Sampling and data analysis protocols for Mid-Atlantic non-tidal stream indicators

MTAC protocols coverEcoCheck, in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition, prepared this document which provides guidelines for the successful production of non-tidal stream health report cards. Specifically, it develops clear and consistent protocols for the identification, collection, and analysis of indicators to be used by report card-producing organizations in Mid-Atlantic rivers and streams. The overall objective of this protocol document is to encourage and enable comparisons of monitoring results from report card-producing organizations and to increase the scientific validity of report cards as outreach tools. This document is intended for use in non-tidal areas only, as the ecosystem health indicators and thresholds discussed are pertinent only to river and stream ecosystems.