MiCorps Stream Data Description

Sampling Event Description

1. Date Sampled: Date the sample was collected. Record the month, day and year.




2. Start Time: Time sampling began.

3. Finish Time: Time sampling was completed.

4. Datasheet Completed by: Name of the person in charge of filling out the datasheet.

5. Collector: For macroinvertebrate collections, name of the person in the water collecting the macroinvertebrate samples.

6. Other Team Members: Names of other people collecting stream monitoring data at this site.

7. Datasheet Checked by: Individual who check the datasheet for completeness before turning it in.

8. Entered into Database by: Person who entered the data into the MiCorps online database.

9. Identification made by: Name of expert who identified macroinvertebrates.

Sampling Location

1. Stream Name: The waterbody name should be the name of the river or river branch, as given on the U.S. Geological Survey topographic map for the area corresponding to the station location. For tributary streams to major rivers, record the tributary stream name here, not the major river name. For instance, if the stream being surveyed is the North Branch of the Chippewa River, but the station is on Hogg Creek, record Hogg Creek as the waterbody name. If the tributary is an unnamed tributary, record as “Unnamed Tributary to” followed by the name of the next named stream downstream. In the above example, a station on an unnamed tributary of Hogg Creek would be recorded as “Unnamed Tributary to Hogg Creek”. These names can be found at www.topozone.com.
2. Location/Site Description: Record the name of the road crossing the stream. If the same road crosses a single stream two or more times in the same sub-basin, it is sometimes desirable to record the road name relative to the nearest crossroads (e.g. “Green Road between Brown Road and Hill Road”). If the same road crosses a single stream two or more times in the same township section, record the road name relative to the distance from the nearest crossroad (e.g. “Green Road 1/8 mile east of Brown Road ”).
3. MiCorps Site ID #: If you don't already have it, contact MiCorps staff for the MiCorps Site ID# for your sampling location.
4. Upstream/Downstream of Road: This category is on the Single Site Watershed Survey Data Sheet only. The “single site” sheet is designed primarily for use by those groups participating in the Division’s volunteer monitoring program and it includes only enough response categories for assessing one side of a stream crossing. If using this data sheet, circle either Upstream Side or Downstream Side, as appropriate, to designate which side of the stream crossing is being assessed.
5. County: Record county name.
6. Township Name: This indicates the township from which the sample was collected.
7. Township Number: This indicates the township from which the sample was collected.
8. Range: This indicates the range of the township from which the sample was collected.
9. Section: This indicates the section of the township from which the sample was collected.
10. Quarter: This indicates the quarter of the township from which the sample was collected.
11. Quarter Quarter: This indicates the quarter quarter of the township from which the sample was collected.
12. Watershed/Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC): This indicates the watershed or USGS 8-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) from which the sample was collected. A system for identifying and numbering watersheds has been developed in the U.S. by the USGS. Through this system all U.S. watersheds have a proper name and a corresponding number called a Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC). To locate your watershed visit EPA's Surf Your Watershed.
13. Geographic Coordinates:Latitude and longitude are collected to determine exactly where on a lake a sample was taken. Latitude measures the position north and south and longitude measures the position east and west. Latitude and longitude can be collected using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or can be estimated at www.topozone.com. Common formats are below.

    1. Decimal Degrees: An example of this format is Latitude = 42.6817549; Longitude = -85.898463.

    2. Decimal Minutes: An example of this format is Latitude = 42° 40.905294'; Longitude = -85° 53.907786'.

    3. Degree, Minutes, Seconds: An example of this format is Latitude = 42° 40' 54''; Longitude = -85° 53' 55''.

14. Map Scale: If a map is used to determine latitude/longitude coordinates, record the scale of measurement (e.g. 1:25,000) if known.
15. Datum: Geodetic datums define the size and shape of the earth and the origin and orientation of the coordinate systems used to map the earth. This information is directly associated with the latitude and longitude number and can be found on the GPS unit or on www.topozone.com associated with the latitude and longitude.
16. Coordinate Determination Method: Check the method used to calculate the latitude/longitude location coordinates.
17. Length of stream assessed: How long of a section of the stream was sampled.

Background Information

1. Storm Event Conditions: A stream “event” occurs when water runoff from a significant weather event, such as a major rainstorm or fast snowmelt, causes an increase in river flow. Circle the appropriate description of event conditions exhibited in the stream. Event conditions are increased river flow above what would be considered typical or normal for the stream for the time of year.
2. Days Since Rain: Circle the appropriate number of days that have passed since the last significant rain ended. This information is based on what you know about recent weather in the vicinity of the site. If you do not know, circle “unknown”.
3. Water Temperature: This is an optional data item. The person coordinating a particular watershed survey will determine if temperature measurements will be made. If measured, record the water temperature to the nearest degree fahrenheit or centigrade, making sure to include the scale units.
4. Dissolved Oxygen: This is an optional data item. The person coordinating a particular watershed survey will determine if dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements will be made. If measured, record the DO level in the river. If DO is measured, it is important that the water temperature be measured also.
5. pH: This is an optional data item. The person coordinating a particular watershed survey will determine if pH measurements will be made. If measured, record the pH of the stream to the nearest tenth.
6. Water Color: Circle the choice that best represents the color of the water.
7. Water Body Type - Upstream: Characterize the waterbody upstream of the road crossing and circle the appropriate category. Impd=impoundment.
8. Water Body Type - Downstream: Characterize the waterbody downstream of the road crossing and circle the appropriate category. Impd=impoundment.
9. Stream Width (feet): Circle the range that represents the average stream width in feet. Make this observation using best professional judgement of the distance. This can be done by pacing off the distance (counting the number of steps taken) on the road crossing from one edge of the stream to the other. There is no need to measure the distance with a tape measure or similar device, however, it is best to have previously paced off distances of 10, 25 and 50 feet so that the number of strides is known to these category endpoints.
10. Average Stream Depth (feet): Circle the appropriate depth range in feet. If the water is turbid and the depth cannot be determined, circle “Unknown”. This observation is for the average depth of the stream that is consistently observed. In other words, if the stream is mostly shallow, but is 5ft deep in the channel, the >3ft category should be circled. However, if the stream is generally shallow (<1ft), but has a pool that is 3ft deep, circle the <1ft category since a pool is not representative of the average depth of <1ft observed over most of the stream. Remember that water often looks shallower than it is. The primary purpose of this data observation is to identify sites that would be suitable for wading for potential future instream assessments.
11. Water Velocity (feet/second): This is an optional data item. The person coordinating a particular watershed survey will determine if water velocity measurements will be made. If measured, record the approximate surface water velocity in feet per second, observed at the surface in the area of fastest river flow that is not impacted by the road crossing. The preferred method is to observe how far downstream surface bubbles, foam, leaves, or other floating objects, travel in one second (or observe for 10 seconds and divide the distance by 10). Another method is to step off the width of the road, time how long it takes a particular object (e.g. leaf, stick, grass blade) to float from the upstream side of the bridge to the downstream side, and divide the number of seconds into the distance to get feet per second. In some cases, the water velocity measured at the road crossing will not accurately represent actual stream velocity. This may occur at road crossings where the river width is abnormally restricted by the size of passage beneath the road (such is often the case with culverts), which can cause faster flow through the culvert than is observed in the stream. In such a case, it is better to measure water velocity further upstream or downstream (by looking further upstream or downstream from the bridge, not by going to a different location), if possible.
12. Stream Flow Type: Circle the category that best represents general flow volume in the stream. Note that in this case, “average” flow refers to the annual average flow. If a river flow is reduced in the summer, due to dry and hot conditions, circle “L” because it is below average, even though low flow may be typical for that stream in the summer.

Physical Appearance

1. Aquatic Plants: This category refers to aquatic macrophytes only, not terrestrial species. By definition, macrophytes are any plant species that can be readily seen without the use of optical magnification. However, the usage here is directed primarily toward aquatic vascular plants—plants with a vascular system that typically includes roots, stems and/or leaves. This includes duckweed, as it is a floating vascular plant. Certain large algae species that superficially look like vascular plants, such as Chara, can be recorded here as well. If the person conducting the survey is knowledgeable about aquatic plants, the particular type or species of plant(s) can be noted in the comment section at the end of the form. Floating, suspended, or filamentous algae species should be recorded in one of the algae categories and not here.
2. Floating Algae: The presence of suspended algae (single celled organisms that may or may not form colonies) or floating algae mats/bundles should be recorded here. This includes bluegreen algae mats/bundles, whether floating on the surface, suspended in the water column, or present at the bottom.
3. Filamentous Algae: Algae that appear in stringy or ropy strands, such as Cladophora. The strands may or may not be attached to other objects in the waterbody.
4. Bacterial Sheen/Slime: Bacterial sheens occur as oily appearing sheens on the water surface, often with a silverish cast to them. The sheens are produced from bacterial decomposition activity, and occur most often in still water areas of lake edges and coves, as well as wetland areas. The sheen can be distinguished from petroleum products by breaking into distinct platelets when poked with a stick or otherwise physically disturbed, whereas petroleum products remain viscous. Bacterial slimes are bacterial growths that are visible as a slimy-appearing coating of stream or lake substrates. They can be various colors, including black and orange.
   
5. Turbidity: Water appears cloudy—it is not transparent. Turbidity is caused by suspended particulates such as silt, sand, algae, or fine organic matter. Turbid water is opaque to varying degrees, preventing the observer from seeing very far into it. Note that water can have a color to it that is not turbidity, such as the brown transparent water often associated with swampy areas. If the water is slightly turbid, circle “present”. If it is moderately turbid to very turbid, circle “abundant”.
6. Oil Sheen: An oily appearing sheen on the water surface caused by petroleum products. A thin sheen will often have a rainbow of hues visible. The sheen can be distinguished from bacterial sheens by remaining viscous when poked with a stick or otherwise physically disturbed, whereas bacterial sheens break into distinct platelets.
7. Foam: Naturally occurring foam often looks like soap suds on the water surface and can be white, grayish or brownish. Foam is produced when water with dissolved organic material is aerated and can range in extent from individual bubbles to mats several feet high. Foam is typically produced in streams when water flows through rapids or past surface obstructions such as logs, sticks and rocks. Simple wave action can produce foam in lakes. This naturally occurring foam is quite common. Natural foam can be distinguished from soap suds by rubbing it between ones fingers. If the suds disintegrate and leave only wet fingers or a gritty residue, the foam is natural. If the suds feel slippery and soapy, it is not natural foam.
8. Trash: Use this category to record the presence of general litter, such as paper, bottles, cans, etc., either in the waterbody or along the riparian banks. Use some reasonable discretion when completing this category. A single piece of gum wrapper on one bank would not be sufficient cause for checking “present”.

Substrate

Identify the percent areal extent of each substrate type present. Round off to the nearest 10% increment. For example, do not record 25%, use either 20% or 30%.

1. Boulder - 10" diameter: Rocks 10 inches in diameter or larger.
2. Cobble/Gravel - 0.08" to 10" diameter: Rocks 1/12 inch to 10 inches in diameter.
3. Sand - coarse grain: Rocks 0.06 to 2 millimeters in diameter.
4. Silt/Detritus/Muck - fine grain/organic matter: Silt is usually clay, very fine sands, or organic soils, 0.004 to 0.06 millimeters in diameter. Muck is decomposing organic material of very fine diameter. Detritus is small particles of organic material such as pieces of leaves, sticks, and plants.
5. Hardpan/Bedrock - solid clay/rock surface: Solid surface. Hardpan is usually packed clay, <0.004 millimeters in diameter. Bedrock is a solid rock surface (the tops of buried boulders are not bedrock).
6. Artificial - manmade: Human made, such as concrete piers, sheet piling or rock riprap (that portion of shoreline erosion protection structures that extends below the water surface is considered substrate).
7. Unknown: The portion of the stream bottom for which a substrate type determination can not be made because the bottom can not be seen due to water depth or turbidity.

Instream Cover

Instream cover generally refers to habitat cover that is available to fish to: (1) protect them from predators, or (2) avoid certain stream conditions such as fast flow velocities or direct sunlight. Check all the instream cover types on the data form that are present in the stream reach for as far as can be seen—except, only check those cover types that are in areas of sufficient water depth (usually greater than 6 inches).

1. Undercut Banks: Stream banks that overhang the stream because water has eroded some of the material beneath them.
2. Overhanging Vegetation: Terrestrial vegetation that extends out from shore over the surface of the stream within a foot or two of the water surface (includes trees, shrubs, grasses, etc.). This category also includes sweeping vegetation, which is terrestrial shoreline vegetation that extends into the water itself (such as low hanging branches on shrubs) and is therefore often “swept” in a downstream direction by the current .
3. Deep Pools: depression or “hole” in the bottom of the stream where the water is substantially deeper than the average water depth of the stream.
4. Boudlers: Rocks 10 inches in diameter or larger.
5. Aquatic Plants: Aquatic macrophytes.
6. Logs or Woody Debris: Logs, branches and roots.

River Morphology

1. Riffle: Riffles are areas of naturally occurring, short, relatively shallow, zones of fast moving water followed by a pool. The water surface is visibly broken (often by small standing waves) and the river bottom is normally made up of gravel, rubble and/or boulders. Riffles are not normally visible at high water and may be difficult to identify in large rivers. The size of, and distance between, riffles is related to stream size. In large mainstream reaches, such as the Manistee or Muskegon rivers, riffles may be present in the form of rapids.
2. Pool: Pools are areas of relatively deep, slow moving water. The key word here is “relatively”. Water depth sufficient to classify an area as a pool can vary from around 8 inches in small streams, to several feet in wadable streams, to tens of feet in large rivers. Pools are often located on the outside bend of a river channel and downstream of a riffle zone or obstruction. The water surface of a pool is relatively flat and unbroken. The presence of pools in large rivers may be difficult to identify because of an increase in relative scale, and an often limited ability to see to the bottom of deep or turbid stream reaches.
3. Channel: Natural Stream - A natural stream has not been altered from its defined pattern, dimension and profile by artificial means, which includes straightening and widening. It is not necessarily stable, however. The stream has a non-uniform cross section with distinct pool and riffle sequences, although in large rivers the pool/riffle sequences may be difficult to identify. Mild to extreme meanders are often visible. The banks are vegetated and there are no signs of spoil piles or dikes along sides. The stream is not channelized or artificially controlled. Recovering - A recovering stream is one that has been straightened or otherwise controlled, and is evolving back to a stable pattern, dimension and profile. The stream channel is relatively straight, or is overly wide with a channel within the wider channel. Meanders may be beginning to form as evidenced by bank erosion and pool formation. Pools and riffles should be forming but may be sparse. Point bars may be forming. Vegetation may be sparse or very young. Defined dikes or spoil piles along the stream bank can be identified. Maintained - A maintained stream channel is one that is actively controlled through dredging, widening, straightening, or the formation of dikes along the stream channel. The stream channel is straight, wide and shallow at low flow, and has a uniform cross section. Bank vegetation is typically sparse or very young. Pools and Riffles are not existent or very sparse.
4. Designated Drain: If the surveyor knows whether or not the stream segment being assessed is a legally designated drain under the Michigan Drain Code, circle “Y” (yes) or “N” (no). If the surveyor does not know, circle the “?”.
5. Highest Water Mark: The highest water mark is the maximum height to which the stream water level rises at the site, as determined by the visible evidence present. This level is typically reached during floods or high flow conditions. The highest water mark is determined as the distance in feet above the present water level at the site. If the surveyor cannot visibly determine how far the stream rises at the site, circle the “?” on the form. The highest water mark may be visible as discoloration on bridge pilings or abutments, stream debris (trash, leaves, weeds) left along the stream banks or in tree/shrub branches, ice scour marks on trees or streambanks, or muddy residues left in floodplains or on streamside vegetation.
   

Stream Corridor

1. Riparian Vegetative Width - Left: The riparian vegetative width is the width of the streamside natural vegetation zone along the stream banks. The width is measured from the edge of the stream to the end of the contiguous block of natural vegetation. Natural vegetation is defined as including trees, shrubs, old fields, wetlands, or planted vegetative buffer strips (often used in agricultural areas and stormwater runoff control). Agricultural crop land and lawns are not considered natural vegetation for the purposes of this question. Circle the appropriate distance (in feet) that represents the average, or most representative (>50% of the lineal bank distance) width of the vegetation zone for each side of the river. Left and right banks are determined from the perspective of facing downstream.
2. Riparian Vegetative Width - Right: See above.
3. Bank Erosion: Determine the severity of erosion that has taken place and circle the appropriate category. Record the most severe magnitude of erosion observed on either bank.
4. Streamside Land Cover: Circle the letter of the dominant type of cover that exists at the streambank “edge” (within the first 20 feet or so of the stream edge) along the reach of river that can be seen from the road stream crossing.
5. Stream Canopy %: The stream canopy is the amount of leafy vegetation that extends out over a stream (at any height) and shades the water from direct sunlight. The amount of stream canopy should be recorded as the amount of water shading that would be present if the sun were directly over the stream.

Adjacent Land Uses

Circle the appropriate left or right streambank designation for all of the following land uses that are adjacent to the stream. Land use along the entire length of stream that can be seen from the road stream crossing should be evaluated. This might include land that is beyond the riparian corridor. “Adjacent” requires the use of some judgement on the part of the surveyor, but generally refers to any land that can be seen from the crossing and is reasonably close to the stream such that pollutants could run off it into the stream. For example, if a 20-acre corn field is near a stream but separated from it by a 10’ grass/shrub buffer strip, the “Rowcrop” category should be circled. If the same field were 100’ from the stream and the intervening distance was wooded, the “Forest” category should be circled.

1. Wetlands: Wetland vegetation is present. May or may not include standing water. Could include shrubs and trees.
2. Shrub or Old Field: Meadow or field that has not been recently cultivated or grazed. Often represented by tall grasses and shrubs.
3. Forest: Trees present in forested setting (includes small woodlots). Trees may be cultivated or natural.
4. Pasture: Field showing signs of being recently or actively grazed by livestock (vegetation is cropped close to the ground).
5. Crop Residue: An agricultural crop residue remains, after harvest and/or tillage, which covers 30% or more of the field surface.
6. Rowcrop: Agricultural cropland planted in rows and cultivated.
7. Residential Lawns or Parks: An expanse of maintained grass, often found in residential lawns and parks.
8. Impervious Surfaces: Impervious surfaces (water can not penetrate them) are present near the water. Includes paved surfaces and roofs.
9. Disturbed Ground: Soil has been disturbed (plowed, cleared, bulldozed, excavated) for construction or agriculture. Vegetation is not present on disturbed ground but may be present in adjacent areas.
10. No Vegetation: Bare ground. No vegetation is present on the soil, but it is not disturbed ground.

Potential Sources

The intent of this section is to evaluate the relative importance of potential sources in terms of pollutant contribution to the waterbody at a given site in the watershed. The evaluation assesses the potential for pollutant inputs at the site, NOT pollutant impacts, or the potential for pollutant impacts.

1. Crop Related Sources: There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from the farmed area. Possible pathways: farming to the edge of the drain, gully/rill erosion off field, tile discharge, wind erosion off field.
2. Grazing Related Sources: There is clear evidence that grazing of animals near or in the waterbody has resulted in the degradation of streambanks or stream beds, sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, and/or potential bacterial contamination.
3. Intensive Animal Feeding Operations: There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from either runoff from the operation or land application of animal manure. Possible pathways: overland flow, tile discharge.
4. Highway/Road/Bridge Maintenance and Runoff (Transportation NPS): There is clear evidence that transportation infrastructure is creating increased flow, runoff of pollutants, or erosion areas in or adjacent to the waterbody.
5. Channelization: There is clear evidence that the natural river channel has been straightened to facilitate drainage.
6. Dredging: There is clear evidence that a waterbody has been recently dredged. Evidence might include: spoil piles on side of waterbody, disturbed bottom, disturbed banks.
7. Removal of Riparian Vegetation: There is clear evidence that vegetation along the waterbody has been recently removed (within the last few years).
8. Bank and Shoreline Erosion/Modification/Destruction: There is clear evidence that the banks or shoreline of a waterbody have been modified through either through human activities or natural erosion processes.
9. Flow Regulation/Modification (Hydrology): There is reasonably clear evidence that flow modifications in the watershed have created unstable flows resulting in streambank erosion.
10. Upstream Impoundment: There is reasonably clear evidence that an upstream impoundment has contributed to impacts on downstream sites. Impacts may be: nuisance algae, increased temperatures, streambank erosion from unstable flows.
11. Construction: Highway/Road/Bridge/Culvert: There is clear evidence that on going or recent construction of transportation infrastructure is contributing pollutants to the waterbody.
12. Construction: Land Development: There is clear evidence that on going or recent land development is contributing pollutants to the waterbody.
13. Urban Runoff (Residential/Urban NPS): There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from an urban/residential area. Possible pathways: gully/rill erosion, pipe/storm sewer discharge, wind erosion, runoff from lawns or impervious surfaces.
14. Land Disposal: There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from an area where waste materials (trash, septage, hazardous waste, etc.) have been either land applied or dumped. Possible pathways: gully/rill erosion, pipe discharge, wind erosion, or direct runoff.
15. On-site Wastewater Systems: There is reasonably clear evidence of nutrient enrichment and/or sewage odor is present, and there is reason to believe the area is unsewered.
16. Silviculture (Forestry NPS): There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from the forest management area. Possible pathways: logging to the edge of the waterbody, gully/rill erosion off site, pumped drainage, erosion from logging roads, wind erosion off site.
17. Resources Extraction (Mining NPS): There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from the mined area. Possible pathways: gully/rill erosion off site, pumped drainage, runoff from mine tailings, wind erosion off site.
18. Recreational/Tourism Activities (general): Foot traffic causing erosion would fall into this category.
19. Golf Courses: There is a reasonably clear pathway for pollutants to enter the waterbody from the golf course area. Possible pathways: overland runoff, gully/rill erosion off course, tile discharge, wind erosion off course.
20. Marinas/Recreational Boating (water releases): If you can reasonably determine that releases of pollutants to a waterbody such as septage or oil/gasoline are due to recreational boating activities.
21. Marinas/Recreational Boating (bank or shoreline erosion): You can reasonably determine that streambank erosion is due to wake from recreational boating activities.
22. Debris in Water: Debris in the water either is discharging a potential pollutant, or is causing in stream impacts due to modifications of flow. Possible examples: Leaking barrel, Refrigerator, Tires, etc. This does not include general litter (e.g. paper products).
23. Industrial Point Sources: There is reasonably clear evidence that an upstream industrial point source has contributed pollutants.
24. Municipal Point Sources: There is reasonably clear evidence that an upstream municipal point source has contributed pollutants.
25. Natural Sources: There is reasonably clear evidence that natural sources are contributing pollutants. Possible examples: streambank erosion, pollen, foam, etc.
26. Source(s) Unknown: If you see an impact but are unable to clearly identify any likely sources.

Additional Comments

Any observations about the site that were not covered elsewhere on the survey form should be recorded in this section.

Macroinvertebrate Collection Stream Conditions

1. Average Water Depth: Average depth of stream during data collection.
2. Is substrate covered with excessive silt: Record whether there is an excessive amount of silt covering substrate.
3. Substrate Embeddedness in Riffles: What percentage of substrate embeddedness in riffles.
4. Did you observe any fish or wildlife: Note any fish and wildlife seen in the stream.

Macroinvertebrate Collection

1. Check all habitats that were sampled: Identify all habitats that were sampled at the site during data collection.
2. Did you see any live crayfish: Were any live crafish found at site.
3. Did you see any large clams: Were any large clams found at site.

Identification and Assessment

1. Group 1 - 3: Next to each taxa record if rare (R = 1-10) or common (C = 11 or more) in stream. Leave blank if no members of taxa were recorded.
2. Rate your confidence in these identifications: How confident are you in the identifications.