SOUTH BRANCH WATERSHED ASSOCIATION Event Highlights

2006 Volunteer Biological Monitoring:
- Training Workshop
- Conference

South Branch Watershed Association held their 13th Annual River Monitoring Workshop on Saturday, June 3, 2006 in the rain at Echo Hill Park in Clinton Township. The workshop is designed to train new volunteers who are interested in monitoring the health of the river and to provide a refresher course for the Association’s current river monitors.

The river monitoring program relies on volunteers to sample the South Branch of the Raritan River and its tributaries at 18 sites throughout the watershed every year during the last two full weeks in June. Through the program, citizens have the opportunity to take part in a scientific study to assess the condition of the natural resources in their community and the greater South Branch Raritan River watershed.

Twenty-eight people participated in the workshop and received “hands-on” training from environmental scientists on sampling protocols and other techniques used to gather information and assess impacts to the river. Trainers helped guide participants through a visual survey of a river site and through collection and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates. These organisms are the “critters” that live in the river, and include aquatic insects, worms and clams. The word benthic refers to the fact that these organisms live on, or near, the river bottom. The term macroinvertebrate indicates that these organisms lack a spine and can be identified without the use of a magnifying lens. Macroinvertebrates are excellent indicators of water quality. Many of these critters are very sensitive to pollution. Others are more tolerant. The numbers and ratios of organisms in a collected sample are used to determine the condition of the river. Trends in river conditions are revealed when current samples are compared to data from prior years.

Data collected through our program augments data collected by the state and other entities and is used to identify existing and potential sources of pollution in the watershed. The data also assists state and local organizations in making informed decisions regarding the preservation of our water resources. A comprehensive report on trends in the water quality of the South Branch Raritan River watershed, based on our data, is underway by an EPA contractor, with completion expected around December of this year.

Event Photos

Participants Rena Katz, Kevin Berry, Sande Katz, and trainer Bill Rawlyk ... learning how to kick for macroinvertebrates.	Trainer Nancy Lawler explaining how to conduct a visual site survey and fill out the data sheet.
Trainer Bill Rawlyk discussing the finer points of a dragonfly nymph with workshop participants.	New Water Stewards Chris and Mark Chuckran scrubbing rocks for macroinvertebrates.

On Saturday, November 11, 2006, the South Branch Watershed Association presented the results of the 2006 river monitoring season at Echo Hill Environmental Education Area.

This was the 13th year of collecting biological data at 18 sites along the South Branch of the Raritan River and its tributaries. Nicole Rahman, Program Director for the South Branch Watershed Association (SBWA) explained that every June trained volunteers collect a macroinvertebrate, or “bug” sample at their assigned sites along the river. They follow specific protocols to maintain accuracy and precision in the data collection. “This bug sample is analyzed at a certified lab. The species of bugs present tells us whether the river is healthy or not. Certain bugs can live in polluted water, but others cannot. If you find a large number and variety types of bugs that need clean water to survive, you know you have a healthy river,” Rahman said.

Of the 18 sited monitored this year, 14 were non-impaired, 4 were moderately impaired, and none were severely impaired. Rahman said, “This is similar to last year’s results of 15 non-impaired and 3 moderately impaired. With 13 years of data collected so far, it will be interesting to see any trends in water quality that may be present.”

The EPA has provided a $20,000 grant to prepare a comprehensive report analyzing and documenting trends in river health. The report is due by the end of this year.

A presentation about “Hatches of the South Branch” was the highlight of the event, presented by Jim Holland, Co-owner of Shannon’s Fly & Tackle in Califon, and Michael McAuliffe, Guide for Shannon’s. They shared many interesting facts about mayflies and stoneflies, fish’s preferences for certain species at certain times of the day and year, and the types of artificial flies to use for the best catch. The event concluded with a fly tying demonstration by Charlie Bates, also a Guide for Shannon’s.

Bill Kibler, Executive Director of the SBWA, said, “Thanks to all of the volunteers, monitoring advisory committee members, spring workshop trainers, and sponsors. These dedicated people make the monitoring program possible.”

Event Photos

Charlie Bates, a guide for Shannon's, demonstrates how to tie a fly.

Jim Holland (standing) and Mike McAuliffe (seated), co-owners of Shannon's Fly & Tackle in Califon.

Nicole Rahman, SBWA Program Director of Education and Outreach, presents the biological monitoring results.