Illinois RiverWatch Network: About Us

BACKGROUND continued

Since the program was established, over 1,500 individuals have received RiverWatch certification in stream monitoring and have collected an unprecedented amount of information for evaluating Illinois streams. Data collected by volunteers over multiple years allows us to gauge the health and integrity of our streams and helps professionals make informed decisions about water resources, in general. Annual assessments of of volunteer data have consistently shown that the majority of volunteers correctly follow RiverWatch monitoring procedures and stringent quality assurance guidelines and assert that trained nonprofessionals can collect basic information on stream condition that is replicable with professionally derived data.

The program is available to all citizens throughout the state, regardless of level of experience. New volunteers receive training during one of several workshops offered in the spring, while previously trained volunteers are encouraged to attend a review workshop prior to the monitoring season. RiverWatch certification workshops typically last 6- 8 hours and consist of a laboratory and field component. During the lab session, a certified RiverWatch Trainer provides an overview of the program and teaches identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. During the field training session, participants visit a local stream where the Trainer demonstrates proper monitoring techniques and explains how to complete the data sheets.

Once training is completed, volunteers may monitor a stream site that they select or that is assigned to them. Citizen Scientists monitor their adopted stream site (a 200-ft stretch of stream) once annually between May 1 and June 30. The final step is to attend a RiverWatch open lab to identify the preserved organisms with a microscope. Labs are hosted throughout the state in July and August, and a Trainer is always present to assist volunteers with identification.

RiverWatch monitoring methods ate a simplified version of professional stream monitoring techniques developed by CTAP for use on streams in Illinois. monitoring consists of two main components: a stream habitat survey and a biological survey. The habitat survey involves recording a number of physical observations of the stream and surrounding riparian area. The biological survey consists of a random sample on benthic macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects, mussels, crustaceans, etc.). Organisms are collected and preserved in a small jar of alcohol. These organisms display varying tolerances to pollution and habitat changes and are important indicators of stream health. Based on the variety of organisms found and their corresponding (EPA established) tolerance value, volunteers are able to rate the water quality of their study site. In addition to sampling of indicator species, volunteers also document sightings of four invasive species including the rusty crayfish, Asian clam, Chinese mystery snail, and zebra mussel.

Volunteers submit their data sheets and macroinvertebrate samples to the RiverWatch office by September 30. RiverWatch hires a formal Quality Assurance (QA) Officer (or professional entomologist) to inspect volunteer-submitted data and samples and ensure they are of sufficient quality to be accepted by scientists. Following verification and analysis of data and samples, the QA officer produces a report summarizing the results. All data and the QA report are made available to volunteers and the general public via the NGRREC website and other outlets. Volunteer data is archived in the RiverWatch database and made available to the public.