The statistics below are based on surveys from 768 volunteer monitoring programs. The printed Directory will be available in October, and will be mailed automatically to every program listed in it. The Directory will include numerous statistics, graphs, and maps giving a detailed portrayal of the current status of volunteer monitoring nationwide. Below, we take a brief look at some of the major findings. Click on picture for larger image.
Lakes come in second, and are monitored by one-third of the programs.
Reflecting the trend toward monitoring whole watersheds, slightly over half the programs reported that they monitor more than one environment, and over a quarter monitor three or more different environments. Parameters monitored The top 12 parameters monitored by volunteers are generally similar to what they were in 1993. Most volunteer monitoring programs don't restrict themselves solely to monitoring. Click on picture for larger image. Large numbers of programs also use their data for establishing baseline conditions, screening for problems, research, advocacy, community organizing, assessing nonpoint source pollution, and watershed planning.