Volunteer Stream Monitoring Citizen Monitor Duties

Summary: Seeking citizens interested in monitoring a stream site(s) in their area to assess its quality once a month between spring and fall 2009, with the option of also participating in a one day monitoring event on June 13, 2009. Each site visit will take about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Project Background: Since 1997 citizens in Wisconsin has been monitoring streams across the state through the Water Action Volunteers program. These citizens assess 6 aspects of stream health including water temperature, clarity, and dissolved oxygen content. Citizens also measure the amount of water flowing in the stream, and habitat quality for wildlife, fish, and aquatic insects. Finally, they assess water quality based on which aquatic insects are present in the stream.

Citizens enter their data into an online database so that it’s accessible to anyone interested in learning about the quality of water in that stream. Data are used to identify water quality at the site over time and to identify immediate water quality concerns. Local groups have also used the information to prioritize where restorations should occur, to alert anglers to manure spills, to identify sites where more in depth study is needed, and to educate community members about the health of a local stream. 

Participants will be provided with all equipment needed to conduct the monitoring either at the training session or it will be available to be borrowed from a local project host.  Training is generally provided free of charge.

Participants will also have the opportunity to do more intensive monitoring in the future if they enjoy the type of work they’ll do in this program.

Volunteer Monitor Responsibilities: Volunteers who participate in volunteer stream monitoring through the WAV program must:

  • Attend a 5-6 hour training session to be held on a Saturday or 2 weekday evenings in a local area (for schedule of upcoming trainings see: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/events.html)
  • Sample at least one location of your choice on a monthly basis following the training and until October 2009 (with the option of continuing in 2010 and beyond if you choose)
  • Enter the data you collect to the WAV online database after each site visit (or mailing their completed data sheet to your local coordinator so that the data can be entered to the online database)
  • Return equipment to your local coordinator if you opt to stop participating in the WAV program

 

Volunteer qualifications:

  • No science background is needed, training will be provided to those who are interested and able to meet the defined responsibilities
  • Ability to walk along river banks and enter the water to access a monitoring site
  • Enjoyment of the outdoors
  • Concern for the community and its environment

 

Contacts:
Kris Stepenuck
Citizen Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator
608.265.3887 or 608.264.8948
kris.stepenuck@ces.uwex.edu

or your local program contact (see listing at: http://watermonitoring.uwex.edu/wav/contacts.html)

© 2007 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX requirements. UW-Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnic background, or economic circumstances. All rights reserved.
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