Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Protocol for the Southern Colorado Plateau Network

Brasher, Anne; Albano, Christine; Close, Rebecca; Freeman, Michael; Lauver, Chris; Monroe, Steven; Snyder, Allison; Stumpf, Stacy; Thomas, Lisa

Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and their associated physical habitat were identified for long-term monitoring as one of 10 core vital signs for the Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN) of the National Park Service. Because aquatic macroinvertebrates are sensitive to environmental change, monitoring them can detect chemical, physical and biological impacts to aquatic ecosystems, as well as their cumulative effects. This protocol narrative and 14 associated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detail the rationale and methods to monitor this vital sign, including (1) background and objectives (2) sampling design (3) field methods (4) data management, analysis and reporting, and (5) personnel and operation requirements. Appendices provide supplemental information identifying specific monitoring sites, describing aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling techniques used by other agencies on the Colorado Plateau, outlining a yearly task list, selecting a qualified contract laboratory for aquatic macroinvertebrate identification, detailing use of the database, providing example data analysis and annual reports, and showing examples of the physical habitat structures and geomorphic channel units targeted in the protocol. SCPN and the Northern Colorado Plateau Network collaboratively funded protocol development work through an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey. The methods are modified from protocols developed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). Monitoring of this vital sign will occur annually at Bandelier National Monument, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park. Sites are established either in association with existing water quality monitoring locations (active stream gauges, historical or ongoing water quality data available) or by using a Generalized Random-Tessellation Stratified design to spatially allocate sample units within the established sampling frame. As detailed in the SOPs, aquatic macroinvertebrate species composition and abundance data are collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods from within a 150 m reach at each of monitoring sites. Physical habitat characteristics (including stream depth and velocity,particle size class and embeddedness, channel width, canopy closure and NPS core water quality parameters) are variously measured at the reach level, the transect level (7–11 transects/reach) and at the microhabitat level (5 riffles/reach). Data entry, analysis, and archiving are completed at the end of each field season, and project summary reports are produced annually. Trend reports will be developed at five year intervals.

Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Protocol for the Southern Colorado Plateau Network

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