Currently, SAPAA has not categorized various sites according to difficulty or level of risk. As a result, it is incumbent of the SAPAA Volunteer to conduct this analysis. The following questions should help you in this regards.

• ACTION: Thoroughly research the anticipated risks associated with a site and your comfort/confidence is dealing with the risks. The following questions can help with this.

There is no point going to a site in the Boreal Forest if you are hoping to see Grassland botany. The Natural Regions and iNaturalist can help you plan.

• ACTION: Use the above resources to help you plan.

Are you expecting groomed trails or are you okay bushwhacking through a thick mosquito filled black spruce forest? Part of picking a site is ensuring it is at or slightly below your competency level. Other Competency considerations include:

• Time to Travel: if a site is too far, stay locally or pick another site. As a bonus, you can spend more time in the site or visit more sites!
  • ACTIONS: Book local accommodation to reduce traveling fatigue.
• Physical Hazards: Are you (and group members) comfortable bush whacking, climbing over blow down trees, or crossing streams?
  • ACTION: Review available material to assess conditions, pick a more accessible site as required.
• Private Land Access: Some sites require crossing private land.
  • Are you comfortable knocking on a farmer’s door and asking permission?
  • Are you okay if the farmer says no?
  • ACTION: Self reflection on what you are comfortable with, bring along someone who is comfortable doing these activities, and practice ‘cold calling’ prior to visiting.
  • ACTION: Review engaging with nearby residents in the 4. Tailgates and Locals page.
• Farm Dogs: To knock on the door you may have to get past the farm yard watch dog.
  • Do you have a fear of dogs?
  • Can you remain calm while the dog barks madly at you?
  • ACTION: If not comfortable with the above, stay in the vehicle and wait for the owner to come and talk to you.
• Medical or Physical Limitations:
  • Do you have any medical conditions that may cause a serious situation in the bush?
  • If so, do you have a plan in case a medical situation arises while you are at the site, and/or to and from the site?
  • Are you physically capable of the visit you’re about to undertake?
  • ACTION: Consult your healthcare professional for an assessment and clearance if necessary. Self reflect on what you are comfortable, discuss with family members.

While Seasonal Hazards are discussed in detail in a later section, when picking a site, think about not only your safety but also your comfort and interests. Flowers in bloom are lacking in February but winter may be the time to visit an otherwise water logged site.

Some hazards and considerations when planning a trip:

• Hunting. Most legal hunting seasons occur in the Fall (roughly September to December) with notable exceptions such as bear which is in the spring.
  • Wear bright colours, make noise and before entering a site
  • ACTIONS: Drive-by and assess to estimate the number of individuals in the site.
  • ACTIONS: If you are not comfortable entering the site, go to another.
• Aggressive and Intimidating Visitors. Most protected areas are quiet backwaters. Even motorized visitors are generally friendly. However, if meeting individuals potentially committing disallowed or illegal acts cause you concern, then pick another protected areas.
  • ACTIONS: Read past Site Inspection reports to assess likelihood of such an encounter. Travel in groups or pick another site. Also see When Something Goes Wrong: Protocols, Actions, and Reports.

A nuisance for the most part, some bugs are a greater cause for concern.

• Summer Bugs. Mostly a nuisance unless you have specific allergies.
  • ACTONS: Insect repellent and bug jackets can help to reduce the bother.
• West Nile Virus. Mostly found in the grasslands, this is a serious neurological infection.
  • ACTIONS: Avoiding being bit is best way to reduce the risk followed by researching if the site you plan to visit is a likely location for disease transmission. Further reading: Mosquitoes.
• Ticks. Another blood sucking bug are ticks. Most common in wooded areas with a large deer population, most ticks don’t carry infections but the ones that do have a doozy – Lyme Disease.
  • ACTIONS: Avoid being bit by covering up, use insect repellent, check for ticks after being outdoors on yourself and pets. Further reading: Ticks: How to Avoid and Remove Ticks.