P/EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Water
Washington, DC 20460
EPA 503/9-90-004
April 1990
Rhode Island
Sea Grant College Program
The University
of Rhode Island
Narragansett. Rl 02882
National Directory of
Citizen Volunteer
Environmental
Monitoring Programs
Third Edition
Printed on Recycled Paper
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This publication has been funded wholly
or in part by the US EPA under
Interagency Agreement DW13934084-0
with NOAA's Sea Grant Program and
the University of Rhode Island.
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National Directory of
Citizen Volunteer
Environmental
Monitoring Programs
Third Edition
Virginia Lee
Coastal Resources Center
Graduate School of Oceanography
The University of Rhode Island
Eleanor Ely
Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program
The University of Rhode Island
Contents
2 Preface
3 State Programs
3 Alabama
3 California
3 Connecticut
4 Delaware
4 Florida
5 Idaho
6 Illinois
7 Indiana
7 Kentucky
7 Louisiana
8 Maine
9 Maryland
12 Massachusetts
13 Michigan
14 Minnesota
15 Mississippi
16 Missouri
16 Montana
18 New Hampshire
19 New Jersey
20 New York
23 North Carolina
26 Ohio
27 Oregon
27 Pennsylvania
28 Rhode Island
28 South Carolina
29 Tennessee
30 Texas
32 Vermont
33 Virginia
35 Washington
38 West Virginia
39 Wisconsin
40 National Programs
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Preface
Like the volunteer environmental monitoring movement itself, this directory has grown
rapidly. The first edition, published in September 1988, listed 43 programs. Just seven
months later, the second edition, containing 70 entries, was produced; within 10 months,
all 5,000 copies had been distributed. This expanded, updated, and revised third edition
of the directory includes 133 programs. Thirty of these are brand-new programs that
started within the year. During that same year many of the older programs have ex-
panded, increasing the number of volunteers involved and the number of sites moni-
tored, and taking on new projects. Most of the entries in this edition contain much more
detailed information than in previous editions—information about specific techniques
and tests used for monitoring, about funding sources, and about ways that governmental
agencies are using citizen volunteer monitoring results.
All kinds and sizes of volunteer monitoring programs are included in this directory.
There are programs with budgets of zero and programs with budgets over $100,000; local
programs involving four or five volunteers and national programs involving thousands
of volunteers; programs still in the planning stages and one program (the Cooperative
Weather Observer Program) that is celebrating its centennial in 1990.
The citizen volunteer groups listed in this directory are engaged in a wide range of
activities—partly a result of the great geographical diversity represented. There are
groups in Montana monitoring the effects of mining and logging on water quality and a
group in Florida monitoring the effects of boating activity on manatee populations.
Water-quality monitoring for basic chemical, physical, and biological parameters is the
most common activity of the groups in this directory, but there are also groups that
monitor acid rain, erosion, bird populations, fish populations, or exotic aquatic weeds;
groups that are primarily interested in watchdogging; groups that categorize plastic and
other beach debris; and one group that monitors butterflies.
For this edition of the directory, we made every attempt to contact programs not in-
cluded in earlier editions. Nevertheless, there undoubtedly are many existing monitoring
programs that we did not hear about, and there will surely be many new programs
starting up in the near future. All users of the directory can help make future editions
more comprehensive by using the form at the back of this booklet to let us know about
any additional programs that should be in the directory.
We wish to thank the Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection, Office of Water, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, for their leadership in funding this directory and
sponsoring two national citizen volunteer environmental conferences. The first confer-
ence was held at the University of Rhode Island in May 1988 and the second was held in
New Orleans in December 1989. Each conference led to an expanded edition of the
directory.
It is our hope that the information in this directory will be particularly useful to any
group or individual interested in starting a new monitoring group.
Virginia Lee and Eleanor Ely
January 1990
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ALABAMA
CALIFORNIA
State Programs
Alabama Coastal Cleanup
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
2204 Perimeter Road
Mobile, AL 36615-1131
John Marshall
(205) 479-2336
In conjunction with the Take Pride Gulf-Wide program (see Mississippi listing), the Alabama
DEM and two other state agencies (Alabama Department of Economic and Community
Affairs, and Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) coordinate an
annual beach cleanup. The first year (1988), 630 volunteers participated in the cleanup; in
1989, there were 725 volunteers. Data are tabulated using Center for Marine Conservation
data collection cards. The results arc published in a newsletter and are shared with other
agencies, including the EPA Gulf of Mexico program. Funding for the cleanup comes from
Alabama Coastal Zone Management.
San Francisco Bay Keeper
Building A, Fort Mason Center
San Francisco, CA 94123
Michael Herz
John Payne
(415) 567-4401
The San Francisco BayKeeper program, started in July 1989, focuses on deterrence and
enforcement rather than routine monitoring. The BayKeeper uses a boat to patrol for, docu-
ment, and report violations of environmental laws protecting water quality, fish, wildlife,
and wetlands in and around San Francisco Bay. The BayKeeper also trains volunteers to do
the same work from stations on shore or in boats or planes. Presently over 20 volunteers are
actively patrolling the bay, and the number of volunteers is expected to grow rapidly. Water
samples are collected whenever violations or pollution problems are suspected, and samples
are sent to appropriate agencies to be analyzed for sewage or chemical contamination. The
BayKeeper will assist public agencies in prosecuting violators by providing supporting data
and, when necessary, will also pursue litigation independently, with the assistance of non-
profit law firms. The program produces a newsletter, "BayKeeper's Log." Funding for the
program totals $170,000 annually and comes from private foundation grants.
CONNECTICUT
Cove Watchers Tim Viscl
Connecticut Sea Grant John Scilleri
University of Connecticut, Avery Point (203) 445-8664
Groton, CT 06340
Cove Watchers was founded in December 1988 with the goal of developing a citizens' moni-
toring program to assess long-term trends in Alewife Cove in Waterford, Connecticut. Cur-
rently the program has about 20 volunteer monitors and 2 unpaid staff members. Volunteers
measure dissolved oxygen (by probe), salinity (by probe), and temperature, and also collect
data on shellfish and finfish abundance. Program funding is about $1,000 annually, all of
which comes from private sources.
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CONNECTICUT
Harborwatch Richard Harris
Long Island Soundkeeper Fund Terry Backer
P.O. Box 4041 (203) 854-5330
Norwalk, CT 06855
Harborwatch was founded in 1986 and currently has about 30 volunteers and 2 paid staff.
About 30 sampling stations on 5 targeted estuaries in Long Island Sound are monitored for
temperature, dissolved oxygen (Yellow Springs DO meter), Secchi depth, salinity (salino-
meter), nitrogen (Orion N analyzer), chlorophyll, and bacterial counts. Volunteers from
several organizations, including the Long Island Sound Taskforce, Westport Nature Center,
and Saugatuck Valley Audubon, work with the Soundkeeper Fund on this program. Annual
funding for Harborwatch is about $5,000, all from private sources. Data are given to the
state, and are used for trends assessment, nonpoint source assessments, and resource
management decisions.
DELAWARE
Delaware Stream Watch
Ashland Nature Center
Delaware Nature Society
P.O. Box 700
Hockessin, DE 19707
Robin M. Tyler
(302) 239-2334
The program, initiated in 1985, utilizes approximately 100 individuals and groups (such as
school classes and various community and civic organizations) to monitor streams, lakes,
estuaries, and wetlands in Delaware. Salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen are monitored
using LaMotte field kits. Volunteers also measure turbidity and temperature, survey aquatic
insects, and conduct visual surveys to locate pollution sources. Findings are reported to the
proper public agencies. Funding for the program (approximately $35,000 annually) comes
primarily from the state of Delaware. Data are used for watchdogging and trends assess-
ment. Stream Watch produces a newsletter and several brochures.
FLORIDA
Adopt-A-Shore Barbara Mason
Clean Florida Commission (904) 488-2756
605 Suwannee Street
Mail Station 2
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450
In the fall of 1990, the Clean Florida Commission will be starting the Adopt-A-Shore pro-
gram, in which volunteers will adopt a mile of shore. Volunteers will clean their shore and
keep records of the type and amount of debris collected.
Florida LAKEWATCH
7922 NW 71st Street
Gainesville, FL 32606
Sandy Fisher
(904) 392-9613
This statewide monitoring program began in 1988 and involves approximately 200 volun-
teers who monitor Florida lakes once a month for chlorophyll (colorimetric), nitrogen/
phosphorus (autoanalyzer) and clarity (Secchi disk). The program has one staff member. The
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida analyzes the samples.
LAKEWATCH's goals are to obtain a database on Florida's lakes and to further public
education and awareness about lake management. Data are used for trends assessment and
resource management decisions. LAKEWATCH's eventual long-term goal is to monitor all
8,000 lakes in Rorida. The program already has a waiting list of several hundred additional
volunteers who will be able to start monitoring as soon as more funding is obtained.
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IDAHO
Friends of Perdido Bay Jacqueline Lane
10738 Lillian Highway (904) 453-5488
Pensacola, FL 32506
Friends of Perdido Bay provides additional information on Perdido Bay in conjunction with
the Perdido Bay Cooperative Management Program. The monitoring program started in
August 1989, and currently involves 20 citizen volunteers who monitor the following para-
meters daily: water temperature and depth, rainfall, salinity (titration using Hach field kit),
Secchi transparency, and dissolved oxygen (field meter). The volunteers also maintain 3
automated weather stations which they visit once per week. Presently all funding for the
program comes from the EPA. The information is used by local universities, EPA research-
ers, and industries to determine water quality, assess trends, and assist with resource man-
agement decisions. Friends of Perdido Bay also has an education/public outreach program
that includes sponsoring an environmental summer school for junior high school students,
offering seminars on environmental issues, and maintaining an information center at a local
library.
Lake Monitoring Volunteer Program Jeffrey F. Spcncc
Polk County Water Resources Division (813) 533-2151
P.O. Box 798
Bartow, FL 33830
The Polk County Water Resources Division has been studying Polk County lakes for more
than two years. About 30 volunteers perform Secchi depth measurements once a week, and
about 70 monitor rainfall. Data are used for watchdogging and to establish long-term
trends. The program is funded through the Board of County Commissioners.
Marine Resources Council of East Florida Diane D. Barile
Florida Institute of Technology (407) 768-8000 ex. 8135
150 W. University Boulevard
Melbourne, FL 32901
The group was founded in 1983 and is currently involved in three projects: (1) Monitoring
boat activity: About 150 volunteers are involved in conducting surveys and questionnaires
at boat ramps and counting boats on the Banana River and Indian River lagoons. The data
will be used as a basis for developing boat speed regulations and manatee protection
programs. This project is funded by the Florida Department of Natural Resources and the
Florida Boating Improvement Fund. (2) Drainage outfalls survey: About 75 volunteers
conduct shoreline surveys of all drainage outfalls larger than a 6-inch pipe. Results will be
used for redesign of the stormwater and drainage system. Funding comes from the Surface
Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program. (3) Water quality monitoring
program: A stream and creek water quality monitoring program for several watersheds of
the Indian River lagoon has just begun. Volunteers monitor turbidity (Secchi disk), tempera-
ture, dissolved oxygen, and pH once per week. The data will be used by state and local
governments, as well as university researchers, for establishing baselines and long-term
trends. Funding comes from the SWIM program.
IDAHO Citizen Monitoring Project RuthWatkins
Clark Fork Coalition (208) 263-0347
P.O. Box 1096
Sandpoint, ID 83864
(See project description under Montana listing, Clark Fork Coalition.)
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IDAHO
Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program Jim Bellatty
Idaho Division of Environmental Quality (208) 667-3524
Water Quality Bureau
2110 Iron wood Parkway
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
This program was developed by the Idaho DEQ in 1987 and currently includes 11 lakes and
one river. These water bodies range in size from 350 acres to 80,640 acres and are repre-
sented by volunteers who are members of property owners' associations, environmental or-
ganizations, and the Idaho Lake Association Coalition.
The IDEQ approach to volunteer monitoring has been to design programs tailored to the
level of interest, commitment, and financial resources of each volunteer group. The monitor-
ing programs vary in complexity from simple Secchi disk transparency depth measure-
ments to collecting samples for nutrients, metals, temperature, dissolved oxygen, chloro-
phyll, and bacteria (fecal streptococci, fecal coliforms). The volunteers purchase water
quality sampling equipment, including Kemmerer bottles, Secchi disks, and dissolved
oxygen kits (HACH) or meters (YSI). The IDEQ supplies the sample containers, laboratory
forms, preservative acids, and biological or chemical analyses.
About 40 volunteers participate in the program. They perform field measurements at
specific open-water locations, usually the deepest point of a lake or river. Sampling occurs
at 6-week intervals, from April through October, and once through the ice in February.
Quality assurance is an important part of the volunteer monitoring program. A Water
Quality Bureau staff member conducts an annual training session for the volunteers and
accompanies each of the monitoring teams on at least one sample run during the sampling
season, collecting duplicate samples and emphasizing the need to collect accurate and
reproducible data. The monitoring results are compiled, analyzed, and presented to the
citizens in the form of an annual report. Citizens' volunteer monitoring is proving to be a
cost-effective way of complementing existing monitoring programs and verifying long-term
trends, and it has also been valuable for increasing community awareness of water quality
protection and gaining public support for implementing water quality management plans.
The state also uses the data for Water Quality Status reports and nonpoint source assess-
ments.
ILLINOIS Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Amy Burns
Division of Water Pollution Control (217) 782-3362
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
2200 Churchill Road
P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, IL 62794-9276
Over 200 volunteers take part in the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, which began in
1981 through the Illinois EPA. Illinois EPA and Areawide Planning Commission personnel
provide training (including quality control), equipment (monitoring forms, Secchi disks,
sample bottles), workshops, and sample analysis. Sampling is performed twice monthly
from May through October. Volunteers measure Secchi transparency and total depth and
collect samples which are sent to the Illinois EPA Lab to be analyzed for total suspended
solids, volatile suspended solids, phosphorus, and nitrate/nitrite. The information gathered
on lake water quality is published in an annual report and is used by a variety of govern-
ment and private organizations. Uses include trends analysis, Illinois Water Quality reports
to EPA, and Clean Lakes projects. This program has attained tremendous success by
rewarding volunteers with achievement awards and maintaining contact with the volun-
teers through publications, training sessions, and annual meetings.
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LOUISIANA
Dean Hawver
(317) 254-2700 ex. 161
INDIANA Park Tudor Science Resource Center
7200 North College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3016
The Park Tudor Science Resource Center is currently working on three projects: (1) Water
quality monitoring. Since 1988, high school students have monitored the White River for
dissolved oxygen, phosphorus, nitrogen, and pH (using Hach kits). Eight students are in-
volved in bimonthly sampling in the spring and early summer. They hope to combine their
data with data from other schools in the area in order to assess water quality trends along
the White River. (2) Butterfly monitoring. Eight volunteers (adults and high school stu-
dents) each walk a standardized walk on nature preserves every week and count the
number of individuals of each butterfly species that they see. The results of this study,
which started in 1989, will help the Department of Natural Resources determine the effects
of their bum policy on rare prairie butterflies. (3) Kestrel study. Early in 1990, a dozen
volunteers (adults and students) began placing nesting boxes for kestrel (a small falcon) on
the backs of interstate highway signs. The results will be used by the Division of Fish and
Wildlife to monitor reproductive trends in the kestrel population.
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Water Watch
Kentucky Division of W'atcr
ISReillyRoad
Frankfort, KY 40601
Ken Cookc
(502)564-3410
The Kentucky Water Watch program is administered by the Natural Resource and Environ-
mental Protection Cabinet's Division of Water. Launched in 1985, Water Watch promotes
individual responsibility for a common resource, educates people about the use and protec-
tion of local water resources, provides a recreational opportunity through group activities,
and gives citizens more access to their government. The program supports more than 200
volunteers who monitor some 90 stations on lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands and in
groundwater and drinking water systems. Streams arc sampled once a month, and lakes are
monitored once every 2 weeks from April through October. Techniques used include video
and photographic surveys as well as biological and chemical monitoring. Parameters meas-
ured are: dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorides, iron, and nitrate (all using LaMotte kits); phos-
phate (Hach kit); turbidity; temperature; and bacteria. The data arc used for nonpoint
source assessments, enforcement, watchdogging, and trends assessment. Funding for the
program totals approximately $40,000, about 85% of which comes from public sources.
LOUISIANA
Barbara Coltharp
(504) 342-8148
Louisiana Beachsweep
Office of Litter Control and Recycling
P.O. Box 94291
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9291
The Office of Litter Control and Recycling started the annual Beachsweep in 1985 with
about 100 volunteers. Last year, over 3,500 volunteers participated. The Beachsweep is
conducted in two stages: First one crew picks up all recyclables (plastic and aluminum),
then a second crew picks up the rest of the debris. Center for Marine Conservation survey-
cards are used to record types and amounts of debris picked up, and the data are sent to the
National Marine Debris Data Base. Information from the Beachsweep is used to pinpoint
where debris is coming from; last year, for example, most debris was found to originate
from boating, including fishing, recreational boating, and shipping. Results of future
Beachsweeps will help show whether MARPOL (new legislation regulating marine plastic
pollution) is having an effect. Beachsweep also has brought increased awareness to the oil
industry about the use of materials (especially plastics) that can litter beaches and harm
marine life in the Gulf.
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8 MAINE
MAINE Damariscotta River Association Monitoring Program Esperanza Stancioff
University of Maine Cooperative Extension (207) 594-2104
375 Main Street
Rockland, ME 04841
The Water Quality Monitoring project was formed in early 1989 and began monitoring in
May 1989. About 25 volunteers, including citizens from the communities surrounding the
estuary and high school students from Lincoln Academy, monitor the tidal portion of the
Damariscotta River estuary, including freshwater feeder streams. Parameters measured are:
temperature, salinity (refractometer), pH (field meter), dissolved oxygen (YSI meter), and
fecal coliform bacteria (membrane nitration). All analyses are performed by the volunteers.
The monitoring program's primary objectives are to (1) document the existing water quality
and assess trends, (2) identify sources of pollution, (3) use the public participation process to
develop and implement pollution abatement and prevention strategies, (4) aid land use
planning by providing water quality data, and (5) provide education and training regarding
water quality to the region's citizens. Data from the monitoring program are being used by
the legislature to help determine the reclassification of the Damariscotta River. This pro-
gram is funded by grants from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection,the
University of New Hampshire/University of Maine Sea Grant, and private sources, and in-
kind contributions from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
George's Rivet Tidewater Association Esperanza Stancioff
P.O. Box 336 (207) 594-2104
Thomaston, ME 04861
The Water Quality Monitoring project was formed in early 1989 and will begin monitoring
in April 1990. About 25 volunteer citizens from the five communities surrounding the
estuary, as well as high school students, will be monitoring the tidal portion of the St.
George River estuary, including freshwater feeder streams. The sponsoring organizations
are the George's River Tidewater Association, the University of Maine Cooperative Exten-
sion, and the the Knox-Lincoln County Extension Association. Funding is provided by the
University of New Hampshire/University of Maine Sea Grant program. For parameters
measured, techniques used, and program objectives please see entry for "Damariscotta
River Association Monitoring Program" (above).
Maine's Voluntary Anglers Forrest R. Bonney
Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife (207) 778-3322
RFD3,Box3770
Farmington, ME 04938
Voluntary anglers have contributed data to Maine's fishery management program for more
than 20 years. In 1987, anglers reported data on an estimated 418 waters statewide, repre-
senting 55,500 angler days. They provide information on their fishing trips by three major
methods: the personal fishing diary, business reply cards, and creel survey box cards. While
the information voluntary anglers provide is frequently lacking in detail and is not repre-
sentative of the fishing public as a whole, it nonetheless provides precise data on important
fishing parameters which are usedfor monitoring perennial trends and for fishery manage-
ment. The program is supported by federal grants.
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MARYLAND
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program Webster Pearsall
Division of Environmental Evaluation and Lake Studies (207) 289-7649
Maine Department of Environmental Protection
State House, Station 17
Augusta, ME 04333
The program started in 1974 and has been under the supervision of the DEP since 1977. The
program's objectives are: collection of a long-term database, education and public relations,
and cross-communication between state and public sectors. Approximately 250 volunteers
monitor Secchi disk transparency biweekly (May to October) in conjunction with the DEP's
periodic sampling. On many lakes temperature, dissolved oxygen (YSI meter), and pH
(Hach field kit) are also recorded. The program is funded by the state government and has
one full-time staff member and one part-time. The state uses the monitoring data for water
quality reports, nonpoint source assessments, Clean Lakes Program, resource management
decisions, and watchdogging. This program has proved invaluable in obtaining data on
lakes that otherwise would not be sampled.
MARYLAND Anne Arundel County Volunteer Monitoring Program Patricia Haddon
Office of Planning and Zoning (301) 280-1270
P.O. Box 1821
Annapolis, MD 21401
Estuarine tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay are monitored by volunteers at approximately
130 stations. Water parameters measured include pH (LaMotte wide range color compara-
tor), dissolved oxygen (LaMotte Winkler kit), water clarity (Secchi), depth, and temperature.
Air temperature, rainfall, and current weather conditions are also monitored. Funding
comes entirely from the county budget. The monitoring data are used for baseline studies,
education, watchdogging, and long-term trend assessment for planning development
within the watershed.
Chesapeake Bay Citizens Monitoring Program—Maryland Gayla Campbell
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Kathleen Elicit
410 Severn Avenue, Sui te 110 (301) 266-6873
Annapolis, MD 21403
Seventeen sites on three rivers in Maryland—the Patuxent, Middle, and Severn—are moni-
tored weekly for temperature, pH, Secchi disk depth, salinity (by hydrometer), and dis-
solved oxygen (LaMotte Winkler kit). The program involves approximately 40 citizen vol-
unteers and 1.2 person/years of staff time. Data are included as part of the bay wide compu-
terized monitoring data bank and are used by the state for nonpoint source assessments and
fish habitat studies. The program has collected quality-assured data for long-term tracking
of changes in water quality since 1985. Funding for this program comes from a Public
Participation grant from U.S. EPA, NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program grants to
the Department of Natural Resources, and private donations. The program is being ex-
panded in conjunction with the state's Priority Watershed Targeting Project. The main goal
is to restore and protect living aquatic resources in selected small watersheds tributary to
Chesapeake Bay. Local, state, and federal agencies will combine their efforts, with the aid of
interested citizens, to manage these watersheds for sustained improvements in water
quality and other aquatic habitat values. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay produces
several publications, including "Citizen Monitoring Manual," which contains procedures
for a number of water quality tests, and "An Introduction to Water Quality Monitoring
Using Volunteers: A Handbook for Coordinators."
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10 MARYLAND
Eastern Shore Student Water Monitoring Program George M. Radcliffe
c/o George M. Radcliffe (301) 228-2111 (work)
Mace's Lane Middle School (301) 228-3586 (home)
Cambridge, MD 21613
Students in 7 counties in Maryland monitor rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed for
dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH (all by LaMotte kit); phosphates, nitrates, and chlorine
(Hach spectrophotometer); turbidity; air and water temperature; plankton counts; and algae
levels. AH analyses are performed by the students. Students first enter the program in the
6th grade and are trained for one year by the older students. By mid-7th grade, students are
able to complete the monitoring tasks without supervision. The program publishes a
quarterly newsletter, "River Watch." Data collected by the students are used in classrooms
for educational purposes, and to determine water quality and assess trends. Funding for the
program ($25,000) comes from the Chesapeake Bay Trust.
Marsh Monitoring Program Christopher Swarth
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary (301) 741-9330
Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Facility
1361 Wrighton Road
Lothian, MD 20711
The Marsh Monitoring Program studies all the habitats in the 350-acre Jug Bay Wetlands
Sanctuary, including streams, estuaries, wetlands, and upland forest. The program has 6
staff members and approximately 140 volunteers. The staff has developed procedure
manuals for each project. Volunteer training, including quality control training, is empha-
sized. Support provided to volunteers includes a newsletter, a lab on the premises, person-
alized name tags, and social gatherings.
Water quality monitoring is performed weekly and includes dissolved oxygen (LaMotte
Winkler kit and YSI meter), pH (Corning meter and LaMotte kit), clarity (Secchi disk), total
suspended solids, chlorophyll, nitrate, and phosphate. Some analyses are performed at the
state lab. The program also monitors the population size, distribution, and habitat prefer-
ence of fish, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Weather is also monitored. Funding
for the program totals about $100,000, about 25% from private sources and 75% from public
sources (county). The data are shared with state government, and three of the nine current
studies are linked with larger state-run or regionwide studies.
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MARYLAND 11
Maryland Save Our Streams Deborah Ward
258 Scotts Manor Drive Barbara Taylor
Glen Burnie, MD 21061 301-969-0084
(toll-free) 800-448-5826
This program, started in 1970, monitors streams, estuaries, and wetlands. Eleven staff mem-
bers and approximately 1,000 volunteers are involved in the program's numerous projects,
which include: (1) Biological water quality monitoring by surveying number and type of
macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects); (2) Erosion control monitoring on construction sites;
(3) Surveying watersheds for potential pollution sources, such as construction sites, automo-
bile graveyards, landfills, and sewage treatment plants; (4) Surveying streams for potential
water quality problems, such as broken sewer lines, bare banks, and instream construction
activities; and (5) Training people how to organize successful stream cleanups. Some
projects are done under state contracts. Funding comes from grants, in-kind contributions,
and fees paid by volunteers. The program's data have been used for trends assessment,
discharger compliance, determination of water quality, court cases, and new legislation.
Maryland Save Our Streams was also able to successfully pressure the county government
to increase its staff size. The program produces numerous booklets and brochures on topics
ranging from stream monitoring to lobbying techniques, and also a quarterly newsletter,
"Flowing Free." They also have numerous slide show presentations that are available to be
loaned out. In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Save Our Streams has launched a new
program, "Adopt-A-Stream," in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources.
Their goal is to have 5,000 stream miles adopted by Earth Day 1990 (April 22).
Sassafras River Community Council Floyd E. Spellman
P.O. Box 55 (301)275-8558
Georgetown, MD 21930
This newly formed monitoring program is particularly concerned with monitoring the
effects of marina construction on water quality in the Sassafras River. To date there are 5
volunteer monitors who collect samples weekly. Samples are sent to Essex Community
College Water Quality Assessment Lab to be analyzed for pH, nitrogen (ammonia and
nitrate/nitrite), turbidity, phosphates, and total and suspended solids. The program is
funded by a grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust ($l,300/year).
Upper Chesapeake Bay Volunteer Monitoring Program Diane Auer Jones
Essex Community College (301) 522-1316
7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237
This program started in 1989. Citizen volunteers monitor temperature, Secchi disk depth,
salinity, color (LaMotte field kit), pH (Chemetrics field kit), and dissolved oxygen (Chcm-
etrics Indigo Carmine field kit) at 50 stations along the Upper Chesapeake Bay and its tribu-
taries. In addition to these weekly field measurements, volunteers collect samples once a
month which are analyzed by scientists at the Water Quality Assessment Center at Essex
Community College for heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury, arsenic, and
copper; analyzed by Perkin-Elmer Atomic/Emission Spectrometer), nutrients (nitrite/
nitrate; analyzed by autoanalyzer), total and fecal coliforms, volatile organics, herbicides,
and pesticides. The program has 6 staff members, 50 volunteers who are involved in
monitoring, and about 50 additional volunteers who work on educational projects, stream
restoration, and other special projects. Data are used to monitor point and nonpoint source
pollutants, seasonal changes, and long-term trends in water quality. The data will also be
used by the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Resource
Management for resource management decisions. Funding for the program comes from the
Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection
and Resource Management.
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12 MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS Acid Rain Monitoring Project Paul Godfrey
Water Resource Research Center (413) 545-2842
Blaisdell House
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
This program has included up to 1,000 volunteers and 3,500 stations over its 6-year life
span. At present, 300 volunteers test surface waters quarterly for pH, alkalinity, major
cations and anions, nitrate-nitrogen, and metals. Private laboratories donate the analysis for
free and are carefully checked for quality control. The results of the tests have been instru-
mental in state policy-making for state emission reduction. Data have also been used for
court cases, trends assessment, and resource management. Funding for the program
($200,000/year) is provided by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Adopt-A-Stream Maria Van Dusen
Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and (617) 727-6278
Environmental Law Enforcement
100 Cambridge Street, Room 1901
Boston, MA 02202
The goals of the Adopt-A-Stream program, which began in 1987, are to protect water
quality and river corridor lands through local actions. Forty-six groups have adopted
streams and 33 more work on local education and river protection initiatives. In 1989 the
program supported pilot citizen stream monitoring on three rivers: the Hoosic, the Ipswich,
and the Williams. In 1990,15 of the program's stream-adoption groups will be involved in
monitoring. Parameters monitored include temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductiv-
ity, nitrogen, phosphorus, instream flow, turbidity, macroinvertebrates, and coliform
bacteria. The program also supports projects on watershed education, land conservation,
and participation in local government for stream protection. The Massachusetts Department
of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Environmental Law Enforcement provides technical assistance to
the volunteer groups. Individual groups raise their own money from private donations,
usually from nonprofit sports and environmental groups.
Citizens Monitoring of Water Quality in Coastal Ponds Alan W. White
WHOI Sea Grant Program Brian L. Howes
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (508) 548-1400
Woods Hole, MA 02543
WHOI Sea Grant and the town of Falmouth jointly fund this program to monitor the
brackish coastal ponds in Falmouth for various physical and biological parameters. Thirty-
three locations are sampled monthly for color, depth, turbidity, temperature, salinity,
dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids. Shellfish growth
potential is also studied. The program has 3 part-time staff members, 30 volunteer monitors,
and 30 other volunteers. The purposes of the program are to document the present water-
quality status of the coastal ponds and to provide baseline data to assess the effects of future
actions for municipal planning.
Hoosic River Watershed Association Jerry Schoen
P.O. Box 268 (413)458-4094
North Adams, MA 01247
The monitoring program started in early 1989 and involves about 40 volunteers, including a
core of about 25 who collect water samples quarterly. Parameters monitored include pH,
dissolved oxygen, specific conductivity, turbidity, temperature, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate,
chloride, aquatic invertebrates, and total and fecal coliforms. Data are used for assessing
trends, determining water quality, and establishing baselines.
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MICHIGAN 13
North Shore Harbor Monitoring Program Peg Brady
Massachusetts Audubon: North Shore (508) 283-0598
159 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Beginning in the summer of 1990, the North Shore Harbor Monitoring Program plans to
monitor wildlife in the buffer zones between areas of wetland development and critical
resource areas. Approximately 25 volunteers will count birds and small mammals in the
buffer zones and monitor their behavior. The data will be used for research and for new
land-development regulations. The program also sponsors an annual beach cleanup and
litter survey, using data cards from the Center for Marine Conservation's National Marine
Debris Data Base.
MICHIGAN The Burt Lake Watershed Water Quality Monitoring Program Mark Fitzpatrick
SEE - North (616) 539-8406
University of Michigan Biological Station
Pellston, MI 49769
This program, started in 1987, involves about 80 students from three area high schools and
one middle school. Students monitor rivers in the Burt Lake watershed 3 times per year for
temperature, turbidity (Secchi disk), fecal coliforms (Millipore), total dissolved solids
(meter), dissolved oxygen, BOD, pH, nitrates, and phosphates (Hach kits are used for the
last 5 parameters). The monitoring program's purpose is primarily educational. Students
compare the quality of the different rivers that run into Burt Lake and look for trends.
Funding for the program is through the Northeast Michigan Council of Government.
Friends of the Rouge Mark Mitchell
12763 Stark Road, Suite 103 (313) 427-1234
Lavonia, MI 48150
Friends of the Rouge is a nonprofit citizens' organization, started in 1986, whose purpose is
to increase awareness about the Rouge River. Friends of the Rouge sponsors two projects:
(1) "Rouge Rescue." Citizens remove debris, including cans, shopping carts, and cars, from
the river. (2) 'The Interactive Rouge River Water Quality Project." Students at 40 high
schools and middle schools in the Detroit area monitor the following water quality parame-
ters: dissolved oxygen (Hach field kit), nitrogen/phosphorus (Hach kit), 5-day BOD, fecal
coliforms (Millipore membrane filtration), pH (Hach kit), temperature, turbidity (turbido-
meter), and total suspended solids. Sampling is done once in the spring and once in the fall.
Funding for the program is approximately $57,000,60% from private sources and 40% from
public sources. Data are given to the state but the state does not use the data. Data are used
for watchdogging and trends assessment. Friends of the Rouge has also created the C.R.A.P.
(Community River Action Plan) game, a role-playing game that focuses on water pollution
issues and is used in social studies classes.
Self-Help Water Quality Monitoring Program Maureen Hein
Department of Natural Resources (517) 373-8000
Land and Water Management Division
P.O. Box 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
This program, started in 1974, was one of the first volunteer monitoring programs. It has
grown from sampling 46 lakes the first year to sampling 165 lakes annually. Each lake is
monitored for water clarity (Secchi depth) by one volunteer. The program has one staff
member. Funding is from public sources (state and federal). The state uses the data for
trends assessment and nonpoint source assessments.
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14 MICHIGAN
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Rob McLennan
Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program (616) 347-1181
P.O. Box 300
Conway, MI 49722
The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council initiated the Volunteer Lakes Monitoring Program in
1984. Volunteers complete a training course prior to the start of the field season, which runs
from June 1 through August 31. Currently, about 20 volunteers are involved in monitoring
at 17 locations on 12 lakes in the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. Volunteers
measure average Secchi disk depth weekly and collect samples for chlorophyll every 2
weeks.«Chlorophyll samples are collected using a field extraction kit; the filters are frozen
and all are analyzed by a volunteer at the end of the sampling season. The Watershed
Council and the Department of Natural Resources use the data to determine existing water
quality and year-to-year variability. The monitoring program is funded through member-
ship donation from lake associations and shoreline homeowners, and through various
grants from private foundations.
MINNESOTA Adopt A River/Creek Boyd Fuller
Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District (507)835-1000
212 - 15th Avenue N.E., Box 5
Waseca, MN 56093
The Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District is developing the Adopt-A-River/Creek
program to educate high school and middle school students about conservation issues. Stu-
dents will adopt a stretch of river, clean it up, check the water quality, and look for pollu-
tion sources.
Citizen Lake-Monitoring Program Judy A. Bostrom
Division of Water Quality—Program Development Section (612) 297-3363
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency toll-free; MN only:
520 Lafayette Road North (800) 657-3257
St. Paul, MN 55155
The program was started in 1973 at the University of Minnesota's Limnological Research
Center. In 1978 the administration of the program was transferred to the MPCA. The pro-
gram has grown from the initial 74 lakes to 480 lakes monitored by 423 volunteers in 1989.
These volunteers perform lake water clarity measurements using Secchi disks, assess the
lakes' physical condition and recreational suitability based on the amount of algae present,
and record the number of adult and/or juvenile loons seen. The data are used by the
lakeshore owners and visitors, MPCA staff (who do the trend analyses and water quality
assessments for state 305(b) reports), and other governmental and academic organizations.
The main purpose of the data collections is to locate "problem" lakes in the state or to detect
the first signs of problems in a lake. From long-term monitoring efforts comes the capability
of performing trend analyses. The sole source of funding for the program ($47,000 annually)
is the 106 section of the Clean Water Act. Volunteers pay a one-time $10 fee, which includes
the cost of the Secchi disk and all publications.
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MISSISSIPPI 15
Minnesota Clean Rivers Project Dorothy Waltz
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (612) 296-4822
500 Lafayette Road—Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155
This program was founded in 1988. In 1989,120 volunteer groups organized river cleanups
and 40 groups made the commitment to "adopt" a stretch of shoreline along a river, stream,
or lake. Adopting groups agree to clean up their adopted shoreline twice a year, and they
are also encouraged to do other projects (i.e., planting vegetation or constructing hiking
trails) along the shoreline. The state pays the salaries of the program's 2 staff members, and
private sponsors provide materials such as degradable garbage bags. Data collected by this
program were used to help pass a bill making illegal dumping in a flood plain a misde-
meanor. The program is starting a newsletter and has published a how-to kit on organizing
a cleanup activity.
Wetlands Watch Tom McGuigan
National Audubon Society (612) 379-3868
Minnesota State Office
1313 Fifth Street S.E., Suite 321
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Volunteer Wetlands Watchers request the Army Corps of Engineers to notify them of re-
quests filed under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for permits to fill in wetlands. Wet-
lands Watchers then inspect the wetland, and if they determine that the wetland is valuable
and should be saved they write^to the Corps to explain why a permit should not be granted
or how the project can be changed to protect the wetland. The goals of Wetlands Watch
include increasing public awareness of wetlands and their importance, preserving wetlands,
and improving legal protection for wetlands. Wetlands Watch plans to expand to include a
monitoring program, possibly in the next year or two.
MISSISSIPPI Mississippi Marine Trash Task Force Dianne Hunt
Mississippi Bureau of Marine Resources (601) 385-5883
2620 Beach Boulevard
Biloxi, MS 39531-4501
Mississippi Marine Trash Task Force sponsors a number of activities. They participate in the
Take Pride Gulf-Wide annual beach cleanup in the fall and also coordinate a statewide
cleanup in the spring. Information gathered in the beach cleanups was instrumental in
getting the Mississippi legislature to pass the first state marine litter legislation in the coun-
try. An Adopt-A-Bcach program was begun in fall 1989, in which community groups adopt
1-mile sections of beach on Mississippi's barrier islands and agree to clean their section 3
times per year. The Adopt-A-Beach program emphasizes recycling. In addition, a pilot
program for a citizens' marine debris survey is planned. This survey will be more scientific
and yield more quantitative data than the present beach cleanups. At regular time intervals,
citizens will analyze every piece of debris on a specifically defined area of shoreline. Missis-
sippi Marine Trash Task Force also runs an ongoing educational outreach program, using
citizens.
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16 MISSISSIPPI
Take Pride Gulf-Wide Villere Reggio
EPA Gulf of Mexico Program Office (504) 736-2780
Building 1103
John C. Stennis Space Center
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000
Take Pride Gulf-Wide, begun in 1987, is an annual debris cleanup and survey of ocean and
Gulf beaches in five Gulf states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Last
year, 21,000 volunteers participated. Debris is classified according to the categories devel-
oped by the Center for Marine Conservation's National Marine Debris Data Base (see na-
tional listing). The program receives some public funding from EPA and other sources, and
some private donations (for example, various oil companies donate bags, equipment, or
money). The data are used by the states for nonpoint source assessments of solid waste and
to assess beach debris loading. In addition, the data are now being used to support a pro-
posal to designate the Gulf of Mexico a "special area" where ocean dumping of all solid
waste will be banned.
MISSOURI
Joseph P. Bachant
(314) 751-4115
Missouri STREAM TEAM
Missouri Conservation Federation STREAM TEAM Program
c/o Stream Volunteer Coordinator
Missouri Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
Missouri STREAM TEAM is a joint venture between the Conservation Federation of Mis-
souri, a National Wildlife Federation affiliate, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The program was inaugurated by a Governor's Proclamation in February 1989. Currently
there are 97 groups organized statewide for a wide array of rivers. The program stresses
education, advocacy, and stewardship. Groups adopting river reaches perform an environ-
mental inventory to determine problems. Since the program is new, sampling so far is mainly
observational, for color, odor, and clarity. The program plans to expand to sampling more
parameters in the near future. Once goals are established to confront selected problems, the
Department provides technical assistance; the Federation, ombudsmanship. Funding for the
program comes primarily from the state. Data are given to the state and EPA and are used for
resource management decisions and advocacy with decision makers. The Department views
this program as an important element for their "Streams for the Future" campaign.
MONTANA
Bear Creek Council
Box 448
Gardiner, MT 59030
Louise Bruce
(406) 683-6437
This program began monitoring Bear Creek and Yellowstone River in 1989 to determine the
effects of mining, municipal wastewater discharge, and rural development. Currently 5
volunteers monitor the following: temperature, pH (field meter), conductivity (field meter),
nutrients, metals, sulfate, alkalinity, flow, substrate composition, and macroinvertebrates.
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MONTANA 17
Cabinet Resource Group Jill Davies
14 Old Bull River Road (406) 847-2228
Noxon, MT 59853
In 1989, the Cabinet Resource Group started a program to monitor Stanley Creek and Lake
Creek for evidence of the effects of copper and silver mining in the Cabinet Mountains, ns
well as the effects of logging, on water quality in the creeks. Currently, 3 volunteers collect
water samples which are analyzed for nutrients and metals (to monitor mining activities)
and for total suspended solids (to monitor logging activities). Analyses are performed at the
state lab. One volunteer also does stream walks to evaluate the potential impacts of Forest
Service timber sale plans.
Clark Fork Coalition Peter Nielsen
P.O. Box 7593 (406) 542-0539
Mi ssoula, MT 59807
The Clark Fork Coalition, formed in 1984, is an alliance of individuals and organizations
whose purpose is to protect and improve the quality of aquatic resources in the Clark Fork
River/Lake Pend Oreille Basin in western Montana and northern Idaho. The current volun-
teer monitoring project involves 25-30 volunteers who take transparency readings 2-4
times a month at 14 locations around the lake from May through October. Data are given to
the state and used in conjunction with a basinwide study authorized by the federal Clean
Water Act and for trends analysis and developing a watershed management plan. A new
Milfoil Watchers Program will begin in spring 1990, in which volunteers will monitor the
Pend Oreille River and lake bays for early signs of Eurasian milfoil infestation. Volunteer
scuba divers will eradicate the milfoil where it becomes established.
Lindbergh Lake Preservation Foundation Mikal Kellner
HCR31 - Box 1120 (406) 443-4245
Condon, MT 59826
The Lindbergh Lake Preservation Foundation began a citizen monitoring program on Lind-
bergh Lake (a pristine lake) and its tributaries in the summer of 1989. The purpose of the
monitoring is to determine whether logging is polluting the watershed and the lake. Four
citizen volunteers monitor for the following parameters: temperature, turbidity (field
meter), water clarity (Secchi disk), dissolved oxygen, nutrients (analyzed at state lab),
phytoplankton, and zooplankton. In the future the group will expand to monitoring other
lakes in the Swan Valley basin. The Foundation gives the data to the Water Quality Bureau
in the hope that they will bring suit to stop logging that is causing water pollution. Funding
for the program comes from private contributions.
Watershed Education and Field Study Program Joan Schumaker
Conservation District Bureau (406) 444-6667
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
1520 East Sixth Avenue
Helena, MT 59620
This program for stream monitoring using high school students will begin in spring 1990 as
a pilot project involving 6 high schools monitoring the Clark Fork River. A 3-week curricu-
lum on watershed management—including water quality sampling, macroinvertcbrate
survey, and physical survey of the watershed—is being developed. After the sampling
portion of the curriculum is completed, students in the program will participate in a Water
Congress where they will share information, discuss management issues, and come up with
policy recommendations which they will share with local decision makers. In spring 1991
the program will be expanded to other watersheds in Montana. The program is federally
funded through EPA's Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control Program.
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18 NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW HAMPSHIRE Great Bay Watch Sharon Meeker
Sea Grant Extension Marine Decent Program Ann Reid
Kingman Farm (603) 749-1565
Un i versi ty of Ne w Hampshire (603) 659-5441
Durham, NH 03824
The University of New Hampshire Sea Grant Extension has a small grant from NOAA to
start a pilot citizen monitoring program on Great Bay. To date there are 12 volunteers
gearing up to sample at 5 or 6 locations. They will start by monitoring dissolved oxygen
(Winkler method), pH (Corning pH sampler), salinity (hydrometer), temperature, and
turbidity (Secchi disk), and possibly add more tests later. There will be two 3-hour initial
training sessions and monthly meetings. Quality control procedures will include replicate
sampling and checking results using more sophisticated equipment. A newsletter is
planned. The program's goal is to increase the spatial array for the University of New
Hampshire's Jackson Estuarine Laboratory's existing monitoring program.
New Hampshire Lakes Lay Monitoring Program Jeff Schloss
University of New Hampshire (603) 862-3848
Petee Hall
Cooperative Extension
Durham, NH 03824
The Lakes Lay Monitoring Program has been operating for 11 years monitoring water
quality in lakes and streams. Parameters monitored include temperature, transparency
(Secchi), pH (surface and integrated; by calibrated meter), rainfall amount and pH, lake
level, chlorophyll (APHA monochromatic), phosphorus, alkalinity (titration), fecal coli-
forms, conductivity (electronic meter), stream macroinvertebrates, and fish condition (age,
weight, length, and scale analysis). Volunteers also conduct surveys of aquatic vegetation.
The statewide effort samples 275 sites in 75 lakes with over 500 volunteers participating. A
volunteer training program, which includes quality control training, is provided. The
volunteers' data are useful to planning commissions, lake associations, the Fish and Wildlife
Department, the state government (for water quality reports and Clean Lakes Program) and
other planning, monitoring, and conservation agencies. Two bills in the New Hampshire
House (one requiring septic tank inspections for lake homes and one limiting water skiing
on lakes) utilized the information gathered by the volunteers. Funding sources include lake
associations, individuals, towns, and conservation and planning commissions.
New Hampshire Volunteer Lake Assessment Program Jody Connor
Department of Environmental Services (603) 271-3503
6 Hazen Drive Natalie Nigro
Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-3414
The Department of Environmental Services started the citizen monitoring program in 1985
to supplement the state's sampling program. The state is able to sample only 50 of New
Hampshire's 800 lakes and ponds per summer and therefore cannot establish annual trends
for individual lakes. The lay monitoring program provides the data to establish annual
trends and also gives information about particular water quality problems. Lakes that show
a trend of decreasing water quality can qualify for federal Clean Lakes Program funds. The
citizen monitoring program started as a pilot project on just one lake in 1985, and has now
grown to include approximately 100 lakes, monitored by about 250 volunteers. Volunteer
monitors measure Secchi depth, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (using a DO/tempera-
ture meter), and collect samples which are sent to the state lab to be analyzed for pH,
alkalinity, total phosphorus, color, conductivity, chlorophyll, and plankton. Funding comes
from the individual lake associations and from the state.
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NEW JERSEY 19
Weed Watchers Ken Warren
Department of Environmental Services (603) 271-3503
6 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
Citizen volunteer Weed Watchers use canoes or boats to survey lakes and streams for the
aquatic exotic weeds milfoil and fanwort. Volunteers use photographs, provided by DES, to
identify the weeds, and they notify DES of any sightings. The state-funded program, which
has been in effect since 1988 and currently involves 85 citizen volunteers, enables DES to
eradicate the weeds when they first appear and before they become a serious problem.
NEW JERSEY American Littoral Society D.W.Bennett
Divers' Environmental Log Program (201) 291 -0055
Highlands, NJ 07732
Volunteer divers (individuals and diving clubs) in the waters of the New York Bight make ob-
servations and collect data on water color and temperature; visibility; currents; bottom type;
dissolved oxygen (Hach kit); and types, numbers, and sizes of various marine organisms. Usu-
ally 30 to 50 divers per year participate in the program, which started in 1977. The data are
published annually and are used to establish long-term trends. Hotline numbers are provided
for reporting of low dissolved oxygen or unusual fish behavior. When a condition of low
dissolved oxygen is found, it is reported to EPA and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
American Littoral Society Pam Carlson
Fish Tagging Program (201) 291-0055
Highlands, NJ 07732
This is the nation's largest voluntary fish tagging program. Currently about 700 individual
sportfishermen and 75 fishing clubs are actively involved in measuring, tagging, and releasing
many species of inshore marine game fish. Since 1965,111,000 fish have been tagged. Tagging
kits (tags, cards, needle, and instructions) are sold to volunteers for $4. The program is self-
sustaining and is supported by membership dues and purchases of tagging kits. All tagging
data are published in the ALS quarterly magazine, Underwater Naturalist. Data have been used
by scientists for research and were used in developing a striped bass management plan in
1983. Regional offices for the Fish Tagging Program are located in New York, Massachusetts,
Delaware, and Florida; call New Jersey office for addresses and phone numbers.
Clean Ocean Action Cindy Zipf
P.O. Box 505 (201)872-0111
Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ 07732
Clean Ocean Action, a coalition of 115 member organizations that was founded in 1984, spon-
sors a number of activities to combat pollution. One of these is the Trash Attack, designed to
clean up beach litter along the New Jersey shoreline. Over 300 volunteers help in collecting
and inventorying plastics, glass, and aluminum found in beach litter. Trash Attack data are
sent to the Center for Marine Conservation in Washington, DC, and have also been used by
state and local governments. In one instance. Trash Attack results were reported in the Con-
gressional Record, under the Plastic Pollution Control Act of 1987, supporting action to con-
trol the amount of plastics found on beaches. About 20 volunteers monitor floating garbage
and siltation from construction and development sites for the purpose of enforcing and
strengthening development regulations. Clean Ocean Action also sponsors a number of
educational projects aimed at specific target groups (e.g., fishermen, boaters, consumers, and
educators), and publishes the "Annual Guide," a citizen's handbook on pollution issues.
Funding for the program comes from private sources.
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20 NEW JERSEY
Finn-Tech Industries, Inc. James J. Finn
7 Bay Avenue (609) 465-6552
Dias Creek
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
The horseshoe crab tagging study was started in 1987. Since that time approximately 10,000
horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) have been tagged by many interested volunteer groups
from New Hampshire to Virginia. The information obtained from the tagging program is
used to map seasonal movements of the horseshoe crabs and to estimate the size of the adult
population.
New Jersey Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service John Tiedemann
Ocean County Extension Center (201) 349-1210
1623 Whitesville Road
Tom's River, NJ 08755
The volunteers in this program include citizens and members of fishing clubs, angler asso-
ciations, and charter boat associations. The program focuses mainly on trends assessment
and examining how land use practices along inland bays are affecting fish health and
habitat. Volunteers collect data on coastal water quality twice a month from April through
October, and once a month (conditions permitting) from November through March. Parame-
ters monitored include turbidity (Secchi disk), temperature, salinity (refractometer), and
dissolved oxygen (LaMotte kit and YSI meter). If the Secchi reading is below a certain level; a
water sample is sent to a lab for phytoplankton analysis (species identification and count).
The program hopes to expand to include monitoring of other indicators of habitat quality
and resource health, such as eelgrass abundance, fish and shellfish disease incidence, and
algal indices. Funding is provided by Sea Grant and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Data
are used by local, municipal, and state agencies for nonpoint source assessments, trends
assessments, and resource management decisions. Lectures are offered to participants as a
means of educating the public.
Water Watch Kyra Hoffmann
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (609) 633-7021
Division of Water Resources
Office of Public Participation
CN-029
Trenton, NJ 08625
In two years the New Jersey Water Watch program has grown to include over 80 groups,
representing several thousand members, who adopt streams, lakes, and estuaries. Activities
vary from group to group but frequently include visual and chemical monitoring, litter
cleanups, stream and lake improvement projects, and educational programs. A major
concern of the program is increasing public awareness of nonpoint source pollution.
NEW YORK Adopt-A-Stream Eileen Malloy-Desormeaux
Delta Laboratories, Inc. (716) 426-0773
34 Elton Street
Rochester, NY 14607
(Please see national listing for program description.)
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NEW YORK 21
Cornell University Cooperative Extension Bill Fink
4-H Youth Development Program (718) 230-3221
1360 Fulton Street
Room 515
Brooklyn, NY 11216
4-H clubs in New York City have cleaned local beaches and piers and planted beach grass
on barren dunes. A group of older 4-H youth have formed a club called "Waterproof" and
are involved in alerting citizens to issues that relate to water. They will also be trained to
test water quality in and around New York City. A corps of 30 volunteer Master Anglers
provide expertise and guidance to the 4-H youth.
Environmental Management Council Charles Wilson
County Office Building (607) 756-8814
60 Central Avenue
Cortland, NY 13045
The Environmental Council sponsors a program in which 5 volunteer monitors collect fish
samples from the Tioughnioga River. The samples are sent to a lab to be analyzed for
hydrocarbon contaminants. The information is given to the Department of Environmental
Conservation in the hopes that it can be used in litigation against the polluters of the river.
Fort Hamilton High School Water Watch Team Thomas Greene
8301 Shore Road (718) 836-8039
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Twice a week, students from Fort Hamilton High School's Water Watch Team monitor the
health of the Narrows, a body of water that is part of Lower New York Bay. Turbidity
(Secchi disk) and air and water temperature are measured. Top and bottom water samples
are collected and brought back to the school's marine lab to be analyzed for dissolved
oxygen and coliform bacteria. Data are published in the "Water Watch Report," produced
by the students, and are used for trends assessment, discharger compliance, and determina-
tion of water quality. Annual funding for the program is $250.
Great Lakes United Philip E. Weller
SUNY College at Buffalo (716)886-0142
Cassety Hall
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Great Lakes United is a coalition of groups bonded together to protect the Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence River ecosystem. Under GLU's umbrella are more than 180 member organiza-
tions with a collective membership exceeding half a million. GLU provides the organiza-
tional base for groups and individuals to become involved in a cooperative manner, to learn
from each other's experience, and to understand the interrelationship of specific environ-
mental hazards to the ecosystem as a whole. A number of GLU member groups are in-
volved in environmental data-collection projects, including sampling fish and turtles for
PCB analysis, monitoring waterfowl concentrations, inventorying natural areas, and check-
ing seabird colonies for breeding success and level of deformities.
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22 NEW YORK
Hudson River National Estuary Research Reserve Betsy Blair
c/o Bard College Field Station (914) 758-5193
Annandale, NY 12504
This program is planning to establish a volunteer monitoring effort to sample tidal wetlands
and tributaries along the Hudson River. Biological, physical, and chemical parameters will
be measured for developing long-term trends and baseline studies. Education and special
issue awareness will also be stressed. Funding will come from federal, state, and private
contributions.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Bridget Barclay
112 Market Street (914) 454-7673
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Clearwater is a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy organization focusing on
the Hudson River and related waterways. Many of Clearwater's members participate in
local chapters called "sloop clubs." Some sloop clubs conduct water quality monitoring
programs, measuring such parameters as salinity, pollutant levels, and BOD.
Lake George Lay Monitoring Program Mary-Arthur Beebe
Lake George Association (518) 792-6112
P.O. Box 408
Lake George, NY 12845
The Lake George Lay Monitoring Program, started in 1979, uses volunteers to measure
water temperature and transparency (Secchi depth) and collect samples for chlorophyll
analysis. Both near-shore and mid-lake sites are sampled. The program works with the
Rennselaer Fresh Water Institute, which is responsible for determining sample location,
training volunteers, and performing analyses. Funding comes from an endowment from the
Lake George Association Fund. The monitoring results are used by local and county plan-
ning boards. The program's goal is the collection of a large body of data on Lake George,
using as a resource residents of the lake basin.
New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program Scott Kishbaugh
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (518) 457-7470
Division of Water—Lake Services Section
50 Wolf Road, Room 301
Albany, NY 12233-3502
The New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (CSLAP) monitors New York
lakes for a variety of physical, biological, and chemical parameters. Samples for pH, con-
ductivity, nitrate, phosphorus, color, and chlorophyll are collected in Kemmerer bottles,
field-preserved and filtered, and sent to a lab to be analyzed. Volunteers measure rainfall,
lake levels, transparency (Secchi disk), dissolved oxygen (Nestor DO meter), and aquatic
vegetation in the field. Macrophytes are collected and sent to a lab for identification. The
program provides on-site training sessions, including QC training and duplicate water
sampling. CSLAP involves 425 citizen volunteers representing 61 lakes; all are members of
member associations in the New York Federation of Lake Associations, a nonprofit coalition
centered in Rochester. The program concentrates on baseline studies and long-term trends
analysis to build databases for management strategies. The results are communicated
through annual reports, newsletters, press releases, and group presentations. All the pro-
gram's funding is provided through the New York State budget. The state uses CSLAP's
data for nonpoint source assessments, water quality assessments for individual lakes, and
water quality reports to EPA.
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NORTH CAROLINA 23
Proj ect RiverWatch Barbara Dexter
Environmental Science Program (914) 251-6641
Division of Natural Science
State University of New York at Purchase
Purchase, NY 10577
RiverWatch participants are mainly college and high school students plus teachers, mem-
bers of conservation organizations, and community volunteers. Currently about 10 different
groups, representing 50 - 100 individual volunteers, are involved. Each group measures
chemical and physical parameters at a particular lake, stream, reservoir, or coastal habitat in
Wcstchester, Rockland, or Putnam county. All the groups measure temperature, salinity,
conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen, and most also measure nitrogen and phosphorus.
Results are compiled in an annual technical report that is made available to local conserva-
tion organizations, town boards, and county agencies. As well as providing an educational
opportunity for the participants, the program is designed to determine water quality and
provide long-term research studies. Recently the program's data were used to have certain
stream sections registered as being impacted by nonpoint source pollution, thereby making
them eligible for funding from the state Department of Environmental Conservation for
additional research. Funding for the program is mainly from private grants.
NORTH CAROLINA Albemarle Environmental Association Carolyn Hess
Box 5346 (919)426-9563
Hertford, NC 27944
The Albemarle Environmental Association was founded in 1988 to promote the conserva-
tion of northeast North Carolina's environment through education and research. Water
quality monitoring began in January 1989. With funding from the Albemarle-Pamlico
Estuarine Study, volunteers monitor 7 local rivers and canals weekly. Parameters measured
are rainfall, temperature, dissolved oxygen (LaMotte field kit), turbidity (Secchi disk), pH
(LaMotte field kit), salinity (hydrometer), and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus; meas-
ured by LaMotte field kit). Monitoring for fecal coliforms will be added soon. Data collected
are used for watchdogging and trends assessment. Educational programs on estuarine
management are presented to government officials, civic groups, and high school students.
The group also produces a quarterly newsletter and sponsors public meetings on current
environmental issues.
Citizen Monitoring Tom Perlic
Pamlico-Tar River Foundation (919) 946-9492
P.O. Box 1854
Washington, NC 27889
This program, funded by the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study, started in the spring of
1988. The program is modeled closely after the Chesapeake Bay Citizens Monitoring Pro-
gram. Data are collected for air and water temperature, turbidity, salinity (hydrometer),
dissolved oxygen (LaMotte kit), pH (LaMotte color comparator), nutrients (nitrate and
phosphate; LaMotte kits), and fecal coliforms. As of October 1989, over 60 sites have been
monitored, from the Back Bay region of Virginia to the Core Sound area near Morehead
City and Beaufort, North Carolina. At least 125 volunteers are involved. Data will be
incorporated into the appropriate agencies' baseline data banks and used to track long-term
trends in the estuarine environment.
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24 NORTH CAROLINA
Currituck Sound/Back Bay Monitoring Program Yates Barber
901 W. Church Street (919) 338-3557
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
This program, founded in January 1989, conducts weekly sampling at 13 stations in Curri-
tuck Sound and Back Bay. Approximately 15 volunteers are involved. They measure
turbidity (Secchi), temperature, salinity (hydrometer), dissolved oxygen (fixed in field;
Winkler), pH (LaMotte kit), and nutrients (nitrate and phosphate; LaMotte kits). Funding is
provided by the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study and the Currituck Wildlife Guild. Data
collected by the volunteers are used for resource management, baseline studies, long-term
trend analysis, and education; and for evaluating the hydrodynamics of the bay area,
specifically in relation to the failure of the black bass population and submerged aquatic
vegetation.
The Neuse River Foundation, Inc. Calvin D. Yaggy
P.O. Box 5451 (919)638-6778
New Bern, NC 28561 Grace B. Evans
(919) 249-1748
Volunteer citizen monitors of the Neuse River Foundation are currently conducting weekly
water sampling at 12 locations on the lower Neuse River watershed, in estuaries, rivers, and
streams, in a program designed to provide essential information for the Albemarle-Pamlico
Estuarine Study. The monitoring is coordinated by Tom Perlic of the Pamlico-Tar River
Foundation and funded jointly by the EPA and the state of North Carolina. About 40
trained volunteers monitor dissolved oxygen (LaMotte kit), pH, nutrients (phosphates and
nitrates; kit), salinity (salinometer), turbidity (Secchi), temperature, water conditions,
rainfall, and wind. In addition, fecal coliforms are monitored at 3 sites. The data from the
monitoring program are used by the Albemarle-Pamlico Estuarine Study for research and
management purposes, and by state environmental offices.
North Carolina Stream Watch Jim Mead
Division of Water Resources (919) 733-4064
North Carolina Department of Natural Resources and
Community Development
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
This program, initiated in 1983, is becoming an established way for citizen groups to
become involved in water quality monitoring, cleanups, stream corridor planning, and
community education. Stream Watch is coordinated through a central office with contacts at
seven regional offices. Statewide gatherings and a quarterly newsletter help provide conti-
nuity and allow communication with the more than 100 groups. Some groups perform
chemical monitoring; others perform biological monitoring. Sampling is done at least once
per month. Parameters monitored vary from group to group and may include: macroin-
vertebrates (identification of particular species), dissolved oxygen, BOD, temperature, pH,
nitrogen and phosphorus (using kits), sediment (Imhoff cones), and fecal coliforms (field
kit). Data are used for trends assessment and to flag problems that need further investiga-
tion. The state uses the data for water quality reclassifications. Currently Stream Watch has
no grant funds to dispense to groups.
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NORTH CAROLINA 25
Swannanoa River Stream Watch Juliet Webster
701 Warren Wilson Road (704)298-3325 ex. 250
Swannanoa, NC 28778
Warren Wilson College's Swannanoa River Stream Watch was developed in the early 1980s
to monitor the streams and rivers around Swannanoa, North Carolina. Approximately 9
students are currently working on environmental education projects in local schools and
monitoring pH and dissolved oxygen in local rivers and streams. Funding is from state and
federal sources, and data are used for resource management and trends assessment.
Volunteers' Water Information Network Peter Gregutt
French Broad River Foundation (704) 252-1097
70 Wood fin Place, Suite 327
Asheville, NC 28801
The Volunteers' Water Information Network was started in the summer of 1989 as a pilot
program to involve area residents in collecting data to monitor the health of the county river
system and to help state and county agencies diagnose and prevent water quality problems.
Presently, 20 volunteers perform monitoring once per month. They measure settleable
solids using Imhoff cones and collect water samples to be sent to the University of North
Carolina Environmental Quality Institute laboratory (which has a contract with the French
Broad River Foundation) to be analyzed for ammonia, nitrate, phosphorus, total suspended
solids, conductivity, alkalinity, pH, and metals. The program hopes to add temperature and
dissolved oxygen measurements, and perhaps some biological testing, in the near future.
Data are used for trends assessment and determination of water quality, and to assist local
planning and hazardous waste offices.
Western North Carolina Alliance Mary Sauls Kelly
P.O. Box 18087 (704) 258-8737
Asheville, NC 28814
Year-round sampling is done at 40 stations throughout the Little Tennessee watershed.
Sampling is done weekly and also immediately following unusual rain events. Fifty volun-
teers collect water samples which are then analyzed by a local high school chemistry class
using LaMotte turbidity kits. An Index of Biological Integrity is done at each station to rate
the overall health of the stream based on numbers and diversity of fish and macroinverte-
brates present. Information is being collected to assess the water quality in each tributary
within the watershed in relation to land use practices and pollution along its length, and to
determine the contribution of the tributaries to the overall water quality of the river basin.
Materials and the part-time salary of a consultant are paid for by a grant from TVA and
support from the Western North Carolina Alliance.
White Oak River Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America Richard W. Armstrong
Star Route 44A (919)393-2645
Swansboro, NC 28584
The purpose of this organization is to protect the White Oak River of the North Carolina
coastal plain from pollution. At present a large portion of the river is undeveloped. The 8 to
10 volunteers are active canoeists and sportsmen who use the river and who are watching
for abuses along the river, such as illegal dredging, filling of wetlands, and timbering
practices that hinder navigation on the river. The group's primary focus is on watchdogging
to prevent wetlands abuse. The program's goal, besides routine surveillance, is to have the
river accepted in the Federal Wild and Scenic River Program and in the North Carolina
State Natural and Scenic River Program.
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26 OHIO
OHIO NEFCO Claude Custer
969 Copley Road (216)836-5731
Akron, OH 44320-2992
NEFCO (Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization)
started a monitoring program in 1988 and currently has 53 citizen volunteers monitoring 56
lakes in the four-county region. The volunteers measure temperature, transparency (Secchi
disk), and water depth and color, as well as noting wind direction and cloud cover. They
also perform recreational suitability evaluations. The information is used for education,
trends assessment, and dean Lakes Program studies. Funding for the program comes from
federal appropriations under the Clean Water Act, with matching funds from the county.
The federal Soil Conservation Service/Soil and Water Conservation District works with the
monitoring program in order to collect baseline data on lakes to judge the effect of soil
erosion control measures.
Ohio Scenic River Stream Quality Monitoring Program John Kopec
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (614) 265-6458
Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Building 1889, Fountain Square Court
Columbus, OH 43224
Volunteers monitor the stream quality in 10 state-designated scenic rivers 3 times a year by
identifying macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects). Assessment of stream health is based on
assigning point values to 20 taxa of macroinvertebrates depending on their tolerance to
levels of pollution. In 1988 alone, over 5,000 volunteers monitored 150 stations along Ohio
streams. Annual funding for the program totals $25,000 - $30,000 and includes money gener-
ated by the state income tax refund check-off program and from general revenue funds and
grants. The program started in 1983 and provides information for baseline studies and long-
term trends. Publications include a monitoring manual and an annual report. Expansion of
the program to other streams in the state has begun, through sub-administration by soil and
water conservation districts, universities, and other organizations.
Ohio Waterway Sweep Program Chet C. Chancy
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (614) 265-6407
Division of Litter Prevention and Recycling
1939 Fountain Square, Building E-l
Columbus, OH 43224
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Division of Litter Prevention and Recycling,
and the Division of Watercraft coordinate and conduct approximately 40 waterway litter
sweeps each year. Volunteer groups clean river banks and lake shores. The total tonnage
collected and the number of tires and other large items (e.g., refrigerators, stoves, and cars)
are published in an annual report and sent to county coordinators. The Ohio Waterway
Sweep Program was established in 1985 and has involved several governmental agencies
and conservation groups, and nearly 75,000 volunteers.
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PENNSYLVANIA 27
OREGON
Company's Coming Beach Cleanup Peter D. Bond
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (503) 378-5012
525 Trade Street SE
Salem, OR 97310
The Company's Coming ocean beach cleanup is hosted annually in the spring by Oregon
State Parks. The one-day event is coastwidc and is usually scheduled to coincide with the
spring school break and low tides. Corporate sponsors provide publicity, trash bags, and
volunteer incentives. Church groups, civic groups, and boy and girl scout clubs are asked to
sign up in advance for particular beaches. An Adopt-A-Beach program was started in 1987
and currently involves 25 groups. Groups clean up their adopted section of beach twice a
year and also report to the Parks Department on erosion or other conditions on the beach.
Get the Drift and Bag It Cliff Hamilton
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (503) 229-5409
P.O. Box 59
Portland, OR 97207
Every year since 1984, approximately 2,500 volunteers have cleaned Oregon's 325 miles of
coastal beaches. Stressing the importance of beach cleanups and the adverse effect on
wildlife keeps the volunteer response high. The program has provided information for
federal and state legislation related to plastic recycling and handling of solid waste at
fishing ports. Private sources have funded the beach cleanup effort.
PENNSYLVANIA
Alliance for Acid Rain Monitoring (ALLARM) Candie Wilderman
Environmental Studies Program (717) 245-1573
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA 17013
ALLARM's goals are to monitor the effects of acid rain by collecting baseline data on pH
and alkalinity in streams and lakes in Pennsylvania, and to educate the public through
lectures, workshops, conferences, and publications. The program, which started in January
1988, has 100 volunteer monitors who sample once a week for pH and alkalinity and over
200 other volunteers who collect samples on a less frequent basis. The volunteers use field
kits manufactured by Hawk Creek Laboratories. Data are used for trends assessment,
nonpoint source assessments, court cases, watchdogging, and new legislation. The program
has 5 staff members, produces a newsletter, and provides training for volunteers. All
funding comes from private sources, including grants, in-kind contributions, and member-
ship dues.
Chesapeake Bay Citizens Monitoring Program—Pennsylvania Gayla Campbell
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Kathleen Ellett
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 110 (301) 266-6873
Annapolis, MD 21403
Eight sites on the Conestoga River are monitored weekly for air and surface water tempera-
ture, water clarity (Sccchi disk), pH (LaMotte color comparator kit), dissolved oxygen
(LaMotte titration kit), and nitrate-nitrogen, as well as current weather conditions. Funding
for this program comes from a Public Participation grant from U.S. EPA and NOAA's
Coastal Zone Management Program grant to the Maryland Department of Natural Re-
sources. Data are included as part of the baywide computerized monitoring data bank. The
program has collected quality-assured data for long-term tracking of changes in water
quality since October of 1986.
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28 RHODE ISLAND
RHODE ISLAND
Salt Pond Watchers Virginia Lee
Coastal Resources Center (401) 792-6224
Graduate School of Oceanography
University of Rhode Island
Narragansett,.RI 02882
Since 1985,50 Salt Pond Watchers have monitored the effects of development on 7 estuarine
bays in Rhode Island. Volunteers test the waters biweekly for temperature, dissolved
oxygen (LaMotte kit), salinity (salinometer), and turbidity (Secchi disk), and collect water
samples for chlorophyll, nutrient, and fecal coliform testing at university, state, and federal
labs. Volunteers also check for eelgrass-wasting disease, conduct waterfowl counts, and
measure rainfall. Results are used by state and municipal government agencies for shellfish
closures, zoning changes, wastewater management policies, and state water quality reports
for EPA. The program's goals are to develop long-term trends for use in management deci-
sions and research and to foster a sense of stewardship for these resources. Volunteers assist
with coordination, data management, and editing a quarterly newsletter, "Salt Ponds."
Funding ($30,000) is from Rhode Island Sea Grant with in-kind contributions from URI, the
Rhode Island Department of Health, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
Watershed Watch Program Linda Taylor Green
Department of Natural Resources Science (401) 792-2495
210B Woodward Hall
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI02881-0804
This monitoring program, begun in May 1988, is an integral part of the Department of
Natural Resources Science Cooperative Extension program in soil and water resource man-
agement. There are monitoring stations on 22 ponds and lakes and 4 streams. Sixty volun-
teers measure biweekly parameters including Secchi depth (view tube), chlorophyll
(fluorometric method), dissolved oxygen (Hach or LaMotte kits calibrated against a YSI
meter), and temperature. In addition, total and dissolved phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, and
chloride (by rapid flow analyzer), calcium, magnesium, and sodium (by atomic absorption
spectroscopy), total suspended solids (gravimetric analysis), pH, and alkalinity are meas-
ured 3 times a season at 1 and 5 meter depths. All standard laboratory methods are done at
the University of Rhode Island. Support for the program comes from URI Cooperative
Extension and Water Resources Center, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Man-
agement, and individual watershed councils. The program is developing a 5-session short
course on water quality issues and concerns as well as a number of educational materials on
identification and mitigation of water quality problems. Training is also provided in con-
ducting shoreline surveys to document existing conditions and to identify sources of pollu-
tion. Results of monitoring and shoreline surveys are used by local watershed associations
and municipal conservation commissions to protect and manage surface water resources.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Harbor Watch Mel Goodwin
Charleston Harbor Estuary Committee (803) 727-2078
c/o South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium
287 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29401
The Harbor Watch program was founded in 1989 to improve the spatial and temporal cov-
erage of the state's ambient water quality monitoring program and to develop baseline data
on the estuary. Fifty volunteers were active in the first year of monitoring. Initial monitoring
parameters include dissolved oxygen (Winkler method or YSI meter), temperature, salinity
(hydrometer), and fecal coliforms. Some nutrients may be added in the future. Sponsors for
the program are: South Carolina Sea Grant, South Carolina Department of Health and Envi-
ronmental Control, Cooperative Extension Service, and local businesses.
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TENNESSEE 29
TENNESSEE Adopt-A-River Rob Skinner
Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association (615) 665-9292
P.O. Box 159041 Greg Denton
Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 741-6623
Adopt-A-River, a part of the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association, is a program of approxi-
mately 150 volunteers who regularly monitor the streams, lakes, rivers, and wetlands of
Tennessee. Their activities include cleaning up debris; sampling dissolved oxygen, tempera-
ture, and pH; and keeping a photographic record of each body of water. Informal coordina-
tion with other citizen monitoring programs is maintained.
TVA Citizen Water Quality Monitoring Program Jan Strunk
Tennessee Valley Authority (615) 751-8637
Water Quality Department
2S-270C Haney Building
311 Broad Street-
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801
The Tennessee Valley Authority started a pilot program in 1988 using 75 lakcshore residents
and sportspeople to monitor temperature (meter), dissolved oxygen (meter), and water
clarity (Secchi disk) and make observations on weather and wind conditions in reservoir
embayments. The program is expected to include about 10 reservoirs in 1990. Additional
reservoirs are added annually. A federal budget of approximately $50,000 has been estab-
lished for this program.
TVA Teacher/Student Water Quality Monitoring Network Jan Strunk
Tennessee Valley Authority (615) 751-8637
Water Quality Department Linda Fowler
2S-270C Haney Building (615) 632-1759
311 Broad Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402-2801
The Tennessee Valley Authority started this program in 1986 to develop basic water quality
data on small streams and lakes in the Tennessee Valley and to incorporate water quality
management concepts into the secondary school curriculum. Twenty-four active teacher
volunteers lead their classes in collecting data on dissolved oxygen, pH, iron, nitrogen,
phosphorus, manganese, chloride, and fluoride (using a modified LaMotte standard pollu-
tion kit) and keeping counts of benthic macroinvertebrates. The Network is funded through
federal appropriations to TVA's Water Resources and Ecological Monitoring Program. The
Water Quality Department directs the project, with assistance from TVA's Environmental
Education program. Administrative and logistical support is provided by the University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga under contract to TVA.
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30 TEXAS
TEXAS Clear Clean Colorado River Association Mark Wieland
Colorado River Watch Network (512) 462-1588
3116 S. Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
The Colorado River Watch Network, founded in November 1988, is an educational program
involving 10 high schools and junior high schools, 35 teachers, and approximately 250 stu-
dents. Students monitor nitrogen, phosphorus, and dissolved oxygen (using Hach kits); pH
(by pocket meter); fecal coliforms (by filtration and incubation); macroinvertebrates (identi-
fication of indicator organisms); total suspended solids (by oven evaporation and weigh-
ing); turbidity; temperature; BOD; and some heavy metals. The student monitoring has not
been done at regular locations or times and its purpose has been primarily educational.
However, adult citizen monitoring on a regular basis at 20 stations along the Colorado River
began in January 1990. Data are used for trends assessment, discharger compliance, and
water quality determination. The program has 2 staff members. Annual funding for the
program totals about $30,000 and comes from member donations and grants from private
agencies.
Environmental Education Program Joey Crumley
City of Austin (512)499-2658
Environmental and Conservation Services Department
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
Volunteers and student interns assist in data entry and analysis, field work, and clerical
duties in several programs, including water quality, ecology, air quality, energy conserva-
tion, recycling, and community beautification. Also, volunteers help with three annual
events: (1) Household Chemical Collection Day, (2) Volunteer Vehicle Emissions Testing,
and (3) Austin Clean Sweep. The department also operates an "Environmental Hot Line"
for citizen watchdogging. The department recently received a Clean Lakes Grant from EPA
for Town Lake, and volunteers will be used to assist in related water quality monitoring
activities.
Galveston Bay Foundation Linda Shead
3027 Marina Bay Drive, Suite 110 (713) 334-3665
League City, TX 77573
The Galveston Bay Foundation organized a volunteer Spill Watch Committee following the
national and local oil spills of spring and summer 1989. The committee consists of approxi-
mately a dozen residents along Galveston Bay who monitor the size and extent of oil spills
and the effectiveness of spill cleanups in their area. Data are passed on to the U.S. Coast
Guard and Texas Water Commission and will be used to improve structures for agency spill
response.
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TEXAS 31
Pecos River Watch Project Renee Carlson
Texas Water Commission (512) 463-8028
P.O. Box 13087 - Public Information
Austin, TX 78711
The Pecos River Watch was organized in 1989 by the state water pollution control agency, in
response to local citizens' concerns following annual fish kills in recent years on over 650
river kilometers. The fish kills were caused by the toxic alga Prymnesium parvum. Currently,
10 citizen volunteers are monitoring parameters that may control the growth of the alga and
its effects on the fish community in this remote river basin. These parameters are: flow (visual
estimate), temperature, pH (meter or paper), conductivity (Beckman conductivity meter),
dissolved oxygen (Winkler titration), chloride (Hach field kit or conductivity meter), color
(visual comparison to color cards), fish (visual observation), and plankton (microscopic
analysis of a grab sample). Quality control is maintained by intercalibration at annual train-
ing sessions and periodic coincidental sampling with the state monitoring program. The state
provides sample containers and some equipment, and some of the samples are sent to the
state lab for analysis. The state uses the volunteers' data for preparing water quality reports
to submit to EPA, and for water quality trends assessment and resource management deci-
sions.
Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program Angela Farias
General Land Office (512) 463-5108
1700 N. Congress, Room 735 toll-free; TX only:
Austin, TX 78711-1495 (800) 85-BEACH
The Texas General Land Office initiated the Adopt-A-Beach Program in 1986. The program
was established to raise awareness of the quantity and sources of trash on Texas beaches, to
build public support for regulatory measures to combat marine debris, and to change public
behavior. The program recruits volunteers to adopt one-mile stretches of beach. Each group
cleans up its section 3 times per year and collects data on the type of trash picked up. Cur-
rently, 180 groups, representing a total of 5,000 volunteers, have adopted all 172 miles of
accessible beach in Texas. Texas Adopt-A-Beach also sponsors statewide beach cleanups held
each spring and fall. The fall cleanup is part of the Take Pride Gulf-Wide initiative. Since
1987,39,000 volunteers have removed 1,200 tons of trash in statewide cleanups. Data col-
lected by cleanup volunteers were instrumental in the ratification of MARPOL Annex V,
which prohibits ocean dumping of plastics worldwide.
Texas Coastal Cleanup, "Be a Beach Buddy" Linda Maraniss
Gulf States Regional Office (512) 477-6424
Center for Marine Conservation
1201 West 24th Street
Austin, TX 78705
Since 1986, this Gulf Coast beach cleanup effort has been an annual event which in 1989 drew
over 8,500 volunteers. They covered over 164 miles of beaches collecting and inventorying
trash. In just 3 hours volunteers collected 158 tons of trash. The annual cleanups are co-
ordinated with the Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program and data are stored as part of the national
Center for Marine Conservation database. Reports from these efforts were used in U.S. Senate
Ratification of Annex V of the 1987 MARPOL Treaty. Environmental awareness is a key in
motivating volunteers to help with the trash pick-up. Funding from private, corporate, and
educational sources all support the efforts of this program.
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32 VERMONT
VERMONT Northeast Kingdom River Monitors Jim Kellogg
Agency of Environmental Conservation Laboratory (802) 828-3369
6 Baldwin Street
Montpelier,VT 05602
Sixty volunteers monitor acidification of many of Vermont's rivers. Volunteers choose the
river and location that they will monitor and take monthly measurements of temperature
and pH (meter). A database is being collected to establish rates of acidification and current
conditions of the rivers for trends assessment and resource management decisions affecting
the rivers.
The Milfoil Watchers Program Ann Bove
Department of Environmental Conservation (802) 244-5638
Water Quality Division
103 S. Main Street
Waterbury,VT 05676
The Milfoil Watchers Program is a statewide effort begun in 1987. Volunteers assist the De-
partment of Environmental Conservation in conducting annual searches for the nuisance
aquatic weed Eurasian milfoil. Over 100 trained watchers agree to monitor 45 lakes where
milfoil populations have not yet become established. Volunteers are trained by the DEC in
Eurasian milfoil identification and search methods. Early detection of Eurasian milfoil
infestations by volunteers means an easier, less expensive eradication effort by the state.
River Watch Network Jack Byrne
153 State Street (802) 223-3840
Montpelier,VT 05602
(Please see national listing for program description.)
Vermont Acid Precipitation Monitoring Program Jim Kellogg
Agency of Environmental Conservation Laboratory (802) 828-3369
6 Baldwin Street
Montpelier,VT 05602
This statewide, state-supported program started in 1980. Currently 12 volunteers are in-
volved. Using high-quality pH meters supplied by the program, volunteers test the pH of
precipitation (rain or snow). They also measure the amount of precipitation. The informa-
tion is used by the EPA, the state of Vermont, and weather bureaus. Often local radio
stations include precipitation pH data in weather reports. Program goals include determin-
ing acid precipitation trends over time and spatial trends throughout the state.
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VIRGINIA 33
Vermont Lay Monitoring Program Susan Warren
Department of Environmental Conservation (802) 244-5638
Water Quality Division
103 S. Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05676
Vermont's Lay Monitoring Program, begun in 1979, has collected water quality data on 60
lakes and 30 Lake Champlain stations. Since nutrient enrichment caused by human activi-
ties is the primary threat to Vermont's lake water quality, the program emphasizes measur-
ing water quality parameters that relate to increased nutrient enrichment. Baseline data are
collected for chlorophyll concentration (EPA fluorometric method), total phosphorus, and
Secchi disk transparency. The program has one half-time staff member, 2 summer assis-
tants, and about 70 volunteers. The funding for the program, approximately $26,000 yearly,
comes from the state Water Quality General Fund. The state uses the volunteer monitoring
data for resource management decisions (data were used as the basis for obtaining a federal
grant to conduct a watershed study on Lake Champlain) and for new legislation (data are
being used to set water quality standards for the state). The program publishes a biannual
newsletter and an annual report.
VIRGINIA Chesapeake Bay Citizens Monitoring Program—Virginia Billy Mills
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (804) 225-4355
903 Ninth Street Office Building Kathleen Ellett
Richmond, VA 23219 (301) 266-6873
Forty-two sites on 4 rivers in Virginia—the James, York, Rappahannock, and Piankatank—-
are monitored weekly for temperature, pH (LaMotte indicator kit), Secchi disk depth,
salinity (hydrometer), ammonia (LaMotte kit), and dissolved oxygen (LaMotte titration kit).
Volunteers also fill out a wildlife observation form, including species observed, number,
location, habitat, etc. Data are included as part of thebaywide computerized monitoring
data bank. The program has collected quality-assured data for long-term tracking of
changes in water quality since 1985. Volunteers will be recruited for sites on the Chicka-
hominy and Elizabeth rivers in 1990. Funding for this program comes from a Public Partici-
pation grant from U.S. EPA, NOAA's Coastal Zone Management Program grants to the
Council on the Environment, and private donations.
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System Carroll N. Curtis
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (804) 642-7156
College of William and Mary
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
Environmental monitoring is done on Virginia's estuarine research reserves by 7 volunteers.
Water quality testing of turbidity (Secchi disk), temperature, salinity (hydrometer), and pH
and dissolved oxygen (LaMotte kits) is done in coordination with the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay. Bird counts are taken on the reserve by a local bird expert. Volunteers
assist a VIMS staff member in vegetation sampling along a continuous transect across
marsh and upland forest. The primary goal of the monitoring program is environmental
characterization of the research reserve land and waters. Another goal is to collect data for
use in resource management of the area by state and federal authorities. Support comes
from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and NOAA.
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34 VIRGINIA
Friends of the North Fork Shenandoah River Garland C. Hudgins
P.O. Box 746 (703) 459-8550
115 W. Court Street (703) 436-3518
Woodstock, VA 22664
This organization, started in early 1988, now has a monitoring team of approximately 50
members engaged in both chemical and biological testing of the North Fork of the Shenan-
doah River and its major tributaries. Volunteers measure pH in the field (Hach kit); collect
water samples which are later analyzed for dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate-
nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, ammonia, carbon dioxide, phosphates, and phosphorus by a
core group of volunteers, using Hach kits; and conduct benthic surveys for macroinverte-
brates. The volunteers' results are used by the Virginia Water Control Board and the local
health authorities to identify point and nonpoint source pollution, to determine water
quality in the river basin, to focus public attention on the relationship between ground and
surface water contamination, and to develop baseline studies for use in research, education,
and water resource management decisions. Funding comes from membership dues, local
civic organization contributions, and grants from Prudential Insurance and the Virginia
Environmental Endowment.
Friends of the Rappahannock Warren E. Wise
Citizen Monitoring Program (703) 373-3448
108 Wolfe Street
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Friends of the Rappahannock water quality monitoring program began in the spring of
1989. Currently, 21 volunteers use LaMotte kits to monitor 14 sites on the Rappahannock
River for dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrates, phosphates, water clarity, and temperature. Re-
cently, the volunteers have also been monitoring a kerosene spill that occurred on the river
in December 1989. Funding and support for 5 of the monitoring sites is provided by the
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The rest of the monitoring is funded through a combina-
tion of membership donations, corporate sponsors, and a grant from the Virginia Environ-
mental Endowment. The Rappahannock is a pristine river that is experiencing tremendous
development pressure. The goal of the Friends of the Rappahannock is to collect data while
the river's water quality is still high so that, if a declining trend becomes apparent, they will
be able to use the data to protect the river from overdevelopment.
Izaak Walton League of America Frank Dicesare
Warren County Chapter
Save Our Streams Program
718 Old Sawmill Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
the "Save Our Streams" program was founded in the 1970s by the Izaak Walton League of
America. The Warren County chapter monitors the Shenandoah River within the limits of
Warren County to establish water quality trends. Ten to 15 volunteers test pH and dissolved
oxygen (using field kits) and survey macroinvertebrates. When indicated, samples for
further analysis are also collected. Recently, the volunteer monitors collected water and
sediment samples from the vicinity of the Avtex Fibers plant in Front Royal and sent them
to a lab to be analyzed for PCBs, zinc, and manganese. The results were given to interested
groups, including EPA and the state Water Control Board, and played a role in the revoca-
tion of the plant's water discharge permit. The chapter also sponsors a regular litter cleanup
campaign and has "adopted" one of the local highways.
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WASHINGTON 35
Smith Mountain Lake Lay Monitoring Program Carolyn Thomas
Life Science Division (703) 365-4368
Ferrum College
Ferrum, VA 24088-9001
Smith Mountain Lake is a 20,000-acre pump-storage hydroelectric reservoir located on the
Roanoke River. The monitoring program began in 1986 with 15 volunteers who measured
Secchi depth at 45 stations weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Since that time, the
program has expanded to 85 stations, 33 of which arc also sampled for chlorophyll and
phosphorus; analysis on frozen integrated and filtered samples is done at the Ferrum
College lab. Quality of sampling is assured by sending out standards and blanks to volun-
teers on a rotating basis and doubling up volunteers on stations for replicate samples. Con-
tact is kept with the volunteer monitors by newsletters, regular meetings, and social events.
The monitoring results are used to advise the planning district through the Policy Advisory
Board, to write water quality reports for EPA, and for resource management decisions.
WASHINGTON Adopt a Beach KenPritchard
Dexter Horton Building Betsy Pcabody
710 Second Avenue, Suite 730 (206) 296-6591
Seattle, WA 98104
Adopt a Beach is a community organization that promotes citizen stewardship for marine
resources in the state of Washington. More than 500 volunteers have participated in the pro-
gram since its inception in 1985. Monitoring projects are diverse and include (1) monitoring
beached birds for physical condition and cause of death, (2) inventorying wetlands, (3) con-
ducting a quarterly beach cleanup and debris inventory, and (4) collecting shellfish for PSP
testing as part of the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program. Data are given to the state
and have been used for long-term resource assessment and management, determination of
water quality, and shellfish closures for red tide. Adopt a Beach also sponsors Coastweeks
and other educational activities, as well as revegetation projects. Publications include
various brochures and the "Volunteer Resource Guide," a directory of volunteer opportuni-
ties in caring for Washington's outer coast. The program has 2 staff members and an annual
budget of approximately $80,000. Most of the funding to date has come from grants from
state agencies, but the program hopes to diversify its funding sources in the future.
Adopt-A-Stream Foundation Tom Murdoch
P.O. Box 5558 (206) 388-3313
Everett, WA 98206
The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation was established to promote environmental education and
stream enhancement. Since the program was started in 1981 by the Snohomish County Plan-
ning Department, 30 community groups and 40 schools have adopted streams in
Snohomish County. Adopting groups enhance their streams by activities like building fish
ladders and revegetating stream banks. Even more important, they get involved in the
politics of water quality by monitoring development projects and participating in the
development of protective legislation for streams and wetlands. Some of the adopting
groups do chemical and biological monitoring as well. Since 1982, the program has con-
ducted clean-water training workshops for teachers. Funding for the program comes from a
combination of government grants and contracts and private individual and corporate do-
nations. The program's long-term goal is to have every stream in the Northwest adopted by
watershed residents and to have every stream restored to the way it was 100 years ago. The
program has produced two publications: "Adopting a Stream, A Northwest Handbook,"
which costs $11.95 (including handling charge) and can be ordered by calling 1-800-441-
4115; and "Adopting a Wetland, A Northwest Guide," which can be ordered by sending $7
(includes handling charge) to Adopt-A-Strcam at the above address.
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36 WASHINGTON
Chautauqua Northwest Jane V.L. Hardy
1424 Fourth Avenue, Suite 607 (206)223-1378
Seattle, WA 98101
In the fall of 1989, Chautauqua Northwest was selected by the Puget Sound Water Quality
Authority to carry out citizen monitoring activities as part of the Puget Sound Ambient
Monitoring Program. Teams of 12 "anti-dirty dozen" senior citizen volunteers will collect
shellfish samples for bacterial and toxic analysis, collect fish for toxic analysis, and perform
other monitoring and collection activities. The data collected by Chautauqua Northwest will
be used by state agencies involved in the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program to
determine the human health risk status of shellfish beds and fish. Training and background
information for each assignment are provided by the appropriate agency. A $25,000 grant
from state funds administered by the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority covers operat-
ing expenses for the projects.
Friends of the Sammamish River Bill Way
Seattle Chapter of the Izaak Walton League (206) 822-5242
1029 Market Street, Suite B
Kirkland,WA 98033
The program was begun in spring 1989 to revegetate the banks of the Sammamish River, a
dredged river maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. Vegetation would improve the
aesthetic potential of the river, restore wildlife habitat along its banks, and improve water
quality for the annual salmon run. Roughly 50 citizens came out to plant trees and shrubs
on two scheduled "planting days" in the first season of operation. Permit applications are
filed and plants purchased by the program's volunteer organizers. Grants for materials
were received through the Izaak Walton League from county agencies. Public opinion and
county pressure will be used in an attempt to reverse Army Corps restrictions on side slope
vegetation in flood control areas.
Quest Northwest Miles Hanchett
1140 Sierra Place (206)775-1550
Edmonds, WA 98020
Quest Northwest, founded in 1972, is a nonprofit environmental school dedicated to pro-
viding junior and senior high school youth with opportunities to perform scientific data-
gathering activities in the outdoors. Eight to 20 volunteers lead student groups in monitor-
ing park trails and water bodies. Groups sample dissolved oxygen, pH (LaMotte kit),
temperature, turbidity (Secchi disk), and E. coli (using an innovative solar-powered incubat-
ing system developed by the program). Projects are chosen not only for their educational
value but also for their value to park management services and other resource planning
agencies. Quest Northwest's operating budget is supplemented by state home-school pro-
grams and federal sources.
The San Juan Preservation Trust Robert Myhr
Route #1, Box 2114 (206)468-2258
Lopez, WA 98261
The monitoring program is an integral part of the San Juan Preservation Trust, a conserva-
tion project for wildlife habitat, wetlands, and natural landmarks in the San Juan Islands.
Annually, 20 to 30 volunteers monitor conservation easements and fee-owned land of the
land trust. The data reports become part of the permanent records of the trust. The San Juan
Preservation Trust was founded in 1979 and is funded entirely by voluntary contributions
from over 600 members from the Islands community.
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WASHINGTON 37
Stillaguamish River Volunteer Water Quality Kit Paulsen
Monitoring Project (206) 653-7477
Tulalip Fisheries Department
3901 Totem Beach Road
Marysville, WA 98270
This monitoring program on the lower part of the Stillaguamish River watershed was
started by the Tulalip Indian tribes in September 1989. Approximately 35 adult volunteers
and 125 students are involved in taking monthly samples at 26 sites. Lab analyses are
performed by some of the volunteers and also by trained staff. The following parameters
are monitored: turbidity (turbidometer), pH (Altex Chemmate pH meter), temperature and
dissolved oxygen (YSI DO meter), salinity and conductivity (YSI salinity and conductivity
meter), nitrates/nitrites and orthophosphates (spectrophotometry), fecal coliform bacteria
(membrane filtration), and discharge (stream heights compared against a flow-rating curve).
The program's goals are to establish baselines and identify problem areas. Final results are
given to the state Department of Ecology. Funding for the program comes from a Centen-
nial Qean Water grant (state grant from cigarette tax money).
Stream Team Program Sarah Hubbard-Gray
City of Bellevue (206) 453-4895
Storm and Surface Water Utility
P.O. Box 90012
Bellevue, WA 98009-9012
The Stream Team Program, started in 1988, was developed to involve residents and busi-
nesses in monitoring, surveying, and enhancing the stream systems in their communities.
The program establishes local stream teams that represent a specific geographic area and
are coordinated with the help of a volunteer captain. The areas of training and information
collection include (1) Water quality watch and sampling. Volunteers monitor aquatic macro-
invertebrates (insects and insect larvae) using Serber samplers and artificial substrate sam-
plers. Also, volunteers collect stream water samples during storms, and send them to agen-
cies to be analyzed for turbidity, conductivity, and total phosphorus. (2) Salmon watch.
Volunteers conduct salmon spawning surveys in which they identify the species and
number of sajmon returning as well as the time and location of salmon spawning. (3) Flood
watch. Volunteers take daily readings of stream levels using staff gauges, and also read
crest gauges to document maximum stream level during storms. (4) Habitat evaluation.
Volunteers evaluate the habitat characteristics of stream corridors using EPA's new Stream-
walk Checklist. (5) Wetlands and wildlife watch. Volunteers survey wetlands to determine
the extent of invasion by the noxious weed purple loosestrife. (6) Revegetation and stream
improvement techniques.
Currently, over 100 volunteers are involved in the Stream Team Program. Funding comes
from a state grant, plus local match from the city of Bellevue Storm and Surface Water
Utility. The data collected by the volunteers are used by various agencies, including the city
of Bellevue, King County Surface Water Management, the municipality of metropolitan
Seattle, and EPA. The program produces a quarterly newsletter, "News Splash," and the
Stream Team Guidebook (available from the above address for $10).
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38 WASHINGTON
Washington's Citizen Lake Monitoring Project Julie Rector
Department of Ecology (206) 586-5496
7171 Clean Water Lane, Building 8 MS LH-14
Olympia, WA 98504
This is a new program, begun in 1989 with funds from federal Gean Lakes and 205(j)
grants. In their first season, 56 volunteers measured surface water temperature and trans-
parency {Secchi disk) biweekly on 50 lakes. The monitoring program will be expanded in
the 1990 season to cover twice the number of lakes and will include surface pH (Merck pH
strips) and samples taken for total nitrogen and total phosphorus (analyzed at state lab). In
addition, volunteers complete questionnaires on macrophyte coverage in the lakes and lake
and watershed use. Information is used to identify those lakes with water quality problems
and rate them in terms of their needs under the state lake restoration program
Water Tenders Ellouise Pritchett
P.O. Box 402 (206)485-2056
Woodinville,WA 98702 Judith Westall
(206) 788-9372
Water Tenders was founded in January 1989 by 9 citizens of the Woodinville/Redmond
area and now numbers 45 active members. Volunteers monitor rainfall and flow, perform
fish counts and habitat evaluation, and monitor visual parameters such as color, sedimenta-
tion, and type of vegetation for all aquatic resources (streams, wetlands, lakes, etc.) in the
Bear Creek Planning Area. The group is not yet performing chemical monitoring but plans
to begin testing for nutrients and dissolved oxygen on an as-needed basis. The purpose of
the monitoring is to document the impact of development on the natural resources. Water
Tenders also participates in restorations, revegetations, and cleanups, and provides an
educational outreach to the general public. Funding comes from private donations and
grants from public agencies.
WEST VIRGINIA Cacapon River Committee James L. Matheson
Box 11 (304) 856-2869
Yellow Spring, WV 26865
The Cacapon River Committee was founded in 1985 and has 300 members. They monitor
the Cacapon River for water clarity (spectrophotometer), oxygen, pH, bacteria, and nutri-
ents. Volunteer monitoring is carried out in coordination with the Pine Cabin Run Ecologi-
cal Laboratory which processes nutrient and bacteria samples. All field and laboratory tech-
niques meet the technical standards established by the EPA and U.S. Geological Survey.
Monitoring is being done to establish the baseline health of the river and to mobilize the
public to protect the river in its natural state.
Potomac Valley Audubon Society James Keel
P.O. Box 578 (304)725-4186
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society began monitoring streams and rivers in West Vir-
ginia's eastern panhandle in the fall of 1989. To date, 21 monitors have been trained. Moni-
toring is based on the Izaak Walton League of America's "Save Our Streams" program.
Monthly sampling of aquatic life forms on stream bottoms provides an index of changes in
biological diversity and changes in water quality. Significant findings are reported to state
and federal authorities for follow-up action.
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WISCONSIN 39
West Virginia Citizens Action Group Norm Steenstra
1324 Virginia Street E (304) 346-5891
Charleston, WV 25301
This stream monitoring program will get under way in May 1990 with a volunteer training
session directed by Izaak Walton League staff. Stream monitoring will include temperature,
pH (meter), dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, and fluoride. In addition to the chemical parame-
ters measured, physical characteristics along the stream banks (such as wells, discharge
sites, and areas of severe erosion) are being mapped. Information will be compiled to form a
baseline database on water quality in the streams and to identify dischargers and potential
sources of nonpoint source pollution. The monitoring program will be run in coordination
with the state Department of Natural Resources and the Izaak Walton League Save Our
Streams program.
West Virginia Mountain Stream Monitors Craig Mains
P.O. Box 170 (304) 292-3463
Morgantown, WV 26505
Streams in West Virginia are measured for acid mine drainage parameters such as pH, iron,
manganese, aluminum, sulfate, alkalinity (colorimetric method), conductivity (Yellow
Springs meter), and benthic invertebrates. Approximately 25 active volunteers monitor 50
different stations. Mountain Stream Monitors is also working to develop a water analytical
laboratory to serve low- and moderate-income citizens and groups. The program focuses on
baseline studies, education, and watchdogging. Funding comes from private donations,
dues, and other fund-raising efforts.
WISCONSIN Self-Help Lake Monitoring Program Carolyn Rumery Bctz
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (608) 266-8117
Bureau of Water Resources Management
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI53707-7921
Over 300 lakes in Wisconsin are currently being monitored by volunteers for Secchi disk
depth, water level, water color, water quality perceptions, ice-on and ice-off dates, and
weather observations. The state-funded program, which began in 1986, will be expanded in
1990 with a pilot program on 36 lakes. New parameters to be added will include phospho-
rus and chlorophyll (standard laboratory methods), rainfall, pH, and temperature and
dissolved oxygen profiles (LaMotte kit). Data users include the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, U.S. Geological Survey, and county agencies, as well as researchers
using ice-on/ice-off dates to document global warming. The central focus is on baseline
studies, long-term trends, and education.
Wisconsin "Wetlands Watch" Program Cy Lyle
Wisconsin Audubon Council (414) 241-4559
11344 N. Shore Cliff Lane
Mequon,WI 53092
The "Wetlands Watch" program began in 1988 and has been expanded to cover almost
every county in the state. It is a volunteer program, spearheaded by a statewide coordina-
tor, with active local volunteers from 16 Audubon chapters providing on-the-ground review
of permit requests under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Information on potential
impacts are shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources. The program's goal is to minimize the loss of wetlands in Wisconsin.
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40
National Programs
Adopt-A-Stream Eileen Malloy-Desormeaux
Delta Laboratories, Inc. (716) 426-0773
34 Elton Street
Rochester, NY 14607
The Adopt-A-Stream program, started by Delta Laboratories, currently involves students in 95
schools and communities in 21 different states. The students monitor lakes and streams; the
parameters measured vary depending on students' age and ability. Younger students usually
monitor just temperature, turbidity, and flow, while older students also monitor pH, chloride,
nitrate, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, and hardness. LaMotte kits are used for most of the tests.
About 10% of the students also monitor biological parameters—fecal coliforms, plankton, and
phytoplankton. All analyses are performed by the students, and Delta Laboratories provides
free backup testing for any questionable results. Funding for the program comes from private
foundation grants. The program's goal is primarily educational. The long-term goal is to collect
baseline data on all waterways nationwide. The "Adopt-A-Stream Handbook/' which explains
how to set up a monitoring program and describes all the tests involved, including detailed
procedural descriptions and explanations of what the results mean, is available for $25.
The Christmas Bird Count Susan Drennan
National Audubon Society (212) 546-9189
950 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
The National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count is the single most popular voluntary
early-winter-bird continental inventory in the world. During the 89th Christmas Bird Count, in
1988-1989, over 42,000 volunteers censused about 1,550 count units in North, Central, and South
America and the West Indies. A count unit encompasses a 15-mile-radius circle in which
volunteers try to cover the entire area within one 24-hour period. All individual birds encoun-
tered are tabulated, and a final report of the Christmas Bird Count is published in a special issue
of American Birds, National Audubon's ornithological journal.
Citizens' Acid Rain Monitoring Network Dorene Bolze
National Audubon Society (212) 546-9297
950 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
The National Audubon Society sponsors a nationwide acid rain monitoring network to measure
the pH in precipitation. Currently, over 300 volunteers record pH measurements. Samples are
taken on a "per-rain-event" basis using Merck pH strips. The information is used by the press
and television weather forecasters and is also sent to congressional representatives along with
encouragement to support more rigorous clean air legislation. The citizen monitors are con-
tacted by the staff through periodic newsletters. They are occasionally asked to communicate
their results through interviews with local newspapers and television stations.
Cooperative Weather Observer Program Thomas Blackburn
National Weather Service (301) 427-7724
NOAA
Silver Spring, MD 20910
This volunteer program has the longest history of using citizen volunteers to monitor the
atmosphere. Celebrating its centennial in 1990, the program now boasts 11,500 volunteers who
record rainfall, snowfall, and maximum and minimum temperatures. For their efforts, volun-
teers receive awards for length of service and outstanding quality of observations. Their data
are checked and logged into the database of the National Climatic Data Center (Asheville, NC).
Data are published monthly in "Climatological Data" and are frequently used to verify damage
caused by adverse weather, to monitor the nation's climate and climate change, and to justify
congressional funding for flood- and weather-observing networks.
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NATIONAL PROGRAMS 41
Earthwatch Blue Magrudcr
680 Mt. Auburn Street (617) 926-8200
P.O. Box 403
Watertown, MA 02272
Earthwatch is an international nonprofit organization that sponsors field research worldwide
by finding paying volunteers to work as short-term (2-3 week) field assistants. Since 1971,
21,900 volunteers have worked on 1,085 projects in 85 countries and 36 states. Typically,
university faculty direct the labor-intensive research in areas such as earth, marine, and life
sciences. The results of the work are published by the investigators in academic and profes-
sional journals as well as in Earthwatch's membership magazine.
GREEN Project William B. Stapp
School of Natural Resources (313) 764-1410
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1115
The Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN) is in its pilot year of initiating
an international network for students monitoring rivers and estuaries. GREEN uses a number
of approaches—including a computer conference, newsletters, and a sister watersheds pro-
gram—to link students around the world. Students will perform chemical and biological
monitoring for parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, total suspended solids, dis-
solved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, BOD, and fecal coliforms. Students are encouraged to
take action to resolve water quality problems they discover. By discussing local issues and
strategies with students in other regions, participants will develop a sense of global coopera-
tion. The project is funded by grants from private organizations.
International Shorebird Survey Brian Harrington
Manomet Bird Observatory (508) 224-6521
P.O. Box 936
Manomet, MA 02345
The International Shorebird Survey utilizes about 800 volunteers to monitor shorebird migra-
tion and habitats throughout the Americas. Birdwatchers record the presence, absence, and
distribution of shorebirds, as well as habitat characteristics. The data collected are used by
many local, state, and federal government agencies and by national and local conservation
groups. The program began in 1973 and stresses long-term trends and baseline studies.
National Marine Debris Data Base Kathy O'Hara
Center for Marine Conservation (804) 851-6734
306 A Buckroe Avenue
Hampton, VA 23664
The Center for Marine Conservation (CMC) sponsors the National Marine Debris Data Base, a
national network of volunteers who participate in beach cleanups and use standard data cards
supplied by CMC to record information on types and quantities of marine debris collected.
Debris items are categorized by composition (e.g., plastic, glass, wood) and type (e.g., bag, bot-
tle, small piece). Certain items (called indicator items) can be used to determine the source of
the debris. The data are analyzed by CMC and compiled into an annual report summarizing
cleanup results from all over the country. The report is used by various groups, including state
legislators, educators, and civic organizations. Currently the data are being used to support
pending legislation on issues such as balloon-releasing events and polystyrene packaging.
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42 NATIONAL PROGRAMS
NOAA's Marine Debris Information Office Pam Lichtman
Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico (202) 429-5609
c/o Center for Marine Conservation
1725 DeSales Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
NOAA's Marine Debris Information Office Katie Patterson
Pacific Coast (415)391-6204
c/o Center for Marine Conservation
312 Sutler Street, Suite 606
San Francisco, CA 94108
NOAA's National Marine Debris Information Office, operated by the Center for Marine Con-
servation, distributes information on marine debris and entanglement to marine user groups
and other groups interested in the marine debris problem and solutions. Publications include
Citizen's Guide to Plastics in the Ocean (book), the annual National Beach Cleanup Report, and
numerous brochures and educational materials. Contact the Washington office to order publi-
cations.
River Watch Network Jack Byrne
153 State Street (802) 223-3840
Montpelier, VT 05602
River Watch Network (RWN) is a national, nonprofit program that assists local groups in
starting river monitoring and protection programs. RWN grew from a very successful pro-
gram to clean up the Ottauquechee River in central Vermont in 1970. The program provides
local monitoring groups with effective methods and techniques for improving the quality of
their water. They focus on transforming polluted waterways into rivers fit for recreational use.
Currently, RWN is working with local groups on 20 rivers in 12 states. RWN provides ongo-
ing, long-term help to the groups it assists.
Save Our Streams Karen Firehock
Izaak Walton League of America (703) 528-1818
1401 Wilson Boulevard, Level B
Arlington, VA 22209
The Izaak Walton League's Save Our Streams (SOS) program has initiated thousands of SOS
projects across the country beginning in the early 1970s. Projects are run through League
chapters and in partnership with state agencies and other conservation organizations. The
League's national office also oversees two statewide biological monitoring networks in Vir-
ginia and West Virginia. A SOS kit, available for $5.00, explains monitoring techniques, river
ecology, and problem recognition and solutions. Other materials, such as teaching guides and
restoration project booklets, are also available. Contact the national office for a listing of SOS
programs in any state or for information on starting a project. The quarterly SOS newsletter,
"Splash," is available free.
* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1990—720-516/D06592
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Do you want to be in the next edition?
43
Help make the next edition of the directory more comprehensive! If you are involved in a
citizen volunteer environmental monitoring program that is not listed in this directory, or if
you know of such a program, please fill out the information below and mail it to Virginia Lee,
Coastal Resources Center, Graduate School of Oceanography, The University of Rhode Island,
Narragansett, RI02882-1197. We will contact all new programs that we hear about for the next
edition.
Name of program Contact person
Address ___^_ Phone
DESCRIPTION
(Note: Please include information such as: program goals; number of volunteers; year program
was initiated; methods used; staffing; approximate costs to run program; funding sources; use
of results by government agencies; use of results for legislation, regulatory compliance, watch-
dogging, etc.; education and restoration projects; titles of reports, videos, and manuals.)
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