Me … · Web viewAfter returning from a survey, and at your earliest convenience, please always send a post-survey notification email to [email protected] with

Greater Yamhill Watershed CouncilSpawning Survey Program

“Read-Me” Guide

Greater Yamhill Watershed Council237 NE Ford ST, Suite #9 | PO Box 1517

McMinnville, OR 97128

2015 11 16 Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) Office: 503-474-1047 www.gywc.org [email protected] Page 1 of 37

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gywc.org/

WELCOME!

Starting in 2013, we have worked with community volunteers and landowners to help us monitor priority local fish populations by conducting volunteer-led spawning surveys.

Surveys are primarily conducted on the ground walking in and along the creek or by driving in a vehicle and surveying from road-crossings or tops of streambanks, and can also be conducted by floating in a kayak or other small maneuverable craft with additional planning and care.

The timing of surveys depends on the fish species being studied: Mar – May, winter steelhead trout; Oct – Dec, Coho salmon. In the future, we hope to conduct Feb – Apr spawning surveys for Pacific and brook lamprey species.

These spawning surveys are part of an ongoing, long-term monitoring program lead by the GYWC (in partnership with ODFW) to help us better understand where our local priority fish are located and how well they are doing. This data is used by our community stakeholders and partners primarily for prioritizing investments in watershed health programs/projects, as well as for grant proposal development, and streamside landowner engagement.

I look forward to the spawning survey seasons every year. The interactions with volunteers and landowners are impactful and help facilitate lasting partnerships. The smiling faces of surveyors finding live fish (and examining carcasses) are very rewarding. And the data collected is incredibly valuable for local conservation work being conducted in our community.

All spawning program materials are available online at www.gywc.org/spawningsurveys

Please contact us at any time if you have questions or would like to provide us feedback -- we are always looking for ways to improve this program and our volunteers’ experiences!!

Luke Westphal, Executive DirectorGreater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) [email protected] Mobile: 971.388.9200

AND a BIG THANK YOU to our VOLUNTEER SURVEYORS, LANDOWNERS, & PARTNERS!!





http://www.gywc.org/spawningsurveys

Table of ContentsSafety...................................................................................................................................................4

Before You Survey................................................................................................................................6

Day-of Survey.....................................................................................................................................11

After you Survey.................................................................................................................................12

Data Collection Protocols...................................................................................................................14

Recording Survey Start/End Data Points (Guidance, Template & Examples).......................................15

Recording Fish Observations (Guidance, Template & Examples)........................................................19

Recording Redd Observations (Guidance, Template & Examples)......................................................23

Recording Other Observations (Guidance, Template & Examples).....................................................27

Completed Survey Log Examples......................................................................................................31

Tips & Tricks.......................................................................................................................................36




SafetyWhen to Call Off a Wading Survey

If the water depth is deeper than your waist and you are not able to survey from the banks to get around deeper pools.

If the water is moving with enough velocity to make it hard to keep your footing

If it begins to rain very hard, very suddenly. The water depth can rise rapidly.

If the water is too turbid (muddy/murky) to navigate safely. It’s imperative to be able to see deep pools ahead of time if walking in the creek.

General Wading Safety

Err to caution – if it does not look safe, do not do it.

You do not have to finish a survey if you become too cold, wet, or uncomfortable.

When surveying in or along the water, have a survey partner in the field with you.

It can be okay to split up (leap frog eachother, stage vehicles, etc), but make sure you start and end the surveys with your partner, and coordinate check-ins/breaks together in the middle if it’s a long survey day.

Bring the proper gear with you and use it.

Whenever safe to do so, survey from out of the water, walking along the banks.

Step carefully. If you cannot see the stream bed, feel with your feet and wading staff before taking a step.

Traverse brush/blackberry carefully. They can damage surveyors and their gear.

Be on alert for pets (dogs particularly), wildlife, and other such hazards.

Be extra careful and mindful of log jams and large wood in the creek. They can be very slippery, free moving/unstable, and you can potentially get pinned to or sucked underneath them depending on water depth/velocity. Go around these in the creek or along the banks where you can.

Emergency Safety / Response2015 11 16 Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) Office: 503-474-1047

www.gywc.org [email protected] Page 4 of 37



If your chest waders fill up with water, remove them immediately. Waders full of water are very heavy, like a sack of stones, and will very much restrict your mobility. Wearing the chest wader belt will give you a little bit of extra time before the waders fill up.

If there is an injury during a survey:

o If the person is responsive and able to communicate, then they decide their own course of treatment.

o If a person is unconscious, call 911.

o When you are able, notify us.

Interactions with Landowners and PublicAll surveys are to be conducted only where landowners on both sides of the creek have provided permission for us to survey the creek from the water and stream banks. Some landowners have provided additional support for the program, by providing access in/out of the creek through their property, providing parking locations for vehicles, etc.

If you are approached and accused of trespassing:

o Simply apologize, tell them to contact the GYWC, and leave.

If you are approached and asked what you are doing:

o Stop, take a moment to explain you are a volunteer with the GYWC & ODFW, looking for spawning fish.

o Ask if they’ve seen spawning fish here recently. If so, document their observations, and/or direct them to the GYWC to report their observations.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with landowner outreach to existing or new landowners for survey permissions, we would be glad to provide training and lots of support to make that a fun and rewarding experience!! Contact us today!




Before You Survey1. Read this Guide & Contact Us!

If you have an interest in participating in this volunteer-led, citizen-science program, please read this guide and contact us to get started.

All of our survey program materials are online at www.gywc.org/spawningsurveys

2. TrainingVolunteer training events are held every March and October. If you missed the training events, please contact us to schedule a training session.

3. Volunteer FormRead and submit a completed “Volunteer Form” (via scan/email, mail, or drop-off). This form is required to participate in the program and only needs to be submitted to us once. ODFW is a sponsor/partner for this survey program and they provide additional risk management coverage for the program participants.

4. Geared Up For SafetyRead the “Supplies List & Check-Out Request Form” to see what supplies are recommended and what supplies are available to check-out from us.

To request supplies, submit a completed “Supplies List & Check-Out Request Form” via email or drop off. Contact us if you have questions about the form. We will contact you about scheduling pick-up/drop-off.

*If you would like to DONATE supplies to our spawning survey program, we would be grateful to receive your new and used: chest and hip waders, chest wader boots, wader repair kits, life vests, GPS units, digital cameras, polarized sunglasses, and baseball caps * -- THANK YOU!

5. Data Collection Protocols & ExamplesReview the Data Collection Protocols. Bring printed copies with you during surveying.

6. Survey CalendarReview the online Events Calendar to see details about surveys already conducted, surveys scheduled, and surveys needed to be scheduled/conducted.Our goal is to repeat surveys every 7-10 days for each and every survey creek, and to continue this repetition over the duration of the entire spawning survey season. It is




http://gywc.org/events

http://gywc.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Data%20Collection%20Protocols.doc

http://gywc.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Supplies%20List%20and%20Check-Out%20Form.xls

http://gywc.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Volunteer%20Form.pdf


certainly okay if we don’t meet that goal, but it makes our data that much more valuable the closer we get to it.

7. Weather Forecast and River GaugesReview NOAA’s weather forecast and USGS’ stream gauge stations (2 on South Yamhill River, 1 on North Yamhill River) to help you plan your survey timing and locations.

Optimal survey conditions are during or after rain events, but where the water velocity and depth are still safely waded/walked and the water is still clear enough to see through to the stream bottom. If you have any questions about timing/locations, please do not hesitate to contact us.

8. Fish Count StationsReview the daily status of fish counts at Willamette Falls by ODFW and on Agency Creek by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

9. Maps and DirectionsReview the maps & directions of survey reaches where we have secured landowner permissions for volunteers to survey in the creeks. Survey locations vary by fish species, so make sure you get the right maps for the right fish.

These maps also have notes about landowner contact information and notification requirements, parking and walking trails, and survey tips for the area. Bring printed copies of maps/directions with you during surveying.

10. Communicate with the Survey CrewWhen you sign-up to be a volunteer surveyor, your email will be added to our google group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/gywc-spawning-surveys

To communicate with your fellow survey crew volunteers, send an email to [email protected]

-- Whenever possible, work with a partner when surveying in or along the creeks – Whenever you have the option to do so, survey with a partner if you are working in or along the creeks! Nothing beats the safety of having someone with you in the field.





https://groups.google.com/d/forum/gywc-spawning-surveys


http://www.grandronde.org/departments/natural-resources/fish-and-wildlife/

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/fish_counts/willamette%20falls.asp

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/river.php?wfo=pqr&wfoid=18685&riverid=203744&pt%5B%5D=143820&pt%5B%5D=141902&pt%5B%5D=147360&allpoints=143820%2C141902%2C147360&data%5B%5D=hydrograph&data%5B%5D=sitemap

http://www.noaa.gov/wx.html

Surveying in partners is not required for surveys conducted from road-sides, road crossings, or from the tops of stream banks.

Remember prior to your survey date to coordinate with your survey partner(s) – consider logistics such as: where and when you will be meeting for the survey, if you will be carpooling or caravanning, and what supplies do you need and who is bringing which supplies, etc, etc.

If you do not have a survey partner AND/OR transportation, you can simply email the google group, contact us directly, or include your needs in your pre-survey notification email (see next page)




11.Pre-Survey Notification Email – Template w/ GuidanceBefore going out for a survey, always send a pre-survey notification email to [email protected] with the following details: (an example is shown in red text)

Name (Surveyor Lead)Luke Westphal

Name(s) (Surveyor Partner(s))Survey partner(s) needed, please contact me if you are able to survey with me for dates/times listed below.

Lead Phone #971-388-9200 (mobile); 503-474-1047 (office)

Lead [email protected]

Survey Method (walk, drive, float)Walking Survey and Driving Survey

Survey Date(s), Time(s), and Duration(s)11/12/2015, 10am – 3pm; 11/19/2015, flexible AM or PM. Would like to survey for 2-3 hours each date.

Survey Location(s) & Map Code(s)Flexible on locations. For 11/12, would like to survey in the North Yamhill River Mainstem / Petch Creek / Hannah Creek area. Map Code NYR1_Petch_Hannah. For 11/19, would like to survey the Mill Creek Mainstem / Gooseneck Crk area. Map Code MLC1_GNeck.

Supplies Check-out Request FormAlready submitted to GYWC 11/5 and approved

Volunteer Waiver Form (only needed once)Already submitted to GYWC last year in 2014

Transportation / CarpoolI live in McMinnville and I do not currently have access to a vehicle. Grateful to carpool from McMinnville.

Comments/Questions/FeedbackLooking forward to seeing some fish! Please let me know if you can be a survey partner and help with transportation.

Note: If anything changes after sending your pre-survey notification email or if you need to cancel, please email the google group again with the updated information or cancellation notice.







12.Pre-Survey Notification Email -- Template BlankBefore going out for a survey, always send a pre-survey notification email to [email protected] with the following details:

Name (Surveyor Lead)Name(s) (Surveyor Partner(s))Lead Phone #Lead EmailSurvey Method (walk, drive, float)Survey Date(s), Time(s), and Duration(s)Survey Location(s) & Map Code(s)Supplies Check-out Request FormVolunteer Waiver Form (only needed once)Transportation / CarpoolComments/Questions/Feedback

Note: If anything changes after sending your pre-survey notification email or if you need to cancel, please email the google group again with the updated information or cancellation






Day-of Survey1. Review the “Before you Survey” List (above)

Good to double-check the “Before you Survey” list (above) prior to heading out to the creeks. Remember to bring printed copies of your survey maps/directions and survey forms/data collection instructions.

2. If working with a Partner(s)Remember to coordinate logistics with your partner(s) beforehand, such as when/where you will meet each other, who is driving, what gear you have/need, etc, etc.

3. Travel to your Meeting Area and Check-in with landowner (where applicable)Where noted as a requirement in the survey maps/directions for your survey area, please attempt to check-in with the landowner(s) before you hop in the creek. Remember to ask if the landowners have any special considerations for the day, such as where you should park your vehicle(s), animals/pets to be aware of, gates/fences that need opening, locations of restrooms (if any), etc.

All landowners along our survey reaches have provided permission for us to survey these creeks. Some of our private landowners have also provided permission for us to access their property for entering/exiting these creek, parking vehicles, etc, etc.

Remember to be courteous to and respectful of our landowners. These folks have generously allowed us access to their private lands and they are integral partners.

4. Conduct your SurveyFollow the Data Collection Protocols instructions in this document and available as a separate document online.

5. Check-out with Landowner (where applicable), then Head Home!If the survey maps/directions noted to attempt a check-in with the landowner, then please make sure to also attempt a check-out with the landowner prior to returning home from your survey.

Take this opportunity to share your day’s survey results with the landowner (especially photos/videos). Spread the joy of this fun monitoring program!




http://gywc.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Data%20Collection%20Protocols.doc

After You Survey1. Post-Survey Notification Email – Template w/ Guidance

After returning from a survey, and at your earliest convenience, please always send a post-survey notification email to [email protected] with the following details: (an example is shown in red text)

Name (Surveyor Lead)Luke Westphal

Name(s) (Surveyor Partner(s))Alex McCarrel.

Survey Method (walk, drive, float)Walking Survey and Driving Survey

Survey Date, Time, and Duration11/12/2015, 10am – 1pm including travel time of 1 hour round trip ; Surveyed for 2 hours

Survey Location(s) & Map Code(s)North Yamhill River Mainstem & Hannah Creek. Did not have time to walk Petch Creek, but we also did not see any spawning evidence surveying Petch from the road-crossing on Flying M Road. The survey map used is NYR1_Petch_Hannah.

Data CollectedSee attached scan PDF of written record sheet and map notes OR see attached GPS points and GPS route data.

Comments/Questions/Feedback/Lessons LearnedIt was raining, but I still had fun and stayed warm. The water level seemed medium/high on the mainstem – it was still safely walkable, but not if the water was much higher and visibility was not that great. It was fun meeting the landowners (Barb and Bryce Mitchell), and I enjoyed learning about their family’s history in the area. For next time, I will need to remember to bring sunglasses and a walking stick – whoops! And maybe it would be smart to bring gloves – my fingers got a little cold! Recommend future surveyors walk the bank along the mainstem for the first few hundred feet upstream of the Petch Creek confluence – some deep slot pools there in the channel that you want to avoid.

Pictures / VideoAttached pictures of some live Coho on Hannah Creek (pics 1-3) and carcasses on the main stem North Yamhill River (pics 4-5). And some beaver chewing on main stem (pic 6). Also I also took some brief video of a Coho on Hannah Creek, but I’m not sure how to share a large video file with the group?





2. Post-Survey Notification Email – Template Blank

After returning from a survey, and at your earliest convenience, please always send a post-survey notification email to [email protected] with the following details:

Name (Surveyor Lead)Name(s) (Surveyor Partner(s))Survey Method (walk, drive, float)Survey Date, Time, and DurationSurvey Location(s) & Map Code(s)Data CollectedComments/Questions/Feedback/Lessons LearnedPictures / Video

Note: If we do not hear at all from you within 24 hours after your scheduled survey date, please anticipate an email and phone call from us making sure you have returned safely from surveying.

3. Return Checked-Out Supplies (where applicable)If you have checked-out supplies for your survey, make sure to coordinate with us to return them by the date listed on your supplies check-out form.

4. Start planning your Next Survey DateHopefully your survey was rewarding enough for you to want to go out again! Follow the “Before you survey” protocols again to get started on your next adventure. Contact us anytime for help or to share your thoughts and feedback!





Data Collection ProtocolsFor Walking Surveys, you will begin your survey from the downstream end shown on your map, travel in or alongside the creek, and move in an upstream direction.

For Floating or Driving surveys, you can modify the start locations and upstream/downstream movement. Contact us for help planning these surveys.

No matter how you travel for the surveys, as you do so, you’ll be documenting observations of the Fish, Redds, and Other (which are explained in detail further below).

These observations, plus your start/end data points, will comprise your Survey Data Log, which you will complete every time you survey a creek.

When documenting any observations, you will record details AND the location.

A GPS unit with notation/comment capabilities fulfills both requirements and is the most effective way of capturing survey data;

OR , A combination of a rain-proof notepad AND either printed survey area maps or a GPS unit. Approximations for location are okay.

Take lots of photos and videos if you can, especially if you have any questions about an observation (ie, what is this? Is this a Male/Female? Is this a Redd? Is this a Coho?, etc)

If you find a fish carcass, please do the following:

Open the egg/sperm sack and record Full // Partial // Empty for sperm/eggs present. The location to cut is on the underside between the belly and tail. You’ll see a small opening closer to the tail, this is where the egg/sperm come out normally. You can squeeze the body from the belly toward the tail to exhume additional eggs/sperm.

Cut off the tail to prevent double-counting carcasses. Leave the carcass and tail in the creek. Please remember to do this!

When recording survey data, I recommend using abbreviations and removing titles to reduce your data recording/entry work load.

This guide provides a number of examples for how different data point types can be documented as unabbreviated, abbreviated, or even abbreviated with no titles.

Just remember, to remove titles from your data collection, you’ll have to record the data in the same order/sequence every time for each data type – otherwise, we’ll have no clue what the abbreviations are supposed to be representing!




RECORDING DATASurvey Start & Survey End – Template w/ Guidance

When starting or ending a survey day (or when starting/ending a new survey creek on the same survey day), the first and last data points will include:

Date & Time

Creek Name and Map Code

Data Point #Start at “1”, unless your GPS automatically assigns a number

TypeChoose One – Start // EndYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – S // E

Survey Start/End LocationUse GPS or label w/ Data Point # on your printed maps

WeatherChoose One – Clear // Overcast // Foggy // Rain // Snow // Partly CloudyYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // O // F // R // S // PC

Stream FlowChoose One – Low // Moderate // High // FloodingYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // M // H // F

VisibilityChoose One –See bottom of riffles AND pools // See bottom of riffles // Cannot see eitherYou can use numbers rather than the full words – 1 // 2 // 3

Temperature (if thermometer is available)




RECORDING DATASurvey Start & Survey End – Template Blank

When starting or ending a survey day (or when starting/ending a new survey creek on the same survey day), the first and last data points will include:

Date & TimeCreek Name and Map CodeData Point #TypeSurvey Start/End LocationWeatherStream FlowVisibilityTemperature (if thermometer is available)




RECORDING DATASurvey Start & Survey End – Example 1

Recording a survey start/end data points for survey on Mainstem North Yamhill River (NYR1)

Example Start/End Survey Data Record – No AbbreviationsDate & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pmCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1Data Point #: 1Type: StartSurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: OvercastStream Flow: ModerateVisibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND PoolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have

Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pmCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1Data Point #: 4Type: EndSurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: RainStream Flow: HighVisibility: Cannot see bottoms of riffles or poolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have




Example Start/End Survey Data Record – Using AbbreviationsDate & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pmCreek Name and Map Code: MNYR, NYR1Data Point #: 1Type: SSurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: OStream Flow: MVisibility: 1Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA

Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pmCreek Name and Map Code: MNYR, NYR1Data Point #: 4Type: ESurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: RStream Flow: HVisibility: 3Temperature (if thermometer is available): NA

Example Start/End Survey Data Record – Using Abbreviations and No Titles 11/20/2015; 1pm; MNYR, NYR1; 1; S; GPS; O; M; 1; NA 11/20/2015; 2:30pm; MNYR, NYR1; 4; E; GPS; R; H; 3; NA




RECORDING DATAFISH OBSERVATIONS—Template w/ Guidance

Fish ObservationsFor each live fish, fish carcass, or partial fish remains, document the following:

Data Point # If the GPS auto-numbers each data point, that’s great, just go with it.

Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (because #1 will be the survey start data point)

Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the data point # by 1 each time a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.

TypeFish

LocationUse GPS Unit or write the Data Point # on a printed map in the estimated location.

SpeciesChoose one – Coho // Steelhead // Cutthroat // UnknownYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // S // CT // U

StatusChoose one – Live // Carcass // RemainsYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // C // R

SexChoose one – Male // Female // UnknownYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – M // F // U

AgeChoose one – Adult // Juvenile // UnknownYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – A // J // U

Eggs / Sperm (if and only if you find a carcass) – And remember to cut off carcass tails, too!Choose one – Full // Partial // EmptyYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – F // P // E

CommentsAdd special notes about the observation. If you took pics/video, note that here.




RECORDING DATAFISH OBSERVATIONS—Template Blank

Fish ObservationsFor each live fish, fish carcass, or partial fish remains, document the following:

Data Point # TypeLocationSpeciesStatusSexAgeEggs / Sperm (if and only if you find a carcass) Comments




RECORDING DATAFISH OBSERVATIONS – Example 1

Recording a data point for a live adult coho male, using a GPS Unit only

Example Fish Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 2Type: FishLocation: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data pointSpecies: CohoStatus: LiveSex: MaleAge: AdultComments: Photos and Video taken

Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 2Type: FLocation: GPSSpecies: CStatus: LSex: MAge: AComments: PhV

Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

2, F, GPS, C, L, M, A, PhV




RECORDING DATAFISH OBSERVATIONS – Example 2

Recording a data point for an adult coho female carcass, using a field notebook and printed maps.

Example Fish Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 3Type: FishLocation: See map notes Species: CohoStatus: CarcassSex: FemaleAge: AdultEggs/Sperm: EmptyComments: NA

Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 3Type: FLocation: MSpecies: CStatus: CSex: FAge: AEggs/Sperm: EComments: NA

Example Fish Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

3, F, M, C, C, F, A, E, NA

REMEMBER TO CUT OFF THE TAILS FROM CARCASSES TO HELP CONTROL for DOUBLE-COUNTING




RECORDING DATAREDD OBSERVATIONS – Template w/ Guidance

Redd ObservationsIf you come across a redd, please document the following:


Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (#1 will be the survey start data point)

Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the Data Point # by 1 each time a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.

TypeRedd


SpeciesChoose one – Coho // Steelhead // UnknownYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – C // S // U

Location instream (looking upstream)Choose one – Left // Middle // RightYou can use letter abbreviations rather than the full word – L // M // R


To Reduce Double Counting Redds: Using flagging tape to mark an adjacent tree or structure. As an added measure to reduce double-counting redds, on the flagging tape, use a permanent marker to write out the following:

1. Date & Time2. Data Point #3. Location instream (looking upstream)

If you find what you think might be a redd, but you are not 100% certain, please treat this observation as a fish’s “digging activity” and follow the protocols for documenting “Other Observation” data. Also, take a photo so we can review the record.




RECORDING DATAREDD OBSERVATIONS – Template Blank

Redd ObservationsIf you come across a redd, please document the following:

Data Point # TypeLocationSpeciesLocation instream (looking upstream)Comments




RECORDING DATAREDD OBSERVATIONS – Example 1

Recording a data point for a Coho redd, using a GPS Unit only

Example Redd Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 4Type: ReddLocation: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data pointSpecies: CohoLocation Instream: LeftComments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.

Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 4Type: RLocation: GPSSpecies: CLocation Instream: LComments: Ph; Redd 3’x3’

Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

4, R, GPS, C, L, Ph; Redd 3’x3’




RECORDING DATAREDD OBSERVATIONS – Example 2

Recording a data point for a Steelhead redd, using a Field Notebook and Printed Maps

Example Redd Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 5Type: ReddLocation: See mapSpecies: SteelheadLocation Instream: MiddleComments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 4’ x 4’

Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 5Type: RLocation: MSpecies: SLocation Instream: MComments: Ph; Redd 4’x4’

Example Redd Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

5, R, M, S, M, Ph; Redd 4’x4’




RECORDING DATAOTHER OBSERVATIONS – Template w/ Guidance

Other ObservationsIf you come across something that catches your eye as important or interesting, please document it!

Some examples could be: other animals/wildlife, redd digging activity (but not a redd), large-scale erosion, large wood spanning the creek, deep channel-spanning pools, large-active floodplains, an active or inactive beaver dam, a culvert road-crossing with a drop of more than 6” from the outlet end of the pipe to the creek, etc, etc.


Otherwise, just continue your numbering from the last data point taken. If this is your first observation data point for the survey creek, then your data point # will be “2” (#1 will be the survey start data point)

Regardless of the observation type (Fish, Redd, Other), increase the Data Point # by 1 each time a new observation is recorded on the same survey creek.

TypeOther


Short DescriptionA few words to describe what you’ve found





RECORDING DATAOTHER OBSERVATIONS – Template Blank

Other ObservationsIf you come across something that catches your eye as important or interesting, please document it!

Data Point # TypeLocationShort DescriptionComments




RECORDING DATAOTHER OBSERVATIONS – Example 1

Recording a data point for a Fish Passage Barrier Culvert, using a GPS Unit only

Example Other Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 6Type: OtherLocation: GPS will auto-fill Lat/Long coordinates for each data pointShort Description: Culvert, fish passage barrierComments: Photo taken; Outlet drop of 2’; Rusted out; Undersized for active channel width; Several coho observed in outlet pool attempting to jump the drop, some successful – see data point # 8 for coho data from outlet pool.

Example Other Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 6Type: OLocation: GPSShort Description: CFPBComments: Ph; Outlet drop 2’; Rusted; Undersized; Coho outlet pool – see #8

Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

6, O, GPS, CFPB, Ph; Outlet drop 2’; Rusted; Undersized; Coho outlet pool – see #8




RECORDING DATAOTHER OBSERVATIONS – Example 2

Recording a data point for a Beaver Dam, using a Field Notebook and printed maps

Example Other Observations Data Record – No AbbreviationsData Point # 7Type: OtherLocation: See mapShort Description: Beaver DamComments: Photo taken; About 3’ tall; Fresh alder cuttings packed in;

Example Other Observations Data Record – Using AbbreviationsData Point # 7Type: OLocation: MShort Description: BDamComments: Ph; 3’ tall; Fresh alder added

Example Other Observations Data Record – Using Abbreviations & No TitlesTo save time while recording data points, I always write down my data in the exact same order, and skip the headings. Doing so, the data record would look like this:

7, O, M, BDam, Ph; 3’ tall; Fresh alder added




Survey Log Example 1-Unabbreviated

Example survey log: Walking mainstem North Yamhill River (Map Code NYR1), using GPS Unit only.

Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 1pmCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1Data Point #: 1Type: StartSurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: OvercastStream Flow: ModerateVisibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND PoolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have

Data Point # 2Type: FishLocation: GPSSpecies: CohoStatus: LiveSex: MaleAge: AdultComments: Photos and Video taken

Data Point # 3Type: ReddLocation: GPSSpecies: CohoLocation Instream: LeftComments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.

Date & Time: 11/20/2015; 2:30pmCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem North Yamhill River, NYR1Data Point #: 4Type: EndSurvey Start/End Location: GPS Weather: RainStream Flow: HighVisibility: Cannot see bottoms of riffles or poolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have




Survey Log Example 1-Abbreviated & No Titles

Example survey log: Walking mainstem North Yamhill River (Map Code NYR1), using GPS Unit only.

Same data record as Example 1-Unabbreviated, but abbreviated and no titles: 11/20/2015; 1pm; MNYR, NYR1; 1; S; GPS; O; M; 1; NA 2, F, GPS, C, L, M, A, PhV 3, R, GPS, C, L, Ph, Redd 3’x3’ 11/20/2015; 2:30pm; MNYR, NYR1; 4; E; GPS; R; H; 3; NA




Survey Log Example 2-Unabbreviated

Example survey log: Walking mainstem Mill Creek AND Gooseneck Creek (Map Code MLC1), using Field Notebook and printed maps

Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 10amCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem Mill Creek, MLC1Data Point #: 1Type: StartSurvey Start/End Location: See map Weather: Partly CloudyStream Flow: LowVisibility: Can bottom of riffiles AND PoolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have

Data Point # 2Type: OtherLocation: See mapShort Description: Active side-channels x 2Comments: Photo taken; Gravel deposits have formed three channels, including the mainstem.

Data Point # 3Type: ReddLocation: See mapSpecies: CohoLocation Instream: MiddleComments: Photo taken; Redd measures about 3ft x 3ft.

Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 11:00amCreek Name and Map Code: Mainstem Mill Creek, MLC1Data Point #: 4Type: EndSurvey Start/End Location: See map Weather: Partly CloudyStream Flow: LowVisibility: Can see bottoms of riffles or poolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have




Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 11:15amCreek Name and Map Code: Gooseneck Creek, MLC1Data Point #: 1Type: StartSurvey Start/End Location: See map Weather: Partly CloudyStream Flow: LowVisibility: Can see bottom of riffles AND PoolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have

Data Point # 2Type: FishLocation: See MapSpecies: Coho (x4)Status: Live (x4)Sex: Male (x2) Female (x2)Age: Adult (x4)Comments: Photos and Video taken; Pool with 4 Coho

Data Point # 3Type: FishLocation: See MapSpecies: Coho (x2)Status: Carcass (x2)Sex: Male, FemaleAge: Adult (x2)Eggs/Sperm: Empty (x2)Comments: Photo taken; 2 carcasses

Date & Time: 11/13/2015; 12:15pmCreek Name and Map Code: Gooseneck Creek, MLC1Data Point #: 4Type: EndSurvey Start/End Location: See map Weather: Partly CloudyStream Flow: LowVisibility: Can see bottoms of riffles or poolsTemperature (if thermometer is available): NA, don’t have

Survey Log Example 2-Abbreviated & No Titles2015 11 16 Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) Office: 503-474-1047




Example survey log: Walking mainstem Mill Creek AND Gooseneck Creek (Map Code MLC1), using Field Notebook and printed maps

Same data record as Example 2-Unabbreviated, but abbreviated and no titles: 11/13/2015; 10am; MMLC, MLC1; 1; S; M; PC; L; 1; NA 2, O, M, ActSdChannel, Ph, Gravel deposits formed two side-channels 3, R, M, C, M, Ph, Redd 3’x3’ 11/13/2015; 11am; MMLC, MLC1; 4; E; M; R; L; 1; NA 11/13/2015; 11:15am; GNeck, MLC1; 1; S; M; PC; L; 1; NA 2, F, M, 4C, 4L, 2M 2F, 4A, PhV; Pool w/ 4 coho 3, F, M, 2C, 2C, M F, 2A, 2E, Ph; 2 coho carcasses 11/13/2015; 12:15pm; GNeck, MLC1; 1; E; M; PC; L; 1; NA




Tips & Tricks for Surveying and Data Collection

1. Walking along-side the creek (as opposed to walking in the water) is usually the best option for surveying for a variety of reasons:

a. Reduces chance of scaring fish into hidingb. Reduces chance of stepping on or disturbing a fish’s redd (egg nest) in the

streambed gravels.c. You’ll likely have a higher vantage point for surveying, which increases visibility of

redds and fish.d. You’ll likely move relatively more quickly, freely, and safely out of the water rather

than in the water – unless there is heavy brush alongside the creek.

2. Since you do not know what the water depth/flow/turbidity will look like before you head out to survey, plan ahead to have backup survey locations in the same general area.

a. For example, if I plan to survey Petch Creek (trib to North Yamhill River), I will also plan ahead for surveying the mainstem North Yamhill River as a backup in the event that the flow is too low in Petch creek for fish to migrate.

b. Another example, if I plan to walk the mainstem North Yamhill River, I will also plan ahead for surveying Petch Creek and Hannah creek as backups in the event that the mainstem is too deep/swift/turbid.

c. Another example, if I plan to survey the mainstem Mill Creek off Harmony Road, I will also plan ahead for surveying Gooseneck creek as a backup in the event that the mainstem is too deep/swift/turbid. If the mainstem Mill Creek and Gooseneck Creek are both too deep/swift/turbid, I will also have a second backup plan to survey upstream Mill Creek and upstream Gooseneck creek using road-crossings where I know there is adequate parking to stop and view the creek.

3. When recording a data observation, you can lump multiple observations of the same type (Fish, Redd, Other) at the same location into one data point.

a. For example, if I found a pool with 15 live adult Coho (6 female, 7 male, 2 unknown), I could use one data point and capture the Species, Status, Sex, Age, Egg/Sperm as:

i. Unabbreviated: 15 Coho > 15 Live > 6 Female 7 Male 2 Unk > 15 Adultii. Abbreviated: 15C, 15L, 6F 7M 2U, 15A

b. Please do not lump observations of different types (Fish, Redd, Other)i. For example, if you find a Coho and a Redd in the same area, please make

these different data points. Do not lump these.ii. For example, if you find a Redd and a Beaver Dam, please make these different

data points. Do not lump these.




BE SAFE

CONTACT US ANYTIME

& HAVE FUN OUT THERE!!

2015 11 16 Greater Yamhill Watershed Council (GYWC) Office: 503-474-1047


