West Michigan Environmental Action Council - The WMEAC Blog

WATER QUALITY
STREAM SEARCH
by Shawn Wessell, Water Programs Coordinator
The Stream Search program is now entering its
fourth year. With the help from volunteers, college
professors, Herman Miller staff, and trained staff
members, we gather biological and habitat data about
Kent County rivers and streams.
Stream Search is held twice a year, once in the
spring and once in the fall. With the much
appreciated help of trained volunteer leaders and
assisted by other volunteers, we collect a variety
of data, that over time will help us determine how
healthy our rivers, and streams are. Team leaders
are trained to identify a number of characteristics
of the river or stream including: water velocity, the
Jim Dunn from Grand Valley State University explains the
importance of aqutic insets.
Stream Search training along Rum Creek in Rockford.
condition of the riverbanks, sources of pollution,
and macroinvertebrates. Certain macroinvertebrates
(aquatic insects) are more tolerant of pollution than
others. By using these macroinvertebrates as bioindicators,
we can make fairly accurate assumptions
about the water quality of the river or stream.
We also use a quality control method for
rechecking sites at random and those sites with
unexpected scores. With the help from trained
volunteers with a strong background in aquatic
entomology, we are able to verify what the volunteers
have reported.
With Stream Search entering its fourth year, we
are that much closer to really knowing the condition
of our Kent County streams. With the help of our
generous volunteers, Stream Search will again be an
excellent opportunity for teachers, students, Scout
troops, and other community members to not only
learn about our rivers and streams but also play a part
in protecting them.
8 WMEAC ANNUAL REPORT 2003