The 2017 Marstons Mills River Herring Count has begun!

We are so excited that the count has begun. So that there is no confusion, we have changed a lot about the counting process this year and this will be your explanation.

• If you came to our training meeting in March, then you are aware that we have changed the scheduling process. We are now using an online volunteer program that allows you to schedule yourself  for the count, Volgistics. You can go in, see what the open hours are, schedule yourself and change the schedule if you make a mistake or find you need to take a day off that you had previously scheduled. If you would like to be a counter, and we don't have you in the Volgistics system yet, please send an email to Heather at:  HRockwell@3bays.org .  She will set you up with a password and the instructions.

• This year, there is a counting program being conducted at Middle Pond as well as Mill Pond. Three Bays is still overseeing the Mill Pond count while the Town of Barnstable is conducting the Middle Pond count. If you would like to count at Middle Pond also, please contact Amy Croteau at amy.croteau@town.barnstable.ma.us and she will get you started at that spot also. She is utilizing the Volgistics program for her volunteer scheduling as well.

• Because we have two counting programs on the same river, Three Bays and the Town are collaborating on the counting process. We are trying to keep everything as uniform as possible because we realize we will be sharing a lot of the same counters.So, the scheduling process is the same, and the reporting process is the same too. We are also following the State's counting protocol more closely than we have in the past. Before, we waited until we saw a lot of fish before starting the count. Now, the State has requested that all of the runs in the State begin on April 1st and go until June 1st. So, even though there might not be any fish yet, they use the temperature and weather codes to determine the timing of the runs.

• So, after you are all set with your schedule, the counting is pretty much the same. We still have the locked box at the run (same combination on the lock)  and you are still counting in the same spot at the white board. BUT, the recording process has changed:
• In the box, there will be:  two thermometers - one for the air temp and one for the water temp - they will be labeled, pens and pencils, waterproof notebook
• All of this will be in 2 separate plastic bags with silicone drying packs included. Please be sure to put the thermometers in one bag and the notebook in the other so that we can cut down on any wetness!

• In the notebook, you will be recording the following: (you just need to turn to the next blank page and fill in the blanks)

1. Date
2. Name
3. Time you began counting
4. Time you finished counting (should only be 10 minutes)
5. Air temperature
6. Water temperature
7. Weather code (in the front of the notebook)
8. Any comments you may have (how many birds, people, if you got attacked by our resident swans, etc)

That's it! There is no need to call anyone or email anyone with the info. We'll stop by every once in a while and change out the notebooks to collect the data.

If you are having trouble with anything, please feel free to email me at JHeller@3bays.org for any help. We are happy to help you set up your schedule.

And thank you for volunteering! We can't do this without your help.