Infrastruture KM 350 Module

Access
 
The M07 module is within the Igapó-Açu RDS (State UC) and in addition to the normal research license, a license for research in a State Conservation Unit is required to access the area. For more information, contact the Department of Climate Change and Conservation Units of the State Secretariat for the Environment (DEMUC-SEMA), at email Pesquisaemonitoramento@gmail.com.
 
The M07 module is located in the most central region of BR-319, making it difficult to access from Manaus or Humaitá. In the rainy season (November to May) the trip becomes a great adventure, because besides the dangerous holes and bridges there is a lot of mud and a 4x4 vehicle equipped with flat tires and winch is essential to avoid major complications. Departing from Manaus, the ferry crosses from CEASA to the municipality of Careiro da Várzea, which costs R $ 25.00 (ferry from Ceasa). From Careiro da Várzea to the city of Careiro (better known as Castanho) are 100 km of asphalt in good condition. The city of Castanho is the last place where it is possible to get fuel, ice and food, buy some field material, make connections, etc. in this place, although a bridge is being built, there is also a ferry crossing that costs R $ 10.00 (ferry from Castanho). From there, there are another 75 km of road, mixing stretches of good and bad conditions to Vila do Tupana, where there is another ferry crossing also for R $ 10.00 (Tupana ferry). The next section, with about 80 km, connects Tupana to Igapó-açú and is in very bad condition with a very deteriorated asphalt and many deep holes. A plan by the Brazilian Army to repair the two ends of the BR-319 is underway, the part from Careiro da Várzea to Igapó-açú, with about 250 km, and the part from Humaitá to Vila de Realidade, about 150 km. However, the current road conditions are described above and can be consulted on the website: Condições das Rodovias 
 
 
Vila de Igapó-açú is the last place where there is still some trade (Mr. Raimundo on the right and Pingo on the left are the owners of the main businesses where, sometimes, there is nothing to buy) and it is also the place of the last crossing ferry in the amount of R $ 10.00 (ferry from Igapó). From this point on, the BR-319 lives up to its reputation as an abandoned highway and becomes really uninhabited. The last point of support is the home of D. Maria and Sr. João, 45 km after Igapó-açú, a very friendly and helpful elderly couple. This point is km 300 of the BR, where the M06 is coincidentally located. From this point to the M07 it is another 100 km, mixing small stretches of asphalt in good condition with many dangerous stretches of mud, holes and bridges in a precarious state. Mr. Nonato, a resident of Igapó-Açu, is responsible for maintaining the bridges on this stretch. At km 337 the old entrance to the city of Manicoré is located and at km 325 there is a buffalo farm (Mr. Augusto). It is good to ask the conditions of the bridges on this farm. The M07 is located on the right bank of the highway (towards Humaitá), just after a very bad stretch and a depression in the track, the site of an old manhole that broke. It takes a lot of attention to visualize the access to the camp, as it is over a small ravine on the right side of the highway.
 
Conditions of the trails and camps
 
The entrance to TN is 700 m south of the camp (towards Humaitá) and the TS is 1 km south of TN. Both trails are well standardized with zero points at 1 km from the highway, equidistant plots at 1 km and 6 km in length. It is highly recommended to use GPS loaded with the proper coordinates, as the vegetation can quickly cover the entrances and signs of the trails. In this camp it is necessary to take an extra tarp to avoid unpleasant surprises.
 
What's nearby
 
Following Humaitá, 10 km south of the M07, Rio Novo is located. Continuing on, 17 km away, there is an EMBRATEL tower (Marielson), where, from time to time, they are in charge of maintenance and it is possible to make phone calls. In the direction of Manaus, 13 km north of the M07, there is the interchange for Manicoré, where you can see the pilasters that marked the entrance. There is a "fishbone" design engraved on the pilasters. A little further on, 26 km north of the M07, is Mr. Augusto's farm, where there are usually residents and can provide some assistance.
 
Where to get water
 
There is no well in this module. The water available for bathing and cooking is collected in the nearby igarapé lake. To cook it is necessary to carry the water from the stream to the camp and it is recommended to treat it with hypochlorite or equivalent. The stream is perennial, but adjustments are needed, according to the water levels, on the board used for the bath.
 
Local staff
 
Do not exist. Any field assistants that are needed should be provided in the city of Castanho, as there are no residents nearby. However, it is possible to count on the help of Mael, son of D. Maria and Mr. João (KM300). He is a great helper and also has a bike that can be used as a support.
 
Safety
 
BR-319 is commonly used as a route by different walkers, which can be malicious. Thus, it is recommended for these excursions to the central part of the highway, larger groups that can inhibit an eventual malicious approach and always leave one or more people, such as: the cook, watching the camp during the incursions to the module.
 
If you need help
 
It is extremely preventive to keep a vehicle in place, because in the event of a more serious incident, there is nowhere or how to turn to help. There are phones in the EMBRATEL towers, but they are usually locked or inoperable. The nearest tower is Marielson, 17 km south of the M07 camp.
 
Term of commitment and rules of conduct
 
Before going to the field, you must download, read and sign the Term of Commitment and Standards of Conduct of BR-319 and send it to the PPBio Management at email gerenciaBR319@gmail.com.
 
 
 
Download the official GIS with all points along BR-319: Shapefiles Modules BR-319
 
Contact
Gerência PPBio
Coordenação de Pesquisas em Ecologia
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia