Stream Calculations

It is very important to correctly assess the data that you collect in order to interpret the results. To be consistent you must maintain a certain level of precision and accuracy in the field when performing all protocols. This will result in comparable data and enable you to monitor trends over time. To aid in the interpretation of stream data, WV Save Our Streams developed a variety of spreadsheets tools. Most of the resources here are Excel spreadsheets but there are also some on-line tools and appelets.

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• Level-1

  Calculates three metrics and combines the results into an overall score; requires an estimate of abundance and diversity (number of different kinds (families)).

• Level-2

  Calculates six metrics and combines the results into an overall score; requires a count and the ability to perform streamside ID on a wide variety of macroinvertebrates; must be able to ID to family-level or at a minimum into similar groups.

• Level-3

  Calculates six metrics and combines the results into an overall score; also provides the results of additional metrics; level-3 requires a complete count or sub-sample and family-level ID.

• Benthic Lab Sheet

  A laboratoy sheet for recording macroinvertebrates from a family level ID.

• Benthic Spreadsheet

  Calculates multiple family-level metrics often associated with benthic communities (Univerity of Massachusetts).

Additional Information, Resources, and Calculators