Beach Rangers

The Grand Traverse Bay Botulism Network is looking to train Beach Rangers to assist in monitoring beaches along Grand Traverse Bay and Northern Lakes Michigan to help respond to avaian botulism outbreaks. The two main responsibilities of a Beach Ranger are: To help identify and collect dead birds in their county To monitor beach transects weekly for bird die-offs Beach Rangers are responsible for participating in Community Outreach and Beach Monitoring activities. Beach Rangers must follow recommended protocols for Bird Sampling and Bird Disposal. The protocols were developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resoureces, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of Community Health, and Michigan Sea Grant. Beach Rangers must also follow recommended protocols for Beach Monitoring developed by Common Coast Research and Conservation, Inc. Beach Rangers are expected to be familiar with accurate, up-to-date information about botulism and its impacts on the Great Lakes ecosystem and communicate this information clearly to the public. More information on Type E Boutlism and its effects on fish, birds, and humans please read the Frequesntly Asked Questions compiled by Michigan Sea Grant. More information regarding Beach Ranger responsibilties can be found using the links at the side of this page. If you are interested in becoming a Beach Ranger, please contact The Watershed Center at 231-935-1514 to sign up!