This data set and report would not have been completed without the contributions of many people. We thank Clay Perschon, Great Salt Lake Ecosystem Project Leader, UDWR for enthusiastically supporting this project. Other UDWR personnel who contributed to the organization and analysis of data are Greg Evans, Paul Birdsey, and Kirk Poulsen, database design; Frank Howe, Russell Norvell, and Dave Mann, study design and data analyses; Mark Davidson and Jim VanLeeuwan, equipment maintenance. Steve Biggs, Clair Schaffer, and Craig Hunt piloted us safely back and forth across the lake for our aerial surveys. Seasonal employees were invaluable in their participation in survey work and data entry. Thanks to Joel Flory, Elizabeth Annand, Henry E. Ford, Shelly Kremer, Lindsey Dewey, and John Neill. John Neill also contributed to the compilation of several of the data tables found in this report.
Wallace Gwynn, Utah Geological Survey, provided important data regarding GSL elevation and salinity. Jonathan Bart, USGS, was helpful in providing data analysis consultation. Some financial support was received from USFWS, in addition to editorial comments from Suzanne Fellows and Karen Lindsey. Antelope Island state Park personnel were generous in their contributions of office space for project managers, equipment storage and survey participation. Farmington Bay WMA managers also kindly allowed us to store equipment at their facility and participated in the survey effort. We appreciate the enthusiasm and willingness to participate in this study of other state, Federal and private and corporate site managers. Many private landowners graciously allowed project volunteers access on their properties for surveys. We especially thank our cadre of volunteers who braved the sun, rain, wind, and muck to count birds 17 times a year for five years (Table 19, <http://www.emcoledesign.com/gslbirdsurvey/RPT24Acknowledgements.htm#Anchor-Table-63368#Anchor-Table-63368>). Their effort was enormous and a project of this scope could not have been completed without their participation. We appreciate their support, friendship, and respect for Great Salt Lake and her waterbirds.
The first survey season in 1997 started in late June and continued until mid-September with a total of 9 survey periods. Seasons in 1998-2001 had 17 survey periods from April through September.
In most survey sites an area search was conducted on foot, by ATV, or by airboat. Aerial transects were flown over large open water areas of the lake.
Four survey techniques were used based upon the area type. All data were collected in a format appropriate for analysis at the conclusion of the study.
Total Count (TC) - In total count areas, all waterbirds seen and heard in the accessible areas of the site were recorded.
Walking Transect and Point Sample (TC w/ PS) - Surveys along the shoreline of the lake were comprised of a walking transect with at least one point sample.
Area Count (AC) - One or more area counts were conducted at each of the large state waterfowl management areas (WMA) and the federal wildlife habitat area (WHA).
Aerial Survey (AR) - Surveys were conducted from the air to count birds occupying open water in the large bays, and two areas with difficult access.