With your hazard indicators on, slowly survey the boundary recording what you see, for example:

• Vehicles parked in or near the site, particularly with trailers hauling OHVs.
• Off highway vehicles (OHV) tracks or other human ingresses.
• Trails and animal ingresses that may be used to access the site.
• Unique features you want to include on your visit such as water courses.
• State of fencing, boundary signs, stiles or gates.

The following procedure should be followed. Although it is written for a Lone Volunteer, follow the steps even if there is a small army with you.

• Take a picture of the rural address and send it to your ‘Stay Home Buddy’ with a note indicating that you are talking to the residents of this address.
• Scan the property and decide if you are comfortable entering it – follow your instincts.
• Look for hazards such as yard dogs, stay in the vehicle if necessary if not comfortable around the animal(s).
• Be friendly and make it clear you are not selling anything nor are you from the Alberta Government (see the script example below).
• After the exchange, make note of any details of the interaction and include in the site inspection report; e.g. name of resident, phone numbers provided, concerns they have, material given to them such as brochures.
• Contact ‘Stay Home Buddy’ at let them know your visit is finished.

• My name is [NAME], and I volunteer with the Stewards of Alberta’s Protected Areas of Alberta.
• This organization visits Alberta’s 248 Protected Areas and reports on their condition to the Alberta Government and posts the results publicly.
• Did you know that the [PARCEL] is a protected area?
• Where is the best place to park so I am not in the way?
• What do you know about the site, any suggestions?
• Would you consider keeping an eye on the site and send in periodic inspection reports?

Your role is to initiate contact with nearby residents and encourage them to reach out to SAPAA. Many individuals are interested but don’t have the capacity or willingness to take the next step. That is okay, sometimes it takes time and you have done your job creating awareness by doing the following:

• Described your roles (including limitations) and answered their questions.
• Provided them with a brochure or at least directed them to the website.
• Recommend they email president@sapastewards.com if they have more questions.

While nearly all rural residents are welcoming and respectful, a Hazard Assessment is still in order.

• Thank them for their time and gracefully leave the property.
• Do not argue with the resident or contradict their views or opinions.
• If the resident appears unwilling to allow you to leave, state:
  • Sorry, I have to check in with the office.
  • I told the office I was speaking to the resident at this address.
  • They are expecting a call from me right about now.
  • This will highlight that your location is known to a third party.
• Depending on the interaction, take notes or call the local police or RCMP.
• Do NOT enter the Natural Area, abandon the visit, go home or go to a new site.

• What are the objectives of the visit, if a group, are there any additions or subtractions?
• What is the physical nature of the visit, what can the group expect?
• What are the alternative sites if the primary site cannot be visited?
• Are land or lease holder permissions required
  • How will these obtained,
  • What happens if they say no?
• How risky is this site to visit as a group or as a Lone Volunteer?
• Ensure everyone has the physical address as well as GPS Coordinates, etc.?
• The group has the navigation skills needed for the site.
• Can the group manage a vehicle breakdown, e.g. stuck, dead battery, flat tire, etc.

• Solo: Who is your ‘stay at home buddy’?
• Confirmed (no) changes to Protected Area for Hazards or Risks
• Food, Water, Fire Making – can you/the group spend the night?
• Weather, Driving Conditions / Road Hazards
• Vehicle Well Maintained, Charged/Filled
• Tire inflation is to manufacture’s specifications, including the spare tire.
• Charged Cell phone.
• Camera (lens + spare batteries as required) / Notebook & pencil / Recording Device
• Appropriate clothing including boots if visiting wetland areas
• Proper footwear (e.g. light or medium hiking boots)
• Medications / First Aid kit / Emergency Kit for Season
• Pull rope for extracting vehicles out of ditches, mud, snow, etc….
• Booster cables / Accessible spare tire

• Who is your ‘stay at home buddy’?
• Informed them where you are visiting.
• Sent the All-Clear after visit.
• Documented visit.

• Emergencies: 911, 310-LAND, or 800-642-3800
• Solo: Who is your ‘stay at home buddy’?
• Describe the Protected Area’s Hazards or Risks.
• Walking Hazards Ready (tripping, ice crossing, slips)
• Bear spray or other deterrents for large animals.
• Whistle / First Aid Kit.
• Food, Water, Fire Making – can you spend the night?
• Charged Cell phone
• Appropriate clothing / Proper footwear (for season & terrain)
• Location of the First Aid kit / Emergency Kit for Season
• GPS and/or compass / Maps
• Is there cell phone coverage and if not, how does change the trip?

Although designed for two or more volunteers/guests, group additions can also be reviewed by Lone Volunteers as well.

• Who is the Group Leader, do they accept this responsibility?
• Who is trained in First Aid / where is the nearest hospital and how to get there?
• What is the muster point in case of an emergency (e.g. injury, wildfire, etc.)?
• Individuals who will do more advanced or basic parts of the Visit based on their medical conditions, physical fitness, etc.
• Civilian radios if going with a group and it is likely to be split up on the visit.

• Sunscreen / Bug juice / Clothing for Ticks and Mosquitoes.
• Hat / Wind jacket /Rain gear

• Boots and clothing for the weather and conditions.
• Skies, boot cleats, or snowshoes for the anticipated terrain.
• Walking / ski poles
• Hot beverage for lunch or a camp stove to make a beverage.
• Head wear, gloves/mitts, scarf, hand warmers.
• Sleeping bag or blanket for the car.

Remoteness may require more in your pack. Extensive Emergency kit if you become lost and have to stay overnight.

• Do you have any required pre-approval for the site visit from the SAPAA Board?
• Satellite Radio with a working subscription and updated as applicable.
• Bivy sac or at least a mylar blanket
• Water filter and/or tablets / Extra food / Container to boil water
• Paracord / Small tarp / Small piece of sitting foam
• Headlight / Bug net / Power bank to charge devices
• Extra socks / Extra clothes / Gloves and hat
• Extra gas for the vehicle.