EARTHWATCH 2017
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES,
AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Welcome to the Climate Change, Huckleberries, and Grizzly Bears expedition!
This trip will bring you to an amazing and wild place, the Swan Valley. This picturesque and remote area not only
has grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, and lynx, but also supports a multitude of rare plants and a plethora of birds,
in addition to the incredible recreation opportunities. Consequently, while collecting sorely needed data, you will
be embedded in a natural area where you will experience amazing views, diverse flora and fauna, and top-notch
research on the ecological processes that both help and depend on a keystone species.
Previous research on the charismatic huckleberry has been limited because humans have been unable to successfully
cultivate them consistently, leading the forces influencing their bounty (or lack thereof) shrouded in mystery. With new
tools, we have the opportunity to pull back the curtain and predict how huckleberries respond to climate change, how
that will affect the multitude of species that depend on them, and ultimately suggest approaches to ensure the security
of this abundant food resource.
On this expedition, you’ll help to implement experiments on huckleberries in the wild. We will assess how moisture,
temperature, pollination, and defoliation influence the number of huckleberry flowers that endure many challenges to
become the ripe, plump berries that humans, birds, and bears love to eat. You will also document the species that depend
on berries and help us understand the role of berries in seasonal patterns of fattening up for hibernation and migration.
Our work is relevant across the world, not only for results specific to the huckleberry found in the northwestern U.S.,
but because of the novel methods that will serve as a model for studies elsewhere as well.
We look forward to you joining us. Your assistance is essential in helping us to understand this complex system and
working to make recommendations to improve its resilience to climate change. Data you collect will help enable
planning for the continued well-being of this complex food web, from humans to bears to birds to bumblebees.
So, let the mystery-solving begin!
Sincerely,
Maria Mantas (Principal Investigator) & Dr. Tabitha Graves (lead USGS Scientist)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION............................... 2
TRIP PLANNER...............................................3
THE RESEARCH............................................. 4
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD............................... 6
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD....................... 8
PROJECT CONDITIONS................................... 9
SAFETY........................................................ 11
TRAVEL TIPS................................................ 12
EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST................ 14
PROJECT STAFF........................................... 15
RECOMMENDED READING............................ 16
LITERATURE CITED....................................... 17
EMERGENCY NUMBERS................................ 18
ADDENDUM.................................................. 19
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
1
GENERAL INFORMATION
Photo courtesy of Randy Smith
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND
GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA
EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS
EXPEDITION DATES
Maria Mantas, Principal Investigator (PI), Executive Director,
Swan Valley Connections
Team 1: June 11–17, 2017
Team 2: June 25–July 1, 2017
Team 3: July 9–15, 2017*
Team 4: July 16–22, 2017
Team 5: July 30–August 05, 2017
Team 6: August 6–12, 2017
Team 7: August 20–26, 2017*
Team 8: September 3–9, 2017
Dr. Tabitha Graves, lead USGS Scientist, Research Ecologist,
U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior
RESEARCH SITE
Swan Valley, Flathead National Forest, Montana
Complete travel information is not
available in this version of the briefing.
Please contact Earthwatch
with any questions.
2
*Volunteers on teams 3 and 7 have the opportunity to field
back-to-back with a 7-day team on the Tracking Fire and
Wolves Through the Canadian Rockies project scheduled
to run immediately prior. Contact your Earthwatch expedition
advisor for more information!
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
TRIP PLANNER
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND
GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA
TRIP PLANNER
IMMEDIATELY
60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
q Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch’s
Terms and Conditions and the Participant Code of
Conduct.
ake sure you have all the necessary vaccinations for
qM
your project site.
q If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance,
note that some policies require purchase when your
expedition is booked.
90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
q Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your
volunteer forms.
q Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.
q Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning
section for details).
eview the Packing Checklist to make sure you have all
qR
the clothing, personal supplies and equipment needed.
30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITION
eave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with
qL
a relative or friend.
eave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets
qL
with a relative or friend.
q If traveling internationally, make sure your passport
is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa for your
destination country.
Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information available at the time
of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the
project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be
flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as
weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to
expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there
are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep
you well informed before you go into the field
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
3
THE RESEARCH
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND
GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA
THE STORY
Huckleberries are an important food resource for grizzly bears,
comprising about 15 percent of their diet in Glacier National
Park and surrounding areas. These high-energy fruits are
crucial for bears so they can add enough fat to sustain them for
their winter hibernation and reproduce (female bears need
approximately 20 percent body fat to have cubs) (Kendall 1986,
Hamer 1991, Robbins et al. 2004). Changes in climate, however,
such as warming temperatures, varying levels of rainfall,
increases in insects that damage leaves, and declines in pollinator
populations, can alter the availability and size of these berries.
These changes may impact not only bears, but grouse, elk, and
many other species that depend on this precious food resource.
In the northwestern U.S., climate change threatens to alter the
timing and abundance of huckleberries. What remains unknown,
however, is the size of the impact, which changes in particular
– from water availability to temperature to pollination – will have
the most significant impacts and how they interact. It is also
unclear how these changes will influence the many species that
depend on huckleberries as a key food resource.
4
Using experimental methods, scientists are working to sort
out and measure the effects of individual changes in weather
and insects on the success of huckleberries. If they find, for
example, that low pollination has the largest influence in
huckleberry production, scientists and policy-makers could
invest in new ways to promote the health of bees and other
pollinators in the region.
The research will help scientists to generate maps that can
serve as an “early-warning system” for areas that are likely
to have low huckleberry productivity in a given year. These
“low-productivity” regions may be places where bears and other
species need to roam outside of their typical range in search of
food (McCall et al. 2013). Predicting this movement in advance
could help wildlife managers to prevent conflict with humans.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
RESEARCH AIMS
Our goal is to understand and predict the impact of climate
change on huckleberries and the wildlife that depend on them.
This project has three overarching aims:
1. U
nderstanding the impact of climate change on huckleberries:
— In 2014, we began pilot work to assess the urgency
of several potential climate change-related threats to
huckleberries. For this project, we will be addressing
the following questions:
i. H
ow do weather and site conditions interact to influence
huckleberry development and productivity?
ii. How likely is it that changes in weather patterns will
result in a mismatch between huckleberry flowering
and their pollinators?
iii. W hat are the potential impacts of insect pests, including
tent caterpillars that eat leaves (native, but growth
influenced by temperature)?
2. A ssessing which wildlife species will be most impacted
by predicted changes:
— We will first document and identify the species that eat
huckleberries in year one of research. The following year
will focus on 1-3 species (1 bird, 1 small mammal, and
bears) for which huckleberries likely form a substantial
part of their diet. Specifically, in year one, we will test the
hypotheses that:
i. K
nown frugivorous and omnivorous birds (e.g., robin,
chickadees, grosbeaks, jays, waxwings, bluebirds, finches,
kinglets, titmouse) will be detected eating huckleberries at
higher rates than insectivorous birds (e.g., wrens,
warblers, woodpeckers).
ii. A suite of generalist small mammals eat huckleberries
(e.g., chipmunks, deer mice, ground squirrels)
iii. Both carnivores (e.g. wolves) and omnivores (e.g., bears)
eat huckleberries when they are plentiful.
3. Identifying potential approaches to respond to predicted
changes:
— We will address this objective through discussion with
local and regional forest and park land managers to ensure
that the way we assess and analyze results will inform
their management decisions. Important to this process
is understanding fully the way they currently incorporate
information about huckleberries into their planning
processes, as well as understanding what the ‘ideal’
information would be. We have already begun these
discussions with local forest wildlife biologists and
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe elders and wildlife
biologists. We will evaluate the best covariates to collect
based on the way they need to use the resulting information.
We may use a scenario-based approach to help formulate
a structured decision framework.
HOW YOU WILL HELP
Phenology data collection would occur consistently through
the field season. Approximately one half day of days 2 through
5 would be devoted to visiting the experimental treatment plots,
implementing treatments (e.g., watering plants, checking on
shade covers), and recording the phenology of the shrubs.
Some treatments would occur only once per year (pruning to
simulate browse, leaf removal to simulate insect defoliation).
The remainder of the activities will vary through the season:
In the spring, volunteers would help assess the role of
pollinators through identification of bees and associated
flowering plants (first at low elevations and then at higher
elevations) and evaluate how hummingbirds use nectar from
huckleberry flowers.
As berries begin to ripen, volunteers will help quantify the
number of berries at sites with varying site conditions and
animal use of berries. Groups beginning in early to mid-July
would focus on lower elevation sites and then move to higher
elevation sites through late August/early September.
Assessment of “geocaching” sites (for ‘ScienceCache’ an app
with a format like a geocache that helps citizen scientists find
huckleberries and help us collect data) would be fit in as time
permitted throughout the season, most likely in the early and
late seasons when pollination and productivity data collection
needs are lower.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
5
DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD
PLANS FOR YOUR TEAM
Upon arrival, we’ll take you shopping for any special foods you
wish to purchase to supplement the abundant healthy food we
supply on this project. The field site is remote, with no ability to
get most of the foods we rely on, so this helps ensure that
everyone’s food needs are met. Upon arriving in the Swan Valley,
you’ll receive an orientation to the research house and a room
assignment. After a little time to settle in, you’ll receive an
introductory lecture on our project goals and research methods.
After lunch, you’ll receive a safety and logistics briefing,
including bear safety. Then, we will visit our first low-elevation
site for an introduction to the huckleberry research activities.
You will then proceed to help us collect data on how huckleberries
respond to drought and insect pests and identify the species that
depend on huckleberries. Throughout the week, we’ll talk about
the results and trends we’re finding and the relevance of the
data collected. We’ll also discuss coexisting with apex predators.
In general research days will include up to nine hours per day in
the field, plus optional briefings/lectures/movies.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
When you arrive, the researchers will conduct an orientation
and brief you on the work you’ll be doing. You’ll also receive
important safety training for working in a predator-rich
landscape. Field work will begin in the first afternoon,
where you will be involved with:
• Huckleberry surveys: Apply treatments to huckleberries
and assist in counting the number of berries to understand
how changes in water, temperature, and pollination influence
available food.
• Remote camera work: Use camera-trap images to identify
which mammal species are eating huckleberries and what
foods they switch to when huckleberries are not abundant.
• Bee identification: Identify bees and associated flowering
plants in the field sites.
• Bird identification: With binoculars, we will search for
birds that are eating ripe huckleberries.
In the evenings, you’ll head back to the field station for dinner,
informal conversation with the researchers or guest speakers,
optional videos, and time to relax.
ITINERARY & DAILY SCHEDULE
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, and
wildlife hazards.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND INTRO
9:00 a.m.
Meet project staff in rendezvous hotel lobby
Travel to accommodations in the Swan Valley
Unpack and settle before having a welcome lunch in the
volunteer house
6
12:30 p.m.
Slide show of grizzly bear project history,
overview of what is known about bear foods,
discussion of how this fits in with
Conservation Strategy, ESA, delisting
1:30 p.m.
Safety in Bear Country video, discussion of
safety issues (wildlife, vehicles, walking over
uneven terrain, weather (lightning/rain/etc.)
2:30-5:00 p.m.
Head into the field (nearby, low elevation site)
to learn research tasks (huckleberry id and
phenology, application of treatments, and
season-specific tasks (bee observations, bird
observations, scat collection, remote cameras)
5:30–6:00 p.m.
Half of team prepares dinner, the other half
enters data
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner
7:30 p.m. onward
Free time, optional videos.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
ITINERARY & DAILY SCHEDULE
DAYS 2–4
DAY 5
Daily activity will vary by season and phenology of the
huckleberries:
Fieldwork will be a combination of the activities described for
Days 2–4 (depending on how much is finished) and wildlife survey
activities (see Day 6, may include deployment of small mammal
traps).
7:00–8:00 a.m.
Breakfast (huckleberry smoothies optional
on day 2)
8:00 a.m.
Leave for field. Sites will be ~5 minutes to
45 minutes distant
8:30 a.m.–12:00
p.m.
Apply treatments to plants, record the number
of huckleberry flowers and berries on each
marked shrub
6:00–7:00 a.m. or
7:00–8:00 a.m.
Breakfast (start time will be dependent on
time of year, weather forecast, and bird/small
mammal focus).
12:00–12:30 p.m.
Lunch in field
7:30–12:00 a.m.
12:30–5:00 p.m.
Afternoon will be season-dependent activities,
to include:
Check small mammal traps (identify species,
collect scat)
12–12:30 p.m.
Lunch in field
12:30–5:00 p.m.
Hike to search for bear and other wildlife scat
(6–8 miles round-trip)
5:30–6:00 p.m.
Half of team prepares dinner, the other half
enters data
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner
Spring/early summer: Bee and flowering
observations/sampling. Only those who have
been stung and not had a reaction can
participate in netting bees. Bees will be
placed into a clear observation device for
identification if possible. When not possible to
identify the bees, they will be killed for later
identification using humane methods. Other
participants will identify plants that are
flowering at bee observation sites (separate
from both phenology and productivity plots).
July–early September (Ripe berries):
Productivity transects. En route to
productivity transects, scats will be recorded
and participants will do bird observations.
Check on remote cameras at all sites.
5:30–6:00 p.m.
Half of team prepares dinner, the other half
enters data
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner
7:30 p.m. onward
Free time, optional videos. DAY 4 evenings
may also feature a lecture by a guest speaker
on another important local wildlife issue/
management/research.
DAY 6: WILDLIFE SURVEYS
7:30 p.m. onward Slide show: everybody shares 3–5 pictures
from the week
DAY 7: DEPARTURE
Depart for Kalispell/airport ~8:00 a.m. (do not schedule flights
that depart before 11:00 a.m. on this day).
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
7
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD
ABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD
SLEEPING
FOOD AND WATER
You’ll be staying at a basic rented house in the town of Condon,
in the Swan Valley. This house is fully-furnished and has a
kitchen for group cooking. There are three bedrooms with a
total of six beds. Genders will be roomed separately. Couples
accommodation may be able to be accommodated, depending
upon availability.
Research staff will prepare lunch on the first day and shop
for the week. Thereafter, volunteers will cook and clean in
alternating teams. We will pair up more experienced cooks with
less experienced cooks. Breakfast and dinner will be prepared
and enjoyed at the house; lunches will be prepared and packed
in the morning to be enjoyed in the field.
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms will be shared, and will have hot water showers and
conventional toilets. Laundry facilities will be available, at no
additional cost.
ELECTRICITY
You are welcome to bring electrical equipment. All lodging
facilities have standard electrical outlets.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
There is ONLY AT&T cell phone reception at the accommodations
and research area—other providers such as Verizon do not have
reception here. Cell reception may be spotty or nonexistent at
research sites. WiFi access is available but limited, only at the
Swan Valley Connections office (not at accommodations).
Please note that personal communication with outsiders is not
always possible while participating in an expedition. Earthwatch
encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse
themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends
should restrict calls to urgent messages only.
TYPICAL MEALS
BREAKFAST
Cereal, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, eggs, toast, tortillas,
and beans
LUNCH
Meat, cheese, and nut butter sandwiches, apples
or oranges, chips, pretzels, energy bars, dried fruit,
or nuts
DINNER
Grilled chicken with salad, fajitas with beans,
homemade pizza, and grilled vegetables and beef
or bison steak
DESSERT
Cookies, cobbler, ice cream
BEVERAGES
Coffee, tea, juice, and water will be available.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Please alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements
(e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies,
vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them
in the space provided on your volunteer forms.
Vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets can be
accommodated with advance notice.
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
There is no television in this house. Movies can be watched
in the evening on laptops if desired (downloaded or on DVD,
not streaming—see WiFi note above).
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
Field sites range from a 5-minute to 45-minute drive away.
8
We will focus on organic and locally available foods. In the
Flathead Valley, we have several organic farms as well as local
butchers and egg producers.
NOTE: This project cannot easily cater to the full nutritional
needs of vegan diets in this high-intensity work environment.
If you are vegan, please plan to bring a supply of supplemental
high-fat, high-protein foods. We are unable to meet the needs of
individuals with celiac disease or severe nut allergies, or other
restrictions that require a cross-contamination-free kitchen due
to our close quarters.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
PROJECT CONDITIONS
THE FIELD ENVIRONMENT
Part of the value of remote wilderness settings, replete with
grizzly bears, mountains, and solitude is that there is a long list
of inherent risks. Safety is a top consideration, but in order to
study grizzly bears and their foods, we must work in areas with
grizzly bears. Because the research site is in the Rocky
Mountains, and lies near the Continental Divide, the weather can
change unexpectedly and without any prior warning. Summer
conditions can be hot, with thunderstorms in the afternoons.
Research will be conducted if it is raining, but we do not work
during thunderstorms. Significant hazards include driving to
research sites, being a long way from a hospital when medical
emergencies occur, lightning strikes, hypothermia,
hyperthermia, falling trees, windstorms, hailstorms, bee stings,
and dangerous wildlife (grizzly bears, moose, mountain lions).
Volunteers will be walking on uneven and steep terrain that may
have tree stobs or roots. We may also need to cross streams and
rivers (although not every time period).
•B
e able to keep up with the team as we move in and out of the
field, for safety reasons.
GENERAL CONDITIONS (JUNE-SEPT)
•G
et oneself up into and down out of a vehicle and ride, seated,
with seatbelt fastened.
HUMIDITY: 20%–30%
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
Highs avg: 68º F to 79º F (20º C to 26º C)—can easily get into
the 80’s during the summer
Lows avg: 49º F to 54º F (9º C to 12º C)—though temps can
sometimes dip into the 30’s, especially in evenings
RAINFALL: summer monthly average: 1–3 in (25–76 mm)
ALTITUDE: 1060–2130 m (4000–7000 ft) asl
ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
All participants must be able to:
•C
omplete all required transects in timely manner to avoid
putting strain on the rest of team.
•T
olerate the presence of insects such as mosquitos and
biting flies.
• Independently carry personal equipment (food, water, various
layers of clothing), as well as a small amount of research
equipment (up to ten additional pounds per person), totaling
30 lbs. Be able to wear pack all day, including while gathering
data, for safety reasons (see packing list suggestions for
appropriate backpacks for this).
•P
rotect oneself from dehydration and exposure to sun and
heat by carrying two liters of water and drinking plenty of
water throughout the day and wearing appropriate clothing
and sunscreen.
•S
it on the ground to eat lunch or record data; designated rest
places (e.g., benches) are not available.
•R
emain respectful of the wildlife we’re studying, as well as
their habitat. This includes not approaching any wildlife we see,
such as elk, grizzly bears, or wolves, and only photographing
wildlife during fieldwork when cleared (you will have nonresearch-time opportunities to photograph local wildlife).
•B
e comfortable to be trained in the use of a GPS, compass,
remote cameras, tablet for data collection, cameras,
rangefinder, clinometer, diameter-at- breast-height tape,
and other equipment.
•B
e responsible for carrying and keeping track of the assigned
field equipment listed above.
• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently
or with the assistance of a companion.
• Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather.
• Get low to the ground while taking measurements—berry
shrubs may be as low as 1–2’ so kneeling is often best for
data recording.
• Hike throughout the day, off-trail, or uphill on slippery
vegetation and uneven terrain. Totaling about 6–12 miles
per day.
• W ith training provided, be prepared for possible encounters
with wild animals, including grizzly bears.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
9
POTENTIAL HAZARDS
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND
GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA
10
HAZARD TYPE
ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS
Transportation
Only project field staff and other USGS and Swan Valley Connections staff will drive when transporting
participants in project vehicles. Seat belts must be worn at all times. Volunteers are not permitted to drive.
Drivers will avoid driving at night or while tired. While driving, staff will maintain appropriate distance between
vehicles and travel at safe speeds to allow stopping when necessary. Cell phone, first aid kit and water will be in
the vehicle in case of accident/break down on road. No operation of cell phone is permitted while driving.
Participants susceptible to motion sickness should consider taking medication as appropriate.
Hiking/Bushwhacking
Participants will be advised to walk carefully, wear heavy-duty hiking boots (suitable for backpacking) with ankle
support. Persons with existing injuries (e.g., knee injuries) will not be allowed in the field. Staff will encourage
participants to inform a staff member immediately if feeling tired or ill, and to take regular breaks and to avoid
overexerting themselves. Participants will be monitored for general health and ability to keep up with the group
at all times.
Altitude
Participants sensitive to small altitude changes may need a few days to acclimatize. Participants will be
reminded frequently to stay well hydrated and to apply sunscreen regularly. Participants are not to overexert
themselves and to inform a staff member when feeling tired or ill. Staff will encourage participants to carefully
monitor their own condition and report any symptoms (headaches, lethargy, appetite loss, nausea, etc.) to project
staff. Participants should be aware of illnesses that may be aggravated by altitude (sickle cell and chronic heart
and lung diseases) prior to fielding.
Dehydration
All project staff are Wilderness First Aid certified (at a minimum). Participants will be instructed (and reminded
frequently) to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to bring at least two liters of water into the field each
day; to wear high- factor sunscreen and appropriate clothing, including sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and/or
scarf; to not overwork when jet lagged or tired, and to inform a staff member when feeling tired or ill. Team will
take regular breaks as needed, and monitor participants for general health at all times.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a frequent hazard on this project. The weather is unpredictable, with frequent abrupt changes
that include snow, rain, and hail even in May, June, July, and August. The gear required reflects the need for
everyone to have multiple layers, dry feet and body, and a warm head and hands, which are key preventative
measures for hypothermia. Participants gear will be checked to ensure that everyone has adequate warm gear.
Animals
Project staff will explain protocols and safety measures during orientation for addressing any encounters with
wildlife such as grizzly bears, mountain lions, elk. Radios are to be worn at all times to communicate about
wildlife hazards. Participants are encouraged to carry binoculars to help observe wildlife at a safe distance.
Trained staff will carry pepper spray. Additionally, adult participants will be trained in the transport and use of
wildlife pepper spray, and will be encouraged to carry pepper spray canisters in the field.
Forest fires
Participants should be aware of the risk of forest fires, particularly later in the season during dry conditions.
Smoke from fires can make breathing more difficult and can cause a minor burning sensation in the eyes, throat
and lungs. Participants will be instructed in the prevention of forest fires; PIs and staff will model appropriate
behavior.
Plants
Participants will be instructed on identification and avoidance of barbed vegetation. Participants with allergies to
common Western US plants should bring appropriate medications (antihistamines, etc.).
Insects
Participants will be instructed to check carefully for ticks after they’ve been outside, checking places such as the
back of the neck and the backs of legs and clothing where ticks might hide. Everyone should use insect repellent
in order to prevent insect bites. Participants with allergies to biting and/or stinging insects must bring
medications (antihistamines, at least two EpiPens, etc.) as appropriate.
Personal Security
Participants should take standard precautions such as keeping aware of money and personal belongings,
especially in crowded places (e.g. airport).
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
SAFETY
HEALTH INFORMATION
Distance from
Medical Care
The nearest full-service hospital is 90 miles from most field sites (2 hr drive). It can easily take 3 hours or more
to arrange transport and reach the full-service hospital, or even longer if at the far extent of a trail. If you have a
chronic condition, which could require immediate urgent medical care (e.g. heart conditions, kidney problems,
severe asthma, etc.) or if you are pregnant, please discuss your participation on this expedition with your physician.
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
IMMUNIZATIONS
Accommodations and vehicles all have first aid kits. In the event
of a medical emergency, the project staff will administer first
aid, and depending on the seriousness of the injury or condition,
either take the volunteer to the hospital using one of the project
vehicles (always available) or call emergency services by
cellphone. While in the field, the scientists will carry a radio and
cell phone for emergency communication. If a volunteer has to
leave the expedition early for emergency reasons, the
Earthwatch scientists will determine the most appropriate form
of transport to the hospital or airport (either one of the project
vehicles or ambulance).
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date
(for example: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles,
mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the
responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the
following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix Travel
Oracle website through the “Travel Assistance and Advice”
page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int for
guidance on immunizations.
For emergency assistance in the field, please contact
Earthwatch’s 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last
page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you
24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to
respond to messages that come into our live answering service.
PROJECT VACCINATIONS
REQUIRED: If traveling from countries or region where yellow
fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.
You may need to present this certificate when you arrive in
country.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
11
TRAVEL TIPS
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD
MONEY MATTERS
LOCAL CURRENCY: US dollar (USD).
PERSONAL FUNDS: $100 should suffice if you’d like to purchase
additional food or small supplies. International volunteers
should plan to exchange currency at the airport before joining
the project.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Passport and visa requirements are subject to change.
Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your
home country for requirements specific to your circumstances.
Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months
from the date of entry and a return ticket is required.
PASSPORT REQUIRED?
VISA REQUIRED?
United States
Yes
No
United Kingdom
Yes
No
Europe
Yes
No
Australia
Yes
No
Japan
Yes
No
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST
visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even
months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which
can both expedite and simplify the process.
YOUR DESTINATION
LANGUAGE: English
TIME ZONE: Mountain Standard Time (MST), which equals
GMT/UTC -6 hours in the summer months.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: Casual, modest dress is
acceptable nearly everywhere. Tipping restaurant wait staff,
taxi drivers, airport curbside baggage handlers, and hotel
bellhops is customary.
ELECTRICITY: The U.S. standard voltage used for small
appliances, hair dryers, electronic equipment, etc. is 120 volts,
60Hz, supplied through type A or B sockets
12
CITIZENSHIP
CONTACT INFORMATION
You may be required to list the following contact information on
your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage
does not make it to baggage claim at your destination:
Maria Mantas
Swan Valley Connections
6887 MT Highway 83
Condon, MT 59826-9005
PHONE: +1 406-754-3137
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
13
EXPEDITION PACKING LIST
WHAT TO BRING
EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST
NOTE: All field equipment marked with an asterisk (*) is absolutely
required on this project, exactly as specified, with no exceptions
due to safety considerations. Volunteers will need to wear or carry
this equipment in their packs daily, plus lunch/snacks and some
field equipment.
GENERAL
his expedition briefing
qT
Y
q our travel plans, rendezvous details, and Earthwatch’s
emergency contact information
hotocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit cards
qP
in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be
packed separately from the original documents
assport and/or visa (if necessary)
qP
inoculars*
qB
unscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher*
qS
q Insect repellent*
ersonal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics,
qP
antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers,
etc.) and medications *
unglasses
qS
BEDDING AND BATHING
leeping bag
qS
mall travel pillow and pillowcase
qS
ath towel(s)
qB
PERSONAL SUPPLIES
ertification of vaccination (if necessary)
qC
ocumentation for travel by minors (if necessary)
qD
ersonal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos
qP
are encouraged)
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORK
ntibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands while
qA
in the field)
arthwatch T-shirt
qE
G
q ore-Tex rain gear tops and bottoms*
pending money
qS
ore-Tex gaiters (Outdoor Research brand is good)*
qG
ompletely waterproof heavy-duty, all-leather backpacking
qC
boots (a couple good brands to consider are Lowa and
La Sportiva)
lothing suitable for keeping you comfortable in 20-90°F
qC
temperatures (lots of layers, recommend at least one
non-cotton long-sleeve/long-panted layer for rainy weather)*
ield clothes that will not tear easily during bushwhacking*
qF
ide brimmed hat for sun protection
qW
CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISURE
t least one set of clothing to keep clean for end of expedition
qA
omfortable shoes to change into after conducting field work
qC
FIELD SUPPLIES
5 liter capacity (minimum) backpack for all-day use in the field
q3
that are well-structured and comfortable to wear all day.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
aptop for personal use
qL
ompass with a mirror
qC
ocket knife (remember to pack in your checked luggage!)
qP
ield guides to plants and animal tracks
qF
amera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery
qC
H
q ardware for sharing digital photographs at the end
of the expedition
ry bag or plastic sealable bags (e.g. Ziploc) to protect
qD
equipment like cameras from dust, humidity, and water
ooks, games, art supplies, etc. for free time
qB
arplugs for light sleepers
qE
NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle
on your own. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, we advise
you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials
in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
ydration system or water bottles sufficient to hold two liters
qH
of water*
14
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
PROJECT STAFF
YOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD
MARIA MANTAS, PI, is the Executive Director at Swan Valley Connections. Maria's professional and personal
connection to the Swan Valley runs long and deep. Over the last 30 years her career has kept her close to the
Swan where she first worked as a Botanist for the Flathead National Forest, then later as the Western Montana
Science and Stewardship Director for The Nature Conservancy where she played a key role in the conservation of
over 310,000 acres through the Montana Legacy Project. Maria's diverse career brings 25 years of professional
experience in the fields of Wildlife Biology, Forestry, and Plant Ecology. Since 2013 she has led exceptional staff in
carrying out impactful conservation, stewardship, and education programming. Will not be present in the field for
2017 teams.
DR. TABITHA GRAVES, lead USGS scientist (https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/tabitha-graves), will conduct
an orientation and brief the expedition participants on the field work they will be doing. She has been working on
grizzly bears in this region since 2000. Tabitha is interested in using innovative, state-of-the-art research methods
to answer applied spatial questions about wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and grizzly bears and to determine
the impact of climate change on bear foods such as huckleberries, alongside citizen scientists. PRESENT FOR
ALL TEAMS at least 2 days in 2017
LUKE LAMAR, Field Technician. Born and raised in the Swan Valley, Luke has developed deep roots and personal
connections with the landscape. He has spent most of his life learning the land, people, and wildlife of the Swan,
and studied its interconnected processes and relationships. In addition to serving as a wilderness ranger in the
Mission Mountains Wilderness for 12 years, his career within the Swan Valley has entailed a wide spectrum of
field biology projects that have focused on wildlife species such as grizzly bears, wolverines, and Canada lynx.
Since 2014, Luke has directed conservation programs that include: assisting private landowners to restore and
conserve wetland and riparian habitats, maintaining and improving water quality, helping people and bears
coexist, monitoring of wildlife and native fish species, wilderness management, and promoting responsible forest
stewardship. Team schedule TBD.
ADAM LIEBERG, Field Technician, began his career in the Swan Valley after completing the Landscape &
Livelihood Field Semester in 2004. Since then he has immersed himself studying the ecology of the northern
Rockies, with a special emphasis on interpreting wildlife tracks and sign. Adam is the field coordinator for the
Southwestern Crown Carnivore Project, an assessment of Canada lynx, wolverine, and fisher populations in our
region. He is also one of the founders of Swan Valley Bear Resources, a cooperative that works to reduce bearhuman conflict. Adam brings a wealth of ecological literacy from the field into Biogeography, Field Ecology of
Threatened and Endangered Species, and tracking classes. When he isn't teaching or working in the field,
you can find Adam in the woods maintaining remote wildlife cameras. Team schedule TBD.
REBEKAH RAFFERTY, Field Technician, was originally drawn to Montana for her Master's work studying wolves
and the ability of cattle ranchers to mitigate livestock depredation. This interest in the human dimensions of
natural resource management led her to the Swan Valley in 2011, where she received excellent mentorship in the
practice of community-based conservation grounded in ecological literacy. Currently, Rebekah coordinates Swan
Valley Connections' collaborative conservation activities to inform holistic land management, serves as a lead
field technician for wildlife monitoring projects, and teaches college and adult field programs. Rebekah integrates
her knowledge of policy, professional experience in collaborative conservation, and passion for natural history into
everything she teaches. Team schedule TBD.
SARA HALM, Field Technician, has worked as a field technician for Swan Valley Connections' Rare Carnivore and
Native Fish programs for the past two seasons. With a background in environmental science and wildlife biology,
Sara works in the field as well as teaching courses, coordinating evening programs, adult workshops and
elementary programs. She is passionate about connecting people to their environment and cultivating enthusiasm
for nature. Before moving to Montana, Sara spent time in elementary school classrooms, nature centers and
aquariums working with all ages to facilitate an appreciation for the natural world. Sara first came to Montana as
a Wildlife in the West student in 2011, and has been enamored with the Southwest Crown and the Swan Valley ever
since. Team schedule TBD.
NOTE: Staff schedules are subject to change.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
15
RECOMMENDED READING
YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME
RESOURCES
ARTICLES
• Grizzly Bear and Black Bear Ecology: http://www.nrmsc.
usgs.gov/research/grizzlyb.htm
• Hamer D, Herrero S, and Brady K. 1991. Food and habitat
used by grizzly bears, Ursus arctos along the continental
divide in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Canadian
Field-Naturalist 105: 325-329.
• Hauer FR, H Locke, VJ Dreitz, M Hebblewhite, WH Lowe,
CC Muhlfeld, CR Nelson, MF Proctor, SB Rood. 2016.
Gravel-bed river floodplains are the ecological nexus of
glaciated mountain landscapes.
• Holden ZA, WF Kasworm, C Servheen, B Hahn, S
Dobrowski. 2012. Sensitivity of berry productivity to
climatic variation in the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly bear recovery
zone, northwest United States, 1989-2010. Wildlife Society
Bulletin 36: 226-331.
• Innouye, DW. 2008. Effects of climate change on
phenology, frost damage, and floral abundance of
montane wildflowers.
• Kendall K. 1986. Grizzly and black bear feeding ecology in
Glacier National Park, Montana: Progress Report.
• McLellan, BN. 2015. Some mechanisms underlying
variation in vital rates of grizzly bears on a multiple use
landscape. Journal of Wildlife Management 79: 749-765.
• Richards, Rebecca T.; Alexander, Susan J. 2006. A social
history of wild huckleberry harvesting in the Pacific
Northwest. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNWGTR-657. Portland, OR:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific
Northwest Research Station. 113 p.
•R
oberts, David R., Scott E. Nielsen, and Gordon B.
Stenhouse. 2014. Idiosyncratic responses of grizzly bear
habitat to climate change based on projected food
resource changes. Ecological Applications 24.5: 11441154.
•C
limate Change Indicators in the United States https://
www3.epa.gov/climatechange/science/indicators/
BOOKS
• A sta Bowen. Huckleberry Book: All About the West's Most
Treasured Berry - From Botany to Bears, Mountain Lore
to Recipes
• Doug Peacock. Grizzly Years
• Cristina Eisenberg. The Carnivore Way
• Climate and Conservation: Landscape and Seascape
Science, Planning, and Action (Edited by Hilty, Chester and
Cross: 2012)
• Hart, Jeff, and Jacqueline Moore. Montana native plants
and early peoples. Montana Historical Society, 1992.
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITE • http://www.nrmsc.usgs.gov/staff/graves/research/
climate_bearfoods
EARTHWATCH SOCIAL MEDIA
• FACEBOOK: facebook.com/Earthwatch
• T WITTER: twitter.com/earthwatch_org
• INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/earthwatch
• BLOG: blog.earthwatch.org
• YOUTUBE: youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute
16
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
LITERATURE CITED
YOUR RESOURCES AT HOME
LITERATURE
• Hamer D, Herrero S, and Brady K. 1991. Food and habitat used by grizzly bears, Ursus arctos along the continental divide in
Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta. Canadian Field-Naturalist 105: 325-329.
• Kendall K. 1986. Grizzly and black bear feeding ecology in Glacier National Park, Montana: Progress Report.
• McCall BS, MS Mitchell, J Hayden, SA Cushman, P Zager, WF Kasworm. 2013. Combined use of mark-recapture and
genetic analyses reveals response of a black bear population to changes in food productivity.
• Robbins CT, CC Schwartz, and LA Felicetti. 2004. Nutritional ecology of ursids: a review of newer methods and
management implications. Ursus 15: 161-171.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
17
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
AROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT
EARTHWATCH’S 24-HOUR
EMERGENCY HOTLINE
Call Earthwatch’s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.:
+1 (978) 461.0081
+1 (800) 776.0188 (toll-free for calls placed from within the U.S.)
After business hours, leave a message with our living
answering service. State that you have an emergency and
give the name of your expedition, your name, the location
from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone
number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff
member will respond to your call within one hour.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER:
HEALIX INTERNATIONAL
+44.20.3667.8991 (collect calls and reverse charges accepted)
U.S. TOLL FREE: +1.877.759.3917
U.K. FREE PHONE: 0.800.19.5180
E-MAIL: [email protected]
You may contact Healix International at any time. They can
assist in the event of a medicalor evacuation emergency
or for routine medical and travel advice, such as advice on
visas and vaccine requirements.
FOR VOLUNTEERS BOOKED THROUGH THE
EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OFFICE:
Earthwatch Australia 24-Hour
Emergency Helpline
+61.0.3.8508.5537
18
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
ADDENDUM
PARTNERSHIP INFORMATION
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is working through a partnership agreement with Swan Valley Connections (http://www.
swanvalleyconnections.org/) to participate in Earthwatch Institute’s Wildlife and Ecosystems Expeditions project. Swan
Valley Connections (SVC) is a non-profit organization situated in Montana's scenic Swan Valley. SVC’s work is a confluence
of collaborative conservation and experiential learning.
Earthwatch is an organization that engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education. Citizen scientists will
work with USGS to collect data to understand and predict the impact of climate change on huckleberries, and assess the role
of huckleberries as food for bears, other mammals, and birds.
Dr. Tabitha Graves, lead USGS scientist (https://www.usgs.gov/staff-profiles/tabitha-graves), will conduct an orientation
and brief Expedition participants on the work they will be doing. Field staff will train participants on how to apply the treatments
designed by USGS to huckleberries in the field and count the number of berries in treatment plots to understand how changes
in water, temperature, and pollination influence the number of berries available as food. Participants will learn to use images
from remote cameras to identify which mammal species are eating huckleberries and what other foods they switch to when
huckleberries are not abundant. Field staff will also illustrate how to identify bees and associated flowering plants in the field sites.
The research garnered from Expedition participants will assist USGS scientists in understanding the interacting effects of weather,
insect defoliation, and site conditions that influence huckleberry productivity. USGS will combine this with other data to build maps
that can serve as a tool to understand the consistency and location of high productivity huckleberry patches across years. This tool
can help managers identify more resilient patches that have high productivity in low precipitation years, prioritize areas for
restoration or conservation and protection from high severity wildfires, and develop an ‘early-warning system’ for places and years
that are likely to have low huckleberry productivity.
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
19
NOTES
20
CLIMATE CHANGE, HUCKLEBERRIES, AND GRIZZLY BEARS IN MONTANA 2017
MESSAGE FROM
EARTHWATCH
DEAR EARTHWATCHER,
Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental
science and conservation.
As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you’re out in the field working
toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in
which we work, we’ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning
for nearly 45 years. You’re in good hands.
We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities—
not just out in the field, but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, and
to transfer your skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, community, and home.
If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support,
and enjoy your expedition!
Sincerely,
Scott Kania
President and CEO, Earthwatch
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EARTHWATCHINSTITUTE
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