Now Hiring Research Lead 23/24 Winter Data Collection Initiative

Crested Butte and the Upper Gunnison Valley (UGV) are renowned for backcountry access available to multiple winter recreation groups. Currently, the area’s backcountry is regulated by a Winter Travel Management Plan (WTMP), which the United States Forest Service developed and created more than twenty years ago. Since its development the tools available for backcountry access have changed dramatically and local antidotal observations note an increase in use. These technological changes along with increased visitation to the backcountry have prompted members of the Crested Butte community to express interest in updating the WTMP.    

 In anticipation of future WTM planning process, local stakeholder groups approached Western to set up a visitor use study. The goal of the study is to gather quantitative data regarding backcountry travel and use in the UGV. The study aims to increase knowledge of winter travel patterns and enhance stakeholder’s ability to aid the USFS in the upcoming decision-making process of a new WTMP.  

Data about backcountry winter use has been collected through observations, camera technology, surveys, focus groups, and collaborative data collection since 2017. This study is an ongoing collaboration between the Master of Environmental Management program at Western Colorado University, The Center for Public Lands (CPL), Silent Tracks, and the Town of Crested Butte.  

 Research Lead   

December 1, 2023 to Spring 2024 about 10 hours per week 

With a $3,000 stipend.   

 The Center for Public Lands (CPL) at Western Colorado University seeks a Research Lead to spearhead the fourth Winter Data Collection Initiative (winter DCI). The primary responsibilities include administration of the DCI and implementation of community survey. Administration of the DCI includes, but is not limited to, trail cameras installation at the eight trailhead locations, regular site visits (or coordinating volunteers) to ensure cameras are operating correctly, downloading the images captured, uploading data into the data analysis software R, and compiling an end of season report. The community survey consists of 20 questions that cover types of backcountry use, amount of use, locations of use, trends in visitation, and perceptions of current use, current management, and future management. Implementation of the survey will include developing a distribution and marketing the survey with stakeholders, community groups, backcountry user groups, and local news sources, we aim to reach as many winter backcountry participants as possible. Data collection should start the first week of December and end late April.   

 We are seeking a self-starter, capable of working independently and with strong communication skills. Opportunities to partner with and supervise field interns may be available.  

Applicants will submit a resume and cover letter or statement of interest (about 500 words) via email to centerforpubliclands@western.edu.  Ensure your resume illustrates your qualifications for the work, and include in the statement your vision for the fellowship and how the fellowship will build your professional portfolio or advance your overall academic/career goals. Students may apply to multiple positions. Send each application separately and indicate the fellowship title in the subject line. Submit applications by November 24th, 2023.