Stream Corridor Inventory and United States …...Channel-Reach Morphology in Mountain Drainage...

United StatesDepartment ofAgriculture

NaturalResourcesConservationService

January 2001, Revised

Watershed Science Institute Technical Report

Stream Corridor Inventory andAssessment TechniquesA guide to site, project and landscape approachessuitable for local conservation programs

Prepared by an interdisciplinary and multi-organizational team under the leadership of theWatershed Science Institute, USDA-Natural Resources Conser-vation Service (NRCS).The institute is composed of an interdisciplinary group of specialists located at universitylocations throughout the United States. The vision of the Watershed Science Institute is“healthy watersheds and sustainable landscapes.” Additional information can be obtainedat http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/watershed/

Contents:

Introduction 3• Stream corridors -

extent, function andvalues

• Dynamic equilibrium

• Cumulative effects ofdisturbance

• The need for streaminventory/assessmentinformation

Layout of the guide 4

Acknowledgements 5

TABLE - Attributes of 7stream corridor inventoryand assessment techniques

SUMMARIES - 13Individual techniques

Figure 1. A variety of notable site-level inventory and assessmenttechniques have been developed and perfected over recent years to helpaddress the conservation and management of stream corridors. Streamcorridors and the water flowing through them are critical elements of thelandscape and key indicators of watershed condition.

WSSI Technical Report, Page 2

Figure 2. Some stream corridor inventory and assessment techniques (examples shown above) have been developed to beapplied with remote sensing (satellite imagery and aerial photographs). Notwithstanding, the data and results of site-leveltechniques can always be aggregated to landscape and watershed levels.

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IntroductionThe purpose of this guide is to help landmanagers, landowners and stakeholders findappropriate inventory and assessment techniquesto answer questions about their stream corridorconditions. This guide provides the titles,reference citations, a descriptive summary andattributes of notable stream corridor inventoryand assessment techniques that are suitable forlocal conservation programs. Such programs aretypically pursued at the site or project level withincreasing attention being given to the landscapescale to optimize future treatments, managementand monitoring.

Stream corridors - extent, function andvalues

The United States has more than 3.5 millionmiles of rivers and streams. Associated withthese are riparian and wetland areas that areimportant for their economic, social, cultural andenvironmental values. These water courses andareas are complex, multi-dimensionalecosystems that perform a number of functionssuch as water storage, energy dissipation,sediment trapping, and water temperaturemoderation as well as providing importanthabitat.

Stream corridors also have soil characteristicsand vegetation distinctly different from thesurrounding uplands. They support a greaterdiversity and abundance of species and rate ofproductivity than other ecosystems.

Dynamic equilibrium

Streams and stream corridors respond in concertwith and in response to surrounding ecosystems.Changes in the watershed can impact thephysical, chemical, and biological processesoccurring within a stream corridor. Streamsystems function within natural ranges of flow,sediment movement, and other variables, inwhat is called “dynamic equilibrium.”

A natural channel migrates laterally by erosionof one bank, maintaining on the average a

constant channel cross section by deposition onthe opposite bank. There is a dynamicequilibrium between erosion and deposition. Theform of the channel cross-section is stable (i.e.,more or less constant), but the position of thechannel within its valley is not (Leopold 1994).

Cumulative effects of disturbance

When conditions in the surrounding watershedare altered to the degree that dynamicequilibrium is disturbed, a series of adjustmentsto the stream corridor will ensue. Over time,when conditions in the watershed stabilize, anew dynamic equilibrium will develop in thestream corridor (USDA-NRCS 1999).

Human activities have contributed to changes inthe dynamic equilibrium of stream systemsacross the nation. The cumulative effects ofthese activities has resulted in significantchanges, not only to stream corridors, but also tothe ecosystems of which they are a part. Thesechanges include degradation of water quality,decreased water storage and conveyancecapacity, loss of habitat for fish and wildlife, anddecreased recreational and aesthetic values(National Research Council 1992). According tothe 1996 National Water Quality Inventory of693,905 miles of rivers and streams,approximately 40 percent were impaired.Siltation, nutrients, and pathogens were the mostcommon causes of degradation (U.S. EPA 1998)

The need for stream corridor inventories andassessments

Given the current condition of rivers and theheightened public interest in them, there is asignificant need for the ability to determine thehealth of streams. The current stability andfunctionality of the stream is an importantconsideration that should be addressed at thestart of a restoration project. Trying to impose arestoration strategy on a situation that iscurrently unstable is generally impractical andoften costly.

The stream corridor inventories and assessmentslisted in this guide represent a partial catalog oftools currently available for determining


conditions of the stream and its associatedcorridor. The information will assist localwatershed groups in developing goals andformulating plans. These tools are also useful atthe site scale and to establish base lineconditions and evaluate cause-and-effectrelationships.

Literature cited

Leopold, Luna B. 1994. A view of the river.Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.

National Research Council (NRC). 1992.Restoration of aquatic ecosystems: science,technology, and public policy. NationalAcademy Press, Washington, DC.

United States Environmental Protection Agency(USEPA). 1998. National water qualityinventory: 1996 report to Congress. EPA841-R-97-008. U.S. EPA Office of Water, Wash., DC.

USDA-NRCS. 1999, Personal communication -Intermountain Riparian/Wetland ResourceTechnical Team. USDA - Natural ResourcesConservation Service. Bozeman, MT.

The layout of the guideThe accompanying table, "Attributes of StreamCorridor Inventory and AssessmentTechniques," is the core of the guide andprovides an overview description of individualtechniques. Techniques are grouped by theprimary stream corridor setting to which theypertain and are arranged in alphabetical order.Standard dictionary definitions for terms areassumed unless otherwise noted. Explanations ofattribute ratings (columns 1-6 of the table) are:

1. The Primary Setting that the particulartechnique addresses (note: many techniquesare used for additional primary or secondarysettings):• Channel-floodplain• Riparian area• Water quality (properties;

contaminants)• Aquatic habitat

2. The Sampling Intensity:• Cursory (preliminary, i.e., observations

and estimates of conditions andattributes are made usually without theneed for specific measurements orquantification)

• Detailed (comprehensive, i.e.,conditions and attributes are itemizedand specifically measured)

3. The required Skill Level, Training and Timeto properly carry out the technique, eachrated as High (Skill level: specialists withconsiderable specialized expertise;Training: 3-5 days; Time: generally 4 ormore hours per site), Medium (Skill level:specialists with basic specialized expertise;Training: 1-3 days; Time: generally 1-3hours per site),or Low (Skill level:professionals or technicians trained in thetechnique; Training: 1 day or less; Time:usually less than 1 hour per site)

4. The technique's classification as to Kind(Inventory - a collection of data orAssessment - a collection of data and valuejudgement as to condition), Measure Type(Qualitative - using charts, tables, attributegroupings or illustrations to classify or rate,or Quantitative - measurements,dimensions, quantities) and Proximity(Onsite - observers or data collectorsphysically at the site, or Remote - observersor data collectors can use satellite imageryor aerial photos)

5. The need for a Reference Site (Yes, No orOptional) - a reference site is arepresentative segment or reach of a streamcorridor system in dynamic equilibrium witha relatively undisturbed watershed

6. The technique's Suitability for Monitoring(High - suited for statistical analysis withconsistent results between differentcollectors at the same site and accuratedetection of change/trend over time,Medium - reproducible or repeatableresults but generally not suited for statisticalanalysis, or Low - not intended formonitoring purposes)


The ratings for the attributes in the table weredeveloped by a team of interdisciplinaryspecialists (listed in the acknowledgementssection below) with experience in streamcorridor inventories and assessments.

Another important part of the guide is thesection, "Summaries - Individual Techniques,"which follows the table. For each technique, afull citation, source address, summary and acopy of the front cover are provided. Readers areencouraged to obtain and test the techniques thatappear promising for the settings andrequirements of their local sites and watersheds.If the reference is currently unavailable, contactthe NRCS-Watershed Science Institute, c/oNW&CC, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland,OR 97204-3224.

AcknowledgementsThe work contained in this document was ledand funded by NRCS's Watershed ScienceInstitute. Recognition is given to the manyauthors of the techniques contained in this reportand the team of specialists listed below whocollaborated on methods to include, attributeratings, and summary descriptions.

Jenny Adkins, Water Quality Specialist-Biologist, USDA-NRCS, 675 US Courthouse,Nashville, TN 37203

John Brock, Ph.D., Professor, School ofPlanning and Landscape Architecture, ArizonaState University, P.O. Box 872005, Tempe AZ85287-2005

Michael Burton, Resource Conservationist,USDA-NRCS, 10507 N. McAlister Road,Island City, OR 97850

Dave Denny, Soil Scientist, USDA-NRCS, 3003North Central Ave., Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ85012

Robert Drees, Geomorphologist, USDA-NRCS,Riparian Technical Team, 3301 ClintonParkway Court, Suite 1, Lawrence, KS 66047-2630

Craig Engelhard, Biologist, USDA-NRCS,Riparian Technical Team, 3301 ClintonParkway Court, Suite 1, Lawrence, KS 66047-2630

Richard Everett, Ph.D., Biologist, U.S. Fish andWildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office,177 Admiral Cochrane Dr., Annapolis, MD21401

Katheryn Gorichan, Conservationist, USDA-NRCS, 1106 East Eighth St., Merrill, WI 54452-1113

Robert Leinard, Plant Ecologist, USDA-NRCS,Federal Bldg, Rm 443, 10 E. Babcock St.,Bozeman, MT 59715

Mitch Michaud, Forester, USDA-NRCS, 110Trading Bay, Suite 160, P.O. Box 800, Kenai,AK 99611

Marcus Miller, Wetland Biologist, USDA-NRCS, Federal Bldg, Rm 443, 10 E. BabcockSt., Bozeman, MT 59715

Kathryn Staley, Fish Biologist, USDA-NRCS,Wildlife Habitat Management Institute, c/oOregon State University,104 Nash Hall,Corvallis, OR 97331-3809

Al Todd, Chesapeake Bay Program Liaison,USFS/EPA, 410 Severn Ave., Suite 109,Annapolis, MD 21403

Lyn Townsend*, Forest Ecologist, USDA-NRCS, Watershed Science Institute, c/oNW&CC, 101 SW Main, Suite 1600, Portland,OR 97204-3224

Special recognition for administrative andtechnical support is given to:

Carolyn Adams, Director, USDA-NRCS,Watershed Science Institute.

*Team Leader



Table. Attributes of Stream Corridor Inventory and Assessment Techniques.Column notes listed below > 1 2 3 4 5 6

Technique(to obtain a technique's citation and summary, turn

to the page number listed in parentheses) Prim

ary

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(list

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Sam

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ring

Primary Setting - Channel-floodplain

Applied River Morphology. Wildland HydrologyConsultants, 1996. D. Rosgen, Pagosa Springs, CO (14)

C D M/L-H-H

I/A-N-O Y M

Channel-Reach Morphology in Mountain DrainageBasins. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 1997.D.R. Montgomery and J.M. Buffington, University ofWashington, Seattle, WA (14)

C C M-M-M I-L-O O M/H

Incised Channels - Morphology, Dynamics andControl. S.A. Schumm, M.D. Harvey, and C.C.Watson, 1984. Littleton, CO (16)

C C M-M-L I-L-O N M

Procedures for Using [the] Oregon Stream HabitatData Sheet. USDA-NRCS, 1998. Portland, OR (19)

C,R,A D M-M-L I/A-L/N-O N M

Rapid Stream Assessment Protocol (RSAT) FieldMethods - Appendix A. J. Galli, Sr., 1996. Metro.Washington Council of Govt's, Washington, DC (21)

C,R,W,A C M-M-L A-L-O Y L

Stream*A*Syst. Oregon State University, ExtensionService, 2000. Corvallis, OR (30)

C,R,W C L-L-L A-L-O N L

Stream Channel Reference Sites: An IllustratedGuide to Field Technique. USDA Forest Service,1994. Ft. Collins, CO (26)

C D H-H-H I-N-O Y H

Stream Corridor Assessment Survey. K. Yetman,MD Dept. of Nat. Resources, 2000. Annapolis, MD (26)

C,R,A C M-M-L I/A-L-O N L

Stream Inventory Handbook - Level I and II. USDAForest Service, 1996. Version 9.6. Portland, OR (27)

C,R,A D M-M-H I-N-O O H

Streamkeeper's Field Guide - Watershed Inventoryand Stream Monitoring Methods. The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, 1996. Everett, WA (27)

C,R,A,W D M-M-M I/A-L/N-O Y M/H

Stream Visual Assessment Protocol. USDA NaturalResources Cons. Service, 1998. Portland, OR (28)

C,R,W,A C M-M-L A-L-O N L

Column notes:1) Primary Setting (listed first): Channel-floodplain, Riparian area, Water Quality, Aquatic2) Sampling Intensity: Cursory, Detailed3) Skill Level, Training, Time (each rated as): High, Medium, Low4) Kind: Inventory, Assessment; Measure Type: QuaLitative, QuaNtitative; Proximity: Onsite, Remote5) Reference Site Required: Yes, No, Optional6) Suitability for Monitoring: High, Medium, Low


Table (continued).Column notes listed below .> 1 2 3 4 5 6



ary

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ing

(list

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rst)

Sam

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Skill

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Prox

imity

Ref

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ring

Primary Setting - Riparian area

Guidebook for Application of HydrogeomorphicAssessments to Riverine Wetlands. U.S. Army Corpsof Engineers, Waterways Exp. Station, 1995.Washington, DC (15)

R D H-H-H A-L/N-O Y M

Integrated Riparian Evaluation Guide. USDA ForestService, 1992. Ogden, UT (16)(Level I)(Level II)(Level III)

R,C,AR,C,AR,A

CDD

M-M-LH-H-MH-H-H

I-L-RI/A-N-OI/A-N-O

NNN

LHH

Methods for Evaluating Riparian Habitats withApplications to Management. USDA Forest Service,1987. Ogden, UT (17)

R,C D H-H-H A-N-O N H

National Forestry Manual; National Range andPasture Handbook - Procedures for completingVegetation Field Forms and Ecological Sites. USDANatural Resources Conservation Service, Washington,DC (18)

R D M-H-H I-N-O Y M

Preliminary Investigation (PI) for Stream RiparianAreas. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,Watershed Science Institute, 1996. Seattle, WA (18)

R,C,A,W C M-M-L I-L/N-O N L

Protocols for Classifying, Monitoring, andEvaluating Stream/Riparian Vegetation on IdahoRangeland Streams. Division of EnvironmentalQuality, 1992. Boise, ID (19)

R D H-H-H I-N-O N H

Rapid Assessment of Riparian Systems (RARS).R.D. Ohmart et al., 1998. Arizona Game and FishDepartment, Phoenix, AZ (20)

R,C D M-H-H A-N-O/R Y M



Table (continued).Column notes listed below > 1 2 3 4 5 6



ary

Sett

ing

(list

ed fi

rst)

Sam

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ity

Skill

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Prox

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eren

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Primary Setting - Riparian area (con't)

Riparian Area Management: A User Guide toAssessing Proper Functioning Condition and theSupporting Science for Lotic Areas. USDI Bureau ofLand Management, 1998. Denver, CO (22)

R,C C M-L-L A-L-O Y L

Riparian Area Management - Greenline Riparian-Wetland Monitoring. USDI Bureau of LandManagement, 1993. Denver, CO (22)

R D M-M-M I-N-O N H

Riparian Area Management - Inventory andMonitoring of Riparian Areas. USDI Bureau of LandManagement, 1989. Denver, CO (23)

R D M/L-H/M/L-H/M/L

I-N-O N H

Riparian Area Management - Procedures forEcological Site Inventory. USDI Bureau of LandManagement, 1992. Denver, CO (23)

R,C D H-H-H I-N-O Y L

Riparian Area Management - Using AerialPhotographs to Assess Proper FunctioningCondition of Riparian-Wetland Areas. USDI Bureauof Land Management, 1996. Denver, CO (24)

R,C C M-M-L A-L-R Y L

Riparian Reserve Evaluation Techniques andSynthesis in Ecosystem Analysis at the WatershedScale - Federal Guide for Watershed Analysis,Section II. Multi-agency, 1995. Portland, OR (24)

R D H-M-H A-L-O/R N M

Role of GIS in Selecting Sites for RiparianRestoration Based on Hydrology and Land Use. UtahState University, 1997. Logan, UT (25)

R C H-M-L I/A-N-R Y M

RWRP Lotic Health Assessment. University ofMontana, 1999. Missoula, MT (25)

R,C C M-L-L A-L-O N M

Technology Policy Paper - Mapping Procedures forRiparian and Other Small Areas. USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service. 1997. Wash., DC (29)

R,C D H-M-M I-L/N-O N L






ary

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Primary Setting - Water quality

Adopt-a-Stream Shoreline Survey. MassachusettsRiverways Programs, 1996. Boston, MA (13)

W,C,R,A C L-M-M I/A-L-O N L

Agricultural Water Quality Index. Robert B. AnnisWater Resources Institute, Grand Valley StateUniversity, 1998. Allendale, MI (13)

W,R,C,A C M-M-M A-L-O N L

Monitoring Protocols to Evaluate Water QualityEffects of Grazing Management on WesternRangeland Streams. U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, 19--. Seattle, WA (17)

W,A,C,R D M-H-H A-N-O Y H

Stream Temperature Investigations: Field andAnalytic Methods (for use with SNTEMP: StreamNetwork Temperature Model). U.S. Fish and WildlifeService, 1989. Ft. Collins, CO (28)

W(tempera-

ture)

D H-M-M I-N-O N H

Water Quality Indicators Guide - Surface Water(Chapter 2 and Appendices A and F). Terrene Institute,1996. Washington, DC (30)

W C M-M-M A-L-O N L






ary

Sett

ing

(list

ed fi

rst)

Sam

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Primary Setting - Aquatic habitat

Fish and Fish Habitat Standard InventoryProcedures Handbook (R1/R4 - Northern/Intermountain Regions). USDA Forest Service, 1997.Ogden, UT (15)

A,C,W-temp.

D M-H-H I-L/N-O O M

Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]:Rationale, Methods, and Application. State of OhioEnvironmental Protection Agency, 1989. Columbus,OH (20)

A,W D H-H-H I/A-L/N-O Y M

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use in WadeableStreams and Rivers - Periphyton, BenthicMacroinvertebrates and Fish. U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency, 1999. Washington, DC (21)

A,W,C D M-H-H I/A-L/N-O Y M

Underwater Methods for Study of Salmonids in theIntermountain West. USDA Forest Service,Intermountain Research Station, 1994. Ogden, UT (29)

A D M-M-H I-N-O O H




SUMMARIES - Individual Techniques (and cover pages)

Adopt-a-Stream Shoreline Survey.Massachusetts Riverways Programs, 1996. J.C.Kimball and M. Van Dusen. Depart of Fisheries,Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement,100 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02202

Summary: The survey's purpose is to help local"stream teams" determine vital signs of a riveror stream, report immediate problems to properauthorities, and prioritize both short term andlong range work. The water course is dividedinto reasonably sized segments that can bewalked or canoed. Field data sheets includemeasurement of instream conditions, streamvegetation, streambank and corridor conditions,and presence of observable fish and wildlifespecies. Other data sheets include a summarysheet for a segment or reach survey, a pipesurvey, a bridge survey, and a wetlands survey.

62 pages, illustrated

Agricultural Water Quality Index. Robert B.Annis Water Resources Institute, 1998. GrandValley State University, J. Cooper et al, WRIPublication #MR-98-1, One Campus Drive,Allendale, MI 49401

Summary: The Agricultural Water Quality Index(AWQI) is an assessment protocol that isspecifically designed to evaluate the relationshipbetween agricultural operations and waterquality in agroecosystems. The AWQI is basedon a series of assessments which can beexamined separately and accumulated into atotal score. Individual assessments include"Riparian Zone" metrics (width, completeness,vegetation types, summary), "Stream Channel"metrics (flow status, flow stability, channelsinuosity, channel structure, summary), and,optionally, a "Benthic Macroinvertebrates"metric (population diversity including indicatortypes). Specific recommendations for land andwater management are associated with theranked levels of individual metrics. Worksheetsand scoring tables are provided.

75 pages



Applied River Morphology. WildlandHydrology Consultants, 1996. D. Rosgen, 1481Stevens Lake Road, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

Summary: The guide book includes fundamentalprinciples of river behavior, a hierarchicalstream inventory and a classification of naturalrivers with illustrations, data summaries andphotographs depicting major stream types. Thebook contains field techniques and forms for:

-Stream classification of a reference reach-Bank erosion prediction-Fish habitat structure evaluation-Sediment relations-Hydraulics-Channel stability evaluations


Channel-Reach Morphology in MountainDrainage Basins. Geological Society ofAmerica Bulletin, Volume 109, p. 596-611,1997. D.R. Montgomery and J.M. Buffington,Department of Geological Sciences; request fromthe Geological Society of America, P.O. Box9140, Boulder, CO 80301-9140

Summary: A classification of channel-reachmorphology in mountain drainage basinssynthesizes stream morphologies into sevendistinct reach types: colluvial, bedrock, and fivealluvial channel types (cascade, step pool, planebed, pool riffle, and dune ripple). Couplingreach-level channel processes with the spatialarrangement of reach morphologies, their linksto hillslope processes, and external forcing byconfinement, riparian vegetation, and woodydebris defines a process-based framework withinwhich to assess channel condition and responsepotential in mountain drainage basins. Theclassification is broadly applicable with itsprimary advantage of addressing the role oflarge woody debris.




Fish and Fish Habitat Standard InventoryProcedures Handbook (R1/R4 - Northern/Intermountain Regions). USDA Forest Service,1997. Intermountain Research Station, 324 25thStreet, Ogden, UT 84401

Summary: The handbook describes the standardinventory procedures for collecting fish habitatand salmonid fish species data for streamsmanaged by the Northern Region (R1) andIntermountain Region (R4) of the Forest Service.The inventory defines the structure (pool/riffle,forming features), pattern (sequence andspacing) and dimensions (length, width, depth,area, volume, and so forth) of fish habitat;describes species composition, distribution, andrelative abundance of salmonid species; andfacilitates the calculation of summary statisticsfor habitat descriptors. The handbook isillustrated in color and includes data collectionforms.


Guidebook for Application ofHydrogeomorphic Assessments to RiverineWetlands. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,Waterways Exp. Station, 1995. Technical ReportWRP-DE-11. M. Brinson et al. Washington, DC20314-1000

Summary: The guidebook provides the basis (ortemplate) for applying the hydrogeomorphic(HGM) approach for specific physiographicregions for wetland functional assessment ofriverine wetlands in context with the CleanWater Act Section 404 Regulatory Program. Theconcept of a "reference standard" is used, i.e.,conditions exhibited by a group of referencewetlands in a physiographic region thatcorrespond to the highest level of functioning.Fifteen functions are identified for the riverinewetland class and are valuated by an indexcomputed using equations of selected variablesfrom a group of 44 variables. Generic equations,detailed information, and field tally sheets areprovided to document functions and developmodels for a specific regional riverine subclass.




Incised Channels - Morphology, Dynamics andControl. S.A. Schumm, M.D. Harvey, and C.C.Watson, 1984. Water Resources Publications, P.O.Box 2841, Littleton, Co 80161

Summary: The original basis of the documentwas a report on the geomorphic characteristicsof channelized streams in northern Mississippi todetermine if their future behavior could bepredicted. The publication contains a literaturereview on incised channels, historicalinformation on subject channels, and discussionof geomorphic evolution of incised channels. Theconcept of entrenched streams is introduced inchapter 5 of the document including thehypothetical sequence of arroyo evolution. Asummary of incised channels is listed in chapter7 including a discussion of a possibleevolutionary sequence.


Integrated Riparian Evaluation Guide (LevelsI, II, and III). USDA Forest Service, 1992. T.Collins, Regional Soil Scientist, et al. RegionalOffice, Intermountain Region, 324 25th Street,Ogden, UT 84401

Summary: The guide provides an integratedapproach for: A) Stratifying and classifyingriparian areas according to their naturalinherent characteristics, and their respectiveexisting conditions; B) Data collection; C)Evaluation of riparian areas; D) Futuredevelopment and linkage of a riparian data base;E) Preparation of a written narrative to interpretthe data and suggest management applications;F) Providing a process to prioritize or rankriparian areas based on management objectives;G) Strengthening the riparian managementimplications of the Forest Land ManagementPlan. The approach is split into threes levels:level I is an office procedure, level II is a fieldprocedure, and level III is a more quantitative,site-specific field data collection. Levels areprogressive and should be completed in order.The guide includes data collection forms.

60+ pages, illustrated



Methods for Evaluating Riparian Habitatswith Applications to Management. USDAForest Service, 1987. General Technical ReportINT-221. Intermountain Research Station, W.Platts et al, 324 25th Street, Ogden, UT 84401

Summary: The report compiles a comprehensiveset of methods for resource specialists to use inmanaging, evaluating and monitoring riparianconditions adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds andreservoirs with an emphasis on streams. Issuesof sampling kind and intensity, accuracy andprecision are discussed. Detailed procedures aregiven for measuring vegetation, classifyingriparian communities and soils, using remotesensing, measuring water column attributes,detecting streambank morphology andalteration, mapping woody debris, using benthicmacroinvertebrates, and evaluating historicriparian habitats. Emphasis is on proceduraldetails rather than reliance on pre-defined datacollection forms.


Monitoring Protocols to Evaluate WaterQuality Effects of Grazing Management onWestern Rangeland Streams. U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, 1993. WaterDivision. Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle,WA 98101

Summary: The document describes a monitoringsystem to assess grazing impacts on waterquality in streams of the western United States.Methods discussed are reportedly easy to useand cost-effective (reduced sampling frequency,limited need for specialized equipment, andlimited laboratory analyses). The protocols focuson attributes of the stream channel, stream bank,and streamside vegetation (characteristics aresampled during low flow summer conditions).Methodology requires an interdisciplinary team.Explanatory illustrations and various field datacollection forms are included.




National Forestry Manual; National Rangeand Pasture Handbook (Procedures forcompleting Vegetation Field Forms andEcological Sites.) USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS), 1998, 1997. P.O.Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013

Summary: The manual and handbook containdetailed procedures for completing vegetationfield forms and ecological sites. The NationalForestry Manual is applicable to streamriparian areas that are currently forested orhave a potential for a plant communitydominated by woody plants (trees) with a heightpotential of at least 4 meters. The NationalRange and Pasture Handbook is applicable tostream riparian areas that are currently inherbaceous or shrub vegetation or have apotential for a plant community dominated byherbaceous or shrub species. Detailedinstructions, coding conventions and datacollection forms are provided in both the manualand handbook. Collected field data andinformation may be entered into a nationaldatabase maintained and supported by theNRCS.

100+ pages each, illustrated

Preliminary Investigation (PI) for Stream RiparianAreas. USDA Natural Resources ConservationService, Watershed Science Institute, 1996. c/o GEOSCI, Box 351310, UW, Seattle, WA 98195-1310

Summary: This technique is a single page formthat permits the user to record major attributesof a representative segment of a stream reach. Itwas developed for use with private landownersto focus attention on the existing conditions oftheir streams. Basic stream attributes (e.g.,stream order, depth, width, gradient,entrenchment), soil conditions (e.g., bankerosion frequency, bedload fine sediments, upperbank compaction), water conditions (e.g.,turbidity, presence of algae, color, temperature),plants (e.g., potential native vegetation, presentvegetation, dominant terrestrial plants, aquaticspecies), air condition, animals (e.g., fishspecies, aquatic macroinvertebrates, landspecies), and human use attributes are collected.

2 pages



Procedures for Using [the] Oregon StreamHabitat Data Sheet. USDA Natural ResourcesConservation Service, 1998. Biology TechnicalNote No. 12, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1300,Portland, OR 97204-3221

Summary: The assessment procedure can beused on a broad reach or site-specific scale.Values that are entered on the data sheet can beestimated or measured. The intended use is forplanning, baseline data, monitoring, andevaluating restoration alternatives. Theprocedure is not intended to replace intensivesurveys conducted by professional biologists.Users of the procedure are encouraged tocomplete the watershed overview sheet beforethe habitat data sheet. The data sheetaccommodates entries to identify the site,substrate composition, and bank vegetation. Aseries of criteria tables are used to assess andscore stream habitat condition..


Protocols for Classifying, Monitoring, andEvaluating Stream/Riparian Vegetation onIdaho Rangeland Streams. Division ofEnvironmental Quality, 1992. Report No. 8.Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, E.Cowley. 1410 North Hilton, Boise, ID 83720-9000

Summary: The document defines protocols andprocedures for evaluating streamside vegetationand streambank stability for Idaho's small(usually less than 30 feet wide) rangelandstreams. It also provides protocols formonitoring stream canopy cover, streambankstability, solar input, and establishing permanentphoto points associated with livestock grazingand other activities that affect streamsidevegetation and beneficial uses of water. Theprotocols are directed at 3 important pollutantsources affecting the biological integrity ofstreams and lakes that may result from livestockgrazing: 1) streambank erosion, 2) watertemperature, and 3) vegetation.




Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index [QHEI]:Rationale, Methods, and Application. State ofOhio Environmental Protection Agency, 1989.Edward T. Rankin, Ecological AssessmentSection, P.O. Box 1049, 1800 WaterMark Dr.,Columbus, OH 43266-0149

Summary: The index is designed to provide ameasure of habitat generally corresponding tothose physical factors that affect fishcommunities and which are generally importantto other aquatic life, such as invertebrates. Thefield sheet for the QHEI consists of qualitativedescriptors that are checked as appropriate.Highest scores are assigned to the habitatparameters that have been shown to becorrelated with streams having high biologicaldiversity and integrity, with progressively lowerscores assigned to less desirable habitatfeatures. Individual scores are provided for thehabitat components of substrate, instream cover,riparian zone and bank erosion, pool/glidequality, riffle/run quality and gradient. A totalscore of 100 is possible.

51 pages

Rapid Assessment of Riparian Systems(RARS) - Draft Report. R.D. Ohmart et al.,1998. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 2221W. Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85023

Summary: The assessment was developed tohave a tool more applicable to streams inArizona than those currently being usedthroughout the West. The technique addressesriparian area classification, channelgeomorphology, riparian functional analysisprocedure, and riparian monitoring withphotography. The objective of the developerswas to collect quantitative field data to documentand defend functional interpretations. The TontoNational Forest approach (Tonto RiparianInventory and Monitoring Methods or TRIMM)was the working model for developing theassessment. The Arizona Game and FishDepartment can be contacted for the final reportand assessment procedure.

130 pages



Rapid Bioassessment Protocols for Use inWadeable Streams and Rivers - Periphyton,Benthic Macroinvertebrates, and Fish. SecondEdition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,1999. Office of Water (4503F), EPA841-B-99-002. J. Plafkin et al, Assessment and WatershedProtection Division, 401 M Street SW,Washington, DC 20460

Summary: The document provides states with apractical technical reference for conductingcost-effective biological assessments of loticsystems. The protocols were designed asinexpensive screening tools to determine if astream is supporting or not supporting adesignated aquatic life use. They may also beappropriate for priority setting, point andnonpoint-source evaluations, use attainabilityanalyses and trend monitoring. Worksheets areincluded. The protocols must be locally adaptedand scaled.


Rapid Stream Assessment Protocol (RSAT)Field Methods - Appendix A. J. Galli, Sr.,1996. Dept. of Environmental Programs,Metropolitan Washington Council ofGovernments, 777 North Capitol St. NE,Washington, DC 20002

Summary: The protocol is a synthesis of severaltechniques with applicability to non-limestonePiedmont streams with drainage areas less than150 square miles. RSAT employs both areference stream and an integrated numericalscoring and verbal ranking approach.Evaluation categories include: 1) Channelstability, 2) Channel scouring/sedimentdeposition, 3) Physical instream habitat, 4)Water quality, 5) Riparian habitat conditions,and 6) Biological indicators(macroinvertebrates). Parameters are measuredat approximately 400-foot intervals along thestream. Data is first recorded via field surveysheets and later transferred into a spreadsheetdata base.




Riparian area management: a user guide toassessing proper functioning condition andthe supporting science for lotic areas. USDIBureau of Land Management, 1998. TR 1737-15. P.O. Box 25047, Denver, CO 80225

Summary: The guide establishes a method forevaluating the condition of riparian-wetlandlotic areas and classifying segments or reachesof streams into Proper Functioning Condition(PFC), Functional-At Risk, Nonfunctional, andUnknown categories. The qualitative, yetscience-based process, considers both abioticand biotic factors as they relate to physicalfunction. A standard checklist of 17 keyquestions is provided and enables users todetermine the functional condition of a streamreach or segment. PFC must be conducted by aninterdisciplinary team trained and familiar withthe local conditions being assessed. Thesupporting science and related quantitativemethodologies for each of the 17 questions areprovided.


Riparian Area Management - GreenlineRiparian-Wetland Monitoring. USDI Bureauof Land Management, 1993. TR 1737-8.National Applied Resources Sciences Center,P.O. Box 25047, Denver, CO 80225-0047

Summary: The technical reference gives thedetailed procedure for the greenline monitoringmethod. Greenline is a term used to essentiallyidentify nearest-to-stream continuous riparianplant community types using a line intercepttransect running parallel to the stream. It is aprocedure that is both repeatable for monitoringpurposes and a point of reference whichminimizes problems associated with changingmoisture gradient. Data collection forms areincluded. (Note: As of the date of this report, theUSDA-Forest Service is in the process ofupdating the "greenline" methodology with plansto republish the technique as a Forest Servicetechnical publication.)




Riparian Area Management - Inventory andMonitoring of Riparian Areas. USDI Bureauof Land Management, 1989. TR 1737-3.National Applied Resources Sciences Center,P.O. Box 25047, Denver, CO 80225-0047

Summary: The technical reference containssuggested techniques and procedures forperforming an extensive inventory and, ifwarranted, an intensive inventory. Extensivecomponents include drainage pattern, landform,soils information, channel form and condition,vegetation types and ecological sites, floodplaincharacteristics and other attributes. Intensivecomponents include detail soil characteristicsand properties, channel parameters, vegetationidentification and structure, woody speciescharacteristics, and other attributes. A sectionon monitoring is integrated in the technicalreference. Inventory forms are included.


Riparian Area Management - Procedures forEcological Site Inventory. USDI Bureau ofLand Management, 1992. TR 1737-7. NationalApplied Resources Sciences Center, P.O. Box25047, Denver, CO 80225-0047

Summary: The technical reference providesdetailed field procedures for describing anddocumenting riparian-wetland ecological sites(potential vegetation) which are a function ofand defined by the interaction of soils, climate,hydrology, and vegetation at riparian-wetlandsites. The document contains a "Standard SiteField Review Checklist," a "Site CorrelationChecklist," a "Standard Site Description," and acompleted, sample "Standard Site Description."The technical reference is intended for use withthe National Range and Pasture Handbook, theNational Forestry Manual and the National SoilSurvey Handbook available from the USDA,Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O.Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013.




Riparian Area Management - Using AerialPhotographs to Assess Proper FunctioningCondition of Riparian-Wetland Areas. USDIBureau of Land Management, 1996 (Revised1999). TR 1737-12. P.O. Box 25047, Denver,CO 80225

Summary: The document provides a procedurefor using aerial photography to answer ProperFunctioning Condition (PFC) checklist items. Itsupplements TR1737-15, Riparian areamanagement: A user guide to assessing properfunctioning condition and the supporting sciencefor lotic areas. The technical release gives thedetailed procedure for gathering existing sourcematerial, analyzing equipment needs, definingreaches and areas, interpreting aerial photos,and verifying interpretations in the field. Alsoincluded are specific recommendationspertaining to needed aerial photo qualities,photo interpretation examples, and the results oflarge area case studies in Montana.


Riparian Reserve Evaluation Techniques andSynthesis in Ecosystem Analysis at theWatershed Scale - Federal Guide forWatershed Analysis, Section II. Multi-agency,1995. Version 2.2. Regional Ecosystem Office,P.O. Box 3623, Portland, OR 97208

Summary: This supplement is part of the federalguide developed to help resource managersimplement direction in the Record of Decision(ROD) for Amendments to Forest Service andBureau of Land Management PlanningDocuments within the range of the NorthernSpotted Owl. The ROD requires watershedanalysis prior to the final delineation andmanagement of the Riparian Reserve network ina watershed. The riparian analysis process isdivided into two levels based on anticipatedactivities: Level 1 - geared toward small effectsalong intermittent streams, and Level 2 -addresses larger magnitude effects.




Role of GIS in Selecting Sites for RiparianRestoration Based on Hydrology and LandUse. Utah State University, 1997. G. Russell, C.Hawkins, M. O'Neill. Watershed Science Unit,Logan, UT 84322-5250

Summary: The paper describes an approach toinitial site selection in the San Luis Rey Riverwatershed in southern California that useswatershed-level information on basintopography and land cover to rank the potentialsuitability of all sites within a watershed foreither preservation or restoration. The approachrequires the use of a geographic informationsystem (GIS) to map relative wetness and landcover within a watershed. Relative potentialwetness values were derived from USGS 30-mdigital elevation models; land cover was derivedfrom a Landsat scene covering the 1500 km2

study area. The paper is illustrated with colordiagrams and pictures.


RWRP Lotic Health Assessment. University ofMontana, 1999. W. Thompson et al, Riparianand Wetland Research Program, School ofForestry. Missoula, MT 59812

Summary: The assessment is a method forrapidly addressing a lotic site's overall health orcondition. It provides a site rating useful forsetting management priorities and stratifyingriparian sites for remedial action or morerigorous analytical attention. It is intended toserve as a first approximation, or "coarse filter,"by which to identify lotic wetlands in need ofcloser attention so that managers can moreefficiently concentrate effort. The term "riparianhealth" is used to mean the ability of a riparianreach (including the riparian area and itschannel) to perform certain functions. Thesefunctions include sediment trapping, bankbuilding and maintenance, water storage,aquifer recharge, flow energy dissipation,maintenance of biotic diversity, and primaryproduction. The current version of theassessment and an accompanying detailed loticinventory procedure can be found at the web sitehttp://www.rwrp.umt.edu.




Stream Channel Reference Sites: AnIllustrated Guide to Field Technique. USDAForest Service, 1994. General Technical ReportRM-245. C. Harrelson et al. Rocky MountainForest and Range Experiment Station, Ft.Collins, CO

Summary: The guide helps users establishpermanent reference sites. The minimumprocedure consists of: 1) select a site, 2) map thesite and location, 3) measure the channel cross-section, 4) survey a longitudinal profile of thechannel, 5) measure stream flow, 6) measure bedmaterial, and 7) permanently file the informationwith the "Vigil" network. The document includesbasic surveying techniques and providesguidelines for identifying bankfull indicators andmeasuring other important streamcharacteristics. The object is to establish thebaseline of existing physical conditions for thestream channel. The guide is amply illustratedwith diagrams and black-and-white pictures.


Stream Corridor Assessment Survey.Maryland Department of Natural Resources,2000 (revised draft). K. Yetman, WatershedRestoration Division, Chesapeake and CoastalWatershed Services, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Summary: The survey protocols help usersidentify environmental problems and prioritizerestoration opportunities that exist withinMaryland watersheds. The assessment isdesigned to be done by small teams of well-trained volunteers who walk two or more streammiles per day. Potential environmental problemsidentified during a survey include channelizedstream sections, stream bank erosion, exposedpipes, inadequate stream buffers, fish blockages,trash dumping sites, near stream construction,pipe outfalls, and general conditions of in-streamand riparian habitat. In conjunction with theAmeriCorp program, over 700 miles ofMaryland streams have been surveyed using theassessment protocols. This has led to more than$1 million of restoration work to date. OneMaryland county has included the assessment aspart of the NPDES permit system for municipalstormwater discharges.




Stream Inventory Handbook - Level I and II.USDA Forest Service, 1996. Version 9.6. Region6, P.O. Box 3623, Portland, OR 97208

Summary: The handbook provides standards fora level I (office inventory) and level II (fieldinventory) of stream systems. The protocolidentifies core attributes necessary to evaluatethe condition of a stream. It contains instructionsand data forms for stream habitat conditions(flow, water quality, historical land use, valley-channel parameters, streambed substrate, floodprone dimensions, and riparian habitatdimensions). Other data forms are included forinventorying culverts, falls, chutes, dams,marshes, braids, and fish species.


Streamkeeper's Field Guide - WatershedInventory and Stream Monitoring Methods.The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, 1996. T.Murdoch, M. Cheo and K. O'Laughlin. 600-128th

Street SE, Everett, WA 98208

Summary: The guide provides methods forobtaining a holistic picture of a stream'swatershed as well as collecting detailedinformation. The techniques presented in theguide are fairly simple, inexpensive and can beaccomplished with readily available equipment.Readers not only learn how to evaluate thephysical and biological characteristics ofstreams using the latest quality control andquality assurance planning techniques, but canalso study a chapter devoted to presenting fielddata to a wide range of audiences. The sectioncalled "Streamkeeper Tales" includesinspirational examples of volunteers who haveused their field data as the basis for protectingand restoring streams. The active voice of thetext and the large number of humorous technicalillustrations which are accompanied by poignanteditorial cartoons make this book engaging tovolunteers and scientists alike.




Stream Temperature Investigations: Fieldand Analytic Methods (for use withSNTEMP: Stream Network TemperatureModel). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1989.Instream Flow Information Paper No. 13.Biological Report 89(17). J. Bartholow, NationalEcology Research Center, 2627 Redwing Road,Ft. Collins, CO 80526-2899

Summary: The document provides guidance tothe user of the Stream Network TemperatureModel (SNTEMP). Planning, executing, andusing the results from a stream temperaturemodeling study are discussed. Details of fielddata gathering, instrumentation, and datacollection priorities are given for the range ofstream geometry, meteorology, and hydrologycomponents necessary for the model'sapplication. Each input variable is defined, andits relative data collection effort is approachedfrom the perspective of sensitivity in predictingstream temperatures. Alternative public domainstream and reservoir temperature models andtechniques are also described.


Stream Visual Assessment Protocol. USDANatural Resources Conservation Service, 1998.B. Newton et al., 101 SW Main St., Suite 1600,Portland, OR 97204-3225

Summary: The assessment protocol provides abasic level of stream health evaluation basedprimarily on physical conditions for a streamreach. It is intended to be conducted with thelandowner and incorporates talking points forplanners to use during an assessment.Assessment elements, which receive a numericalrating based on observations and some rapidmeasurements, include: channel condition,hydrologic alteration, riparian zone, bankstability, water appearance, nutrient enrichment,barriers to fish movement, instream fish cover,pools, invertebrate habitat, canopy cover, manurepresence, salinity, riffle embeddedness andmacroinvertebrates observed. Rating criteria andworksheets are included. The protocol worksbest if locally modified.




Technology Policy Paper - MappingProcedures for Riparian and Other SmallAreas. USDA Natural Resources ConservationService. 1997. Soil Survey Division, P.O. Box2890, Washington, DC 20013

Summary: The paper outlines the procedure formapping riparian and other small areas whichwere traditionally identified by spot symbols onsoil survey maps. Riparian areas are typicallyvery linear and are more difficult to map anddisplay than upland soil polygons. Certain soils,hydrology and vegetation criteria must be metfor an area to be identified and mapped as ariparian area. Cartographic procedures fordelineating "point" and "line" features areincluded. Examples of soil map unit descriptionsand a sample soils map are provided.


Underwater Methods for Study of Salmonidsin the Intermountain West. USDA ForestService, Intermountain Research Station, 1994.Russell F. Thurow, General Technical ReportINT-GTR-307. 324 25th Street, Ogden, UT84401

Summary: Underwater observation withsnorkeling gear is a valuable tool for studyingfish populations and assessing how fish usehabitat in flowing waters. Precise estimates offish abundance can be obtained usingunderwater counts. However, several factors,including the behavior of the target fish speciesand attributes of the physical habitat (streamsize, water clarity, temperature, cover), can biasresults. This report was developed to assistbiologists in identifying and accounting forpotential biases and to encourage a standardizedprocedure for the use of underwater techniquesto survey salmonids in streams. The guideaddresses the principal resident and anadromoussalmonids found in the Intermountain West(Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and westernWyoming). Color illustrations and pen-and-inkdrawings of target fish are included.




Water Quality Indicators Guide - SurfaceWater (Chapter 2 and Appendices A and F).Terrene Institute, 1996. Second Ed. 1717 K St.,Suite 801, Washington, DC 20006-1504

Summary: The guide examines 5 major sourcesof agriculturally related nonpoint sourcepollution -- sediment, nutrients, animal waste,pesticides and salts. Field sheets are provided toenable the user to observe and record surfacewater quality problems and to select appropriateremedial practices. Field sheets are arranged inmatrix format with environmental indicatorsgiven for each of the 5 major pollutant types.Each indicator is divided into descriptions of theenvironment from excellent to poor with eachdescription given a weighted numerical ranking.There are 2 types of field sheets: 1) one forreceiving waters, and 2) one for the lands thatdrain into receiving waters.


Stream*A*Syst - A Tool to Help You ExamineStream Conditions on Your Property OregonState University, Extension Service, 422 KerrAdminstration, Corvallis, OR 97331-2119

Summary: The publication consists of aworksheet and action plan developed for use bylandowners having a stream or stream systemson their property. The worksheet's 15 questionsdirect the user to all aspects of stream corridorcondition. The action plan correlates individualanswers from the worksheet to helpful notes andcontact agencies and addresses for furtherinvestigation. The assessment system isvoluntary, useful for a first approximation ofstream corridor conditions, and alerts thelandowner of possible concerns.


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