Calling all hikers and wildlife enthusiasts! Join our network of volunteer community scientists to monitor wolverines, Cascade red foxes and Canada lynx in the Washington Cascades. 

We are seeking volunteers to search for and collect carnivore scats while hiking in Washington's Cascades Mountain. You will traverse mountain forests, subalpine parklands, passes, and ridgelines in the National Park system and surrounding Forest Service lands.

Cascades Carnivore Project will analyze DNA from the scats YOU collect to identify key prey species and determine the health of these rare carnivore populations. Through our combined efforts, we will begin to understand what threatens these rare carnivores and help direct conservation efforts to ensure their long-term persistence.

Interested? Simply click "Next" to fill out our Volunteer Waiver and Code of Conduct forms.

By signing this form, I agree that I am volunteering my time with Cascades Carnivore Project. I will be asked to conduct scat collection hikes or other duties as described to me by Cascades Carnivore Project staff. 

I understand that due to the outdoor nature of these volunteer projects, there is a level of risk involved. Should anything happen to me, or my personal vehicle or equipment, while I am in the field, I will not hold Cascades Carnivore Project, its employees, agents, officers, Board, or any other project partner liable. I understand that it is my sole responsibility to understand my abilities and only go on hikes within my skill level and physical limitations.

To prepare for my field time with this project, I will ask staff for any additional training and assistance desired, and will plan wisely to ensure my experience as a volunteer is as safe as possible.

I have read and understand the field protocol and watched the training video associated with my volunteer duties. For scat collection hikes, I will travel prepared and carry appropriate safety equipment such as first aid, navigation, wildlife deterrence and emergency communications equipment.

Cascades Carnivore Project’s Code of Conduct

 

1. Purpose 

This code of conduct outlines the principles, values, and expectations for behavior that all persons involved in any activities associated with Cascades Carnivore Project are required to follow. It aims to promote a respectful, ethical, and safe work environment while protecting Cascades Carnivore Project’s reputation. It also promotes the rights and dignity of all employees and volunteers while simultaneously ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

 

2. Scope 

This code of conduct applies to all employees, contractors, interns, community scientists, other volunteers, and any other individuals involved in any activity on behalf of Cascades Carnivore Project.

 

3. Cascades Carnivore Project's Values 

• Solutions Based Science - We employ rigorous, innovative scientific approaches to advance an understanding of the health and threats to carnivore populations. Our wildlife studies are designed to identify and prioritize effective management solutions for carnivore populations that are realistic and actionable. 
• Community - Our successes are achieved through the participation of individuals in local communities and the personal relationships that build support for carnivore conservation and friendship.
• Partnership - Our impact is strengthened through genuine relationships in partnership with fellow scientists, community scientists, indigenous nations, other NGOs, universities; and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Interdependence - We believe that the natural world and our place in it are interconnected and by protecting wild places, we support our own well-being.
• Grit - Driven by passion and tenacity, we work in wild, rugged places to solve tough problems facing rare mountain carnivores. We keep going in the face of challenges and don't stop until progress has been made.

4. Behavior and Conduct

• Compliance with Laws and Regulations: You must comply with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws and regulations relevant to their role.
• Anti-Discrimination and Harassment: Cascades Carnivore Project maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
• Conflict of Interest: You must avoid situations that create, or appear to create, a conflict between your personal interests and the interests of Cascades Carnivore Project.
• Confidentiality: You must protect sensitive information and not disclose it without proper authorization.
• Use of Cascades Carnivore Project Assets: You must use Cascades Carnivore Project property, equipment, and resources responsibly and for organizational purposes only. If there is any question about how resources may be used, it is expected that you will ask CCP leadership for guidance.

 

5.  Technology Use and Communication

• Email and Internet Use: Cascades Carnivore Project email addresses, emails, and internet access must be used for work-related purposes only. Inappropriate use, such as accessing offensive or illegal content, is strictly prohibited.
• Social Media Use: You may not share camera trap photos or camera trap videos, data, or other information collected as part of CCP activities on personal platforms without permission from CCP leadership. You are expected to use social media responsibly and ensure that their personal views are not misrepresented as the views of Cascades Carnivore Project. Although we encourage you to promote our mission on your personal platforms, you may not share information on personal social media platforms that are new to CCP before we have had a chance to share it on our social media platforms. 
• Cybersecurity: You must follow good practices for cybersecurity, including safeguarding passwords and reporting suspected breaches.

 

6. Lack of Adherence

Violations of this code of conduct may result in disciplinary actions including termination of volunteer involvement with Cascades Carnivore Project.

 

7. Acknowledgment and Acceptance: 

By signing, I

• Acknowledge that I have received, read, understood and agree to follow this code of conduct. 
• Agree to conduct myself in accordance with this code of conduct and act in a respectful manner at all times while engaging in Cascades Carnivore Project activities.