07/31/2013 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

training covered in- stream habitat assessment and macroinvertebrate collection methods, along with laboratory procedures for identification of macro - invertebrates. The first training session, held on Saturday, August 25th 2012 at the Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, included an introduction to macroinvertebrate monitoring, habitat assessment protocols, stream flow measurement protocols and featured macroinvertebrate collection methods under the guidance of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Fortin Consulting staff. FMR staff also introduced the Rice Creek watershed sampling sites, reviewed each SHEP team's sampling logistics, and distributed necessary sampling equipment. To allow for maximum volunteer participation, program staff organized the second training sessions on Wednesday, September 26th and Saturday, September 29" at the Wargo Nature Center. SHEP volunteers were asked to participate in at least one of these two sessions, though volunteers were permitted to attend both if desired. These sessions were led by FMR and Fortin Consulting staff and were designed to focus on laboratory analysis portions of the Stream Health Evaluation Program. These training sessions included benthic macroinvertebrate stream sampling history, sample sorting and sample processing, as well as general lab skills and `family level' macroinvertebrate identification techniques. 2.4 Site Selection Stream monitoring sites were selected by RCWD staff. Several sites included in the 2012 SHEP season were upstream or downstream of recent watershed restoration activity. A detailed description of monitoring sites is included in section 4.0 of this report. SHEP sites include: • Hardwood Creek `Above' • Hardwood Creek `Below' • Clearwater Creek • Rice Creek `Above' • Rice Creek `Below' • Rice Creek `Irondale' — new site in 2012 • Locke Lake `Park' — new site in 2012 • Locke Lake `Above' • Locke Lake `Below' 2.5 Field Sampling SHEP volunteer teams monitored nine stream sites across the Rice Creek Watershed during the fall of 2012. This represents an increase in three sites from the previous six sites monitored from 2006 through 2012. FMR and Fortin Consulting staff members performed site visits to assure monitoring was performed according to MPCA guidelines and protocols. SHEP volunteers used the MPCA's multi - habitat monitoring protocol at each monitoring location throughout the watershed. The multi - habitat approach samples major habitats in • •