The Question

Date: Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:30:08 +0000
From: Lucile Paquette <lpaquette@appalachiantrail.org>
Subject: [volmonitor] best protocols and equipment

Hello,
I am looking for groups that are monitoring low-order streams near the Appalachian Trail. Specifically, I want to gather information about the protocols and test equipment or kits that are being used for these types of waterbodies in the Eastern higher elevations. All perspectives on these things are useful. I would like to hear what works and what does not, and why.
My ideal goal is to create or to find an existing protocol that is simple for volunteers to use (easily teachable and learnable), and equipment that is fairly robust (low maintenance) and accurate, yet portable and the lowest cost possible for these characteristics. In short, what has worked best for you?
Thank you for your feedback,
Lucile Paquette
Intern, Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Responses

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 08:47:33 -0500
From: "Boward, Dan" <DBOWARD@dnr.state.md.us>
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] best protocols and equipment

Hi Lucile,
We here at MD DNR have been working with volunteers to collect stream
quality data since 2000. You can learn about our MD Stream Waders
Program here http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/mbss_volun.html .
We've collected some samples in the vicinity of the Trail in MD. Feel
free to come to one of our trainings next February to learn more. I'll
put your email address on our list.
Regards,
Dan Boward
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Monitoring and Non-tidal Assessment Division
580 Taylor Ave.; C-2
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-260-8605 (voice)
410-260-8620 (fax)
dboward@dnr.state.md.us
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/streams/mbss/index.html

Date: Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:16:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Revital Katznelson <revitalk@sbcglobal.net>

Lucile,
Here in California we have watershed groups that monitor a variety of waters, from the snow-melt of the Sierra to the brine of Salton Sea. As a member of the California State Water Resources Control Board's 2000-2006 Clean Water Team I was able to develop a protocol system that accommodates this variety. If you want to select the monitoring methods that best fit your environment and resources, the Information Papers posted in the Clean Water Team guidance compendium may be helpful. For example, check out IP-3.1.4 to find out about the various methods to measure pH, and SOP-3.1.4.3 for specific guidance on Pocket pH meters.
The entire compendium is at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/swamp/cwt_guidance.shtml

CWT Guidance documents, or 'how-to' manuals, include Fact Sheets (presenting ecological significance and regulatory benchmark), Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs; step by step instructions), and Information Paper (method “menus” and principles). They all have an identifier (number ID) that corresponds to the section number in the compendium.
Good Luck,
Revital
==================
Revital Katznelson, Ph.D.
Environmental Scientist
Berkeley, California
revitalk@sbcglobal.net
510 406 8514

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