Call for Presentations

For the 7th Annual CHESAPEAKE WATERSHED FORUM

September 28 – September 30, 2012
National Conservation Training Center
Shepherdstown, West Virginia

The Forum Planning Committee is now accepting workshop proposals for the 2012 Chesapeake Watershed Forum taking place on September 28 – 30 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV. The Forum is a widely anticipated regional training opportunity for local watershed and conservation organizations along with local governments in the Bay region. Participants include volunteers, board and staff members, skilled restoration practitioners, experienced leaders, and funders.

In 2012 we expect more than 300 participants, and the Forum provides an excellent opportunity to share your experience with a broad audience who comes from all over the Chesapeake Bay watershed and beyond.

Go to https://allianceforthebay.org/initiatives/connecting-people/chesapeake-watershed-forum/ for more information and to review the guidelines and instructions before submitting an application.

A Primer on Using Biological Assessments to Support Water Quality Management

This document serves as a primer on the role of biological assessments in a variety of water quality management program applications including reporting on the condition of aquatic biota, developing biological criteria, and assessing environmental results of management actions. The Primer provides information on new technical tools and approaches for developing strong biological assessment programs and on examples of application of biological assessment information by states and tribes.

The Primer can be accessed at this link.

If you have any questions, or need further information on the document, please call or e-mail Ephraim King, Director of the Office of Science and Technology (202) 566-0430, king.ephraim@epa.gov) or contact Susan K. Jackson at (202) 566-1112, jackson.susank@epa.gov.

MWMC Board Meets to Install New Members

The MWMC Board of Directors met on January 18, 2011, to start the Council’s 17th year, talk about plans for 2011, and induct two new members. At the meeting, Megan Ward graciously agreed to serve as Vice-Chair. Megan is Programs Manager for the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance and she has served on the Board for one year. Chairman Keith Van Ness (Montgomery County DEP) stepped down as Chair but he’ll continue to serve on the Board. Sonja Schmitz (Community College of Baltimore County/Catonsville) and Sandy Hertz (Maryland State Highway Administration) joined the Board. Sonja teaches Biology at CCBC and is actively involved in teacher education programs in Baltimore County. Sandy is Deputy Director of SHA’s Office of Environmental Design. Dan Boward (MD/DNR) will continue to faithfully serve the Board and Council as the dedicated Executive Secretary.

MWMC Board Chair Mark Southerland recognizes the Dave Bolton’s (Maryland Geological Survey) three years of Board service. Dave helped to plan the 2008 and 2009 MWMC Annual Conferences and assisted the Board on groundwater issues during his tenure.

MWMC Board Chair Mark Southerland thanks Bob Paul (St. Mary’s College) for his three years of service on the Board. Bob is a long-time professor at the College and assists the St. Mary’s Watershed Association in their important endeavors.

Selected Low-Flow Frequency Statistics for Continuous-Record Streamgage Locations in Maryland, 2010

Abstract

According to a 2008 report by the Governor’s Advisory Committee on the Management and Protection of the State’s Water Resources, Maryland’s population grew by 35 percent between 1970 and 2000, and is expected to increase by an additional 27 percent between 2000 and 2030. Because domestic water demand generally increases in proportion to population growth, Maryland will be facing increased pressure on water resources over the next 20 years. Water-resources decisions should be based on sound, comprehensive, long-term data and low-flow frequency statistics from all available streamgage locations with unregulated streamflow and adequate record lengths. To provide the Maryland Department of the Environment with tools for making future water-resources decisions, the U.S. Geological Survey initiated a study in October 2009 to compute low-flow frequency statistics for selected streamgage locations in Maryland with 10 or more years of continuous streamflow records.

This report presents low-flow frequency statistics for 114 continuous-record streamgage locations in Maryland. The computed statistics presented for each streamgage location include the mean 7-, 14-, and 30-consecutive day minimum daily low-flow dischages for recurrence intervals of 2, 10, and 20 years, and are based on approved streamflow records that include a minimum of 10 complete climatic years of record as of June 2010. Descriptive information for each of these streamgage locations, including the station number, station name, latitude, longitude, county, physiographic province, and drainage area, also is presented.

The statistics are planned for incorporation into StreamStats, which is a U.S. Geological Survey Web application for obtaining stream information, and is being used by water-resource managers and decision makers in Maryland to address water-supply planning and management, water-use appropriation and permitting, wastewater and industrial discharge permitting, and setting minimum required streamflows to protect freshwater biota and ecosystems.

For more information and a .pdf file of this publication, follow this link

Second Edition of the Online Newsletter National Water Monitoring News
From the National Water Monitoring Council

We provide this newsletter as a forum of communication among water practitioners across the Nation. In support of the national Council’s mission, this newsletter is geared to foster partnerships and collaboration; advance water science; improve monitoring strategies; and enhance data integration, comparability, and reporting.

This edition highlights many events, activities, and new products and we hope the information is useful for your water needs. Among the topics included:

• Updates on monitoring, such as:
• Federal agency efforts in the Gulf of Mexico waters and a long-term monitoring collaborative.
• National Ground Water Network pilot projects.
• Lake Michigan Monitoring Coordination Council implementation of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
• Volunteer monitoring of the environmental impacts of Marcellus Shale gas extraction.
• Native American monitoring of Alaska waters including a "Healing Journey" canoe trip. Highlights from the Council's 7th National Monitoring Conference and web seminar series.
• Development of a web portal for aquatic sensors and considerations for building a national reference site network.
• Integrated assessments from the IOOS® Regional Associations and the National Network for Coastal Waters and a multi-region water quality project for protecting beach health.
• Highlights from the Council's 7th National Monitoring Conference.
• Highlights from the Council's web seminar series.

Many thanks to Tracy Hancock, Cathy Tate, Dan Sullivan, and Kim Martz of the USGS who spearheaded this effort, and to all contributors nationwide.

On behalf of the whole Council, we hope you enjoy this newsletter and we encourage your feedback and input in future editions!

Also, please notify us of any incorrect or misleading statements so that we can correct accordingly.

Pixie A Hamilton, USGS Co-Chair and Susan Holdsworth, EPA Co-Chair

USGS Podcast on Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems

The U.S. Geological Survey’s National Water Quality Assessment Program is completing a study of the Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems (EUSE). The study examined the effects of urban development at the watershed scale on a stream’s physical (hydrology and habitat), chemical (stream chemistry) and biological (algae, macroinvertebrates, and fish) characteristics. In each of nine metropolitan areas across the United States, the study, which employed a set of 30 similarly-sized watersheds that represented a gradient of urban development, collected data on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of each stream and compared these characteristics with the level of urban development.

As part of the project wrap-up we are developing materials to convey project results to a non-technical audience. One of avenues we are exploring is the use of video podcasts.

As a sample, we have a podcast featuring Tom Cuffney and Tom Schueler (http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/298).

Elevated nutrients in the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater—A Continuing Issue

Available on the Internet (http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/nutrients/pubs/circ1350/) are two USGS publications (Circular 1350 and Fact Sheet 3078), along with a briefing sheet prepared for a congressional briefing to be held September 24, Frequently Asked Questions, supporting technical information (graphics, maps, tables, and data), and related links.

The information describes nutrient concentrations in the Nation's water resources, key sources of nutrients, factors affecting nutrient concentrations, potential effects on humans and aquatic life, and changes in concentrations since the early 1990s. Implications of the findings touch on many environmental issues, including those related to (1) developing nutrient criteria for surface water bodies, (2) reducing nutrients to receiving waters, (3) setting realistic expectations for water-quality improvements following nutrient reduction strategies, and (4) managing elevated nutrients in drinking water from surface-water intakes and wells.

For questions, concerns, or more information:
Please contact Pixie A. Hamilton, pahamilt@usgs.gov , (804) 261-2602 (office), (804) 301-3869 (cell)

The Student Conservation Association

SCA provides college and high school-aged members with hands-on conservation service opportunities in virtually every field imaginable, from tracking grizzlies through the Tetons to restoring desert ecosystems and teaching environmental education at Washington, D.C.’s Urban Tree House. We are truly building the next generation of conservation leaders.

National Crews

In these month-long summer projects, up to eight high school students from around the country are paired with experienced SCA crew leaders to build trails and restore habitat in national parks and on other public lands. SCA's National Crews provide a formative experience, as members serve nature and challenge themselves, individually and as a team. In the process, they get a lot of important work done. Learn more about National Crews here.

Community Programs

Offering year-round training and service opportunities, SCA’s Community Programs engage diverse high school students in major U.S. cities who may lack access to the natural environment and green job opportunities. SCA currently operates Community Programs in Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Stamford, and Washington, DC. Visit our Community Programs section to learn more.

Conservation Internships

For college and graduate students, as well as other qualified individuals, SCA internships provide the opportunity to learn from resource management professionals, gain tangible skills and experience, and make a substantial contribution to our natural and cultural treasures. SCA Internships are available throughout the year, in all conservation disciplines, and range in length from 12 to 52 weeks. All positions are expense-paid and most offer insurance and education awards. Search internship opportunities.

Conservation Corps

In this SCA program, college and graduate students and other qualified participants address specific, urgent conservation challenges. Projects may include mitigating wildland fire risks, eradicating invasive plants while protecting native species, restoring desert lands scarred by off-road vehicles, or providing environmental education in community classrooms. SCA Corps programs, some of which are offered in cooperation with AmeriCorps, run for up to 10 months, and members often share a communal residence. Learn more about Conservation Corps programs.

Need More Information?

Please call our Charlestown, NH headquarters at 603-543-1700 or email webmaster@thesca.org.

Towson University Geographic Information Sciences Conference

The 25th Annual Towson University Geographic Information Sciences Conference (TUgis 2012) is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, March 19 and 20, 2012. We have a great program organized for this year. The program includes two full days of presentations and mini-workshops on a variety of GIS topics. Also, we have an exhibit area where you can discuss your GIS products and services needs with over 20 vendors. Information about the conference, including the preliminary program, is available on the conference Web site at http://tugis.towson.edu.

Please note that it is not too late to submit an entry in our Map Design Competition. You can also send us your GIS job announcement for our Job Mart. Information about both of these events is available on our Web site.

I look forward to seeing you on March 19 and 20. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Jay Morgan

John M. Morgan, III, Ph.D., Professor
Department of Geography and Environmental Planning
Towson University
8000 York Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21252-0001 USA
410-704-2964
410-704-4702
jmorgan@towson.edu
http://pages.towson.edu/morgan

Get Dirty for Some Good Clean Fun!

Join us for the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s 24th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, April 14, 2012, 9am-12pm. Thousands of volunteers of all ages will be picking up trash from different cleanup sites around the region. Over the past 24 years we have removed over 3 million pounds of trash from the Potomac Watershed and we hope to make this year the largest cleanup event yet.

Help to insure clean land, safe water and healthy lives for yourself and those you love:

LEAD a cleanup site! Go back to your favorite site or find a new hotspot. Register your site online and invite friends, family, and co-workers.

COLLECT DATA and photos to help us make the case for smart trash policies. See our website for datasheet and photo submission requirements.

VOLUNTEER by picking up trash at an existing site, even if you don't have time to lead a site. Check our website for the date and time of a cleanup site near you!

Learn more by visiting www.PotomacCleanup.org, or calling 202-973-8203.

National Water Quality Monitoring Council’s 8th National Monitoring Conference
Water: One Resource – Shared Effort – Common Future

Call for Abstracts

Join us in Portland for the National Water Quality Monitoring Council’s 8th National Monitoring Conference – Water: One Resource – Shared Effort – Common Future on April 30 – May 4, 2012. This national forum provides an exceptional opportunity for federal, state, local, tribal, volunteer, academic, private, and other water stakeholders to exchange information and technology related to water monitoring, assessment, research, protection, restoration, and management, as well as to develop new skills and professional networks.

Abstracts are due by September 23, 2011.

See website to submit an abstract or for more details: http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2012

MWMC Holds Climate Change Monitoring Workshop

Almost 60 people gathered at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center on November 17, 2009, for a workshop sponsored by the MWMC’s Monitoring and Assessment Committee and titled Planning for the Future: Designing and Implementing a Climate Change Monitoring Network in Maryland’s Non-tidal Waters. (Agenda - 29Kb .pdf) In an effort to live more sustainably, attendees were asked to carpool and bring their own coffee mugs---most complied.

Workshop Steering Committee Co-Chairs, Keith VanNess (Montgomery County DEP) and Ron Klauda (MD/DNR) welcomed attendees, thanked the Steering Committee members (32Kb .pdf) and opened the workshop by stating its goal: “To construct the framework for a long-term (multi-decadal) statewide monitoring network focused on ephemeral aquatic habitats (e.g., seasonal pools) and headwater streams-----a network that can be used to detect and track the responses of these non-tidal systems to climate change.”

The Steering Committee’s Vision is “a long-term monitoring network that is designed, implemented, supported, nurtured, protected, and maintained by a multi-agency and multi-organizational group of professionals, with participation from researchers, students, and citizen scientists.”

Ron then gave several reasons for why the workshop is focused on ephemeral habitats and headwater streams:

1. These aquatic resources appear to be especially vulnerable to water temperature increases, altered precipitation patterns, and more severe flood and drought cycles that are predicted to occur in Maryland with climate change.
2. Local, state, and federal agencies (and others) in Maryland have compiled several relatively long-term data sets collected to assess the conditions of 1st through 4th order, non-tidal streams. Although it is likely that many of these monitoring programs will continue into the foreseeable future, expanding their current objectives to also track climate change effects could help ensure their longevity.
3. Compared to headwater streams, there are only limited monitoring data sets, maps, and assessments for ephemeral habitats in Maryland. The MWMC sponsored two recent workshops focused on vernal pools, with the goals of increasing their exposure and initiating a statewide mapping and assessment effort. Although there is much interest in these important habitats, the statewide mapping and assessments haven’t happened yet. This workshop may breathe new life into these tasks.
4. Most of the initial discussions of climate change effects on aquatic resources in Maryland have been focused on tidal areas---at the lower end of our watersheds----because of the major threats posed by sea level rise and intense storm-related flooding of low lying areas. The current monitoring realignment discussions underway within the Chesapeake Bay Program should lead to increased water monitoring activities in the middle portions of our watersheds. The steering committee therefore decided to focus this workshop on the most upstream portions of our watersheds, those areas drained by headwater streams and also occupied by ephemeral aquatic habitats.

Ron explained the workshop format (Agenda - 29Kb .pdf) and introduced the invited speakers:(PowerPoints have been converted to .pdf)

• Peter Murdoch, USGS
• Britta Bierwagen, USEPA (582Kb .pdf)
• Peter Claggett, USGS (6.8Mb .pdf)
• Zoe Johnson, MDDNR (444Kb .pdf)
• Robert Brooks, US Forest Service (3.08Mb .pdf)
• Robert Hildebrand, UMD CES/AL (973Kb .pdf)
• Andy Becker, MD/DNR (5.52Kb .pdf)

Bob Shedlock (USGS) led an afternoon Panel Discussion and Brainstorming Session, during which workshop attendees were asked to address a list of Suggested Questions (57Kb .pdf). Some but not all questions were answered. These questions and others will be discussed in future meetings that will be scheduled in early 2010---to complete the design of the climate change monitoring network and seek ways to implement it. Notes from the Panel Discussion and Brainstorming Session will be posted at this website soon.

At the end of the workshop, attendees were asked to fill out the Monitoring Network Participation Form (36Kb .pdf), and indicate where they could either individually or via their organization continue to participate in the design and implementation of the climate change monitoring network. As of December 9, 2009, the workshop steering committee has received 15 completed Participation Forms. Of these, seven individuals volunteered to serve on the Work Group that will design the monitoring network, three offered potential network sites or volunteered to monitor sites that are selected for inclusion in the network, three members of volunteer groups expressed interest in getting more involved, five want to participate in data analysis, five will help disseminate monitoring results and eight offered helpful suggestions about the network.

If you were unable to attend the November 17 workshop, but want to get involved in the climate change monitoring network, please contact Ron Klauda (rklauda@dnr.state.md.us) or Keith Van Ness (keith.vanness@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Invasive Diatom Discovered in Maryland

The Maryland Water Monitoring Council’s Board of Directors, in cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is notifying members of the State’s water monitoring and water resource management community about the recent discovery of a nuisance and potentially destructive diatom (alga) species, Didymosphenia geminata, or "Didymo" in the Gunpowder Falls. Those interested in more information concerning this Invasive Diatom should use the following links: A recent MD/DNR press release, compilation of information on Didymo prepared by Ron Klauda (MD/DNR), and footwear and sampling gear disinfection protocols being used by MD/DNR’s Maryland Biological Stream Survey crews.

Please review these materials. MD/DNR needs the help of everyone involved in water monitoring/resource management, in addition to anglers and other recreational water users, to contain Didymo in the Gunpowder and prevent its spread to other high quality water bodies. MD/DNR is asking water monitoring/resource management groups in Maryland to practice and promote disinfection protocols for footwear and sampling gear: clean off mud/plant materials/debris, then soak and scrub in either a 10% household bleach or 5% salt solution for one full minute between sampling sites---even if the sites are on the same stream. If using a bleach solution, disinfect at least 50 yards from a water body and dispose of exhausted bleach solutions properly. If you cannot disinfect footwear and gear with bleach or salt solutions, use the drying method to kill Didymo cells (and any other problematic animals or plants that should not be transported from one water body to another). After footwear and gear are dry to the touch, wait an additional 48 hours before using these items. Also, MD/DNR recommends that felt-soled boots NOT be used. This porous material is nearly impossible to disinfect.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in controlling the spread of Didymo and other harmful organisms. If you think you see Didymo in a stream, river, lake, or pond, collect a small portion from the center of the colony (matt) and do the following: (a) sandwich the moist sample inside a folded sheet of white paper, (b) place the sample plus a separate sheet of paper with your name, phone number, email address, and where you collected the suspected Didymo sample inside a zip-lock bag----lat/long coordinates will be appreciated, (c) seal the bag to keep the sample moist, (d) place the bag inside an envelope, and (e) mail it to:

Walt Butler
Monitoring and Non-tidal Assessment Division
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
1919 Lincoln Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401

He will examine the sample and let you know if Didymo cells are found.

THANK YOU.