Monitoring, data collection, and interpretation
The Maryland Biological Stream Survey has several tasks related to Trust Fund projects.
- Document baseline conditions and monitor for Best Management Practice (BMP) effectiveness
- Provide data to Trust Fund managers and applicants for new Trust Fund funding
- Maintain and update a database of information related to Trust Fund projects
- Coordinate with other monitoring agencies (federal, state, municipal, and private) for data sharing and upkeep of the Trust Fund Database
- Maintain the Maryland StreamHealth website, which allows MBSS and MD Stream Wader volunteer data to be accessed by Trust Fund Managers and applicants
- Use collected data to compare various BMPs for effectiveness
- Work with other Trust Fund managers to support the Trust Fund Advisory Panel and other BayStat agencies
For more information about the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, go to the DNR Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund Website
Trust Fund Monitoring Protocols
NOTE: These protocols will be STRONGLY RECOMMENDED by the next Request For Proposals (RFP). If your group cannot use the following methods to collect data, you will need to submit a written justification for doing so.
DNR created a suite of protocols to be used when monitoring sites sponsored by the Trust Fund. These methods allow for consistent, accurate monitoring to ensure comparability for BMPs across the State. This allows Trust Fund managers to assess the effectiveness of BMPs and invest accordingly. The four protocols are:
Click on the links above to get the manual for each protocol.2013 Physical and Nutrient Monitoring Training
On February 28th, DNR hosted a training for the WQ, Discharge, and Geomorph protocols listed above at Oregon Ridge Lodge. Experts in each field presented PowerPoints and then demonstrated their techniques in a small stream nearby. DNR plans on making this an annual event to train monitoring personnel involved with the Trust Fund. For more information, view the presentations (in .pdf form) andphotos below.
Presentations
- Introduction (Luke Roberson, DNR)
- Water Chemistry (Tom Jones, Versar, Inc.)
- Stream Discharge (Paul Kazyak, DNR)
- Geomorphology Part I (Beth Franks, Versar, Inc.)
- Geomorphology Part II (Sandy Davis, USFWS)
Photos
MBSS Data for Trust Fund Managers and Applicants
The Maryland Biological Stream Survey collects chemical, biological, and physical data from sites around the State, while the MD Stream Wader volunteers collect biological data each spring. Maryland DNR maintains the StreamHealth website as an easy method of viewing these data. It's easy to look up the health of the stream in your backyard, or anywhere else in Maryland. MBSS sites often have photos and a list of species found at each site. Trust Fund applicants can utilize this tool to find areas to restore or preserve with BMPs. If you have questions about data, or would like to request more detailed information, please contact our data manager from our Data Requests page.
Collecting Data for the Trust Fund Database
The MBSS maintains a database of information pertaining to projects in targeted watersheds. If you are a monitoring agency investigating Trust Fund project(s), please contact Luke Roberson to initiate data sharing with the MBSS. Your data will be used to evaulate BMP effectiveness as well as provide a valuable resource to Trust Fund managers and applicants.
A list of other organizations that monitor the waters of Maryland can be found on the links page under the Maryland Water Monitoring Council. Go there now.
Upcoming Events
- Save the Date! MBSS 2013 Summer Training - May 28-31
Learn More - Stream Waders Dropoff Day
May 4th - Ridgely, Rockville, and Grantsville locations
Learn More
Species Spotlight
- Long-tailed Salamander
The Long-tailed Salamander (Eurycea longicauda longicauda) This salamander is found everywhere in Maryland except the Coastal Plain. It lives up to its name with a tail that makes up more that 50% of its total length.
Learn more in this informative Fact Sheet