The Izaak Walton League wants to remind all stream monitors to be safe during winter sampling.
While Santa Claus is checking his list this holiday season, we hope you are also checking your list—your winter monitoring safety list! Here are some tips to stay safe this winter while monitoring your streams:
· Wait until roads are safe to travel before driving to sample location(s)
· Wear crampons or shoes with good traction
· Approach water where ground is flat and not slippery
· NEVER walk on the ice over the water
· If a sample location is iced over, sample where ice is thin enough to easily break through and easily reached from a stable spot on the bank
· When in doubt, come back when conditions improve!
We also recommend wearing fluorescent clothing when sampling during hunting season or along a roadway. Dress appropriately for weather conditions, be sure to sample on public property or secure landowner permission first, park carefully when sampling near a roadway, and go with a partner and/or make sure someone knows where you are going and when you are expected to return.
Following these tips will make sure you have a safe and successful monitoring season. After all, the success your watershed group is due to the dedication of volunteers just like you! We are so grateful for your time and support, and we look forward to seeing you monitoring in the new year
