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The protocols used were selected by the U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Water Resources to provide an overview of
the physical and biological parameters of the watershed. Below is a short introduction to the protocols. The complete protocols may be
found by following the links on this page or by using the navigation bar above.
Benthic Macroinvertebrates - Biomonitoring provides information about past and present conditions.
Large Woody Debris - Fallen limbs and trees within the stream channel may affect stream course, substrate, and habitat.
Shade Canopy - Stream temperature has impacts on the health, behavior and survival of aquatic organisms and is strongly influenced by streamside shading. Manipulation of riparian vegetation that provides shade is a key Forest Service management concern.
Stream Gradient - The gradient effects water velocity and hence stream substrate composition.
Cross Section - Creating a cross-sectional profile allows us to compare width/depth ratios as well as monitor
changes in the channel over time.
Pebble Count - Pebble counts provide information that can be utilized as an indicator for studying cumulative effects. This is accomplished by looking at the changes in particle size distributions over time.
Mapping - To relocate where stream channel measurements are made it is necessary to create both a map of the general vicinity and a detailed site map.
Flow and Velocity - Stream flow is measured as the volume of water that passes a given area in a unit of time. It is typically measured in cubic feet per second (cfs).
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