2. What Is Delaware Stream Watch?
Grassroots, volunteer program
Statewide
Citizen monitoring
Education
Founded in 1985
Among the first statewide citizen monitoring programs
One of a few that are public agency - private organization partnerships
At least 4 groups are older, dating back to 1970

3. Over its 42 year history, the Delaware Nature Society has established itself as a leader in environmental education. We are the largest private, nonprofit, environmental organization in the state, with 8,500 members statewide.
The Nature Society’s mission is 3-fold, with education as a key element. Each year the Society makes over 74,000 contacts statewide through school, public, and members programs.
Stream Watch is an example of successful public/private partnership that provide education about the impact that land use has on water quality.

4. Technical Monitoring Supported by local industry
Rigorous - Quality Assurance Project Plan
Christina River Basin - 38 locations, monthly schedule
Mispillion Watershed - 5 locations
Appoquinimink Watershed – 5 locations
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Data available to public as well
Industry support - part time coordinator & program expenses
Approx 41 volunteers
Christina program in place since 1995
Misipillion - added in 2003
Appoquinimink – added in December 06/January 07
Network of sites developed in consultation w/DNREC
TMDL effort - data used in high flow, NPS, model, for validation & calibration, fills in gaps in geographic areas
This is a great option for volunteers who want to see their work put to use
volunteers w/technical background often are happy w/this type of option
produced a State of the Watershed Reports every 5 years – next is at the printers - offers concrete evidence to the Industry that their money is being well spent - data feedback very important to volunteers

5. Citizen Science Tests performed - Volunteers Perform All Tests Tests
Dissolved Oxygen
Meter
Conductivity
pH, Alkalinity, Nitrates, & Orthophosphate
Field Kits
Other Measurements
Temperature
Depth
Turbidity
Salinity
Flow
2 times per year
This is a true citizen science at work
Data is being collected by citizen volunteers that is being used
Tests performed -

6. How Did it Happen? Volunteer Driven
2 years volunteers monitored same sites as State
A Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) was written in accordance with EPA regulations and State approved
Continue to update quality control methodology
The volunteers wanted their work to be used
They were willing to put in extra work in exchange
Monitored sites where the State had USGS gauges

7. Partnerships Both with the State and Local industry & businesses
Enabled us to leverage additional funds
Improve Relationships & Standing in the Community
Needed positive working relationship with the State
DNREC - Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control for the State of Delaware
The State was open to TM program
The State steers opportunities our way – non-profit & not regulatory
EPA lawyer & fines levied on company that misled State on H2O quality – the money was directed to us to support TM in that watershed
Money & equipment – funneled to us when possible
Private Industry –
Interested in supporting our program – good PR & a proven program
Money will be used wisely & non biased
Supplies equipment, internship funds, & sometimes volunteer support
Once these partnerships are in place –
networking by CEOs & regulatory personnel will snowball opportunities
wider spread recognition & stronger program will emerge

8. The Challenges in Sustaining A Successful Monitoring Program
How to keep volunteers active & engaged
Keeping the program strong & focused
Expand the program
What makes Delaware Stream Watch a Successful Volunteer Program
Partnerships
Keeping volunteers active & engaged
Maintaining focus
Expanding the program and being able to offer enough support to the volunteers and produce usable data

9. How to Keep Program Strong & Focused
Continue to Re-evaluate program elements & do not just add haphazardly to the program w/out being able to completely support existing program aspects
Do not assume a successful program can run itself - keep in close contact w/volunteers & get feedback
Decide what your volunteers need & balance it with what you can reasonably implement - ex.TM - macro? No -very labor intensive for data returns thio - EPA compliance - yes - little additional training & equipment -return of inc. QC for data - making it more useable - which is ultimate gain
offer another macro program for volunteers interested in intensive macro - labor intensive, but fulfills many vol. needs

10. Volunteers are #1 Show you value their time & efforts
They are a priority
Offer enrichment & appreciation events
Make an effort to stay in direct contact with them
Offer lots of support

11. How to Maintain a Successful Program
Never lose sight of why you have this program - what is its MAIN purpose (is it education, data generating, etc.)
Are you addressing & meeting that purpose?
Preserving clean, healthy, beautiful streams (Educating the public about)
Volunteers - creating a program for Volunteers
We do it for & Couldn’t do it without --VOLUNTEERS

12. Thank You! Ginger North Stream Watch Coordinator P.O Box 700
Hockessin DE 19707
Phone x 100