United States Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Water

Washington, DC 

EPA841-B-04-004

Wadeable Streams Assessment

Field Operations 

Manual

July 2004 FINAL
July 2004 

WADEABLE STREAM ASSESSMENT: 

FIELD OPERATIONS MANUAL 
NOTICE 

The intention of the WSA project is to provide a comprehensive “State of the Streams” 

assessment for streams across the United States. The complete documentation of overall WSA 

project management, design, methods, and standards is contained in five companion 

documents, including: 

• Wadeable Streams Assessment: Quality Assurance Project Plan 

• Wadeable Streams Assessment: Site Evaluation Guidelines 

• Wadeable Streams Assessment: Field Operations Manual 

• Wadeable Streams Assessment: Benthic Laboratory Methods 

• Wadeable Streams Assessment: Water Chemistry Laboratory Manual 

This document (Field Operations Manual) contains a brief introduction, procedures to follow at 

the base location and on-site, including methods for sampling water chemistry (grabs and in 

situ), stream discharge, benthic macroinvertebrates, and physical habitat. These methods are 

based on the guidelines developed and followed in the Western Environmental Monitoring and 

Assessment Program (Peck et al. 2003). Methods described in this document are to be used 

specifically in work relating to WSA. All Project Cooperators should follow these guidelines. 

Mention of trade names or commercial products in this document does not constitute 

endorsement or recommendation for use. More details on specific methods for site evaluation, 

sampling, and sample processing can be found in the appropriate companion document. 

The suggested citation for this document is: 

USEPA. 2004. Wadeable Stream Assessment: Field Operations Manual. EPA841-B04-004. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water and Office of Research 

and Development, Washington, DC. 

i 
FOREWORD 

The strategic plan of USEPA calls for a report on the results of a statistical survey of the 

condition of the Nation’s waters, conducted in cooperation with the states. Therefore, USEPA’s 

Office of Water with support from the Office of Research and Development is initiating a national 

assessment of the ecological condition of wadeable streams by collaborating with state water 

quality agencies. The result is a Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA) Program that consists 

of a comprehensive program for surveying, assessing, and diagnosing ecological condition. 

This assessment will generate statistically valid estimates of the ecological health of streams 

through sampling a representative assemblage of the aquatic community and associated 

ecological data. A determination of related causes and sources of degradation to these aquatic 

resources will be investigated. 

This document contains the field operations and bioassessment methods for evaluating 

the health and biological integrity of wadeable freshwater streams throughout the United States. 

These methods can be used by state and tribal water quality agencies as well as USEPA 

regional, enforcement, and research programs engaged in condition assessments and/or trends 

monitoring for the effects of impacts on aquatic organisms, particularly benthic 

macroinvertebrates in wadeable streams throughout the nation. The program addresses 

methods and techniques for sample collection; sample preparation; processing of structural and 

functional measures by using organism identification and enumeration; the survey and 

evaluation of physical habitat structure; the computerization, analysis, and interpretation of 

biological data; and ecological assessments. 

Companion documents include the overall Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP) and 

Laboratory Operations Manuals for processing the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage 

samples and water chemistry. 

ii 
ABSTRACT 

The Wadeable Streams Assessment program focuses on the use of a consistent 

scientific and technical tools for evaluating ecological conditions on regional and national 

scales. The methods and instructions for field operations presented in this manual for surveys 

of wadeable streams were initially developed and tested during 5 years of pilot and 

demonstration projects (1993 - 1997) and modified for use in a study of streams in the Western 

US (2000-2002). These projects were conducted under the sponsorship of the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency and its collaborators through the Environmental Monitoring 

and Assessment Program (EMAP). This document describes procedures for collecting data, 

samples, and information about the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage, environmental 

measures, or attributes of indicators of stream ecosystem condition, and were developed based 

on standard or accepted methods, modified as necessary to adapt them to sampling 

requirements for the Wadeable Streams Assessment. They are intended for use in field studies 

sponsored by the USEPA, or monitoring programs developed and implemented by various State 

and tribal agencies. In addition to methodology, additional information on data management, 

safety and health, and other logistical aspects is integrated into the procedures and overall 

operations. Procedures are described for collecting field measurement data and/or acceptable 

index samples for several response and stressor indicators, including water chemistry, physical 

habitat, and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. The manual describes field 

implementation of these methods and the logistical foundation constructed during field projects. 

Flowcharts and other graphic aids provide overall summaries of specific field activities required 

to visit a stream site and collect data for these indicators. Tables give step-by-step procedural 

instructions. These figures and tables can be extracted and bound separately to make a 

convenient quick field reference for field teams. The manual also includes example field data 

forms for recording measurements and observations made in the field and sample tracking 

information. Checklists of all supplies and equipment needed for each field task are included to 

help ensure that these materials are available when required. 

iii 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page 

NOTICE ..................................................................... i

FOREWORD ................................................................. ii

ABSTRACT ................................................................. iii

FIGURES ................................................................... vii

TABLES .................................................................... ix

ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND MEASUREMENT UNITS ....................... xi

1.0 INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 1

1.1 Overview of the Wadeable Streams Assessment Program .................... 1

1.2 Integration with the EMAP Western Study ................................. 2

1.3 Summary of Ecological Indicators ........................................ 3

1.3.1 Water Chemistry ................................................ 4

1.3.2 Physical Habitat ................................................. 4

1.3.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage .............................. 4

1.4 Objectives and Scope of the Field Operations Manual ........................ 5

1.5 Quality Assurance .................................................... 5

2.0 OVERVIEW OF FIELD OPERATIONS ........................................ 7

2.1 Daily Operational Scenario .............................................. 7

2.2 Guidelines for Recording Data and Information .............................. 7

2.3 Safety and Health ..................................................... 8

2.3.1 General Considerations .......................................... 8

2.3.2 Safety Equipment and Facilities ................................... 14

2.3.3 Safety Guidelines for Field Operations .............................. 14

2.4 Literature Cited ..................................................... 17

3.0 BASE LOCATION ACTIVITIES ............................................. 19

3.1 Activities Before Each Stream Visit ...................................... 19

3.1.1 Confirming Site Access .......................................... 19

3.1.2 Daily Sampling Itinerary ......................................... 19

3.1.3 Instrument Inspections and Performance Tests ....................... 21

3.1.3.1 Global Positioning Receiver ................................ 21

3.1.3.2 Current Velocity Meters .................................... 21

3.1.4 Preparation of Equipment and Supplies ............................. 21

3.2 Activities after Each Stream Visit ........................................ 24

3.2.1 Equipment Care ............................................... 24

3.2.2 Sample Packing, Shipment and Tracking ............................ 25

3.2.2.1 Water Chemistry .......................................... 25

3.2.2.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Samples .......................... 27

iv 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

Section Page 

3.3 Status Reports ....................................................... 29

3.4 Equipment and Supplies .............................................. 29

4.0 INITIAL SITE PROCEDURES .............................................. 34

4.1 Site Verification Activities .............................................. 34

4.1.1 Locating the Index Site .......................................... 34

4.1.2 Determining the Sampling Status of a Stream ........................ 34

4.1.3 Sampling During or After Rain Events .............................. 38

4.1.4 Site Photographs ............................................... 39

4.2 Laying out the Sampling Reach ......................................... 39

4.3 Modifying Sample Protocols for High or Low Flows .......................... 42

4.3.1 Streams with Interrupted Flow .................................... 42

4.3.2 Partial Boatable/Wadeable Sites .................................. 44

4.3.3 Braided Systems ............................................... 44

4.4 Equipment and Supplies .............................................. 44

5.0 WATER CHEMISTRY ..................................................... 47

5.1 Sample Collection .................................................... 47

5.2 Field Measurements .................................................. 49

5.3 Equipment and Supplies .............................................. 49

6.0 STREAM DISCHARGE ................................................... 54

6.1 Velocity-Area Procedure ............................................... 54

6.2 Timed Filling Procedure ............................................... 54

6.3 Neutrally-Buoyant Object Procedure ..................................... 58

6.4 Equipment and Supplies .............................................. 60

7.0 PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION .................................. 63

7.1 Components of the Habitat Characterization ............................... 64

7.2 Habitat Sampling Locations Within the Sampling Reach ..................... 66

7.3 Logistics and Work Flow .............................................. 68

7.4 Thalweg Profile and Large Woody Debris Measurements .................... 69

7.4.1 Thalweg Profile ................................................ 69

7.4.2 Large Woody Debris Tally ........................................ 76

7.5 Channel and Riparian Measurements at Cross-section Transects .............. 76

7.5.1 Slope and Bearing .............................................. 76

7.5.2 Substrate Size and Channel Dimensions ............................ 82

7.5.3 Bank Characteristics ............................................ 86

7.5.4 Canopy Cover Measurements .................................... 89

7.5.5 Riparian Vegetation Structure ..................................... 92

7.5.6 Instream Fish Cover, Algae, and Aquatic Macrophytes ................. 95

7.5.7 Human Influence ............................................... 96

7.5.8 Riparian “Legacy” Trees ......................................... 97

v 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

Section Page 

7.6 Channel Constraint, Debris Torrents, and Recent Floods .................... 100

7.6.1 Channel Constraint ............................................ 100

7.6.2 Debris Torrents and Recent Major Floods .......................... 100

7.7 Equipment and Supplies ............................................. 105

8.0 BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES ....................................... 108

8.1 Sample Collection ................................................... 109

8.2 Sample Processing .................................................. 109

8.3 Equipment and Supply Checklist ....................................... 113

9.0 RAPID HABITAT AND VISUAL STREAM ASSESSMENTS ...................... 120

9.1 Rapid Habitat Assessment ............................................ 120

9.2 Visual Stream Assessment ........................................... 131

9.3 Equipment and Supplies ............................................. 132

10.0 FINAL SITE ACTIVITIES ................................................ 137

11.0 LITERATURE CITED ................................................... 148

Appendices 

A EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY CHECKLISTS 

B FIELD FORMS AND DATA SHEETS 

vi 
FIGURES

Figure Page 

1-1. The geographic scope of the Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA), stratified by

Ecoregion Level 2 ........................................................ 2

2-1. General sequence of stream sampling activities ................................ 9

3-1. Activities conducted at base locations. ....................................... 20

3-2. Sample container labels. .................................................. 23

3-3. Sample tracking form for unpreserved samples. ................................ 26

3-4. Sample tracking form for preserved samples. .................................. 28

4-1. Verification Form (page 1). ................................................ 35

4-2. Verification Form (page 2). ................................................ 41

4-3. Sampling reach features. .................................................. 42

5-1. Completed sample labels for water chemistry. ................................. 48

5-2. Sample Collection Form, showing data recorded for water

chemistry samples. ...................................................... 50

5-3. Channel Constraint and Field Measurement Form, showing data recorded for 

water chemistry. ......................................................... 51

6-1. Layout of channel cross-section for obtaining discharge data by the velocity-area

procedure. ............................................................. 56

6-2. Stream Discharge Form, showing data recorded for all discharge measurement

procedures. ............................................................ 57

6-3. Use of a portable weir in conjunction with a calibrated bucket to obtain an

estimate of stream discharge. .............................................. 59

7-1. Sampling reach layout for physical habitat measurements (plan view). .............. 67

7-2. Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form. .................................... 72

7-3. Large woody debris influence zones. ........................................ 78

7-4. Channel slope and bearing measurements. ................................... 79

7-5. Slope and Bearing Form. .................................................. 81

7-6. Substrate sampling cross-section. .......................................... 83

7-7. Channel/Riparian Cross-section and Thalweg Profile Form. ...................... 85

7-8. Schematic showing bankfull channel and incision for channels. ................... 88

7.9. Determining bankfull and incision heights for (A) deeply incised channels, and 

(B) streams in deep V-shaped valleys. ....................................... 90

7-10. Schematic of modified convex spherical canopy densiometer. ................... 91

7-11. Boundaries for visual estimation of riparian vegetation, fish cover, and

human influences. ...................................................... 93

7-12. Riparian “Legacy” Tree and Invasive Alien Plant Form (Page 1). ................. 99

7-13. Channel Constraint and Field Chemistry Form, showing data for channel 

constraint ............................................................ 102

vii 
FIGURES (CONTINUED)

Figure Page 

7-14. Torrent Evidence Assessment Form. ...................................... 104

7-15. Checklist of equipment and supplies for physical habitat. ...................... 106

8-1. Modified D-frame kick net. ................................................ 108

8-2. Transect sampling design for the benthic macroinvertebrate sample. .............. 110

8-3. Sample Collection Form (page 1), showing information for the reach-wide and

targeted riffle benthic macroinvertebrate samples. ............................ 114

8-4. Completed labels for benthic macroinvertebrate samples. ....................... 116

8-5. Blank labels for benthic invertebrate samples. ................................. 117

8-6. Equipment and supply checklist for benthic macroinvertebrates. .................. 118

9-1. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for riffle/run prevalent streams. ................. 126

9-2. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for pool/glide prevalent streams. ................ 128

9-3. Stream Assessment Form (page 1). ........................................ 133

9-4. Checklist of equipment and supplies required for rapid habitat and visual 

stream assessments. .................................................. 135

viii 
TABLES

Table Page 

2-1. Estimated Times and Division of Labor for Field Activities ......................... 8

2-2. Guidelines for Recording Field Data and Other Information ....................... 10

2-3. General Health and Safety Considerations .................................... 13

2-4. General Safety Guidelines for Field Operations ................................ 16

3-1. General Performance Checks for Current Velocity Meters ....................... 22

3-2. Stock Solutions, Uses, and Instructions for Preparation ......................... 23

3-3. Equipment Care after Each Stream Visit ...................................... 24

3-4. General Guidelines for Packing and Shipping Unpreserved

Samples .............................................................. 27

3-5. Field Data Sheets to be Shipped ............................................ 30

3-6. Status Reporting ........................................................ 31

3-7. Summary of Base Location Activities and Supplies ............................. 32

4-1. Site Verification Procedures ............................................... 36

4-2. Guidelines to Determine the Influence of Rain Events ........................... 38

4-3. Laying out the Sampling Reach ............................................. 39

4-4. Modifications for Interrupted Streams ........................................ 43

4-5. Modifications for Braided Streams .......................................... 45

4-6. Equipment and Supplies Checklist for Initial Site Activities ....................... 45

5-1. Sample Collection Procedures for Water Chemistry ............................. 48

5-2. Equipment and Supplies for Water Chemistry ................................. 52

6-1. Velocity-area Procedure for Determining Stream Discharge ...................... 55

6-2. Timed Filling Procedure for Determining Stream Discharge ...................... 59

6-3. Neutrally Buoyant Object Procedure for Determining

Stream Discharge ....................................................... 60

6-4. Equipment and Supply Checklist for Stream Discharge .......................... 61

7-1. Components of Physical Habitat Characterization .............................. 65

7-2. Thalweg Profile Procedure ................................................ 70

7-3. Channel Unit and Pool Forming Categories ................................... 74

7-4. Procedure for Tallying Large Woody Debris ................................... 77

7-5. Procedure for Obtaining Slope and Bearing Data ............................... 80

7-6. Substrate Measurement Procedure ......................................... 84

7-7. Procedure for Measuring Bank Characteristics ................................. 87

7-8. Procedure for Canopy Cover Measurements .................................. 92

7-9. Procedure for Characterizing Riparian Vegetation

Structure .............................................................. 94

7-10. Procedure for Estimating Instream Fish Cover ................................ 96

7-11. Procedure for Estimating Human Influence .................................. 97

7-12. Procedure for Identifying Riparian Legacy Trees .............................. 98

7-13. Procedures for Assessing Channel Constraint ............................... 101

ix 
TABLES (CONTINUED)

Table Page 

8-1. Procedure to Collect Benthic Macroinvertebrate Samples ....................... 111

8-2. Procedure for Preparing Composite Samples for

Benthic Macroinvertebrates .............................................. 115

9-1. Descriptions of Parameters Used in the Rapid Habitat 

Assessment of Streams ................................................ 121

9-2. Procedure for Conducting the Rapid Habitat Assessment ....................... 125

9-3. Procedure for Conducting the Final Visual Assessment

Of a Stream .......................................................... 130

x 
ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND MEASUREMENT UNITS 

Acronyms and Abbreviations 

AFDM Ash-free dry mass

APA Acid/Alkaline Phosphatase Activity

BPJ Best Professional Judgment

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand

CENR (White House) Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

dbh Diameter at breast height

DC Direct Current

DIC Dissolved Inorganic Carbon

DLGs Digital Line Graphs

DO Dissolved oxygen

EERD Ecological Exposure Research Division

EMAP Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program

EMAP-SW Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program-Surface Waters Resource

Group 

EMAP-WP Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program-Western Pilot study 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

ERB Ecosystems Research Branch 

GPS Global Positioning System 

ID identification 

LWD Large Woody Debris 

MAHA Mid-Atlantic Highlands Assessment 

MAIA Mid-Atlantic Integrated Assessment 

NAWQA National Water-Quality Assessment Program 

NERL National Exposure Research Laboratory 

NHEERL National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory 

ORD Office of Research and Development 

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

P-Hab physical habitat 

PVC polyvinyl chloride 

QA quality assurance 

QC quality control 

RBP (EPA) Rapid Bioassessment Protocols 

R-EMAP Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program 

SL Standard length 

SOP Standard Operating Procedure 

TIME Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems 

TL Total length 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

WED Western Ecology Division 

WSA Wadeable Streams Assessment 

YOY young of year 

YSI Yellow Springs Instrument system 

xi 
ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND MEASUREMENT UNITS 

(CONTINUED) 

Measurement Units 

amps amperes

cm centimeter

ft foot

gal gallon

ha hectare

Hz Hertz

in inches

L liter

m meter

m2 square meters

mg/L milligram per liter

mm millimeter

:m micrometer

:S/cm microsiemens per centimeter

mS/cm millisiemens per centimeter

msec millisecond

ppm parts per million

psi pounds per square inch

V volts

VA volt-ampere

xii 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This manual contains procedures for collecting samples and measurement data from 

selected biotic and abiotic components of streams in the eastern United States for the 

Wadeable Streams Assessment. These procedures were initially developed and used 

between 1993 and 2003 in research studies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 

(EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), and published in 

Lazorchak et al. (1998) and modified by Peck et al. (2003) for use on an extensive pilot 

study in the western United States (EPA Regions 8, 9, and 10). The purposes of this 

manual are to: (1) Document the procedures used in the collection of field data and various 

types of samples for the Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA) and (2) provide these 

procedures for use by other groups implementing stream monitoring programs similar to 

WSA and these procedures. 

These procedures are designed for use during a 1-day visit by a crew of two or three 

persons to sampling sites located on smaller, wadeable streams (generally stream order 1 

through 3, or higher for semi-arid and arid regions of the U.S.). They were initially 

developed based on information gained from a workshop of academic, State, and Federal 

experts (Hughes, 1993), and subsequent discussions between aquatic biologists and 

ecologists within the EPA Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP), with 

scientists of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Assessment Program 

(NAWQA), with biologists from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and with State and Regional 

biologists within EPA Region 3. EMAP staff has also sought information from various 

Federal and State scientists in the western U.S to refine these procedures. 

1.1 Overview of the Wadeable Streams Assessment Program 

Recent critiques of water monitoring programs have claimed that EPA and states 

cannot make statistically valid inferences about water quality and ecological condition, and 

lack data to support management decisions regarding the Nation’s aquatic resources. 

These critiques have stemmed from reviews of the General Accounting Office (2000), the 

National Research Council (2001), the National Academy of Public Administration (2002), 

the Heinz Center Report (2002), and most recently, the draft Report on the Environment 

(2003). The primary reasons for this inability to produce adequate reporting of ecological 

condition are (1) the targeted monitoring designs used by water quality agencies, which are 

not conducive to extrapolation to comprehensive coverage, and (2) the question of 

comparability of the ecological data gathering tools, which, to date, have precluded 

aggregating data and/or assessments for regional and national scales. 

The WSA intends to maximize partnerships among EPA, states and tribes, and other 

agencies to use the best combination of monitoring tools and strategies to answer key 

environmental questions at national, and regional scales, and to establish a framework to 

address issues at state and local scales. EPA’s strategy for effectively targeting water 

quality actions that maximizes benefits and saves costs focuses on four key aspects, i.e., 

strengthen state programs, promote partnerships, use multiple monitoring tools, and expand 

accessibility and use of data. 

The basic intent of the WSA is to build upon previous large-scale programs, such as 

EMAP and NAWQA, and to benefit from existing state agency expertise and knowledge of 

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800 0 800 1600 Miles

N

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Figure 1-1. The geographic scope of the =Wadeable Streams Assessment (WSA), Level 2

ecoregions are shown.

aquatic resources. 

reporting at regional scales (e.g., level 2 ecoregion, EPA region). 

procedures (SOPs) and a strict quality assurance (QA) program will be used to ensure data

integrity for the assessments. 

the western United States (EPA Regions 8-10) over a 5-year period (2000 to 2004) will be

complemented by a scheduled sampling of 500 stream sites in 2004 throughout EPA

Regions 1-7 (Figure 1-1). WSA and Western

Streams Studies to Congress is scheduled for December 2005.

1.2 INTEGRATION WITH THE EMAP WESTERN STUDY

A major geographic study within EMAP has targeted the states and tribal nations in

the western conterminous U.S (Regions 8, 9, 10) and conducted over the past four years. 

Details regarding this research initiative can be found in the peer-reviewed research plan

(U.S. EPA, 2000). 

monitoring and to demonstrate the application of core tools from EMAP in monitoring and

assessment across the west. When the analyses and report are complete, the western

Randomly generated sampling locations will enable assessment and

Standard operating

The data collection from approximately 1000 stream sites in

A report summarizing the results of the 

The purpose for this western study was to further advance the science of
geographic study will serve to advance both the science of monitoring and the application of 

monitoring to policy, provide an opportunity to push the science and its application to new 

levels, both in terms of the type of systems addressed (mountainous and arid systems) and 

the size of the region covered (essentially one third of the conterminous U.S), and 

demonstrate the application of EMAP designs in answering the urgent and practical 

assessment questions facing the western EPA Regional Offices, while framing these unique 

studies in a methodology that can be extended to the entire nation. WSA builds upon this 

framework and completes the extension of the ecological assessment country-wide. 

The primary objectives of the Western Pilot Study (EMAP-WP), the surface waters 

component of the Western Geographic Study, are to: 

1. Develop the monitoring tools (biological indicators, stream survey design, 

estimates of reference condition) necessary to produce unbiased estimates of the 

ecological condition of surface waters across a large geographic area (or areas) 

of the West; and 

2. Demonstrate those tools in a large-scale assessment. 

The goal of EMAP-WP is to provide answers to three general assessment questions: 

1. What proportion of stream and river miles in the western U.S. are in acceptable 

(or poor) biological condition? 

2. What is the relative importance of potential stressors (habitat modification, 

sedimentation, nutrients, temperature, grazing, timber harvest, etc.) in streams 

and rivers across the West?; and 

3. What stressors are associated with streams and rivers in poor biological 

condition? 

The resource population of interest for EMAP-WP are all perennial streams and 

rivers as represented in EPA’s River Reach File (RF3), with the exception of the “Great 

Rivers” (the Columbia, Snake, Colorado and Missouri Rivers). The pilot study utilized an 

EMAP probability design to select sites which are statistically representative of the resource 

population of interest. This allows an extrapolation of ecological results from the sites 

sampled to the entire population. A comprehensive set of ecological indicators were 

implemented in a coarse survey of streams and rivers across all of the West (the 

conterminous portions of EPA Regions 8, 9 and 10). Sample sizes (i.e., numbers of stream 

sites) were chosen to allow eventual estimates of condition to be made for each state, 

numerous aggregated ecological regions (e.g., mountainous areas of the Pacific states, the 

Southern Basin and Range), major river basins, and many other potential geographic 

classifications. This survey design is more detailed than will be used in the WSA. However, 

the integration of EMAP-WP with the planned sampling of the eastern US will enable a firsttime assessment of the ecological condition of the nation’s streams at a regional scale. 

1.3 SUMMARY OF ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS 

The following sections describe the rationale for each of the ecological indicators 

currently included in the stream sampling procedures presented in this manual. Evaluation 

activities to determine the suitability of individual indicators to robustly determine ecological 

condition are ongoing at this time. This information is presented to help users understand 

3
the various field procedures and the significance of certain aspects of the methodologies. 

Consistent with EMAP and state water quality agencies, two principal types of 

indicators, condition and stressor (U.S. EPA, 1998) will be considered in the WSA. 

Condition indicators are biotic or abiotic characteristics of an ecosystem that can provide an 

estimate of the condition of an ecological resource with respect to some environmental 

value, such as biotic integrity. Stressor indicators are characteristics that are expected to 

change the condition of a resource if the intensity or magnitude is altered. 

1.3.1 Water Chemistry 

Data are collected from each stream for a variety of physical and chemical 

constituents. Information from these analyses is used to evaluate stream condition with 

respect to stressors such as acidic deposition, nutrient enrichment, and other inorganic 

contaminants. In addition, streams can be classified with respect to water chemistry type, 

water clarity, mass balance budgets of constituents, temperature regime, and presence of 

anoxic conditions. Examples of relationships between stream chemistry and watershedlevel land use data are described in Herlihy et al. (1998). 

1.3.2 Physical Habitat 

Naturally occurring differences among surface waters in physical habitat structure 

and associated hydraulic characteristics contributes to much of the observed variation in 

species composition and abundance within a zoogeographic province. The structural 

complexity of aquatic habitats provides the variety of physical and chemical conditions to 

support diverse biotic assemblages and maintain long-term stability. Anthropogenic 

alterations of riparian areas and stream channels, wetland drainage, grazing and 

agricultural practices, and stream bank modifications such as revetments or development, 

generally act to reduce the complexity of aquatic habitat and result in a loss of species and 

ecosystem degradation. 

Stressor indicators derived from data collected about physical habitat quality will be 

used to help explain or characterize stream condition relative to various condition indicators. 

Important attributes of physical habitat in streams are channel dimensions, gradient, 

substrate characteristics; habitat complexity and cover; riparian vegetation cover and 

structure; disturbance due to human activity, and channel-riparian interaction (Kaufmann, 

1993). Overall objectives for this indicator are to develop quantitative and reproducible 

indices, using both multivariate and multimetric approaches, to classify streams and to 

monitor biologically relevant changes in habitat quality and intensity of disturbance. 

Kaufmann et al. (1999) discuss procedures for reducing EMAP field habitat measurements 

and observations to metrics that describe channel and riparian habitat at the reach scale. 

1.3.3 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assemblage 

Benthic macroinvertebrates inhabit the sediment or live on the bottom substrates of 

streams. The macroinvertebrate assemblages in streams reflect overall biological integrity 

of the benthic community, and monitoring these assemblages is useful in assessing the 

status of the water body and discerning trends. Benthic communities respond differently to 

a wide array of stressors. As a result of this, it is often possible to determine the type of 

4
stress that has affected a benthic macroinvertebrate community (Plafkin et al., 1989; Klemm 

et al., 1990; Barbour et al. 1999). Because many macroinvertebrates have relatively long 

life cycles of a year or more and are relatively immobile, macroinvertebrate community 

structure is a function of past conditions. 

The basic approach to developing ecological indicators based on benthic 

invertebrate assemblages is to identify different structural and functional attributes of the 

assemblage that will serve as endpoints for measuring differences in condition. Individual 

attributes or metrics that respond to different types of stressors are compared against 

expectations under conditions of minimal human disturbance (Kerans and Karr 1994, Fore 

et al. 1996, Barbour et al. 1995; 1996, Wright 1995, Norris 1995). Secondly, indicators of 

condition based on multivariate analysis of benthic assemblages and associated abiotic 

variables will be examined. A data analysis plan will be developed in consultation with a 

technical experts workgroup. 

1.4 OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF THE FIELD OPERATIONS MANUAL 

The field-related sampling and data collection activities in this manual are organized 

to follow the sequence of field activities during the 1-day site visit. Section 2 presents a 

general overview of all field activities. Section 3 presents those procedures that are 

conducted at a “base” location before and after a stream site visit. Section 4 presents the 

procedures for verifying the site location and defining a reach of the stream where 

subsequent sampling and data collection activities are conducted. Sections 5 through 9 

describes the procedures for collecting samples and field measurement data for various 

condition and stressor indicators. Specific procedures associated with each indicator are 

presented in standalone tables that can be copied, laminated, and taken into the field for 

quick reference. Section 10 describes the final activities that are conducted before leaving a 

stream site. Appendix A contains a list of all equipment and supplies required by a crew to 

complete all field activities at a stream. Field teams are required to keep the field operations 

and methods manual available in the field for reference and to address questions pertaining 

to protocols that might arise. 

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE 

Large-scale and/or long-term monitoring programs such as those envisioned for 

WSA require a rigorous QA program that can be implemented consistently by all 

participants throughout the duration of the monitoring period. QA is a required element of all 

EPA-sponsored studies that involve the collection of environmental data (Stanley and 

Verner, 1986). A QA project plan was prepared for the WSA and distributed to all 

participants. The QA project plan contains more detailed information regarding QA/QC 

activities and procedures associated with general field operations, sample collection, 

measurement data collection for specific indicators, laboratory operations, and data 

reporting activities. 

Quality control (QC) activities associated with field operations are integrated into the 

field procedures. Important QC activities associated with field operations include a comprehensive training program that includes practice sampling visits, and the use of a qualified 

museum facility or laboratory to confirm any field identifications of biological specimens. 

5
NOTES

6
2.0 OVERVIEW OF FIELD OPERATIONS 

This section presents a general overview of the activities a 2- or 3-person field team 

conducts during a typical 1-day sampling visit to a stream site. General guidelines for 

recording data and using standardized field data forms and sample labels are also presented. Finally, safety and health considerations and guidelines related to field operations 

are provided. 

2.1 DAILY OPERATIONAL SCENARIO 

Table 2-1 provides the estimated time required to conduct various field activities. 

Figure 2-1 presents one scenario of the general sequence of activities conducted at each 

stream reach. For some wide, shallow streams, the required reach length and/or the larger 

area requiring sampling effort may necessitate two days be allocated for completing all 

required activities. 

Upon arrival at a stream site, verify and document the site location, determine the 

length of stream reach to be sampled, and establish the required transects (Section 4). 

Then collect samples and field measurements for water chemistry (Section 5) and benthos 

(Section 6). Then determine discharge (Section 7), and conduct the intensive physical 

habitat characterization (Section 8). Finally, conduct a habitat characterization based on the 

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs; Barbour et al. 1999) and a visual stream assessment (Section 9). After all field activities have been completed, prepare samples for 

transport and shipment (Section 3). 

2.2 GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING DATA AND INFORMATION 

During the 1-day visit to a stream, a field team is required to obtain and record a 

substantial amount of data and other information for all of the various ecological indicators 

described in Section 1.3. In addition, all the associated information for each sample 

collected must be recorded on labels and field data forms to ensure accurate tracking and 

subsequent linkage of other data with the results of sample analyses. Examples of field 

labels and data forms can be found in each sampling section. 

The field data forms are designed to be compatible with an optical scanner system 

to allow rapid conversion of the printed form into one or more electronic files and reduce the 

need for manual data entry. While these forms should facilitate data recording by the field 

crew, it is imperative that field and sample information be recorded accurately, consistently, 

and legibly. Measurement data that cannot be accurately interpreted by others besides the 

field teams, and/or samples with incorrect or illegible information associated with them, are 

lost to the program. The cost of a sampling visit coupled with the short index period 

prohibits the ability to re-sample a stream because the initial information recorded was 

inaccurate, illegible, or missing. Some guidelines to assist field personnel with recording 

information are presented in Table 2-2. Examples of completed data forms and labels are 

presented in the sections describing field sampling and measurement procedures for 

different indicators. 

7
TABLE 2-1. ESTIMATED TIMES AND DIVISION OF LABOR FOR FIELD ACTIVITIES 

Activity Estimated Time Required 

Site verification and establishing sampling reach and 

transects 

Water chemistry sampling and stream discharge determination 

Collecting and processing benthos samples 

Intensive physical habitat characterization 

Rapid habitat assessment 

Visual stream assessment 

Sample tracking and packing 

1 hr 

1 hr 

1 hr 

2 to 3 hr 

0.5 hr 

1 hr 

SUMMARY 7 to 8 hrs per teama 

a For wider wadeable streams (e.g., > 20 m, it may require more than 1 day to complete all required activities. 

2.3 SAFETY AND HEALTH 

Collection and analysis of samples (e.g., benthic invertebrates, water chemistry, and 

sediment) can involve significant risks to personal safety and health (drowning, pathogens, 

etc.). While safety is often not considered an integral part of field sampling routines, 

personnel must be aware of unsafe working conditions, hazards connected with the 

operation of sampling gear, boats, environmental surroundings, and other risks (Berry et al., 

1983). Personnel safety and health are of the highest priority for all investigative activities 

and must be emphasized in safety and health plans for field, laboratory, and materials 

handling operations. Preventative safety measures and emergency actions must also be 

emphasized. Individual states and other grantees should assign health and safety responsibilities and have an established program for training in safety, accident reporting, and 

medical and first aid treatment. Safety documents and standard operating procedures 

(SOPs) containing necessary and specific safety precautions should be available to all field 

personnel. Additional sources of information regarding field laboratory safety related to 

biomonitoring studies include Berry et al. (1983), USEPA (1986), and Ohio EPA (1990). 

2.3.1 General Considerations 

Important considerations related to field safety are presented in Table 2-3. It is the 

responsibility of the group safety officer or project leader to ensure that the necessary 

safety courses are taken by all field personnel and that all safety policies and procedures 

are followed. Sources of information regarding safety-related training include the American 

Red Cross (1989), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1981), U.S. 

Coast Guard (1987) and Ohio EPA (1990). 

Persons using sampling devices should become familiar with the hazards involved 

and establish appropriate safety practices prior to using them. If boats are used to access 

sampling sites, personnel must consider and prepare for hazards associated with the 

8
SITE LOCATION AND VERIFICATION 

• Verify stream and reach locations 

• Mark index site and cross-section transects 

WATER CHEMISTRY 

• Collect samples 

• Conduct field measurements 

STREAM DISCHARGE 

• Locate suitable cross-section 

• Collect depth and velocity measurements 

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

• Collect samples at transect sampling points 

• Prepare composite samples for stream reach 

SITE ASSESSMENT 

• Conduct RBP habitat evaluation 

• Conduct visual assessment 

FINAL SITE ACTIVITIES 

• Review field data forms 

• Inspect and package samples 

• Clean up stream site 

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

• Process composite samples 

NEXT DAY ACTIVITIES 

• Ship samples and data forms 

• Travel to next stream 

PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

(Intensive) 

• Thalweg profile measurements 

• Large woody debris tally 

• Bank characteristics 

• Substrate size and channel dimensions 

• Canopy density 

• Riparian vegetation types and structure 

• Instream fish cover 

• Human disturbance 

• Legacy tree 

• Channel Constraint 

• Torrent evidence 

REACH LAYOUT 

• Mark index site and determine reach 

length 

• “Slide” reach if necessary 

• Mark cross-section transects 

2 Persons 1 Person 

SITE LOCATION AND VERIFICATION 

• Verify stream and reach locations 

• Mark index site and cross-section transects 

WATER CHEMISTRY 

• Collect samples 

• Conduct field measurements 

STREAM DISCHARGE 

• Locate suitable cross-section 

• Collect depth and velocity measurements 

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

• Collect samples at transect sampling points 

• Prepare composite samples for stream reach 

SITE ASSESSMENT 

• Conduct RBP habitat evaluation 

• Conduct visual assessment 

FINAL SITE ACTIVITIES 

• Review field data forms 

• Inspect and package samples 

• Clean up stream site 

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

• Process composite samples 

NEXT DAY ACTIVITIES 

• Ship samples and data forms 

• Travel to next stream 

PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

(Intensive) 

• Thalweg profile measurements 

• Large woody debris tally 

• Bank characteristics 

• Substrate size and channel dimensions 

• Canopy density 

• Riparian vegetation types and structure 

• Instream fish cover 

• Human disturbance 

• Legacy tree 

• Channel Constraint 

• Torrent evidence 

PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

(Intensive) 

• Thalweg profile measurements 

• Large woody debris tally 

• Bank characteristics 

• Substrate size and channel dimensions 

• Canopy density 

• Riparian vegetation types and structure 

• Instream fish cover 

• Human disturbance 

• Legacy tree 

• Channel Constraint 

• Torrent evidence 

REACH LAYOUT 

• Mark index site and determine reach 

length 

• “Slide” reach if necessary 

• Mark cross-section transects 

2 Persons 1 Person 

Figure 2-1. General sequence of stream sampling activities (modified from Chaloud 

and Peck, 1994). 

9
operation of motor vehicles, boats, winches, tools, and other incidental equipment. Boat 

operators should be familiar with U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations for safe boating 

contained in a pamphlet, "Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats, " available from a 

local U.S. Coast Guard Director or Auxiliary or State Boating Official (U.S. Coast Guard, 

1987). All boats with motors must have fire extinguishers, boat horns, life jackets or 

flotation cushions, and flares or communication devices. 

TABLE 2-2. GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING FIELD DATA AND OTHER INFORMATION 

Field Measurements: 

Data Recording: 

Record measurement values and/or observations on data forms preprinted on water-resistant paper. 

Headers on the second pages of all forms link the data. Fill in all headers of all pages or data will be 

lost or linked to the wrong site record (this is a good one to review at the end of the day). 

NEVER EVER mark on or around the cornerblocks or ID Box (the squares in the corners and the 

funky box with the number over it.) These markings are crucial to the scanning software and 

changing them in any way will affect performance. 

Write legibly. Use a dark pencil lead that is at least a No. 2 for softness (HB), or use a dark pen. 

Your writing must be dark enough to be picked up by the scanner. Erase mistakes 

CAREFULLY and completely and write the correct value whenever you can. Note that erasing 

may cause the scanner to see smudge even though the value can be clearly seen. If you must 

line out an incorrect value, place the correct value nearby the appropriate box so the data entry 

operator can easily find it. 

Use all caps when filling in the name fields on the forms. Clearly distinguish letters from numbers 

(e.g., 0 versus O, 2 versus Z, 7 versus T or F, etc.). Do not put lines through 7's, 0's, or Z's. Do 

not use slashes. Below are examples of lettering that are readable by the scanning software: 

It is not necessary to write in all caps in the long comments sections on the Stream Verification and 

Stream Assessment forms, but write legibly (because the data entry operators still need to read 

it to type it in.) Avoid marginal notes, etc. Be concise, but avoid using abbreviations and/or 

"shorthand" notations. If you run out of space, attach a sheet of paper with the additional 

information, rather than trying to squeeze everything into the space provided on the form. 

When you need to circle a choice, make a medium-sized circle around your choice. 

Yes No 1 2 3 4 

For square boxes, mark inside the box with an “X”. For circles (“bubbles”), fill in completely. 

(continued) 

10 
TABLE 2-2 (continued) 

Record data and information so that all entries are obvious. Enter data completely in every field that 

you use. Follow the "comb" guidelines--print each number or letter in the individual space 

provided. Keep letters and numerals from overlapping. Record data to the number of decimal 

places provided on the forms. Illegible information is equivalent to no information. 

If the measurement for a field is zero, enter zero. If left blank, it will be recorded as missing data. 

(There are parts of forms that are left blank when they are not being used. A typical example is 

page two of the field measurement form. Usually only one type of velocity and discharge 

information is taken and the unused areas of the form are left blank). 

If the field calls for meters, write the answer in meters. Do not fill in a number and put (cm) for units. 

Also, do not record any additional decimal places (we just end up doing the rounding for you.) 

Record information on each line, even if it has to be recorded repeatedly on a series of lines (e.g. 

physical habitat characteristics, pebble sizes). DO NOT USE “ditto marks” or a straight vertical 

line to indicate repeated entries. 

Data Qualifiers (Flags): 

Use only defined flag codes from the list below and record on data form in appropriate field. If the 

information is important enough to write on the page, use an “Fn” flag and put it in the comment 

section. A given “Fn” flag means the same thing for a given form; you may start a new sequence of 

“Fn” flags on different forms. If you have been instructed to collect a piece of information for which 

there is no space on the form, choose a flag and comment section, and use them consistently. 

FLAG COMMENT

F1, F2, Miscellaneous comments assigned by field crew (e.g., pipe on

etc. bank near sampling point)

K Sample not collected; No measurement or observation made

U Non-standard or suspect sample, measurement or observation

Q Unacceptable QC check associated with measurement

Z Last station sampled before next transect 

If you cannot take a measurement, leave the measurement field blank and put the K flag in the Flag 

column. 

Dist. from Velocity Depth Flag 

Bank 

1 0 0 0 

2 10 -0.1 0.6 

3 20 0.8 1.0 

4 30 2.3 K 

K Too deep to sample 

(continued) 

11
TABLE 2-2 (continued) 

Review of Data Forms: 

Have someone who did not fill in the forms review them at the end of the day. Some information is 

duplicated. Sometimes, however, when one measurement is missing, as many as 100 other 

metrics based on that measurement are lost. Be thorough. 

Example: Site_ID 

Visit Date 

Missing Data 

Increment (on the back of the Thalweg form) 

Returning the Forms 

Return the originals 

If you want a copy of the data, make a photocopy and keep it. 

Try to keep the forms in their original order. 

Do not staple the forms together. 

Include a list of sites visited. Please include a list with Site ID and Visit Date for forms being returned. 

Sample Labels and Tracking 

Sample Labels: 

Sample Labels– Use adhesive labels with preprinted ID numbers and a standard recording format for 

each type of sample. 

Record information on labels using a fine-point indelible marker. Cover completed labels with clear 

tape. 

Sample Tracking Information: 

Record sample ID number from the label and associated collection information on sample collection 

form. Use a dark pencil or pen. 

Complete any sample tracking forms required. Include tracking forms with all sample shipments. 

(continued) 

12
TABLE 2-2 (continued) 

Sample Qualifiers (Flags): 

Use only defined flag codes and record on sample collection form in appropriate field. 

K Sample not collected or lost before shipment; re-sampling not possible. 

U Nonstandard or suspect sample (e.g., possible contamination, does not meet minimum 

acceptability requirements, or collected using a nonstandard procedure) 

Fn Miscellaneous flags (n=1, 2, etc.) assigned by a field team for a particular sample or 

shipment. 

Explain all flags in comments section on sample collection form. 

Review of Labels and Collection Forms: 

The field team compares information recorded on labels, sample collection forms, and tracking forms 

for accuracy before leaving a stream. Make sure Sample ID numbers match on all forms. 

TABLE 2-3. GENERAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 

Training: 

! First aid

! Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

! Vehicle safety (e.g., operation of 4-wheel drive vehicles)

! Boating and water safety (if boats are required to access sites)

! Field safety (e.g., weather conditions, personal safety, orienteering, reconnaissance of sites

prior to sampling 

! Equipment design, operation, and maintenance 

! Handling of chemicals and other hazardous materials 

Communications 

! Check-in schedule

! Sampling itinerary (vehicle used and its description, time of departure, travel route, estimated 

time of return) 

! Contacts for police, ambulance, hospitals, fire departments, search and rescue personnel 

! Emergency services available near each sampling site and base location 

! Cell (or satellite) phone, if possible 

Personal Safety 

! Field clothing and other protective gear

! Medical and personal information (allergies, personal health conditions)

! Personal contacts (family, telephone numbers, etc.)

! Physical exams and immunizations 

13
A communications plan to address safety and emergency situations is essential. All 

field personnel need to be fully aware of all lines of communication. Field personnel should 

have a daily check-in procedure for safety. An emergency communications plan should 

include contacts for police, ambulance, fire departments, hospitals, and search and rescue 

personnel. 

Proper field clothing should be worn to prevent hypothermia, heat exhaustion, 

sunstroke, drowning, or other dangers. Field personnel should be able to swim. Chest 

waders made of rubberized or neoprene material and suitable footwear must always be 

worn with a belt to prevent them from filling with water in case of a fall. If a member of the 

field sampling team is not a strong swimmer or feels uncomfortable in deep, fast flowing 

water, a personal flotation device may be used. 

Many hazards lie out of sight in the bottoms of lakes, rivers and streams. Broken glass 

or sharp pieces of metal embedded in the substrate can cause serious injury if care is not 

exercised when walking or working with the hands in such environments. Infectious agents 

and toxic substances that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled may also be present 

in the water or sediment. Personnel who may be exposed to water known or suspected to 

contain human or animal wastes that carry causative agents or pathogens must be 

immunized against tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid fever, and polio. Biological wastes can also 

be a threat in the form of viruses, bacteria, rickettsia, fungi, or parasites. 

Prior to a sampling trip, personnel should determine that all necessary equipment is in safe 

working condition. Good housekeeping practice should be followed in the field. These 

practices protect staff from injury, prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous or toxic 

substances, and prevent damage to equipment and subsequent down time and/or loss of 

valid data. 

2.3.2 Safety Equipment and Facilities 

Appropriate safety apparel such as waders, lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, etc. 

must be available and used when necessary. Bright colored caps (e.g., orange) should be 

worn during field activities. First aid kits, fire extinguishers, and blankets must be readily 

available in the field. A properly installed and operating fume hood must be provided in the 

laboratory for use when working with chemicals that may produce dangerous fumes. 

Cellular or satellite telephones and/or portable radios should be provided to field teams 

working in remote areas for use in case of an emergency. Facilities and supplies must be 

available for cleaning of exposed body parts that may have been contaminated by pollutants 

in the water. Anti-bacterial soap and an adequate supply of clean water or ethyl alcohol, or 

equivalent, should be suitable for this purpose. 

2.3.3 Safety Guidelines for Field Operations 

General safety guidelines for field operations are presented in Table 2-4. Personnel 

participating in field activities on a regular or infrequent basis should be in sound physical 

condition and have a physical examination annually or in accordance with Regional, State, 

or organizational requirements. All surface waters and sediments should be considered 

14
potential health hazards due to toxic substances or pathogens. Persons must become 

familiar with the health hazards associated with using chemical fixing and/or preserving 

agents. Chemical wastes can cause various hazards due to flammability, explosiveness, 

toxicity, causticity, or chemical reactivity. All chemical wastes must be discarded according 

to standardized health and hazards procedures (e.g., National Institute for Occupational 

Safety and Health [1981]; U.S. EPA [1986]). 

During the course of field research activities, field teams may observe violations of 

environmental regulations, may discover improperly disposed hazardous materials, or may 

observe or be involved with an accidental spill or release of hazardous materials. In such 

cases it is important that the proper actions be taken and that field personnel do not expose 

themselves to something harmful. The following guidelines should be applied: 

• First and foremost during any environmental incident, it is extremely important to 

protect the health and safety of all personnel. Take any necessary steps to avoid 

injury or exposure to hazardous materials. If you have been trained to take action 

such as cleaning up a minor fuel spill during fueling of a boat, do it. However, 

you should always error on the side of personal safety 

• Field personnel should never disturb, or even worse, retrieve improperly disposed 

hazardous materials from the field and bring them back to a facility for "disposal”. 

To do so may worsen the impact to the area of the incident, may incur personal 

liability, may incur liability for the team members and their respective organizations, may cause personal injury, or my cause unbudgeted expenditure of time 

and money for proper treatment and disposal of the material. However, it is 

important not to ignore environmental incidents. There is a requirement to notify 

the proper authorities of any incident of this type. The appropriate authorities 

may then take the necessary actions to properly respond to the incident. 

• For most environmental incidents, the following emergency telephone numbers 

should be provided to all field teams: State or Tribal department of environmental 

quality or protection, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. EPA regional office. In the 

event of a major environmental incident, the National Response Center may need 

to be notified at 1-800-424-8802. 

15
TABLE 2-4. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR FIELD OPERATIONS 

! Two persons must be present during all sample collection activities, and no one should be left 

alone while in the field. 

! Exposure to stream water and sediments should be minimized as much as possible. Use 

gloves if necessary, and clean exposed body parts as soon as possible after contact. 

! All electrical equipment must bear the approval seal of Underwriters Laboratories and must be 

properly grounded to protect against electric shock. 

! Use heavy gloves when hands are used to agitate the substrate during collection of benthic 

macroinvertebrate samples. 

! Use appropriate protective equipment (e.g., gloves, safety glasses) when handling and using 

hazardous chemicals 

! Persons working in areas where poisonous snakes may be encountered must check with the 

local Drug and Poison Control Center for recommendations on what should be done in case of a 

bite from a poisonous snake. 

If local advice is not available and medical assistance is more than an hour away, carry a 

snake bite kit and be familiar with its use. 

! Any person allergic to bee stings, other insect bites, or plants (i.e., poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc.) 

must take proper precautions and have any needed medications handy. 

! Field personnel should also protect themselves against the bite of deer or wood ticks because of 

the potential risk of acquiring pathogens that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme 

disease. 

! All field personnel should be familiar with the symptoms of hypothermia and know what to do in 

case symptoms occur. Hypothermia can kill a person at temperatures much above freezing (up 

to 10o

C or 50oF) if he or she is exposed to wind or becomes wet. 

! Field personnel should be familiar with the symptoms of heat/sun stroke and be prepared to 

move a suffering individual into cooler surroundings and hydrate immediately. 

! Handle and dispose of chemical wastes properly. Do not dispose any chemicals in the field. 

2.4 LITERATURE CITED 

American Red Cross. 1979. Standard First Aid and Personal Safety. American National 

Red Cross. 269 pp. 

Barbour, M.T., J. Gerritsen, B.D. Snyder, and J.B. Stribling. 1999. Rapid Bioassessment 

Protocols for Use in Streams and Wadeable Rivers: Periphyton, Benthic 

Macroinvertebrates, and Fish. Second Edition. EPA/841-B-99-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Assessment and Watershed Protection 

Division, Washington, D.C. 

16
Berry, C.R. Jr., W.T. Helm, and J. M. Neuhold. 1983. Safety in fishery field work. pp. 43-

60 IN: Nielsen, L.A., and D. L. Johnson (eds.). Fisheries Techniques. American 

Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 

Chaloud, D. J., and D. V. Peck (eds.). 1994 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 

Program: Integrated Quality Assurance Project Plan for the Surface Waters Resource 

Group. EPA 600/X-91/080. Revision 2.00. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 

Las Vegas, Nevada. 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 1981. Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards (Two Volumes). NIOSH/OSHA Publication No. 81-123. 

U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 

Ohio EPA. 1990. Ohio EPA Fish Evaluation Group Safety Manual. Ohio Environmental 

Protection Agency, Ecological Assessment Section, Division of Water Quality Planning 

and Assessment, Columbus, Ohio. 

Plafkin, J.L., M.T. Barbour, K.D. Porter, S.K. Gross, and R.M. Hughes. 1989. Rapid 

Bioassessment Protocols for Use in Streams and Rivers: Benthic Macroinvertebrates 

and Fish. EPA/440/4-89/001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, 

D.C. 

Reynolds, J. B. 1983. Electrofishing. pp. 147-163. IN: L. A. Nielsen and D. L. Johnson 

(eds.). Fisheries Techniques. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. 

U.S. Coast Guard. 1987. Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. U.S. Department 

of Transportation, United States Coast Guard, Washington, D.C. 

U.S. EPA. 1986. Occupational Health and Safety Manual. Office of Planning and Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. 

17
NOTES

18
3.0 BASE LOCATION ACTIVITIES 

Field teams conduct a number of activities at a “base” location before and after 

visiting each stream site. These activities are generally conducted on the same day as the 

sampling visit. Close attention to these activities is required to ensure that the field teams 

know where they are going, that access to the stream site is possible and permissible, that 

all the necessary equipment and supplies are in good order to complete the sampling effort, 

and that samples are packaged and shipped correctly and promptly. All samples must be 

transported and/or presented for shipment in accordance with State, Federal, and 

international regulations. Because of the large geographic area being sampled, it is critical 

to minimize the potential for transferring exotic or nuisance species of plants and animals 

(e.g., aquatic milfoil, zebra mussels), or waterborne pathogens. 

Figure 3-1 illustrates operations and activities that are conducted before and after 

each visit to a stream site. Activities that are conducted after a stream visit include equipment cleanup and maintenance, packing and shipping samples, and communications with 

project management to report the status of the visit. 

3.1 ACTIVITIES BEFORE EACH STREAM VISIT 

Before each stream visit, each field team should confirm access to the stream site, 

develop a sampling itinerary, inspect and repair equipment, check to make sure all supplies 

required for the visit are available, and prepare sample containers. Procedures to 

accomplish these activities are described in the following sections. 

3.1.1 Confirming Site Access 

Cooperators should assemble a dossier containing important locational and access 

information for each stream they are scheduled to visit. Before visiting a stream, the field 

crew must review the contents of the specific stream dossier. The landowner(s) listed in the 

dossier should be contacted to confirm permission to sample and identify any revisions to 

the information contained in the dossier. 

3.1.2 Daily Sampling Itinerary 

Team leaders are responsible for developing daily itineraries based upon the 

sampling schedule provided. Review each stream dossier to ensure that it contains the 

appropriate maps, contact information, copies of permission letters, and access instructions. 

Determine the best access routes, call the landowners or local contacts to confirm 

permission, confirm lodging plans for the upcoming evening, and coordinate rendezvous 

locations with individuals who must meet with field teams prior to accessing a site. Use this 

information to develop an itinerary for the stream. The itinerary should include anticipated 

departure time, routes of travel, location of any intermediate stops (e.g., to drop off 

samples, pick up supplies, etc.) and estimated time of arrival at the final destination after 

completing the stream visit. This information (and any changes that occur due to 

unforeseen circumstances), should be provided to the field coordinator or other central 

contact person identified for the specific field study. Failure to adhere to the reported 

19 
Team Leader 

• Review forms and labels 

• Record sample tracking information as required 

• Package and ship samples and data forms 

• File status report with field coordinator or other 

central contact person 

AFTER EACH STREAM VISIT 

Team Members 

• Clean and check equipment; disinfect if 

necessary 

• Charge or replace batteries 

• Assist with packing and shipping samples 

• Check and refuel vehicles 

• Obtain ice and other consumable supplies as 

needed 

BEFORE EACH STREAM VISIT 

Team Leader 

• Review stream dossier 

information 

• Make access contacts 

• Prepare itinerary 

Team Members 

• Test and calibrate oxygen meter 

and conductivity meter (if used) 

• Initialize GPS (if necessary) 

• Prepare sample containers and 

labels 

• Pack equipment and supplies using 

checklist 

SAMPLE STREAM 

6/98 

Figure 3-1. Activities conducted at base locations. 

20
itinerary can result in the initiation of expensive search and rescue procedures and 

disruption of carefully planned schedules. In addition, each team should carry individual 

emergency medical and personal information with them, possibly in the form of a "safety 

log" that remains in the vehicle (see Section 2). 

3.1.3 Instrument Inspections and Performance Tests 

Each field team is required to test and calibrate some instruments prior to departure 

for the stream site. Required field instruments include a global positioning system (GPS) 

receiver, a current velocity meter, and thermometer. Backup instruments should be 

available if instruments fail the performance tests or calibrations described in the following 

subsections. 

3.1.3.1 Global Positioning System Receiver 

Specific performance checks will vary among different brands of GPS receivers. 

Follow the instructions in the receiver’s operating manual to make sure the unit is 

functioning properly. Turn on the receiver and check the batteries. Replace batteries 

immediately if a battery warning is displayed. Make sure extra batteries are stored with the 

receiver and will be available in the field if necessary. Follow the manufacturer’s 

instructions for initializing the receiver when it becomes necessary (e.g., before first use, 

after replacing batteries, or if a new positional reference is required). Make sure the correct 

datum (NAD27) is selected. 

3.1.3.2 Current Velocity Meters 

Field teams may be using one of three types of current velocity meters, a photooptical impeller type meter (e.g., Swoffer Model 2100) a vertical axis meter (e.g., Price type 

AA), or an electromagnetic type meter (e.g., Marsh McBirney Model 201D). General 

guidelines regarding performance checks and inspection of current meters are presented in 

Table 3-1. Consult the operating manual for the specific meter and modify this information 

as necessary. 

3.1.4 Preparation of Equipment and Supplies 

To ensure that all activities at a stream can be conducted completely and efficiently, 

field teams should check all equipment and supplies before traveling to a stream site. In 

addition, they should prepare the water chemistry sample containers for use. 

Check the inventory of equipment and supplies prior to departure using the streamvisit checklists presented in Appendix A. Pack the flow meter and sampling gear in such a 

way as to minimize physical shock and vibration during transport. If necessary, prepare 

stock preservative solutions as described in Table 3-2. Follow the regulations of the 

Department of Transportation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

(OSHA) for handling and transporting hazardous materials such as ethanol. These 

requirements should be summarized for all hazardous materials being used for the project 

and provided to field personnel. Transport ethanol in appropriate containers with absorbent 

material. 

21 
TABLE 3-1. GENERAL PERFORMANCE CHECKS FOR CURRENT VELOCITY METERS 

Photoelectric Impeller Meters (e.g., Swoffer Model 2100) 

! Check that the calibration adjustment cover screws are tightly fitted on the display case. 

! Periodically check the condition of the connector fitting between the display unit and the 

sensor. 

! Connect the sensor to the display unit and check the calibration value stored in memory. If 

this value is less than the correct value for the display unit-sensor rotor combination, replace 

the batteries. 

! Periodically perform a spin test of the rotor assembly, following the instructions in the meter’s 

operating manual. A displayed count value of 300 or greater is indicative of satisfactory 

performance at low current velocities. 

! If a buzzing sound occurs when the rotor assembly is spun by hand, or if the shaft shows 

visible wear, replace the rotor assembly. 

! Periodically examine the thrust-bearing nut on the rotor assembly. If a “cup” begins to form 

on the bottom surface of the nut, it should be replaced. 

Vertical-axis Meters (from Smoot and Novak, 1968) 

! Inspect the bucket and wheel hub assembly, yoke, cups, tailpiece, and the pivot point each 

day before use. 

! Inspect the bearings and check the contact chamber for proper adjustment. 

! Periodically conduct a spin test of the meter. The minimum spin time is 1.5 minutes, while 

the recommended time is between 3 and 4 minutes. 

Electromagnetic Meters 

! Check the meter calibration daily as part of morning routine. Calibration value should be 2.00 

+ 0.05. 

! Once per week, check the zero value using a bucket of quiescent water. Place the probe in 

the bucket and allow to sit for 30 minutes with no disturbance. The velocity value obtained 

should be 0.0 + 0.1. Adjust the meter zero if the value is outside this range. 

22 
TABLE 3-2. STOCK SOLUTIONS, USES, AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION 

SOLUTION USE PREPARATION 

Bleach 

(10%) 

Clean and disinfect seines, 

dip nets, kick nets, or other 

equipment that is 

immersed in the stream 

Dilute 400 mL chlorine bleach solution to 4 L 

with tap water. 

Ethanol (95%) Preservative for benthic 

macroinvertebrate 

samples. 

None. 

a Metcalf and Peck (1993) 

b Peck and Metcalf (1991) 

Inspect the vehicles every morning before departure. Refuel vehicles and conduct 

maintenance activities the night before a sampling trip. Check vehicle lights, turn signals, 

brake lights, and air pressure in the tires. 

Sample containers for water chemistry can be labeled before departing from the 

base location. Figure 3-2 illustrates the preprinted labels. Prepare a set of three water 

chemistry sample containers all having the same ID number (one for the 4-L cubitainer and 

two for the 60-mL syringes) and pre-labeled with the appropriate information (described in 

Section 5). After labeling, place the syringes in their plastic container, and place the 

cubitainer and beakers in a clean plastic bag to prevent contamination. Sample containers 

for benthic samples CANNOT be pre-labeled before reaching the stream site. Problems in 

sample tracking will result if containers are labeled and then are not used at a stream. 

Figure 3-2. Sample container labels. 

23 
3.2 ACTIVITIES AFTER EACH STREAM VISIT 

Upon reaching a lodging location after sampling a stream, the team reviews all 

completed data forms and sample labels for accuracy, completeness, and legibility, and 

makes a final inspection of samples. If information is missing from the forms or labels, the 

team leader should fill in the missing information as accurately as possible. The team 

leader initials all data forms after review. The other team member should inspect and clean 

sampling equipment, check the inventory of supplies, and prepare samples for shipment. 

Other activities include shipping samples, submitting sampling status and tracking 

information to Tetra Tech, and communicating with the field coordinator or other central 

contact person. 

3.2.1 Equipment Care 

Equipment cleaning procedures are given in Table 3-3. Inspect all equipment, 

including nets, and clean off any plant and animal material. This effort ensures that 

introductions of nuisance species do not occur between streams, and prevents possible 

cross- contamination of samples. If nets cannot be cleaned thoroughly using water and 

detergent, clean and disinfect them with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution (Table 3-2). 

Use bleach only as a last resort, as repeated use will destroy the net material. Take care to 

avoid damage to lawns or other property. 

TABLE 3-3. EQUIPMENT CARE AFTER EACH STREAM VISIT 

1. General cleaning for biological contaminants (e.g., plant and animal material). 

• Prior to departing a stream, drain all water from all buckets used. 

• Inspect sampling gear and waders, boots, etc. for evidence of plant fragments or animal 

remains and remove them. 

• At the base location, inspect kick nets, waders, and boots. Rinse with water and dry. If 

there appears to be the potential for contamination, disinfect gear with a 10 percent bleach 

solution. 

2. Clean and dry other equipment prior to storage. 

• Rinse coolers with water to clean off any dirt or debris on the outside and inside. 

• Rinse all beakers used to collect water chemistry samples three times with deionized 

water to prevent contamination of the next stream sample. Place the beakers in a 1-gallon 

self-sealing plastic bag with a cubitainer for use at the next stream. 

3. Inventory equipment and supply needs and relay orders to the Field Coordinator. 

4. Remove GPS receivers from carrying cases and set up for pre-visit inspections and 

performance tests. 

5. Recharge all batteries overnight if possible (e.g., 12-V wet cells), computer battery). Replace 

others (GPS, DO meter, current meter) as necessary. 

6. Check and re-fuel vehicles if necessary. 

7. Recheck data forms from the day’s sampling activities. Make corrections and completions where 

possible, and initial each form after review. 

24 
3.2.2 Sample Packing, Shipment, and Tracking 

Each field team packs and ships samples from each stream visit as soon as possible 

after collection, normally the day following a stream visit. Field teams are provided with 

specific information for the shipping destinations, contact persons, and the required shipping 

schedule for each type of sample. Record sample tracking information (including sample 

types, sample ID numbers, and other field-related information that is required by the 

laboratory to conduct analyses and associate results to a specific sample and stream site) 

during the packing process. After each shipment, file a status report with the field 

coordinator. 

3.2.2.1 Water Chemistry Samples 

Record sample information onto a tracking form as shown in Figure 3-3. A separate 

tracking form is required for each shipping destination (e.g., analytical laboratory). Use the 

standard codes provided on the form to record the type of sample and its condition. Record 

all “subsample” types (cubitainer and syringe for water chemistry in the comments field. In 

some cases, a field crew may sample more than one site before shipping samples; in such 

cases, there will be more than one entry per tracking form. Prepare one additional copy of 

the form (a photocopy is acceptable). Retain the original copy of each form to prepare the 

status report for the site (Section 3.3), and then include it as part of the data forms packet for 

the site. Include the copy as a “packing list” in the shipment. Water chemistry samples are 

shipped to the EPA analytical laboratory facility in Corvallis (Willamette Research Station 

[WRS]), and possibly to a local laboratory (if a concurrent analysis is being done). The 

address is pre-printed on the sample tracking form (Figure 3-3). 

General guidelines for packing and shipping unpreserved water chemistry samples 

are presented in Table 3-4. Use ice substitute packs whenever possible to avoid potential 

leakage due to melting ice. When shipping samples using ice, use fresh ice. Use block ice 

when available, sealed in a large plastic bags. If block ice is not available, contain the ice in 

several self-sealing plastic bags. Label each bag of ice as "ICE" with an indelible marker to 

prevent any leakage of meltwater from being misidentified by couriers as a possible 

hazardous material spill. If ice substitute packs are used, place each pack into a self-sealing 

plastic bag before use. 

Ship water chemistry samples as soon as possible after collection in order to meet 

holding time requirements for some laboratory analyses (especially pH and nutrients). To 

ship water chemistry samples, place a large (30-gallon) plastic bag in an insulated shipping 

container (e.g., a plastic or metal cooler). The sample labels on the cubitainer and syringes 

should be completely covered with clear tape to prevent damage from water or condensation 

during shipment. Place the syringes into a separate plastic container for shipment. Place 

the cubitainer and syringe container into a second large plastic bag and close. Place the bag 

containing the samples inside the plastic bag lining the shipping container. Place bags of ice 

(or frozen ice substitute packs) around the bag of samples, but inside the plastic bag lining 

the shipping container. Be sure to use sufficient quantities of ice to ensure samples will 

remain cold until arrival at the laboratory. Typically, the total weight of each shipping 

container (samples plus ice) should be between 40 and 50 pounds (more for 

shipments from hot locations). 

25 
Figure 3-3. Sample tracking form for unpreserved samples. 

26
TABLE 3-4. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PACKING AND SHIPPING 

UNPRESERVED SAMPLES 

Sample Type 

(container) 

Guidelines 

Water Chemistry (4-L 

cubitainer and 60-mL 

syringes) 

Ship on day of collection or within 24 hr by overnight courier. Use 

frozen ice substitute packs, or fresh ice in labeled plastic bags for 

shipping. Use enough ice so that total weight of each shipping 

container is 40-50 lbs. 

Line each shipping container with a large plastic bag. 

Place syringes in a plastic container. 

Place syringe container and cubitainer inside of a second plastic bag. 

Cover labels completely with clear tape. 

The cubitainer and syringes should have same sample ID number 

assigned. 

Confirm the sample ID assigned on the labels matches the ID number 

recorded on the field collection form and the sample tracking form. 

Then close the outer plastic bag. Insert the copy of the completed tracking form 

(Figure 3-3) into a self-sealing plastic bag, and tape the bag to the inside of the lid), then 

close the container. Seal the container with shipping tape (do not use duct tape) and affix 

any required shipping-related labels to the outside of the container. Attach an adhesive 

plastic sleeve to the lid of the container and insert any required shipping forms. 

3.2.2.2 Benthic Macroinvertebrate Samples 

Transport benthic macroinvertebrate samples that are preserved in ethanol in 

appropriate inner and outer containers, with inner containers surrounded with some type of 

acceptable absorbent material (e.g., vermiculite). Before shipping to the lab (after a 

sample has been preserved for at least one week), decant the majority of the ethanol 

from the container. Leave only enough ethanol to keep the sample moist. Place the lid 

back on the container and seal with electrical tape. The sample will be refilled with ethanol 

upon receipt at the benthic laboratory. Check to see that all equipment is in the vehicle. 

Complete a separate tracking form for benthic macroinvertebrate samples as shown 

in Figure 3-4. These samples are likely to be retained by the field team and periodically 

transported to intermediate storage "depots", where they will accumulate prior to shipment or 

delivery to the appropriate support laboratories. Again, make a copy of the completed form 

for each site. Retain the original copy to prepare the status report for the site (Section 3.3), 

and then include it as part of the data forms packet for the site. Include the copy as a 

“packing list” when you drop off samples at the storage depot. 

In order to avoid problems encountered when shipping hazardous materials, decant 

ethanol from samples until detritus is DAMP. Only ship samples that have been preserved in 

alcohol for at least one week. Re-seal the sample container with electrical tape. Be sure to 

mark the shipment as Priority Overnight on the Fed Ex packing slip. The sample will be 

refilled with alcohol immediately upon receipt in the laboratory. 

27 
Figure 3-4. Sample tracking form for preserved samples. 

28
When shipping field data sheets, make every effort to copy the entire completed set 

first. If a copy machine is not readily available in the hotel in which the field team is staying, 

or the team is concerned about the potential exorbitant cost of making copies, try to hold the 

field sheets until a trip can be made to an EPA Regional office, or possibly a satellite field 

office. The sheets can also be faxed to Tetra Tech, and the originals then mailed. A prelabeled Fed Ex envelope will be provided in each site kit to mail the original data sheets to 

the EPA/ORD central data processing center in Corvallis, Oregon. Depending on the total 

number of sites a team has, data sheets should be mailed every five days to one week. If 

any particular team does not have too many more sites than that total (i.e., 5 - 7), they can 

wait until the completion of their sampling window to mail the entirety of their data sheets. 

Even if a site in not sampleable, the field crew should complete the site verification form for 

that site and include that in the set of forms mailed to Corvallis. 

3.3 STATUS REPORTS 

After visiting and/or sampling a site, each field team leader files a status report with 

their respective field coordinator and with Tetra Tech. Reports should be filed every day 

before unpreserved samples are shipped. File a status reports for every site visited (even if 

not sampled). These status reports inform the project coordinators of the anticipated 

delivery of samples (this is especially important when samples are shipped on a Friday for 

Saturday delivery), and allow the information management staff to better track sites and 

samples (especially preserved samples that are not delivered directly to a laboratory). 

The procedure for preparing and submitting a status report to the field coordinator is 

presented in Table 3-6. The information needed for a status report comes from the Stream 

Verification Form and from the tracking forms prepared for both unpreserved and preserved 

samples. Status reports can be submitted by phone/voice mail, e-mail, or by FAX. Teams 

should also inventory their supplies after each stream visit. Submit requests for 

replenishment to the field coordinator well in advance of exhausting on-hand stocks. 

3.4 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

A checklist of equipment and supplies required to conduct the activities described in 

Section 3 is presented in Figure 3-7. This checklist is similar to the checklist in Appendix A, 

which is used at the base location to ensure that all of the required equipment is brought to 

the stream. Use this checklist to ensure that equipment and supplies are organized and 

available at the stream site in order to conduct the activities efficiently. 

29 
TABLE 3-5. FIELD DATA SHEETS TO BE SHIPPED 

Number per Item 

Site 

1 Verification Form 

1 Sample Collection Form and Stream Discharge Form 

11 + extras Channel/Riparian Cross-section & Thalweg Profile Form 

1 Slope & Bearing Form 

1 Legacy Tree Form 

1 Channel Constraint & Field Measurement Form, Torrent Evidence Assessment 

Form 

1 Rapid Habitat Assessment Form 

1 Assessment Form for Visual Assessment 

2 + extras Sample Tracking Form 

30 
TABLE 3-6. STATUS REPORTING 

1. File a status report after every site visit (even if not sampled) on the day that you ship 

unpreserved samples (before shipment if practical). Submit reports to the field coordinator. 

2. Complete two separate tracking forms for each site. One form is for unpreserved water 

chemistry samples, the other for preserved benthos samples. Make a copy of each form (by 

hand or a photocopy). Include the copy with the sample shipment (unpreserved) or with the 

samples themselves (preserved samples). 

3. Use the original copies of the tracking forms and the stream verification form from the site to 

prepare the status report. 

4. Contact Tetra Tech at the following numbers: (443) 465-7663 or 800-504-4861. The status 

report should be filed with Jennifer Pitt. The alternate contact is Kristen Pavlik at 410-356-8993. 

NOTE: There is no need to leave a separate message with the analytical laboratory staff in 

Corvallis. They will be alerted to the anticipated delivery of the samples. 

5. Include the following information in your report if left as a voice message or e-mail 

(Jennifer.Pitt@tetratech.com): 

Your name and organization. 

The name of the study (Wadeable Stream Assessment). 

From the stream verification form: 

Site ID number and visit number

Sampling status from the verification form (e.g., Sampleable/Wadeble, Nonsampleable-not wadeable, no access-access denied, etc.)

Date sampled or visited

From the tracking form for unpreserved samples: 

Date shipped 

Airbill number 

Anticipated date of delivery to laboratory (usually the next day) 

For each sample in shipment: 

Sample ID 

Sample type (chemistry) 

Comments regarding condition or missing subsamples 

From the tracking form for preserved samples: 

Sample ID 

Sample Type (reachwide benthos) 

Comments regarding number of jars, condition, or missing samples 

Alternatively, you can FAX copies of the verification form and two tracking forms to the following 

number: (410) 356-9005 ATTN: Jennifer Pitt or Kristen Pavlik. 

Return the original forms to the data forms packet for the site for later shipment using the 

shipping labels included in the site dossier. Field data forms should be copied and shipped within 

5-7 days to the WSA Data Management Team, operated under contract to CSC: Marlys 

Cappaert, c/o U.S. EPA, NHEERL/WED, 200 W. 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333. 

31 
TABLE 3-7. SUMMARY OF BASE LOCATION ACTIVITIES AND SUPPLIES 

QTY. ITEM 

Before Departure for Stream 

1 Dossier of access information for scheduled stream site 

1 Sampling itinerary form or notebook 

1 Safety log and/or personal safety information for each team member 

1 GPS receiver with extra batteries 

1 Field thermometer 

1 500-mL plastic bottle containing deionized water 

2 500-mL plastic bottles containing conductivity QCCS, labeled “Rinse” and 

“Test” 

1 Current velocity meter with probe and wading rod 

Assorted extra batteries for dissolved, conductivity, and current velocity 

meters 

1 set Completed water chemistry sample labels (3 labels with same barcode) 

1 set Water chemistry sample containers (one 4-L Cubitainer and two 60-mL 

syringes with a plastic storage container 

1 box Clear tape strips to cover completed sample labels 

1 Checklist of all equipment and supplies required for a stream visit 

Packing and Shipping Samples 

Ice or frozen ice usbstitute packs 

1 box 2-gal heavy-duty sealable plastic bags 

1 box 1-gal heavy-duty sealable plastic bags 

1-box 30-gal plastic garbage bags 

1 Insulated shipping container for water chemistry sample 

1 Container, absorbent material, labels, and shipping forms required to 

transport and/or ship benthic macroinvertebrate sample preserved in 

ethanol 

2-4 Sample tracking forms (can xerox completed originals or complete two 

sets of forms per shipment) 

Shipping airbills and adhesive plastic sleeves 

32
NOTES

33

 4.0 INITIAL SITE PROCEDURES 

When a field team first arrives at a stream site, they must first confirm they are at the 

correct site. Then they determine if the stream meets certain criteria for sampling and data 

collection activities to occur. They must decide whether the stream is unduly influenced by 

rain events which could affect the representativeness of field data and samples. Certain 

conditions at the time of the visit may warrant the collection of only a subset of field 

measurements and samples. Finally, if it is determined that the stream is to be sampled, the 

team lays out a defined reach of the stream within which all subsequent sampling and 

measurement activities are conducted. 

4.1 SITE VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES 

4.1.1 Locating the Index Site 

Stream sampling points were chosen from the “blue line” stream network 

represented on 1:100,000- scale USGS maps, following a systematic randomized selection 

process developed for WSA stream sampling (Stevens and Olsen, 2004). Each point is 

referred to as the “index site” or “X-site”. The X-site is the mid-point of the sampling reach. 

The latitude/longitude of the X-site was listed on a regional sampling site spreadsheet that 

was distributed to the EPA Regional Coordinators on a regional site information CD in 

February 2004. The Regional Coordinators will make copies of the CD and distribute the 

CDs to each Cooperator within his/her region. The CD includes overlay maps of each 

X-site. The overlay maps include the state and county name where the X-site is located, 

along with the titles of the corresponding 1:100,000 and 1:24,000 scale USGS topographic 

maps. The overlay maps should be used in conjunction with 1:24,000-scale USGS 

topographic maps to locate and reference the sample point on the appropriate stream. (See 

accompanying Site Evalution Guidelines document.) 

While traveling from a base location to a site, record a detailed description of the route taken 

on page 1 of the Verification Form (Figure 4-1). This information will allow others to find the 

site again in the future. Upon reaching the X-site for a stream, confirm its location and that 

the team is at the correct stream. Use all available means to accomplish this, and record 

the information on page 1 of the Verification Form (Figure 4-1). Complete a verification form 

for each stream visited (regardless of whether you end up sampling it), following the 

procedures described in Table 4-1. 

4.1.2 Determining the Sampling Status of a Stream 

Not all chosen stream sites will turn out to be streams. On the basis of previous 

synoptic surveys, it was found that the maps are not perfect representations of the stream 

network. After the stream and location of the X-site are confirmed, evaluate the stream 

reach surrounding the X-site and classify the stream into one of three major sampling status 

categories (Table 4-1). The primary distinction between “Sampleable” and “NonSampleable” streams is based on the presence of a defined stream channel and water 

content. 

34 
Figure 4-1. Verification Form (page 1). 

35
TABLE 4-1. SITE VERIFICATION PROCEDURES 

1. Find the stream location in the field corresponding to the X-site coordinates and the "X" marked 

on a 7.5" topographic map (X-site) prepared for each site. Record the routes taken and other 

directions on the Verification Form so that others can visit the same location in the future. 

2. Use a GPS receiver to confirm the latitude and longitude at the X-site with the coordinates for 

the site (datum = NAD 27). Record these on the Verification Form. 

3. Use all available means to insure that you are at the correct stream as marked on the map, 

including: 1:24,000 USGS map orienteering, topographic landmarks, county road maps, local 

contacts, etc. 

4. Scan the stream channel upstream and downstream from the X-site, decide if the site is 

sampleable and mark the appropriate box on the verification form. If the channel is dry at the Xsite, determine if water is present within 75 m upstream and downstream of the X-site. Assign 

one of the following sampling status categories to the stream. Record the category on the 

Verification Form. 

Sampleable Categories 

Wadeable: The stream can be sampled with wadeable stream protocols, continuous water flow 

and > 50% of the sample reach is wadeable. 

Partial Sampled by Wading: Over half the reach cannot be safely sampled by wadeable 

protocols. Sample using modified procedures. 

Wadeable Interrupted: The flow of water is not continual, but there is water in the sample reach 

(e.g. isolated pools). Sample using modified procedures. Record as Wadeable Interrupted. 

Altered Channel: There is a stream at the location marked with the X-site on the map, but the 

stream channel does not appear the way it is drawn on the map. An example would be a 

channel rerouting following a flood event that cut off a loop of the stream. Establish a new X-site 

at the same relative position in the altered channel. Make careful notes and sketches of the 

changes on the Verification Form. 

Non-Sampleable Categories 

PERMANENT: 

Dry Channel: A discernible stream channel is present but there is no water anywhere within a 

150-m reach centered on the X-site. If determined at the time of the sampling visit, record on 

the field form as “Dry-Visited”; if site was determined to be dry (or otherwise non-perennial) from 

another source and/or field verified before the actual sampling visit, record as “Dry-Not visited”. 

Non-wadeable: The site can only be sampled by boat following non-wadeable river protocols. 

Wetland (No definable stream channel): There is standing water present, but no definable 

stream channel. In cases of wetlands surrounding a stream channel, define the site as Target 

but restrict sampling to the stream channel. 

Map Error: No evidence that a water body or stream channel was ever present at the 

coordinates provided for the X-site. 

(Continued) 

36 
TABLE 4-1 (Continued) 

Non-Sampleable Categories 

PERMANENT: 

Impounded stream: The stream is submerged under a lake or pond due to man-made or natural 

(e.g., beaver dam) impoundments. If the impounded stream, however, is still wadeable, record 

the stream as “Altered” and sample. 

Other: The site is non-target for reasons other than those above. Examples would include 

underground pipelines or a non-target canal. 

A sampling site must meet both of the following criteria to be classified as a non-target 

canal: 

i. The channel is constructed where no natural channel has ever existed. 

ii. The sole purpose/usage of the reach is to transfer water. There are no other 

uses of the waterbody by humans (e.g., fishing, swimming, boating). 

TEMPORARY: 

Other: The site could not be sampled on that particular day, but is still a target site. Examples 

might include a recent precipitation event that has caused unrepresentative conditions. 

No Access to Site Categories 

Access Permission Denied: You are denied access to the site by the landowners. 

Permanently Inaccessible: Site is unlikely to be sampled by anyone due to physical barriers that 

prevent access to the site (e.g., cliffs). 

Temporarily Inaccessible: Site cannot be reached at the present time due to barriers that may 

not be present at some future date (e.g. forest fire, high water, road temporarily closed, unsafe 

weather conditions) 

5. Do not sample non-target or “Non-sampleable” or “No Access” sites. Place an “X” in the “NO” 

box for “Did you sample this site?” and check the appropriate box in the “NON-SAMPLEABLE” or 

“NO ACCESS” section of the Verification Form; provide detailed explanation in comments section. 

Even if there is no water at the X-site coordinates, the site may still be sampleable as 

an “interrupted flow” stream (Section 4.3.1). If the channel is dry at the X-site coordinates, 

determine if there is water present within 75 m upstream and downstream of the X-site. If 

there are isolated pools of water within the 150-m reach, proceed to sample using the 

modified procedures outlined in Section 4.3.1. If the entire reach is dry, classify the site as 

“Dry-visited” on the verification form. NOTE: Do not “slide” the reach (Section 4.3) for the 

sole purpose of obtaining more areas of water to sample (e.g., the downstream portion of 

the reach has water, but the upstream portion does not). 

If a site is located on a canal and it meets the following criteria, then it is considered 

to be non-target: 

1. The channel within the sampling reach is totally constructed at a location where 

no natural channel has ever existed. 

37 
2. The sole purpose and usage of the waterbody is to move water. There are no 

other human uses, such as fishing, swimming, or boating. 

If both of these conditions are met, classify the site as “NON-SAMPLEABLE-PERMANENT, 

Other” on the verification form and identify the site as a non-target canal in the comments 

section. If you are in doubt about whether a site is a non-target canal, or if you think the 

waterbody might represent an important resource for aquatic biota, then sample it if you 

have permission. 

Record the sampling status and pertinent site verification information on the 

Verification Form (Figure 4-1). If the site is non-sampleable or inaccessible, the site visit is 

completed, and no further sampling activities are conducted. 

4.1.3 Sampling During or After Rain Events 

Avoid sampling during high flow rainstorm events. For one, it is often unsafe to be in 

the water during such times. In addition, biological and chemical conditions during episodes 

are often quite different from those during baseflow. On the other hand, sampling cannot be 

restricted to only strict baseflow conditions. It would be next to impossible to define “strict 

baseflow” with any certainty at an unstudied site. Such a restriction would also greatly 

shorten the index period when sampling activities can be conducted. Thus, some 

compromise is necessary regarding whether to sample a given stream because of storm 

events. To a great extent, this decision is based on the judgment of the field team. Some 

guidelines to help make this decision are presented in Table 4-2. The major indicator of the 

influence of storm events will be the condition of the stream itself. If a field team decides a 

site is unduly influenced by a storm event, do not sample the site that day. Notify the field 

coordinator or other central contact person to reschedule the stream for another visit. 

TABLE 4-2. GUIDELINES TO DETERMINE THE INFLUENCE OF RAIN EVENTS 

! If it is running at bank full discharge or the water seems much more turbid than typical for 

the class of stream do not sample it that day. 

! Do not sample that day if it is temporarily unsafe to wade in the majority of the stream 

reach. If the majority of the stream reach is permanently unsafe, then classify it as a 

“partially wadeable” stream and sample the portions that can be safely waded. 

! Keep an eye on the weather reports and rainfall patterns. Do not sample a stream during 

periods of prolonged heavy rains. 

! If the stream seems to be close to normal summer flows, and does not seem to be unduly 

influenced by storm events, go ahead and sample it, even if it has recently rained or is 

raining. 

38 
4.1.4 Site Photographs 

Taking site photographs is an optional activity, but should be considered if the site has 

unusual natural or man-made features associated with it. If you do take any photographs at 

a stream, start the sequence with one photograph of an 8.5 × 11 inch piece of paper with 

the site ID, stream name, and date printed in large, thick letters. After the photo of the site 

ID information, take at least two photographs at the X-site, one in the upstream direction and 

one downstream. Take any additional photos you find interesting after these first three 

pictures. Keep a log of your photographs and briefly describe each one. 

4.2 LAYING OUT THE SAMPLING REACH 

Unlike chemistry, which can be measured at a point, most of the biological and habitat 

structure measures require sampling a certain length of a stream to get a representative 

picture of the ecological community. A length of 40 times the channel width is necessary to 

characterize the biotic assemblages and habitat associated with the sampling reach. 

Establish the sampling reach about the X-site using the procedures described in Table 4-3. 

Scout the sampling reach to make sure it is clear of obstacles that would prohibit sampling 

and data collection activities. Record the channel width used to determine the reach length, 

and the sampling reach length upstream and downstream of the X-site on page 2 of the 

Verification Form as shown in Figure 4-2. Figure 4-3 illustrates the principal features of the 

established sampling reach, including the location of 11 cross-section transects used for 

physical habitat characterization (Section 7), and specific sampling points on each crosssection transect for later collection of benthic macroinvertebrate samples (Section 6). 

TABLE 4-3. LAYING OUT THE SAMPLING REACH 

1. Use a surveyor's rod or tape measure to determine the wetted width of the channel at five 

places considered to be of "typical" width within approximately 5 channel widths upstream and 

downstream from the X-site. Average the five readings together and round to the nearest 1 m. 

If the average width is less than 4 m, use 150 m as a minimum sample reach length. Record 

this width on page 2 of the Verification Form. 

For channels with “interrupted flow”, estimate the width based on the unvegetated width of 

the channel (again, with a 150 m minimum). 

2. Check the condition of the stream upstream and downstream of the X-site by having one team 

member go upstream and one downstream. Each person proceeds until they can see the 

stream to a distance of 20 times the average channel width (equal to one-half the sampling 

reach length, but a minimum of 75 m) determined in Step 1 from the X-site. 

For example, if the reach length is determined to be 150 m, each person would proceed 

75 m from the X-site to lay out the reach boundaries. 

3. Determine if the reach needs to be adjusted about the X-site due to confluences with higher 

order streams (downstream), lower order streams (upstream), impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, 

ponds), physical barriers (e.g., falls, cliffs), or because of access restrictions to a portion of the 

initially-determined sampling reach. 

(Continued) 

39 
TABLE 4-3 (Continued) 

If such a confluence, barrier, or access restriction is present, note the distance and flag 

the confluence, barrier, or limit of access as the endpoint of the reach. Move the other 

endpoint of the reach an equivalent distance away from the X-site. The X-site must still 

be within the reach after adjustment. The total reach length does not change, but the 

reach is no longer centered on the X-site. 

NOTE: Do not slide the reach to avoid man-made obstacles such as bridges, 

culverts, rip-rap, or channelization, or in streams with interrupted flow to obtain 

more inundated areas to sample. 

4. Starting back at the X-site (or the new midpoint of the reach if it had to be adjusted as described 

in Step 3), measure a distance of 20 channel widths down one side of the stream using a tape 

measure. Be careful not to "cut corners". Enter the channel to make measurements only when 

necessary to avoid disturbing the stream channel prior to sampling activities. This endpoint is 

the downstream end of the reach, and is flagged as transect “A”. 

5. At Transect A, use a digital wristwatch and glance at the seconds display to select the initial 

sample collection point for benthic macroinvertebrates: 1-3=”Left”, 4-6=”Center”, 7-9=Right. (If 

using an watch with a second hand: 12-4=Left, 4-8=Center, and 8-12=Right). Mark “L”, “C”, or 

“R” on the transect flagging. 

6. Measure 1/10 (4 channel widths in big streams or 15 m in small streams) of the required reach 

length upstream from transect A. Flag this spot as transect B. Assign the sample collection 

point (L, C, or R) systematically after the first random selection. 

For example, if the sample collection point assigned to transect A was “C”, the point for 

transect B is “R”. 

7. Proceed upstream with the tape measure and flag the positions of 9 additional transects 

(labeled “C” through “K” as you move upstream) at intervals equal to 1/10 of the reach length. 

Continue to assign the sample collection points systematically 

For example, if the point assigned to Transect B is “R”, the point for transect C is “L”, 

transect D is “C”, etc. 

There are some conditions that may require adjusting the reach about the X-site (i.e., 

the X-site no longer is located at the midpoint of the reach) to avoid features we do not wish 

to (or physically cannot) sample across. Do not proceed upstream into a lower order stream 

or downstream into a higher order stream when laying out the stream reach (order is based 

on 1:100,000 scale maps). Adjust the reach if you run into an impoundment ( lake, reservoir, 

or pond), or an impassible barrier (e.g., waterfall, cliff) while laying out the reach, adjust the 

reach such that the lake/stream confluence is at one end. Adjusting, or “sliding” the reach 

involves noting the distance of the confluence, barrier, or other restriction from the X.site, 

and flagging the confluence, impoundment/stream confluence, or barrier as the endpoint of 

the reach, and adding the distance to the other end of the reach, such that the total reach 

length remains the same, but it is no longer centered about the X-site. In cases where you 

are denied access permission to a portion of the reach, you can adjust the reach to make it 

entirely accessible; use the point of access restriction as the endpoint of the reach. 

40 
Figure 4-2. Verification Form (page 2) 

41
A 

B 

C K 

J 

I 

H G F 

E 

FLOW 

D

Distance between transects=4 times 

mean wetted width at X-site 

X-site 

Total reach length=40 times mean wetted width at X-site (minimum=150 m) 

R C 

L 

C 

L R

R C

L 

SAMPLING POINTS 

• L=Left C=Center R=Right 

• First point (transect A) 

determined at random 

• Subsequent points assigned in 

order L, C, R 

L 

C 

Figure 4-3. Sampling reach features. 

Do not “slide” the reach so that the X-site falls outside of the reach boundaries. Also, 

do not “slide” a reach to avoid man-made obstacles such as bridges, culverts, rip-rap, or 

channelization. These represent important features and effects to study. Also, do not slide 

the reach to obtain more water to sample if the flow is interrupted (Section 4.3.1). 

Before leaving the stream, complete a rough sketch map of the stream reach you 

sampled on page 2 of the Verification Form (Figure 4-2). In addition to any other interesting 

features that should be marked on the map, note any landmarks/directions that can be used 

to find the X-site for future visits. 

4.3 MODIFYING SAMPLE PROTOCOLS FOR HIGH OR LOW FLOWS 

4.3.1 Streams with Interrupted Flow 

The full complement of field data and samples cannot be collected from streams that 

are categorized as “Interrupted” (Table 4-2). Note that no data should be collected from 

streams that are completely “Dry” as defined in Table 4-2. Interrupted streams will have 

some cross-sections amenable to biological sampling and habitat measurements and some 

that are not. Modified procedures for interrupted streams are presented in Table 4-4. 

42 
Samples for water chemistry (Section 5) should be collected at the X-site (even if the reach 

has been adjusted by “sliding” it). If the X-site is dry and there is water elsewhere in the 

sample reach, collect the sample from a location having water with a surface area greater 

than 1 m2

 and a depth greater than 10 cm. 

TABLE 4-4. MODIFICATIONS FOR INTERRUPTED STREAMS 

Water Chemistry 

! If the X-site is dry but there is flowing water or a pool of water having a surface area greater 

than 1 m2

 and a depth greater than 10 cm somewhere along the defined sampling reach, take 

the water sample at the pool or flowing water location that is nearest to the X-site. Note that the 

sample wasn't collected at the X-site and where on the reach the sample was collected on the 

field data form. 

! Do not collect a water sample if there is no acceptable location within the sampling reach. 

Record a “K” flag for the chemistry sample on the sample collection form and explain why the 

sample was not collected in the comments section of the form. 

Physical Habitat Characterization and Benthic Macroinvertebrates 

! Obtain a complete thalweg profile for the entire reach. At points where channel is dry, record 

depth as 0 cm and wetted width as 0 m. 

! At each of the transects (cross sections), sample the stream depending on flow status: 

DRY CHANNEL: No surface water anywhere in cross section; 

Collect all physical habitat data. Use the unvegetated area of the channel to 

determine the channel width and the subsequent location of substrate sampling 

points. Record the wetted width as 0 m. Record substrate data at the sampling 

points located in the unvegetated, but dry, channel. Do not collect benthic 

macroinvertebrates from this transect. 

DAMP CHANNEL: No flowing water at transect, only puddles of water < 10 cm deep; 

Collect all physical habitat data. 

Do not collect a benthic macroinvertebrate sample. 

WATER PRESENT: Transect has flow or pools > 10 cm deep; 

Collect all data and measurements for physical habitat and benthic 

macroinvertebrate indicators, using standard procedures. 

Data for the physical habitat indicator (Section 8) are collected along the entire 

sample reach from interrupted streams, regardless of the amount of water present at the 

transects. Depth measurements along the deepest part of the channel (the “thalweg”) are 

obtained along the entire sampling reach providing a record of the "water" status of the 

stream for future comparisons (e.g., the percent of length with intermittent pools or no 

water). Other measurements associated with characterizing riparian condition, substrate 

type, etc. are useful to help infer conditions in the stream when water is flowing. 

43 
4.3.2 Partially Wadeable Sites 

Some sites are too deep or swift to safely wade the majority or all of the sample 

reach, and thus impossible to do all of the wadeable sampling protocols. At these sites, 

keeping safety in mind, the crews should try to do as much sampling and data collection as 

they can. It might be impossible to do thalweg depth profiles and flow measurements, but it 

should be possible to do the various assessments that don’t require getting in the water 

(bank characterization, riparian vegetation and disturbance, stream/river assessment, RBP 

habitat assessment). It is also usually possible to collect a water sample for chemistry and 

perhaps to do the transect sampling near the bank for benthos. The amount of sampling 

that can actually be done will depend on the extant conditions. Only sample or measure 

what can be done safely. Make detailed comments on the Verification Form describing 

what the conditions were like and how much sampling could actually be done. Use the 

sketch map on the back of the Verification Form to indicate problem areas and where 

samples were collected if you had to go off transect. If barriers to the site prohibit physically 

reaching the X-site, then the site is not a Sampleable site but should be coded as “No 

Access - Inaccessible” on the Verification Form. 

4.3.3 Braided Systems 

Depending upon the geographic area and/or the time of the sampling visit, you may 

encounter a stream having “braided” channels, which are characterized by numerous subchannels that are generally small and short, often with no obvious dominant channel (See 

Section 8.6.1). If you encounter a braided stream, establish the sampling reach using the 

procedures presented in Table 4-5. Figuring the mean width of extensively braided systems 

for purposes of setting up the sample reach length is challenging. For braided systems, 

calculate the mean width as the bankfull channel width as defined in the physical habitat 

protocol (Section 8). For relatively small streams (mean bankfull width # 15 m) the sampling 

reach is defined as 40 times the mean bankfull width. For larger streams, (> 15 m), sum up 

the actual wetted width of all the braids and use that as the width for calculating the 40 

channel width reach length. If there is any question regarding an appropriate reach length 

for the braided system, it is better to err on the excessive side. Make detailed notes and 

sketches on the Verification Form (Figure 4-2) about what you did. It's important to 

remember that the purpose of the 40 channel width reach length is to sample enough 

stream to incorporate the variability in habitat types. Generally, the objective is to sample a 

long enough stretch of a stream to include 2 to 3 meander cycles (about 6 pool-riffle habitat 

sequences). In the case of braided systems, the objective of this protocol modification is to 

avoid sampling an excessively long stretch of stream. In a braided system where there is a 

100 m wide active channel (giving a 4 km reach length based on the standard procedure) 

and only 10 m of wetted width (say five, 2 m wide braids), a 400 m long sample reach length 

is likely to be sufficient, especially if the system has fairly homogenous habitat throughout its 

length. 

4.4 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

A list of the equipment and supplies required to conduct the stream verification and 

to lay out the sampling reach is presented in Table 4-6 This checklist is similar to the 

checklist presented in Appendix A, which is used at the base location (Section 3) to ensure 

that all of the required equipment is brought to the stream. Use this checklist to ensure that 

44 
equipment and supplies are organized and available at the stream site in order to conduct 

the activities efficiently. 

TABLE 4-5. MODIFICATIONS FOR BRAIDED STREAMS 

1. Estimate the mean width as the bankfull channel width as defined in the physical habitat 

protocol. 

1A. If the mean width is less than or equal to 15 m, set up a 40 channel width sample reach in 

the normal manner. 

1B. If more than 15 m, sum up the actual wetted width of all the braids and use that as the 

width for calculating the 40 channel width reach length. Remember the minimum reach 

length is always 150 m. 

1C. If the reach length determined in 1B seems too short for the system in question, set up a 

longer sample reach, taking into consideration that the objective is to sample a long 

enough stretch of a stream to include at least 2 to 3 meander cycles (about 6 pool-riffle 

habitat sequences). 

2. Make detailed notes and sketches on the Verification Form about what you did. 

TABLE 4-6. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES CHECKLIST FOR INITIAL SITE ACTIVITIES 

QTY. Item 

1 Dossier of site and access information 

1 Topographic map with “X-site” marked 

1 Site information sheet with map coordinates and elevation of X-site 

1 GPS receiver and operating manual 

Extra batteries for GPS receiver 

1 Verification Form 

Soft lead (#2) pencils 

1 Surveyor’s telescoping leveling rod 

1 50-m fiberglass measuring tape with reel 

2 rolls Surveyor’s flagging tape (2 colors) 

Fine-tipped indelible markers to write on flagging 

1 Waterproof camera and film (or digital camera) 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for initial site activities (laminated 

or printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

45 
NOTES

46

5.0 WATER CHEMISTRY 

At each sampling site, teams will record stream temperature and fill one 4-L container 

and two 60 mL syringes with streamwater. (If concurrent water samples are to be analyzed 

by another laboratory, then an adequate amount of additional streamwater must be 

collected.) These samples are stored in a cooler packed with plastic bags filled with ice and 

are shipped or driven to the analytical laboratory within 24 hours of collection (see Section 

3). The primary purposes of the water samples are to determine: 

• Acid-base status 

• Trophic condition (nutrient enrichment) 

• Chemical Stressors (metals, toxicants) 

• Classification of water chemistry type. 

Water from the 4-L bulk sample is used to measure the major cations and anions, 

conductivity, acid neutralizing capacity, dissolved organic carbon, nutrients, turbidity, total 

suspended solids, and color. The syringe samples are analyzed for pH and dissolved 

inorganic carbon. Syringes are used to seal off the samples from the atmosphere because 

the pH, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) will all change if the streamwater equilibrates with 

atmospheric CO2. Overnight express mail for these samples is required because the 

syringe samples need to be analyzed, and the 4-L bulk sample needs to be stabilized (by 

filtration and/or acidification) within a short period of time (72 hours) after collection. 

5.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION 

Before leaving the base location, fill out a set of water chemistry sample labels as 

shown in Figure 5-1. Attach a completed label to the cubitainer and each of two syringes 

and cover with clear tape strips as described in Section 3. Make sure the syringe labels do 

not cover the volume gradations. Package the pre-labeled containers and the sampling 

beaker in a small plastic trash bag to prevent contamination (see Section 3). In the field, 

make sure that the labels all have the same sample ID number (barcode), and that the 

labels are securely attached. 

The procedure to collect a water chemistry sample is described in Table 5-1. Collect 

the sample from the middle of the stream channel at the X-site, unless no water is present at 

that location (see Section 4). It is important to take precautions to avoid contaminating the 

sample. Rinse all sample containers three times with portions of stream water before filling 

them with the sample. Many streams have a very low ionic strength and can be contaminated quite easily by perspiration from hands, sneezing, smoking, insect repellent, hand 

sanitizers, or other chemicals used when collecting other types of samples. Thus, make 

sure that none of the water sample contacts your hands before going into the cubitainer. All 

of the chemical analyses conducted using the syringe samples are affected by equilibration 

with atmospheric carbon dioxide; thus, it is essential that no outside air contact the syringe 

samples during or after collection. Record the information from the sample label on the 

Sample Collection Form as shown in Figure 5-2. Note any problems related to possible 

contamination in the comments section of the form. 

47 
Figure 5-1. Completed sample labels for water chemistry. 

TABLE 5-1. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROCEDURES FOR WATER CHEMISTRY 

Collect the water samples from the X-site in a flowing portion near the middle of the stream. 

1. Rinse the 500 mL sample beaker three times with streamwater, Discard the rinse downstream. 

2. Remove the cubitainer lid and expand the cubitainer by pulling out the sides. NOTE: DO NOT 

BLOW into the cubitainers to expand them, this will cause contamination. 

3. Fill the beaker with streamwater and slowly pour 30-50 mL into the cubitainer. Cap the cubitainer and rotate it so that the water contacts all the surfaces. Discard the water downstream. 

Repeat this rinsing procedure two more times. 

4. Collect additional portions of streamwater with the beaker and pour them into the cubitainer. 

Let the weight of the water expand the cubitainer. The first two portions will have to be poured 

slowly as the cubitainer expands. Fill the cubitainer to at least three-fourths of its maximum 

volume. Rinse the cubitainer lid with streamwater. Eliminate any air space from the cubitainer, 

and cap it tightly. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed and not on at an angle. 

5. Place the cubitainer in a cooler (on ice or streamwater) and shut the lid. If a cooler is not 

available, place the cubitainer in an opaque garbage bag and immerse it in the stream. 

6. Submerge a 60-mL syringe halfway into the stream and withdraw a 15-20 mL aliquot. Pull the 

plunger to its maximum extension and shake the syringe so the water contacts all surfaces. 

Point the syringe downstream and discard the water by depressing the plunger. Repeat this 

rinsing procedure two more times. 

7. Submerge the syringe into the stream again and slowly fill the syringe with a fresh sample. Try 

not to get any air bubbles in the syringe. If more than 1-2 tiny bubbles are present, discard the 

sample and draw another one. 

8. Invert the syringe (tip pointing up), and cap it with a syringe valve. Tap the syringe lightly to 

detach any trapped air bubbles. With the valve open, expel the air bubbles and a small volume 

of water, leaving between 50 and 60 mL of sample in the syringe. Close the syringe valve. If 

any air bubbles were drawn into the syringe during this process, discard the sample and fill the 

syringe again (Step 7). 

9. Repeat Steps 6 through 8 with a second syringe. Place the syringes together in the cooler or in 

the streamwater with the cubitainer. 

48 
10. Record the barcode number (Sample ID) on the Sample Collection Form along with the 

pertinent stream information (stream name, ID, date, etc.). Note anything that could influence 

sample chemistry (heavy rain, potential contaminants) in the Comments section. If the sample 

was collected at the X-site, record an “X” in the “STATION COLLECTED” field. If you had to move 

to another part of the reach to collect the sample, place the letter of the nearest transect in the 

“STATION COLLECTED” field. Record more detailed reasons and/or information in the Comments 

section. 

11. After carrying the samples out to the vehicles, place the cubitainer and syringes in a cooler and 

surround with 1 gallon self-sealing plastic bags filled with ice. The cooler should first be lined 

with the heavy grade plastic trash bag provided in the Site Kit. *Note: the syringes must be 

placed in the protective plastic container provided in the Site KIt. 

12. Water chemistry samples must be shipped via overnight delivery within 24 hours of 

collection. The syringes must be placed in the protective plastic container, and the cubitainer 

and the plastic container of syringes must be placed in the cooler and surrounded by 1 gallon 

self-sealing plastic bags filled with ice. The cooler should first be lined with the heavy grade 

plastic trash bag provided in the Site Kit. This will help prevent leaking, which would cause 

shipping delays and compromise the sample. 

5.2 FIELD MEASUREMENT FOR TEMPERATURE 

Stream temperature should be measured at the X-site (even if the reach has been 

adjusted by “sliding” it) using the field thermometer. Wait at least 1 minute for the displayed 

reading to stabilize, and record the stream temperature on the Channel Constraint and Field 

Chemistry Form (Figure 5-3). 

5.3 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

A list of equipment and supplies required to collect samples and field data for the 

water chemistry indicator is presented in Table 5-2. This checklist is similar to the checklist 

presented in Appendix A, which is used at the base location (Section 3) to ensure that all of 

the required equipment is brought to the stream. Use this checklist to ensure that equipment and supplies are organized and available at the stream site in order to conduct the 

activities efficiently. 

49 
Figure 5-2. Sample Collection Form, showing data recorded for water chemistry samples. 

50 
Figure 5-3. Channel Constraint and Field Measurement Form, showing data recorded for water 

chemistry. 

51
TABLE 5-2. CHECKLIST OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR WATER CHEMISTRY 

Item 

QTY. 

1 Field thermometer 

1 500 mL plastic beaker with handle (in clean plastic bag) 

1 4-L cubitainer with completed sample label attached (in clean plastic bag) 

2-4 60 mL plastic syringes (with Luer type tip) with completed sample labels attached 

1 Plastic container with snap-on lid to hold filled syringes 

2-4 Syringe valves (Mininert® with Luer type adapter, or equivalent, available from a 

chromatography supply company) 

1 Cooler with 4 to 6 plastic bags (1-gal) of ice OR 

a medium or large opaque garbage bag to store the water sample at streamside 

1 Sample Collection From 

1 Field Measurement Form 

Soft-lead pencils for filling out field data forms 

Fine-tipped indelible markers for filling out labels 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for water chemistry (laminated or 

printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

52 
NOTES

53

6.0 STREAM DISCHARGE 

Stream discharge is equal to the product of the mean current velocity and vertical 

cross sectional area of flowing water. Discharge measurements are critical for assessing 

trends in streamwater acidity and other characteristics that are very sensitive to streamflow 

differences. Discharge should be measured at a suitable location within the sample reach 

that is as close as possible to the location where chemical samples are collected (typically 

the X-site; see Section 5), so that these data correspond. Discharge is usually determined 

after collecting water chemistry samples. 

No single method for measuring discharge is applicable to all types of stream 

channels. The preferred procedure for obtaining discharge data is based on “velocity-area” 

methods (e.g., Rantz and others, 1982; Linsley et al., 1982). For streams that are too small 

or too shallow to use the equipment required for the velocity-area procedure, two alternative 

procedures are presented. One procedure is based on timing the filling of a volume of water 

in a calibrated bucket. The second procedure is based on timing the movement of a 

neutrally buoyant object (e.g., an orange or a small rubber ball) through a measured length 

of the channel, after measuring one or more cross-sectional depth profiles within that length. 

6.1 VELOCITY-AREA PROCEDURE 

Because velocity and depth typically vary greatly across a stream, accuracy in field 

measurements is achieved by measuring the mean velocity and flow cross-sectional area of 

many increments across a channel (Figure 6-1). Each increment gives a subtotal of the 

stream discharge, and the whole is calculated as the sum of these parts. Discharge 

measurements are made at only one carefully chosen channel cross section within the 

sampling reach. It is important to choose a channel cross section that is as much like a 

canal as possible. A glide area with a "U" shaped channel cross section that is free of 

obstructions provides the best conditions for measuring discharge by the velocity-area 

method. You may remove rocks and other obstructions to improve the cross-section before 

any measurements are made. However, because removing obstacles from one part of a 

cross-section affects adjacent water velocities, you must not change the cross-section once 

you commence collecting the set of velocity and depth measurements. 

The procedure for obtaining depth and velocity measurements is outlined in Table 6-1. 

Record the data from each measurement on the Stream Discharge Form as shown in Figure 

6-2. To reduce redundancy and to conserve space, Figure 6-2 shows measurement data 

recorded for all procedures. In the field, data will be recorded using only one of the 

available procedures. 

6.2 TIMED FILLING PROCEDURE 

In channels too "small" for the velocity-area method, discharge can sometimes be 

measured by filling a container of known volume and timing the duration to fill the container. 

“Small” is defined as a channel so shallow that the current velocity probe cannot be placed 

in the water, or where the channel is broken up and irregular due to rocks and debris, and a 

suitable cross-section for using the velocity area procedure is not available. This can be an 

extremely precise and accurate method, but requires a natural or constructed spillway of 

freefalling water. If obtaining data by this procedure will result in a lot of channel 

54 
disturbance or stir up a lot of sediment, wait until after all biological and chemical 

measurements and sampling activities have been completed. 

TABLE 6-1. VELOCITY-AREA PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING STREAM DISCHARGE 

1. Locate a cross-section of the stream channel for discharge determination that has most of the 

following qualities (based on Rantz and others, 1982): 

• Segment of stream above and below cross-section is straight 

• Depths mostly greater than 15 centimeters, and velocities mostly greater than 0.15 meters/ 

second. Do not measure discharge in a pool. 

• "U" shaped, with a uniform streambed free of large boulders, woody debris or brush, and 

dense aquatic vegetation. 

• Flow is relatively uniform, with no eddies, backwaters, or excessive turbulence. 

2. Lay the surveyor’s rod (or stretch a measuring tape) across the stream perpendicular to its flow, 

with the “zero” end of the rod or tape on the left bank, as viewed when looking downstream. 

Leave the tape tightly suspended across the stream, approximately one foot above water level. 

3. Attach the velocity meter probe to the calibrated wading rod. Check to ensure the meter is 

functioning properly and the correct calibration value is displayed. Calibrate (or check the 

calibration) the velocity meter and probe as directed in the meter’s operating manual. Place an 

“X” in the “VELOCITY AREA” box on the Stream Discharge Form. 

4. Divide the total wetted stream width into 15 to 20 equal-sized intervals. To determine interval 

width, divide the width by 20 and round up to a convenient number. Intervals should not be less 

than 10 cm wide, even if this results in less than 15 intervals. The first interval is located at the 

left margin of the stream (left when looking downstream), and the last interval is located at the 

right margin of the stream (right when looking downstream). 

5. Stand downstream of the rod or tape and to the side of the first interval point (closest to the left 

bank if looking downstream). 

6. Place the wading rod in the stream at the interval point and adjust the probe or propeller so that 

it is at the water surface. Place an “X” in the appropriate “Distance Units” and “Depth Units” 

boxes on the Stream Discharge Form. Record the distance from the left bank and the depth 

indicated on the wading rod on the Stream Discharge Form. 

Note for the first interval, distance equals 0 cm, and in many cases depth may also equal 0 

cm. For the last interval, distance will equal the wetted width (in cm) and depth may again 

equal 0 cm. 

7. Stand downstream of the probe or propeller to avoid disrupting the stream flow. Adjust the 

position of the probe on the wading rod so it is at 0.6 of the measured depth below the surface of the 

water. Face the probe upstream at a right angle to the cross-section, even if local flow eddies hit at 

oblique angles to the cross-section. 

(continued) 

55 
TABLE 6-1 (continued) 

8. Wait 20 seconds to allow the meter to equilibrate, then measure the velocity. Place an “X” in the 

appropriate “Velocity Units” box on the Stream Discharge Form. Record the value on the 

Stream Discharge Form. Note for the first interval, velocity may equal 0 because depth will 

equal 0. 

• For the electromagnetic current meter (e.g., Marsh-McBirney), use the lowest time 

constant scale setting on the meter that provides stable readings. 

• For the impeller-type meter (e.g., Swoffer 2100), set the control knob at the mid-position of 

"DISPLAY AVERAGING". Press "RESET" then "START" and proceed with the 

measurements. 

9. Move to the next interval point and repeat Steps 6 through 8. Continue until depth and velocity 

measurements have been recorded for all intervals. Note for the last interval (right margin), 

depth and velocity values may equal 0. 

10. At the last interval (right margin), record a “Z” flag on the field form to denote the last interval 

sampled. 

11. If using a meter that computes discharge directly, check the “Q” box on the discharge form, and 

record calculated discharge value. In this case, you do not have to record the depth and velocity 

data for each interval. 

Measure stream depth at the midpoint 15 to 20 equally spaced of each interval, and obtain velocity Extended surveyor’s Record distance intervals across stream. measurements at 0.6 depth rod or tape measure and depth of beginning at left margin 

X X 

X X X X X X X X X X 

X 

WATER SURFACE 

X X X 

X 

right margin 

X 

Figure 6-1. Layout of channel cross-section for obtaining discharge data by the velocity-area 

procedure. 

56 
Figure 6-2. Stream Discharge Form, showing data recorded for all discharge measurement 

procedures. 

57
Choose a cross-section of the stream that contains one or more natural spillways or 

plunges that collectively include the entire stream flow. A temporary spillway can also be 

constructed using a portable V-notch weir, plastic sheeting, or other materials that are 

available onsite. Choose a location within the sampling reach that is narrow and easy to 

block when using a portable weir. Position the weir in the channel so that the entire flow of 

the stream is completely rerouted through its notch (Figure 6-3). Impound the flow with the 

weir, making sure that water is not flowing beneath or around the side of the weir. Use mud 

or stones and plastic sheeting to get a good waterproof seal. The notch must be high 

enough to create a small spillway as water flows over its sharp crest. 

The timed filling procedure is presented in Table 6-2. Make sure that the entire flow 

of the spillway is going into the bucket. Record the time it takes to fill a measured volume 

on the Discharge Measurement Form as shown in Figure 6-2. Repeat the procedure 5 

times. If the cross-section contains multiple spillways, you will need to do separate 

determinations for each spillway. If so, clearly indicate which time and volume data 

replicates should be averaged together for each spillway; use additional Stream Discharge 

Form if necessary. 

6.3 NEUTRALLY-BUOYANT OBJECT PROCEDURE 

In very small, shallow streams with no waterfalls, where the standard velocity-area or 

timed-filling methods cannot be applied, the neutrally buoyant object method may be the 

only way to obtain an estimate of discharge. The required pieces of information are the 

mean flow velocity in the channel and the cross-sectional area of the flow. The mean 

velocity is estimated by measuring the time it takes for a neutrally buoyant object to flow 

through a measured length of the channel. The channel cross-sectional area is determined 

from a series of depth measurements along one or more channel cross-sections. Since the 

discharge is the product of mean velocity and channel cross-sectional area, this method is 

conceptually very similar to the standard velocity-area method. 

The neutrally buoyant object procedure is described in Table 6-3. Examples of 

suitable objects include plastic golf balls (with holes), small sponge rubber balls, or small 

sticks. The object must float, but very low in the water. It should also be small enough that 

it does not “run aground” or drag bottom. Choose a stream segment that is roughly uniform 

in cross-section, and that is long enough to require 10 to 30 seconds for an object to float 

through it. Select one to three cross-sections to represent the channel dimensions within 

the segment, depending on the variability of width and/or depth. Determine the stream 

depth at 5 equally spaced points at each cross-section. Three separate times, measure the 

time required for the object to pass through the segment that includes all of the selected 

cross-sections. Record data on the Stream Discharge Form as shown in Figure 6-2. 

58 
Water Level 

Weir Crest 

Bucket 

Impounded Pool 

Weir Crest 

Figure 6-3. Use of a portable weir in conjunction with a calibrated bucket to obtain an estimate 

of stream discharge. 

TABLE 6-2. TIMED FILLING PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING STREAM DISCHARGE 

NOTE: If measuring discharge by this procedure will result in significant channel disturbance or will 

stir up sediment, delay determining discharge until all biological and chemical measurement and 

sampling activities have been completed. 

1. Choose a cross-section that contains one or more natural spillways or plunges, or construct a 

temporary one using on-site materials, or install a portable weir using a plastic sheet and on-site 

materials. 

2. Place an “X” in the “TIMED FILLING” box in the stream discharge section of the Stream 

Discharge Form. 

3. Position a calibrated bucket or other container beneath the spillway to capture the entire flow. 

Use a stopwatch to determine the time required to collect a known volume of water. Record the 

volume collected (in liters) and the time required (in seconds) on the Stream Discharge Form. 

4. Repeat Step 3 a total of 5 times for each spillway that occurs in the cross section. If there is 

more than one spillway in a cross-section, you must use the timed-filling approach on all of 

them. Additional spillways may require additional data forms 

59 
TABLE 6-3. NEUTRALLY BUOYANT OBJECT PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING 

STREAM DISCHARGE 

1. Place an “X” in the “NEUTRALLY BUOYANT OBJECT” box on the Stream Discharge Form. 

2. Select a segment of the sampling reach that is deep enough to float the object freely, and long 

enough that it will take between 10 and 30 seconds for the object to travel. Mark the units 

used and record the length of the segment in the “FLOAT DIST.” field of the Stream 

Discharge Form. 

3. If the channel width and/or depth change substantially within the segment, measure widths 

and depths at three cross-sections, one near the upstream end of the segment, a second near 

the middle of the segment, and a third near the downstream end of the segment. 

If there is little change in channel width and/or depth, obtain depths from a single 

“typical” cross-section within the segment. 

4. At each cross section, measure the wetted width using a surveyor’s rod or tape measure, and 

record both the units and the measured width on the Stream Discharge Form. Measure the 

stream depth using a wading rod or meter stick at points approximately equal to the following 

proportions of the total width: 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9. Record the units and the depth 

values (not the distances) on the Stream Discharge Form. 

5. Repeat Step 4 for the remaining cross-sections. 

6. Use a stopwatch to determine the time required for the object to travel through the segment. 

Record the time in the “FLOAT TIME” field of the Stream Discharge Form. 

7. Repeat Step 6 two more times. The float time may differ somewhat for the three trials. 

6.4 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

Table 6-4 shows the list of equipment and supplies necessary to measure stream 

discharge. This checklist is similar to the checklist presented in Appendix A, which is used 

at the base location (Section 3) to ensure that all of the required equipment is brought to the 

stream. Use this checklist to ensure that equipment and supplies are organized and 

available at the stream site in order to conduct the activities efficiently. 

60 
TABLE 6-4. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY CHECKLIST FOR STREAM DISCHARGE 

QTY. ITEM 

1 Surveyor’s telescoping leveling rod 

1 50-m fiberglass measuring tape and reel 

1 Current velocity meter, probe, and operating manual 

1 Top-set wading rod for use with current velocity meter 

1 Portable Weir with 60/ “V” notch (optional) 

1 Plastic sheeting to use with weir 

1 Plastic bucket (or similar container) with volume graduations 

1 Stopwatch 

1 Neutrally buoyant object (e.g., plastic golf ball with holes, small rubber ball, stick) 

1 Covered clipboard 

Soft (#2) lead pencils 

Stream Discharge Forms (1 per stream plus extras if needed for timed filling 

procedure) 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for stream discharge (laminated 

or printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

61 
NOTES

62

7.0 PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

(a modification of Kaufmann and Robison, 1998) 

In the broad sense, physical habitat in streams includes all those physical attributes 

that influence or provide sustenance to organisms within the stream. Stream physical 

habitat varies naturally, as do biological characteristics; thus, expectations differ even in the 

absence of anthropogenic disturbance. Within a given physiographic-climatic region, stream 

drainage area and overall stream gradient are likely to be strong natural determinants of 

many aspects of stream habitat, because of their influence on discharge, flood stage, and 

stream power (the prod uct of discharge times gradient). Kaufmann (1993) identified seven 

general physical habitat attributes important in influencing stream ecology: 

• Channel Dimensions 

• Channel Gradient 

• Channel Substrate Size and Type 

• Habitat Complexity and Cover 

• Riparian Vegetation Cover and Structure 

• Anthropogenic Alterations 

• Channel-Riparian Interaction 

All of these attributes may be directly or indirectly altered by anthropogenic activities. 

Nevertheless, their expected values tend to vary systematically with stream size (drainage 

area) and overall gradient (as measured from topographic maps). The relationships of 

specific physical habitat measurements described in this section to these seven attributes 

are discussed by Kaufmann (1993). Aquatic macrophytes, riparian vegetation, and large 

woody debris are included in this and other physical habitat assessments because of their 

role in modifying habitat structure and light inputs, even though they are actually biological 

measures. The field physical habitat measurements from this field habitat characterization 

are used in the context of water chemistry, temperature, and other data sources (e.g., 

remote sensing of basin land use and land cover). The combined data analyses will more 

comprehensively describe additional habitat attributes and larger scales of physical habitat 

or human disturbance than are evaluated by the field assessment alone. A comprehensive 

data analysis guide (Kaufmann et al., 1999) discusses the detailed procedures used to 

calculate metrics related to stream reach and riparian habitat quality from filed data collected 

using these field protocols. This guide also discusses the precision associated with these 

measurements and metrics. 

These procedures are intended for evaluating physical habitat in wadeable streams. 

The following field procedures are most efficiently applied during low flow conditions and 

during times when terrestrial vegetation is active, but may be applied during other seasons 

and higher flows except as limited by safety considerations. This collection of procedures is 

designed for monitoring applications where robust, quantitative descriptions of reach-scale 

habitat are desired, but time is limited. 

The habitat characterization protocol used by WSA differs from other rapid habitat 

assessment approaches (e.g., Rankin 1995, Barbour et al. 1999) by employing a 

randomized, systematic spatial sampling design that minimizes bias in the placement and 

positioning of measurements. Measures are taken over defined channel areas and these 

sampling areas or points are placed systematically at spacings that are proportional to 

63 
baseflow channel width. This systematic sampling design scales the sampling reach length 

and resolution in proportion to stream size. It also allows statistical and series analyses of 

the data that are not possible under other designs. The protocol was made as objective and 

reproducible as possible, by using easily learned, repeatable measures of physical habitat in 

place of estimation techniques wherever possible. Where estimation is employed, the 

sampling team is directed to estimate attributes that are otherwise measurable, rather than 

estimating the quality or importance of the attribute to the biota or its importance as an 

indicator of disturbance. More traditional visual classification of channel unit scale habitat 

types are included in the WSA program because they have been useful in past studies and 

enhance comparability with other work. 

The time commitment to gain repeatability and precision is greater than that required 

for more qualitative methods. In field trials, two people typically complete the specified 

channel, riparian, and discharge measurements in about 3.5 hours of field time (see Section 

2, Table 2-1). However, the time required can vary considerably with channel 

characteristics. On streams up to about 4 meters wide with sparse woody debris, 

measurements can be completed in about two hours. The current protocol, requiring 21 

wetted width measurements, will require less than 4.5 hours for a well-practiced crew of two, 

even in large (>10 m wide), complex streams with abundant woody debris and deep water. 

The procedures are employed on a sampling reach length 40 times its low flow 

wetted width, as described in Section 4. Measurement points are systematically placed to 

statistically represent the entire reach. Stream depth and wetted width are measured at 

very tightly spaced intervals, whereas channel cross-section profiles, substrate, bank 

characteristics and riparian vegetation structure are measured at larger spacings. Woody 

debris is tallied along the full length of the sampling reach, and discharge is measured at 

one location (see Section 6). The tightly spaced depth and width measures allow calculation 

of indices of channel structural complexity, objective classification of channel units such as 

pools, and quantification of residual pool depth, pool volume, and total stream volume. 

7.1 COMPONENTS OF THE HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

There are five different components of the WSA physical habitat characterization 

(Table 7-1), including stream discharge, which is described in Section 6. Measurements for 

the remaining four components are recorded on 11 copies of a two-sided field form, plus 

separate forms for recording slope and bearing measurements, recording observations 

concerning riparian legacy (large) trees, assessing the degree of channel constraint, and 

recording evidence of debris torrents or recent major flooding. The thalweg profile is a 

longitudinal survey of depth, habitat class, presence of soft/small sediment deposits, and 

presence of off-channel habitat at 100 equally spaced intervals (150 in streams less than 2.5 

m wide) along the centerline between the two ends of the sampling reach. "Thalweg" refers 

to the flow path of the deepest water in a stream channel. Wetted width is measured and 

substrate size is evaluated at 21 equally spaced cross-sections (at 11 regular Transects A 

through K plus 10 supplemental cross-sections spaced midway between each of these). 

Data for the second component, the woody debris tally, are recorded for each of 10 

segments of stream located between the 11 regular transects. The third component, the 

channel and riparian characterization, includes measures and/or visual estimates of 

channel dimensions, substrate, fish cover, bank characteristics, riparian vegetation 

structure, evidence of human disturbances, and presence of large (legacy) riparian trees. 

64 
TABLE 7-1. COMPONENTS OF PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION 

Component Description 

Thalweg Profile: 

(Section 7.4.1) 

Woody Debris Tally: 

(Section 7.4.2) 

Channel and Riparian 

Characterization: 

(Section 7.5) 

Assessment of Channel Constraint, Debris 

Torrents, and Major 

Floods 

(Section 7.6) 

Discharge: 

(see Section 6) 

• Measure maximum depth, classify habitat and pool-forming 

features, check presence of backwaters, side channels and 

deposits of soft, small sediment at 10-15 equally spaced intervals 

between each of 11 channel cross-section transects (100 or 150 

individual measurements along entire reach). 

• Measure wetted width and evaluate substrate size classes at 11 

regular channel cross-section transects and midway between them 

(21 width measurements and substrate cross-sections). 

• Between each of the channel cross sections, tally large woody 

debris numbers within and above the bankfull channel according to 

length and diameter classes (10 separate tallies). 

• At 11 cross-section transects (21 for substrate size) placed at 

equal intervals along reach length: 

- Measure: channel cross section dimensions, bank height, 

bank undercut distance, bank angle, slope and compass 

bearing (backsight), and riparian canopy density (densiometer). 

- Visually Estimatea: substrate size class and embeddedness; 

areal cover class and type (e.g., woody trees) of riparian 

vegetation in Canopy, Mid-Layer and Ground Cover; areal 

cover class of fish concealment features, aquatic macrophytes and filamentous algae. 

- Observe & Recorda: Presence and proximity of human 

disturbances and large trees. 

• After completing Thalweg and Transect measurements and 

observations, identify features causing channel constraint, estimate 

the percentage of constrained channel margin for the whole reach, 

and estimate the ratio of bankfull/valley width. Check evidence of 

recent major floods and debris torrent scour or deposition. 

• In medium and large streams (defined in Section 6) measure water 

depth and velocity at 0.6 depth at 15 to 20 equally spaced intervals 

across one carefully chosen channel cross-section. 

• In very small streams, measure discharge by timing the filling of a 

bucket or timing the passage of a neutral buoyant object through a 

segment whose cross-sectional area has been estimated. 

a Substrate size class is estimated for a total of 105 particles taken at 5 equally-spaced points along each of 21 crosssections. Depth is measured and embeddedness estimated for the 55 particles located along the 11 regular transects 

A through K. Cross-sections are defined by laying the surveyor’s rod or tape to span the wetted channel. Woody debris 

is tallied over the distance between each cross-section and the next cross-section upstream. Riparian vegetation and 

human disturbances are observed 5m upstream and 5m downstream from the cross section transect. They extend 

shoreward 10m from left and right banks. Fish cover types, aquatic macrophytes, and algae are observed within the 

channel 5m upstream and 5m downstream from the cross section stations. These boundaries for visual observations 

are estimated by eye. 

65 
These data are obtained at each of the 11 equally-spaced transects established within the 

sampling reach. In addition, measurements of the stream slope and compass bearing 

between stations are obtained, providing information necessary for calculating reach 

gradient, residual pool volume, and channel sinuosity. The fourth component, assessment 

of channel constraint, debris torrents, and major floods, is an overall assessment of 

these characteristics for the whole reach, and is undertaken after the other components are 

completed. 

7.2 HABITAT SAMPLING LOCATIONS WITHIN THE SAMPLING REACH 

Measurements are made at two scales of resolution along the length of the reach; the 

results are later aggregated and expressed for the entire reach, a third level of resolution. 

Figure 7-1 illustrates the locations within the sampling reach where data for the different 

components of the physical habitat characterization are obtained. We assess habitat over 

stream reach lengths that are approximately 40 times their average wetted width at baseflow, but not less than 150 m long. This allows us to adjust the sample reach length to 

accommodate varying sizes of streams (see Section 2). Many of the channel and riparian 

features are characterized on 11 cross-sections and pairs of riparian plots spaced at 4 

channel-width intervals (i.e., Transect spacing = 1/10th the total reach length). The thalweg profile measurements must be spaced evenly over the entire sampling reach. In 

addition, they must be sufficiently close together that they do not "miss" deep areas and 

habitat units that are in a size range of about a to 1⁄2 of the average channel width. Follow 

these guidelines for choosing the interval between thalweg profile measurements: 

• Channel Width < 2.5 m — interval = 1.0 m 

• Channel Width 2.5-3.5 m — interval = 1.5 m 

• Channel Width > 3.5 m — interval = 0.01 × (reach length) 

Following these guidelines, you will make 150 evenly spaced thalweg profile measurements 

in the smallest category of streams, 15 between each detailed channel cross section. In all 

of the larger stream sizes, you will make 100 measurements, 10 between each cross 

section. We specify width measurements only at the 11 regular transect cross-sections and 

10 supplemental cross-sections at the thalweg measurement points midway between each 

pair of regular transects (a total of 21 wetted widths). If more resolution is desired, width 

measurements may be made at all 100 or 150 thalweg profile locations. 

66 
Instream fish cover 

10 m 

10 m 

Riparian Vegetation & 

Human Disturbance 

Upstream end of 

sampling reach 

10 m 

Channel/Riparian 

Cross section 

Transect 

Substrate and Channel Backsighting for 

Measurements bearing and 

slope 

C 

Thalweg profile 

intervals 

Woody Debris Tally 

(between transects) 

J 

H 

I 

Island – establish 

secondary 

transect 

G 

F Bar – work 

transect through 

and across bars 

E 

D 

B 

K 

C 

A 

Downstream end of 

sampling reach 

Figure 7-1. Sampling reach layout for physical habitat measurements (plan view). 

67 
7.3 LOGISTICS AND WORK FLOW 

The five components (Table 7-1) of the habitat characterization are organized into four 

grouped activities: 

a. Thalweg Profile and Large Woody Debris Tally (Section 7.4). Two people 

proceed upstream from the downstream end of the sampling reach (see Figure 7-

1) making observations and measurements at the chosen increment spacing. 

One person is in the channel making width and depth measurements, and 

determining whether soft/small sediment deposits are present under his/her staff. 

The other person records these measurements, classifies the channel habitat, 

records presence/absence of side channels and off-channel habitats (e.g. 

backwater pools, sloughs, alcoves), and tallies large woody debris. Each time 

this team reaches a flag marking a new cross-section transect, they start filling 

out a new copy of the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form. They interrupt 

the thalweg profile and woody debris tallying activities to complete data collection 

at each cross-section transect as it comes. When the crew member in the water 

makes a width measurement at channel locations midway between regular 

transects (i.e., A, B,...K), s/he also locates and estimates the size class of the 

substrate articles on the left channel margin and at positions 25%, 50%, 75%, and 

100% of the distance across the wetted channel. Procedures for this substrate 

tally are the same as for those at regular cross-sections, but data are recorded on 

the Thalweg Profile side of the field form. 

2. Channel/Riparian Cross-Sections (Section 7.5). One person proceeds with the 

channel cross-section dimension, substrate, bank, and canopy cover 

measurements. The second person records those measurements on the 

Channel/ Riparian Cross-section Form while making visual estimates of riparian 

vegetation structure, instream fish cover, and human disturbance specified on 

that form. They also make observations to complete the riparian “legacy” tree 

field form. Slope and bearing are determined together by backsiting to the 

previous transect. Intermediate flagging (of a different color) may have to be used 

if the stream is extremely brushy, sinuous, or steep to the point that you cannot 

site for slope and bearing measures between two adjacent transects. (Note that 

the crews could tally woody debris while doing the backsight, rather than during 

the thalweg profile measurements.) 

3. Channel Constraint and Torrent Evidence (Section 7.6). After completing 

observations and measurements along the thalweg and at all 11 transects, the 

field crew completes the overall reach assessments of channel constraint and 

evidence of debris torrents and major floods. 

4. Discharge (Section 6). Discharge measurements are made after collecting the 

chemistry sample. They are done at a chosen optimal cross section (but not 

necessarily at a transect) near the X-site. Furthermore, if a lot of channel 

disruption is necessary and sediment must be stirred up, wait on this activity until 

all chemical and biological sampling has been completed. 

68 
7.4 THALWEG PROFILE AND LARGE WOODY DEBRIS MEASUREMENTS 

7.4.1 Thalweg Profile 

“Thalweg” refers to the flow path of the deepest water in a stream channel. The thalweg profile is a longitudinal survey of maximum depth and several other selected 

characteristics at 100 or 150 equally spaced points along the centerline of the stream 

between the two ends of the stream reach. Data from the thalweg profile allows calculation 

of indices of residual pool volume, stream size, channel complexity, and the relative 

proportions of habitat types such as riffles and pools. In this habitat assessment procedure, 

one proceeds upstream in the middle of the channel, rather than along the thalweg itself 

(though each thalweg depth measurement is taken at the deepest point at each incremental 

position). One field person walks upstream (wearing felt-soled waders) carrying a fiberglass 

telescoping (1.5 to 7.5 m) surveyor's rod and a 1-m metric ruler (or a calibrated rod or pole, 

such as a ski pole). A second person on the bank or in the stream carries a clipboard with 

11 copies of the field data form. 

The procedure for obtaining thalweg profile measurements is presented in Table 7-2. 

Record data on the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Data Form as shown in Figure 7-2. 

Use the surveyor's rod and a metric ruler or calibrated rod or pole to make the 

required depth and width measurements, and to measure off the distance between 

measurement points as you proceed upstream. Ideally, every tenth thalweg measurement 

will bring you within one increment spacing from the flag marking a new cross-section 

profile. The flag will have been set previously by carefully taping along the channel, making 

the same bends that you do while measuring the thalweg profile (refer to Figure 7-1). 

However, you may still need to make minor adjustments to align each 10th measurement to 

be one thalweg increment short of the cross section. In streams with average widths 

smaller than 2.5m, you will be making thalweg measurements at 1-meter increments. 

Because the minimum reach length is set at 150 meters, there will be 15 measurements 

between each cross section. Use the 5 extra lines on the thalweg profile portion of the data 

form (Figure 7-2) to record these measurements. 

It is very important that thalweg depths are obtained from all measurement points. 

Missing depths at the ends of the sampling reach (e.g., due to the stream flowing into or out 

of a culvert or under a large pile of debris) can be tolerated, but those occurring in the 

middle of the sampling reach are more difficult to deal with. Flag these missing 

measurements using a “K” code and explain the reason for the missing measurements in 

the comments section of the field data form. At points where a direct depth measurement 

cannot be obtained, make your best estimate of the depth, record it on the field form, and 

flag the value using a “U” code (for suspect measurement), explaining that it is an estimated 

value in the comments section of the field data form. Where the thalweg points are too 

deep for wading, measure the depth by extending the surveyor’s rod at an angle to reach 

the thalweg point. Record the water level on the rod, and the rod angle, as determined 

using the external scale on the clinometer (vertical = 90/). This procedure can also be done 

with a taut string or fishing line (see Table 7-3). In analyzing this data the thalweg depth is 

calculated as the length of rod (or string) under water multiplied by the trigonometric sin of 

69 
TABLE 7-2. THALWEG PROFILE PROCEDURE 

1. Determine the interval between measurement stations based on the wetted width used to 

determine the length of the sampling reach. 

For widths < 2.5 m, establish stations every 1 m.

For widths between 2.5 and 3.5 m, establish stations every 1.5 m

For widths > 3.5 m, establish stations at increments equal to 0.01 times the sampling

reach length.

2. Complete the header information on the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form, noting the 

transect pair (downstream to upstream). Record the interval distance determined in Step 1 in 

the “INCREMENT” field on the field data form. 

NOTE: If a side channel is present, and contains between 16 and 49% of the total flow, 

establish secondary cross-section transects as necessary. Use separate field data forms to 

record data for the side channel, designating each secondary transect by checking both “X” 

and the associated primary transect letter (e.g., XA, XB, etc.). Collect all channel and riparian 

cross-section measurements from the side channel. 

3. Begin at the downstream end (station “0") of the first transect (Transect “A”). 

4. Measure the wetted width if you are at station “0", station “5" (if the stream width defining the 

reach length is $ 2.5 m), or station “7" (if the stream width defining the reach length is < 2.5 

m). Wetted width is measured across and over mid-channel bars and boulders. Record the 

width on the field data form to the nearest 0.1 m for widths up to about 3 meters, and to the 

nearest 5% for widths > 3 m. This is 0.2 m for widths of 4 to 6 m, 0.3 m for widths of 7 to 8 m, 

and 0.5 m for widths of 9 or 10 m, and so on. For dry and intermittent streams, where no 

water is in the channel, record zeros for wetted width. 

NOTE: If a mid-channel bar is present at a station where wetted width is measured, measure 

the bar width and record it on the field data form. 

5. At station 5 or 7 (see above) classify the substrate particle size at the tip of your depth 

measuring rod at the left wetted margin and at positions 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the 

distance across the wetted width of the stream. This procedure is identical to the substrate 

size evaluation procedure described for regular channel cross-sections A through K, except 

that for these mid-way supplemental cross-sections, substrate size is entered on the Thalweg 

Profile side of the field form. 

6. At each thalweg profile station, use a meter ruler or a calibrated pole or rod to locate the 

deepest point (the “thalweg”), which may not always be located at mid-channel. Measure the 

thalweg depth to the nearest cm, and record it on the thalweg profile form. Read the depth on 

the side of the ruler, rod, or pole to avoid inaccuracies due to the wave formed by the rod in 

moving water. 

NOTE: For dry and intermittent streams, where no water is in the channel, record zeros for 

depth. 

(continued) 

70 
TABLE 7-2 (Continued) 

NOTE: It is critical to obtain thalweg depths at all stations. At stations where the thalweg is 

too deep to measure directly, stand in shallower water and extend the surveyor’s rod or 

calibrated rod or pole at an angle to reach the thalweg. Determine the rod angle by resting 

the clinometer on the upper surface of the rod and reading the angle on the external scale of 

the clinometer. Leave the depth reading for the station blank, and record a “U” flag. Record 

the water level on the rod and the rod angle in the comments section of the field data form. 

For even deeper depths, it is possible to use the same procedure with a taut string as the 

measuring device. Tie a weight to one end of a length of string or fishing line, and then toss 

the weight into the deepest channel location. Draw the string up tight and measure the length 

of the line that is under water. Measure the string angle with the clinometer exactly as done 

for the surveyor’s rod. 

If a direct measurement cannot be obtained, make the best estimate you can of the thalweg 

depth, and use a “U” flag to identify it as an estimated measurement. 

7. At the point where the thalweg depth is determined, observe whether unconsolidated, loose 

(“soft”) deposits of small diameter (<16mm), sediments are present directly beneath your 

ruler, rod, or pole. Soft/small sediments are defined here as fine gravel, sand, silt, clay or 

muck readily apparent by "feeling" the bottom with the staff. Record presence or absence in 

the “SOFT/SMALL SEDIMENT” field on the field data form. Note: A thin coating of fine sediment 

or silty algae coating the surface of cobbles should not be considered soft/small sediment for 

this assessment. However, fine sediment coatings should be identified in the comments 

section of the field form when determining substrate size and type. 

8. Determine the channel unit code and pool forming element codes for the station. Record 

these on the field data form using the standard codes provided. For dry and intermittent 

streams, where no water is in the channel, record habitat type as dry channel (DR). 

9. If the station cross-section intersects a mid-channel bar, Indicate the presence of the bar in 

the “BAR WIDTH” field on the field data form. 

10. Record the presence or absence of a side channel at the station’s cross-section in the “SIDE 

CHANNEL” field on the field data form. 

11. Record the presence or absence of quiescent off-channel aquatic habitats, including sloughs, 

alcoves and backwater pools in the “Backwater” column of the field form. If a backwater pool 

dominates the channel, record “PB” as the dominant habitat unit class. If the backwater is a 

pool that does not dominate the main channel, or if it is an off-channel alcove or slough, circle 

“Y” to indicate presence of a backwater in the “Backwater” column of the field form, but 

classify the main channel habitat unit type according to characteristics of the main channel. 

12. Proceed upstream to the next station, and repeat Steps 4 through 11. 

13. Repeat Steps 4 through 12 until you reach the next transect. At this point complete 

Channel/Riparian measurements at the new transect (Section 7.5). Then prepare a new 

Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form and repeat Steps 2 through 12 for each of the reach 

segments, until you reach the upstream end of the sampling reach (Transect “K”). 

71 
Figure 7-2. Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form. 

72
the rod angle. (For example, if 3 meters of the rod are under water when the rod held at 30 

degrees (sin=0.5), the actual thalweg depth is 6 meters.) These calculations are done after 

field forms are returned for data analysis. On the field form, crews are required only to 

record the wetted length of the rod under the water, a “U” code in the flag field, and a 

comment to the right saying “depth taken at an angle of xx degrees.” If a direct measurement of the thalweg depth is not possible, make the best estimate you can of the depth, 

record it, and use a “U” flag and comments to note it is an estimated value. 

At every thalweg measurement increment, determine by sight or feel whether 

deposits of soft/small sediment is present on the channel bottom. These particles are 

defined as substrate equal to or smaller than fine gravel (# 16 mm diameter). These 

soft/small sediments are NOT the same as “Fines” described when determining the 

substrate particle sizes at the cross-section transects (Section 7.5.2). For the thalweg 

profile, determine if soft/small sediment deposits are readily obvious by feeling the bottom 

with your boot, the surveyor’s rod, or the calibrated rod or pole. (Note that a very thin 

coating of silt or algae on cobble bottom substrate does not qualify as “soft/small” 

sediment for this purpose.) 

Wetted width is measured at each transect (station 0), and midway between transects (station 5 for larger streams having 100 measurement points, or station 7 for smaller 

streams having 150 measurement points). The wetted width boundary is the point at which 

substrate particles are no longer surrounded by free water. Substrate size is estimated for 5 

particles evenly spaced across each midway cross-section using procedures identical to 

those described for substrate at regular cross-sections (Section 7.5.2), but at the 

supplemental cross-sections, only the size class (not the distance and depth) data are 

recorded in spaces provided on the Thalweg Profile side of the field form. 

While recording the width and depth measurements and the presence of soft/small 

sediments, the second person chooses and records the habitat class and the pool forming 

element codes (Table 7-3) applicable to each of the 100 (or 150) measurement points along 

the length of the reach. These channel unit habitat classifications and pool-forming 

elements are modified from those of Bisson et al. (1982) and Frissell et al. (1986). The 

resulting database of traditional visual habitat classifications will provide a bridge of common 

understanding with other studies. Channel unit scale habitat classifications are to be made 

at the thalweg of the cross section. The habitat unit itself must meet a minimum size criteria 

in addition to the qualitative criteria listed in Table 7-3. Before being considered large 

enough to be identified as a channel-unit scale habitat feature, the unit should be at least as 

long as the channel is wide. For instance, if there is a small deep (pool-like) area at the 

thalweg within a large riffle area, don't record it as a pool unless it occupies an area about 

as wide or long as the channel is wide. 

Mid-channel bars, islands, and side channels pose some problems for the sampler 

conducting a thalweg profile and necessitate some guidance. Bars are defined here as midchannel features below the bankfull flow mark that are dry during baseflow conditions (see 

Section 7.5.3 for the definition of bankfull channel). Islands are mid-channel features that 

are dry even when the stream is experiencing a bankfull flow. Both bars and islands cause 

the stream to split into side channels. When a mid-channel bar is encountered along the 

thalweg profile, it is noted on the field form and the active channel is considered to include 

the bar. Therefore, the wetted width is measured as the distance between wetted left and 

73 
right banks. It is measured across and over mid-channel bars and boulders. If mid-channel 

bars are present, record the bar width in the space provided. 

TABLE 7-3. CHANNEL UNIT AND POOL FORMING ELEMENT CATEGORIES 

Channel Unit Habitat Classesa 

Class (Code) Description 

Pools: Still water, low velocity, smooth, glassy surface, usually deep compared to other parts of 

the channel: 

Plunge Pool (PP) Pool at base of plunging cascade or falls. 

Trench Pool (PT) Pool-like trench in the center of the stream 

Lateral Scour Pool (PL) Pool scoured along a bank. 

Backwater Pool (PB) Pool separated from main flow off the side of the channel. 

Impoundment Pool (PD) Pool formed by impoundment above dam or constriction. 

Pool (P) Pool (unspecified type). 

Glide (GL) Water moving slowly, with a smooth, unbroken surface. Low turbulence. 

Riffle (RI) Water moving, with small ripples, waves and eddies -- waves not breaking, surface tension not broken. Sound: "babbling", "gurgling". 

Rapid (RA) Water movement rapid and turbulent, surface with intermittent 

whitewater with breaking waves. Sound: continuous rushing, but not as 

loud as cascade. 

Cascade (CA) Water movement rapid and very turbulent over steep channel bottom. 

Most of the water surface is broken in short, irregular plunges, mostly 

whitewater. Sound: roaring. 

Falls (FA) Free falling water over a vertical or near vertical drop into plunge, water 

turbulent and white over high falls. Sound: from splash to roar. 

Dry Channel (DR) No water in the channel 

(continued) 

a Note that in order for a channel habitat unit to be distinguished, it must be at least as wide or long as the channel is wide. 

74 
TABLE 7-3 (Continued) 

Categories of Pool-forming Elementsb 

Code 

N

W

R

B

F

WR, RW, RBW

OT

Category 

Not Applicable, Habitat Unit is not a pool

Large Woody Debris.

Rootwad

Boulder or Bedrock

Unknown cause (unseen fluvial processes)

Combinations

Other (describe in the comments section of field form)

b Remember that most pools are formed at high flows, so you may need to look at features, such as large woody debris, that 

are dry at baseflow, but still within the bankfull channel. 

If a mid-channel feature is as high as the surrounding flood plain, it is considered an 

island. Treat side channels resulting from islands different from mid-channel bars. Handle 

the ensuing side channel based on visual estimates of the percent of total flow within the 

side channel as follows: 

Less than 15% Indicate the presence of a side channel on the field data form. 

16 to 49% Indicate the presence of a side channel on the field data form. 

Establish a secondary transect across the side channel 

designated as “X” plus the primary transect letter; (e.g., XA), by 

checking boxes for both “X” and the appropriate transect letter 

(e.g., A through K) on a separate copy of the field data form. 

Complete the detailed channel and riparian cross-section 

measurements for the side channel on this form. 

When a side channel occurs due to an island, reflect its presence with continuous 

entries in the “Side Channel” field on the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form (Figure 7-

2). In addition, note the points of divergence and confluence of the side channel in the 

comments section of the thalweg profile form. Begin entries at the point where the side 

channel converges with the main channel; note the side channel presence continuously until 

the upstream point where it diverges. When doing width measures with a side channel 

separated by an island, include only the width of the main channel in the measures at the 

time and then measure the side channel width separately. 

If no water is in the channel at a thalweg station, record zeros for depth and wetted 

width. Record the habitat type as dry channel (DR). 

75 
7.4.2 Large Woody Debris Tally 

Methods for large woody debris (LWD) measurement are a simplified adaptation of 

those described by Robison and Beschta (1990). This component of the WSA physical 

habitat characterization allows quantitative estimates of the number, size, total volume and 

distribution of wood within the stream reach. LWD is defined here as woody material with a 

small end diameter of at least 10 cm (4 in.) and a length of at least 1.5 m (5 ft.). 

The procedure for tallying LWD is presented in Table 7-4. The tally includes all 

pieces of LWD that are at least partially in the baseflow channel, the "active channel" (flood 

channel up to bankfull stage), or spanning above the active channel (Figure 7-3). The active 

(or “bankfull") channel is defined as the channel that is filled by moderate sized flood events 

that typically recur every one to two years. LWD in the active channel is tallied over the 

entire length of the reach, including the area between the channel cross-section transects. 

As in the thalweg profile, LWD measurements in the LWD piece is tallied in only one box. 

Pieces of LWD that are not at least partially within Zones 1, 2, or 3 are not tallied. 

For each LWD piece, first visually estimate its length and its large and small end 

diameters in order to place it in one of the diameter and length categories. The diameter 

class on the field form (Figure 7-2) refers to the large end diameter. Sometimes LWD is not 

cylindrical, so it has no clear "diameter". In these cases visually estimate what the diameter 

would be for a piece of wood with a circular cross section that would have the same volume. 

When evaluating length, include only the part of the LWD piece that has a diameter greater 

than 10 cm (4 in). Count each of the LWD pieces as one tally entry and include the whole 

piece when assessing dimensions, even if part of it is in Zone 4 (outside of the bankfull 

channel). For both the Zone 1-2 wood and the Zone 3 LWD, the field form (Figure 7-2) 

provides 12 entry boxes for tallying debris pieces visually estimated within three length and 

four diameter class combinations. Each LWD piece is tallied in only one box. There are 12 

size classes for wood at least partially in Zones 1 and 2, and 12 for wood partially within 

Zone 3. Wood that is not at least partially within those zones is not tallied. 

7.5 CHANNEL AND RIPARIAN MEASUREMENTS AT CROSS-SECTION TRANSECTS 

7.5.1 Slope and Bearing 

The slope, or gradient, of the stream reach is useful in three different ways. First, 

the overall stream gradient is one of the major stream classification variables, giving an 

indication of potential water velocities and stream power, which are in turn important 

controls on aquatic habitat and sediment transport within the reach. Second, the spatial 

variability of stream gradient is a measure of habitat complexity, as reflected in the diversity 

of water velocities and sediment sizes within the stream reach. Lastly, using methods 

described by Stack (1989) and Robison and Kaufmann (1994), the water surface slope will 

allow us to compute residual pool depths and volumes from the multiple depth and width 

measurements taken in the thalweg profile (Section 7.4.1). Compass bearings between 

cross-section stations, along with the distance between stations, will allow us to estimate the 

sinuosity of the channel (ratio of the length of the reach divided by the straight line distance 

between the two reach ends). 

76 
$ $

TABLE 7-4. PROCEDURE FOR TALLYING LARGE WOODY DEBRIS 

Note: Tally pieces of large woody debris (LWD) within each segment of stream at the same time the 

thalweg profile is being determined. Include all pieces whose large end is located within the segment 

in the tally. 

1. Scan the stream segment between the two cross-section transects where thalweg profile 

measurements are being made. 

2. Tally all LWD pieces within the segment that are at least partially within the bankfull channel. 

Determine if a piece is LWD (small end diameter $10 cm [4 in.]; length $1.5 m [5 ft.]) 

3. For each piece of LWD, determine the class based on the diameter of the large end (0.1 m 

to < 0.3 m, 0.3 m to <0.6 m, 0.6 m to <0.8 m, or >0.8 m, and the class based on the length of 

the piece (1.5m to <5.0m, 5m to <15m, or >15m). 

• If the piece is not cylindrical, visually estimate what the diameter would be for 

a piece of wood with circular cross section that would have the same volume. 

• When estimating length, include only the part of the LWD piece that has a 

diameter greater than 10 cm (4 in) 

• For log jam, measure/count pieces holding jar in place; flag and then estimate 

the height/dimensions of entire jam and describe the pieces that comprise the 

jam 

4. Place a tally mark in the appropriate diameter × length class tally box in the “PIECES ALL/PART 

IN BANKFULL CHANNEL” section of the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris Form. 

5. Tally all LWD pieces within the segment that are not actually within the bankfull channel, but 

are at least partially spanning (bridging) the bankfull channel. For each piece, determine the 

class based on the diameter of the large end (0.1 m to < 0.3 m, 0.3 m to <0.6 m, 0.6 m to 

<0.8 m, or >0.8 m), and the class based on the length of the piece (1.5 m to <5.0 m, 5 m to 

<15 m, or >15 m). 

6. Place a tally mark for each piece in the appropriate diameter × length class tally box in the 

“PIECES BRIDGE ABOVE BANKFULL CHANNEL” section of the Thalweg Profile and Woody Debris 

Form. 

7. After all pieces within the segment have been tallied, write the total number of pieces for each 

diameter × length class in the small box at the lower right-hand corner of each tally box. 

8. Repeat Steps 1 through 7 for the next stream segment, using a new Thalweg Profile and 

Woody Debris Form. 

77 
ZONE 1 

ZONE 2 

ZONE 4 ZONE 3 ZONE 4 

WATER SURFACE 

AT BASEFLOW 

WATER SURFACE AT 

BANKFULL FLOW 

BANKFULL CHANNEL WIDTH 

Figure 7-3. Large woody debris influence zones (modified from Robison and Beschta, 1990) 

Measure slope and bearing by "backsighting" downstream between transects (e.g., 

transect “B” to “A”, “C” to “B”, etc.) as shown in Figure 7-4. To measure the slope and 

bearing between adjacent stations, use a clinometer, bearing compass, tripod, tripod 

extension, and flagging, following the procedure presented in Table 7-5. Record slope and 

bearing data on the Slope and Bearing Form as shown in Figure 7-5. 

Slope can also be measured by two people, each having a pole that is marked at the 

same height. Alternatively, the second person can be “flagged” at the eye level of the 

person doing the backsiting. Be sure that you mark your eye level on the other person or on 

a separate pole beforehand while standing on level ground. Site to your eye level when 

backsiting on your co-worker. Particularly in streams with slopes less than 3%, we 

recommend that field crews use poles marked at exactly the same height for sighting 

slope. When two poles are used, site from the mark on one pole to the mark on the 

other. Also, be sure that the second person is standing (or holding the marked pole) 

at the water’s edge or in the same depth of water as you are. The intent is to get a 

measure of the water surface slope, which may not necessarily be the same as the bottom 

slope. 

78 
Figure 7-4. Channel slope and bearing measurements. 

79 
TABLE 7-5. PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING SLOPE AND BEARING DATA 

1. Stand in the center of the channel at the downstream cross-section transect. Determine if you 

can see the center of the channel at the next cross-section transect upstream without sighting 

across land (i.e., do not “short-circuit” a meander bend). If not, you will have to take 

supplementary slope and bearing measurements. 

2. Set up the tripod in shallow water or at the water's edge at the downstream cross-section 

transect (or at a supplemental point). Standing tall in a position with your feet as near as 

possible to the water surface elevation, set the tripod extension and mark it with a piece of 

flagging at your eye level. Remember the depth of water in which you are standing when you 

adjust the flagging to eye level. 

• On gradually sloped streams, it is advisable to use two people, each holding a pole 

marked with flagging at the same height on both poles. 

3. Walk upstream to the next cross-section transect. Find a place to stand at the upstream 

transect (or at a supplemental point) that is at the same depth as where you stood at the 

downstream transect when you set up the eye-level flagging. 

• If you have determined in Step 1 that supplemental measurements are required for this 

segment, walk upstream to the furthest point where you can still see the center of the 

channel at the downstream cross-section transect from the center of the channel. Mark 

this location with a different color flagging than that marking the cross-section transects. 

4. With the clinometer, sight back downstream on your flagging at the downstream transect (or at 

the supplementary point). Read and record the percent slope in the “MAIN” section on the Slope 

and Bearing Form. Record the “PROPORTION” as 100%. 

• If two people are involved, place the base of each pole at the water level (or at the same 

depth at each transect). Then sight with the clinometer (or Abney level) from the flagged 

height on upstream pole to the flagged height on the downstream pole. 

• If you are backsighting from a supplemental point, record the slope (%) and proportion (%) 

of the stream segment that is included in the measurement in the appropriate 

“SUPPLEMENTAL” section of the Slope and Bearing Form. 

5. Stand in the middle of the channel at upstream transect (or at a supplemental point), and sight 

back with your compass to the middle of the channel at the downstream transect (or at a 

supplemental point). Record the bearing (degrees) in the “MAIN” section of the Slope and 

Bearing Form. 

• If you are backsighting from a supplemental point, record the bearing in the appropriate 

”SUPPLEMENTAL” section of the Slope and Bearing Form. 

6. Retrieve the tripod from the downstream cross section station (or from the supplemental point) 

and set it up at the next upstream transect (or at a supplemental point) as described in Step 2. 

7. When you get to each new cross-section transect (or to a supplementary point), backsight on the 

previous transect (or the supplementary point), repeat Steps 2 through 6 above. 

80 
Figure 7-5. Slope and Bearing Form. 

81
As stated earlier, it may be necessary to set up intermediate (“supplementary”) slope 

and bearing points between a pair of cross-section transects if you do not have direct lineof-sight along (and within) the channel between stations (see Figure 7-4). This can happen 

if brush is too heavy, or if there are sharp slope breaks or tight meander bends. If you would 

have to sight across land to measure slope or bearing between two transects, then you 

need to make supplementary measurements (i.e., do not “short-circuit” a meander bend). 

Mark these intermediate station locations with a different color of plastic flagging than used 

for the cross-section transects to avoid confusion. Record these supplemental slope and 

bearing measurements, along with the proportion of the stream segment between transects 

included in each supplemental measurement, in the appropriate sections of the Slope and 

Bearing Form (Figure 7-5). Note that the main slope and bearing observations are always 

downstream of supplemental observations. Similarly, first supplemental observations are 

always downstream of second supplemental observations. 

7.5.2 Substrate Size and Channel Dimensions 

Substrate size is one of the most important determinants of habitat character for fish 

and macroinvertebrates in streams. Along with bedform (e.g., riffles and pools), substrate 

influences the hydraulic roughness and consequently the range of water velocities in the 

channel. It also influences the size range of interstices that provide living space and cover 

for macroinvertebrates. Substrate characteristics are often sensitive indicators of the effects 

of human activities on streams. Decreases in the mean substrate size and increases in the 

percentage of fine sediments, for example, may destabilize channels and indicate changes 

in the rates of upland erosion and sediment supply (Dietrich et al, 1989; Wilcock, 1998). 

Substrate size and embeddedness are evaluated at each of the 11 cross-section 

transects (refer to Figure 7-1) using a combination of methods adapted from those 

described by Wolman (1954), Bain et al. (1985), Platts et al. (1983), and Plafkin et al. 

(1989). Substrate size is evaluated also at 10 additional cross-sections located midway 

between each of the 11 regular transects (A-K). The basis of the protocol is a systematic 

selection of 5 substrate particles from each of 21 cross-section transects (Figure 7-6). In the 

process of measuring substrate particle sizes at each channel cross section, you also 

measure the wetted width of the channel and the water depth at each substrate sample 

point (at the 10 midway cross-sections, only substrate size and wetted width are recorded). 

If the wetted channel is split by a mid-channel bar (see Section 7.4.1), the five substrate 

points are centered between the wetted width boundaries regardless of the mid-channel bar 

in between. Consequently, substrate particles selected in some cross-sections may be 

"high and dry". For cross-sections with dry channels, make measurements across the 

unvegetated portion of the channel. 

The distance you record to the right bank is the same as the wetted channel width. (NOTE: 

this is the same value that is also recorded under "BANK MEASUREMENTS" on the same form 

[Section 7.5.3]). The substrate sampling points along the cross-section are located at 0, 25, 

50, 75, and 100 percent of the measured wetted width, with the first and last points located 

at the water's edge just within the left and right banks. 

82 
Meter ruler or 

calibrated 

Surveyor’s rod rod/pole

or 

measuring tape 

Right 

Bank 

25% 

Wetted 

Width 

50% 

Wetted 

Width 

75% 

Wetted 

Width 

Left 

Bank 

Figure 7-6. Substrate sampling cross-section. 

The procedure for obtaining substrate measurements is described in Table 7-6. 

Record these measurements on the Channel/Riparian Cross-section side of the field form, 

as shown in Figure 7-7. For the supplemental cross-sections midway between regular 

transects, record substrate size and wetted width data on the Thalweg Profile side of the 

field form. To minimize bias in selecting a substrate particle for size classification, it is 

important to concentrate on correct placement of the measuring stick along the crosssection, and to select the particle right at the bottom of the stick (not, for example, a more 

noticeable large particle that is just to the side of the stick). Classify the particle into one of 

the size classes listed on the field data form (Figure 7-7) based on the middle dimension of 

its length, width, and depth. This “median” dimension determines the sieve size through 

which the particle can pass. Always distinguish “hardpan” from “fines”, coding hardpan as 

“HP”. Similarly, always distinguish concrete or asphalt from bedrock; denote these artificial 

substrates as “RC” and record their size class in the comments section of the field data 

form. Code and describe other artificial substrates (including metal, tires, car bodies, etc.) 

as “other” (“OT”) on the field form. When you record the size class as “OT” (other), assign 

an “F"-series flag on the field data form (Figure 7-7) and describe the substrate type in the 

comments section of the field form, as shown in Figure 7-2. 

83 
TABLE 7-6. SUBSTRATE MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE 

1. Fill in the header information on page 1 of a Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form. Indicate the 

cross-section transect. At the transect, extend the surveyor’s rod across the channel 

perpendicular to the flow, with the "zero" end at the left bank (facing downstream). If the 

channel is too wide for the rod, stretch the metric tape in the same manner. 

2. Divide the wetted channel width channel by 4 to locate substrate measurement points on the 

cross-section. In the "DISTLB" fields of the form, record the distances corresponding to 0% 

(LFT), 25% (LCTR), 50% (CTR), 75% (RCTR), and 100% (RGT) of the measured wetted width. 

Record these distances at Transects A-K., but just the wetted width at midway cross-sections. 

3. Place your sharp-ended meter stick or calibrated pole at the “LFT” location (0 m). Measure the 

depth and record it on the field data form. (Cross-section depths are measured only at regular 

transects A-K, not at the 10 midway cross-sections). 

• Depth entries at the left and right banks may be 0 (zero) if the banks are gradual. 

• If the bank is nearly vertical, let the base of the measuring stick fall to the bottom, rather 

than holding it suspended at the water surface. 

4. Pick up the substrate particle that is at the base of the meter stick (unless it is bedrock or 

boulder), and visually estimate its particle size, according to the following table. Classify the 

particle according to its “median” diameter (the middle dimension of its length, width, and depth). 

Record the size class code on the field data form. (Cross-section side of form for Transects A-K; 

special entry boxes on Thalweg Profile side of form for midway cross-sections.) 

Code Size Class Size Range (mm) Description 

RS Bedrock (Smooth) >4000 Smooth surface rock bigger than a car 

RR Bedrock (Rough) >4000 Rough surface rock bigger than a car 

HP Hardpan >4000 Firm, consolidated fine substrate 

LB Boulders (large) >1000 to 4000 Yard/meter stick to car size 

SB Boulders (small) >250 to 1000 Basketball to yard/meter stick size 

CB Cobbles >64 to 250 Tennis ball to basketball size 

GC Gravel (Coarse) >16 to 64 Marble to tennis ball size 

GF Gravel (Fine) > 2 to 16 Ladybug to marble size 

SA Sand >0.06 to 2 Smaller than ladybug size, but visible as particles - gritty 

between fingers 

FN Fines <0.06 Silt Clay Muck (not gritty between fingers) 

WD Wood Regardless of Size Wood & other organic particles 

RC Concrete Regardless of size Record size class in comment field 

OT Other Regardless of Size metal, tires, car bodies etc. (describe in comments) 

5. Evaluate substrate embeddedness as follows at 11 transects A-K. For particles larger than 

sand, examine the surface for stains, markings, and algae. Estimate the average percentage 

embeddedness of particles in the 10 cm circle around the measuring rod. Record this value on 

the field data form. By definition, sand and fines are embedded 100 percent; bedrock and 

hardpan are embedded 0 percent. 

6. Move successively to the next location along the cross section. Repeat steps 4 through 6 at 

each location. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 at each new cross section transect. 

84 
Figure 7-7. Channel/riparian cross-section form. 

85
At substrate sampling locations on the 11 regular transects (A-K), examine particles 

larger than sand for surface stains, markings, and algal coatings to estimate embeddedness 

of all particles in the 10 cm diameter circle around the substrate sampling point. Embeddedness is the fraction of a particle’s surface that is surrounded by (embedded in) sand or finer 

sediments on the stream bottom. By definition, record the embeddedness of sand and fines 

(silt, clay, and muck) as 100 percent, and record the embeddedness of hardpan and 

bedrock as 0 percent. 

7.5.3 Bank Characteristics 

The procedure for obtaining bank and channel dimension measurements is 

presented in Table 7-7. Data are recorded in the “Bank Measurements” section of the 

Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form as shown in Figure 7-7. Bank angle and bank 

undercut distance are determined on the left and right banks at each cross section transect. 

Other features include the wetted width of the channel (as determined in Section 7.5.2), the 

width of exposed mid-channel bars of gravel or sand, estimated incision height, and the 

estimated height and width of the channel at bankfull stage as described in Table 7-6. 

Bankfull height and incised height are both measured relative to the present water 

surface. In other words, both are measured up from the level of the wetted edge of the 

stream. 

The “bankfull” or “active” channel is defined as the channel that is filled by 

moderate-sized flood events that typically occur every one or two years. Such flows do not 

generally overtop the channel banks to inundate the valley floodplain, and are believed to 

control channel dimensions in most streams. Spotting the level of bankfull flow during 

baseflow conditions requires judgement and practice; even then it remains somewhat 

subjective. In many cases there is an obvious slope break that differentiates the channel 

from a relatively flat floodplain terrace higher than the channel. Because scouring and 

inundation from bankfull flows are typically frequent enough to inhibit the growth of terrestrial 

vegetation, the bankfull channel may be evident by a transition from exposed stream 

sediments to terrestrial vegetation. Similarly, it may be identified by noting moss growth on 

rocks along the banks. Bankfull flow level may also be seen by the presence of drift 

material caught on overhanging vegetation. However, in years with large floods, this 

material may be much higher than other bankfull indicators. In these cases, record the 

lower value, flag it, and also record the height of drift material in the comments section of the 

field data form. 

We use the vertical distance (height) from the observed water surface up to the level 

of the first valley terrace (Figure 7-8) as a measure of the degree of “incision” or downcutting 

of the stream below the general level of its valley. This data is recorded in the space for 

Incised Height. (Note: In analyzing these data, the mean thalweg depth is added to 

incision heights to yield a flow-independent measure. The same thing is done for bankfull 

heights). Streams incise when their rate of sediment transport exceeds the supply of new 

sediment from upstream and from their banks. Conversely, aggradation occurs when 

sediment supplies exceed the capacity of the stream to transport sediment. Human 

activities can change the balance between sediment transport and supply in a number of 

ways. The power of the stream to transport sediment may be increased by human activities 

that increase flood flows (e.g., increases in watershed impervious area), or remove large 

roughness elements like woody debris that dissipate stream power that might otherwise 

transport sediment. The supply of sediment may be increased by upslope erosion, or 

decreased when, for example, upstream impoundments trap bedload sediments. It may not 

86 
be evident at the time of sampling whether the channel is downcutting, stable, or aggrading 

(raising its bed by depositing sediment). However, by recording incision heights measured 

in this way and monitoring them over time, we will be able to tell if streams are incising or 

aggrading. 

TABLE 7-7. PROCEDURE FOR MEASURING BANK CHARACTERISTICS 

1. To measure bank angle, lay the surveyor’s rod or your meter ruler down against the left 

bank (determined as you face downstream), with one end at the water's edge. Lay the 

clinometer on the rod, read the bank angle in degrees from the external scale on the 

clinometer. Record the angle in the field for the left bank in the “BANK MEASUREMENT” 

section of the Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form. 

• A vertical bank is 90 degrees; undercut banks have angles >90 degrees approaching 

180 degrees, and more gradually sloped banks have angles <90 degrees. To 

measure bank angles >90 degrees, turn the clinometer (which only reads 0 to 90 

degrees) over and subtract the angle reading from 180 degrees. 

2. If the bank is undercut, measure the horizontal distance of the undercutting to the nearest 

0.01 m. Record the distance on the field data form. The undercut distance is the distance 

from the water’s edge out to the point where a vertical plumb line from the bank would hit 

the water’s surface. 

• Measure submerged undercuts by placing the rod horizontally into the undercut and 

reading the length of the rod that is hidden by the undercutting. 

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on the right bank. 

4. Hold the surveyor's rod vertically, with its base planted at the water's edge. Using the 

surveyor's rod as a guide while examining both banks, use the clinometer to measure the 

channel incision as the height up from the water surface to elevation of the first terrace of 

the valley floodplain (Note this is at or above the bankfull channel height). Record this 

value in the “INCISED HEIGHT” field of the bank measurement section on the field data form. 

5. Still holding the surveyor’s rod as a guide, examine both banks to estimate and record the 

height of bankfull flow above the present water level. Look for evidence on one or both 

banks such as: 

• An obvious slope break that differentiates the channel from a relatively flat floodplain 

terrace higher than the channel. 

• A transition from exposed stream sediments to terrestrial vegetation. 

• Moss growth on rocks along the banks. 

• Presence of drift material caught on overhanging vegetation. 

• transition from flood- and scour-tolerant vegetation to that which is relatively intolerant 

of these conditions. 

6. Record the wetted width value determined when locating substrate sampling points in the 

“WETTED WIDTH” field in the bank measurement section of the field data form. Also 

determine the bankfull channel width and the width of exposed mid-channel bars (if 

present). Record these values in the “BANK MEASUREMENT” section of the field data form. 

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 at each cross-section transect. Record data for each transect on 

a separate field data form. 

87 
Downcutting over Geologic Time 

Stream - No recent 

incision. Bankfull 

Level at Valley 

Bottom First Terrace on Valley 

Bottom above bankfull level 

Second Terrace 

Valley Fill 

Downcutting over Geologic Time 

Recent incision: Bankfull Level 

below first terrace of Valley 

Bottom 

First Terrace on Valley Bottom 

Above bankfull level 

Second Terrace 

Valley Fill 

Figure 7-8. Schematic showing bankfull channel and incision for channels. (A) not recently 

incised, and (B) recently incised into valley bottom. Note level of bankfull stage relative to 

elevation of first terrace on valley bottom (Stick figure included for scale). 

88 
If the channel is not greatly incised, bankfull channel height and incision height will 

be the same. However, if the channel is incised greatly, the bankfull level will be below the 

level of the first terrace of the valley floodplain, making bankfull channel height smaller than 

incision height (Figure 7-9). Bankfull height is never greater than incision height. You 

may need to look for evidence of recent flows (within about one year) to distinguish bankfull 

and incision heights. In cases where the channel is cutting a valley sideslope and has 

oversteepened and destabilized that slope, the bare "cutbank" against the steep hillside at 

the edge of the valley is not necessarily an indication of recent incision. In such a case, the 

opposite bank may be lower, with a more obvious terrace above bankfull height; choose that 

bank for your measurement of incised height. Examine both banks to more accurately 

determine incision height and bankfull height. Remember that incision height is measured 

as the vertical distance to the first terrace above bankfull; if terrace heights differ on 

left and right banks (both are above bankfull), choose the lower of the two terraces. 

In many cases your sample reach may be in a “V” shaped valley or gorge formed over eons, 

and the slope of the channel banks simply extends uphill indefinitely, not reaching a terrace 

before reaching the top of a ridge (Figure 7-9). In such cases, record incision height values 

equal to bankfull values and make appropriate comment that no terrace is evident. 

Similarly, when the stream has extremely incised a very ancient terrace, (e.g., the Colorado 

River in the Grand Canyon), you may crudely estimate the terrace height if it is the first one 

above bankfull level. If you cannot estimate the terrace height, make appropriate comments 

describing the situation. 

7.5.4 Canopy Cover Measurements 

Riparian canopy cover over a stream is important not only in its role in moderating 

stream temperatures through shading, but also as an indicator of conditions that control 

bank stability and the potential for inputs of coarse and fine particulate organic material. 

Organic inputs from riparian vegetation become food for stream organisms and structure to 

create and maintain complex channel habitat. 

Canopy cover over the stream is determined at each of the 11 cross-section transects. A Convex Spherical Densiometer (model A) is used (Lemmon, 1957). The densiometer must be taped exactly as shown in Figure 7-10 to limit the number of square grid 

intersections to 17. Densiometer readings can range from 0 (no canopy cover) to 17 

(maximum canopy cover). Six measurements are obtained at each cross-section transect 

(four measurements in four directions at mid-channel and one at each bank). The midchannel measurements are used to estimate canopy cover over the channel. The two bank 

measurements complement your visual estimates of vegetation structure and cover within 

the riparian zone itself (Section 7.5.5), and are particularly important in wide streams, where 

riparian canopy may not be detected by the densiometer when standing midstream. 

The procedure for obtaining canopy cover data is presented in Table 7-8. Densiometer measurements are taken at 0.3 m (1 ft) above the water surface, rather than at waist 

level, to (1) avoid errors because people differ in height; (2) avoid errors from standing in 

water of varying depths; and (3) include low overhanging vegetation more consistently in 

the estimates of cover. Hold the densiometer level (using the bubble level) 0.3 m above the 

water surface with your face reflected just below the apex of the taped “V”, as shown in 

Figure 7-10. Concentrate on the 17 points of grid intersection on the densiometer that lie 

within the taped “V”. If the reflection of a tree or high branch or leaf overlies any of the 

89 
Figure 7-9. Determining bankfull and incision heights for (A) deeply incised channels, and (B) 

streams in deep V-shaped valleys. (Stick figure included for scale). 

90 
Figure 7-10. Schematic of modified convex spherical canopy densiometer (From Mulvey et al., 

1992). In this example, 10 of the 17 intersections show canopy cover, giving a densiometer reading of 

10. Note proper positioning with the bubble leveled and face reflected at the apex of the “V.” 

91
intersection points, that particular intersection is counted as having cover. For each of the 

six measurement points, record the number of intersection points (maximum=17) that have 

vegetation covering them in the “Canopy Cover Measurement” section of the Channel/ 

Riparian Cross-section Form as shown in (Figure 7-7). 

TABLE 7-8. PROCEDURE FOR CANOPY COVER MEASUREMENTS 

1. At each cross-section transect, stand in the stream at mid-channel and face upstream. 

2. Hold the densiometer 0.3 m (1 ft) above the surface of the stream. Hold the densiometer level 

using the bubble level. Move the densiometer in front of you so your face is just below the apex 

of the taped “V”. 

3. Count the number of grid intersection points within the “V” that are covered by either a tree, a 

leaf, or a high branch. Record the value (0 to 17) in the “CENUP” field of the canopy cover 

measurement section of the Channel/Riparian Cross-section and Thalweg Profile Form. 

4. Face toward the left bank (left as you face downstream). Repeat Steps 2 and 3, recording the 

value in the “CENL” field of the field data form. 

5. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 facing downstream, and again while facing the right bank (right as you 

look downstream). Record the values in the “CENDWN” and “CENR” fields of the field data form. 

6. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 again, this time facing the bank while standing first at the left bank, then 

the right bank. Record the values in the “LFT” and “RGT” fields of the field data form. 

7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 at each cross-section transect. Record data for each transect on a 

separate field data form. 

7.5.5 Riparian Vegetation Structure 

The previous section (7.5.4) described methods for quantifying the cover of canopy 

over the stream channel. The following visual estimation procedures supplement those 

measurements with a semi-quantitative evaluation of the type and amount of various types 

of riparian vegetation. These data are used to evaluate the health and level of disturbance 

of the stream corridor. They also provide an indication of the present and future potential for 

various types of organic inputs and shading. 

Riparian vegetation observations apply to the riparian area upstream 5 meters and 

downstream 5 meters from each of the 11 cross-section transects (refer to Figure 7-1). 

They include the visible area from the stream back a distance of 10m (-30 ft) shoreward 

from both the left and right banks, creating a 10 m × 10 m riparian plot on each side of the 

stream (Figure 7-11). The riparian plot dimensions are estimated, not measured. On 

steeply sloping channel margins, the 10 m × 10 m plot boundaries are defined as if they 

were projected down from an aerial view. If the wetted channel is split by a mid-channel 

bar, the bank and riparian measurements are made at each side of the channel, not the bar. 

92 
10 m 

10 m 

10 m 

RIPARIAN 

PLOT 

(Left Bank) 

RIPARIAN 

PLOT 

(Right Bank) 

Flow 

Cross-section Transect 

5 m 5 m 

Instream Fish 

Cover Plot 

10 m 

Figure 7-11. Boundaries for visual estimation of riparian vegetation, fish cover, and human 

influences. 

93 
Table 7-9 presents the procedure for characterizing riparian vegetation structure and 

composition. Figure 7-7 illustrates how measurement data are recorded in the “VISUAL 

RIPARIAN ESTIMATES” section of the Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form. Conceptually 

divide the riparian vegetation into three layers: a CANOPY LAYER (> 5 m high), an 

UNDERSTORY (0.5 to 5 m high), and a GROUND COVER layer (< 0.5 m high). Note that 

several vegetation types (e.g., grasses or woody shrubs) can potentially occur in more than 

one layer. Similarly note that some things other than vegetation are possible entries for the 

"Ground Cover" layer (e.g., barren ground). 

TABLE 7-9. PROCEDURE FOR CHARACTERIZING RIPARIAN VEGETATION STRUCTURE 

1. Standing in mid-channel at a cross-section transect, estimate a 5 m distance upstream and 

downstream (10 m total length). 

2. Facing the left bank (left as you face downstream), estimate a distance of 10 m from the wetted 

margin back into the riparian vegetation. 

On steeply-sloping channel margins, estimate the distance into the riparian zone as if it were 

projected down from an aerial view. 

3. Within this 10 m × 10 m area, conceptually divide the riparian vegetation into three layers: a 

CANOPY LAYER (>5m high), an UNDERSTORY (0.5 to 5 m high), and a GROUND COVER 

layer (<0.5 m high). 

4. Determine the dominant vegetation type for the CANOPY LAYER (vegetation > 5 m high) as 

either Deciduous, Coniferous, broadleaf Evergreen, Mixed, or None. Consider the layer "Mixed" 

if more than 10% of the areal coverage is made up of the alternate vegetation type. Indicate the 

appropriate vegetation type in the “VISUAL RIPARIAN ESTIMATES” section of the Channel/Riparian 

Cross-section Form. 

5. Determine separately the areal cover class of large trees (> 0.3 m [1 ft] diameter at breast height 

[DBH]) and small trees (< 0.3 m DBH) within the canopy layer. Estimate areal cover as the 

amount of shadow that would be cast by a particular layer alone if the sun were directly 

overhead. Record the appropriate cover class on the field data form ("0"=absent: zero cover, 

"1"=sparse: <10%, "2"=moderate: 10-40%, "3"=heavy: 40-75%, or "4"=very heavy: >75%). 

6. Look at the UNDERSTORY layer (vegetation between 0.5 and 5 m high). Determine the 

dominant woody vegetation type for the understory layer as described in Step 4 for the canopy 

layer. If there is no woody vegetation in the understory layer, record the type as “None”. 

7. Determine the areal cover class for woody shrubs and saplings separately from non-woody 

vegetation within the understory, as described in Step 5 for the canopy layer. 

8. Look at the GROUND COVER layer ( vegetation < 0.5 m high). Determine the areal cover class 

for woody shrubs and seedlings, non-woody vegetation, and the amount of bare ground present 

as described in Step 5 for large canopy trees. 

9. Repeat Steps 1 through 8 for the right bank. 

10. Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for all cross-section transects, using a separate field data form for 

each transect. 

94 
Before estimating the areal coverage of the vegetation layers, record the type of 

woody vegetation (Deciduous, Coniferous, broadleaf Evergreen, Mixed, or None) in each of 

the two taller layers (Canopy and Understory). Consider the layer "Mixed" if more than 10% 

of the areal coverage is made up of the alternate vegetation type. If there is no woody 

vegetation in the understory layer, record the type as “None”. 

Estimate the areal cover separately in each of the three vegetation layers. Note that 

the areal cover can be thought of as the amount of shadow cast by a particular layer alone 

when the sun is directly overhead. The maximum cover in each layer is 100%, so the sum 

of the areal covers for the combined three layers could add up to 300%. The five areal 

cover classes are “absent”, “sparse” (<10%), “moderate” (10 to 40%), “heavy” ( 40 to 75%), 

and "very heavy” (>75%). These cover classes and their corresponding codes are shown 

on the field data form (Figure 7-7). When rating vegetation cover types, mixtures of two or 

more subdominant classes might all be given sparse ("1") moderate ("2") or heavy ("3") 

ratings. One very heavy cover class with no clear subdominant class might be rated "4" with 

all the remaining classes rated as either moderate ("2"), sparse ("1") or absent ("0"). Two 

heavy classes with 40-75% cover can both be rated "3". 

7.5.6 Instream Fish Cover, Algae, and Aquatic Macrophytes 

This portion of the physical habitat protocol is a visual estimation procedure that 

semi-quantitatively evaluates the type and amount of important types of cover for fish and 

macroinvertebrates. Alone and in combination with other metrics, this information is used to 

assess habitat complexity, fish cover, and channel disturbance. 

The procedure to estimate the types and amounts of instream fish cover is outlined 

in Table 7-10. Data are recorded in the “Fish Cover/Other” section of the Channel /Riparian 

Cross-section Form as shown in Figure 7-7. Estimate the areal cover of all of the fish cover 

and other listed features that are in the water and on the banks 5 m upstream and 

downstream of the cross-section (see Figure 7-11). The areal cover classes of fish 

concealment and other features are the same as those described for riparian vegetation 

(Section 7.5.5). 

The entry “Filamentous algae” refers to long streaming algae that often occur in slow 

moving waters. “Aquatic macrophytes” are water-loving plants, including mosses, in the 

stream that could provide cover for fish or macroinvertebrates. If the stream channel 

contains live wetland grasses, include these as macrophytes. “Woody debris” are the larger 

pieces of wood that can influence cover and stream morphology (i.e., those pieces that 

would be included in the large woody debris tally [Section 7.4]). “Brush/woody debris” refers 

to smaller wood pieces that primarily affect cover but not morphology. “Live Trees or Roots” 

are living trees that are within the channel -- estimate the areal cover provided by the parts 

of these trees or roots that are inundated. For ephemeral channels, estimate the 

proportional cover of these trees that is inundated during bankfull flows. “Overhanging 

vegetation” includes tree branches, brush, twigs, or other small debris that is not in the water 

but is close to the stream (within 1 m of the surface) and provides potential cover. “Boulders” 

are typically basketball- to car-sized particles. “Artificial structures” include those designed 

for fish habitat enhancement, as well as in-channel structures discarded (e.g., concrete, 

asphalt, cars, or tires) or purposefully placed for diversion, impoundment, channel 

stabilization, or other purposes. 

95 
TABLE 7-10. PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATING INSTREAM FISH COVER 

1. Standing mid-channel at a cross-section transect, estimate a 5m distance upstream and 

downstream (10 m total length). 

2. Examine the water and the banks within the 10-m segment of stream for the following features 

and types of fish cover: filamentous algae, aquatic macrophytes, large woody debris, brush and 

small woody debris, in-channel live trees or roots, overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, 

boulders, and artificial structures. 

3. For each cover type, estimate the areal cover. Record the appropriate cover class in the “FISH 

COVER/OTHER” section of the Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form: 

"0"=absent: zero cover, 

"1"=sparse: <10%, 

"2"=moderate: 10-40%, 

"3"=heavy: 40-75%, or 

"4"=very heavy: >75%). 

4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 at each cross-section transect, recording data from each transect on a 

separate field data form. 

7.5.7 Human Influence 

The field evaluation of the presence and proximity of various important types of 

human land use activities in the stream riparian area is used in combination with mapped 

watershed land use information to assess the potential degree of disturbance of the sample 

stream reaches. 

For the left and right banks at each of the 11 detailed Channel and Riparian CrossSections, evaluate the presence/absence and the proximity of 11 categories of human 

influences with the procedure outlined in Table 7-11. Relate your observations and 

proximity evaluations to the stream and riparian area within 5 m upstream and 5 m 

downstream from the station (Figure 7-11). Four proximity classes are used: In the stream 

or on the bank within 5 m upstream or downstream of the cross-section transect, present 

within the 10 m × 10 m riparian plot but not in the stream or on the bank, present outside of 

the riparian plot, and absent. Record data on the Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form as 

shown in Figure 7-7. If a disturbance is within more than one proximity class, record the one 

that is closest to the stream (e.g., “C” takes precedence over “P”). 

A particular influence may be observed outside of more than one riparian 

observation plot (e.g., at both transects “D” and “E”). Record it as present at every transect 

where you can see it without having to sight through another transect or its 10 m × 10 m 

riparian plot. 

96 
TABLE 7-11. PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATING HUMAN INFLUENCE 

1. Standing mid-channel at a cross-section transect, look toward the left bank (left when facing 

downstream), and estimate a 5 m distance upstream and downstream (10 m total length). Also, 

estimate a distance of 10 m back into the riparian zone to define a riparian plot area. 

2. Examine the channel, bank and riparian plot area adjacent to the defined stream segment for the 

following human influences: (1) walls, dikes, revetments, riprap, and dams; (2) buildings; (3) 

pavement/cleared lot (e.g.,paved, gravelled, dirt parking lot, foundation); (4) roads or railroads, 

(5) inlet or outlet pipes; (6) landfills or trash (e.g., cans, bottles, trash heaps); (7) parks or 

maintained lawns; (8) row crops; (9) pastures, rangeland, hay fields, or evidence of livestock; 

(10) logging; and (11) mining (including gravel mining). 

3. For each type of influence, determine if it is present and what its proximity is to the stream and 

riparian plot area. Consider human disturbance items as present if you can see them from the 

cross-section transect. Do not include them if you have to sight through another transect or its 

10 m ×10 m riparian plot. 

4. For each type of influence, record the appropriate proximity class in the “HUMAN INFLUENCE” part 

of the “VISUAL RIPARIAN ESTIMATES” section of the Channel/Riparian Cross-section Form. 

Proximity classes are: 

B ("Bank”) Present within the defined 10 m stream segment and located in the 

stream or on the stream bank. 

C (“Close”) Present within the 10 × 10 m riparian plot area, but away from the bank. 

P (“Present”) Present, but outside the riparian plot area. 

O ("Absent”) Not present within or adjacent to the10 m stream segment or the riparian 

plot area at the transect 

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the right bank. 

6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for each cross-section transect, recording data for each transect on a 

separate field form. 

7.5.8 Riparian “Legacy” Trees 

The Riparian “Legacy” Tree protocol contributes to the assessment of “old growth” 

characteristics of riparian vegetation, and aids the determination of possible historic 

conditions and the potential for riparian tree growth. Follow the procedures presented in 

Table 7-12 to locate the largest tree associated with each transect. The tree you choose 

may not truly be an old “legacy” tree– just choose the largest you see. These data are used 

to determine if there are true “legacy” trees somewhere within the sampling reach. Note that 

only one tree is identified for each transect between that transect and the next one 

upstream; at transect K, look upstream a distance of 4 channel widths. Record the type of 

tree, and, if possible, the taxonomic group (using the list provided in Table 7-12). Record 

this information, along with the estimated height, diameter at breast height (dbh), and 

distance from the wetted margin of the stream on the left hand column of the field form for 

Riparian “Legacy” Trees and Invasive Alien Plants (Figure 7-12). 

97 
TABLE 7-12. PROCEDURE FOR IDENTIFYING RIPARIAN LEGACY TREES 

Legacy Trees: 

1. Beginning at Transect A, look upstream. Search both sides of the stream upstream to the next 

transect. At Transect “K”, look upstream for a distance of 4 channel widths. Locate the largest 

tree visible within 50m (or as far as you can see, if less) from the wetted bank (note the tree you 

identify may be outside the current riparian zone). 

2. Classify this tree as deciduous, coniferous, or broadleaf evergreen (classify western larch as 

coniferous). Identify, if possible, the species or the taxonomic group of this tree from the list 

below. If not listed on data sheet, write in name of tree. 

1. Acacia/Mesquite 11. Snag (Dead Tree of Any Species) 

2. Alder/Birch 12. Spruce 

3. Ash 13. Sycamore 

4. Cedar/Cypress 14. Willow 

5. Fir (including Douglas Fir, Hemlock) 15. Dogwood 

6. Juniper 16. Beech 

7. Maple/Boxelder 17. Magnolia 

8. Oak 18. Unknown or Other Broadleaf Evergreen 

9. Pine 19. Unknown or Other Conifer 

10. Poplar/Cottonwood 20. Unknown or Other Deciduous 

NOTE: If the largest tree is a dead “snag”, enter “Snag” as the taxonomic group. 

3. Estimate the height of the potential legacy tree, its diameter at breast height (dbh ) and its 

distance from the wetted margin of the stream. Enter this information on the left hand column of 

the Riparian “Legacy” Trees and Invasive Alien Plants field form. 

4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for each remaining transect (B through K). At transect “K”, look 

upstream a distance of 4 channel widths) when locating the legacy tree. 

98 
Figure 7-12. Riparian “Legacy” Tree Form (Page 1). 

99
7.6 CHANNEL CONSTRAINT, DEBRIS TORRENTS, AND RECENT FLOODS 

7.6.1 Channel Constraint 

Whether natural or the result of human activities, the presence of immovable or 

difficult-to-move river margins constrains the degree to which the stream can form its own 

channel and banks through scour and deposition. The degree of channel constraint can 

strongly influence the quantity and quality of habitat for aquatic organisms. Constraint also 

influences the type and degree of stream channel adjustment to anthropogenic alterations in 

flow and sediment supply, or to direct channel manipulations (e.g., dredging, revetment, 

impoundment). To assess overall reach channel constraint, the Aquatic Inventories of the 

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (Moore et al. 1993) methods have been modified. 

After completing the thalweg profile and littoral-riparian measurements and observations, 

envision the stream at bankfull flow and evaluate the degree, extent and type of channel 

constraint, using the procedures presented in Table 7-13. Record data on the Channel 

Constraint Assessment Form (Figure 7-13). First, classify the stream reach channel pattern 

as predominantly a single channel, an anastomosing channel, or a braided channel. 

5. Anastomosing channels have relatively long major and minor channels 

branching and rejoining in a complex network. 

6. Braided channels also have multiple branching and rejoining channels, but 

these sub-channels are generally smaller, shorter, and more numerous, often with 

no obvious dominant channel. 

After classifying channel pattern, determine whether the channel is constrained 

within a narrow valley, constrained by local features within a broad valley, unconstrained 

and free to move about within a broad floodplain, or free to move about, but within a 

relatively narrow valley floor. Then examine the channel to ascertain the bank and valley 

features that constrain the stream. Entry choices for the type of constraining features are 

bedrock, hillslopes, terraces/alluvial fans , and human land use (e.g., road, dike, landfill, riprap, etc.). Estimate the percent of the channel margin in contact with constraining features 

(for unconstrained channels, this is 0%). To aid in this estimate, you may wish to refer to 

the individual transect assessments of incision and constraint. Finally, estimate the “typical” 

bankfull channel width and visually estimate the average width of the valley floor. If you 

cannot directly estimate the valley width (e.g., it is further than you can see, or if your view is 

blocked by vegetation), record the distance you can see and mark the appropriate box on 

the field form. 

7.6.2 Debris Torrents and Recent Major Floods 

Major floods are those that substantially overtop the banks of streams and occur with 

an average frequency of less than once every 5 years. Major floods may scour away or 

damage riparian vegetation on banks and gravel bars that are not frequently inundated. 

They typically cause movement of large woody debris, transport of bedload sediment, and 

changes in the streambed and banks through scouring and deposition. While they may kill 

aquatic organisms and temporarily suppress their populations, floods are an important 

natural resetting mechanism that maintains habitat volume, clean substrates, and riparian 

productivity. 

100 
TABLE 7-13. PROCEDURES FOR ASSESSING CHANNEL CONSTRAINT 

NOTE: These activities are conducted after completing the thalweg profile and littoral-riparian 

measurements and observations, and represent an evaluation of the entire stream reach. 

Channel Constraint: Determine the degree, extent, and type of channel constraint is based on 

envisioning the stream at bankfull flow. 

• Classify the stream reach channel pattern as predominantly a single channel, an anastomosing channel, or a braided channel. 

Anastomosing channels have relatively long major and minor channels 

branching and rejoining in a complex network. 

Braided channels also have multiple branching and rejoining channels, but 

these sub-channels are generally smaller, shorter, and more numerous, often with no 

obvious dominant channel. 

• After classifying channel pattern, determine whether the channel is constrained within a 

narrow valley, constrained by local features within a broad valley, unconstrained and free to 

move about within a broad floodplain, or free to move about, but within a relatively narrow 

valley floor. 

• Then examine the channel to ascertain the bank and valley features that constrain the stream. 

Entry choices for the type of constraining features are bedrock, hillslopes, terraces/alluvial 

fans, and human land use (e.g., road, dike, landfill, rip-rap, etc.). 

• Based on your determinations from Steps 1 through 3, select and record one of the constraint 

classes shown on the Channel Constraint Form. 

• Estimate the percent of the channel margin in contact with constraining features (for 

unconstrained channels, this is 0%). Record this value on the Channel Constraint Form. 

• Finally, estimate the “typical” bankfull channel width, and visually estimate the average width 

of the valley floor. Record these values on the Channel Constraint Form. 

NOTE: To aid in this estimate, you may wish to refer to the individual transect 

assessments of incision and constraint that were recorded on the Channel/Riparian 

Cross-Section Forms. 

NOTE: If the valley is wider than you can directly estimate, record the distance you 

can see and mark the box on the field form. 

101 
Figure 7-13. Channel Constraint and Field Chemistry Form, showing data for channel 

constraint. 

102
Debris torrents, or lahars, differ from “conventional” floods in that they are flood 

waves of higher magnitude and shorter duration, and their flow is comprised of a dense 

mixture of water and debris. Their high flows of dense material exert tremendous scouring 

forces on streambeds. For example, in the Pacific Northwest, debris torrent flood waves 

can exceed 5 meters deep in small streams normally 3 meters wide and 15 cm deep. These 

torrents move boulders in excess of 1m diameter and logs >1m diameter and >10m long. 

In temperate regions, debris torrents occur primarily in steep drainages and are relatively 

infrequent, occurring typically less than once in several centuries. They are usually set into 

motion by the sudden release of large volumes of water upon the breaching of a natural or 

human-constructed impoundment, a process often initiated by mass hillslope failures 

(landslides) during high intensity rainfall or snowmelt. Debris torrents course downstream 

until the slope of the stream channel can no longer keep their viscous sediment suspension 

in motion (typically <3% for small streams); at this point, they “set up”, depositing large 

amounts of sediment, boulders, logs, and whatever else they were transporting. Upstream, 

the “torrent track” is severely scoured, often reduced in channel complexity and devoid of 

near-bank riparian vegetation. As with floods, the massive disruption of the stream channel 

and its biota are transient, and these intense, infrequent events will often lead to high-quality 

complex habitat within years or decades, as long as natural delivery of large wood and 

sediment from riparian and upland areas remains intact. 

In arid areas with high runoff potential, debris torrents can occur in conjunction with 

flash flooding from extremely high intensity rainfall. They may be nearly annual events in 

some steep ephemeral channels where drainage area is sufficient to guarantee isolated 

thunderstorms somewhere within their boundaries, but small enough that the effect of such 

storms is not dampened out by the portion of the watershed not receiving rainfall during a 

given storm. 

Because they may alter habitat and biota substantially, infrequent major floods and 

torrents can confuse the interpretation of measurements of stream biota and habitat in 

regional surveys and monitoring programs. Therefore, it is important to determine if a debris 

torrent or major flood has occurred within the recent past. After completing the Thalweg 

Profile and Channel/Riparian measurements and observations, examine the stream 

channel along the entire sample reach, including its substrate, banks, and riparian corridor, 

checking the presence of features described on the Torrent Evidence Assessment Form 

(Figure 7-14). It may be advantageous to look at the channel upstream and downstream of 

the actual sample reach to look for areas of torrent scour and massive deposition to answer 

some of the questions on the field form. For example, you may more clearly recognize the 

sample reach as a torrent deposition area if you find extensive channel scouring upstream. 

Conversely, you may more clearly recognize the sample reach as a torrent scour reach if 

you see massive deposits of sediment, logs, and other debris downstream. 

103 
Figure 7-14. Torrent Evidence Assessment Form. 

104
7.7 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

Figure 7-15 lists the equipment and supplies required to conduct all the activities 

described for characterizing physical habitat. This checklist is similar to the checklist 

presented in Appendix A, which is used at the base location (Section 3) to ensure that all of 

the required equipment is brought to the stream. Use this checklist to ensure that 

equipment and supplies are organized and available at the stream site in order to conduct 

the activities efficiently. 

105 
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR PHYSICAL HABITAT 

QTY. Item 

1 Surveyor’s telescoping leveling rod (round profile, metric scale, 7.5m extended) 

1 50-m fiberglass measuring tape & reel 

1 Hip chain (metric) for measuring reach lengths (Optional) 

1 Clinometer (or Abney level) with percent and degree scales. 

1 Lightweight telescoping camera tripod (necessary only if slope measurements are 

being determined by one person) 

2 1⁄2-inch diameter PVC pipe, 2-3 m long: Two of these, each marked at the same 

height (for use in slope determinations involving two persons) (Optional) 

1 Meter stick. Alternatively, a short (1-2 m) rod or pole (e.g., a ski pole) with cm 

markings for thalweg measurements, or the PVC pipe described for slope 

determinations can be marked in cm and used. 

1 roll ea. Colored surveyor’s plastic flagging (2 colors) 

1 Convex spherical canopy densiometer (Lemmon Mod. A), modified with taped “V” 

1 Bearing compass (Backpacking type) 

1 or 2 Fisherman’s vest with lots of pockets and snap fittings. Used at least by person 

conducting the in-channel measurements to hold the various measurement 

equipment (densiometer, clinometer, compass, etc.). Useful for both team 

members involved with physical habitat characterization. 

2 pair Chest waders with felt-soled boots for safety and speed if waders are the neoprene 

"stocking" type. Hip waders can be used in shallower streams. 

Covered clipboards (lightweight, with strap or lanyard to hang around neck) 

Soft (#2) lead pencils (mechanical are acceptable) 

11 plus 

extras 

Channel/Riparian Cross-section & Thalweg Profile and Woody Forms 

1 plus 

extras 

Slope and Bearing Form; Riparian Legacy Tree and Invasive Alien Plant Form; 

Channel Constraint Assessment Form; Torrent Evidence Form. 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for physical habitat 

characterization (laminated or printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

Figure 7-15. Checklist of equipment and supplies for physical habitat. 

106
NOTES

107

 8.0 BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

Benthic invertebrates inhabit the sediment or live on the bottom substrates of 

streams. The benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage in streams is an important component 

of measuring the overall biological condition of the aquatic community. Monitoring this 

assemblage is useful in assessing the status of the water body and detecting trends in 

ecological condition. Populations in the benthic assemblage respond to a wide array of 

stressors in different ways so that it is often possible to determine the type of stress that has 

affected a macroinvertebrate assemblage (e.g., Klemm et al., 1990). Because many 

macroinvertebrates have relatively long life cycles of a year or more and are relatively 

immobile, the structure and function of the macroinvertebrate assemblage is a response to 

exposure of present or past conditions. 

The benthic macroinvertebrate protocol of WSA is intended to evaluate the biological 

condition of wadeable streams in the United States for the purpose of detecting stresses on 

structure and assessing the relative severity of these stresses. It is based on the updated 

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs) published by the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (Barbour et al., 1999) and adopted for use by many states. The main difference 

between the benthic macroinvertebrate collection methods from the original RBPs (1989) 

and the 2nd Edition (1999), is the use of a D-frame net (Figure 8-1). The D-frame net used 

by WSA still requires only one person. This technique is versatile for varying habitat type 

and is the preferred macroinvertebrate collecting method for streams with flowing water. 

1.5 m -piece detachable handle 

Mesh= 500 μm 

Muslin Bottom Panel 

Detachable Bucket w/ 500 μm mesh 

or Sewed End 30.5 cm (1-ft) 

long, 2

Figure 8-1. Modified D-frame kick net. (Not drawn to scale.) 

108 
8.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION 

The transect sample design for collecting benthic macroinvertebrates is shown in 

Figure 8-2. This design was used in the EMAP-WP stream study in the western U.S. (refer 

to Section 1 for project descriptions), which provides continuity for a nationwide assessment. 

A sample is collected from 1-m downstream of each of the eleven cross-section transects 

(Transects “A” through “K”) at an assigned sampling point (Left, Center, or Right). These 

points may have been assigned when the sampling reach was laid out (Figure 8-2; refer 

also to Section 4; Table 4-3). If not, the sampling point at Transect “A” is assigned at 

random using a die or other suitable means (e.g., digital watch). Once the first sampling 

point is determined, points at successive transects are assigned in order (Left, Center, 

Right). At transects assigned a “Center” sampling point where the stream width is between 

one and two net widths wide, pick either the “Left” or “Right” sampling point instead. If the 

stream is only one net wide at a transect, place the net across the entire stream width and 

consider the sampling point to be “Center”. If a sampling point is located in water that is too 

deep or otherwise unsafe to wade, select an alternate sampling point on the transect at 

random. 

The procedure for collecting a sample at each transect is described in Table 8-1. At 

each sampling point, determine if the habitat is a “riffle/run” or a “pool/glide”. Any area 

where there is not sufficient current to extend the net is operationally defined as a pool/glide 

habitat. Record the dominant substrate type (fine/sand, gravel, coarse substrate (coarse 

gravel or larger) or other (e.g., bedrock, hardpan, wood, aquatic vegetation, etc.) and the 

habitat type (pool, glide, riffle, or rapid) for each sample collected on the Sample Collection 

Form as shown in Figure 8-3. As you proceed upstream from transect to transect, combine 

all samples into a bucket or similar container. 

If it is impossible to sample at the sampling point with the modified kick net following 

either procedure, spend about 30 seconds hand picking a sample from about 0.09 m2

 (1 ft2) 

of substrate at the sampling point. For vegetation-choked sampling points, sweep the net 

through the vegetation for 30 seconds. Place the contents of this hand-picked sample into 

the sampling container. 

8.2 SAMPLE PROCESSING 

Use a sieve bucket while sampling to carry the composite sample as you walk 

upstream. Alternatively, place each sample in a five-gallon bucket and use a soil sieve (500 

:m) to cull-down the sample before it is packed and preserved in a Nalgene container(s) 

upon completion (Table 8-2). Record tracking information for each composite sample on the 

Sample Collection Form as shown in Figure 8-3. Do not fill out the collection form until 

you have collected (or confirmed at the site that you will collect) samples. If forms are 

filled out before you arrive at the site, and then no samples are collected, a lot of time is 

wasted by others later trying to find samples that do not exist. 

109 
CROSS SECTION TRANSECTS (A to K) 

Stream 

Stream 

A 

B C D 

E 

H G F

J I K 

C L

R L 

C 

R 

L 

C 

R 

TRANSECT SAMPLES (1 per transect) 

Sampling point of esch transect (1/4, 1/2, 3/4) selected systematically after random start 

TRANSECT SAMPLES (1 per transect) 

Sampling point of esch transect (1/4, 1/2, 3/4) selected systematically after random start 

Modified kick net (500 μm mesh) 

1 ft2 quadrat sampled for 30 sec 

COMPOSITE REACHWIDE 

SAMPLE 

COMPOSITE REACHWIDE 

SAMPLE 

Combine all kick net samples collected from 

riffles and runs and from pools 

COMPOSITE INDEX SAMPLE 

COMPOSITE INDEX SAMPLE 

�

SIEVING SIEVING 

L 

R 

• 500 μm mesh 

• Remove as much debris and fine 

sediment as possible 

• 500-mL or 1-L aliquots 

• Fill no more than 50% full with sample 

• Preserve with 95% ethanol to final 

concentration of 70% 

Flow 

Flow 

Figure 8-2. Transect sampling design for the benthic macroinvertebrate sample. 

110
TABLE 8-1. PROCEDURE TO COLLECT BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATE SAMPLES 

1. At 1 m downstream of each cross-section transect, beginning with Transect “A”, locate the 

assigned sampling point (Left, Center, or Right as you face downstream) as 25%, 50%, and 75% 

of the wetted width, respectively. If you cannot collect a sample at the designated point because 

of deep water or unsafe conditions, relocate to another random point on the same transect. 

2. Attach the 4-ft handle to the kick net. Make sure that the handle is on tight or the net may 

become twisted in a strong current, causing the loss of part of the sample. 

3. Determine if there is sufficient current in the area at the sampling point to fully extend the net. If 

so, classify the habitat as “riffle/run” and proceed to Step 4. If not, use the sampling procedure 

described for “pool/glide” habitats (Step 9). 

NOTE: If the net cannot be used, spend 30 seconds hand picking a sample from about 

0.09 m2

 ( 1 ft2) of substrate at the sampling point. For vegetation-choked sampling points, 

sweep the net through the vegetation within a 0.09 m2

 ( 1 ft2) quadrat for 30 seconds. 

Place the contents of this hand-picked sample directly into the sampling container. Assign 

a “U” flag (non-standard sample) to the sample and indicate which transect(s) required the 

modified collection procedure in the comments section. Go to Step 15. 

Riffle/Run Habitats: 

4. With the net opening facing upstream, position the net quickly and securely on the stream 

bottom to eliminate gaps under the frame. Avoid large rocks that prevent the sampler from 

seating properly on the stream bottom. 

NOTE: If there is too little water to collect the sample with the D-net, randomly pick up 10 

rocks from the riffle and pick and wash the organisms off them into a bucket which is halffull of water. 

5. Holding the net in position on the substrate, visually define a rectangular quadrat that is one net 

width wide and one net width long upstream of the net opening. The area within this quadrat is 

-0.09 m2 (1 ft2). Alternatively, place a wire frame of the correct dimensions in front of the net to 

help delineate the quadrat to be sampled. 

6. Check the quadrat for heavy organisms, such as mussels and snails. Remove these organisms 

from the substrate by hand and place them into the net. Pick up any loose rocks or other larger 

substrate particles in the quadrat. Use your hands or a small scrub brush to dislodge organisms 

so that they are washed into the net. Scrub all rocks that are golf ball-sized or larger and which 

are over halfway into the quadrat. Large rocks that are less than halfway into the sampling area 

are pushed aside. After scrubbing, place the substrate particles outside of the quadrat. 

7. Keep holding the D-net securely in position. Start at the upstream end of the quadrat, vigorously 

kick the remaining finer substrate within the quadrat for 30 seconds (use a stopwatch). 

NOTE: For samples located within dense beds of long, filamentous aquatic vegetation (e.g., 

algae or moss), kicking within the quadrat may not be sufficient to dislodge organisms in the 

vegetation. Usually these types of vegetation are lying flat against the substrate due to current. 

Use a knife or scissors to remove only the vegetation that lies within the quadrat (i.e., not 

entire strands that are rooted within the quadrat) and place it into the net. 

(continued) 

111 
TABLE 8-1. (Continued) 

8. Pull the net up out of the water. Immerse the net in the stream several times to remove fine 

sediments and to concentrate organisms at the end of the net. Avoid having any water or 

material enter the mouth of the net during this operation. 

9. Go to Step 14. 

Pool/Glide habitats: 

10. Visually define a rectangular quadrat that is one net width wide and one net width long at the 

sampling point. The area within this quadrat is -0.09 m2

 (1 ft2). Alternatively, lay a wire frame of 

the correct dimensions in front of the net at the sampling point to help delineate the quadrat. 

11. Inspect the stream bottom within the quadrat for any heavy organisms, such as mussels and 

snails. Remove these organisms by hand and place them into the net or bucket. Pick up any 

loose rocks or other larger substrate particles within the quadrat and hold them in front of the 

net. Use your hands (or a scrub brush) to rub any clinging organisms off of rocks or other pieces 

of larger substrate (especially those covered with algae or other debris) into the net. After 

scrubbing, place the larger substrate particles outside of the quadrat. 

12. Vigorously kick the remaining finer substrate within the quadrat with your feet while dragging the 

net repeatedly through the disturbed area just above the bottom. Keep moving the net all the 

time so that the organisms trapped in the net will not escape. Continue kicking the substrate 

and moving the net for 30 seconds. NOTE: If there is too little water to use the kick net, stir up 

the substrate with your gloved hands and use a sieve with 500 μm mesh size to collect the 

organisms from the water in the same way the net is used in larger pools. 

13. After 30 seconds, remove the net from the water with a quick upstream motion to wash the 

organisms to the bottom of the net. 

All samples: 

14. Invert the net into a plastic bucket and transfer the sample. Inspect the net for any residual 

organisms clinging to the net and deposit them into the bucket. Use forceps if necessary to 

remove organisms from the net. Carefully inspect any large objects (such as rocks, sticks, and 

leaves) in the bucket and wash any organisms found off of the objects and into the bucket before 

discarding the object. Remove as much detritus as possible without losing any organisms. 

15. Determine the predominant substrate size/type you observed within the sampling quadrat. 

Place an “X” in the appropriate substrate type box for the transect on the Sample Collection 

Form. NOTE: If there are co-dominant substrate types, you may check more than one box; note 

the co-dominants in the comments section of the form. 

Fine/sand: not gritty (silt/clay/muck < 0.06 mm diam.) to gritty, up to ladybug sized (2 mm diam.)

Gravel: fine to coarse gravel (ladybug to tennis ball sized; 2 mm to 64 mm diam.)

Coarse: Cobble to boulder (tennis ball to car sized; 64 mm to 4000 mm)

Other: bedrock (larger than car sized; > 4000 mm), hardpan (firm, consolidated fine substrate), wood

of any size, aquatic vegetation, etc.). Note type of “other” substrate in comments on field form.

(Continued) 

112 
TABLE 8-1 (Continued) 

16. Identify the habitat type where the sampling quadrat was located. Place an “X” in the 

appropriate channel habitat type box for the transect on the Sample collection Form. 

Pool; Still water; low velocity; smooth, glassy surface; usually deep compared to other parts of the

channel

GLide: Water moving slowly, with smooth, unbroken surface; low turbulence

RIffle: Water moving, with small ripples, waves, and eddies; waves not breaking, and surface

tension is not broken; “babbling” or “gurgling” sound. 

RApid: Water movement is rapid and turbulent; surface with intermittent “white water” with breaking

waves; continuous rushing sound.

17. Thoroughly rinse the net before proceeding to the next sampling location. Proceed upstream to 

the next transect (including Transect K, the upstream end of the sampling reach) and repeat 

Steps 1 through 9. Combine all kick net samples from riffle/run and pool/glide habitats into the 

bucket. 

A set of completed sample labels, including the label that is used if more than one jar 

is required for a single composite sample, is shown in Figure 8-4. The ID number is also 

recorded with a number 2 lead pencil on a waterproof label that is placed inside each jar 

(Figure 8-4, lower right). If more than one jar is used for a composite sample, a special label 

(Figure 8-4, lower left) is used to record the ID number assigned to the sample. DO NOT 

use two different barcode numbers on two jars containing one single sample. Blank 

labels for use inside of sample jars are presented in Figure 8-5. These can be copied onto 

waterproof paper. If a sample requires more than one jar, make sure the correct number of 

jars for the sample is recorded on the Sample Collection Form. Again, accurate record -

keeping in the field saves substantial amounts of time later. 

Check to be sure that the prenumbered adhesive label is on the jar and covered with 

clear tape, and that the waterproof label is in the jar and filled in properly. Be sure the inside 

label and outside label describe the same sample. Replace the cap on each jar. Check to 

make sure the cap is properly marked with the site number. Place the samples in a cooler 

or other secure container for transporting and/or shipping the laboratory (see Section 3). 

Before shipping to the lab (after a sample has been preserved for at least one week), 

decant the majority of the ethanol from the container. Leave only enough ethanol to 

keep the sample moist. Place the lid back on the container and seal with electrical tape. 

The sample will be refilled with ethanol upon receipt at the benthic laboratory. Check to see 

that all equipment is in the vehicle. 

8.3 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY CHECKLIST 

Figure 8-6 shows the checklist of equipment and supplies required to complete the 

collection of benthic macroinvertebrates from streams. This checklist is similar to the checklist presented in Appendix A, which is used at the base location (Section 3) to ensure that all 

of the required equipment is brought to the stream. Use this checklist to ensure that 

equipment and supplies are organized and available at the stream site in order to conduct 

the activities efficiently. 

113 
Figure 8-3. Sample Collection Form (page 1), showing information for benthic macroinvertebrate samples. 

114
TABLE 8-2. PROCEDURE FOR PREPARING COMPOSITE SAMPLES FOR 

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

1. Pour the entire contents of the bucket through a sieve (or into a sieve bucket) with 500 :m mesh 

size. Remove any large objects and wash off any clinging organisms back into the sieve before 

discarding. 

2. Using a wash bottle filled with stream water, rinse all the organisms from the bucket into the 

sieve. This is the composite reach-wide sample for the site. 

3. Estimate the total volume of the sample in the sieve and determine how large a jar will be 

needed for the sample (500-mL or 1-L) and how many jars will be required. 

4. Fill in a sample label with the stream ID and date of collection. Attach the completed label to the 

jar and cover it with a strip of clear tape. Record the sample ID number for the composite 

sample on the Sample Collection Form. For each composite sample, make sure the number on 

the form matches the number on the label. Please do not record an ID number on the form 

until you have collected the sample! 

5. Wash the contents of the sieve to one side by gently agitating the sieve in the water. Wash the 

sample into a jar using as little water from the wash bottle as possible. Use a large-bore funnel if 

necessary. If the jar is too full pour off some water through the sieve until the jar is not more 

than 1⁄4 to a full, or use a second jar if a larger one is not available. Carefully examine the sieve 

for any remaining organisms and use watchmakers’ forceps to place them into the sample jar. 

• If a second jar is needed, fill in a sample label that does not have a pre-printed ID number 

on it. Record the ID number from the pre-printed label prepared in Step 4 in the “SAMPLE 

ID” field of the label. Attach the label to the second jar and cover it with a strip of clear 

tape. Record the number of jars required for the sample on the Sample Collection Form. 

Make sure the number you record matches the actual number of jars used. Write 

“Jar N of X” on each sample label using a waterproof marker (“N” is the individual jar 

number, and “X” is the total number of jars for the sample). 

6. Place a waterproof label inside each jar with the following information written with a number 2 

lead pencil: 

• Stream Number • Collectors initials 

• Type of sampler and mesh size used • Number of transect samples 

• Name of stream composited 

• Date of collection • Jar N of X 

7. Completely fill the jar with 95% ethanol (no headspace). It is very important that sufficient 

ethanol be used, or the organisms will not be properly preserved. 

• NOTE: Prepared composite samples can be transported back to the vehicle before adding 

ethanol if necessary. Fill the jar with stream water, which is then drained using the net 

across the opening to prevent loss of organisms, and replaced with ethanol at the vehicle. 

8. Replace the cap on each jar. Slowly tip the jar to a horizontal position, then gently rotate the jar 

to mix the preservative. Do not invert or shake the jar. After mixing, seal each jar with plastic 

tape. 

9. Store labeled composite samples in a container with absorbent material that is suitable for use 

with 95% ethanol until transport or shipment to the laboratory. 

115 
Figure 8-4. Completed labels for benthic macroinvertebrate samples. The label at lower left is 

used if more than one jar is required for a composite sample. The label at lower right is placed 

inside the sample container. 

116
BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

BENTHOS IDENTIFICATION

Site Number _________________

Stream ______________________

Collection Date _____________

Sampler _____________________

Habitat Type ________________

Collector(s) ________________

Number of Transects _________

Figure 8-5. Blank internal labels for benthic invertebrate samples. 

117 
POTENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES 

QTY. ITEM 

1 Modified kick net ( D-frame with 500 :m mesh) and 4-ft handle 

Spare net(s) and/or spare bucket assembly for end of net 

1 Watch with timer or a stopwatch 

2 Buckets, plastic, 8- to 10-qt capacity 

1 Sieve with 500 :m mesh openings (U.S. std No. 35) 

1 Sieve-bottomed bucket, 500 :m mesh openings (alternative to sieve) 

2 pr. Watchmakers’ forceps 

1 Wash bottle, 1-L capacity labeled “STREAM WATER” 

1 Small spatula, spoon, or scoop to transfer sample 

1 Funnel, with large bore spout 

4 to 6 

each 

sample 

Sample jars, HDPE plastic with leakproof screw caps, 500-mL and 1-L capacity, 

suitable for use with ethanol 

2 gal 95% ethanol, in a proper container 

2 pr. Rubber gloves 

1 Cooler (with suitable absorbent material) for transporting ethanol and samples 

2 Composite Benthic sample labels, with preprinted ID numbers (barcodes) 

4 Composite Benthic sample labels without preprinted ID numbers 

6 Blank labels on waterproof paper for inside of jars 

1 Sample Collection Form for site 

Soft (#2) lead pencils 

Fine-tip indelible markers 

1 pkg. Clear tape strips 

4 rolls Plastic electrical tape 

1 Knife, pocket, with at least two blades 

1 Scissors 

1 Pocket-sized field notebook (optional) 

1 pkg. Kim wipes in small self-sealing plastic bag 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for benthic macroinvertebrates 

(laminated or printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

Figure 8-6. Equipment and supply checklist for benthic macroinvertebrate collection. 

118
NOTES

119
9.0 RAPID HABITAT AND VISUAL STREAM ASSESSMENTS 

After all other samples and field data have been collected, the field team conducts a 

visual-based habitat assessment of the stream reach, makes a general visual assessment 

of the stream and adjacent area, and performs a final check of the data forms and samples 

before leaving the stream site (see Section 10). The habitat assessment procedures used 

are those included in EPA's Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBP), originally published by 

Plafkin et al. (1989), and revised by Barbour et al. (1999). The procedures used for WSA 

are modified from those published previously for EMAP-SW (Lazorchak et al., 1998), and 

the original RBP procedures (Plafkin et al., 1989) to include additional assessment 

parameters for high gradient streams and a more appropriate parameter set for low gradient 

streams. These modifications are based on refinements from various applications across 

the country. The approach focuses on integrating information from specific parameters on 

the structure of the physical habitat. 

The visual stream assessment is used to record field team observations of 

catchment and stream characteristics that are useful for data validation, future data 

interpretation, ecological value assessment, development of associations, and verification of 

stressor data. The observations and impressions of field teams are extremely valuable. 

Thus, it is important that these observations about stream characteristics be recorded for 

future data interpretation and validation. 

The general description of weather conditions at a site are now included on the field 

form used for the visual assessment. Evidence of fire has been added as a disturbance 

type for the visual assessment. 

9.1 RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT 

The rapid habitat assessment approach based on visual observation is separated 

into two basic approaches—one designed for high-gradient streams and one designed for 

low-gradient streams. From the perception gained in collecting samples and measurements 

from throughout the sampling reach, classify the stream reach as either “Riffle/run prevalent” 

or “Pool/glide prevalent”. Choose the prevalent habitat type based on which habitat type 

occupies the majority of the length of the sampling reach. Landscapes of moderate to highgradient typically contain “riffle/run prevalent” streams. Under natural conditions, riffle/run 

prevalent streams contain primarily coarse substrates (i.e., coarse gravel or larger; refer to 

Section 7) or numerous areas dominated by coarse substrates along a stream reach 

(Barbour et al, 1999). Landscapes of low to moderate gradient are characterized by 

glide/pool prevalent streams. These streambeds are dominated by finer substrates (fine 

gravel or smaller) or occasional areas of coarser sediments along a stream reach (Barbour 

et al., 1999). The entire sampling reach is classified as one or the other and specific 

parameters are evaluated for each classification. 

A different field data form is completed depending upon the prevalent habitat type. 

For each prevalent stream type, ten “parameters” of habitat (Table 9-1) are evaluated for 

condition. Most of the parameters are evaluated similarly for both types of prevalent 

habitats. In three cases, a parameter is evaluated differently, or a different (but ecologically 

equivalent) parameter is substituted in riffle/run prevalent versus pool/glide prevalent 

streams. Substrate embeddedness is evaluated in riffle/run prevalent streams, while pool 

120 
substrate composition is evaluated in pool/glide prevalent streams. The presence of four 

potential types of microhabitat types based on combinations of depth and current velocity is 

evaluated in riffle/run prevalent streams, while the presence of four potential types of pool 

microhabitat based on depth and area are evaluated in pool/glide prevalent streams. The 

frequency of riffles is evaluated in riffle/run prevalent streams, while channel sinuosity is 

evaluated in pool/glide prevalent streams. For three parameters, each bank is evaluated 

separately and the cumulative score (right and left) is used for the reach. 

The procedure for conducting the rapid habitat assessment is presented in Table 9-

2. For each of the 10 parameters, visually evaluate and rate the overall quality of the 

sampling reach on a scale of 0 to 20, 0 being the lowest possible scale, 20 being the 

highest, i.e., representing “optimal” conditions. The first five parameters are instream 

habitat features and are rated specifically for the sampling reach. The second five 

parameters are related to large-scale effects and may require a visual assessment beyond 

the sampling reach. For riffle/run prevalent streams, record your scores for each parameter 

on the riffle/run version of the Rapid Habitat Assessment Form as shown in Figures 9-1. If 

the stream is classified as a pool/glide prevalent stream, record your scores for each 

parameter on the pool/glide version of the Rapid Habitat Assessment Form as shown in 

Figures 9-2. Transfer the scores assigned for each parameter to the box in the left-hand 

column of the form. The scores will be summed during data entry. 

TABLE 9-1. DESCRIPTIONS OF PARAMETERS USED IN THE RAPID 

HABITAT ASSESSMENT OF STREAMSa 

Habitat 

Parameter 

(Prevalent 

Habitat 

Type 

R=Riffle/run 

P=Pool/glide) Description and Rationale 

Parameters Evaluated within Sampling Reach 

1. 

Epifaunal 

Substrate/ 

Available 

Cover (R, P) 

Includes the relative quantity and variety of natural structures in the stream, such as cobble 

(riffles), large rocks, fallen trees, logs and branches, and undercut banks, available as 

refugia, feeding, or sites for spawning and nursery functions of aquatic macrofauna. A wide 

variety and/or abundance of submerged structures in the stream provides 

macroinvertebrates and fish with a large number of niches, thus increasing habitat diversity. 

As variety and abundance of cover decreases, habitat structure becomes monotonous, 

diversity decreases, and the potential for recovery following disturbance decreases. Riffles 

and runs are critical for maintaining a variety and abundance of insects in most highgradient streams and serving as spawning and feeding refugia for certain fish. The extent 

and quality of the riffle is an important factor in the support of a healthy biological condition 

in high-gradient streams. Riffles and runs offer a diversity of habitat through variety of 

particle size, and, in many small high-gradient streams, will provide the most stable habitat. 

Snags and submerged logs are among the most productive habitat structure for 

macroinvertebrate colonization and fish refugia in low-gradient streams. However, “new fall” 

will not yet be suitable for colonization. 

(Continued) 

121 
TABLE 9-1. Continued 

Habitat 

Parameter 

(Prevalent 

Habitat 

Type 

R=Riffle/run 

P=Pool/glide) Description and Rationale 

Parameters Evaluated within Sampling Reach (cont’d) 

2A. 

Embeddedness (R) 

Refers to the extent to which rocks (gravel, cobble, and boulders) and snags are covered or 

sunken into the silt, sand, or mud of the stream bottom. Generally, as rocks become 

embedded, the surface area available to macroinvertebrates and fish (shelter, spawning, 

and egg incubation) is decreased. Embeddedness is a result of large-scale sediment 

movement and deposition, and is a parameter evaluated in the riffles and runs of highgradient streams. The rating of this parameter may be variable depending on where the 

observations are taken. To avoid confusion with sediment deposition (another habitat 

parameter), observations of embeddedness should be taken in the upstream and central 

portions of riffles and cobble substrate areas. 

2B. 

Pool 

Substrate 

Characterizati 

on (P) 

Evaluates the type and condition of bottom substrates found in pools. Firmer sediment 

types (e.g., gravel, sand) and rooted aquatic plants support a wider variety of organisms 

than a pool substrate dominated by mud or bedrock and no plants. In addition, a stream 

that has a uniform substrate in its pools will support far fewer types of organisms than a 

stream that has a variety of substrate types. 

3A. 

Velocity and 

Depth 

Regimes (R) 

Patterns of velocity and depth are included for high-gradient streams under this parameter 

as an important feature of habitat diversity. The best streams in most high-gradient regions 

will have all 4 patterns present: (1) slow-deep, (2) slow-shallow, (3) fast-deep, and (4) fastshallow. The general guidelines are 0.5 m depth to separate shallow from deep, and 0.3 

m/sec to separate fast from slow. The occurrence of these 4 patterns relates to the 

stream’s ability to provide and maintain a stable aquatic environment. 

3B. 

Pool 

Variability (P) 

Rates the overall mixture of pool types found in streams, according to size and depth. The 

4 basic types of pools are large-shallow, large-deep, small-shallow, and small-deep. A 

stream with many pool types will support a wide variety of aquatic species. Rivers with low 

sinuosity (few bends) and monotonous pool characteristics do not have sufficient quantities 

and types of habitat to support a diverse aquatic community. General guidelines are any 

pool dimension (i.e., length, width, oblique) greater than half the cross-section of the stream 

for separating large from small and 1 m depth separating shallow and deep. 

4. 

Sediment 

Deposition 

(R, P) 

Measures the amount of sediment that has accumulated in pools and the changes that have 

occurred to the stream bottom as a result of deposition. Deposition occurs from large-scale 

movement of sediment. Sediment deposition may cause the formation of islands, point bars 

(areas of increased deposition usually at the beginning of a meander that increase in size 

as the channel is diverted toward the outer bank) or shoals, or result in the filling of runs and 

pools. Usually deposition is evident in areas that are obstructed by natural or manmade 

debris and areas where the stream flow decreases, such as bends. High levels of sediment 

deposition are symptoms of an unstable and continually changing environment that 

becomes unsuitable for many organisms. 

5. 

Channel 

Flow 

Status 

(R, P) 

The degree to which the channel is filled with water. The flow status will change as the 

channel enlarges (e.g., aggrading stream beds with actively widening channels) or as flow 

decreases as a result of dams and other obstructions, diversions for irrigation, or drought. 

When water does not cover much of the streambed, the amount of suitable substrate for 

aquatic organisms is limited. In high-gradient streams, riffles and cobble substrate are 

exposed; in low-gradient streams, the decrease in water level exposes logs and snags, 

thereby reducing the areas of good habitat. Channel flow is especially useful for interpreting 

biological condition under abnormal or lowered flow conditions. This parameter becomes 

important when more than one biological index period is used for surveys or the timing of 

sampling is inconsistent among sites or annual periodicity. 

(Continued) 

122
TABLE 9-1. Continued 

Habitat 

Parameter 

(Prevalent 

Habitat 

Type 

R=Riffle/run 

P=Pool/glide) Description and Rationale 

Parameters Evaluated Broader than the Sampling Reach 

6. 

Channel 

Alteration 

(R, P) 

Is a measure of large-scale changes in the shape of the stream channel. Many streams in 

urban and agricultural areas have been straightened, deepened, or diverted into concrete 

channels, often for flood control or irrigation purposes. Such streams have far fewer natural 

habitats for fish, macroinvertebrates, and plants than do naturally meandering streams. 

Channel alteration is present when artificial embankments, riprap, and other forms of 

artificial bank stabilization or structures are present; when the stream is very straight for 

significant distances; when dams and bridges are present; and when other such changes 

have occurred. Scouring is often associated with channel alteration. 

7A. 

Frequency of 

Riffles (or 

Bends) 

(R) 

Is a way to measure the sequence of riffles and thus the heterogeneity occurring in a 

stream. Riffles are a source of high-quality habitat and diverse fauna, therefore, an 

increased frequency of occurrence greatly enhances the diversity of the stream community. 

For high gradient streams where distinct riffles are uncommon, a run/bend ratio can be used 

as a measure of meandering or sinuosity (see 7b). A high degree of sinuosity provides for 

diverse habitat and fauna, and the stream is better able to handle surges when the stream 

fluctuates as a result of storms. The absorption of this energy by bends protects the stream 

from excessive erosion and flooding and provides refugia for benthic invertebrates and fish 

during storm events. To gain an appreciation of this parameter in some streams, a longer 

segment or reach than that designated for sampling should be incorporated into the 

evaluation. In some situations, this parameter may be rated from viewing accurate 

topographical maps. The “sequencing” pattern of the stream morphology is important in 

rating this parameter. In headwaters, riffles are usually continuous and the presence of 

cascades or boulders provides a form of sinuosity and enhances the structure of the 

stream. A stable channel is one that does not exhibit progressive changes in slope, shape, 

or dimensions, although short-term variations may occur during floods (Gordon et al. 1992). 

7B. 

Channel 

Sinuosity 

(P) 

Evaluates the meandering or sinuosity of the stream. A high degree of sinuosity provides 

for diverse habitat and fauna, and the stream is better able to handle surges when the 

stream fluctuates as a result of storms. The absorption of this energy by bends protects the 

stream from excessive erosion and flooding and provides refugia for benthic invertebrates 

and fish during storm events. To gain an appreciation of this parameter in low gradient 

streams, a longer segment or reach than that designated for sampling may be incorporated 

into the evaluation. In some situations, this parameter may be rated from viewing accurate 

topographical maps. The “sequencing” pattern of the stream morphology is important in 

rating this parameter. In "oxbow" streams of coastal areas and deltas, meanders are highly 

exaggerated and transient. Natural conditions in these streams are shifting channels and 

bends, and alteration is usually in the form of flow regulation and diversion. A stable channel 

is one that does not exhibit progressive changes in slope, shape, or dimensions, although 

short-term variations may occur during floods (Gordon et al. 1992). 

8. 

Bank Stability 

(Condition of 

Banks) 

(R, P) 

Measures whether the stream banks are eroded (or have the potential for erosion). Steep 

banks are more likely to collapse and suffer from erosion than are gently sloping banks, and 

are therefore considered to be unstable. Signs of erosion include crumbling, unvegetated 

banks, exposed tree roots, and exposed soil. Eroded banks indicate a problem of sediment 

movement and deposition, and suggest a scarcity of cover and organic input to streams. 

Each bank is evaluated separately from 0-10, and the cumulative score (right and left) is 

used for this parameter. 

(Continued) 

123
TABLE 9-1. Continued 

Habitat 

Parameter 

(Prevalent 

Habitat 

Type 

R=Riffle/run 

P=Pool/glide) Description and Rationale 

Parameters Evaluated Broader than the Sampling Reach (cont’d) 

9. 

Bank 

Vegetative 

Protection 

(R, P) 

Measures the amount of vegetative protection afforded to the stream bank and the nearstream portion of the riparian zone. The root systems of plants growing on stream banks 

help hold soil in place, thereby reducing the amount of erosion that is likely to occur. This 

parameter supplies information on the ability of the bank to resist erosion as well as some 

additional information on the uptake of nutrients by the plants, the control of instream 

scouring, and stream shading. Banks that have full, natural plant growth are better for fish 

and macroinvertebrates than are banks without vegetative protection or those shored up 

with concrete or riprap. This parameter is made more effective by defining the native 

vegetation for the region and stream type (i.e., shrubs, trees, etc.). In some regions, the 

introduction of exotics has virtually replaced all native vegetation. The value of exotic 

vegetation to the quality of the habitat structure and contribution to the stream ecosystem 

must be considered in this parameter. In areas of high grazing pressure from livestock or 

where residential and urban development activities disrupt the riparian zone, the growth of a 

natural plant community is impeded and can extend to the bank vegetative protection zone. 

Each bank is evaluated separately and the cumulative score (right and left) is used for this 

parameter. 

10. 

Riparian 

Vegetated 

Zone Width 

(R, P) 

Measures the width of natural vegetation from the edge of the stream bank out through the 

riparian zone. The vegetative zone serves as a buffer to pollutants entering a stream from 

runoff, controls erosion, and provides habitat and nutrient input into the stream. A relatively 

undisturbed riparian zone supports a robust stream system; narrow riparian zones occur 

when roads, parking lots, fields, lawns, bare soil, rocks, or buildings are near the stream 

bank. Residential developments, urban centers, golf courses, and rangeland are the 

common causes of anthropogenic degradation of the riparian zone. Conversely, the 

presence of "old field" (i.e., a previously developed field not currently in use), paths, and 

walkways in an otherwise undisturbed riparian zone may be judged to be inconsequential to 

altering the riparian zone and may be given relatively high scores. For variable size 

streams, the specified width of a desirable riparian zone may also be variable and may be 

best determined by some multiple of stream width (e.g., 4 x wetted stream width). Each 

bank is evaluated separately from 0-10 and the cumulative score (right and left) is used for 

this parameter. 

a

 Modified from Barbour et al. (1999) 

124
TABLE 9-2. PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING THE RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT 

1. Based on observations during previous sample collection and field measurement activities, 

classify the sampling reach as predominantly flowing water habitat (“Riffle/run”) or slow water 

habitat (“Pool/glide”). 

2. Select the appropriate version of the Rapid Habitat Assessment Form (“Riffle/Run Prevalence” 

or “Pool/Glide Prevalence”) based on the classification in Step 1. 

3. For each of the 10 habitat parameters, determine the general “quality” category (“POOR”, 

“MARGINAL”, “SUB-OPTIMAL”, or “OPTIMAL”) of the entire sampling reach. Assign and circle a 

score from the values available within each quality category. For Parameters 1 through 7, the 

sampling reach can be scored from 0 (worst) to 20 (best). For Parameters 8 through 10, each 

bank is evaluated separately (from 0 to 10), and the cumulative score for both right and left 

banks are used. 

4. The first 5 parameters are rated for the sampling reach. Contiguous reaches may be evaluated 

for the last 5 parameters to provide a more robust rating for these large-scale parameters. If the 

sampling reach is less than 150m in length, incorporate contiguous reaches into the 

assessment. 

5. After the sampling reach has been scored for all parameters, transfer the score circled for each 

category to the corresponding “SCORE” box in the “HABITAT PARAMETER” column of the 

assessment form. 

125 
Figure 9-1. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for riffle/run prevalent streams (continued). 

126 
Figure 9-1. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for riffle/run prevalent streams (page 2). 

127 
Figure 9-2. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for pool/glide prevalent streams (continued). 

128 
Figure 9-2. Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for pool/glide prevalent streams (page 2). 

129
TABLE 9-3. PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING THE FINAL VISUAL ASSESSMENT 

OF A STREAM 

1. After all other sampling and measurement activities are completed, fill out the header section of 

an Assessment Form. Use your perceptions obtained during the course of the day, while at the 

stream or driving/walking through the catchment to complete the remainder of the form. 

Consider only things at or upstream of the site. 

2. WATERSHED ACTIVITIES AND DISTURBANCES OBSERVED: Rate each type of activity or disturbance 

listed on the form as either “Not observed”, “Low”, “Medium”, or “High”, and record the rating on 

the Assessment Form. Keep in mind that ratings will be somewhat subjective and that an 

extensive effort to quantify the presence and intensity of each type of stressor is not required. 

General categories of activities and types of disturbance are described below: 

• Residential: The presence of any of the listed disturbances adjacent to or near the stream. 

• Recreational: The presence of organized public or private parks, campgrounds, beaches 

or other recreation areas around the stream. If there are signs of informal areas of 

camping, swimming or boating around the stream (e.g., swimming hole), record them as 

"primitive" parks, camping. 

• Agriculture: The presence of cropland, pasture, range, orchards, poultry, and/or livestock. 

Also note any evidence of water withdrawals for agriculture. 

• Industrial: Any industrial activity (e.g., canning, chemical, pulp), commercial activity (stores, 

businesses) or logging/mining activities around the stream or in the catchment. Describe 

in more detail in the comments section. 

• Management: Any evidence of water treatment, dredging or channelization, flow control 

structures, fish stocking, dams or other management activities. 

Any oddities, or further elaboration should be recorded in the Comments section. 

3. SITE CHARACTERISTICS: (based on a circle with a 200 m radius around the site) 

• WATER BODY CHARACTER: Assign a rating of 1 (highly disturbed) to 5 (pristine) based on 

your general impression of the intensity of impact from human disturbance. Place an “X” in 

the box next to the assigned rating on the Assessment Form. Assign a rating to the 

stream based on overall aesthetic quality, based on your opinion of how suitable the 

stream water is for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment the day of sampling. Place and “X” 

in the box next to the assigned rating on the Assessment Form. 

5. Beautiful, could not be any nicer. 

4. Very minor aesthetic problems; excellent for swimming, boating, enjoyment. 

3. Enjoyment impaired. 

2. Level of enjoyment substantially reduced. 

1. Enjoyment nearly impossible. 

(continued) 

130 
TABLE 9-3 (Continued) 

• Beaver: If you noticed any signs of beaver presence in or near the stream (chewed sticks, 

trees, dams, lodges) rate the beaver presence as either rare or common. If no beaver 

signs were present, mark the absent box. Also rate the amount of flow modification 

caused by any beaver activity as none, minor, or major. 

• Dominant Land Use: Make one estimate of the dominant land use in the circle around the 

site. Pick just one land use from among Forest, Agriculture, Range, Urban, 

Suburban/Town. If there are other major land uses, make note of them in the General 

Assessment section of the form. If forest is the dominant land use, make a guess as to the 

dominant age class of the forest (0-25, 25-75, or > 75 years). 

3. WEATHER: Record a very brief description of the weather conditions during stream sampling 

(e.g., sunny, fair, partly cloudy, overcast, light rain, unseasonably warm, cold, or hot, etc.). Any 

unusual weather right before sampling (e.g., heavy rain, 6 inches of snow) is also worth noting 

here. 

4. GENERAL ASSESSMENT: Record comments on wildlife observed, perceived diversity of 

terrestrial/riparian vegetation, or overall biotic integrity on the Assessment Form. Record any 

information regarding the past or present characteristics or condition of the stream provided by 

local residents here as well. 

9.2 VISUAL STREAM ASSESSMENT 

The assessment form is designed as a template for recording pertinent field 

observations. It is by no means comprehensive and any additional observations should be 

recorded in the General Assessment section of the form. Complete the assessment form 

after all other sampling and measurement activities have been completed. Consider only 

things at or upstream of the sample site (things that may impact the sample reach). Take 

into account all observations the sampling team has made while at the site. The 

assessment includes the following components: watershed activities and observed 

disturbances, site characteristics, weather during sampling, and a general assessment. The 

procedure for conducting the visual assessment of the sampling reach is presented in Table 

9-3. Record data and observations for each component of the assessment on the 

Assessment Form as shown in Figure 9-3. 

Each watershed activity or disturbance is rated into one of four categories of 

abundance or influence: not observed, low, medium, or high. Leave the line blank for any 

activity or disturbance type not observed. The distinction between low, medium, and high 

will be subjective. For example, if there are 2-3 houses away from the stream, the rating for 

“Houses” may be low. If the stream is in a suburban housing development, rate it as high. 

Similarly, a small patch of clear cut logging on a hill overlooking the stream would be rated 

as low. Logging activity right on the stream shore, however, would be rated as high. 

When assessing site characteristics, imagine a circle with a 200 m radius around the 

sample site (400 m diameter). Consider the land use and other activities within this circle. 

Water body character is defined as "the physical habitat condition of the water body, largely 

a function of riparian and littoral habitat structure, volume change, trash, turbidity, slicks, 

131 
scums, color, and odor.” Water body character is assessed using two attributes, the degree 

of human development, and aesthetics. Rate each of these attributes on a scale of 1 to 5. 

For development, give the stream a "5" rating if it is pristine, with no signs of any human 

development. A rating of "1" indicates a stream which is totally developed (e.g., the entire 

stream is lined with houses, or the riparian zone has been removed). For aesthetics, base 

your decision on any factor about the stream that bothers you (e.g., trash, algal growth, 

weed abundance, overcrowding). Also, rate the presence/absence of beaver activity and 

the dominant land use within this circle according to the classes listed on the form 

The weather and general assessment component includes any observations that will 

help in data interpretation in the pertinent section. The weather component is a place to 

record a brief description of the weather during sampling or just before sampling. General 

assessment comments can include comments on wildlife observed, diversity of 

terrestrial/riparian vegetation, overall biotic integrity, or any other observation. Comments 

from locals about current or past conditions are often useful and should be recorded in this 

section as well. The back side of the form (Figure 9-3) is available for additional general 

comments. 

9.3 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 

Figure 9-4 is a checklist of the supplies required to complete the visual stream 

assessment. This checklist may differ from the checklists presented in Appendix A, which 

are used at a base site to ensure that all equipment and supplies are brought to and are 

available at the stream site. Field teams are required to use the checklist presented in this 

section to ensure that equipment and supplies are organized and available to conduct the 

protocols efficiently. 

132 
Figure 9-3. Stream Assessment Form (continued). 

133
Figure 9-3. Stream Assessment Form (page 2). 

134
EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR RAPID HABITAT AND VISUAL STREAM ASSESSMENTS 

QTY. Item 

1 Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for Riffle/run prevalent streams 

1 Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for Pool/glide prevalent streams 

1 Assessment Form for visual stream assessment 

6 Soft (#2) lead pencils 

1 Covered clipboard or forms holder 

1 copy Field operations and methods manual 

1 set Procedure tables and/or quick reference guides for rapid habitat and visual 

assessments (laminated or printed on write-in-the-rain paper) 

Figure 9-4. Checklist of equipment and supplies required for rapid habitat and visual stream 

assessments. 

135
NOTES

136

10.0 FINAL SITE ACTIVITIES 

Before leaving a stream site, the team leader reviews all of the data forms and 

sample labels for accuracy, completeness, and legibility. A second team member inspects 

all sample containers and packages them in preparation for transport, storage, or shipment. 

Refer to Section 3 for details on preparing and shipping samples. 

When reviewing field data forms, ensure that all required data forms for the stream 

have been completed. Confirm that the stream identification code, the year, the visit 

number, and the date of the visit are correct on all forms. On each form, verify that all 

information has been recorded accurately, the recorded information is legible, and any flags 

are explained in the comments section. Ensure that written comments are legible and use 

no "shorthand" or abbreviations. Make sure the header information is completed on all 

pages of each form. After reviewing each form, initial the upper right corner of each page of 

the form. 

When inspecting samples, ensure that each sample is labeled, all labels are 

completely filled in and legible, and each label is covered with clear plastic tape. Compare 

sample label information with the information recorded on the corresponding field data forms 

(e.g., the Sample Collection Form) to ensure accuracy. 

The other team members should return all of the equipment and supplies to the 

vehicle for transport and clean up the stream site. Pack all equipment and supplies in the 

vehicle for transport. Keep them organized so they can be inventoried using the equipment 

and supply checklists presented in Appendix A. Clean up and dispose of all waste material 

at the stream site. Transport it out of the area if necessary. 

137 
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152 
APPENDIX A: EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY 

CHECKLISTS 
APPENDIX A 

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY CHECKLISTS 

FIELD DATA FORMS AND SAMPLE LABELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

OFFICE SUPPLIES AND TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

CHEMICALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

PACKING AND SHIPPING SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

SITE VERIFICATION AND SAMPLING REACH LAYOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

WATER CHEMISTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

STREAM DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

PHYSICAL HABITAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

PERIPHYTON. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

BENTHIC MACROINVERTEBRATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-9

AQUATIC VERTEBRATES AND FISH TISSUE CONTAMINANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

A-1
Number 

per site 

Field Data Forms and Sample Labels 

Item 

1 Verification Form 

1 Sample Collection Form and Stream Discharge Form 

11 + extras 

Channel/Riparian Cross-section and Thalweg Profile Forms 

1 Slope and Bearing Form 

1 Legacy Tree/ Invasive Plant Form 

1 Channel Constraint and Field Measurement Form and Torrent Evidence 

Assessment Form 

2-3 Vertebrate Collection Form 

1 Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for Riffle/run prevalent streams (optional) 

1 Rapid Habitat Assessment Form for Pool/glide prevalent streams (optional) 

1 Assessment Form for visual stream assessment 

4 + extras Sample Tracking Form 

3 Water chemistry labels (same ID number) 

3t Periphyton labels (same ID number) 

1 Reachwide Benthic sample labels, with preprinted ID numbers 

1 Targeted Riffle Benthic sample labels with preprinted ID numbers 

1 sheet Benthic labels for extra containers (no preprinted ID number) 

1 sheet Blank benthic sample labels on waterproof paper for inside of jars 

1 sheet Pre-printed aquatic vertebrate jar labels (4) and voucher bag tags (36), all with 

same preprinted sample ID number 

1 sheet Fish tissue sample labels (up to 16 different sample ID number) 

2 copies Field operations and methods manual 

2 sets Laminated sheets of procedure tables and/or quick reference guides 

A-2
Number 

per site 

Office Supplies and Tools 

Item 

1 Dossier of access information for scheduled stream site 

1 Topographic map with “X-site” marked 

1 Site information sheet with map coordinates and elevation of X-site 

1 Sampling itinerary form or notebook 

1 Safety log and/or personal safety information for each team member 

4 Covered clipboards or forms holders 

1 Field notebook (optional) 

12 Soft (#2) lead pencils 

6 Fine-tip indelible markers 

1 roll Duct tape 

1 pr Scissors for cutting labels 

1 Pocket knife or multipurpose tool 

1 Battery charger (if needed for electrofishing unit) 

1 Toolbox with basic tools needed to maintain/repair sampling gear 

Clear tape and covering labels 

Binder clips for keeping forms together 

A-3
Number 

per site 

Personal Equipment and Supplies 

Item 

1 pair per 

person 

Chest waders with felt-soled boots for safety and speed if waders are the 

neoprene "stocking" type. Hip waders can be used in shallower streams 

(except for electrofishing). 

1 per person Life vests 

3 pair Polarized sunglasses 

1 First aid kit 

1 per person Rain gear 

1 or 2 Fisherman’s vest for physical habitat characterization equipment. 

1 per person Safety Whistles 

1 pr. per 

person 

Earplugs (if gas-powered generators are used) 

1 per person Day packs, backs, fanny packs, and/or dry bags for personal gear 

1 ea. Insect repellent, sunscreen, Tec-nu (for poison oak), hand sanitizer, water 

purifier unit 

1 Patch kit for waders 

Chemicals 

Number 

per site Item 

1 Cooler (with suitable absorbent material) for transporting ethanol and samples 

2 gal 95% ethanol 

1 gal Sparquat®disinfectant 

A-4
Number 

per site 

Packing and Shipping Supplies 

Item 

Ice (also dry ice if it is used to ship frozen samples) or ice substitute packs 

1 box 1-gal heavy-duty self-sealing (e.g., with a zipper-type closure) plastic bags 

1-box 30-gal plastic garbage bags for lining shipping containers 

1 roll Clear tape for sealing shipping containers 

2 pkg. Clear tape strips for covering labels 

4 rolls Plastic electrical tape 

3 Insulated shipping containers for samples 

2 Containers and absorbent material (e.g. vermiculite) suitable to transport and/or 

ship samples preserved in formalin or ethanol 

6 Shipping airbills and adhesive plastic sleeves 

1 box 2 gal. heavy duty plastic bags 

Number 

per site 

Site Verification and Sampling Reach Layout 

Item 

1 GPS receiver and operating manual 

Extra batteries for GPS receiver 

1 Surveyor’s telescoping leveling rod (round profile, metric scale, 7.5 m extended) 

1 50-m fiberglass measuring tape with reel 

2 rolls Surveyor’s flagging tape (2 colors) 

1 Waterproof camera and film (or digital camera) 

A-5
Number 

per site 

Water Chemistry 

Item 

1 Field thermometer 

1 500 mL plastic beaker with handle (in clean plastic bag) 

1 4-L cubitainer 

2 60 mL plastic syringes 

1 1⁄2 gal. size plastic container with snap-on lid to hold filled syringes 

2 Syringe valves 

1 Dissolved oxygen/Conductivity/Temperature meter with probe and operating 

manual (optional) 

1 DO repair kit with additional membranes and probe filling solution (optional) 

1 Conductivity meter, probe, and operating manual (if not integrated with DO/Temp 

meter (optional) 

Extra batteries for dissolved oxygen and conductivity meters (optional) 

1 500-mL plastic bottle of conductivity QCCS labeled “Rinse” (in plastic bag) 

(optional) 

1 500-mL plastic bottle of conductivity QCCS labeled “Test” (in plastic bag) (optional) 

1 500-mL plastic bottle of deionized water to store conductivity probe (optional) 

Number 

per site 

Stream Discharge 

Item 

1 Current velocity meter and probe, with operating manual (e.g. Marsh-McBirney 

Model 201, Swoffer Model 2100, or equivalent) 

1 Top-set wading rod (metric scale) for use with current velocity meter 

1 Portable Weir with 60/ “V” notch (optional) 

1 Plastic sheeting to use with weir (optional) 

1 Plastic bucket (or similar container) with volume graduations 

1 Stopwatch 

1 Neutrally buoyant object (e.g., orange, small rubber ball, stick, bobber) 

A-6
Number 

per site 

Physical Habitat 

Item 

1 Fisherman’s vest with lots of pockets and snap fittings. 

1 50-m tape measure 

1 Clinometer with percent and degree scales. 

1 Lightweight telescoping camera tripod, (necessary only if slope measurements 

are being determined by only one person) 

1 1⁄2-inch diameter PVC pipe, 2-3 m long, each marked at the same height (for use 

in slope determinations involving two persons) 

1 Spherical convex canopy densiometer, modified with taped “V” 

1 Bearing compass (Backpacking type) 

1 Meter stick. Alternatively, a short (1-2 

m)markings for thalweg 

measurements 

rod or pole (e.g., a ski pole) with cm 

1 Surveyors rod (optional) 

Benthic Macroinvertebrates 

Number 

per site Item 

1 D-Frame kick net (500 :m mesh) and 4-ft handle with cod piece 

Spare net(s) for the kick net sampler or extra sampler 

1 

Bucket, plastic, 8- to 10-qt capacity 

1 Sieve, U.S. Std. No. 35 (500 :m mesh), or Sieve bucket with 500-:m mesh 

openings 

2 pr. ea. Watchmakers’ and curved tip forceps 

1 Small spatula, spoon, or scoop to transfer sample 

1 Funnel, with large bore spout 

4 to 6 ea. Sample jars, HDPE plastic with leakproof screw caps, 500-mL and 1-L capacity, 

suitable for use with ethanol 

1 pkg. Kim wipes in small self-sealing plastic bag 

gloves 

A-7
APPENDIX B: FIELD FORMS AND DATA 

SHEETS 
Sample ID Sample Type

03/03/2003 2003 Tracking

Site ID

# Of

Jars (Fish tissue species and other comments here.)

Comments

Fish:

Contact:

Date Sent:

/ / 2 0 0 3

Visit Number

1 2 3

Site Name:

(Person calling in or

faxing tracking info.)

(Write Unknown if unknown)

Airbill Number:

FIELD SAMPLE SHIPMENT PACKING/TRACKING FORM

Check all that apply: Willamette Research Station

Poison Depot

Other

Date Visited: Wadeable Boatable Other = Fax Verification Form / / 2 0 0 3

1) Name/Contact, Time of call, Site Name, Site ID and number,

Collected date, Sent date, Visit number, Airbill number.

2) Site status from stream verification form ie: Wadeable,

Boatable...

3) Information for both unpreserved samples as well as

preserved samples, sent or not.

BENT = Benthos

CHEM = Water Chemistry

FISH = Fish Tissue

PERI = Periphyton

VERT = Fish Museum

B = Broken Syringe Tip

C = Cracked Jar

F = Frozen

L = Leaking

ML = Missing Label

NP = Not Preserved

OK = Seems Fine

T = Thawed but still Cold

W = Warm

SAMPLE TYPES CONDITION CODES

Ph) (541)754-GOOD (4663) OR

Fax) (541)754-4338 ATTN: Marlys Cappaert

/ /

Status:

Sample:

For office use only

Date Entered:

Initials:

Box is for # of Jars

Reachwide and

Targeted Riffle.

Lab Contact: Richard Kovar (541)754-4735

For Lab use only

/ /

Date Received:

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Chem

Peri - BIO, CHLA, ID

Peri - Plankton Tow

Peri - STAR

Fish (Tissue)

Bent - Reachwide

Bent - Targeted Riffle

Vert (Vouchers)

Big

Small

Lab: Fax this sheet to

541-754-4338 Attn

Marlys Cappaert

63654

Wadeable - Continuous water, greater than 50% wadeable

Boatable

Partial - Sampled by wading (Explain in comments)

Partial - Sampled by boat (Explain in comments)

Wadeable Interrupted - Not continuous water along reach

Boatable Interrupted - Not continuous water along reach

Altered - Stream/River Present but not as on Map

Dry - Visited

Dry - Not visited

Wetland (No Definable Channel)

Map Error - No evidence channel/waterbody ever present

Impounded (Underneath Lake or Pond)

Other (explain in comments)

Not boatable - Need a different crew

Not wadeable - Need a different crew

Other (Explain in comments)

Access Permission Denied

Permanently Inaccessible (Unable/Unsafe to Reach Site)

Temporarily Inaccessible-Fire, etc. (Explain in comments)

2 0 0 3

GENERAL COMMENTS:

Not Verified (Explain in Comments)

STREAM/RIVER VERIFICATION INFORMATION

2D

3D

Yes

No

Coordinates Latitude North Longitude West Are GPS Coordinates

w/i 10 Sec. of map?

Type of

GPS Fix

Degrees, Minutes,

and Seconds

Stream/River Verified by (X all that apply): GPS Local Contact Signs Roads Topo. Map

04/03/2002 2002 Stream Verification

Record information used to define length of reach, and sketch general features of reach on reverse side.

Other (Describe Here):

STREAM VERIFICATION FORM - STREAMS/RIVERS

SITE NAME: / /

SITE ID: TEAM:

DATE:

DIRECTIONS TO STREAM/RIVER SITE:

VISIT: 0 1 2 3

Reviewed by (initial):

DIDY OUS AMPLET HISS ITE?

YES NO

SAMPLEABLE (Choose method used) NON-SAMPLEABLE-PERMANENT

NON-SAMPLEABLE-TEMPORARY

NO ACCESS

If YES, check one below If NO, check one below

. 

. 

MAP

. 

. 

Decimal Degrees

Degrees, Minutes,

and Seconds

Decimal Degrees

GPS

OR

OR

Don't forget to record Reach Length on back.

56029 
REACH DETERMINATION

STREAM VERIFICATION FORM - STREAMS/RIVERS (cont.) Reviewed by

(initial):

SITE NAME: / /

SITE ID: TEAM:

DATE: 2 0 0 3 VISIT: 0 1 2 3

STREAM/RIVER REACH DETERMINATION

Channel Width

Used to Define

Reach (m)

DISTANCE (m) FROM X-SITE Total Reach

Length Intended

(m)

Upstream Comment

Length

Downstream

Length

SKETCH MAP - Arrow Indicates North

PERSONNEL

NAM Biomorph Geomorph Forms E DUTIES

04/03/2002 2002 Stream Verification

56029 
SUBSTRATE SIZE CLASS CODES Embed. (%)

RS = Bedrock (Smooth) - (Larger than a car) 0RR = Bedrock ( Rough) - (Larger than a car) 0RC = Concrete/AsphaltXB = Large Boulder (1000 to 4000 mm) - (Meterstick to car)SB = Small Boulder (250 to 1000 mm) - (Basketball to meterstick)CB = Cobble (64 to 250 mm) - (Tennis ball to Basketball)GC = Coarse Gravel (16 to 64 mm) - (Marble to Tennis ball)GF = Fine Gravel (2 to 16 mm) - (Ladybug to marble)SA = Sand (0.06 to 2 mm) - (Gritty - up to Ladybug size) 100FN = Silt / Clay / Muck - (Not Gritty) 100HP = Hardpan - (Firm, Consolidated Fine Substrate) 0WD = Wood - (Any Size)OT = Other (Write comment below)

PHab: CHANNEL/RIPARIAN CROSS-SECTION FORM - STREAMS Re

/ / SITE ID: DATE: 2 0 0 3 TRANSECT: A B C D 

G H I J 

Dist LB

XX.XX m

Depth

XXX cm

Size Class

Code

Embed.

0-100% Flag

LeftLCtrCtrRCtrRight

SUBSTRATE CROSS-SECTIONAL INFORMATION

FISH

COVER/

OTHER

0 = Absent (0%)

1 = Sparse (<10%)

2 = Moderate (10-40%)

3 = Heavy (40-75%)

4 = Very Heavy (>75%)

(circle one)

Cover in Channel Flag

Bank Angle

0 - 360

Undercut

Dist. (m) Flag

Left

Right

Wetted Width XXX.X m

Bar Width XX.X m

Bankfull Width XXX.X m

Bankfull Height XX.X m

Incised Height XX.X m

BANK MEASUREMENTS

Flag Comments

Flag codes: K = Sample not collected; U = Suspect sample; F1, F2,

etc. = misc. flag assigned by field crew. Explain all flags in comment

sections.

04/02/2002 2002 PHAB Chan/Riparian - Str

DENSIOMETER (0-17Max)

Flag

CenUp

CenL

CenDwn

CenR

Left

Right

CANOPY COVER MEASUREMENTS

Flag

Filamentous Algae

Macrophytes

Woody Debris

>0.3 m (BIG)

Brush/Woody Debris

<0.3 m (SMALL)

Live Trees or Roots

Overhanging Veg.

=<1 m of Surface

Undercut Banks

Boulders

Artificial Structures

0 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 40 1 2 3 4

0 1 2 3 4

D C 

0 1 0 1 

D C 

0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 

0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 0 P 

Vegetation Type

BIG Trees (Trunk

>0.3 m DBH)

SMALL Trees (Trunk

<0.3 m DBH)

Vegetation Type

Woody Shrubs &

Saplings

Non-Woody Herbs,

Grasses, & Forbs

Woody Shrubs

& Saplings

Non-Woody Herbs,

Grasses and Forbs

Barren, Bare Dirt

or Duff

Wall/Dike/Revetment

/Riprap/Dam

Buildings

Pavement/Cleared Lot

Road/Railroad

Pipes (Inlet/Outlet)

Landfill/Trash

Park/Lawn

Row Crops

Pasture/Range/Hay Field

Logging Operations

Mining Activity

0 = Not Pre

Ground C

Understo

Cano

VISUAL RIPARIAN

ESTIMATES

0 1 

2 3 

4 

RIPARIAN

VEGETATION COVER Left 

HUMAN

INFLUENCE Left 

27657 
Y N Y N Y N Y N

Y N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y NY N Y N Y N Y N

DATE: / / 2 0 0 3

PHAB: THALWEG PROFILE & WOODY DEBRIS FORM STREAMS 

SITE ID:

SUBSTRATE

Station (5 or 7)

COMMENTS (for SUBSTRATE and LWD)

CHECK IF UNMA

BOXES ARE ZE

DIAMETER

LARGE END

0.1-<0.3 m

0.3-0.6 m

0.6-0.8 m

>0.8 m

PIECES ALL/PART IN BANKFULL CHANNEL PIE

LARGE WOODY DEBRIS

Length 1.5-5m 5-15m >15m Lengt

Flag Codes: K = no measurement made; U = suspect measurement; F1, F2, ect. = flags assigned by each field crew; G1, G2, etc. for flags not specific to one station. Explain

all flags in comments. 1 = Measure Bar Width at Station 0 and Mid-Station (5 or 7). 

A-B F-G 

TRANSECT:

LFT LCTR CTR RCTR RGT

FLAG

0

THALWEG PROFILE Increment (m) X.X: Tota

STATION THALWEG DEPTH (cm) (XXX) WETTED WIDTH (m) (XXX.X) Present XX.X

SOFT

/SMALL

SEDIMENT

CHANNEL

UNIT CODE

POOL

FORM

CODE

SIDE

CHANNEL FLAG

1

234

*5

6

*7

89

1011121314

BAR WIDTH 1

For Transect A-B ONLY:

BACK

WATER COMME

($10 cm small end diameter; $ 1.5 m length)

FLAG

*

CHANNEL UNIT CODES

PP = Pool, PlungePT = Pool, TrenchPL = Pool, Lateral ScourPB = Pool, BackwaterPD = Pool, ImpoundmentGL = GlideRI = RiffleRA = RapidCA = CascadeFA = FallsDR = Dry Channel

POOL FORM CODES

N = Not a poolW = Large Woody DebrisR = RootwadB = Boulder or BedrockF = Unknown, fluvial

COMBINATIONS:

eg. WR, BR, WRB

SUBSTRATE SIZE CLASS CODES

RS = BEDROCK (SMOOTH) - (LARGER THAN A CAR)RR = BEDROCK ( ROUGH) - (LARGER THAN A CAR)RC = CONCRETE/ASPHALTXB = LG. BOULDER (1000 TO 4000 mm) - METERSTICK TO CAR)

SB = SM. BOULDER (250 TO 1000 mm) - BASKETBALL TO METERSTICK)

CB = COBBLE (64 TO 250 mm) - (TENNIS BALL TO BASKETBALL)GC = COARSE GRAVEL (16 TO 64 mm) - (MARBLE TO TENNIS BALL)

GF = FINE GRAVEL (2 TO 16 mm) - (LADYBUG TO MARBLE)SA = SAND (0.06 TO 2 mm) - (GRITTY - UP TO LADYBUG SIZE)FN = SILT/ CLAY / MUCK - (NOT GRITTY)HP = HARDPAN - (FIRM, CONSOLIDATED FINE SUBSTRATE)WD = WOOD - (ANY SIZE)OT = OTHER (COMMENT ON OTHER SIDE)

17021
CL

HLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

CLHLLA

TRWTOther % cm

. . .

TRANSECT & METHOD

MAIN (always used)

Slope(%) or Elev.

Diff. (cm) BEARING 0 - 359 PROPOR- TION %

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL SECOND SU

BEARING

0 - 359

PROPORTION % 

FLAG COMMENT

03/20/2003 2003 Phab Slope

Flag codes: K = Sample not collected; U = Suspect sample; F1, F2, M (M = Method - used for method comment only) = flag assigned by field crew. Ex

PHab: SLOPE AND BEARING FORM - STREAMS

/ / SITE ID: DATE: 2 0 0 3

CL=Clinometer; HL=Hand Level; LA=Laser rangefinder with electronic clinometer; TR=Transit, surveyors level or tota

Slope(%) or

Elev. Diff. (cm)

Slope(%) or

Elev. Diff. (cm)

A < B

B < CC < D

D < E

E < F

F < G

G < H

H < I

I < J

J < K

Mark method for every Transect Mark Units for every Transect

53488

0-0.1

.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

RC Grass Reed canarygrasEngl Ivy English ivy ChGrass Cheat grass Salt Ced Salt Cedar Can This Canada thistle M This Musk thistle Hblack Himalayan blackTeasel Teasel Spurge Leafy spurge G Reed Giant reed C Burd Common burdocRus Ol Russian-olive 

SITE ID: DATE:

R 

IPARIAN "LEGACY" TREES AND INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS

/ / 2 0 0 3

Trees

not

Visible

Type Taxonomic Category

LARGEST POTENTIAL LEGACY TREE VISIBLE FROM THIS STATION

ALIEN PLANT SPEC

AND RIGHT RI

Check all that 

Tran

Acacia/MesquiteAlder/BirchAshMaple/BoxelderOakPoplar/CottonwoodSycamoreWillowUnknown or Other DeciduousCedar/Cypress/SequoiaFir (including Douglas fir and hemlock)JuniperPineSpruceUnknown or Other ConiferUnknown or Other Broadleaf EvergreenSnag (Dead tree of any species)

COM

TAXONOMIC CATEGORIES ALIE

DBH

(m)

Height

(m)

Dist. from

wetted

margin

(m)

AB

C

Potential Legacy trees are defined as the largest tree

within your search area, which is as far as you can see, butwithin maximum limits as follows:

Wadeable Streams: Confine search to no more than

50 m from left and right bank and extending upstream tonext transect (for 'K' look upstream 4 channel widths)

Non-wadeable Rivers: Confine search to no more than

100 m from left and right bank and extending bothupstream and downstream as far as you can seeconfidently.Alien Plants: Confine search to riparian plots on left andright bank

Wadeable Streams: 10 m x 10 mNon-wadeable Rivers: 10 m x 20 m

Not all aliens are to be identified in all states. See FieldManual and Plant Identification Guide.

INSTRUCTIONS

Transects D to K continued on other side

03/26/2001 2001 Riparian Legacy Trees
0-0.1

.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

0-0.1.1-.3.3-.75

.75-2>2

<5 5-15 15-30 >30 

DeciduousConiferousBroadleaf

Evergreen

NONE

RC GrassEngl IvyCh Grass

Salt CCanTM Th

SITE ID: DATE:

R 

IPARIAN "LEGACY" TREES AND INVASIVE ALIEN PLANTS

/ / 2 0 0 3

Trees

not

Visible

DBH

(m)

Height

(m)

Dist. from

wetted

margin

(m)

Type Taxonomic Category

LARGEST POTENTIAL LEGACY TREE VISIBLE FROM THIS STATION

Check all that 

Tran

D

E

F

G

H

03/26/2001 2001 Riparian Legacy Trees

I

J

K

ALIEN PLANT SPECIES 

AND RIGHT RIPA
Reviewed by (initial):

IN SITU MEASUREMENTS Station ID: (Assume X-site unless marked)

STREAM RIVER TEMP. (EC):

Comments

STREAM/RIVER DO mg/l:

(optional)

CHANNEL CONSTRAINT AND FIELD CHEMISTRY - STREAMS/RIVERS

SITE ID: DATE: / / 2 0 0 3

03/26/2001 2001 Chan Con/Fld Chem

TIME OF DAY:

Percent of channel length with margin

in contact with constraining feature:

CHANNEL CONSTRAINT

Comments

Bankfull width: (m)

Valley width (Visual Estimated Average): (m)

Note: Be sure to include distances between both sides of valley border for valley width.

100%

Percent of Channel Margin Examples

50%

100%

50%

% ---> 

(0-100%)

CHANNEL PATTERN (Check One)

CHANNEL CONSTRAINT (Check One)

CONSTRAINING FEATURES (Check One)

One channel

Anastomosing (complex) channel - (Relatively long major and minor channels branching and rejoining.)

Braided channel - (Multiple short channels branching and rejoining - mainly one channel broken up by

numerous mid-channel bars.)

Channel very constrained in V-shaped valley (i.e. it is very unlikely to spread out over valley or erode a

new channel during flood)

Channel is Unconstrained in Broad Valley (i.e. during flood it can fill off-channel areas and side channels,

spread out over flood plain, or easily cut new channels by erosion)

Channel is in Broad Valley but channel movement by erosion during floods is constrained by Incision (Flood

flows do not commonly spread over valley floor or into multiple channels.)

Channel is in Narrow Valley but is not very constrained, but limited in movement by relatively narrow

valley floor (< ~10 x bankfull width)

Bedrock (i.e. channel is a bedrock-dominated gorge)

Hillslope (i.e. channel constrained in narrow V-shaped valley)

Terrace (i.e. channel is constrained by its own incision into river/stream gravel/soil deposits)

Human Bank Alterations (i.e. constrained by rip-rap, landfill, dike, road, etc.)

No constraining features

If you cannot see the valley borders, record the

distance you can see and mark this box.

.

.

:

38480
Reviewed by (Initials):

TORRENT EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT FORM - STREAMS

/ / SITE ID: DATE: 2 0 0 3

TORRENT EVIDENCE

Please X any of the following that are evident.

EVIDENCE OF TORRENT SCOURING:

01 - Stream channel has a recently devegetated corridor two or more times the width of the low flow channel. This

corridor lacks riparian vegetation with possible exception of fireweed, even-aged alder or cottonwood seedlings,

grasses, or other herbaceous plants.

02 - Stream substrate cobbles or large gravel particles are NOT IMBRICATED. (Imbricated means that they lie with flat

sides horizontal and that they are stacked like roof shingles -- imagine the upstream direction as the top of the "roof.") In

a torrent scour or deposition channel, the stones are laying in unorganized patterns, lying "every which way." In addition

many of the substrate particles are angular (not "water-worn.")

03 - Channel has little evidence of pool-riffle structure. (For example, could you ride a mountain bike down the channel?)

04 - The stream channel is scoured down to bedrock for substantial portion of reach.

05 - There are gravel or cobble berms (little levees) above bankfull level.

06 - Downstream of the scoured reach (possibly several miles), there are massive deposits of sediment, logs, and other

debris.

07 - Riparian trees have fresh bark scars at many points along the stream at seemingly unbelievable heights above the

channel bed.

08 - Riparian trees have fallen into the channel as a result of scouring near their roots.

EVIDENCE OF TORRENT DEPOSITS:

09 - There are massive deposits of sediment, logs, and other debris in the reach. They may contain wood and boulders

that, in your judgement, could not have been moved by the stream at even extreme flood stage.

10 - If the stream has begun to erode newly laid deposits, it is evident that these deposits are "MATRIX SUPPORTED."

This means that the large particles, like boulders and cobbles, are often not touching each other, but have silt, sand, and

other fine particles between them (their weight is supported by these fine particles -- in contrast to a normal stream

deposit, where fines, if present, normally "fill-in" the interstices between coarser particles.)

NO EVIDENCE:

11 - No evidence of torrent scouring or torrent deposits.

COMMENTS

03/26/2001 2001 Torrrent Evidence

5118 
F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

F

G

C

O

P

GL

RI

RA

Additional Benthos Comments

SUBSTRATE SIZE CLASSES

F/S - ladybug or smaller (<2 mm)

G - ladybug to tennis ball (2 to 64

mm)

C - tennis ball to car sized (64 to

4000 mm)

O - bedrock, hardpan, wood, etc

SAMPLE COLLECTION FORM - STREAMS Reviewed by (initial):

A B C D E F G H I J K

REACH-WIDE BENTHOS SAMPLE

Sample ID No. of Jars Comment

DATE: SITE ID: / / 2 0 0 3

Flag codes: K = Sample not collected; U = Suspect sample; F1, F2, etc. = misc. flag assigned by field crew. Explain all flags in comment sections.

TRANSECT

Fine/Sand

Gravel

Coarse

Other: Note in

Comments

TARGETED RIFFLE BENTHOS SAMPLE

Sample ID No. of Jars Comment

NEAREST

TRANSECT

Sample ID Composite Volume (mL)

COMPOSITE PERIPHYTON SAMPLE

Assemblage ID

(50-mL tube, preserved)

Chlorophyll

(GF/F filter)

Biomass

(GF/F Filter)

Sample Vol. (mL)

Comments

Other: Note in

Comments

Coarse

Gravel

Fine/Sand

Flag

Number of transects sampled (0-11):

Sample Vol. (mL) Flag Sample Vol. (mL) Flag

Flag

Pool

Glide

Riffle

Rapid

SUBSTRATE CHAN. Sub. Chan.

Sample ID Transect Comments

WATER CHEMISTRY

Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan. Sub. Chan.

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

F/S

G

C

O

04/11/2002 2002 Sample Collection

24679 
. . .

Float 1 Float 2 Float 3

. . 

. . 

. . 

. . 

. . 

Repeat Volume (L) Time (s) Flag

Width

Depth 1

Depth 2

Depth 3

Depth 4

Depth 5

Float Dist.

Float Time

(s)

Flag

Flag Comments

1

2

3

4

5

Flag Codes: K = No measurement or observation made; U = Suspect measurement or observation; Q = Unacceptable QC

STREAM DISCHARGE FORM

/ / SITE ID: DATE: 2 0 0 3

Timed Filling

Neutral Bouyant Object

Upper Section Middle Section Lower Section

Cross Sections on Float Reach

Reviewed by (Initials):

ft m

ft m

Dist. from Bank Depth Velocity Flag

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Velocity Area

Depth Units

ft cm

Velocity Units

ft/s XX.X m/s X.XX

0 

(Final measurement should be left bank.)

Distance Units

ft cm

ft cm

If discharge is determined directly Q V in field, record value here: Q = alue cfs m /s3 FLAG

check associated with measurement; Z = Last station measured (if not Station 20); F1, F2, etc. = Miscellaneous flags

assigned by each field crew. Explain all flags in comments section.

02/19/2003 2003 Stream Discharge

56248 
L M H Residences

L M H Maintained Lawns

L M H Construction

L M H Pipes, Drains

L M H Dumping

L M H Roads

L M H Bridge/Culverts

L M H Parks, Campgrounds

L M H Primitive Parks, Camping

L M H Trash/Litter

L M H Surface Films

L M H Cropland

L M H Pasture

L M H Livestock Use

L M H Orchards

L M H Poultry

L M H Irrigation Equip.

L M H Industrial Plants

L M H Mines/Quarries

L M H Oil/Gas Wells

L M H Power Plants

L M H Logging

L M H Evidence of Fire

L M H Odors

L M H Liming

L M H Chemical Treatment

L M H Angling Pressure

L M H Dredging

L M H Channelization

L M H Water Level Fluctuations

L M H Fish Stocking

L M H Commercial L M H Dams

WATERSHED ACTIVITIES AND DISTURBANCES OBSERVED

Residential

SITE CHARACTERISTICS (200 m radius)

GENERAL ASSESSMENT (Biotic integrity, Vegetation diversity, Local anecdotal information)

Recreational Agricultural Industrial Stream Management

Reviewed by (initial):

5 4 3 2 1 Highly Disturbed

5 4 3 2 1 Unappealing

Pristine

Appealing

(Intensity: Blank=Not observed, L=Low, M=Moderate, H=Heavy)

STREAM ASSESSMENT FORM - STREAMS/RIVERS

/ / SITE ID: DATE: 2 0 0 3

L M H SewageTreatment

L M H Hiking Trails

L M H Water Withdrawal

Beaver Signs: Absent Rare Common

Waterbody

Character

Beaver

Beaver Flow Modifications: None Minor Major

Dominant

Land Use

Forest Agriculture Range Urban Suburban/Town

0 - 25 yrs. 25 - 75 yrs. > 75 yrs.

Dominant Land Use

Around 'X'

If Forest, Dominant Age

Class

WEATHER

03/26/2001 2001 Stream Assessment

39447 
Reviewed by (initial): STREAM ASSESSMENT FORM - STREAM/RIVERS (cont.)

/ / SITE ID: DATE:

GENERAL ASSESSMENT (continued)

2 0 0 3

03/26/2001 2001 Stream Assessment

39447 
04/14/2000 2000 Riffle Run

3099

2 0 0 3

OPTIMAL SUB-OPTIMAL MARGINAL POOR

HABITAT

PARAMETER

CONDITION CATEGORY

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Embeddedness

3.

2.

Epifaunal

Substrate/

Available Cover

1.

Channel

Alteration

4.

Velocity/Depth

Regime

5. Channel

Flow Status

Sediment

Deposition

6.

Reviewed by (Initials):

Greater than 70% of substrate

favorable for epifaunal

colonization and fish cover; mix

of snags, submerged logs,

undercut banks, cobble or other

stable habitat and at stage to

allow full colonization potential;

(i.e., logs/snags that are NOT

new fall and NOT transient.)

40-70% mix of stable habitat;

well-suited for full colonization

potential; adequate habitat for

maintainance of populations;

presence of additional

substrate in the form of

newfall, but not yet prepared for

colonization (may rate at high

end of scale).

20-40% mix of stable

habitat; habitat availability

less than desirable;

substrate frequently

disturbed or removed.

Less than 20% stable habitat;

lack of habitat is obvious;

substrate unstable or

lacking.

Gravel, cobble, and boulder

particles are 0-25% surrounded

by fine sediment. Layering of

cobble provides diversity of

niche space.

Gravel, cobble, and boulder

particles are 25-50%

surrounded by fine sediment.

Gravel, cobble, and

boulder particles are

50-75% surrounded by

fine sediment.

Gravel, cobble, and boulder

particles are more than 75%

surrounded by fine sediment.

All four velocity/depth regimes

present (slow-deep,

slow-shallow, fast-deep,

fast-shallow). (Slow is less than

0.3 m/s, deep is greater than 0.5

m.)

Only 3 of the 4 regimes present

(if fast-shallow is missing,

score lower than if missing

other regimes).

Only 2 of the 4 habitat

regimes present (if

fast-shallow or

slow-shallow are missing,

score low).

Dominated by 1

velocity/depth regime

(usually slow-deep).

Little or no enlargement of

islands or point bars and less

than 5% of the bottom affected

by sediment deposition.

Some new increases in bar

formation, mostly from gravel,

sand or fine sediment; 5-30% of

the bottom affected; slight

deposition in pools.

Moderate deposition of

new gravel, sand or fine

sediment on old and new

bars; 30-50% of the

bottom affected; sediment

deposits at obstructions,

constrictions, and bends;

moderate deposition of

pools prevalent.

Heavy deposits of fine

material; increased bar

development; more than 50%

of the bottom changing

frequently; pools almost

absent due to substantial

sediment deposition.

Water reaches base of both

lower banks, and minimal

amount of channel substrate is

exposed.

Water fills over 75% of the

available channel; or less than

25% of channel substrate is

exposed.

Water fills 25-75% of the

available channel, and/or

riffle substrates are

mostly exposed.

Very little water in channel

and mostly present as

standing pools.

Channelization or dredging

absent or minimal; stream with

normal pattern.

Some channelization present,

usually in areas of bridge

abutments; evidence of past

channelization, i.e., dredging,

(greater than past 20 yr) may be

present, but recent

channelization is not present.

Channelization may be

extensive; embankments

or shoring structures

present on both banks;

and 40 to 80% of stream

reach channelized and

disrupted.

Banks shored with gabion or

cement; over 80% of the

stream reach channelized

and disrupted. Instream

habitat greatly altered or

removed entirely.

RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM: RIFFLE/RUN - STREAM

/ / SITE ID: DATE:

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:
MARGINAL POOR

Occurrence of riffles relatively

frequent; ratio of distance

between riffles divided by width

of the stream greater than 7:1

(generally 5 to 7); variety of

habitat is key. In streams where

riffles are continuous,

placement of boulders or other

large, natural obstruction is

important.

OPTIMAL

Occurrence of riffles infrequent;

distance between riffles divided

by width of stream is between 7

to 15.

SUB-OPTIMAL

Occasional riffle or bend;

bottom contours provide

some habitat; distance

between riffles divided by

width of stream is

between 15 to 25.

Generally all flat water or

shallow riffles; poor habitat;

distance between riffles

divided by width of stream is

a ratio of over 25.

HABITAT PARAMETER CONDITION CATEGORY

Banks stable; evidence of

erosion or bank failure absent or

minimal; little potential for future

problems. Less than 5% of bank

affected.

Moderately stable; infrequent,

small areas of erosion mostly

healed over. 5-30% of bank in

reach has areas of erosion.

Moderately unstable;

30-60% of bank in reach

has areas of erosion; high

erosion potential during

floods.

Unstable; many eroded

areas; "raw" areas frequent

along straight sections and

bends; obvious bank

sloughing; 60-100% of bank

has erosional scars.

More than 90% of the

streambank surfaces and

immediate riparian zone covered

by native vegetation, including

trees, understory shrubs, or

nonwoody macrophytes;

vegetative disruption through

grazing or mowing minimal or

not evident; almost all plants

allowed to grow naturally.

70-90% if the streambank

surfaces covered by native

vegetation; but one class of

plants is not well represented;

disruption evident but not

affecting full plant growth

potential to any great extent;

more than one-half of the

potential plant stubble height

remaining.

50-70% of the streambank

surfaces covered by

vegetation; disruptions

obvious; patches of bare

soil or closely cropped

vegetation common; less

than one-half of the

potential plant stubble

height remaining.

Less than 50% of the

streambank surfaces

covered by vegetation;

disruption of streambank

vegetation is very high;

vegetation has been removed

to 5 centimeters or less in

average stubble height.

Width of riparian zone greater

than 18 meters; human

activities (i.e., parking lots,

roadbeds, clear-cuts, lawns, or

crops) have not impacted the

zone.

Width of riparian zone 12-18

meters; human activities have

impacted zone only minimally.

Width of riparian zone less

than 6 meters; little or no

riparian vegetation due to

human activities.

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Vegetative

Protection

(score each bank)

9.

8. Bank Stability

(score each bank)

7. Frequency

of Riffles

(or bends)

10. Riparian Vegetative

Zone Width

(score each bank)

Width of riparian zone

6-12 meters; human

activities have impacted

zone a great deal.

Reviewed by (Initials):

RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM: RIFFLE/RUN (continued) - STREAM

/ / SITE ID: DATE:

Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

NOTE: Determine left or right

side by facing downstream.

Score:

Left Bank Score:

Right Bank Score:

Left Bank Score:

Right Bank Score:

Left Bank Score:

Right Bank Score:

2 0 0 3

04/14/2000 2000 Riffle Run

3099
Reviewed by (Initials):

2 0 0 3

HABITAT

PARAMETER

MARGINAL POOR

Greater than 50% of substrate

favorable for epifaunal

colonization and fish cover;

mix of snags, submerged logs,

undercut banks, cobble or

other stable habitat and at

stage to allow full colonization

potential (i.e. logs/snags that

are NOT new fall and NOT

transient.)

OPTIMAL

30-50% mix of stable habitat;

well-suited for full colonization

potential; adequate habitat for

maintenance of populations;

presence of additional

substrate in the form of

newfall, but not yet prepared

for colonization (may rate at

high end of scale).

SUB-OPTIMAL

10-30% mix of stable

habitat; habitat

availability less than

desirable; substrate

frequently disturbed or

removed.

Less than 10% stable habitat;

lack of habitat is obvious;

substrate unstable or lacking.

CATEGORY

Mixture of substrate materials,

with gravel and firm sand

prevalent; root mats and

submerged vegetation

common.

Mixture of soft sand, mud, or

clay; mud may be dominant;

some root mats and submerged

vegetation present.

All mud or clay or sand

bottom; little or no root

mat; no submerged

vegetation.

Hard-pan clay or bedrock; no

root mat or vegetation.

Even mix of large-shallow,

large-deep, small shallow,

small-deep pools present.

Majority of pools large-deep;

very few shallows.

Shallow pools much

more prevalent than deep

pools.

Majority of pools

small-shallow or absent.

Little or no enlargement of

islands or point bars and less

than 20% of the bottom

affected by sediment

deposition.

Some new increases in bar

formation, mostly from gravel,

sand or fine sediment; 20-50%

of the bottom affected; slight

deposition in pools.

Heavy deposits of fine

material; increased bar

development; more than 80%

of the bottom changing

frequently; pools almost

absent due to substantial

sediment deposition.

Water reaches base of both

lower banks, and minimal

amount of channel substrate is

exposed.

Water fills over 75% of the

available channel; or less than

25% of channel substrate is

exposed.

Water fills 25-75% of the

available channel, and/or

riffle substrates are

mostly exposed.

Very little water in channel

and mostly present as

standing pools.

Channelization or dredging

absent or minimal; stream with

normal pattern.

Some channelization present,

usually in areas of bridge

abutments; evidence of past

channelization, i.e., dredging,

(greater than past 20 yr) may be

present, but recent

channelization is not present.

Channelization may be

extensive; embankments

or shoring structures

present on both banks;

and 40 to 80% of stream

reach channelized and

disrupted.

Banks shored with gabion or

cement; over 80% of the

stream reach channelized

and disrupted. Instream

habitat greatly altered or

removed entirely.

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Pool Substrate

Characterization

3.

2.

Epifaunal

Substrate/

Available

Cover

1.

4.

Pool

Variability

5.

Channel

Alteration

Sediment

Deposition

6.

Moderate deposition of

new gravel, sand or fine

sediment on old and new

bars; 50-80% of the

bottom affected;

sediment deposits at

obstructions,

constrictions, and bends;

moderate deposition of

pools prevalent.

RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM: GLIDE/POOL - STREAMS

SITE ID: DATE: / /

Channel

Flow Status

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:

Score:

04/14/2000 2000 Glide Pool

1476
Reviewed by (Initials):

MARGINAL POOR

The bends in the stream

increase the stream length 3 to

4 times longer than if it was in

a straight line. (Note- channel

braiding is considered normal

in coastal plains and other

low-lying areas. This

parameter is not easily rated in

these areas.)

OPTIMAL

The bends in the stream

increase the stream length 2 to

3 times longer than if it was in a

straight line.

SUB-OPTIMAL

The bends in the stream

increase the stream

length 1 to 2 times longer

than if it was in a straight

line.

Channel straight; waterway

has been channelized for a

long distance.

HABITAT

PARAMETER

CATEGORY

Banks stable; evidence of

erosion or bank failure absent

or minimal; little potential for

future problems. Less than 5%

of bank affected.

Moderately stable; infrequent,

small areas of erosion mostly

healed over. 5-30% of bank in

reach has areas of erosion.

Moderately unstable;

30-60% of bank in reach

has areas of erosion;

high erosion potential

during floods.

Unstable; many eroded

areas; "raw" areas frequent

along straight sections and

bends; obvious bank

sloughing; 60-100% of bank

has erosional scars.

More than 90% of the

streambank surfaces and

immediate riparian zone

covered by native vegetation,

including trees, understory

shrubs, or nonwoody

macrophytes; vegetative

disruption through grazing or

mowing minimal or not

evident; almost all plants

allowed to grow naturally.

70-90% if the streambank

surfaces covered by native

vegetation; but one class of

plants is not well represented;

disruption evident but not

affecting full plant growth

potential to any great extent;

more than one-half of the

potential plant stubble height

remaining.

50-70% of the streambank

surfaces covered by

vegetation; disruptions

obvious; patches of bare

soil or closely cropped

vegetation common; less

than one-half of the

potential plant stubble

height remaining.

Less than 50% of the

streambank surfaces

covered by vegetation;

disruption of streambank

vegetation is very high;

vegetation has been

removed to 5 centimeters or

less in average stubble

height.

Width of riparian zone greater

than 18 meters; human

activities (i.e., parking lots,

roadbeds, clear-cuts, lawns, or

crops) have not impacted the

zone.

Width of riparian zone 12-18

meters; human activities have

impacted zone only minimally.

Width of riparian zone less

than 6 meters; little or no

riparian vegetation due to

human activities.

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Bank Stability

(score each bank)

9.

8.

7. Channel

Sinuosity

10.

Vegetative

Protection

(score each bank)

Riparian Vegetation

Zone Width

(score each bank)

Width of riparian zone

6-12 meters; human

activities have impacted

zone a great deal.

RAPID HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM: GLIDE/POOL (continued) - STREAMS

/ / SITE ID: DATE:

Left Bank Score: Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Right Bank Score: Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Left Bank Score: Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Right Bank Score: Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Left Bank Score:

Right Bank Score:

Left Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Right Bank: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Score:

NOTE: Determine left or right

side by facing downstream.

2 0 0 3

04/14/2000 2000 Glide Pool

1476