Volunteer Stream Monitoring: 2022 Report
Sharing an excerpt from the Manistee Conservation District Website: “In spring 2016, the Manistee Conservation District was awarded a grant by the Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) to initiate a new Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program. This program uses citizen science to produce baseline water quality data for the lower portion of the Manistee Watershed, as well build long-term partnerships that foster stewardship of water resources.
Stream monitoring takes place twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. On sampling days, volunteer groups meet up, gather equipment, and head out into the field to sample stretches of river for aquatic macroinvertebrates (bugs) and to conduct habitat assessments. A few days after each collection event, volunteers and local experts gather to sort and identify findings. The data generated from this project helps us track the relative health of our watershed, locate specific problem areas, look at how sites change over time, and compare sites among one another.”
The Final Stream 2022 Report includes a summary of results since 2016 and looks favorable for Manistee County streams, including Bear Creak. Many thanks to the volunteers who make this project possible! Contact Chelsea Cooper, Conservation Technician, at chelsea.cooper@macd.org or 231-889-9666 to get involved or learn more.
