Event Title: AT22-124 GCWA Field Training

Event Title: AT22-124 GCWA Field Training

VMS-AT: AT: Hill Country Chapter Other Approved Training (Enter AT#, Class Title as posted, Location, and Presenter)

Comments: AT22-124 GCWA Field Training, 4 locations, Presenters: Heather Hannusch, Ryan Thornton, or Theresa Edwards (AT=12h)

Event Dates: Feb 21, Feb 22, Feb 24, Mar 1
Event Time: 9:00a-12:00p

Event Summary:
Learn the requirements for Golden Cheek Warbler Survey

Event Description:
Training for approved volunteers only for Golden Cheek Warbler Surveys.
There will be 4 separate virtual trainings followed by Q&A with the presenter, each about 3 hours. Field trainings are in-person events, required and will be around 3 hours.

Especially on the verge of the USFWS Species Status Update in 2023, it is imperative to assess population numbers throughout their breeding range. Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) holds multiple properties within this breeding range. In order to assess population trends and abundance, TPWD sites will conduct standardized GCWA surveys in the spring. This protocol ensures data uniformity across the project and ability to contribute to inter-agency, collaborative efforts for species recovery.
Objective: To monitor GCWA observation and distribution trends within TPWD properties and ultimately contribute this information to range-wide, collaborative efforts.
This survey employs radius point counts with distance sampling to assess audial detections of singing males. Sampling points will be provided in both printed map and GPS point form from regional NR staff. Points are located in a grid of 250 x 250 m. During each 3-minute survey, distances and times of each initial detection are recorded.
Field trainings are mandatory; there will be a review of the protocol, data collection, distance training, and skills test. Participants must bring their own water, snacks, writing utensil, and clipboard. Realistic to the actual surveys, we will be tromping around in unpredictable conditions.

Cost: Free

Registration is not necessary. Volunteers are pre-approved.

Event Location:
Government Canyon: Feb 21
Guadalupe River SP: Feb 24
Hill Country SNA: Feb 22
Inks Lake/Longhorn: Mar 1

Instructor/Presenter:
Heather Hannusch, Ryan Thornton or Theresa Edwards

Contact Information:
Heather Hannusch
Heather.Hannusch@tpwd.texas.gov

Organization Website:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/gcw/

Sponsoring Organization:
TPWD