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The OBMEP has used the structure and methods employed by the Monitoring Strategy for the Upper Columbia Basin (Hillman 2006, Nichols1997a; 1997b; 1999) and extended and modified it for the Okanogan sub-basin. We implemented the Environmental Monitoring & Assessment Program (EMAP) sampling framework, a statistically based and spatially explicit sampling design, to quantify trends in physical habitat, water quality, and biological parameters. Protocols were developed specifically for the Okanogan Basin Monitoring and Evaluation Program.

The random EMAP sampling design is represented in the following table. A total of 150 monitoring sites were randomly selected from areas throughout Washington and British Columbia. These sites were then assigned to one of six panels containing 25 sites each. Every year OBMEP staff will perform habitat and snorkel surveys on the annual panel (panel 1) and on one of the five rotating panels (panels 2 through 6).

Shading indicates the years in which sites within each panel are sampled. For example, sites in the annual panel (panel 1) are visited every year, while sites in panel 2 are visited only in 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020, assuming a 20-year sampling frame.

Sample Table

Monitoring the Okanogan/Okanagan Basin will include 38 habitat indicators and a set of 21 biological indicators as outlined in the Upper Columbia Strategy (Hillman 2006) and other selected references and/or regional guidance documents.

Discharge, temperature and water quality data are collected primarily through cooperative agreements with the USGS, Environment Canada and WDOE. The OBMEP also collects temperature data at tributary EMAP sites throughout the Okanogan River Basin.

Habitat data are collected annually at 25 sites and once every five years at 125 additional rotating panel sites (25/year) selected randomly using the Environmental Protection Agency's EMAP protocols and GTRS+ model from throughout the Okanogan/Okanagan River basin. Habitat indicators include: width to depth ratios, wetted width, bankful width, riparian structure, riparian disturbance, canopy cover, diversions/crossings/fishways, land use, dominate substrate, embeddedness, LWD frequency, habitat type, road densities, etc.

Biological data are collected using a variety of experimental design approaches which are dependant upon the data being collected. Sampling designs include: monitoring at specific sites, census monitoring, and probabilistic sampling. Biological indicators include: redd abundance and distribution, parr abundance and distribution, smolt and adult enumeration, etc.

Figure 1 - Typical EMAP Habitat Sampling Site Layout

 

 

List of biological and physical parameters monitored by OBMEP--note that these indicators may change or be modified as design parameters are updated