floating and increased human activity in the riparian areas. 

 This is especially critical during early summer while hens 

 are tending ne'sts and prone to abandon nest sites. 

 Preliminary information from the Canadian Park Service 

 indicates a strong negative correlation between Harlequin 

 Duck numbers and increased recreational floating along some 

 rivers (P. Clarkson, pers. comm.). Given the likelihood of 

 increased water-borne recreation on the FNF and other 

 primitive areas, this is an issue for which more information 

 and attention is warranted. 



Future studies of Harlequin Ducks in Northwest Montana 

 should seek to standardize the methodology used by field 

 workers. A field coordinator should be used to assist in 

 this process as well as to conduct training for those 

 researchers unfamiliar with the survey and habitat 

 assessment techniques. Harlequin researchers should meet at 

 least once during the field season to discuss common 

 difficulties and their solutions, and once at the end of the 

 season to review their results. 



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