Upper Columbia Basin Network integrated water quality monitoring protocol: Narrative version 1.9
Starkey EN , Dicus GH, Garrett LK, Lonneker MK, Sherrill KR, Steinhorst RK. 2016. Upper Columbia Basin Network integrated water quality monitoring protocol: Narrative version 1.9. Natural Resource Report. NPS/UCBN/NRR—2016/1231. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The UCBN contains more than 34 rivers, streams, ponds and reservoirs located in nine park units spread over four large western states. Unlike many National Parks that are large and often encompass entire watersheds, most UCBN parks and water bodies are small and embedded in large watersheds with diverse land use. Water quality in most UCBN water bodies has not been directly assessed within park units for regulatory compliance, though most streams are listed as impaired by states for at least one parameter. This protocol details the why, where, how, and when of the UCBN’s water quality monitoring program. As recommended by Oakley et al. (2003), it consists of a protocol narrative and a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs), which detail the steps required to collect, manage, and disseminate the data representing the status and trend of water quality parameters in the Network. This monitoring protocol combines two approaches: 1) collection of water chemistry data for “core parameters” from UCBN stream sites using continuous water quality monitors, and 2) macroinvertebrate biomonitoring using the United States Forest Service (USFS)- PACFISH/INFISH Biological Opinion (PIBO) sampling protocols. These data in combination with other vital signs monitoring, will provide a context for the interpretation of status and trends in water resources within the network. The protocol is a “living” document in the sense that it is continually updated as new information acquired through monitoring and evaluation leads to a refinement of program objectives and methodologies. Changes to the protocol are carefully documented in a revision history log. The intent of the protocol is to ensure that a seamless and scientifically credible story about water quality conditions over time can be told to park visitors and managers alike. The next few years of monitoring results are eagerly awaited, as outstanding questions related to site variability, inter- annual variability, and the current water quality of park water bodies can finally be described. From there, the focus will shift toward trend analysis, in which biologically meaningful declines or increases will be detected, and appropriate management strategies can be developed.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Starkey, Eric; Dicus, Gordon; Garrett, Lisa; Lonneker, Meghan; Sherrill, Kirk; Steinhorst, R
- Date of Issue
- 2016-07
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- BIHO , CIRO , CRMO , HAFO , JODA , LARO , NEPE , UCBN , WHMI
- Keywords
- Macroinvertebrates, UCBN Water Quality Protocol, Upper Columbia Basin Network, Water Chemistry, Water Quality
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Water Chemistry , Ecological Framework: Water | Water Quality | Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and Algae