Stream Assessment Program

Join a Stream Team to Conduct Visual Assessments of Stream Reaches in your County

If you are interested in joining this program as a volunteer, please contact SJLWT Director Christine Nolan at 856-881-2269 or sjwatersheds@verizon.net or Habitat Assessment Coordinator Mike Hogan at 609-476-2086 or hoganphoto@verizon.net .

Purpose: To gather data on the condition of waterways and invasive species populations in Gloucester and Salem Counties.

This important data can be used in several ways:

1. To provide information to municipalities (local level)
2. To identify or follow-up on areas in need of attention (watershed level)
3. To identify impaired waterways or provide baseline information (State level)

Requirements:

1. Attend initial training session or meet with Habitat Assessment Coordinator
2. Attend a field training session scheduled for your team
3. Conduct visual assessment of selected stream reach two times per calendar year using the SVAP Visual Assessment protocol.  One assessment to be conducted in May/June and one to be conducted in Nov/Dec on each reach. 

A SJLWT Trained Volunteer/Staff member will provide:

• Visual assessment data forms and instructions for completion of forms
• 100-foot measuring tape
• Clipboard
• Maps and/or directions to assessment site
• Access to Digital camera (if do not have own)
• Access to Geographic Positioning System (GPS) unit

Volunteer will provide:

• Pen/pencil
• Any other necessary clothing - boots
• Water/snack

Procedures:

1.   Coordinate with SJLWT Project Director to attend training sessions
2.   Coordinate with SJLWT Project Director to pick up equipment listed above
3.   Complete SVAP visual assessment data sheets and return to SJLWT staff or enter online

Other:

All assessments must be conducted by at least two people for safety purposes
Time to complete training session is approximately 4 hours (includes inside training and outdoor field work) on one day and a scheduled field session for your team on a day that the team selects.
Time to complete one assessment is estimated to be 2-3 hours (includes driving time from SJLWT office to and from site)

More...
SVAP Assessment Form
SVAP Visual Assessment Protocol Manual
SVAP Visual Assessment Field Guide (Cheat Sheet)
SVAP On-Line Form submission   ( Rutgers Univ. web site )

Letter to Landowner

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