Level 2 Citizen Stream Monitoring

Initially piloted in 2006, this program brings citizens to the next step in stream monitoring from the Water Action Volunteers program. The program is sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and the River Alliance of Wisconsin with support from the University of Wisconsin-Extension. At this level, citizens are trained to use Department of Natural Resources’ methods for monitoring streams. Dissolved oxygen, pH and transparency are monitored monthly between April and October on pre-determined dates. Continuous temperature monitoring devices, called thermistors (e.g., HOBOs or TidBits) are placed in the stream and record temperature every hour until they are removed from the stream and data are downloaded to a computer. Meters for monitoring pH and dissolved oxygen must be calibrated by the citizen monitors on each sampling day. Due to the high cost of equipment for this level of monitoring, citizen groups share equipment, thus providing as much data as possible in a given area.

Participating Groups
In 2006 and 2007, 14 citizens’ groups (about 100 citizens) participated in Level 2 Stream Monitoring. In 2008, 17 groups (150 people) monitored 170 sites statewide. The majority of these participants had been previously involved in stream monitoring either through the Water Action Volunteers’ Program or through another citizen-based water monitoring program. 

Additional Resources for Volunteers

Interactive map to find your local DNR biologists