Exhibit 10 - BVET Protocol 2.doc

Guide to Stream Habitat Characterization using the BVET Methodology in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, NC

Prepared by:

Prepared by: Craig N. Roghair and Daniel R. Nuckols Table of Contents

2Introduction

3References

4Changes to BVET inventory in 2005

5Outline of BVET Habitat Inventory

6Section 1: Getting Started

6Equipment List

6Duties

6Header Information

7Random Numbers

7Starting the Inventory

8Section 2: Stream Attributes

8Unit Type (see abbreviations)

9Unit Number (#)

10Distance (m)

10Estimated Width (m)

11Maximum and Average Depth (cm)

11Riffle Crest Depth (cm)

12Dominant and Subdominant Substrate (1-9)

13Rosgen Channel Type (A-G)

14Percent Fines (%)

14Large Woody Debris (1-4 and rootwad)

15Actual Width (m)

15Bankfull Channel Width (m)

16Riparian Width (m)

17Gradient (%)

17Water Temperature (C)

17Photo (y or n)

18Features

19Section 3: Wrapping Up

20Section 4: Summary

21Appendix: Field Guide, Random Numbers Table, Equipment Checklist

Introduction

The basinwide visual estimation technique (BVET) is a versatile tool used to assess streamwide habitat conditions in wadeable size streams and rivers. A crew of two individuals performs the inventory using two-stage visual estimation techniques described in Hankin and Reeves (1988) and Dolloff et al. (1993). In its most basic form the BVET combines visual estimates with actual measurements to provide a calibrated estimate of stream area with confidence intervals, however the crew may inventory any number of other habitat attributes as they walk length of the stream. Experienced crews can inventory an average of 2.0 – 3.0 km per day, but this will vary depending on stream size and the number of stream attributes inventoried.

Before a crew begins a BVET inventory they must receive adequate training, both in the classroom and in the field. Estimating and measuring a large number of habitat attributes can confuse and overwhelm an inexperienced crew. Individuals must have an understanding of the basic concepts behind the BVET and be familiar with habitat attributes before they can effectively and efficiently perform an inventory.

The USFS Center for Aquatic Technology Transfer (CATT) has been working directly with resource managers on the Nantahala National Forest (NNF) and Pisgah National Forest (PNF) since the mid 1990’s to implement BVET surveys and adapt them to the Forests’ specific needs. More than 15 habitat attributes are currently estimated or measured during NNF and PNF BVET habitat surveys. We review the survey annually and add and remove attributes as needed to maximize efficiency and relevancy with regards to emerging techniques and Forest issues. Changes are made only after careful review to ensure consistency with data collected in the past. See ‘Changes to BVET survey for 2005’ for a list of survey changes.

This manual was developed to document methods used by the NNF and PNF and to serve as a guide for classroom and field instruction for the BVET habitat survey. It also provides a post-training reference for field crews. It includes an overview of the BVET survey, defines habitat characteristics, instructs how and when to measure characteristics, and provides reference sheets for use in the field. Each trainee should receive a copy of this manual and is encouraged to take notes in the spaces provided.

References cited in this manual:

Armantrout, N. B., compiler. 1998. Glossary of aquatic habitat inventory terminology. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

Bunte, K., and S. R. Abt. 2001. Sampling surface and subsurface particle-size distributions in wadable gravel- and cobble-bed streams for analyses in sediment transport, hydraulics, and streambed monitoring. General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-74. Fort Collins, Colorado: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.

Dolloff, C. A., D. G. Hankin, and G. H. Reeves. 1993. Basinwide estimation of habitat and fish populations in streams. General Technical Report SE-83. Asheville, North Carolina: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Southeastern Forest Experimental Station.

Hankin, D. G., and G. H. Reeves. 1988. Estimating total fish abundance and total habitat area in small streams based on visual estimation methods. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 45:834-844.

Rosgen, D.L. 1996. Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology Books, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Rosgen, D.L., and L. Silvey. 1998 Field Guide for Stream Classification, Wildland Hydrology Books, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Changes to BVET inventory in 2005

Other minor changes, mostly modifications in terminology and definitions to provide increased clarity, are found throughout the manual.

Outline of BVET Habitat Inventory

The inventory is comprised of the following steps:

1) Enter ‘header’ information in the data sheet

· ‘Header’ information includes date, stream, start location, crew, etc. and is vitally important to record for future reference

2) Select an appropriate measurement interval and a random number

· In streams < 1.0 km measure every 5th unit (random number 1-5), in streams > 1.0 km measure every 10th unit (random number 1-10)

· The random number designates the first habitat unit (i.e. the paired sample unit) in which the crew will perform measurements

3) Enter downstream of the starting point, then move upstream and begin the inventory

· Tie off the hipchain, proceed upstream to the starting point, reset the hipchain to zero, and proceed upstream estimating parameters and recording data in every habitat unit

4) At the paired sample unit perform visual estimates, then perform measurements

· If the random number ‘3’ were chosen, the crew would stop after making estimates in the 3rd pool (and 3rd riffle) and perform the necessary measurements

5) Progress upstream estimating attributes for every unit until the next paired sample unit is reached, then repeat step 4

· In the above example, if the interval were 10 units, the crew would stop at the 13th, 23rd, 33rd, etc. pool (and 13th, 23rd, 33rd, etc. riffle) and repeat measurements done in pool 3 and riffle 3.

· The crew should also take care to record roads, trails, tributaries, dams, waterfalls, road crossing types, riparian features (wildlife openings, trails, campsites, roads, timber harvest, etc.), and other pertinent stream features as they progress upstream. Be sure to record hipchain distances when noting such features.

Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the end of the stream is reached.

The following sections describe the BVET habitat inventory in detail:

Section 1: Getting Started – equipment lists, header information, random numbers, starting the inventory Section 2: Habitat Attributes – definitions, how to estimate or measure, when to record

Section 3: Wrapping Up – what to do when the inventory is completed

Appendix: field guide, random number tables, equipment checklist

Section 1: Getting Started

Equipment List

Other useful equipment: lunch, water, water filter, 1st aid kit, toilet paper, rain gear, radio/cell phone

The crew consists of two individuals, the ‘observer’ and the ‘recorder’. The observer wears the hipchain and carries the wading rod. The recorder wears the data logger and carries other equipment in the backpack. The duties of each individual are listed below.

Duties

Estimate Rosgen channel type

Estimate percent fines

Both crew members are needed to measure actual widths, channel widths, riparian areas, gradient, and water temperature at designated units. Although the crew has assigned duties, they should not hesitate to consult with each other if they have questions or feel that a mistake may have been made. Working as a team will provide the best possible results.

Header Information

Header information is vitally important for future reference. Take the time to record all categories completely and accurately.

Random Numbers

Before beginning the inventory, select a number from a random numbers table (see Appendix) to determine the first habitat unit at which to make measurements. For long inventories (> 1.0 km) select a random number between 1 and 10th (i.e. measure every 10 unit), for shorter streams use a number between 1 and 5 (i.e. measure every 5th unit). See the appendix for random numbers tables.

The crew needs to measure units more frequently during shorter inventories to provide enough ‘paired samples’ for data analysis. ‘Paired samples’ are habitat units in which both visual estimates and actual measurements are made. The more paired samples, the tighter the confidence intervals for stream area estimates.

After the crew records a paired sample they continue upstream making visual estimates and stopping to make additional measurements at the pre-determined interval. For example, if the random number was 3 and the crew was measuring every 5th unit, the crew would make measurements on the 3rd pool and 3rd riffle and then every 5th pool and riffle thereafter (8, 13, 18, 23, etc).

Starting the Inventory After the crew has organized their gear, determined their measurement interval, selected a random number, and recorded all the header information they are ready to begin the habitat inventory. The observer should enter the stream slightly downstream of the starting point, tie off the hipchain, progress upstream to the starting point, reset the hipchain to zero and begin walking upstream through the first habitat unit. As the observer moves upstream they use the wading rod to measure depth at several locations in the habitat unit and make observations of unit type, width, substrates, Rosgen channel type, and percent fines. When they reach the upstream end of the habitat unit they stop, report the distance, then turn to face the unit and report the unit type, estimated width, maximum and average depth, riffle crest depth (where appropriate), dominant and subdominant substrate classes, Rosgen channel type, and percent fines to the recorder.

As the observer moves upstream through the unit, the recorder follows behind, recording the amount of LWD in the habitat unit. The recorder also assigns a number to the habitat unit. The recorder tells the observer if a unit is designated for measurements (i.e. if it is a ‘paired sample’ unit) only after they have recorded visual estimates.

The crew continues upstream making estimates in every habitat unit and making estimates and measurements in every paired sample unit until the inventory endpoint is reached.

Definitions of habitat attributes, how to measure and when to record them, and what to do when the inventory is complete are covered in the following sections.

Section 2: Stream Attributes

Unit Type (see abbreviations)

Definitions*:

*modified from Armantrout (1998)

How to estimate:

Habitat units are separated by ‘breaks’. Breaks can be obvious physical barriers, such as a debris dam separating two pools or a small waterfall separating a pool and riffle, or may be less obvious transitional areas. Questions often arise as to whether a break is substantial enough to split two habitat units and where the exact location of the break occurs. When in doubt, the observer should consult with the recorder and the team should ‘think like a fish’. To determine if a break should be made, consider whether a fish would have to make an effort to move across the break and into the next habitat unit. If not, then it is probably a single habitat unit.

The channel may have both pool and riffle type habitat in the same cross-sectional area. Determine the predominate habitat type and record it as the unit type. For example if an area contains both pool and riffle, but the majority of the flow is into and out of the pool habitat, then call a pool.

Questions also often arise as to the minimum size of individual habitat units. Generally, if a habitat unit is not at least as long as the wetted channel is wide, then do not count it as a separate habitat unit. This rule may need to be adjusted for streams wider than 5 m. Use best professional judgment in such cases.

See the section 2.1 for a list of features that should also be recorded while performing the inventory.

When to record: every habitat unit

Unit Number (#)

Definition:

Count of habitat units of similar types, used to determine location of paired sample units

How to estimate:

When counting habitat units, group pools and glides (slow water) together, and group riffles, runs, and cascades (fast water) together. For example, consider the following sequence of habitat units:

Pool – Riffle – Pool – Pool – Riffle - Cascade – Riffle - Glide – Riffle – Pool – Run – Pool – Riffle

Habitat units in this sequence would be counted in the following manner (similar types are shaded same color):

In the above example, the crew has counted six slow water (pool/glide) units and seven fast water (riffle/run/cascade) units.

If ‘3’ were chosen as the random number and the measuring interval was every 10th unit, the crew would estimate and then measure habitat data for Pool 3 and Cascade 3 (i.e. Pool 3 and Cascade 3 are ‘paired sample’ units). When the crew reaches pool or glide 13 and riffle, run, or cascade 13, they would repeat procedures followed in the 3rd units.

When to record: every habitat unit; not recorded for features such as falls, tributaries, side channels, culverts, etc.

Distance (m)

Definintion:

Number of meters from the start of the inventory to the upstream end of the habitat unit or distance from the start of the inventory to upstream end of a feature, used as spatial reference for data analysis and to locate features in the future.

How to estimate:

The observer walks upstream in the middle of the stream channel with a hipchain measuring device. When they reach the upstream break between habitat units or the upstream end of a feature they stop and report the distance to the recorder.

Care should be taken to keep the hipchain string in the middle of the stream, especially around bends and meanders. If the hipchain should break, retreat to the location where the break occurred, tie off the hipchain, and continue. If the hipchain is reset for any reason be sure to note it in the comments.

When to record: every habitat unit and feature Estimated Width (m)

Definition:

Average wetted width of the habitat unit as estimated visually, used to calculate stream area. Wetted width is the distance from the edge of the water on one side of the main channel to the edge of the water on the opposite side of the main channel.

How to estimate:

The observer notes the general shape and width of the unit while walking to the upstream end. When they reach the upstream end of the unit the observer stops, turns to face the unit, and estimates the average wetted width. Measure the wetted width of the stream before starting each day to calibrate yourself.

When to record: every habitat unit

Maximum and Average Depth (cm)

Definitions:

Maximum Depth – vertical distance from substrate to water surface at deepest point in habitat unit

Average Depth – average vertical distance from substrate to water surface in habitat unit

How to estimate:

The observer uses a wading rod marked in 5 cm increments to measure water depth as they walk upstream through the habitat unit. Water depth in deepest spot is recorded as the maximum depth. Average depth is the average of several depth measurements taken throughout the habitat unit.

When to record: every habitat unit

Riffle Crest Depth (cm)

Definition:

Vertical distance from the substrate to the water surface at the deepest point in the riffle crest. The riffle crest is the shallowest continuous line (usually not straight) across the channel where the water surface becomes continuously riffled in the transition area between a riffle (or a run or cascade) and a pool (or glide) (Armantrout 1998); think of it as the last place water would flow out of the pool if the riffle ran dry.

How to estimate:

When the observer reaches the upstream end of a riffle (or a run or cascade) leading into a pool (or glide), they use the wading rod to measure the deepest point in the riffle crest. Record the depth in the RCD column for the riffle habitat row.

When to record: at the upstream end of any riffle, run, or cascade leading into a pool or glide

Dominant and Subdominant Substrate (1-9)

Definitions:

Dominant Substrate: size class of stream bed material that covers the greatest amount of surface area within the wetted channel of the habitat unit

Subdominant Substrate: size class of stream bed material that covers the 2nd greatest amount of surface area within the wetted channel of the habitat unit

How to estimate:

The following size classes are used to categorize substrates*. The substrate ‘Number’ is entered into the dominant and subdominant substrate columns on the datasheet.

dead leaves, detritus, etc. – not live plants

sticky, holds form when rolled into a ball

slippery, does not hold form when rolled into a ball

solid rock, parent material, may extend into bank

* these size classes are based on the modified Wentworth scale

As the observer walks through the unit they scan the substrate. When they reach the upstream end of the unit they stop, turn to face the unit, and determine the dominant and subdominant substrate classes.

Estimate substrate size along the intermediate axis (b-axis). The b-axis is not the longest or shortest axis, but the intermediate length axis (see below). It is the axis that determines what size sieve the particle could pass through. Remember that your eyes are naturally drawn to larger size substrates. Be careful not to bias your estimate by focusing on the large size substrate.

Some units will contain a mixture of particle sizes. Consult with the recorder and use your best professional judgment to choose the dominant and subdominant sizes.

In units where the substrate is covered in moss, algae, or macrophytes classify the underlying substrate and make note of the plant growth in the comments. Only call organic substrate where there is dead and down leaves or other detritus covering the bottom of the unit.

When to record: every habitat unit

Rosgen Channel Type (A-G)

Definitions:

Stream channel classification system described in Rosgen (1996) based on entrenchment, width/depth ratio, sinuosity, and percent slope

How to Measure:

Before the crew begins the inventory they should make the measurements described below to determine the channel type. Channel types are based on the following channel characteristics:

Although we record channel type for every unit, it was designed to describe a reach of stream. Our main objective here is to locate changes between channel types, which could either be abrupt (such as change from a B to a G near a road crossing) or less obvious transitional areas (such as a natural transition from a B to an A channel as you move upstream). If you think channel type may have changed take the time to make the calculations listed below to determine the channel type for the reach you are entering.

Full channel type descriptions and how to measure each of the channel characteristics in the table above can be found in Rosgen (1998). Never perform measurements in a pool, always attempt to find a run or deep riffle with well-defined bankfull indicators to perform measurements. A summary of each is listed below:

Entrenchment (page 31 & 32 in Rosgen field guide):

· locate suitable riffle or run area for bankfull measurement (page 24-25 in Rosgen field guide)

· measure the bankfull width the maximum bankfull depth

· stretch a tape across the channel at 2x the maximum bankfull depth (this is the flood prone area)

· divide the flood prone area width by the bankfull width to determine entrenchment ratio

Width to Depth Ratio (page 32 in Rosgen field guide):

· locate suitable riffle or run area for bankfull measurement (page 24-25 in Rosgen field guide)

· measure the bankfull width and the maximum bankfull depth

· divide bankfull width by depth to determine width to depth ratio

Sinuosity (need aerial photo to determine)

Slope (page 37 in Rosgen field guide):

· Measure riffle to riffle gradient using clinometer

When to measure: every habitat unit*

* record for every unit, but remember this is describing a reach characteristic – see above

Rosgen, D.L. 1996. Applied River Morphology. Wildland Hydrology Books, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Rosgen, D.L., and L. Silvey. 1998 Field Guide for Stream Classification, Wildland Hydrology Books, Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Percent Fines (%)

Definition:

Percent of the total surface area of the stream bed in the wetted area of the habitat unit that consists of sand, silt, or clay substrate particles (i.e. particles < 2 mm diameter).

How to estimate:

As the observer walks through the habitat unit they note the amount of sand, silt, and clay in the habitat unit. When they reach the upstream end of the unit, they stop, turn to face the unit and estimate the amount of the total surface area within the wetted channel that consists of sand, silt, or clay.

Where to estimate: every habitat unit

Large Woody Debris (1-4 and rootwad)

Definition:

Count of dead and down wood within the bankfull channel of a habitat unit

How to estimate:

The recorder classifies and counts LWD as they walk through the habitat unit. LWD counts are grouped by the size classes listed below:

Only count woody debris that is:

· > 1.0 m in length and > 10.0 cm in diameter

· within the bankfull channel

· fallen, not standing dead

· Count rootwads separately from attached pieces of LWD

· Estimate the diameter of LWD at the widest end of the piece

· A piece that is forked, but is still joined counts as only one piece of LWD

· Only count each piece one time, do not count a piece that is in two habitat units twice

· Enter the total count for each size category into the appropriate column on the datasheet

Where to estimate: every habitat unit

Actual Width (m)

Definition:

Average wetted width of the habitat unit as measured with 50 m tape, used to calculate stream area. Wetted width is the distance from the edge of the water on one side of the main channel to the edge of the water on the opposite side of the main channel.

How to measure:

Use a meter tape to measure the wetted width of the stream in at least three locations. Average the measurements to obtain the average wetted width.

Where to measure: paired sample habitat units

Bankfull Channel Width (m)

Definition:

Average width of channel at bankfull elevation as measured with meter tape. Depending on channel type, bankfull may or may not be represented by the top of the banks. Use bankfull indicators to locate the top of the bankfull channel (Rosgen 1996).

How to measure:

Determine the location of bankfull water depth on both banks of the habitat unit and measure across the channel perpendicular to flow from bankfull to bankfull. Make at least three measurements across the bankfull channel.

Where to measure: paired sample riffles, runs, or cascades

Riparian Width (m)

Definition:

Width of the riparian area at an elevation of two times the maximum bankfull depth, measured for both left and right banks (left and right as oriented facing upstream). Maximum bankfull depth is the greatest vertical distance from the substrate to the top of the bankfull channel across a bankfull transect.

How to measure:

1. Stretch a measuring tape across the top of the bankfull channel – this is your bankfull transect

2. Use a wading rod to find the maximum bankfull depth

3. Place the clinometer against the wading rod at two-times the maximum bankfull depth

4. Using the clinometer to maintain a slope of zero degrees, site perpendicular to the channel to the intersection with the nearest landform. It may be necessary to site to an intermediate point, move the wading and clinometer, and site again if the tape measure is too short or the view is obstructed

5. Measure the distance from the edge of the bankfull channel to the landform – do this separately for the left and right (as facing upstream) riparian areas

Note: if riparian width is more than 50 m, record 51 as the riparian width and note in ‘Comments’ that riparian width was longer than meter tape

Where to measure: paired sample riffles, runs, or cascades

Gradient (%)

Definition:

Change in vertical elevation per unit of horizontal distance of the water surface (Armantrout 1998)

How to measure:

Gradient is measured in riffles with a clinometer using the following steps:

1) observer stands at upstream end of riffle, recorder stands at downstream end of riffle

2) recorder sites upstream to the height of their eye on the observer using clinometer

3) record the percent slope, not the degrees (tip the clinometer all the way back to determine which side of the scale is percent)

The recorder should determine the height of their eye on the obsrever at the beginning of the inventory. Be certain that the observer and recorder are standing with their feet in the same position (preferably with feet at top of water surface) within the stream channel. If the observer is standing on top of a boulder and the recorder is standing in a depression, the measured gradient will be incorrect.

Where to measure: paired sample riffles, runs, or cascades

Water Temperature (C)

Definition:

Temperature of the water in degrees Celsius.

How to measure:

Place the thermometer in moving water in an area not exposed to direct sunlight. Leave the thermometer sit for at least three minutes, then record the water temperature in degrees Celsius.

Where to measure: paired sample riffles, runs, or cascades

Photo (y or n)

Definition:

Photograph of habitat unit or crossing feature.

How to measure:

Take photo facing upstream with observer holding wading rod in picture. Be sure to get entire width (and length if possible) of habitat unit or crossing feature in the photo.

Where to measure: paired sample riffles, runs, or cascades and any crossing features encountered Features

Definition: points on a stream that could potentially serve as landmarks, may be natural or manmade

How to measure: record the distance to the upstream end of a feature; record distance of all features (both stream and crossing features) in the regular habitat datasheet; also record additional measurements for crossing features in the crossing datasheet and take a photograph of all crossing features Where to record: wherever found

1 must be vertical with water falling through air to be a waterfall and not a cascade, do not record unless >1m high

2 two channels, continue with normal inventory up channel with most volume

3 three or more channels intertwined, continue with normal inventory up channel with most volume

* photograph all crossing features with person and wading rod for scale, record ‘Y’ in ‘Photo’ column We cannot stress enough the importance of fully and accurately describing features. This means getting out a quadrangle map and finding road, trail, and tributary names and recording them in ‘Comments’ and taking the time to describe the location of features in relation to landmarks found on quadrangle maps.

Take photos of all crossing features!

Section 3: Wrapping Up

End the inventory where:

· Forest Service property ends

· stream is dry for more than 1000 m

· stream channel is < 1.0 m wide for more than 500 m

Record the following in the Comments:

· Time and date

· Reason for ending the inventory

· Detailed written description of location using landmarks for reference

** be sure the header information is completed – GPS, etc.**

When you return to home base:

· Immediately download the data and check file to be sure all data downloaded

· Check header information to be sure it is complete

· Note in all files if more than one file was used during the inventory

· Save to the computer and create a backup copy

· Document any photographs

· If using paper, make a photocopy of the data and store in secure location

· Record on master list that inventory is complete, with data and names of crewmembers

Section 4: Summary

Before starting, determine interval, select random number, fill in header information

Record for every habitat unit:

· Unit Type

· Unit Number

· Distance

· Estimated Width

· Maximum Depth

· Average Depth

· Dominant Substrate

· Subdominant Substrate

· Rosgen Channel Type

· Percent Fines

· Large Woody Debris

Record for every riffle, run, or cascade leading into a pool or glide:

· Riffle Crest Depth

Record for every paired sample pool:

· Measured Width

Record for every paired sample riffle:

· Measured Width

· Channel Width

· Riparian Width (left and right)

· Gradient

· Water temperature

· Photograph

Record features and full feature descriptions wherever they are encountered. Photograph all crossings!

When end of inventory is reached, record reason for ending, date, and time, be sure data is saved in safe location, and record inventory start and end points on master maps.

Appendix: Field Guide, Random Numbers Table, Equipment Checklist

Record for every habitat unit:

Unit Type: pool, riffle, run, cascade, glide, feature (see below)

Unit Number: group pools & glides; group riffles, runs, cascades

Distance: (m) at upstream end of unit

Estimated Width: (m) visual estimate of average wetted width

Maximum Depth: (cm) deepest spot in unit

Average Depth: (cm) average depth of unit

Dominant Substrate: (1-9) covers greatest amount of surface area in unit

Subdominant Substrate: (1-9) covers 2nd most surface area in unit

Rosgen Channel Type: (A-G) see table of channel characteristics below or refer to Rosgen book

Percent Fines: (%) percent of bottom consisting of sand, silt, or clay

Large Woody Debris: (1-4, RW) count of dead and down wood in the bankfull channel

Record for every riffle, run, or cascade leading into a pool or glide:

Riffle Crest Depth: (cm) deepest spot in hydraulic control between riffle type habitat and pool type habitat

Record for paired sample pools:

Measured Width: (m) measurement of average wetted width

Record for paired sample riffles:

Measured Width: (m) measurement of average wetted width

Channel Width: (m) measurement of bankfull channel width

Riparian Width: (L&R) (m) measurement of floodplain

Gradient: (%) clinometer measurement of riffle slope

Water Temperature: (C) temperature of water in Celsius

Photo (y or n): picture of habitat unit or crossing feature Unit Types

Riffle (R) fast water, turbulent, gradient <12%; includes rapids, chutes, and sheets if gradient <12%

Cascade (C) fast water, turbulent, gradient >12%, includes sheets and chutes if gradient >12% Run (RN) fast water, little to no turbulence, gradient <12%, flat bottom profile, deeper than riffles

Pool (P) slow water, may or may not be turbulent, gradient <1%, includes dammed, scour, and plunge pools

Glide (G) slow water, no surface turbulence, gradient <1%, shallow with little flow and flat bottom profile

Underground (UNGR) distance at upstream end, why dry

Features

Waterfall (FALL) distance, height

Tributary (TRIB) distance, width, in on L or R

Side Channel (SCH) distance, width, in or out on L or R

Braid (BRD) distance at downstream and upstream ends

Seep or Spring (SEEP) distance, on left or right, amount of flow

Landslide (SLID) distance, L or R, est. size and cause

Other (OTR) record distance, describe feature in comments

Crossing Features: Photograph and record the following:

Bridge (BRG) distance, height, width, road or trail name & type

Dam (DAM) distance, type, est. height, road or trail name &type

Ford (FORD) distance, road or trail name & type

Culvert (V) distance, type (pipe, box, open box, arch, open arch), size, material, natural substrate, perch (top of water to culvert) road or trail name

Substrates

1. Organic Matter, dead leaves detritus, etc., not living plants

2. Clay, sticky, holds form when balled

3. Silt, slick, does not hold form when balled

4. Sand, >silt-2mm, gritty, doesn’t hold form

5. Small Gravel,3-16mm, sand to thumbnail

6. Large Gravel, 17-64mm, thumbnail to fist

7. Cobble, 65-256mm, fist to head

8. Boulder, >256, > head

9. Bedrock, solid parent material

Large Woody Debris

1. <5m long, 10-55cm diameter

2. <5m long, >55cm diameter

3. >5m long, 10-55cm diameter

4. >5m long, >55cm diameter

RW: rootwad – count separately from attached LWD, record in comments do not record woody debris <10cm diameter, <1m length

Measuring Riparian Width (nth riffle, run, cascade only)

Place clinometer against the wading rod at two times max bankfull depth

Use the clinometer as a level – keep the slope at 0.0 – and site to the nearest landform perpendicular to the channel

Measure the distance from the edge of the bankfull channel to the intersection with the landform

Do this for both the left and right banks

If riparian width in more than 50 m, record 51 as the riparian width and in ‘Comments’ note that riparian was > 50 m wide

End inventory Where stream is less than 1.0 m wide for > 500 m, or channel runs dry for > 1.0 km, or where boundary is reached. Comment on why inventory was ended. Record time of day, detailed description of location, and GPS coordinates at endpoint, and be sure all header info is filled in on datasheets.

Random numbers for measuring every 5th unit

Random numbers for measuring every 10th unit

Choose a new random number at the beginning of each stream inventory Use the number for the entire stream

Use the first table for streams < 1.0 km long, the second table for streams >1.0 km long

Equipment Checklist hipchain extra string for hipchain wading rod

50 m tape measure clinometer thermometer datalogger backup battery for datalogger

GPS unit camera backpack pencils flagging markers waterproof backup datasheets clipboard

BVET manual

BVET field guide on waterproof paper topographic maps water water filter lunch first aid kit radio/cell phone toilet paper felt bottom wading boots raingear

Remember the following for the start of each new stream or reach:

· Determine measuring interval

· Select a random number

· Fill in header information completely

Wetted Width

2 times max bankfull depth

Bankfull Channel Width

Left Riparian Width

Right Riparian Width

B-axis

(intermediate)

C-axis

(shortest)

A-axis

(longest)

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