They may volunteer near home or acrossthe state. Many programs and projects vary from region to region dueto varying priorities, needs or geographical differences. Based onthe accomplishments of that position, theLegislature funded 3 more position's in 1990. Northwest, Southwest,Columbia and Central Regions made a commitment to using volunteersand recognizing them for their help. These volunteersare coded by their interests, skills and availability.
Coordinators can match a volunteer with almost any biologist'srequest for assistance.
Coordinators and biologists work closely witheach other to determine exactly what a program needs as far asvolunteer help. For example, with the heightened concern and publiccalls on cougar problems, a volunteer made a cougar live trap for theDeschutes Wildlife District. In the Northwest Region, volunteers havehelped construct and maintain a temporary holding facility andnursery for western pond turtle hatchlings, while in Columbia Region,several volunteer groups helped with the Free Fishing Day events atBonneville Hatchery which attracted over 1200 participants. SouthwestRegion has used local hound owners to aid in trapping cougars for astudy in the Jackson Creek area. And the list goes on with over 3000volunteer jobs or projects.