Overseeing the Water Resources of Loudoun County, VA
Monitoring Protocol
Stream monitoring must follow a consistent protocol. The data collection and reporting requires that quality assurance procedures are documented and followed.While the internet abounds with information on bug identification, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy (Scott Sandberg) has compiled descriptions and photographs, specific to Loudoun County. We consider this "best of" in a 24-page format. Download your copy here and bring a copy streamside.
Most partners of LWW now use the modified VASOS. Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy began using this in 2008. Goose Creek Association has been using VA SOS since 2004.
Field Sheets for the Modified VA SOS Method - Updated Oct. 2014
Standard Operating Procedures for the Modified Method
Bug ID Charts
Cheat Sheet to Macroinvertebrate Characteristics
In Loudoun County, the high-gradient method should be used.
Annual Habitat Assessment Form
Field Manual to Scoring Habitat Assessment (no pictures)
Visit VA SOS web site for more information and other protocols.
Attention Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy volunteers - Download the Excel spreadsheet for off-line data compilation. This will run the math for you. It includes known site locations for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Also, scan and email your field data sheets and photos.
The Loudoun County stream assessment includes QAPP and Strategic Plan for probabilistic sampling.
The QAPP documents the procedures, data collection, material reporting and documentation of stream sampling. The QAPP was in use by several groups including Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy from 1997-2007.
(555 KB Adobe format)
Manual describes the ANS protocol for benthic macroinvertebrate and habitat field assessment. Manual includes sampling procedures, data forms and safety considerations. This protocol was in use by several groups including Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy from 1997-2007.
(750 KB Adobe format)
info@loudounwatershedwatch.org Copyright © 2011 Loudoun Watershed Watch