Parameters MeasuredThere are two sampling periods:
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Some changes were made for the 2000-2004 round to improve the quality and/or usefulness of the data generated. These changes include: modifications to habitat assessment/characterization, the addition of new chemical analytes, continuous temperature readings in summer, characterization of invasive plant abundance (Phragmites and Microstegium a.k.a. Japanese Stilt Grass), and the deletion of altitude data collected in the field as a physical variable. In addition, the reach file used to select sites is a 1:100,000 scale map developed by USGS, and survey work has been expanded to include 4th order streams. Spring (March-April) Acid deposition-related water chemistry (EPA approved protocols) and benthic macroinvertebrates (Rapid Bioassessment Protocol II, with lab identification) are collected in early spring (1 March to about 30 April). Summer (June-September) In situ water chemistry (DO, pH, temperature, conductivity), fish (quantitative double pass electrofishing with block nets), physical habitat (RBP-based metrics plus width, depth, velocity, flow, gradient, continuous temperature, and sinuosity measurements) are sampled in summer, along with presence/absence sampling of herpetofauna, freshwater mussels, crayfish, and submerged aquatic vegetation. For 2000-2004, the addition of Golf Course as a Land Use, Leaf Pack as benthic habitat,continuous temperature, and additional data on culvert size are new. QA/QC checks are performed at all levels of MBSS, including training and testing, field audits, equipment calibration/maintenance, voucher specimens, data entry, data management, GIS and reporting. |
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Rivers & Streams 101 | Monitoring & Research | Restoration & Protection Return to the Maryland DNR Home Page. |
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