Subject: Results of FOMR October Monitoring

FOMR's fall benthic monitoring began on October 8th and was completed on October 23rd.  Seven certified monitors and two volunteers helped collect the critters and record the data at nine monitoring sites.  On three different monitoring sites, ten current Master Naturalist trainees helped us.
Each site monitored has a "score" - a number between 0 and 12 - from the Save Our Streams (SOS) Multimetric Index.  The SOS Multimetric Index score is a representation of the suitability of the stream for aquatic life.  The score is determined by the number and kind of aquatic critters found in a water sample. You will find more info on our benthic monitoring program by clicking here.

SOS Multimetric Index
An SOS Index score of 9 to 12  = Acceptable ecological condition
An SOS Index score of 8  =  Ecological condition cannot be determined at this time (Gray Zone)
An SOS Index score of 0 to 7  =  Unacceptable ecological condition

 Sites & Scores (all sites are on main stem of Middle River):

1.  Summerdean Road, Summerdean  5       click here to see 2011-2013 graph
2. Cattleman Road, Swoope  8                      click here to see 2011-2013 graph
3. Dog Back Lane, Swoope  9                       click here to see 2013 graph 
4. Green Hills Lane, Churchville  8               click here to see 2011-2013 graph
5. Eastwood Drive, Churchville  9                click here to see 2011-2013 graph
6. Middle River Road, Franks Mill  5             click here to see 2011-2013 graph
7. River Ridge, Verona  7                               click here to see 2011-2013 graph
8. Cline Lane, Laurel Hill  8                            click here to see 2011-2013 graph
9. Dam Town Road, Ft. Defiance  8              click here to see 2011-2013 graph

Many thanks to the following FOMR volunteers who collected the samples and counted the critters:  Whit Morriss, Ann Cline, Pete Cooper, Paul Bugas, Kate Guenther, Sherry Stanley, Sara Jordan, Adrie Voors, and Joe Thompson. 

Thanks also to the Master Naturalist trainees who helped.
We could use your help!

Monitoring in spring 2014 will likely start in late March or early April, and FOMR needs more monitors.   We will be having classes between now and then for anyone wishing to become either a monitor assistant or a certified monitor. 

Please contact us by clicking here and indicating that you would like to become a monitor, and we will notify you when the classes will start.
P.O. Box 131, Verona, VA 24482, United States
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