We currently sample over 100 targeted reference sites throughout Washington on a rotating basis. Each site is sampled approximately every 2-3 years. These sites help us understand what conditions are like at sites with minimal human impacts. We collect data for macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities, many measures of physical habitat, as well as various other chemical and physical parameters.
Data — EIM Study ID = WHM_BIO has results for Ambient Biological Monitoring.
We annually sample 16 targeted reference sites throughout Washington as baselines to spot trends. These sites also help us understand what conditions are like at sites with minimal human impacts. We collect data for fish, macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities, many measures of physical habitat, as well as various other chemical and physical parameters.
Data — EIM Study ID = WHM_SEN has results for status and trends sentinel-site monitoring.
We randomly sampled almost 500 sites as part of the Watershed Health Monitoring study to provide a spatially balanced, unbiased estimate of the biological health of the state's streams and rivers. Each summer, 50 sites are sampled in one of Washington's eight Salmon Recovery Regions. Data include those for fish, macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities, many measures of physical habitat, as well as various other chemical and physical parameters.
Data — EIM Study ID = WHM_WAM0 has results for Watershed Health Monitoring.
As part of Water Quality Improvement Effectiveness Monitoring, targeted studies around the state evaluate the effectiveness of various restoration activities. We collect data for macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities and many measures of physical habitat, as well as various other chemical and physical parameters.
Data — EIM Study ID = WHM_EFF has results for effectiveness monitoring.