| Parameter Measured | AREMP (Kirsten Gallo, kgallo@fs.fed.us) | Pacfish/Infish (PIBO) (Rick Henderson, rhenderson01@fs.fed.us) | National Park Service (North Cascades NP) | Oregon DEQ and Oregon Plan (Rick Hafele, hafele.rick@deq.state.or.us) | Washington DOE (Rob Plotnikoff, rpl0461@ecy.wa.gov) | Washington Habitat Indicator Group (Steve Leider,(steve.leider@esa.wa.gov) | California (Scott Downie,(sdownie@dfg.ca.gov) | ODFW Stream Survey (Kim Jones,jonesk@fsl.orst.edu) | OR/WA BLM (ARIMS) Stream surveys (Kim Jones, jonesk@fsl.orst.edu) | FS R6 Level II Stream Survey (Deb Konnoff, dkonnoff@fs.fed.us) | BPA (Jim Geiselman, jrgeiselman@bpa.gov) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subwatershed (6th Field HUC) Number. | Boundaries follow REO delineated lines. | Currently using ICBEMP 6th field HUC coverage. Lines will not match with the 5th field coverage used by most of the BLM. The Effectiveness monitoring team will be acquiring the REO layer so they can present compatible 5th field HUC numbers. | Undecided but likely 6th field HUC and subasins within HUC’s | Oregon Plan – ESU’s and GCA’s EMAP – Ecoregion and 4th field HUC Ambient Program – Statewide TMDL’s – 4th or 5th field HUC | DOE: Ecoregions (Level III & IV). Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA). EMAP - WRIA, Ecoregions, ESU's. Web address for protocols: http://www.epa.gov/emap/html/pubs/docs/groupdocs/surfwatr/field/fomws.html | ARIMS houses only 5th Field HUC numbers. The BLM is using mostly REO boundary lines, but some Districts are still using ICBEMP. | Boundaries follow REO delineated lines. | ||||
| Reach Location | Starting point of survey is measured with GPS and recorded as UTM. | Recorded as UTM at the upstream and downstream ends of the reach | Tributary confluences, landmarks, changes in stream type – with GPS locations | Starting point of survey measured with GPS and recorded as UTM’s. | Water Monitoring: Lower mainstem & reaches with frequent criteria violations. Biological Monitoring: Ambient Biological Monitoring uses targeted locations (upstream/downstream, reference, representing gradients of degradation). EMAP uses probabilistic design methods for random location of sites within a spatial area. | Record the Easting and Northing UTM coordinates at the beginning of the reach and at the end of all surveys. | Start/end points of reaches are recorded as lat/long coordinates. Also, sites have lat/long coordinate. | Start and end points are recorded as River derived miles from 1:24000 USGS topo maps. Will be GIS generated in the future. | |||
| Reach Length | Reach length is 20x average bankfull width, with minimum and maximum length of 150 and 500 m, respectively. | The reach lengths are at least 20x the average bankfull width with a minimum length of 80m | 20 to 40 average BFW with minimum length of 150 m for intensive Level III (TFW ambient monitoring protocols) Level II extensive surveys (USFS Region 6 protocol) collect data for entire length of response zone (gradients generally less than 8% and unconfined to mod confinement) broken into reaches by major changes in channel type. Level III segments are nested within Level II reaches. | Reach lengths for all Biological Monitoring activities are defined as 40X the average wetted width of the stream (minimum length of 150 meters). Reach lengths may vary for other projects depending on objectives (ex. TMDL modeling). | Reach lengths for all Biological Monitoring activities are defined as 40X the average wetted width of the stream (minimum length of 150 meters). Reach lengths representative of water quality conditions can be determined by location on the National Hydrography Data Layer (U.S. EPA). | habitat surveys and fish surveys based on length of channel type Reaches are defined as: stream segments between named tributaries, changes in valley and channel form, major changes in vegetation type, or changes in land use or ownership. | Not stored in the ARIMS. Could be recorded in a comments field. These measurements used to guide sampling, and are not sampling results per se. The longitudinal profile element in ARIMS follows different protocols. The length is determined as 20 to 30 times the bankfull channel width . | Reach length is based on geomorphic and hydrologic characteristics. | |||
| Channel Cross Sections | Non-constrained reaches: Initial cross-section is monumented and an additional ten systematic (non-monumented) cross-sections are placed at 1/10 of the reach length. Constrained reaches: Six systematic (non-monumented) cross-sections are placed at 1/5 of the reach length. Cross sections are measured with a laser rangefinder. Eleven transects are measured in non-constrained reaches and six in constrained reaches. | Uses methods adapted from Harrelson ,et al. Four cross-sections are measured within each reach. A cross-section is located at the widest point within each of the first 4 riffles. | Two protocols for Stream surveys Level II extensive survey (based on USFS Region 6 protocols) take x-section at each major riffle with depth-distance recorded at ¼, ½, and ¾ of BFW. Level III intensive surveys (TFW ambient monitoring protocol) – start at downstream and then every 100m at least 10 points measured with tape, stadia rod and level. | Eleven evenly spaced transects are selected by dividing the reach into 10 equidistant intervals with "transect 1" located at the base of the reach and "transect 11" at the top end of the reach. | Ambient Biological Monitoring: Four cross sections per reach. Cross sections represent biological monitoring locations and where additional habitat characterizations are made. Cross sections are located based on a stratified selection method. The selection process targets in-stream riffle habitat and stratifying variables as: substrate size, water depth, and location within the riffle. EMAP: eleven transects are identified with "transect 1" located at the base of the reach and "transect 11" at the top end of the reach. Nine equidistant transects are located within the sampling reach. | W/D ratio determined by remote sensing and field sampling | Not collected | ARIMS will plot and analyze single cross sections that are surveyed according to methods presented in Harrelson, et al. Data will have to be exported from ARIMS into another program to analyze and plot multiple, related cross sections. The ARIMS will allow a user to export a single cross section into EXCEL and to WINXSPRO. | Not collected | ||
| Longitudinal Profile | Longitudinal profile measured (x,y,z coordinates) using a laser range finder and an electronic compass, following the thalweg. Shots are taken on an increment that is approximately 1/100 of the sample site length. Additional measurements are taken at pool tail crests, maximum pool depth, and pool head. The same protocol is used in all sample reaches, constrained or nonconstrained. | Minimum stream length for each reach is at least 20 times the average bankfull width. Stream length is measured along the thalweg Gradient is measured using a surveyors rod and transit level following the methods described by Harrelson et al. | Level III surveys – throughout segment with points along thalweg at every 10 m and additional points at qualifying pools (tailout, max depth, and head) | Length, sinuously, and slope measured with a laser range finder. Thalweg depth and velocity measurements made at intervals of 1/100th of the reach length. Channel width and depth and habitat characteristics measured on each of the eleven transects. | EMAP: Location of reach is identified and eleven equidistant transects are located. Several of the following physical habitat features are measured between and at each transect. | Not collected | Usually, only x, y coordinates measured. Measurements using a laser range finder and compass are acceptable in ARIMS but ARIMS suggests that a rod and level survey be conducted. | Not collected | |||
| Pool Frequency and Length | Pool defined as being longer than the average wetted width and habitat unit has to be channel-spanning. | To be measured as a pool, must occupy greater than half the wetted width, be longer than wide, include the thalweg, and the maximum depth is at least 1.5 times the crest depth. Length measured along the thalweg between the head crest and tail crest. | Level II survey pools defined same as AREMP. Level III survey – defined by size of pool (sq meters and residual depth criteria). Criteria also vary with categories of stream BFW (TFW ambient monitoring protocols) | Calculated from thalweg depth and velocity measurements. | Channel geomorphic units are relatively homogeneous lengths of the stream that are classified by channel bed form, flow characteristics, and water surface slope. of each unit in meters. The width and length are estimated every unit; it is estimated and verified every 10th unit. | Calculated using ODFW stream survey data and measured using ODFW protocols. | Pool defined as being longer than the average wetted width unless unit is a plunge pool and habitat unit has to be channel-spanning. | ||||
| Pool depth | Pool tail crest, max pool depth, and pool head locations measured with laser rangefinder | Maximum and riffle crest depths are measured with depth rod to the nearest cm. | Same as AREMP with stadia rod for depth measurement. | Calculated from thalweg depth and velocity measurements. | Maximum depth and riffle crest depths are measured with a stadia rod at four pool locations within a reach. | Maximum depth in pools. Measure to the nearest 0.05 meter. Depth at Pool Tail Crest: Measure the maximum depth to the nearest 0.01 meter every pool habitat unit, with the exception of subunit pools | ODFW surveys collect information on average residual pool depth. This is the field that is automatically imported into ARIMS. | Max pool tail crest and max pool depth are measured with a depth rod | |||
| Stream Gradient | Stream gradient is calculated as the rise of the streambed divided by the length of the sampling segment. Thus, the gradient is the slope of the stream bed, not the water surface. | Stream gradient is measured from the water surface at the downstream end of the reach to the water surface at the upstream end. Measure the elevation change twice, with the level at a different position each time and record to the nearest centimeter. Record the average if the two measurements are within 10 percent of each other. If not, take a third measurement and average it with one of the originals. | Level II - gradient from USGS maps. Level III – use level and stadia rod throughout segment along bank at water level. | Measured with laser path finder within sample reach, and calculated from maps using GIS. | Ambient Biological Monitoring: Sighted downstream from the top of the riffle at the transect sampled to the bottom of the riffle sampled. Four slope measurements are made corresponding to the riffle habitat sampled for benthic macroinvertebrates. Percent slope is recorded at four locations in the reach. EMAP: Sighted downstream from the top of each transect to the next lowest transect. Ten measurements are made per reach and an overall slope for the reach is calculated. Percent slope is recorded between each of the segements. | Expressed as the percent change in elevation over the length of the unit. Estimated with a clinometer using the scale on the right side in the viewfinder. | In ARIMS, it is calculated using longitudinal profile data or estimated from maps. Gradient is measured using procedures in Rosgen 1996, and uses water surface slope. | Stream gradient is measured from 1:24000 USGS topo maps. It is calculated using rise/run of the stream reach (Channel Gradient is calculated by dividing the elevation gain by the mapped channel length for each reach). | |||
| Sinuosity | Calculated using longitudinal profile data. Sum of the lengths between the thalweg points at each transectdivided by straight line distance. | Calculated as the length of the stream channel along the thalweg divided by the straight line distance between the top and bottom of the sample reach | Aerial photos | Calculated using longitudinal profile data. Length of measured thalweg divided by straight line distance. | EMAP: thalweg profile measured by finding the deepest portion of the stream along each of the eleven transects. Distance measure between consecutive transect thalweg points are summed. | Not recorded | Can be derived from maps, digital data, or measured using procedures in Rosgen 1996. | Sinuosity is measured for each reach from a 1:24000 USGS topo map. It is calculated by dividing the channel length of the reach by the mapped valley length. | |||
| Discharge | Measured with flow meter (Marsh-McBirney or Pygmy) or neutral buoyant object if stream too small. Number of cells measured for meter measurements is 10. Neutral buoyant object flow measurement follows procedures in Harrelson et al. | Discharge not measured. | Measured with Swoffer flow meter at representative locations within a reach or segment. 20 cells are measured. | Measured with flow meter (Marsh-McBirney or Pygmy). Number of cells measured for meter measurements is 10. | Ambient Biological Monitoring and EMAP: Discharge measured at the base of each site reach with a Swoffer or Marsh-McBirney flow meter. USGS methods for flow measurement are used. In addition, current velocity is measured at the locations where biological samples are collected along each of four transects (Biological Monitoring Program only). | Description of observed discharge condition. Best observed in riffles. If a gauging station is present, be sure to record the stage height. | A variety of direct and indirect discharge measurements are accommodated by the ARIMS. The ARIMS protocols for meter measurements follow USGS procedures; the neutral buoyant float method follows Harrelson et al. | Measured with flow meter (Marsh-McBirney or Pygmy). Twenty-five to thirty subsections are measured across the channel | |||
| Large Wood | AREMP protocol adapted from ODFW . AREMP counts pieces of large wood if they have a minimum length of 3 m and are at least 0.3 m in diameter at DBH. Length and DBH are estimated occularly for each piece. Measurements of length and DBH are taken on the first 10 pieces in the reach and every 5th piece thereafter. | To be considered large wood, a piece must be at least 1 meter in length AND must have a diameter of at least 0.1 meters as measured one-third of the way up from the base. Pieces are also divided into those within the active BF channel and those that extend above the active BF channel (spanners and leaners). Length and circumference are measured for every piece up to 60 pieces in the reach, every other piece if 60 to 120 pieces, every third piece if 120 to 180 pieces, etc. | Level II (USFS Region 6 protocols) number of pieces by the following classes: 12’’ dia. 25’ long; 24’’ dia. 50’ long;36’’ dia. 50’ long For both Level II and Level III all pieces with dia. Of 10cm at midlenght and greater than or equal to 2m are measured and data recorded by position in the channel, type of wood and decay state (TFW protocols). Log jams recorded separately and require minimum of 10 pieces of wood meeting the 10cm and 2m criteria. Key pieces recorded (TFW criteria) | LWD must first be partially in the base flow of the channel. LWD is tallied over the entire length of the reach. Length, large end diameter, and small end diameter are visually estimated and then tallied by size class. There are twelve size classes for wood. | DOE: Large Woody Debris i) size/length ii) decay class iii) % in water iv) structural configuration EMAP: LWD must first be partially in the base flow of the channel. LWD is tallied over the entire length of the reach. Length, large end diameter, and small end diameter are visually estimated and then tallied by size class. There are twelve size classes for wood. | The ODFW method measures the diameter at a point 2 meters from the base, does not count standing live trees (even if the base is within the BFW), counts pieces that are suspended over the channel. Since all pieces are classed by diameter and length, ODFW data can be queried for LWD that meets the 2X BFW. | ARIMS uses the length and diameter criteria as prescribed by the ODFW method. | R6 measures the wood diameter at a point 50' from the large end (35' for eastside streams), allows for counting standing trees as LWD if the base of the tree is within the bankfull channel width, does not count LWD which spans the channel but is above the bankfull depth, and allows for counting LWD (within the category for >24" dia and 50' long, on westside) that is shorter than50' if the length of the piece is 2X the bankful width and meets the diameter requirement. R6 tallies the pieces of wood (small, medium, and large) within bankfull that meet the following criteria for east and westside forests: Eastside Forests: S = Diameter > 6 in., at a length of 20 ft. from the large end M = Diameter > 12 in., at a length of 35 ft. from the large end L = Diameter > 20 in., at a length of 35 ft. from the large end. Westside Forests: S = Diameter > 6 in., at a length of 20 ft. from the large end M = Diameter > 12 in., at a length of 35 ft. from the large end L = Diameter > 20 in., at a length of 35 ft. from the large end. If a piece of wood does not meet the length criteria but is longer than twice the average bankfull width for the reach it is counted in the appropriate size class. | |||
| Bankfull width:depth | Calculate BF width to depth ratios at every transect regardless of whether the reach is constrained or non-constrained. Eleven depth measurements are taken between and including the BF points at each transect for determination of mean depth. | Mean bankfull depth determined from 10 measurements of depth in the cross section, taken at equal distances. First measurement is randomly chosen. | BFW at every x-section (see x-sections) | Calculate BF width to depth ratios at every transect regardless of whether the reach is constrained or non-constrained. | Ambient Biological Monitoring: Bankfull width and depth are measured at each of four transects. Bankfull width and depth measurements are maintained as separate characterizations of the stream channel. | "Active channel width" and "active channel height" are measured in every 10th unit and at start of new reaches. | ARIMS calculates mean bankfull depth by taking the average of the measurements at ¼, ½, and ¾ points across the channel. The ARIMS allows a user to over-ride these calculated figures. | Bankfull width to depth ratio is calculated at each measured unit (10% of all units). Mean bankfull depth is calculated by taking the average of the measurements at ¼, ½, and ¾ points across the channel. | |||
| Entrenchment ratio | Floodprone width divided by bankfull width, as determined from the cross sectional profiles. FP width is calculated based on measurements of two randomly selected transects within a given reach. | Floodprone width divided by bankfull width, as determined from the four cross sections. Floodprone width measured with at tape if possible and estimated if not (too brushy or wide riparian area. | Same as AREMP. Done at all x-sections. | Uses Valley Width Index (average valley floor width/bank full width). Note: Floodprone width and bankfull are both measured. | Directly measured, following Rosgen 1996 methods. | Floodprone width divided by bankfull width, as determined from the cross section information taken at measured units. Floodprone measured at 2x max bankfull depth. | |||||
| Substrate | Percent surface fines in pool tail areas using USFS R5 SCI protocol. (Although we cite different references, I’m pretty sure our protocol is the same as PACFISH) Substrate particle size (D50) determined by measuring 10 particles at systematic intervals within the 11 cross section transects using EMAP protocols (Wolman 1954, Bain et. al 1985, Platts et al. 1983, and Plafkin et al. 1989). | Percent Surface Fines in Pool Tails: Using a modified version of USFS R5 SCI protocol. Grids are placed at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the distance along the pool-tail crest 25 particles are sampled from each of the first 4 riffle/runs. Substrate Particle Size (D16, D50, and D84 in riffles/runs): uses Wolman (1954) method. | Level II survey – Wolman 100ct pebble counts from 2 riffles in each reach and observations of dominant/subdominant particle size for all habitat units. Level III same as above for pebble counts with at least three for each survey segment (downstream, mid segment, and upstream) Embeddedness data also collected with each pebble count for all particles greater or equal to 64mm by high med low based on observation of particle. Pebble count data represented in cumulative frequency curves for calculation of D50 and percent fines at user selected particle size criteria | Substrate particle sizes are measured at five locations equidistantly placed on each of the eleven transects. An observation for the particle size at the base of a stadia rod placed on the left edge, right edge, at 25% across, at 50% across, and at 75% across. Size Classes include: Bedrocck (smooth), Bedrock (rough), Boulder, Cobble, Coarse Gravel, Fine Gravel, Sand, Silt/Clay/Mauck, Wood, Other. Also, ten randomly placed measurements are made within riffles selected for macroinvertebrate sampling using a 50 x 50 cm wire grid. Only sand and finer substrates are measured in this grid. | DOE: Ambient Biological Monitoring - Substrate size measurements are made at four transects in a reach within a 60 cm grid hoop at each location. 50 equidistant observations are made within this sampling area. Size Classes include: Bedrocck (smooth), Bedrock (rough), Boulder, Cobble, Coarse Gravel, Fine Gravel, Sand, Silt/Clay/Mauck, Wood, Other. We also take pebble counts along each transect (4 transects). We currently do 50 counts along the bankfull width. EMAP: Substrate particle sizes are measured at five locations equidistantly placed on each of the eleven transects. An observation for the particle size at the base of a stadia rod placed on the left edge, right edge, at 25% across, at 50% across, and at 75% across. The same particle size classifications are used listed above. | Substrate Characterization i) percent fines ii) substrate embeddedness iii) substrate composition (general description) taken at same place aquatic insects are collected. | Percent distribution by streambed area of substrate material in six size classes: silt and fine organic matter, sand, gravel (pea to baseball; 2-64mm), cobble (baseball to bowling ball; 64-256mm), bounders, and bedrock. Estimate distribution relative to the total area of the habitat unit (wetted area). Round off to nearest 5 percent. | ARIMS accommodates the Wolman, Zig-Zag, ODFW ocular, and Rosgen pebble count procedures. Usually 100 observations are collected, but ARIMS can accommodate more or fewer observations, too. The ARIMS does not accommodate data produced from the Overton, et. al method of data collection. For subsurface (sieve) samples, the ARIMS will accommodate data from volumetric samples collected by any protocol as long as they are recorded as particle size by weight. | R6 uses the Wolman pebble count technique. It is performed two times in each stream reach at representative riffles with at least 100 pebbles collected at each count. | ||
| Water Chemistry | Laboratory samples collected and analyzed only for Total Nitrogen: Total Phosphorus Ratio. Field measured water temperature, DO, conductivity, and pH using calibrated meters. | Conductivity and alkalinity measured using calibrated meters and titration kits. Water temperature measured using Hobo temps from July 1 to Sept 1 at most sites | Field measured temperature, pH, and conductivity at downstream end of each reach | temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total suspended solids, fecal coliform bacteria, ammonia-N, nitrate+nitrite-N, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus. DEQ Ambient Surveys: 152 sites sampled quarterly to monthly for the same parameters listed above. | Temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total suspended solids, fecal coliform bacteria, ammonia-N, nitrate+nitrite-N, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, soluble reactive phosphorus, and at most stations, discharge. Dissolved metals are monitored bi-monthly at a few st. Monitor about 82 stations each year, twenty on a one-year basis, 4 on a five-year rotation, and 58 are monitored continuously. Washington’s draft Water Quality Index (WQI) is a unitless number ranging from 10 to 100; a higher number is indicative of better water quality relative to expectations. Multiple constituents are combined and results aggregated over time to produce a single score for each sample station. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/apps/watersheds/wqi/WQIOverview.html | Not collected | The ARIMS protocols will accommodate this data. More information is needed about QA/QC procedures for water chemistry to determine the Oregon DEQ data quality level to assign to the AREMP and PACFISH/INFISH data. | Not collected | |||
| Annual Water Temperature | Uses average weekly temperatures and average weekly maximum temperatures. Data acquired from thermographs placed in the lowest portion of the watershed on federal land. | Uses average weekly temperatures and average weekly maximum temperatures. Currently collecting “B” quality data using Oregon DEQ protocols. Data is summarized following DEQ standards for each State. | Hobo-Temp continuous data loggers placed in targeted study reaches at downstream end (We will be developing a monitoring protocol and sampling design for this in the future) | Continuous temperature loggers measure every half hour from early June to late September. | Stream temperature recorded only during stream survey (measured at each reach change or once per page of Unit 1 data.) | ARIMS follows Oregon DEQ procedures. Summary statistics include: seven-day maximum; seven-day delta temperature; days above standard; median date of seven-day maximum; and daily fluctuation. | R6 uses 7-day average minimum and maximum water temperatures obtained from a recording thermograph placed in the surveyed stream from mid June through late September. | ||||
| Benthic Periphyton | EPA’s EMAP method (Peck et al. 2000). At each transect, periphyton is removed from a 12 cm2 area. Subsamples are composited into a single sample for the reach. We will likely switch to Hawkins and Stevenson protocol. I think this is what the PACFISH folks do (not EMAP), and EMAP is considering changing to this protocol (according to P. Larsen). | Switched from EPA’s EMAP method (Lazorchak et al. 1998) in 2001 to Stevenson and Hawkins protocol in 2002. | EPA’s EMAP method (Peck et al. 2000). At each transect, periphyton is removed from a 12 cm2 area. Subsamples are composited into a single sample for the reach. Other projects typically do not collect periphyton. | The periphyton protocol is the same as that outlined by the EPA EMAP (Peck et al. 1999). Benthic periphyton samples were collected at all sites. At each transect, periphyton was removed from a 12-cm2 area. Subsamples from the transects were composited into a single collection vessel. | % stream area w/filamentous algae cover | The BLM does not do much periphyton sampling. This data will not be stored by the ARIMS. | Not collected | ||||
| Aquatic Benthic Macroinvertebrates | Revised Hawkins protocol. 504-μm mesh kick net or Surber sampler. Two subsamples are taken in each of four riffles in the reach. The eight subsamples are composited into a single sample for the reach. Taxonomic data analyzed using multi-metrics and RIVPACS. | Two kicknets per riffle to comply with the revised Hawkins / EPA protocols. Samples are analyzed by the National Aquatic Monitoring Center. The 11 standard methods suggested by Karr (1997) and a RIVPACS score (where applicable) are reported. | Currently, samples from reaches under 3000 m in elevation. Total of 4 to 5 – 2 sq ft samples taken with D-frame net (500 u). Samples collected from riffles distributed throughout the reach. Sub-samples kept separate and all specimens are picked and identified. Samples will be composites for data analysis and a random sampling program will select a 500 specimen sample. Data analysis for the Washington National Parks network has been proposed to use Hawkins models (RIVPACS approach) North Cascades NP is currently developing RIVPACS type model for the park and adjacent USFS land and also will be evaluating the multimetric approach. | Four riffle kicknet samples collected at each site are sub-sampled using a 500 organism count. This collection technique complies with the methods required for generating RIVPACS scores. Macroinvertebrates are removed from a minimum of two randomly chosen squares in a sub-sampling grid containing 30 squares. All organisms are removed from randomly chosen squares until a minimum of 500+macroinvertebrates are picked and the process is continued to include all remaining organisms in the selected squares. EMAP Two strategies for sampling: 1) eight, one-square foot samples composited collected from four transects, and 2) single square-foot samples collected from each of the eleven transects (location along transect alternates from left bank, center of stream, and right bank). | Ambient Biological Monitoring: Four riffle kicknet samples collected at each site are sub-sampled using a 500 organism count. Pools are only sampled in specific circumstances/ projects The riffle collection technique complies with the methods required for generating RIVPACS scores. Macroinvertebrates are removed from a minimum of two randomly chosen squares in a sub-sampling grid containing 30 squares. All organisms are removed from randomly chosen squares until a minimum of 500+macroinvertebrates are picked and the process is continued to include all remaining organisms in the selected squares. Taxonomic effort is the Northwest standard. EMAP Two strategies for sampling: 1) eight, one-square foot samples composited collected from four transects, and 2) single square-foot samples collected from each of the eleven transects (location along transect alternates from left bank, center of stream, and right bank). | The ARIMS follows the protocols used by the Oregon DEQ. They are compatible with the BLM Buglab’s methods. The ARIMS will store all of the metrics calculated by the BLM Buglab and several others. In addition, the ARIMS will store the O/E values calculated by RIVPACS. | Not collected | ||||
| Bank Angle | Not collected. | Protocols are modified from Platts et al. 1987. Angles are recorded for both banks at a minimum of 20 transects located at an interval equal to the bankfull width. | Protocols outlined in EMAP Western Pilot Study, Peck et al. 2000. | Protocols outlined in EMAP Western Pilot Study, Peck et al. 2000. | This information is not accommodated by the ARIMS. The ODFW method, which the ARIMS uses, only records percent of banks in a reach that are undercut. | Not collected | |||||
| Bank Stability | Not collected. | Protocols are described by Bauer and Burton, 1993 and Overton et al. 1997. Streambanks are classified into feature types, cover, stability class, and are then rated for stability. All measurements are done on a series of 30 cm wide at the same locations as bank angles | Length of eroded bank is recorded for Level II and Level III surveys | Protocols outlined in EMAP Western Pilot Study, Peck et al. 2000. | % unstable banks (sum of lineal distance of actively eroding banks along both sides of each measured unit) measured in field. | The ARIMS uses the IRICC and ODFW protocols on a reach, not transect basis. | Measure the lineal distance of actively eroding banks along both sides of every measured channel unit and tally separately (left bank, right bank, total for both banks). Bank stability is a measure of actively eroding banks at an elevation above the bankfull stream margin. | ||||
| Bank Type | Not collected. | The PACFISH/INFISH protocols classify the streambanks at each transect location into various types based on the fluvial processes forming the stream banks. | Protocols outlined in EMAP Western Pilot Study, Peck et al. 2000. | Protocols outlined in EMAP Western Pilot Study, Peck et al. 2000. | The ARIMS does not contain protocols for classifying bank type. This information could be recorded on the hard copy Stream Bank Stability Form but the information will not be electronically recorded in the ARIMS. | Not collected | |||||
| Bank Materials | Not collected. | Protocols have not yet been developed. The PACFISH/INFISH protocols will probably collect this information at each of the streambank transects. This information could be recorded on the Stream Bank Stability Form from the Stream Channel Assessment module but the information will not be recorded in the ARIMS. | Not Collected | The current modules of the ARIMS will not house this information. | Not collected | ||||||
| Fish and Aquatic Amphibians | Collected at all sites within specified subwatersheds. A single pass with an electrofisher is made between each transect. All animals indentified and enumerated. Approximately 10-20% of the fish are measured, and their condition estimated using displacement. Snout-vent lengths are measured for all aquatic amphibians. | Fish and aquatic amphibians are not collected. | Fish survey protocols under development for summer stream resident fish in wadeable streams with gradients less than 8%. Probabilistic extensive sampling design to provide reach estimators of frequency of occurrence (single pass diver surveys from 100m segments). Also reach estimators for abundance of fish in pools using 4-pass diver surveys calibrated by electrofishing population estimates. Amphibians – only tailed frogs as tadpoles occur in BMI Samples. | DEQ Oregon Plan & EMAP: Single pass electroshocking through 40x channel width reach. All individuals of each species counted and lengths measured. ODFW: Three pass electrofishing surveys or snorkel surveys. Only salmonids counted. | Presence/ absence (area of occurrence) of specific native and exotic species. | Random habitat surveys are based on randomly selected GIS point. Fish and aquatic amphibians are also surveyed during these surveys. At least 3 pools and 3 riffles totaling a minumum of 60 m stream length are sampled. "Sample at least 15 meters of the fastwater unit immediately above the poola nd record the fish captured. Walk upstream to the next pool and samle it and the fastwaters unit above. Consecutive sampling is preferred. Contine sampling until 3 pool-fastwaters sequences have been sampled. If a fish species or life history stage not observed in the 1st 4 units is captured in the 5th or 6th unit, sample another pool and fastwater unit. | Collected using electro-fishing, seining, snorkeling, and trapping. These assessments are conducted at the individual habitat unit level taken from ODFW survey or at the 100 meter sample reach. A 100 meter sample survey of a section of stream is not broken down into individual habitat units. Population estimates can be calculated. Mean wetted width, percent pools, percent riffles and mean depth can be recorded. Mean length, length range, mean weight, and total weight are recorded for each species and life stage caught in the sampling effort. | Snorkeling, electrofishing, or hook and line sampling is done at each measured pool and every other measured riffle to identify species presence or absence | |||
| Terrestrial Amphibians | Time and area-constrained searches are conducted for terrestrial amphibians at each site within the subwatershed. At each transect, searches begin at the wetted edge and continue up the bank on either side of the stream for five minutes (ten minutes total at each transect). Special attention is given to seeps, springs, and other high quality habitats. Snout-vent lengths are measured for all captured amphibians. | Terrestrial amphibians are not collected. | Not collected. | The current modules of the ARIMS will not house this information. Currently all amphibian data will be stored in ISMS. | Not collected | ||||||
| Vegetation seral stage and series | Upslope vegetation (all vegetation > 100 m from the stream channel) and riparian vegetation data (all vegetation < 100 m from the stream channel) were collected from the vegetation layer developed by the Interagency Vegetation Mapping Project (IVMP) in Oregon and Washington, and the CalVeg layer developed in California. Both layers were constructed using Landsat Thematic Mapper remote sensing data. Vegetation was classified into the following categories: Non-Forested/Grass-Forb -. Deciduous - Stands composed of > 90 % deciduous species. Mixed - Stands that contain both conifer and hardwood species. Conifer – Stands composed of at least 90% coniferous species. Conifers in both pure and mixed stands were classified by seral stage using the following definitions: Early Seral - recent clear cuts to stands with trees less than 25 cm (10 in) diameter at breast height (dbh). Approximate stand ages from 0 to 24 years old. Mid Seral - Stands trees from 26 cm to 52 cm (10 - 20 in) dbh. Approximate stand ages from 24 to 80 years old. Late Seral - Stands with trees greater than 53 cm (20 in) dbh. Approximate stand ages >80 years old. | Four methods are used to sample riparian using slightly modified versions of survey techniques described by Winward (2000). The Greenline method uses a line-transect method to characterize vegetation community types (nine classifications are used within the study area) along the first line of perennial vegetation next to the stream channel. The data is summarized using a stability, seral, and wetland rating. The vegetation cross-section method characterizes community types along 5 cross-sections within the riparian area and is summarized using a wetland rating. The Woody Regeneration method tallies the number and age of woody plants along the greenline and is summarized as the ratio of young to old plants. Effective ground cover is collected along the vegetation cross-sections using R4 Soils protocols. | Type of vegetative cover and the type of land use (e.g., forested, urban, agriculture, open) across the landscape. Proportion of known geographic area - Remote sensing Riparian Vegetation Structure i) canopy ii) understory iii) ground cover Canopy Cover i) center of stream readings ii) left bank/right bank readings iii) percent solar radiation (solar pathfinder) | Type of vegetative cover and the type of land use (e.g., forested, urban, agriculture, open) across the landscape. Proportion of known geographic area - Remote sensing Riparian Vegetation Structure i) canopy ii) understory iii) ground cover Canopy Cover i) center of stream readings ii) left bank/right bank readings iii) percent solar radiation (solar pathfinder) | Riparian inventoy consists of a type of belt transect extending across the riparian zone perpendicular to the stream channel on each side. Riparian zone = area within one active channel width of either side of the channel. Vegetation type: N No Vegetation (bare soil, rock) B SageBrush (sagebrush, greasewood, rabbit brush, etc.) G Annual Grasses, herbs, and forbs. P Perennial grasses, sedges and rushes S Shrubs (willow, salmonberry, some alder) D Deciduous Dominated (canopy more than 70% alder, cottonwood, big leaf maple, or other deciduous spp.) M Mixed conifer/deciduous (approx. a 50:50 distribution) C Coniferous Dominated (canopy more than 70% conifer) Size Class. Use groupings for the estimated diameter at breast height (dbh) expressed in centimeters of the dominant trees. Estimate diameter of young conifers below the first whorl of branches. Enter just the first number(s) of any choice. 1- 3 Seedlings and new plantings. 3-15 Young established trees or saplings. 15-30 Typical sizes for second growth stands. West side communities may have fully closed canopy at this stage. 30-50 Large trees in established stands. 50-90 Mature timber. Developing understory of trees and shrubs. 90+ Old growth. Very large trees, nearly always conifers. Plant community likely to include a combination of big trees, snags, down woody debris, and a multi-layered canopy. These size classes correspond to dbh estimated in inches of: <1, 1-5, 6- 11, 12-20, 21-35, and 36+ respectively. | ||||||
| Road Density | Road density (miles of road per square mile of watershed) was calculated for both the upslope (> 100m from stream) and riparian area (< 100m from stream). For these analyses, the stream layer was buffered 100 meters each side and overlaid with the roads to calculate road density. Determined from GIS layer. | Road density (km of road per square km of watershed) and riparian road density (within 100 m of stream channels (1:24000 map) are calculated for the watershed upstream of the integrator reach. Densities are calculated using individual Forest layers and CCF layers. | Level III surveys – 20x20m plots on left and right banks of each x-section. Over and understory % cover estimated by dominant species and seral class. Stream canopy closure by densiometer with 4 measurements – upstr, dwnstr, left and right banks from center of channel at each x-section. | GIS coverages. | |||||||
| Stream Crossing Density | The number of road crossings was estimated by finding the intersection of roads and streams. | The number of road crossing was estimated from the forest and CCF layers. | At sub-basin level from GIS. Also with field notes of any channel influences | GIS coverages | |||||||
| Channel connectivity with floodplain in unconstrained reaches | Entrenchment ratio (valley width divided by channel width) measured in conjunction with channel cross section and profile | Not calculated | Aerial photos, maps, field observations | ||||||||
| Landslides | Still in development | Still in development | Entrenchment by Rosgen method at representative x-sections. | Frequency: mean # events/year by landslide type (e.g. shallow rapid) Return interval: years between events Extent: area disturbed per time period or event % landslide prone geology % steep slopes (>70%) (WQ) Estimated sediment contribution to streams via landslides | |||||||
| Impervious surfaces | Locations, size, type at the catchment level. Field notes on stream influence from reach level surveys. | GIS coverages | Hard surfaces such as roads, rooftops, and parking lots. % impervious cover which affect the pattern and extent of factors such as surface runoff (hydrograph), sedimentation, and stream temperature. Remote sensing | ||||||||
| Geomorphic index | A measure of stream channel structure in floodplain areas and connectivity to floodplain Remote sensing, field sampling | ||||||||||
| Wetland | % wetland land cover by wetland type | ||||||||||
| Restored stream miles | Observation of locations and mapping in Level III surveys. Miles of side channels measured in Level II surveys | Lineal miles of restored habitat. % area reconnect-ed, # of reconnect-ed patches | |||||||||
| Total or partial blockages to salmon migration and rearing | Frequency of barriers by type and level of obstruction (total or partial) | ||||||||||
| Observations during field surveys sometimes verified by fish survey data (observations, snorkeling, electrofishing) above barriers. Also WA stream catalog |