CONTACT:  Lytle Creek Ranger Station: 909/382-2851

Volunteers sought for bighorn sheep survey

Volunteers are needed on February 23 and 24, 2007 (Friday evening and all day Saturday) to assist in the annual survey of bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains.  The California Department of Fish and Game, U. S. Forest Service, and the Society for Conservation of Bighorn Sheep have been conducting yearly surveys for bighorn sheep in the San Gabriel range since 1979.  The range once held an estimated 740 bighorn sheep, making the San Gabriel Mountains the largest population of desert bighorn sheep in the United States.  The population declined over 80% through the mid 1990’s but, as of 2006, appears to be on the increase, with recent of nearly 300 bighorn sheep. 

Volunteers will hike to designated observation sites in the San Gabriel Mountains and count and record all bighorn sheep observed.  Each volunteer group will be led by a representative from the Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep.  Survey participants must be at least 16 years old and capable of hiking one mile on rugged terrain, though most routes will be longer.  Many of the hikes are not on designated trails, and may involve scrambling over boulders and climbing steep slopes.  Some routes require bouldering skills, bush-whacking through chaparral, or overnight backpacking.  No survey experience is necessary, however, volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 23, at David Dreyer Hall, 11200 Baseline Rd., Rancho Cucamonga.  Complimentary campsites are available on a first-come basis at the Applewhite campground in Lytle Cr., and participants are encouraged to camp and hit the trails early Saturday.  The California chapter of Foundation for North American Wild Sheep and Society for the Conservation of Bighorn Sheep are hosting a barbeque for the volunteers after the survey on Saturday.  Mountain weather can be unpredictable and volunteers should be prepared to spend several hours hiking or standing in cold and windy weather.  Please call the Lytle Creek Ranger Station at 909/382-2851 no later than February 11, to sign up and receive a volunteer packet.