restoration. However the same premises apply.

Print Resources:Hager, M.A. and J.L. Brudney. 2004. Volunteer Management Practices and the Retention of Volunteers. The Urban Institute. http://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/Management_Brief.pdf

Eisner, D., R. T. Grimm Jr., S. Maynard, and S. Washburn. 2009. The New Volunteer Workforce. Stanford Social Innovation Review. Winter 2009. http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/assets/resources/TheNewVolunteerWorkforce.pdf

Cramer et al. 2010. Volunteering in America 2010: National, State, and City Information. Corporation for National and Community Service, Office of Research and Policy Development, Washington, DC. http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/assets/resources/IssueBriefFINALJune14.pdf

Web Resources:The Corporation for National and Community Service, known to many as AmeriCorps, is an excellent resource for information about volunteerism in general and about trends across the country. Their website has several pages of useful information:

• For a profile of volunteering in Idaho: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/ID

• Factors that influence volunteer rates in Idaho: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/factors.cfm?state=ID

• For a listing, with links, of research papers/briefs (available in PDF format) about volunteerism, volunteer management, and volunteer trends: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/research-papers.cfm

Independent Sector, a forum for charitable and non-profit organizations, puts out a helpful webpage for determining the monetary value of volunteer work, in hours, across the country: http://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time

Appendix JVolunteer Coordination


There are a number of organizations whose members regularly volunteer on habitat restoration projects in Idaho. The list below should give you some ideas about the groups in your area who might be interested. Contact information is provided for some organizations but most are listed to generate ideas for sources of potential volunteers. You’ll need to do the legwork and find the groups in your area who might best suit your needs and benefit from participating at the same time.

Serve Idaho is the state of Idaho’s program for service and volunteerism. In particular, you should consider doing some research on AmeriCorps, the Corporation for National & Community Service. AmeriCorps’ volunteer teams are located across the country. If you have a large project and can help provide housing, you may be able to attract an AmeriCorps crew for an entire season.

Serve Idaho website: http://serveidaho.labor.idaho.gov/

4-H club members are some of the most active participants in service projects in Idaho. To recruit local 4-H clubs to your project, start by contacting staff at your University of Idaho County Extension offices. Talk to the staff person who is in charge of 4-H in that office and explain your needs. Staff members are often willing to advertise your project in their newsletters, which will help you find local 4-H clubs/leaders who might wish to participate.

University of Idaho County Extension offices: http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/find.asp

Scouts also participate regularly in service projects.

There are five Boy Scout Councils you can contact, depending on your location:

• Grand Teton Council – south central Idaho.• Inland Northwest Council – north, north central Idaho.• Ore-Ida Council – southwest Idaho.• Snake River Council – south central Idaho.• Trapper Trails Council – southeast Idaho.

Two Girl Scout Councils cover all of Idaho.

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

• Girl Scouts of the Silver Sage – all of southern Idaho

Schools: A directory for all Idaho school districts can be found at the following webpage:http://www.state.id.us/education/k12.html

Appendix KPotential Volunteer Groups

Churches: Churches, church leadership groups, and church youth groups are often quite active in community service and church groups have volunteered for habitat restoration projects in Idaho in the past. There are too many to list here, so contact church members locally to get started.

Master Naturalists: Master Naturalists are people who have received training in natural resource topics and are committed to volunteering on natural resource service projects on an annual basis. You can get information about Idaho’s Master Naturalist programs and how to contact Master Naturalists at the following website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/master_naturalist/, or by contacting Sara Focht at Idaho Dept of Fish and Game: [email protected] (208) 287-2906.

Audubon: Audubon Society members have been active participants in natural resource projects of various types, including restoration projects.

Sportsman’s Groups: The list of groups in this category is quite large, and some groups are local in nature. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive; there are other sportsman’s groups that you may want to consider such as:

• Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation• Idaho Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council member

groups (http://www.idahoscac.org)

Conservation Organizations: Land conservation groups may wish to participate in your project, especially if it enhances the work they’re already doing. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive; there are other conservation groups that you may want to consider such as:

• The Nature Conservancy• Trout Unlimited • Ducks Unlimited • Mule Deer Foundation

Land Trusts: Local and regional land trusts are non-profit, independent organizations with land conservation missions. They are great potential partners, whose members often volunteers for conservation projects. Land trust staff are excellent resources and their conservation properties could be potential project sites.


Preparing for the day.

Preparing willows for planting.

Idaho Coalition of Land Trusts is a great resource/clearinghouse for these groups in Idaho. Their website can be viewed at: http://www.idaholandtrusts.org/

Some additional information about land trusts: http://www.idaholandtrusts.org/landtrusts/

Land Trusts in Idaho:

• City of Boise Foothills and Open Space Program, Boise• Clark Fork-Pend Oreille Conservancy, Sandpoint• Heart of the Rockies Initiative, Driggs• Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Boise• Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands, Boise• Inland Northwest Land Trust, Spokane, WA• Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, Boise• Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Salmon• Palouse Land Trust, Moscow• Payette Land Trust, McCall• Sagebrush Steppe Regional Land Trust, Pocatello• Sawtooth Society, Stanley• Southern Idaho Land Trust, Twin Falls• Teton Regional Land Trust, Driggs• The Conservation Fund, Northwest Regional Office, Hailey• The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Chapter, Hailey• Wood River Land Trust, Hailey

Other Groups:• Local businesses• Chambers of Commerce• Clubs such as Rotary, etc.


Discussing project with TV reporter.

Fish & GameNews ReleaseFor more information, call 324-4359

Fish and Game Seeks Volunteers for Habitat Improvement

JEROME - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is recruiting dedicated volunteers to form a team of fish and wildlife habitat specialists. Team members will be trained in riparian enhancement techniques, focused on improving streamside habitat in the Magic Valley Region.

Fish and wildlife benefit tremendously from quality riparian areas. Doug Megargle, Regional Fisheries Manager, emphasized the point, saying “Healthy fish habitat starts with a healthy riparian environment.”

Regional Wildlife Habitat Manager, Mark Fleming, echoed the importance of these habitats for wildlife. “Riparian areas are the cornerstone for wildlife in the Magic Valley,” said Fleming. “They provide necessary habitat components including food, water, and cover for large variety of species.”

Several training sessions and projects will be scheduled in 2010 and 2011. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one training session and one improvement project during that time.

Fish and Game staff hopes team members will be motivated to participate in future projects as well. Anyone interested should contact Ed Papenberg at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Magic Valley Region, at 208-324-4359.

Appendix LSample Press Release for

Recruiting Volunteers


Training Outline/Lesson Plan

Cutting Willow Poles for Riparian Planting

INTRODUCTION: My name is Ed Papenberg, and I’m the volunteer coordinator with Idaho Dept. of Fish & Game, Magic Valley Region. Thanks for coming out to participate, etc. The project we’re working on today is part of (describe history/context of project). Before we get started, I’d like to talk a little about this project; what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’ll complete the work. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

WHAT: Cutting willow poles to be planted streamside to provide fish and wildlife habitat.

• Riparian zones are the spaces between water and dry land.

• Riparian zones are uniquely important for fish and wildlife (further discussion later).

• Certain species of plants thrive in riparian zones, including willows and cottonwoods.

• A variety of willow species are native to Idaho’s riparian areas.

• Willows regenerate in a couple ways:

- By producing flowers/catkins/seed. Q: How might willow seeds find their way to fertile ground?

- Vegetative, by sending shoots from nodes on main stem. Willow cuttings, properly inserted into moist soil, will grow roots and stems.

WHY: Fish/wildlife habitat improvement as well as community involvement in conservation.

• Landowner goals for the project site.

• All fish and wildlife species need habitat; food, water, shelter, space, in order to survive.

• What component of habitat do you think willows could provide for fish or wildlife?

- Food (forage for ungulates, insect production for fish).

- Shelter (songbird nests, concealment for fish and terrestrial species, shade to cool water for trout).

• Willows and cottonwoods were once present near most ID streams; how and why might they have disappeared?

- Harvest of trees for wood, wood products long ago.

- Flood control for irrigation curbs cottonwood reproduction.

- Grazing by livestock and wildlife contributes to loss of riparian vegetation.

• Our goal is to restore this component of habitat for fish and wildlife along this stream.

- Volunteer involvement broadens awareness and provides means for people to invest in resources.

HOW: Discuss safety issues, demonstrate process and technique, organize and make assignments.

• Safety first! - Discuss use of tools (loppers) and need for cutting willows at ground level to eliminate hazards.

- Remind folks to use sunscreen, drink water, and eat snacks. Show them where everything is located.

- Delineate the work area; describe how and where to assemble plant materials.

- Show location of first aid kit, and ask that they be careful and report any injuries right away.

Appendix MSample Training Outline


• Demonstrate process for selecting proper willow poles for cutting:

- Appropriate spacing and location within willow stand – will assign work stations later.

- Straightness, diameter, and length of poles to cut.

• Demonstrate proper cutting:

- Select an appropriate example.

- Explain importance of pole orientation during this step. Use beveled cut for bottom end, straight cut for top.

• Demonstrate proper stacking of poles:

- Maintain consistent pole direction, and continue when delivering poles to assembly area.

• Establish assembly area and tell them you’ll assign volunteers to bundle, mark (paint), and tie bundles.

• Delineate the physical boundaries for the harvest work; discuss approximate finish time.

- Tell them everyone must return when they hear the truck horn.

• Divide volunteers into teams for work (or have them divide themselves, if appropriate).

• Direct each harvest team to a work area.

• Organize and direct the bundling team at vehicles.

- Reminder about keeping all bundles oriented the same direction.

- Demonstrate tying bundles, painting top ends.

Begin the work. Move from team to team, answer questions, supervise and provide guidance.

• Remind volunteers about safety, techniques, or process when/where appropriate.

• Carry some water and snacks to distribute.

• Monitor timing and progress.

• Get to know volunteers better and thank them for participating.

CONCLUSION: Measure and discuss what we did and Thanks.

• Estimate harvest and roughly calculate potential for planting.

• Field questions.

• Invite folks for further participation, especially with planting the poles they’ve cut.

• Every Idahoan owes debt of gratitude for service.

• Project will benefit wildlife and people.

• Thanks!


Fish & GameNews ReleaseFor more information, call 324-4359

Fish and Game Thanks Habitat Volunteers

JEROME - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Twin Falls District Bureau of Land Management would like to thank area residents for joining them in planting willow cuttings to benefit fish and wildlife in the Magic Valley. The project was part of the Volunteers for Habitat Restoration program, a cooperative effort to improve upland and riparian wildlife habitat in southern Idaho.

With assistance from 36 Carey Middle School students and teachers, the following members of a volunteer riparian restoration team completed the work: Don Barkley, Dave Burgess, Arlene Gray, Steve Grupe, Roger Hinton, Barry Myers, Fred Partridge, Tavin Reeves, John Turner, Courtney Wangberg, Gail Wenger, and Gene Wright. The volunteers worked alongside IDFG and BLM staff during the project.

In two days the 45 volunteers, along with Fish and Game and BLM staff, planted over 300 willow and cottonwood cuttings along a half-mile stretch of the Little Wood River near Richfield, Idaho. Their efforts will enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and secure soils on an important desert waterway in the Magic Valley.

Appendix NSample Press Release for Recognizing Volunteers/Project Accomplishment

Volunteers planting.


With training and commitment, volunteers will achieve a high level of proficiency and effectiveness in riparian restoration. The key to developing expert riparian volunteers lies in thorough planning. This is a long-term (multi-year) commitment, requiring a clear vision and program design.

Appendix ODeveloping a Group of Expert Volunteers

1. Assess the Need/Find Partners: Determine a tangible need for an expert group and solicit interested partners. There are many riparian areas which could use improvement. However, it’s important to evaluate the potential for working on these sites before asking volunteers for long term commitments. Professional expertise and community involvement are equally essential, so invite participation from agencies, organizations and citizens.

2. Assemble a Coordinating Committee: Partnerships are essential. Assemble a committee of three to five individuals representing each of these groups to lay the foundation for the program.

3. Planning: The coordinating committee should develop a comprehensive plan for creating, recruiting, training, and supervising the expert volunteer group. Some planning considerations which need to be addressed follow:

- Goals/Mission Statement: Make sure the group has a clear purpose, with well-defined goals.

- Budget: Develop a basic budget, and identify funding sources.

- Policies/Requirements: The committee should create a policy document which addresses liability, volunteer participation requirements, training requirements, volunteer behavior, absenteeism, disciplinary measures, number of volunteers, leadership/coordination of volunteers, and project criteria.

- Volunteer Tracking: Create a system for volunteers to record their hours and a system to track volunteer participation.

- Project Identification: Try to identify enough project work to focus the team’s efforts for at least one year, plus potential for future projects.

- Project Monitoring: Develop criteria and a plan for monitoring and maintaining projects, preferably using volunteers in the process.

- Training Syllabus: Create a comprehensive outline for training volunteers. Include the duration, topics/skills, teaching methods, human and material resource needs, and expected/desired outcomes. At a minimum the training should address the skills necessary to complete upcoming projects, but additional training should be considered as well.

- Volunteer Appreciation: Develop a means to recognize volunteer contributions/accomplishments.

- Advertise/Recruit: Locate and enroll participants in the program.

4. Training: Train volunteers according to plan.

5. Implement Projects: Coordinate and supervise the volunteers on the projects identified.

6. Follow-up: Monitor projects, assess and revise the plan, secure and implement new projects, and record conclusions for the program.