The MiCorps Monitor: August 2009

Article 7:
Volunteer Monitoring Program Spotlights: Alabama Water Watch & Wisconsin’s Citizen-Based Water Monitoring Network

Edited with permission from program sources by Ric Lawson.

In this issue, we are putting the spotlight on two programs that have goals that are similar to MiCorps, but which take slightly different approaches. MiCorps staff thought it would be instructive to periodically examine volunteer monitoring programs in other states to give us a basis of comparison and possibly learn about what has worked (and what has not) elsewhere. This article presents a snapshot of these programs as they compare to MiCorps. Take a look at their websites yourselves and let us know what you think. Is there anything in these programs that MiCorps should adopt or learn from? Send your comments to the MiCorps discussion list.

Alabama Water Watch

The first program, Alabama Water Watch (AWW), is similar to MiCorps in that it is a statewide initiative with a mission to develop volunteer monitoring of Alabama’s lakes, streams, and coasts. The Alabama Water Watch (AWW) Program was initiated in 1992 with funding from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and US EPA Region 4, and it is coordinated from the Auburn University Fisheries Department. The AWW Program model has been extended to several countries through a program called Global Water Watch, coordinated through the Auburn University, International Center for Aquaculture and Aquatic Environments.

AWW staff member, Rita Grub, prepared a summary of the program.

The program includes a custom-developed, relational database of volunteer monitoring data with a mapping interface, training workshops, technical support and educational resources. With a much longer history than MiCorps, AWW has connected with a larger number of volunteer groups and individuals than MiCorps. They also work with a different range of monitoring parameters, including chemical parameters and bacteria monitoring.

For more information about the AWW program, visit their website at: www.alabamawaterwatch.org.

Wisconsin’s Citizen-Based Water Monitoring Network

In Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Extension and the Wisconsin DNR worked together to develop a network of programs and volunteers. They work in partnership with nonprofits, counties, nature centers, and numerous local interest groups across the state to implement the network. The network includes three levels to accommodate the varied interests and time availability of citizens. Everyone initiates participation in Level 1 (introductory programs). After that, citizens can choose to participate in Level 2 (status and trends) or Level 3 (special projects). Programs are available for stream, lake, and wetland monitoring. One unique aspect of the network is a plan that is integrated within the state’s Water Monitoring Strategy. The Citizen Lakes Monitoring Network begins with secchi disk transparency measurement, much like MiCorps’ CLMP and also includes a clean boats program. The Water Action Volunteers combines river monitoring with clean ups and storm drain stenciling. In that program, volunteers measure six parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, transparency, flow, habitat, and macroinvertebrates. They also have a database to store information and technical training and resources. Level 2 and 3 projects and programs utilize more technical procedures and are designed for volunteers with a proven amount of experience and commitment.

For more information about Wisconsin’s Citizen-Based Water Monitoring Network, visit their website at: watermonitoring.uwex.edu/index.html

Author:
Ric Lawson
MiCorps Staff
Huron River Watershed Council

MiCorps