Rock River Basin Citizen Monitoring Program

In Wisconsin citizen monitoring data will become increasingly important for rivers and for lakes both to assess water health and to make management decisions. Most people think that the Department of Natural Resources or the county Land and Water Conservation Departments have data on all of Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes. However, only a small portion of rivers, streams or lakes have been systematically monitored. Very few have continuous monitoring stations operated by USGS.

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In the Rock River Basin we have asked both the DNR and the counties where they most need information collected. We then look for individuals to monitor those locations. Monitors can also choose sites that interest them as long as they can access the water safely and legally.

Typically, stream monitors work in teams of 2-5. They make a spring through fall commitment to take samples once a month. Monitors can be individuals, families, civic, conservation or community groups, neighborhood associations, businesses, or schools.

Monitoring teams are trained to measure 6 important elements for stream health: dissolved oxygen, temperature, water clarity, habitat, water flow and everyone’s favorite: ...invertebrate life (insects, worms, clams and crustaceans). The Rock River Basin program uses Wisconsin Water Action Volunteers protocols

Monitor training workshops are held each spring for new and returning monitors. Then, during the team’s first sampling trip each spring, a trained resource person accompanies them to establish baseline results. Click here to go to pictures of Rock River Basin monitors at training and at their sites.

Each team sends their data to a local coordinator to be included on a web-based accessible database.

Then in March, monitors have the opportunity to attend an annual “Confluence: a Gathering of Rock River Basin Citizen Monitors”. Here they learn about the watershed, learn advanced techniques, receive annual certification for specific protocols, receive awards and celebrate successes together.

The Rock River Coalition is committed to encouraging all types of environmental monitoring: lake, wetland, forest and prairie. Currently the RRC is establishing a wetland restoration monitoring program.