Manuals/Books
Articles/Reports
Videos
Monitoring Equipment
Web Resources
MANUALS/BOOKS
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biological Monitoring Protocols for Rivers and Streams This manual covers study design, field quality assurance, safety procedures, field operations, lab sample processing, data analysis and overall data management of benthic samples. To view this document online visit the website above or order a hard copy free of charge by emailing ecypub@ecy.wa.gov, publication #01-03-028.
Bioassessment Training Manual, second edition Published by The Sustainable Land Stewardship Institute (SLSII),this training manual discusses the importance of citizen involvement in volunteer monitoring, introduces benthic macroinvertebrates and explains watershed hydrology and stream chemistry.
The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) has available a new guide titled "Guidelines for Citizen Monitors: Products of the 2000-2001 Technical Advisory Council on Citizen Monitoring." Monitors will find information papers, standard operating procedures and fact sheets for performing water quality monitoring for sediment, flow, and visual assessment. Included is a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) and "The QA Navigator: A Guidance Document on Quality Assurance for Citizen Monitors." To order paper copies call 916/447-7237. For an electronic version email gregd@swrcb.ca.gov or call 916/341-5488.
Biological Monitoring of Aquatic Systems -- (Stanford Loeb and Anne Spacie, 1994). Covers the historical development,
ecological basis, experimental design characteristics, case studies, and future concerns of monitoring in assessing the
environmental health of freshwater resources. $94.95 plus shipping. To order call 800/272-7737,
email orders@crcpress.com, or visit CRCPress.
Restoring Life in Running Waters: Better Biological Monitoring -- (James Karr and Ellen Chu, 1998).
Examines the theory and practice of biological monitoring and use of multimetric indexes.
Discusses why biological monitoring and assessment are needed, what multimetric indexes
provide, the expansion of biological monitoring and multimetric indexes to other environments, and how
information from indexes can be integrated into the regulatory and policy framework. Includes practical
and effective tools for managers, scientists, conservation biologists, agency personnel, technical staff, policymakers, program managers, and anyone working to protect and
restore water health. $29.95 plus shipping. To order access the link above or call 800/828-1302.
Streamkeeper's Field Guide -- (Thomas Murdoch and Martha Cheo, 1996). A comprehensive 300-page
stream monitoring manual. Includes both picture and dichotomous keys, procedures for a simplified
field survey and a more detailed lab method, and how to make homemade sampling equipment. $29.95 plus
shipping. To order call Adopt-A-Stream Foundation at 425/316-8592, email aasf@streamkeeper.org,
or download an order form at Stream Keeper.
Guide to Pacific Northwest Aquatic Invertebrates -- (Hafele, R. and S. Hinton, 1996). 32 pages.
A handy little field guide from Oregon Trout featuring color photographs of the 45
macroinvertebrates most commonly found in wadable streams of the Pacific Northwest. Each photo is
accompanied by a brief description including key identification characteristics. $12.95. To order contact
Oregon Trout, 117 SW Natio Parkway, Portland, OR 97204; 503/222-9091 ext. 14, or email
info@ortrout.org.
Monitoring guides available from Save Our Streams:
- Monitor’s Guide to Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
-- (Loren K. Larkin). A 60-page nontechnical guide to the
major orders of aquatic insect larvae and crustaceans. Includes a dichotomous key to help you identify stream
organisms and a detailed description of each organism, including tips for proper identification. Great for stream
monitors, schools and anglers! $5 (quantity discounts available - call 800/BUG-IWLA).
- Save Our Streams Volunteer Trainer’s Handbook
-- (Karen Firehock). A 110-page handbook for coordinating
a stream biological monitoring program. Includes overview of steps to design your monitoring network; set project
goals; enlist and train volunteers; collect, manage and use stream data; budgeting; and fund raising. Appendixes
include all monitoring instructions, data forms, macroinvertebrate identification card and extensive bibliography.
$19, plus shipping. To order online click on the link above, or call 800/BUG-IWLA
An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North America -- by Richard Merritt and Kenneth Cummins, ISBN 0-7872-3240-8. 1996. 880 pages. $82.95. Available from Kendall/Hunt Publishing. Use the site's book search feature.
Field Manual for Water Quality Monitoring. An Environmental Education Program for Schools; By Mark Mitchell and William Stapp/GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network).. The most-used manual for volunteer water quality monitoring in schools and by community groups. ISBN #0-7872-3853-8. 1998. 290 pages. Generally accepted as Level 2. Available from Kendall-Hunt Publishing -- 1-800-228-0810. $19.95 plus shipping and handling.
Streamkeeper's Field Guide. From Adopt-A-Stream Foundation. Generally accepted as Level 3. Everything one would ever want or need to know about conducting watershed inventory and monitoring small streams. Includes all background information, field procedures, data forms, insect identification key, making homemade sampling equipment, collecting quality data, and successful streamkeeper stories. Suitable for beginners and experts. $29.95 plus shipping and handling. Call 425/316-8592 or email aasf@streamkeeper.org
EPA Manuals -- free. To order, call 1-800-490-9198
- The Volunteer Monitor's Guide to Quality Assurance Plans. Designed to help volunteer program coordinators ensure that the data they collect and analyze meets project requirements. EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. -- #841B96003
- Volunteer Stream Monitoring: Methods Manual -- #841B97003
- Volunteer Estuary Monitoring: Methods Manual -- #842B93004
Gilroy, M.P. and B. Furtado. 1995. Biomonitoring Guide. 150 pages. A comprehensive manual, aimed at high shcool students but applicable to adult groups as well. Includes dichotomous key to order level plus waterproof pocket-size key card. Order from Colorado River Watch Network, Lower Colorado River Authority, Austin, TX; 800/776-5272, x7634. $10. Also available: "Biological Activity Packet" ($8) with 12 classroom activities and "Biological Monitoring Video? ($10) demonstrating techniques for habitat assessment and macroinvertebrate collection and identification.
Student Watershed Research Project: A manual of Field and Lab Procedures (250 pp. 1996.) -- Written for high school students, but very useful for watershed organizations. Includes standardized procedures for monitoring parameters including basic and advanced water chemistry, vegetation, stream habitat, hydrologic indicators, and more. Includes step by step instructions, data sheets and checklists. The manual is 3 hole punched for a 3 ring binder with 12 tabs separating sections for easy reference. Cost is $30.00 + $5.00 shipping & handling. Contact: Stacy Renfro SWRP Project Coordinator; Saturday Academy; P.O. Box 91000; Portland, OR 97291-1000; Ph: (503) 748-1363; Fax: (503) 748-1388; email: renfro@pdx.edu or visit the website above.
Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Manuals: An Annotated Bibliography -- (other wetland resources also included in the article).
ARTICLES/REPORTS
Salmon Recovery Monitoring Report is a product of
the State of Washington's Independent Science Panel. This report was developed to provide recommendations on salmon
monitoring in Washington State.
Macroinvertebrate Analyses in Washington Streams -- A document entitled "Using Invertebrates to Assess the Quality of Washington Streams and to Describe Biological Expectations" is now available from the Washington Department of Ecology. It describes an ongoing survey of streams in Washington State that has been based on collection and analysis of macroinvertebrates. For additional information, contact Rob Plotnikoff, Washington Department of Ecology, at (360) 407-6687. For a copy of the document, contact the Department of Ecology publications office at (360) 407-7472.
Three Ways to Monitor a Wetland - field monitoring programs for volunteers. Reprinted from "The Volunteer Monitor".
Monitoring Wetlands: Deciding What to Measure - Tom Danielson, National Coordinator for the Biological Assessment of Wetlands Workgroup (BAWWG) wrote this article on the variety of methods used to monitor wetlands and the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Reprinted from "The Volunteer Monitor".
VIDEOS
The Association of Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) created a video, "Keeping Our Waters Clean" cogently explaining Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The major focus is water pollution in the eastern United States, but the information is still very applicable throughout the West. A limited number of copies are available by emailing a.stokes@acwf.org or calling (888) 380-6500.
The Izaak Walton League has a new video available for purchase titled, "SOS for America's Streams- Water Quality Monitoring Guide". This 28 minute video is an excellent tool for training volunteers or school groups, demonstrating biological stream monitoring, macroinvertebrate identification techniques, and the process for adopting a stream. The cost is $28 (includes shipping and handling). To order online, and to check out other companion resources visit the Izaak Walton League website above. To order by phone call 1-800/284-4952.
Fresh Water Flowing -- explains the concept of biological integrity and why biological monitoring is an important tool for assessing stream health and salmon recovery efforts. Excellent introductory teaching tool that demonstrates the links between human influences on streams, the health of resident stream communities (i.e., the bugs), and the ability of a stream to support healthy biological communities. To order, contact Cedar Films at cedar@halcyon.com.
SalmonWeb Biological Monitoring Protocol -- provides step-by-step instructions for biological monitoring. Produced as a teaching supplement, this video follows a protocol designed by Dr. Jim Karr of University of Washington and is designed to help standardize sampling techniques for your monitoring team. To order, contact Cedar Films at cedar@halcyon.com.
MONITORING EQUIPMENT
Save Our Streams has a variety of monitoring kits and equipment for sale.
Salmonweb -- Click on field resources to find a good listing of monitoring equipment sources.
GREEN -- a variety of kits available at varying prices depending on your budget.
WEB RESOURCES
The Water Quality Information Center at the National Agricultural Library has updated its database of online documents related to water and agriculture. To search the database of more than eleven hundred documents for related topics visit the website above.
The State Water Resources Control Board --Great resource for flow protocols, data sheets and a fact sheet explaining the importance of streamflow.
The EPA's Water Quality Monitoring page -- Great source of information on using volunteers in monitoring water quality and monitoring methods. You can find information on "The Volunteer Monitor" (a terrific publication), by clicking on "volunteer monitoring".
Save Our Streams (part of the Izaak Walton League website) includes monitoring manuals, videos, and equipment -- Excellent resource.
The Stream Study -- provides resources and information on monitoring water quality based on the collection and identification of stream-bottom macroinvertebrates.
Student Watershed Research Project -- Includes an excellent monitoring manual and information on training and workshops
Watch Over Washington -- site provides a variety of resources for volunteers and groups working to monitor water quality and other indicators.
Salmonweb -- good site for finding equipment suppliers, books, and videos.
The Field Guide to Freshwater Invertebrates -- This site includes drawings of macroinvertebrates that can be downloaded in GIF format.
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