Snowmobiles, ATVs, even lobster boats get census workers into the nation’s most remote corners

Snowmobiles, ATVs, lobster boats for census count

PORTLAND, Maine — Census workers are using snowmobiles, airplanes, all-terrain vehicles — even lobster boats — to visit the most far-flung, hidden-away dwellings when counting the nation’s populace.

To deliver 2010 census questionnaires to the more remote homes, census workers might fly over mountains, four-wheel it through forests and contend with deep snow, bone-chilling temperatures and wildlife on the move.

The Census Bureau has designated only two places, much of Alaska and Maine’s North Woods, as requiring special travel arrangements to reach remote locations.

In Maine, census workers will begin delivering forms this week by whatever means it takes — ATV, snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes — to get to some of those hard-to-get-to places.