Forest Reference Stream Monitoring

Using modern scientific techniques and equipment, Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) forest reference stream monitoring seeks to characterize the geomorphology, hydrologic regime, hydraulic geometry, and water quality of representative streams in protected forested watersheds in Virginia.

The VDOF recognizes that forest streams in protected landscapes often represent the best ecological conditions we can reasonably expect. Long-term continuous monitoring of such streams can document characteristics over the range of channel forming water-flows, determining the normal variation in chemical, physical, and biological parameters.

Measurements describing the natural landscape and stream channel flow patterns provide useful context for water monitoring information. The Rosgen stream channel classification system is used to organize water monitoring information into meaningful groupings that reflect natural geomorphology.

Reference values expressed as a function of bankfull discharge (BKF) are provided for:

• Geomorphology:
  • Stream channel dimension, pattern, and profile.
  • Stream bed particle size distribution.

• Hydraulic Geometry:
  • Change in channel width as a function of water discharge.
  • Change in mean channel depth as a function of water discharge.
  • Change in mean water velocity as a function of water discharge.

• Hydrologic Regime:
  • Rate of water discharge.
  • Quantity of water discharge.
  • Water turbidity.
  • Suspended sediment load.
  • Water temperature.
  • Conductivity.
  • Dissolved oxygen.
  • pH.

Taken together these relationships describe signature conditions helpful in understanding the natural tendencies of undisturbed forest streams.

Last modified: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 19:31:31 UTC