Take Photographs to Preserve Riparian Areas - Cave Creek Ranger District

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Join a citizen science project with impact! The Riparian Photopoint project was started by the US Forest Service in the Tonto National Forest 35 years ago to document vegetation and stream banks in riparian areas by photographing the exact same site every year. Ecologists have come to depend upon information these photos provide - impacts by livestock, or improvement in conditions through livestock management, wildlife impacts, results of flooding, fire and drought.

Volunteers head out to assigned locations in the Tonto National Forest with a packet of information to take photographs of specific sites that will be compiled for Forest Service staff to utilize. Sites are assigned depending on how short or far you want to hike, what type of vehicle you have, and where in the area you prefer to go. Photopoint season runs from April 15th - end of Sept for sites at elevations below 3,000 feet, and from May 15th - end of September for higher elevations. Volunteers choose the days that they want to take photos.

There is no experience necessary, but volunteers must attend an online training before heading out to the field. You'll learn about the impact of the program, how to take photographs, and the information packet that you'll receive. This is also an opportunity to have any of your questions answered. Online training dates and times are:

• April 8th, 7 PM
• April 16th, 6 PM
• Other times are available as needed