Think Wild, Cascadia Wild partner to expand volunteer wildlife tracking in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Think Wild and Cascadia Wild have partnered to expand rare carnivore monitoring efforts in Central Oregon through volunteer-powered community science. The program will deploy trained volunteers to the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests to track wolverines, wolves and other sensitive species.

The initiative builds on Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project, which has operated since 2001. By collecting field data through remote cameras and track surveys, the organizations aim to improve the understanding of species distribution and habitat use for state and federal wildlife agencies.

The monitoring program focuses on wolverines, Sierra Nevada red foxes, gray wolves, martens and other species identified as having the greatest conservation need. Volunteers will be trained to conduct track and sign surveys and deploy remote cameras to collect field data across the regional landscape. According to the organizations, this information helps inform wildlife management decisions and supports conflict prevention by identifying where sensitive species are present.

Kylie Lanuza, the wildlife community science project coordinator for Think Wild, helped lead the expansion into Central Oregon. Lanuza previously worked with Cascadia Wild conducting surveys in the Mt. Hood National Forest and identified a need for similar efforts in the Deschutes and Ochoco regions. She transitioned the project from a graduate internship focus into a formal partnership.

"Central Oregon is an incredible place to do this work, with such diverse habitats and a strong, outdoors-oriented community that cares deeply about wildlife," Lanuza said. "Last year, we piloted wolf monitoring and saw an overwhelming response from people interested in learning, supporting and volunteering. That enthusiasm encouraged us to formalize our partnership with Cascadia Wild to expand monitoring efforts in Central Oregon."

Lanuza said the project has evolved into year-round monitoring. This includes a winter tracking survey conducted with Wanderlust Tours and upcoming spring sessions to prepare volunteers for summer fieldwork involving wolves and the Sierra Nevada red fox.

Teri Lysak serves as the executive director for Cascadia Wild. She emphasized that the project is designed to help local residents connect with their environment while providing valuable data.

"Participatory science is a great way to create a sense of stewardship and belonging to the land," Lysak said. "The data the Wolverine Tracking Project gathers informs both research and resource management decisions and volunteering is a fun, hands-on way to be involved in land stewardship."

A specific focus of the multiyear initiative involves the collection of Sierra Nevada red fox scat for genetic analysis. Think Wild will coordinate volunteers to gather samples following protocols established by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Kalysta Adkins, a fish and wildlife biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, noted that these species are often difficult to document through traditional means. Adkins explained that fecal samples allow scientists to study an animal's diet, health and resource competition without direct contact.

"These secretive carnivores are notoriously elusive and difficult to document and there's a lot of suitable montane fox habitat in Central Oregon that we'd like to survey," Adkins said. "Scientists can answer these questions without needing to trap, handle, or capture animals."

Adkins said that utilizing community science allows the agency to cover more ground. "The more help we can get from interested volunteers to help us cover the extensive habitat, the better," Adkins said.

Sally Compton, the executive director of Think Wild, also participates in regional wildlife policy as a member of the Deschutes County Wolf Compensation and Financial Assistance Committee. The carnivore tracking program joins Think Wild's existing monitoring efforts, which include osprey nest monitoring and beaver activity surveys.

Think Wild has scheduled two virtual training sessions for community members interested in participating. A wolf tracking training will be held on Thursday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a scat collection training on Monday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP is required for both events. You can find the links on the Think Wild website, under volunteer opportunities.

The organization is currently raising funds to cover equipment, staff time and field coordination for the project. Interested donors can find more information on the Think Wild website.