WV Save Our Streams

8/9/2019 WV Save Our Streams

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The West Virginia Save OurStreams Program

An introduction to the programs standard

operating procedures


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WV Save Our Streams is astream monitoring programdesigned to teach citizenscientists the techniques tohelp them monitor and

assess their neighborhoodwadeable streams andrivers.

The program provideshands-on training; focusingon the methods used todetermine the biological,

physical and chemicalintegrity of wadeablestreams and rivers.


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West Virginia Save Our Streams offers a tieredapproach to stream monitoring training

Beginning Training Intermediate Training Advanced Training

Training Workshops

Expands upon the survey byintroducing more quantitativehabitat condition assessment andinvertebrate analysis. Training isone or two days

Adapted from the IWLAs SaveOur Streams program. This ismostly a qualitative approach tomonitoring and assessment.Training is one day (6-8 hours)

Adaptation of EPAs RapidBioassessment Protocols (RBPs).It is similar to a professionalassessment. Training is two days

Certified Trainer: This option is for those interested in becoming official non-paid designees of WestVirginia Save Our Streams Program. A training course is offered to those persons who have beenmonitoring for several years using the programs methods and are comfortable teaching thosemethods to others. After completing the course volunteers can offer stream-monitoring training toother interested citizen scientists.


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Stream study design

Your study design describes thechoices you make about why, what,where, when, who, and how you intendto monitor the water. The study designprocess frames the choices in the formof questions.

Your approach should be similar to the

scientific method. The questions youask, the methods you choose, and theway the data is analyzed and checkedshould be written into your study

design.

Its worth taking the time to figure out what you want to do. Yourmonitoring is much more likely to be successful and sustainable over a

longer time, with the right plan.


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Safety considerations

One of the most critical considerations for a volunteer monitoring program is the safety of itsvolunteers. All volunteers should be trained in safety procedures and should carry with them a set of

safety instructions and the phone number of their program coordinator or team leader. Safetyprecautions can never be overemphasized. Below are some examples.


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Deciding on your monitoring locations

Targeted monitoring approach

Always make sure the areas chosen areaccessible. Always obtain the land-owners permission if the area is on

private property.

A typical stream study reach is 100 meters in length.

ImpactArea

Reference

RecoveryArea


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Little Sandy Creek Watershed

What is the stream order at

the location indicated?

Choose stations that are comparable as much as possible. Using stream ordering to choose yourstations is good way to begin. To assign stream orders obtain a topographic map of your watershed.Start with the headwater streams (these are 1st order streams); when two 1st order stream meet a 2nd

order stream is formed; when two 2nd order streams meet a 3rd order stream is formed. The order of astream does not change until it meets a stream of the same order.


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Assessing water chemistry

Chemical monitoring requiresmore frequent samples than bothphysical and biological monitoringdue to the changeable nature ofwater chemistry.

WV Save Our Streams can offerassistance with planning a chemical

monitoring program that is part of anoverall assessment approach, butdoes not usually provide any freemeters or water quality test kits.However, there is a new customLaMotte Kit, which can bepurchased. Learn more by visitingthe web page listed at the left.http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/16662_WVSOS_ChemistryFieldKit.pdf
http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/16662_WVSOS_ChemistryFieldKit.pdfhttp://www.wvdep.org/Docs/16662_WVSOS_ChemistryFieldKit.pdf


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Assessing physical conditions


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Physical conditions continued


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Assessing the channel types

You should measure the wetted width and depth of several channel

feature at the same locations each time you survey the stream. At aminimum, always measure the width and depth at the same locationwithin the reach that you measure discharge.
http://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/Bankfull.pdfhttp://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/Bankfull.pdfhttp://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/Bankfull.pdfhttp://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/Bankfull.pdfhttp://www.clallam.net/streamkeepers/assets/applets/Bankfull.pdf


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Measuring stream discharge

1. Select the area usually a run

2. Calculate the cross sectional area

Stream discharge is the speed and volume ofwater moving across a location of your streamchannel. Often very expensive flow meters areused to determine discharge but here we will use asimple method called the velocity head rod (VHR)method for measuring stream flow. You can alsouse a neutrally buoyant object, such as a miniaturetennis ball, and a stopwatch to time how long ittakes the ball to travel a defined distance (usually10-20 feet). You should float the ball several times

and record the average reading. The average timeis divided by the distance traveled to determine theaverage speed (velocity). This velocity is multipliedby the cross-sectional area, which determines thedischarge. Be sure to measure the cross-

sectional area at the stream section that you usedto measure velocity. You can use average widthand depth values or interval values measuredacross the stream.


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The pebble count

Streambed composition plays an importantrole in determining stream behavior andpebble counts provide a simple method tocharacterize the streambed. Pebble countsperformed over a period of time indicate

whether streambed composition is changing.For example, a pronounced shift toward finerparticles indicates stresses leading tochannel instability and potential loss ofmacro-invertebrate habitat. To analyze

pebble count data, classify the particlesaccording to size and construct a graph ofsize class versus frequency. Like moststream assessment information, pebblecount information should be always be

compared to a reference condition.

Percent composition, a particle or riffle index, cumulative frequency and various percentile measures(e.g. D50) can be determined from pebble count information.


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The habitat condition survey is accomplished usingdescription and a scoring and rating system

WV Save Our Streams adapts theEPAs Rapid Bioassessmentapproach to assess the habitatconditions and, adds some additional

assessment methods. Severalexamples are provided next.


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Embeddedness refers to the extent to which rocks (gravel, cobble, and boulders) aresurrounded by, covered, or sunken into the silt, sand, or mud of the stream bottom.Generally, as rocks become embedded, fewer living spaces are available to

macroinvertebrates and fish for shelter, spawning and egg incubation. To estimate thepercent of embeddedness, observe the amount of silt and sand sediments overlying andsurrounding the larger gavel and cobble size particles. Embeddedness is alwaysobserved and assessed in riffle habitats, especially those chosen for macro-invertebrate samples.


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Sediment deposition is an estimate of the amount of sediment that has accumulated and thechanges that have occurred to the stream channel as a result of deposition. Deposition occurs fromlarge-scale movement of sediment. Sediment deposition may cause the formation of islands, point

bars (areas of increased deposition usually at the beginning of a meander that increase in size as thechannel is diverted toward the outer bank) or shoals, or result in the filling of runs and pools. Usuallydeposition is evident in areas that are obstructed by natural or manmade debris and areas where thestream flow decreases, such as bends. High levels of sediment deposition are symptoms of anunstable and continually changing environment that becomes unsuitable for many organisms.Sediment deposition should be rated throughout your reach and should not be confused with

embeddedness.

Optimal Poor


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.

The bank stability condition evaluates whether the stream banks are eroded (or havethe potential for erosion). Steep banks are more likely to collapse and suffer from erosion

than are gently sloping banks, and are therefore considered to be unstable. Signs oferosion include crumbling, un-vegetated banks, exposed tree roots, and exposed soil.Eroded banks indicate a problem of sediment movement and deposition, and suggest ascarcity of cover and organic input to streams. Each bank is evaluated separately and thecumulative score (right and left) is used for this parameter.

PoorOptimal
http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/11148_Pebble%20Count%20Procedures.pdfhttp://www.wvdep.org/Docs/11148_Pebble%20Count%20Procedures.pdf


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Riparian buffer width is an estimate of the width of natural vegetation from the edge ofthe stream bank out through the riparian zone. The vegetative zone serves as a buffer topollutants entering a stream from runoff, controls erosion, and provides habitat and

nutrient input into the stream. A relatively undisturbed riparian zone supports a robuststream system; narrow riparian zones occur when roads, parking lots, fields, lawns, baresoil, rocks, or buildings are near the stream bank. Residential developments, urbancenters, golf courses, and rangeland are the common causes of anthropogenicdegradation of the riparian zone. Conversely, the presence of old fields, paths, and

walkways in an otherwise undisturbed riparian zone may be judged to be inconsequentialto altering the riparian zone and may be given relatively high scores. Each bank isevaluated separately and the cumulative score (right and left) is used for this parameter.

Optimal Poor


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Examples of anthropogenic activities that often have an impact on


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Examples of anthropogenic activities that often have an impact onthe quality of our rivers and streams

Active construction Abandoned and active mining

Agricultural impacts Suburban developments


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Who are the indicators of biological integrity?

Periphyton are algae, fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and organic

matter associated with channel substrates. Periphytoncommunities are useful indicators of environmental conditionbecause they respond rapidly and are sensitive to a numberof human induced disturbances.

Fish communities can indicate stream and riparianquality. Extensive life history information is available for

many species, and because many are high orderconsumers, they often reflect the responses of the entiretrophic structure to environmental stress. Fish oftenprovide more publicly as an indicator of environmentalstress.

Macroinvertebrates play important functional roles in lotic ecosystems and are good indicators ofstream quality. Macroinvertebrates represent the basic link in the food web between organic matterresources (e.g., leaf litter, periphyton, detritus) and fishes. Within specific regions, macroinvertebrateassemblages respond in predictable ways to changes in stream environmental variables. Becausemany macroinvertebrates have limited migration patterns or a sessile mode of life, they are particularlywell suited for assessing site-specific effects.


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WV Save Our Streams ask volunteer monitors to focuson the macroinvertebrate communities
http://www.entomology.umn.edu/midge/Ephemeroptera.htmhttp://www.entomology.umn.edu/midge/Simuliidae.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/html/caddisflies_hydropsychidae.htmlhttp://www.entomology.umn.edu/midge/Elmidaeadult.htmhttp://www.science.marshall.edu/jonest/Crayfish%20web%20page/crayfishes_of_west_virginia.htmhttp://www.entomology.umn.edu/midge/Plecoptera.htm


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Examples of bioassessment equipment

1. Kick-net(s)

2. Sorting trays

3. Scrubbing brush

4. Buckets

5. Spray bottle

6. Forceps

7. Magnifying lenses

8. Seine or screen

9. Sample delineator

The equipment is often specific to thetype of collection procedure used.Additional equipment may include

chemical test kits, meters, open reeltape measure, camera, clipboard,field sheets and a variety of bucketsand HDPE containers.


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Macroinvertebrate collection methods

A variety of nets are used to collectaquatic invertebrates. These include ascreen-barrier style of kick-net, arectangular style of kick-net and a surbernet all of which are designed to sample

riffles and runs. The dip-net or D-framenet is designed to sample multiplehabitats. There are also a variety ofstationary sampling devices, drift-netsand grab samplers. WV Save Our

Streams has always provided the screen-barrier style of kick-net to volunteermonitors at no charge, but has recentlydesigned a rectangular kick-net that ismore flexible. It can be used by one

person and its small size allows it tosample smaller streams as well asmultiple habitats. This kick-net is notavailable free-of-charge.

The focus of most macroinvertebrate collections are the riffles.
http://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsos/Kick_net.cfm


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Collecting a sample using a kick-net

Sample collection procedure1. Choose several appropriate habitats (riffles are the best places) for your macro-

invertebrates samples. The kick-net is placed in the deepest portion of the riffle facing inan upstream direction. The sample area is directly in front of the net and proportional tothe size of the net.

2. The net is placed securely to the streambed, so that no invertebrates are allowed toescape under the net. Depending on the type of net one or two persons may be neededto collect the sample. In most cases the rectangular kick-net only requires one person.

3. All of the large gravel, cobble and boulder size rocks that occupy the sample are rubbed

thoroughly (on all sides) directly in front of and slightly into the net so that themacroinvertebrates and materials on the rock flow into the net.

4. The smaller rocks (fine gravel), sand and other bottom sediments are disturbed byshuffling your feet throughout the sample area. Start shuffling (kicking) at the top andmove towards the net.

5. After completing the sample, tip the net so that the contents move to the back side(bottom) of the net. Rinsing the net using the stream velocity will help.

IMPORTANT: The steps above describe a single sample collection procedure. When assessing a stream reachmultiple samples are required, which are combined into a composite sample unless your study design dictates

otherwise. The number of samples collected depend upon the style of net used. A minimum of six samples should becollected if a rectangular kick-net is used and three, if a screen-barrier style of kick-net is used.


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Sample collection continued:

Washing procedure

1. You will need at least two buckets: one five-gallon size and a smaller bucket filled withfresh stream water.

2. After rinsing the nets contents to the bottom, place it inside out into the five gallon bucket,

pushing the net as far into the bucket as possible. Use the water from the second bucketto rinse the contents of the net into the bucket. You will need to rinse several times tomake sure all of the nets contents are dislodged.

3. Check the net between rinses to make sure progress is being made. In some cases youmade need to pick off macroinvertebrates by hand from the net and place them into the

bucket. Be careful not to over-fill the bucket.

4. The buckets contents should now be washed. Any larger materials such as rocks, woodydebris, leaf packs etc. are removed from the bucket and washed. This washing can bedone in the same bucket or a separate bucket. The purpose of this step is two-fold: itremoves all macroinvertebrates that may be clinging to these surfaces and cleans the

debris so that macroinvertebrates are easier to see when sorting and picking is started.

5. After all rinsing is completed the sample can be transferred to a container for preservationor it can be transferred to sorting pans so that the macroinvertebrates can be counted andidentified.

IMPORTANT: The sorting, counting and identification procedures depends upon your level of training and at whatdetail you wish to assess the information. These steps are not described here.


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Selecting metrics to determine stream

biological conditionMetrics are used to analyze and interpret biological data bycondensing lists of organisms into relevant biological

information. In order to be useful, metrics must be provento respond in predictable ways to various types andIntensities of stream impacts. Most stream ecologist

recommend using a multimetric approach that combinesseveral metrics into an overall score.
http://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsos


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http://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsos


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West Virginia Save Our Streams Program

601 57th Street, SE

Charleston, WV 25304

Office number: (304) 926-0499 Ext. 1040

E-mail: [email protected]

Web page: http://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsos
http://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsoshttp://www.wvdep.org/dwwm/wvsos

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WV Save Our Streams