Crayfish Study Participation
Participation is open to anyone wishing to assist with this important study. This includes K-12 school groups, youth groups, after school program groups, and others interested in crayfish. The Crayfish Study began as a project at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in NE Washington, and so the Columbia River Watershed has been our main focus. As the Study has progressed, interest by researchers, scientists, and educators from around the North American Continent has grown. Now the Crayfish Study is open to anyone interested in crayfish!
Why Should I Participate in The River Mile Projects?
Watch this video to learn more about why participation by groups like yours is so important.
How Do I Participate?
- Select a site and work with area managers to complete any required permits.
- Complete the asynchronous on demand virtual training. Learn how to identify species and how to collect, document, and share data. Train students to collect and share data.
- Join The River Mile Network’s data collection permit for your state or other local area. Currently The River Mile Network Crayfish Study has permits with Washington, Oregon and Idaho. More information can be found in the on demand virtual training.
Required Training
All groups must make sure that their data is correct to the best of their ability, as many resource specialists and scientists are interested in the status of crayfish in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, to submit data, the on-demand virtual training is required.
We encourage all groups to consider having multiple people trained and to participate in additional crayfish training. The River Mile Network offers in-person and virtual live training. See Upcoming Events for the next opportunities.
Site Selection
You will need to find your own location. Choose to work with an agency or landowner in your local watershed or participate in a program provided by established organizations throughout the Columbia River Watershed. Contact your local or state contact listed below to learn more about opportunities in your area. If there is not a contact in your area, contact the land manager for the location in which you want to work.
All agencies and organizations have different requirements regarding collecting data of any kind on their land. You need to work with the land manager to determine if collecting crayfish would be allowed at their site and what permit requirements they may have. Many natural resource agencies have permit requirements that take 2 to 3 months to process and approve/disapprove. Be sure to become familiar with your state fishing regulations and obtain any fishing permits as required.
Federal Agency Site Participation
If you are interested in conducting your study on any federal agency land (e.g., National Park Service-including recreation areas, historical parks, historical sites, etc..) you need to contact that land manager directly to see if they would allow such a project or be willing to work with you to develop a permit and project. It is illegal to collect any specimens, wildlife, plants, aquatic, etc., including crayfish, in most federal areas. Learn More about Federal Areas
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact The River Mile Networks Crayfish workgroup at therivermile@gmail.com.