Field Trip for 44th Annual Desert Tortoises Council Symposium

Join field researchers Roger Repp, Dale DeNardo, Daniel Beck, Marty Feldner, John Slone, and others on a tour of Gila monster study sites located north of Tucson, AZ held prior to the 2019 Desert Tortoise Council Symposium.

We plan to break into three groups, with each going to one of three areas filled with Gila monster shelters, then the groups will meet up for lunch. There will be much time for a collegial discussion of the various projects conducted at each site, as well as general discussions on the ecology and status of these areas. While there is no guarantee of seeing a Gila monster in mid-February – we have our highest chance of doing so with this amazing group of field leaders.

We will meet on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 8:00 AM for a briefing from Roger Repp. Bring 1 liter of water, and snacks to carry with you as you look for Gila monsters. Wear long pants, sturdy hiking boots, a light colored hat, and light colored clothing. It may be cold and windy, so please bring warm clothes. Plan on a return of 5:00 PM. Lunch will be provided.

Participation is limited to the first 30 people who register and are able to pay for the field trip with 48 hours of registration. We will enable a waitlist through Wild Apricot registration portal. Only those registered for the entire Symposium will be eligible to participate. Please check box referring to the field trip when registering for the Annual Symposium and then return here to register for the field trip.

Important note: We expect this field trip to sell out quickly. Field trip must be paid for within two days of your registration to secure your space. No onsite field trip registration will be offered.

Cost: $25
(Includes Baggin’s sandwiches!  See options below.)

When you register for the field trip, please make sure you respond to all the questions letting us know if you:

1. are able to drive your personal high-clearance, high occupancy vehicle, and the number of passengers you can take so we can set up car pools;
2. are interested in being one of 6 designated photographers for the field trip; and
3. have seen a Gila monster in the wild.

In addition, you will be asked:

1. to review and acknowledge reading information on Africanized bees, as they are present at each site, as well as a letter from Roger Repp that provides additional details on what to expect, and guidelines and rules for attendees;
2. to specify as level of hiking ability (on a scale of 1-3, with 3 being able to handle the most difficult terrain; all sites will accommodate all three levels of hiking ability); and
3. to specify meal preference (gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options will be available).

Please note that you can only register one person per field trip registration form, and must complete a new form for each person that you are registering for the field trip.

Also note: The Gila Monster sites are located on Arizona State Lands. All participants will need a valid one-day hunting license to serve as a permit to access these lands for the field trip. A one-day license can be purchased for $15.00 for AZ Resident, and $20 for non-resident. Licenses for February 20, 2019 can be purchased at this site: license.azgfd.gov.  Another option is to purchase a State Lands Department recreation permit for $15, which provides access to state lands for one year. See: land.az.gov/natural-resources/recreational-permits. Please secure your license prior to the day of the field trip.

Please contact Bruce Palmer (bruce.palmer@jacobs.com) with questions about the field trip specifics.  For more technical, registration related questions, please email webmaster@deserttortoise.org.

Sandwich Menu (gluten-free bread available on all)

• Prime Baggin's - Slow roasted beef • cream cheese • mayo • horseradish • sweet onion • tomatoes • lettuce on an 8” sub roll
  
• Baggin's Veggie - Cream cheese • mayo • Swiss cheese • American cheese • sprouts • lettuce • tomatoes • cucumber slices • avocado • onions on 12-grain bread
  
• Unforgettable Baggin's - Roasted turkey breast • cream cheese • mayo • crisp bacon • sprouts • tomatoes • avocado on 12-grain bread