Over the past eight months I have had the opportunity to work for the Bureau of Land Management in Rawlins, Wyoming. My position not only allowed me to work in the field of wildlife conservation but it also gave me the ability to experience the wide open spaces of Wyoming.  I was able to work with several wildlife biologists as well as the outdoor recreation planner.

My job at the BLM was a specific project looking at whether or not meteorological towers are the cause of avian mortality. I was to go to my chosen met towers every day and survey for dead birds. Any birds that were found were recorded and all data collected was analyzed at the end of the field season.  Visual analysis was also recoded for as many met towers as my partner and I could navigate to. The visual analysis was conducted in order to see how far away we could see a tower and its diverters.  This project gave me the chance to enhance my field and office skills. I learned fast how to drive on some rough and sometimes scary two tracks. The only way to over come your fears is to face them and I must say one of those was getting stuck in the field. I am happy to say that I successfully avoided that! Many mud holes and and water puddles were defeated. I had a  couple of great mentors and a lot of support from other employees in the office. I could not ask to work with a better group of people.

The majority of my time with the BLM was independent field work and on occasion with my partner, so if you are not a self-motivated person, this type of work is not suitable for you. Being a part of the BLM required a week long training. This training gave me the chance to become CPR certified and learn the ins and outs of the BLM. That week also gave me the chance to meet other CLM interns as well as other BLM employees.  Also, my time spent at the CBG training at the Grand Canyon was informative and fun. I was able to get to know the other Rawlins interns better and meet more interns. It was an experience I will never forget.

Aside from my job I had most weekends off to explore the surrounding beauty of Wyoming and Colorado. I was able to enjoy fishing, hiking, geocaching and camping while in Wyoming. The wildlife alone was enough to make me want to see more. Not only was I able to visit a handful of national parks but  I had my first sighting of a black bear, badger, horned lizard, wolf, grizzly bear, golden eagle, and more. I learned that being in the middle of a wide open place like Wyoming, is truly an eye-opening experience. Although it took a couple of hours to get to any major city I had a great time working in Rawlins and will truly miss Wyoming. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back.  I believe that being able to visualize my internship is just as important as being able to read about it, so please enjoy all of the pictures that are attached.

Anna Salinas

Bureau of Land Management

Rawlins, Wyoming