← Back to 1. Where to Go? | 2.1 Statement of Intent to Visit →

Careful planning of a Site Visit makes it more enjoyable and is part of SAPAA’s Safety Program. Key components include a Statement of Intent to Visit, risk assessments, and seasonal hazard evaluations.

You have picked your site and are ready for an adventure! Two types of planning are required: Site Inspection and a Hazard Assessment via a Statement of Intent to Visit. They are complementary to each other.

For example, in reviewing past site inspections you may discover that wildlife, including bears, are plentiful in the site. From a Site Inspection you may watch for scat or tracks. From a Hazard Assessment perspective, bear spray and noise makers are high on the list of controls!

1. 2025-SAPAA Visit Procedure
2. Statement of Intent to Visit – Sections
3. Lone Volunteer Protocol

2025-SAPAA Visit Procedure

The SAPAA Visit |Procedure has 4 parts:

1. Statement of Intent to Visit (where are you going, when and permissions).
2. Lone, Group, Multi-Day Trip, and Guest risk assessments.
3. Seasonal hazard assessment (what are the hazards and how will they be mitigated).
4. Confirmation of Return from Visit.

The Statement of Intent to Visit instructions and guidance is available from the Safety Manual and the following pages.

The time to complete the form will decrease as you develop experience. However, don’t get complacent! Until the form is submitted (and approved, if required) you are NOT a SAPAA Volunteer.

Statement of Intent to Visit – Sections

1. When to Complete the Form: SAPAA Volunteers only and Email Signature.
   • See the SAPAA Safety Manual.
2. Where Are You Going?: WAERNAHR Sites
   • See 1. Where to Go?
3. Details of the Trip: Date, Group or Solo, and Physical Preparedness.
   • See the detailed discussions in the following pages.
   • The SAPAA Volunteer must provide a Risk Assessment; high risk visits require approval from the SAPAA Safety Officer.
   • Only Level 2 – SAPAA Volunteers are approved for Lone Visits.
   • For small group trips, elect a Supervisor or have all SAPAA Volunteers complete the form as supervisors.
   • See the SAPAA policy on multi-day trips.
4. Preparedness Assessment:
   • Physical: Current health and any medical restrictions.
   • Getting There: Transportation
   • Personal: Clothing, animal encounters, food and water
   • Navigation: Knowing how to get there and back
   • Challenging Locations: Areas with special risks.
5. Waiver and Assumption of Risk

Lone Volunteer Protocol

While heading out on your own is often the most efficient way to see a site it also introduces risks and hazards. Whether you are a SAPAA Volunteer or not, the following protocol is still a good idea:

1. Know As Much as Possible about the Site: Researching the site is more critical for understanding hazards.
2. Identifying a ‘Stay at Home Buddy’:
   • This is an individual who you will be in contact with while visiting a site.
   • This person must have access to communication devices (e.g. near a phone) and capable of acting on your behalf if necessary.
   • The person MUST be a competent adult
3. Typically a spouse or neighbour, ensure this individual knows:
   • Where you are going.
   • Why you are sending periodic messages about meeting with a nearby resident or entering an area.
   • The importance of monitoring if you have not communicated in a while.
   • How to get a hold of you (e.g. cell phone or satellite radio).
   • Who to call in case of an emergency (e.g. the nearest RCMP detachment).
   • What to say to these authorities, e.g.:
     • My husband was visiting the XYZ natural area as a volunteer.
     • I have not heard from him in 999 hours and am concerned.
     • His last reported location was 12345 Range Road 67.
     • Are you able to swing by and see if his vehicle is still there, his license plate is Alberta ABC 1234.
     • You can reach me at 123-456-7890

---

Board Approval / Last Revision Date	[DATE] / [DATE]
Board Role Accountable	[POSITION] / [EMAIL]
Applies to:	All SAPAA Volunteers & guests