Round 2 MBSS documents now online!

Read more about the virile crayfish in this 22 KBb pdf

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY Sampling Manual : Field Protocols.
This document was prepared to support the Round Three Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS). The protocols used for every aspect of the MBSS are provided to guide progress throughout Round Three and to ensure that the goals and objectives of the round are met. These written protocols also provide information to anyone duplicating procedures used by the MBSS or to ensure comparability of data and results generated by the MBSS.
(1.6 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume XII: Changes in Conditions.
This volume examines MBSS data from Rounds One and Two, comprising over 2,100 sites, to describe discernable changes in stream conditions between rounds and to recommend design improvements for future stream surveys.
(1.5 MB pdf file)

NEW BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS TO BETTER ASSESS THE CONDITION OF MARYLAND STREAMS.
To better assess Maryland streams, Indices of Biotic Integrity (IBIs) that perform better and apply to more stream classes were needed by the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS). New fish IBIs were developed for four geographical and stream type strata.New benthic macroinvertebrate IBIs were developed for three geographical strata
(1.4 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume XIV: Stressors Affecting Maryland Streams.
This volume uses the data collected by the MBSS since 1994 to identify stressors (e.g., individual chemical parameters, physical habitat changes, invasive species, and general factors such as land use) that are affecting Maryland's streams. Identifying stressors is critical to meeting Clean Water Act mandates (e.g. TMDLs) and developing management actions that can restore or protect the desired condition of streams.
(3.9 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume XI: Sentinel Site Network.
Assessing natural year-to-year variability in stream conditions requires high quality streams with minimal anthropogenic influences. Although there are no longer any pristine streams in Maryland, the MBSS has identified and monitored minimally impacted streams that represent all regions (i.e., Coastal Plain - eastern shore, Coastal Plain - western shore, Eastern Piedmont, and Highlands) and stream orders (1st through 3rd) in Maryland from 2000-2004. This report volume describes the results of monitoring activities
(4.2 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume X: Riparian Zone Conditions .
In addition to reporting on the extent and condition of riparian buffers, this volume also summarizes MBSS results for shading, channel alteration, invasive plants, rootwads and large woody debris, and beaver activity.
(2.9 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume IX: Aquatic Biodiversity .
One of the most important potential uses of the MBSS is to support stream and riverine biodiversity management in the State. Recognizing this importance, this volume was prepared to highlight biodiversity findings from the MBSS as well as other sources, and to contribute to DNR's Wildlife Diversity Conservation Plan for conserving non-game species in Maryland. More than 2,500 quantitative MBSS sites and other qualitative data were assembled and assessed to provide one of the most detailed, broad-scale accounts of freshwater biodiversity and associated habitats available in the United States.
(8.5 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume VIII: County Results .
One of the most important uses of the Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) is at the local level, by citizens and county governments. Recognizing this importance, this volume based on 2000-2004 MBSS data was prepared to highlight survey results in a form most useable by local governments.
(55.0 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume VII: Statewide and Basin Conditions .
This volume reports on the stream conditions statewide and in Maryland's Tributary Strategy Basins as described by the findings of the 2000-2004 (Round 2) Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS). The Tributary Basins were developed as part of Maryland's Tributary Strategy Teams.
(1.9 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume VI: Laboratory, Field, and Analytical Methods .
This volume describes in detail the field, laboratory, and analytical methods for the 2000-2004 MBSS, including estimators of stream condition at multiple spatial scales, from individual watersheds to the entire state. Methods for integrating results from additional stream monitoring programs with MBSS results are provided.
(779 KB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume IV: Ecological Assessment of Watersheds Sampled in 2003.
A major goal of the MBSS is to assess the ecological condition of Maryland's streams. This annual report presents results from watersheds sampled in 2003, including a history of the program, a description of methods and survey design, comparative assessments by watershed, and detailed results for individual watersheds.
See this summary page for some highlights of this document, or download the full document (8.4 MB pdf file)

MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY 2000-2004, Volume III: Ecological Assessment of Watersheds Sampled in 2002.
A major goal of the MBSS is to assess the ecological condition of Maryland's streams. This annual report presents results from watersheds sampled in 2002, including a history of the program, a description of methods and survey design, comparative assessments by watershed, detailed results for individual watersheds, and comparisons with Round One results (from 1995-1997).
See this summary page for some highlights of this document, or download the full document (12.2 MB pdf file)

• Searchable MBSS and Stream Waders data. Use the "Searchable Data" links in the MORE INFO list.