FSPR Volunteer Service/Activity Description

Invasive/Exotic Plant Removal or Treatment:

Description: Use of chemical or mechanical means to reduce or remove specific non-native vegetation including invasive or exotic plant species. Clean up and disposal of dead brush and other debris to encourage restoration and preservation of native species on public lands.

1. Location: San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, specific locations determined in project planning

2. Time/schedule commitments: Special projects planned and announced in advance, 3 to 4 hour workday or longer depending on project.

3. Use of government vehicle: Will be operated by government employee to haul loads to landfill.  May ride as passenger in government vehicle.

4. Use of personal vehicle: For volunteer’s personal transportation to work site.

5. Tools and equipment:  Chain saws, mowers, trimmers, and other power tools, loppers, shovels, axes, and pick axes. Trash bags.  May work near or around heavy equipment.

6. Personal tools and equipment: Gloves and personal protective clothes and footwear.  Drinking water and food.

7. Skills and abilities needed: Identifying non-native target plant species. Walking on natural terrain, operating chain saws, mowers, trimmers, and other power tools, use of loppers, shovels, axes, and pick axes. Picking up and carrying trash bags, heavy or cumbersome loads.

Training and certifications: Recognizing potential hazards encountered in removing brush and other undesired vegetation and operating power tools. Lifting and carrying loads and tools.

8. Level of physical activity: Moderately strenuous due to walking, picking up and carrying loads.

9. Hazards or risks: Walking outdoors on natural terrain, uneven and rough ground, sometimes in remote locations.  Potential cuts and punctures, potential pathogens, hazardous materials.  Hazardous materials will be reported to BLM representative on site, and will not be handled or removed by volunteers. Encounters with stinging and biting insects, wildlife, allergens (dust, pollen).  Encounters with undocumented immigrants, drug smugglers, hunters.