This training enables you to assess your stream's ability to support aquatic life through adequate habitat in the stream corridor. We strongly encourage our samplers to complete this assessment annually to track any changes to habitat.  Sometime between the May and July Sampling events is a good time to do it!

• Training Video

• Presentation Slides

• Habitat Assessment Form - SAMPLERS WILL USE AN ONLINE VERSION OF THIS FORM TO SUBMIT THEIR FINDINGS. 
  CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AN ELECTRONIC FORM FOR YOUR SAMPLING LOCATION. Need help? Instructions on using the online form can be found here.

• Habitat Assessment Reference Card

• Simplified Habitat Assessment Procedure (pdf document)

This training enables you to collect and identify macroinvertebrate creatures in your stream to help you further understand your stream’s quality.  Some organisms can tolerate more pollution, and others are more sensitive.  The presence or absence of certain macroinvertebrates provides insights about longer-term water quality conditions, in comparison to the “snapshot” understanding of conditions from individual water quality sampling visits.

Simplified Biological Assessment Approach (NEW as of 2022)

• Simplified Biological Assessment Procedure

• Simplified Biological Assessment Form

• Video demonstrating Simplified Biological Approach

Advanced Biological Assessment Approach (based on USEPA protocol)

• Powerpoint Presentation (low gradient streams)

• Powerpoint Presentation (high gradient streams)

• Macroinvertebrate Key

• Macroinvertebrate Field Data Sheet

• Macroinvertebrate Field Record