Sage-Grouse Lek Monitoring
Event description
Date: Friday, April 14 to Sunday, April 16, 2023
Expected arrival time: 5 PM Friday
Expected departure time: 2 PM Sunday
Meeting location: Three Forks Campground
Weather information: Rome, Oregon
For our first trip of the year, we’re headed to Three Forks for sage-grouse monitoring. Sage-grouse are common birds throughout the sagebrush steppe, but they are at risk primarily due to habitat loss. On this trip, we’ll be conducting some citizen science and monitoring sage-grouse leks, the areas that male sage-grouse use in mating rituals. At camp, we’ll briefly review how to monitor leks, but we strongly encourage you to attend our Sage-Grouse Lek Monitoring 101 webinar (to be announced and linked here).
About the area
One of the most remote locations in Oregon, Three Forks is located about 30 miles south of Jordan Valley and offers camping, fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities in the canyonland confluence of the North Fork Owyhee, Middle Fork Owyhee, and Owyhee Rivers. This is an undeveloped campground with just a pit toilet and no potable water, so please prepare accordingly.
You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with plenty of clearance. We can provide a shuttle from the top of the rim to the campground if needed. We will provide directions on how to get to the rim/campground via email, but if you would feel more comfortable meeting us in Jordan Valley and following, just let us know.
Suggested gear:
- Daypack
- Rain/Snow gear
- Shelter (tarp or tent, stakes, ground cloth)
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad
- Headlamp
- Water bottles, plenty of water
- Stove, fuel
- Cooking pot, utensils, knife
- Food: 2 breakfasts, 2-3 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks/treats
- Hygiene kit
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Sunscreen, chapstick
- Baby wipes
- Prescription medications
- Hiking boots or trail shoes, camp shoes (might be muddy, wet, snowy—plan accordingly)
- Hiking clothes, camp clothes
- Sun hat, sunglasses
- Rain jacket, insulated jacket
- Warm hat, gloves
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Camera, phone
Provided by FOTO:
- Shade canopy
- Firewood
- Garmin inReach
- Spotting scope (limited supply)
FAQ
- Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
- Participants must be 10 years or older given the remote and rough terrain.
- How much does camping cost?
- Camping is free.
- Can I bring my dog?
- For this trip, email or call Tim to talk it through.
- What is the weather going to be like?
- Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
- No, we will have a roster of the folks signed up.
- Can I bring my camper for this trip?
- The road from the rim down to the river is rough and steep and muddy, so it depends on your set-up. If you have specific questions, get in touch with us.
If you have any questions not answered here, please contact Tim via email, text, or phone call: owyheefriends@gmail.com, (541) 212-1907