Officially began in October 2000, the River Monitoring program is an award-winning* model of a citizen-based effort to monitor and assess water quality conditions in the Yuba River watershed. The program is similar to nationwide RiverKeeper programs that have contributed to the protection and restoration of waterways for healthy wildlife, safe recreation, and reliable water supplies. Through the Yuba River community, SYRCL has been able to build and maintain a program that is unique in it’s scope and dedication.

The core of the River Monitoring program involves monthly water quality testing at sites throughout the watershed. We routinely monitor temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and turbidity. We also test for bacteria, nutrients and toxic metals according to a monitoring plan designed to identify particular problems and evaluate possible remedial actions. The program is based on the scientifically-credible Quality Assurance Program Plan approved by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

To view river monitoring data, interpretive charts, or learn more about the parameters we measure please visit Yuba Shed, the Yuba River Watershed Information System at www.yubashed.org.

Thank You River Monitors! You are the Key to our Successful Program.

River Monitors are community members who have become trained in water quality sampling and participate in monthly sampling occasions. These incredible volunteers range from high school students to senior citizens, dedicating a year of their time and energy to the river. With more than 80 active River Monitors, SYRCL is able to monitor conditions at up to 44 stations. River Monitors commonly report that their contributions to the program are a rewarding form of volunteerism. Many River Monitors have been with the program since its inception. A brief overview of the program can be found here.

If you would like to be a citizen monitor or take on another role in the program or if you have any questions, please contact Kaitlyn Hacker at 265-5961 x205 or Kaitlyn@syrcl.org

The Monitoring Program Grows with our Watershed Community

Over recent years, SYRCL has expanded the number of water quality monitoring sites – including tributary locations – to provide a more thorough coverage of the watershed. In addition, we have launched several special monitoring projects that will allow us to more powerfully assess the condition of our watershed and evaluate potential actions aimed at protection or restoration. For each of four specialized monitoring projects, citizen volunteers provide essential support:

• First Flush Sampling
• Thermographs
• Benthic Macroinvertebrates
• Bioassessment with Periphyton
• Meadows Health Assessment

*In November, 2001, The Yuba River Monitoring Program was honored with the Sierra Nevada Group of the Sierra Club’s prestigious Citizen Activist Award. The award commends the program’s outstanding work for the local environment and the community.