Corpsmember Activities:

Screw Trap Monitoring: 15%

Data Entry: 12%

Spawner/Redd Surveys: 10%  

Habitat Surveys: 10%

Field PIT Tagging: 10%

Commuting To/From Field Sites: 9%

Snorkel Surveys: 8%

E-Fishing: 5%

Site Specific Education and Outreach: 5%

Post-Restoration Monitoring/Maintenance: 3%

Seining: 3%

Invasive Removal: 2%

Site Specific Volunteer Management: 2%

H2O Monitoring: 2%

Hatchery Work: 2%

GIS Mapping: 1%

Biological Sample Analysis Lab Work: 1%

Placement Site Objectives:

Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) has undertaken an ambitious, multi-decade long program to maintain and enhance endangered Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead (O. mykiss) populations within the watersheds managed by the National Park Service (NPS) in the San Francisco Bay Area Network (SFAN). Our monitoring program maintains over twenty years of trend data to determine the success of restoration activities and is used as a life cycle monitoring station as described in CDFW, Fish Bulletin 180 (CMP). The SFAN Inventory and Monitoring Program received long-term NPS funding for monitoring starting in 2004. Based on pilot data, the NPS published a comprehensive monitoring plan and protocols for the monitoring of salmonids within the NPS SFAN (Reichmuth et al. 2010). The NPS continues to explore new monitoring techniques using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and salmonid occupancy models. Since 2003, many restoration activities within the park have been completed by volunteer-based restoration groups now managed by Corpsmembers, with activities including fish passage improvement, cattle exclusion fencing near streams and riparian zones, creation of overwinter habitat, and wetland restoration. The long-term monitoring program and restoration activities are supported by over 500 hours of volunteer labor annually and by Point Reyes National Seashore Association.

The missions of both WSP and PRNS are well-aligned which has only strengthened our partnership over the past decade. WSP provides highly motivated individuals with a passion for natural resources conservation at a reasonable cost to PRNS. In turn, PRNS provides a wealth of knowledge and experience through a diverse staff and a unique wilderness. PRNS is committed to continuing the career development of Corpsmembers throughout their service year. WSP Corpsmembers afford our organization the opportunity to perform small-scale stream restoration projects and complete the monitoring necessary to inform vital Coho Salmon conservation strategies. The WOW! outreach component is one of the most important services provided by Corpsmembers. Prior to our partnership with WSP, there was no similar formal educational program offered to local Title 1 schools.

Through the WOW! curriculum, awareness and information are being disseminated at the local level in a manner not previously feasible by the fisheries program or PRNS. In addition, Corpsmembers can engage the community in restoration projects and teach volunteers how to become stewards of their local watersheds. Corpsmembers also increase the capacity of our program to fully implement CDFW Fish Bulletin 180. Without two Corpsmembers, the CSMP would have to reduce certain monitoring efforts such as smolt trapping and spawner surveys, resulting in a less comprehensive understanding of endangered and threatened salmonid populations in Marin County streams.

Mentorship Style:

Mentorship is provided by both the Site Supervisor and the site Mentor at PRNS. In general, we aim to provide a genuine interest in each Corpsmembers professional growth during the service term while providing mutual respect for the wellbeing of each other. We provide guidance and support while also encouraging independence and critical thinking through blog posts and Corpsmember specific projects. Both the Site Supervisor and Mentor strive to listen actively while offering constructive feedback. In general, we have an open-door policy and try to encourage Corpsmembers to voice their opinions, concerns, or any other feedback. We also believe in collaborating and taking on challenges as a team. During the Corpsmembers service term we conduct meetings and events in a manner that promotes team building within the fisheries crew.

Unique Characteristics of Placement Site:

Point Reyes National Seashore provides a unique opportunity for Corpsmembers to work in both a designated wilderness and one of the largest urban interfaces in California. The proximity of PRNS to the city of San Francisco allows Corpsmembers to experience the challenges and rewards of working in environments at the doorstep of a large, metropolitan population. Since the mission of the NPS is to preserve natural resources for future generations, Corpsmembers are exposed to a variety of natural resource-based monitoring and restoration projects. PRNS has professionals in a range of fields including but not limited to education, outreach, cultural resources, wildlife biology, vegetation management, water quality, and rangeland management. Corpsmembers placed at PRNS can utilize their access to a variety of NPS resources and professionals to expand skillsets and build upon current knowledge and interest. Not only does PRNS offer a myriad of topic areas for Corpsmembers to explore, but it also provides a unique opportunity to live and work on some of the most beautiful public lands in the nation. Corpsmembers will gain experience throughout the year by learning and implementation techniques for monitoring endangered and threatened aquatic species including Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout. It is also anticipated that PRNS will continue to provide low-cost housing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired in Corpsmembers:

Experience with fisheries monitoring techniques

Experience collecting biological data and performing quality assurance

Ability to navigate rough terrain in small coastal streams while performing tasks

Ability to work as part of a team

Experience leading small work groups

Moderate level of physical conditioning to avoid or minimize risk of injury

Follow and uphold the safety standards